Naturopathic doctor symptoms and conditions

I just want to share my story for anyone considering getting Mirena. I had mine put in Oct. 2008 after the birth of my second child. Previously I had been on b.c. pills for about 10 years with no serious issues. I just figured with 2 little boys to take care of I would forget to take my pills and Mirena seemed very convenient. I did my research, reading all of the manufacturer's literature. I liked the idea of no estrogen, and a low dose hormone. If I knew then what I know now I would have NEVER gotten it. In the past year and four months I have experienced the following: hair loss, EXTREME fatigue, severe mood swings, rage, depression, acne (it's scarring my face), dizziness, vision problems, brain fog (no joke I thought I was losing my mind), NO sex drive whatsoever, joint pains, bloated feeling esp. after eating, insomnia, and just generally being miserable. I went to a naturopathic doctor and she told me I had Lyme disease. So I paid her for treatment. Symptoms came and went but I didn't get better. In fact, my irritability and mood swings seemed to get worse over time. I finally found these forums and blogs and connected the dots. I realize that I can't prove all of these things are caused by Mirena, and maybe some of them aren't, but I do believe that it has caused most of these problems. I had it removed today and my doctor told me that she is now removing more than she's putting in, and she is not recommending it to women unless they know what the possible effects are (not just those mentioned by the manufacturer). She said that all of the symptoms I mentioned have been experienced by many other patients. So I know I'm not crazy. Really think twice before doing this. It's a hassle if it doesn't work out. I had blood work done, my family doctor wanted to check my adrenals, my OBGYN wanted to check my thyroid and put me on antidepressants. It's not worth it IMO. I reported my experience to the FDA and also plan to contact Bayer. My biggest concern is that I breastfed my son for over a year with this thing in and I know he was exposed to the hormone. I have no way of knowing how that will affect him. It's in God's hands now.

After repeated antibiotics failed to clear my sinus infection, my doctor put me on Avelox for ten days. After the first dose, I was dizzy and had problems sleeping, with very vivid dreams. I developed muscle soreness and went to massage therapy. I think that helped a lot to alleviate many of those symptoms. However, I have also developed weakness in my arms and hands, tingling in both hands and fingers. After eight days, I called my doctor and refused to take any more. I've experienced some minor intestinal distress. I stopped exercising due to pain in my ankles (when I exercised) and fatigue in my legs. I also experienced anxiety and generally feeling 'shakey' and off balance. I don't think it really helped my respiratory infection either. In some ways, it exacerbated it. It can't believe physicians actually prescribe this medication to anyone.

I'm a veteran on this site. Still up-in-the-air about what is wrong with me since the Mirena. To those of you still suffering with symptoms months after removal of Mirena, have you looked into Adrenal Fatigue? I had the Mirena removed last year, and am still having trouble coping. My symptoms are low BP (some days 80/45), extreme lethargy, almost like a low Blood Sugar feeling, depression (sadness, tearfulness, hopelessness) often feel overwhelmed, no sex drive, sugar cravings, trouble sleeping (but tired all the time), poor circulation while sleeping, and my most troublesome symptom is the pain in my limbs (joints especially).. it's like a burning, throbbing, aching pain. Sometimes it's so bad I can't cope with it. But it hasn't been half as bad as it was last summer. I was virtually suicidal before I was treated with Prednisone. In one day I felt fantastic, and I was only on the Pred for 2 weeks (25mg/day) it lasted about 6 weeks after I quit it. I have been up and down over the past few months, but never as bad as I was before the Prednisone. At the time I was being treated for Enthesopathy, but we now have excluded that diagnosis. It is definitely hormonal. Could it be that I am low on Cortisol (Adrenal), and the Prednisone, being a cortico-steroid, has filled that void? I have done saliva tests and am awaiting the results (BTW, saliva testing, they say, is far more accurate than blood. All my blood tests are normal)... just thought I'd throw my story out there in case anyone else is in my shoes. Please reply to my post rather than just adding a side effect. I'd love to hear back from you. Also, I never thought I'd say this, but see a Naturopathic Doctor, not a medical onev if you are getting nowhere. If it is hormonal, doc's won't figure you out because most don't believe in saliva testing, therefore won't find anything wrong with you!

