Re: starting benicar

[Guest guest]

Hi Ana,  Like you,  I was very cautious about going on Benicar especially

since I was already on several other medications to lower blood pressure.  I

was exactly in your shoes and had my reservations.  Several of my docs warned

me against taking Benicar.  But, I had reached a plateau on Minocin and

although the scleroderma symptoms were abating, the blood values like ANA & RF

were still high and my cholesterol levels were still high.  I had stopped

taking statins much against the advice of my cardiac doctor.  So, I knew I had

to go out on a limb if I wanted to reach remission.  So, I started with 20 mgs

4 x's a day  every 6 hours exactly. The recommended dose was 40 mg. so, I only

took half, but I was trying to work up to that.  I have my own B/P machine and

I recommend you get one.  I checked my B/P before taking each dose and

surprisngly, my B/P did not do the drastic drop I was afraid of.  After a while

I increased it to 40 mg 3x's daily

or every 8 hours.  This meant that I had to set an alarm clock, but I followed

the dosing religiously and  I monitored my B/P My husband check my apical heart

rate (no lower that 60 beats per minute) although I did get to 58 or 59 a few

times. My doctor checked my lipid levels monthly and within the space of a

month or two, my cholesterol HDL & LDL were down to normal from a very high

dangerous count. My bad cholesterol was past 400 and to start with and came down

to 150.  It was a big drop and since then I have maintained a normal level. 

The big news was that my trigyceride count had always been high.  They

attributed that to hyperlipoproteinemia Type V (Roman numeral 5) and they said

it was genetic and would cause me to get diabetes down the line, which , I was

not surprised when I did finally become a diabetic.  Well, back to the

Benicar.  I continued with the Benicar for another six months and then found

that my ANA went down to zero. 

But the RF factor was still up in the 80's  So, I kept on taking the Benicar,

since I had no ill effects B/P wise and saw that I was benefitting in the

Lipid levels and that my ANA had gone down to 0 from a high of 1:640,  Well,

long story short is that I finished the MP a year later when I finished the

third phase and my RF by, then was down to zero. as well as the ANA. I decided

that these results were good, so I continued on Minocin 100mg  2x's per day and

Benicar 20mg. also 2x's per day for another year.  I monitored every day and

my blood pressure did go up from a 90/60 to 120/70.  Still in a good range. 

That was a year ago and now I continue taking the Benicar twice a day and only

take Minocin 100 mg MWF as a maintenance dose when I remember. I am lax about

that because I felt that the Minocin may be causing the diarrhea.  While I was

on MP, I also took a variety of other antibiotics and that is when the diarrhea

started to come

a bit too often. Remeber I was one who was prone to loose stools all my life

since I was about 8 yrs. old.  it started with my first trip and every trip

thereafter, I had to take Immodium.  They called it traveler's diarrhea.  The

Infectious Disease doc said the increase in diarrhea episodes was the

clindamycin, so I d/c'd that one.  And replaced with I think was Bactrim,

although now I can't remember exactly.  I know I had taken up to 4 different

antibiotics at one time.   The ANA & RF coninued at zero to this day.  My B/P

does fluctuate at times and has gotten as high as 140/80, so I have been

thinking of raising the Benicar dose to 20 mg. 3x's daily taking one every 8

hours. instead of 2xs daily.  I am taking care of myself now that I moved to

Puerto Rico because I have not found a doc who knows anything about

scleroderma.  I see a local doc who just continued giving me the scripts I have

been on previously.  Keeping the dose at every

8 hours is important because Benicar loses its' efficacy after 8 hours and may

be the reason why my pressure creeped up.  I would say proceed with what your

doctor recommends and make sure you monitor your blood pressure before each

pill and an hour later.  If you see a drastic drop in pressure, call your

doctor immediately and hold the next dose until further instruction from

him/her.  If it drops so low, that you have pronounced symptoms of passing

out, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital or call 911. Proceed

cautiously, monitor often and hope it all works out.  Every body responds

differently. I was one of those who could handle it.  Others have not been that

fortunate. I always took my meds with tea and now I just read an article by Dr.

Mercola about how helpful tea is.  I might go back to brewing tea again.  I've

become spoiled with the limes on the tree and drink iced limeaid mostly.  BTW,

Day #4 went by with no sign of

diarrhea and now looking forward to day #5.  So, thank you for the

suggestions.  Today, I increased my eating to every two hours and reduced the

portions.  It was difficult to get all that food down.  I think I managed only

about 4 meals, but that is twice the amount I was eating.  I did get some

heartburn and bloating because I also have a hiatal hernia and the food remains

in the esophagus too long before getting to the stomach..  When the burning

started, I washed the food down with cold limeaide, added extra Acidophillus

before each meal.  No diarrhea, but must work on the acid reflux. and hopefully

not to throw up the added food.  I will just make smaller portions tomorrow. 

