Why won't you see a doctor?!
- Thread starter cots
- Start date
Thank you but yes I am aware of the importance of seeking treatment and the hurdles that are currently being faced. .....
What would be more appropriate I would've thought, would be endorsing a relative accessing drug treatment as a means for encouraging Cot's mother for seeking medical advice.
As briefly intimated in my previous post, I was trying to address this from a clinically safety point of view as other considerations needs to be taken into account such as but not inclusive stratifying CV risk, possible CKD. I do agree with what you say, "Presumably, no doctor would prescribe her a drug that's worse than nothing" but at the same time, they would be reticent to prescribe something which may be contraindicated or at best to be used with caution which would more than likely become apparent after conducting thorough investigations which I hasten to add, would most likely require follow up tests.
Regarding patient advocacy, though extremely useful, there could be hinderance in the efficiency of this if patient consent is not given because then naturally of course doctors would be reluctant to discuss treatments in depth with third parties. From what I've witnessed in the past, this can get rather messy.
I'm not going to pursue this any further here as it's beginning to migrate from what this thread was originally about, ie potential reasons as to why Cot's mom is refusing to see a doctor and how to persuade her to change her mind. To do so would be disingenous, for which I feel I already have been and so I would like to offer my apologies to @cots for being so.
Hi all. Thanks for the input and responses.
I haven't been able to successfully persuade her to see a doctor, but she's now warming to the idea of at least getting her BP checked twice a day. By making some healthy changes to our food choices, we've now managed to get the BP down to 130+ range. It shot to 150+ this morning but came back down to 130+ later in the afternoon.
I'm hoping things improve, or at least stay this way, while I continue looking for ways to coax her to see a doctor to get this properly managed. Thank you all once more for the suggestions and concern.
I haven't been able to successfully persuade her to see a doctor, but she's now warming to the idea of at least getting her BP checked twice a day. By making some healthy changes to our food choices, we've now managed to get the BP down to 130+ range. It shot to 150+ this morning but came back down to 130+ later in the afternoon.
I'm hoping things improve, or at least stay this way, while I continue looking for ways to coax her to see a doctor to get this properly managed. Thank you all once more for the suggestions and concern.
Don't need me to tell you that a reading of 150 is pretty high. Generally speaking there's a pattern of readings being high in the mornings and peaking at midday before tailoring off. Good that you're taking readings twice daily. Out of interest, are these readings being taken at least 30 minutes after having anything to eat or drink? Also has she rested 30mins prior to taking readings? Additionally, it's best to sit down and relax for a few minutes before taking any readings. These little things just help to provide a more accurate indication of BP. As is of course having the arm resting on a flat surface level with the heart.
Generally I recommend 2-3 readings per sitting spaced around 2mins apart. If the first reading is high, then ignore and just take an average based on the other two. As well as this, take readings from the other arm as well. Difference of "10 points" or more is usallyy an indicator of the person being at greater CV risk.
Good to hear that you've put in place some healthy food choices. There might be something in the following link which may be useful on top what you are already doing
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/healthy-living/healthy-eating
Anyway, best of luck, and who knows, small steps like these may eventually convince her to visit the doctor.