Ok, so I've had my mirena for 5 years and about to have it removed with no real plan in place for what to do now for b/c and heavy bleeding. I've told my doc about my side effects which include, really painful breasts during the ovulation stage, acne some months, not always, definite irritability, weight gain, menstrual cramping that shoots down my legs and lower back, muscle aches and a constant state of exhaustion. I'm totally bummed because it worked beautifully for my bleeding and contraception, but the side effects are borderline intolerable. Nobody (docs) wants to believe that all of these things are related and certainly not caused by the mirena. The last straw is now I have terrible reflux...just had an endoscopy and colonoscopy for all my new found GI problems. I'm constantly bloated, gassy, you name it, I've got it. Here's the thing...I am a healthy 44 year old who never had ANY of these symptoms and hate feeling sick and tired all the time. I am literally exhausted and could sleep any time day or night. Last weekend my house was quiet and I slept straight through until 1015am....that's not right. I don't mean I lounged in bed...I mean I slept straight through from 11pm until 1015am....I want my energetic life back. Some of you will wonder why I kept it in so long...I was weighing the benefits with the side effects and am totally scared to go back to such heavy bleeding every month. I was actually debating having another one placed until I read all these posts which make me realize I'm not crazy. Oh, I forgot to mention the panic attacks...never had one before in my entire life and for the past 2-3 years I've had several..never had a clue it was from this too. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to write. I'm having this one out, no more placed and I will just deal with whatever happens...I'm hopeful at least I'll feel better. I wish you all the best.

I have had Mirena since Feb 2009. My motivation for getting it -- I had previously been on Yasmin, and really wanted to reduce the amount of hormones that I was taking. I am 28, have had no children, and don't want to have any of my own (will possibly adopt instead). I exercise 5 days a week & have a healthy diet. I felt like I had a good grasp of the possible side effects, because I had been on birth control pills for nearly 10 years. Aside from weight gain on the pill, I never experienced any problems. I wanted to reduce the level of synthetic hormones because I thought that it would be good for me. However, since I have received the IUD, my life has turned upside-down. I can't know for sure which symptoms have been caused by the Mirena, but after reading stories on message boards such as this one, I want to share what I've experienced. The initial symptom was terrible, painful, deep-set acne. I also had horrible cramps, but could live with that. They have gotten better over these past 10 months, but the acne has worsened. In addition, I am constantly tired, moody, dizzy spells, sudden tears for no reason, hot flashes, night sweats, have had absolutely no periods (I don't know if I'm even ovulating because I have cramps all the time and no period!), aches and other flu-like symptoms, zero libido, and I never want to do anything! I have turned into a sweatsuit-clad cat lady, stuck in my little apartment all the time trying to clear up my acne with things like Proactiv... nothing works. I began to suspect that I had a hormone imbalance or was experiencing premenopausal symptoms, and went to see a naturopathic doctor. He was very helpful and did not say good things about Mirena. He ren blood tests and found that I am very low in Progesterone (this makes sense, if I am no longer ovulating). Mirena is not supposed to cease ovulation, but it is possible. Progesterone is produced by the body when you ovulate, so this seems to be an obvious connection... But it took my visit to a naturopathic doctor ($$$), a full hormone blood panel ($$$), and almost a year of real pain. My advice: Don't let ANYONE tell you that this is all in your head. Go get a second opinion (or a third!). Don't start taking more hormones (this is what another naturopathic doctor wanted to have me do -- bioidentical hormones), because this doesn't address the real problem. If you still have a hormone imbalance after you've had the IUD removed, then you can go from there. Your body is the most intelligent machine ever invented -- let it do its thing! I took the next available appointment to have my Mirena removed, and will be counting down the days until it happens. I want my life back!

I was diagnosed 16 years ago with portal vein thrombosis which is a blood clot deep in the liver. Taking Coumadin or warfarin is not an option for me it is a necessity to live. I experienced headaches and depression early on which I did not connect to the drug because of the trauma I had been through. The symptoms have come on over the years and seem to be worsening. I am experiencing severe joint and muscle pain, cramps in my legs and hands, extreme weight gain, severe water retention ( I take 3 kinds of water pills a day), extreme fatigue, insomnia, heart valve problems, memory loss and have recently found out I have developed severe osteoporosis in the last 10 months. I have recently undergone tests for auto immune disease, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis which all came back negative. I am 42 and feel like I'm 72. I keep asking the doctors if these symptoms are related to the long term use of the drug and they say it is unlikely. I currently take pain killers to manage the pain so that I can function daily. I take 5 mg and 7 1/2 mg alternately and keep my INR around 3.0 to 3.2 and am very stable. After reading these postings I am even more convinced it is the drug. Is there anyone out there that has been these drugs as long as I have and if so, what are your side effects?