Have a good day.  Hope it is not too hot where you are.  I spoke to some

friends of mine in NY and they were roasting and tomorrow promises another

record breaker plus high humidity.  I am glad I am here in P.R.  We were in

the 80's with a fabulous ocean breeze

and a cool shower in the evening which watered all my plants and was

heavenly.  I fell asleep on the patio and woke up at 3 a.m. with  fire in the

pit, So I drank some more iced limeaid and am sitting at the computer sitting

upright, hoping it all goes down after a while.  But, at least no more

diarrhea.  Good luck, I hope you can tolerate the Benicar.  I think it helps

the Minocin do it's work, although I don't remember exactly how.  I read about

it, but it did not sink in at the time.  I was still in a brain fog and

sometimes my mind still draws blanks.  Keep in touch as to how you make out. 

My best , Dolores   

From: Ana Andrescu <anaandrescu@...>

Subject: rheumatic starting benicar

rheumatic

Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 12:32 AM

 

Hi Dolores,

I got a prescription for benicar. the doc says I should take 3 of 20 mg a day

because of low bp and small body mass

I am afraid of a repeat of " lights out " that I had 5 yrs ago when tried mp and

gave up because of it

the doc that will monitor me does not know much about it

any word of wisdom?

thanks,

Ana

[Guest guest]

Hi Dolores,

thank you so much for the details and the encouragement!

today, my bp was 88/56. I wonder what the drop is going to be on benicar; will

keep you posted.

aloe vera leaf did not affect me one way or another, but that is just my

experience.

I am glad your abdomen is stable and just thought of it, mint tea is

constipating and good to take if you do not suspect an infectious cause for the

diarrhea.

one year and a half ago, in search for a dry warm climate, we moved to Tucson,

Az from the suburbs of  Washington DC.

so, we did get rid of the humidity and enjoy the outdoors 8 months out of the

year 

it's a very hot summer now, everyone is waiting for the monsoon to start

 keep up the good work,

Ana

________________________________

From: mike rosner <martysfolks2004@...>

rheumatic

Sent: Tue, July 6, 2010 1:51:17 AM

Subject: Re: rheumatic starting benicar

 

Hi Ana,  Like you,  I was very cautious about going on Benicar especially

since

I was already on several other medications to lower blood pressure.  I was

exactly in your shoes and had my reservations.  Several of my docs warned me

against taking Benicar.  But, I had reached a plateau on Minocin and although

the scleroderma symptoms were abating, the blood values like ANA & RF were still

high and my cholesterol levels were still high.  I had stopped taking statins

much against the advice of my cardiac doctor.  So, I knew I had to go out on a

limb if I wanted to reach remission.  So, I started with 20 mgs 4 x's a day 

every 6 hours exactly. The recommended dose was 40 mg. so, I only took half, but

I was trying to work up to that.  I have my own B/P machine and I recommend you

get one.  I checked my B/P before taking each dose and surprisngly, my B/P did

not do the drastic drop I was afraid of.  After a while I increased it to 40 mg

3x's daily

or every 8 hours.  This meant that I had to set an alarm clock, but I followed

the dosing religiously and  I monitored my B/P My husband check my apical heart

rate (no lower that 60 beats per minute) although I did get to 58 or 59 a few

times. My doctor checked my lipid levels monthly and within the space of a

month

or two, my cholesterol HDL & LDL were down to normal from a very high

dangerous

count. My bad cholesterol was past 400 and to start with and came down to 150. 

It was a big drop and since then I have maintained a normal level.  The big

news

was that my trigyceride count had always been high.  They attributed that to

hyperlipoproteinemia Type V (Roman numeral 5) and they said it was genetic and

would cause me to get diabetes down the line, which , I was not surprised when I

did finally become a diabetic.  Well, back to the Benicar.  I continued with

the

Benicar for another six months and then found that my ANA went down to zero. 

But the RF factor was still up in the 80's  So, I kept on taking the Benicar,

since I had no ill effects B/P wise and saw that I was benefitting in the

Lipid

levels and that my ANA had gone down to 0 from a high of 1:640,  Well, long

story short is that I finished the MP a year later when I finished the third

phase and my RF by, then was down to zero. as well as the ANA. I decided that

these results were good, so I continued on Minocin 100mg  2x's per day and

Benicar 20mg. also 2x's per day for another year.  I monitored every day and

my

blood pressure did go up from a 90/60 to 120/70.  Still in a good range. 

