Question: Thank you. I have always lived a healthy life style--never smoked, really do not even drink alcohol--don't drink coffee either. But, my life has been extremely stressful. I don't want to go into detail about that--because my experiences were so continuous, purposefully done and allowed that I was compelled to write a book. I wanted to make a difference awaken the consciousness and bring awareness. I have always had strong determination and strength in my convictions. But through it all--the years have taken it's toll. I did develop high blood pressure--even though active, basically healthy--but ongoing stress. My doctor (and I rarely go to the doctor) put me amlodipine (norvac) I have developed bad rash on my legs, slight dizziness which I tend to ignore and push on, vague side affects. Last night, I cut my 5mg in half. My legs seem to be somewhat better. I just want to quit--live my life productively staying healthy and active. I don't think this drug can help me. I believe the body can heal itself--if the conditions are right. Now the stress side of life is another problem. But, I'm working on that too. Thank you...

Thanks Dr. XXXXX,
I guess what bothers me and I question is what is presumed. I don't like salty foods--I never really have. I believe in moderation. I still play tennis, take long walks, use the stairs, I run--I actually run to places--naturally--for I don't put limitations on myself. I don't want to take a medicine that "presumes" that I'm sedentary, eat salty foods or a lot of food for I don't. But, I have had unnecessary pressure or stresses purposely placed on me that has had a continuous negative affect on my life for years. Somethings cannot be ignored. I need to be healthy in mind, body and spirit. I don't want to experiment on my body when the stresses are the major factor but is to be ignored. If there is a medicine that I can take-- that isn't going to affect my body, my gums, teeth, tissues and arteries, my mind or my equilibrium, and I don't want to take chances with my eyes or my hearing--not to mention reaction to the sun. I would be more than happy to take it. But, I can't take that chance. I've seen too many people over medicated or on medicines that have adverse affects and their problems are magnified by another drug on top of another drug. I want to live in the real world, know what is going on around me not living in a stupor or
haze--too sleepy, too dizzy or disoriented. We live in a very stressful society that we cannot escape the wrongs of the world. Unless, we address the causes of the stress and or anxiety they won't go away. They will just manifest itself in another form-- many times affecting our health. We just can't put band-aids on these stresses. We need to get to the root and expose the problem. Or, at least stay as healthy, aware and functional as we can be. Medicines do have a purpose when used wisely and directly. I will continue my healthy living and mean while continue addressing the issues that have wrecked havoc not only with my life, but I know for many others. For that, I can't afford to be in a state of oblivion. I'm curious. "Why isn't the subject of stress addressed seriously, instead of glossing over? Like I said, I live a healthy life. Last nite, I did take half of the 5mg of that medicine. My legs look much better already, my head doesn't have that dizzy feeling--I feel quite a bit better. Maybe I'll just take a 1/4 fourth of the tablet. But, don't worry I will be fine..PZ

Thank you Doctor,
I didn't take a 1/4 quarter of the norvasc--I didn't take it at all. I cannot tolerate the side affects. In fact, it's amazing but not surprising that you suggest I talk to a psychologist about this "and I have" talked and talked. They listen and listen and they have their own problems. Unless, I can see some solution that is healthy non-invasive and a doctor or psychologist the is willing to go beyond what they already know or have been taught or programed to prescribe then I can't take that risk. THat is the big problem. We are a nation that is over-medicated and I at this point don't want to go that route. I need to be aware. And, darn it--too many people that have created these problems and been allowed to reward themselves without having to be responsible or accountable. For, they live in their gated communities, choosing to have no reminders or knowledge. Their lives secure for they not only have the means but are taught to disconnect, disown, disassociate and use entitlements that only a select few are privy. Thanks for the feedback, but I can see you do not understand where I'm coming from. That's okay, because that takes time--lessons in life...

Thank you. I looked up hypertension--Abnormally high blood pressure--great emotional tension.
My blood pressure has been coming down. Thank God and and some things (usually, it is a lack of understanding) I do become passionate about the how my life has taken such a turn and well as for many others. I have always been a relaxed, positive person. And, basically still am--except at times I have felt / feel I have "post traumatic disorder" from the experiences that have been unexpected and people that I should have trusted have hurt / betrayed--It's a shocker when it happens and when it continues--for when ignored "problems do get bigger." I tend to want to know why problems that could have been prevented--just get bigger for it's really never addressed so never understood.
I'm sorry, I'm not your typical patient. And, there are reasons for that too.
But, as I have stated--I do live a healthy life style except for the stresses. And, that I am working on also. My mother was over-medicated--that affected me but also brought me to awareness the importance of taking care of my body, mind and spirit. What I have had to learn "now" was about all the dysfunction and corruption that exist. How corporate greed is rewarded, continues. Life is about big money now. Some have been the stepping stone to the successes but have been discarded, displaced and replaced. Because of addictions of some kind that has become acceptable. I care too much. Not just for myself, but for my family and society. That is why, I wrote my book that was not meant to be known. I wanted to awaken the consciousness and enlighten other's but many don't want to know or carry that burden. It's taken it's toll on me, but I've tried to make a little bit of difference through knowledge and understanding the importance of rising above, going beyond (instead of complacency) knowing the cause and affects. I believe in preventative. I can do everything in my power to live a healthy life. The biggest for me is to alleviate the man-made stresses that never should have happened or be allowed. But, when the bottom line is money that can be the cancer and downfall of society. We need to take time to evaluate and look at the big picture--cause and affect. Thanks again, Lessons in this life...

Thank you for responding. We only know what we are taught and many times our experiences good or bad continue to teach us. I know "now the worst of my problems are behind me." Doesn't mean that my life and others are no longer affected--it's just learning how to adjust, accept, move on and let go of the emotional toll. Rise above all the difficulties and disorder and learning what works, what can be improved, restored and healed for a happier and productive life. Difficulties (in any form) does not mean that our life is over or that our life will continue with a myriad of problems but it's what we learn from them--to be aware of that healthy balance. My rash is lessening. I'm starting to feel more like myself--capable and confident. Thank you again for your feedback. May we learn from each other our limitations and strengths in our gifts.