Been on coumadin for a year, horrible medication. Have aches all over, legs, shoulders, back, always tired, want to be off this med. Was taking alternative meds previously...nattokinase, bilberry which are blood thinners but are also SAFE. Then I had no leg pain, no muscle pain. I now take vitamin e and fish oil with the coumadin, no interaction since I've been using them for a long time and are more beneficial than the coumadin as far as I'm concerned. What I need is a naturopathic doctor, but they are hard to find, regular mds have no clue about supplements..all they want to do is increase your prescriptions. Doctors try to scare people telling them they'll have a stroke without coumadin, but have no solution on how to prevent stroke, etc. without drugs.

Hi everyone, I read some of the posts here and thought to share my experience with you.
About 15 years ago I started having heart burns and started taking Tums, Gaviscon and some other antacids and they seemed to work for a little while. But my heart burn slowly got worst and worst until I went to my family doctor. He sent me to a specialist and after sending the scope in my stomach (EsophagoGastroDuodenal (EGD) endoscopy), he said that I have H. Pylori infection in my stomach, as well as LES malfunction (LES = Lower Esophageal Sphincter). He prescribed some antibiotics and 20mg/day of Losec for 8 weeks.
After 8 weeks I ran out of Losec, and my heart burn returned again. I went and saw my doctor again and he said I can continue taking Losec and that I can take it as long as I need it and that Losec has been in the market for over 19 years and no one had any side effect from it and it's one of the safest drugs that they have come up with. So I kept on taking it regularly 20 mg/day for 15 years now. Until about 6 months ago I switched to Omeprazole because my insurance company wouldn't cover the cost for Losec but covered the generic brand Omeprazole. I've had none of the side effects mentioned here, BUT PLEASE READ THE REST OF THIS.
Losec is also called Prilosec and Omeprazole is a generic brand with the same active ingredient but different fillers.
About 2 months ago, I went to a Nature's Source store (here in Canada) and was looking around. An employee of the store offered his help to me and I told him about my case. He said you have totally shot down your digestive system and told me to go and see a Naturopathic Doctor.
I found one and went and saw him. His recommendations were: have 2 tablespoons of an Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (I use Bragg brand) 10 minutes prior to each meal. Also gave me some Probiotics pills as well as some Digestive Enzymes pills.
Prior to this, if I missed taking Losec in the morning, I suffered a great discomfort in my stomach with heart burn (a lot!).
I followed the naturopathic doctor's advice and did what he told me. After about 1 month, today is the second day that I haven't taken Losec. I haven't had discomfort in my stomach yet. I'll have to see how long I can go without it. I will post and update this again. BUT PLEASE READ ON!
Losec, Prilosec, Ranitidine, Omeprazole, Nexxium (the purple pill), and all of this family of drugs are Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI). Which means, they stop the production of the stomach acid. Therefore, no acid reflux or heart burn....
But when there is no acid in the stomach, the stomach becomes the biggest target organ and a paradise for bacteriums, microbes and other microorganisms, which otherwise can not survive in it's very high acidic environment (H. Pylori is an exception). We can not digest our food properly any more. Our bodies suffer from lack of Calcium (regardless of the amount and type of calcium intake), because it can not be processed any more. Meat can not be digested properly any more. Therefore, lack of Amino Acids which are the building blocks in our bodies. Guess what, NO AMINO ACIDS = JOINT PAIN WHICH LEADS TO ARTHRITIS. And lots of other problems later in life.
NO SIDE EFFECT, MY A*S.
If you're suffering from heart burns, indigestion, reflux, or GERD, stop eating: ANYTHING THAT HAS WHEAT IN IT, TOMATOES OR ANYTHING MADE FROM IT (i.e. ketchup, tomato sauce/paste...), DAIRY FOOD, COFFEE/TEA, ALCOHOL. NO CHEWING GUMS, SUGAR, CHOCOLATE, FRIED/OILY FOOD, STARCHY FOOD. STOP SMOKING AS SOON AS YOU CAN. These are all irritants to the stomach and esophagus.
I'm still educating myself about this. I read this book about stomach acid called: Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You by Jonathan V. Wright, Lane Lenard. Read it and you will be surprised.
I hope this will help some of you.

