Topic

FEAR

I just today had a doctor prescribe hydrochlorothiazide to me. I filled the prescription and then came home and phoned my oldest friend in the world a 59 yr old Internal Medicine specialist to talk to him about it. His initial reaction was and I quote "I wouldn't take that stuff!". He told me that I should tell the first doctor that after researching the hydrochlorothiazide I am fearful of taking what he prescribed and that what I would like is for him to prescribe an ace inhibitor. I have NEVER liked taking pills and am not sure what to do. Any thoughts? I will be 59 yrs old in 3 months. btw the first doctor also prescribed 81mg aspirin. My doctor friend back east told me that the most recent studies have shown that an aspirin regimen has little to no effect on someone until AFTER they have had a heart attack or other... Any thoughts and or comments would be greatly appreciated. I realize you cannot diagnose or direct me. I am just looking for another opinion regarding these different classes of drugs. I am not interested in getting gout diabetes kidney or liver issues etc... Thank you.

2015-04-13 10:46:51

David

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Just my 2 cents but I think your friend was out of line. He didn't examine you he is not your doctor. HCTZ (the drug you were prescribed) is a diurectic. It increases your urine output. Yes it can mess with your blood sugar but if you're not overweight and you get exercise every day (plus avoid processed foods sweets fast food etc.) you should be okay. ACE inhibitors are another class of meds for high blood pressure. I'd ask your prescribing physician for a discussion of all the HPB meds beta blockers calcium channel blockers etc. and the pros and cons for each of them. Taking meds for hypertension is something 75% of the country does. Most people develop high blood pressure with age. You can live a normal long life taking meds like this. The alternative is increased risk of stroke kidney failure blindness etc. My grandmother took 3 BP meds all her life and lived to 90.

2015-04-13 10:47:21

Sun