God bless.
S. AA (Toronto, Canada)

I have been on prednisone for 11+ years due to having had a heart transplant. The prednisone keeps my heart from rejecting.
I have not taken it for 2 days and I am in the process of passive suicide.
I am driving out west into the desserts to sit and die. I can no longer
be around people for I am afraid I may kill someone or at least significantly hurt them. I have been homicidal and suicidal for 11 years due to this med. I would enjoy killing everyone and everything. I hate myself and I want to die.
Prednisone made me become "Evil"; Hell incarnated. I don't want to live
in a mental institution and my doctor will only give me Seroquel thinking this will help me. I tell him it doesn't help me but he thinks it does. Stupid fucking doctor. My transplant docotrs won't even listen to me when I talk about "mental" issues. Everything pisses me off. It is raining outside and this makes me so mad and stressed.
I have been in this psychotically angry and agitated state of mind for 11 years. I have punched myself many times in the head and banged my
head against walls trying to get homicidal and suicidal thoughts out of my mind to no avail.
I would like to try ECT (electro-convulsive-therapy) but I won't even
mention this to my doctor because he will literally laugh at me and make me so god dam mad that I would enjoy killing him right then and there. I'm sick and tired of living in hell everyday.
Do not take prednisone no matter what, unless your life depends on it. And then what type of life will you have? Maybe a life full of hate, rage, anger, homicidal and suicidal thougts even when you dream.
Fuck life!
Arthur X 1968-2009

I just had my mirena inserted like 2 weeks ago, i'm 18 and have never had a child though i did get pregnant and have a miscarriage. they told me it was going to hurt, and it did, but all these women saying they screamed and it hurt worse than childbirth are obviously exaggerating. it hurt like a really bad menstrual cramp DURING THE INSERTION, afterwards yes, there was cramping and bleeding but nothing nearly as bad as what these women claim. if childbirth hurts less then i am no longer worried at all about that. so far the only side effects have been my face has been much clearer, very much the same way it did when i was pregnant, and a couple days after insertion i had sex and found that when my boyfriend went as deep as he could there was a slight bit of pain.
the bleeding stopped one week after the insertion (making my period only 3 days longer than usual). when my obgyn suggested i try mirena the first thing i did was google it and i came up with this site which made me even more nervous but i've since realized that not everyone has these terrible experiences, i certainly didn't. there are relatively few people posting on this site and i'm sure many more women have had it inserted with no problems. every form of birth control is bound to have some issues. when i first read this site i wished that i was able to take regular bc instead however that is not an option for me due to a blood clotting disorder i have, but now i'm glad i opted for this. it is much easier, no remembering to take pills, no excessive hormones to cause me to have blood clots, no pregnancy. if it doesn't work for you fine but don't tell people who haven't even gotten it in yet not to get it, they can always take it out if it doesn't work

OMG! And I thought I was dying! LOL I am having the same problems... I have been hurting badly right above my stomach. I have had a lot of nausea and gas. Also, I have had problems with diarrhea for the first 2-3 months of having it. I have had cramping and frequent urges to use the bathroom and go to the bathroom about anytime I eat something. And I fell butterflies in my stomach... and sometimes flutters like I felt when I was pregnant. I was never like this before. I spot bleed a lot. I wish they would have told me that the spot bleeding could be a daily event. I would have bought stock in Tampax and Always. LOL N e ways... I told my mother about the pain I had been experiencing and she thought it was my gallbladder. I went to my doctor and they ran tests. She told me that my gallbladder was fine. I called my gyno and told her about what I had been experiencing and asked her if it was linked to the Mirena and she told me it could be... that with time my problems would get better, but she would take it, but to think about it. After reading all of your postings I believe I will call and make an appointment tomorrow. I was just telling my husband how I miss feeling normal... well like I did before the baby and the mirena. Did anyone get theirs removed? And if so did your problem resolve?
ERT

The reason is when you stop taking the Lipitor, and your symptoms don't go away is this: Lipitor cause hearing loss, which is what causes the Tinnitus! I have been having severe tinnitus for months now, seen all kinds of Dr.s who didn't have a clue. And I finally went to the House Ear Clinic, and they told me what it was, but they didn't know how I got it. I got Tinnitus a few months after my Dr. upped my dose. It's taken me this long to put the puzzle together. The Physician's Desk Reference lists hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness as side effects of Lipitor. I am appalled that not one Dr. asked me what kind of medication I was taking!

October 22, 1998 I had resp. failure (with intubation). My new pulmonary doctor put me on Singulair 10 mg once a day, a few weeks after. Within time, I started to have numbing and tingling in my face, arms, and legs. March of 1999 the symptoms worsened and started causing pressure in my face, arms, and legs, and anxiety started to kick in. I was told I had neuropathy and to take mobic. Symptoms getting worse, and went to a rheumatologist in June 1999, and he was suspect of singulair. The doctor thought that what I was experiencing was due to the singulair. He (the rheumatologist) discussed this with the pulmonary doctor and the pulmonary doctor did not believe this to be the case. Not forgetting, in March of 1999, I had a ct of the sinus area, and low and behold 1/3 of the cavity was and probably still is full of polyps.

As time went on, symptoms getting worse, and not one bloody doctor could figure out why I was feeling this way. In addition, at times, I was put on steroids for my asthma (not including my inhalers).

Two years ago, my body went into shock, leaving my left side very different than my right side. Affecting: my head, my face, my eye, my ear, my esophogus, my lungs, my arm, my leg.

I have been depressed and anxious not knowing what the heck was going on with me.

Recently ruled out thyroid, and lupus, and possibly ms.

Last weekend, I reviewed the letter from the rheumatologist (dated 1999) and the ct report from March 1999 (regarding the sinus/ polyps) and made copies to present to a pulmonary doctor that I have recently been seeing.

This past Monday the 10th, I had my appt with him. He knew of my situation from the last few visits (in addition, I had met him this past March for a pulmonary rehab program, and thought he seemed to be knowledgeable and compassionate). While waiting for him to enter the exam room, he had read those reports before entering.

The doctor looked at my hands (red as a beet and swollen) and said "You have Churg-Strauss Syndrome, and get off the singulair."

I had done my homework from a few weeks ago, where I looked up untreated polyps.
Untreated polyps, can turn into vasculitis. There are many types of vasculitis, to include Churg-Strauss Syndrome.

I then cross ref CSS and singulair, and low and behold, BINGO!

I have been suffering for ten years, physically and emotionally because of this drug!

There is also recent updates from the fda (fda.gov) regarding singulair, of which most recently includes anxiety and depression.

I suggest before taking singulair, be aware of the side effects. As soon as a side effect comes up, contact your doctor. Also, be aware of existing conditions (like me, sinus problems and asthma) for this could lead to churg-strauss syndrome.

This info is indicated on the actual disclosure (the paper insert that indicates studies, side effects, etc...) not the handout that is given with the drug.

By the way, I am now working with a new rheumatologist in Los Angeles (Cedar-Sinai affiliated) and a new neurologist.

mdklezmer

Sept. 4, 2007 I am now 55 yrs old and have been on ADVAIR for 2 1/2 years. I recently stopped taking it because my insurance co-pay was maxed out for the year. It was going to cost me $235 for a disk and I didn't want to pay it. So it's been two weeks now. OMG, the differences I am noticing. My weight is dropping and I'm not doing anything different. I have gained about 20 pounds. Then when I started reading some of the side effects of ADVAIR on line I realized I had almost all of them. Fuzzy thinking, bloating (especiallly right after eating), disturbing dreams, hoarseness and the constant need to clear my throat, digestive problems and heartburn all the time, foot cramps, feel tired and rundown, heart palpitations out of the blue like just sitting at the computer or watching TV, weight gain.

So already no more bloating, dropped 5 pounds, sleeping without the bad dreams, more energy. I'm feeling better on a daily basis. I have an Albuterol inhaler that I have used, but just drinking enough water helps. I plan on seeing a Naturopathic doctor soon to try a natural way to deal with my asthma.

I have been taking lipitor for probably 6 years. About 3 years ago, I experienced sciatica in the left leg for at least 9 months. The pain only lasted about 2 minutes but recurred 15-20 times a day. Now for about 2 years, I have had weakness in the left leg. Within the last 5 months or so, it has gotten to the point that I am constantly off-balance and feel as if I am walking like someone who has had a stroke. Others comment on this. It is embarrassing because I stumble and lose my balance like a drunk. Within the last 2 months, I have recurring pain in the right arm and shoulder - it last only about 5 minutes but is extremely painful. The balance problem led me to worry that I had a small stroke but after seeing this website, I am wondering if it is the lipitor. I am going off of it for at least a month and see if the symptoms disappear.

I am having tingling burning sensation in my feet, legs and hands and arms. My blood pressure was not improving on 5 mg so I upped it to 10 and those symptoms are much worse. The tingling sensation goes all the way up my left arm and up above my knees on my legs.

I have tried to take the Lisinipril before and stopped for these same reasons. My doctor does not seem to think that it is due to the Lisinipril. so I tried it again and the burning, burning sensation is driving me crazy and keeping me awake. I have to get up and stand in cold water for a while to get some relief.

I have not read about anyone with the same symptoms. Does anyone out there have these symptoms??

Hi ladies! I wrote here a couple weeks ago...just prior to my mental breakdown!! I laugh now but it was anything but funny. Had numerous symptoms-adverse reactions to Yaz- and was told by my PCP and my bitch gynocologist (not mine anymore!!) that what I was feeling had absolutely nothing to do with the BCPs. That was when I sought out a Naturalistic Doctor...who was completely amazing in every way and agreed that my body was having some sort of reaction to the pills and the excess hormone in my system. She did some acupuncture and made some suggestions as far as supplements and probiotics go and I literally started feeling myself again after one treatment. I had two in all and I feel wonderful and really like myself again-sleeping better and all!!! Also I'd like to mention some magic in a bottle...it's called Bach's Rescue Remedy and it immediately calms me down. The Naturopathic Doctor charged $200 for the first meeting (intake, history, acupuncture and recommendations) and $75 for each subsequent visit...worth every penny!! and the Bach's is like $7.99...well worth every single cent!!!! To be feeling normal again is priceless!!! Best of luck to all of you but do know that there is hope!!! Take care
Kara

TOPAMAX HAIR LOSS and BIOTIN:

Recommend that anyone losing hair to immediately start taking large doses of Biotin (a water soluble B vitamin) in doses of 5000 mcg (5mg) to 10000 mcg (10mg). Since TOPAMAX goes after your nervous system I also recommend that you take B12 (it must be methylcobalamin B12 only) 5000 mcg (5mg) to 10000 mcg (10mg) and B6 25-50mg. See a doctor and if possible see a Naturopathic Doctor.

My dad started on Lisinopril (5mg.) a couple of weeks ago. At the same time he stated losing his hearing!

We took him to a naturopathic doctor for a second opinion. This doctor told me to cut the Lisinopril tablets in half, and he gave my dad an Ayurvedic supplement to lower his blood pressure.

I am a caucasian male age 48. I was diagnosed with HBP last Friday 160/111. Dr put me on 20mg Lisinopril same day. She had me start with 1/2 dose (10mg) and I can't stand the drug. I work for a computer network installation and this drug makes me really spacy, lethergic, dizzy, and I have a slight dry cough now. I've only been on this for 6 days now and am stopping it on my own. One thing we must all know is what is right for each of us. I've never been an advocate for allopathic medicines (mainstream immuno-suppresive drugs) which PALLIATE symptoms (allieviate but not cure)
I know mainstream allopathic doctors can save lives, but this drug really make me feel terrible. I understand it's been only 6 days on the medicine, but my body and heart tell me this stuff is giving me a bad reaction. I am going to stop it on my own, and try naturopathic medicines. There is a therapy that can be found online called HOLISTROL which supposedly brings down high blood pressure. It contains HAWTHORNE herb which has been shown in trials to reduce blood pressure, and also contains Holly Leaf Extract. Along with this I will exercise 30-45 minutes every day and do not use salt at all and will eyeball all convenience foods that I buy for excessive sodium. I have also cut sugar cold turkey and only eat plain yogurt with bananas (yeah- I know bananas contain natural sugar but it's better than refined!!) and fruits for desserts now. I feel that if I lose about 15 lbs along with the diet modification and naturopathic remedies I can beat this. I bought a BP monitor from Brooks drug store that is automatic and all you do is strap the cuff to your upper arm and press start and it gives an accurate reading. Dcotors love to peddle drugs (I think they are in cahoots with the powerful pharmaceutical industry) I will also see a naturopathic doctor who can prescribe herbs and/or homeopathic medicines to help me. It's YOUR life- make the right choices and know that you have a right to good service, to ask questions and realize doctor is NOT GOD. But- it is also important to ensure your safety as well so make informed decisions.

I have been on Lisinopril for about three months. Started at 10 mg/daily, but Dr increased to 20 mg/daily within a month as my blood pressure wasn't coming down as he expected. I was horrified to notice just yesterday that my face is becoming puffy and round, like it did when I took prednisone (which I no longer take - bad stuff for me). Also the weight I worked so desperately to loose from the prednisone is starting to creep back up. Have little energy and or desire to do the things I used to enjoy, frequently still feel anxiety (which I thought was caused by the high BP). Now I'm not sure about anything! Looking for good Naturopathic Doctor. Sick and tired of getting worse with all this expensive medication. My research on the side effects is unsettling. I'm a female 70 years old.