That

was a year ago and now I continue taking the Benicar twice a day and only take

Minocin 100 mg MWF as a maintenance dose when I remember. I am lax about that

because I felt that the Minocin may be causing the diarrhea.  While I was on

MP,

I also took a variety of other antibiotics and that is when the diarrhea started

to come

a bit too often. Remeber I was one who was prone to loose stools all my life

since I was about 8 yrs. old.  it started with my first trip and every trip

thereafter, I had to take Immodium.  They called it traveler's diarrhea.  The

Infectious Disease doc said the increase in diarrhea episodes was the

clindamycin, so I d/c'd that one.  And replaced with I think was Bactrim,

although now I can't remember exactly.  I know I had taken up to 4 different

antibiotics at one time.   The ANA & RF coninued at zero to this day.  My B/P

does fluctuate at times and has gotten as high as 140/80, so I have been

thinking of raising the Benicar dose to 20 mg. 3x's daily taking one every 8

hours. instead of 2xs daily.  I am taking care of myself now that I moved to

Puerto Rico because I have not found a doc who knows anything about

scleroderma.  I see a local doc who just continued giving me the scripts I have

been on previously.  Keeping the dose at every

8 hours is important because Benicar loses its' efficacy after 8 hours and may

be the reason why my pressure creeped up.  I would say proceed with what your

doctor recommends and make sure you monitor your blood pressure before each

pill

and an hour later.  If you see a drastic drop in pressure, call your doctor

immediately and hold the next dose until further instruction from him/her.  If

it drops so low, that you have pronounced symptoms of passing out, have someone

drive you to the nearest hospital or call 911. Proceed cautiously, monitor

often

and hope it all works out.  Every body responds differently. I was one of those

who could handle it.  Others have not been that fortunate. I always took my

meds

with tea and now I just read an article by Dr. Mercola about how helpful tea

is.  I might go back to brewing tea again.  I've become spoiled with the limes

on the tree and drink iced limeaid mostly.  BTW, Day #4 went by with no sign of

diarrhea and now looking forward to day #5.  So, thank you for the

suggestions. 

Today, I increased my eating to every two hours and reduced the portions.  It

was difficult to get all that food down.  I think I managed only about 4 meals,

but that is twice the amount I was eating.  I did get some heartburn and

bloating because I also have a hiatal hernia and the food remains in the

esophagus too long before getting to the stomach..  When the burning started, I

washed the food down with cold limeaide, added extra Acidophillus before each

meal.  No diarrhea, but must work on the acid reflux. and hopefully not to

throw

up the added food.  I will just make smaller portions tomorrow.  Have a good

day.  Hope it is not too hot where you are.  I spoke to some friends of mine

in

NY and they were roasting and tomorrow promises another record breaker plus high

humidity.  I am glad I am here in P.R.  We were in the 80's with a fabulous

ocean breeze

and a cool shower in the evening which watered all my plants and was heavenly. 

I fell asleep on the patio and woke up at 3 a.m. with  fire in the pit, So I

drank some more iced limeaid and am sitting at the computer sitting upright,

hoping it all goes down after a while.  But, at least no more diarrhea.  Good

luck, I hope you can tolerate the Benicar.  I think it helps the Minocin do

it's

work, although I don't remember exactly how.  I read about it, but it did not

sink in at the time.  I was still in a brain fog and sometimes my mind still

draws blanks.  Keep in touch as to how you make out.  My best , Dolores   

From: Ana Andrescu <anaandrescu@...>

Subject: rheumatic starting benicar

rheumatic

Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 12:32 AM

 

Hi Dolores,

I got a prescription for benicar. the doc says I should take 3 of 20 mg a day

because of low bp and small body mass

I am afraid of a repeat of " lights out " that I had 5 yrs ago when tried mp and

gave up because of it

the doc that will monitor me does not know much about it

any word of wisdom?

thanks,

Ana

[Guest guest]

Hi Ana. Mike and I used to live in Tucson in the 80's.  We moved there when my

daughter got married and lived in Bisbee, AZ.  They used to take the trip up

with my grandson who was just a baby and I would watch him on weekends.  At

that time, Tucson held a flea market on  weekends at the Tanque Verde and we

lived on Wilmot, just before the turn to Restaurant Row. We had some fun times

there.  I used to work at a hospital on Wilmot, that is no longer there.  I

heard they turned it into a nursing home a few years back and the flea market

got moved to the Indian reservation at the other end of town.   My grandson is

now married and lives in Phoenix. I began having symptoms of stiff joints when

I first moved to Tucson.  My body did not agree with the dryness.  The same

thing happened in Vegas.  My nose would bleed.  Be careful with the

monsoons.  The low spots flood like crazy and a car can get stuck quite

quickly.  Is the Mall still

there?  I think it was down on Speedway, but can't remember. After that we

moved to Hawaii. Take care, my best to you and your family,  Dolores   

From: Ana Andrescu <anaandrescu@...>

Subject: rheumatic starting benicar

rheumatic

Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 12:32 AM

 

Hi Dolores,

I got a prescription for benicar. the doc says I should take 3 of 20 mg a day

because of low bp and small body mass

I am afraid of a repeat of " lights out " that I had 5 yrs ago when tried mp and

gave up because of it

the doc that will monitor me does not know much about it

any word of wisdom?

thanks,

Ana

[Guest guest]

Hi Dolores,

we got a house in a relatively new, 10 yrs old, retirement community.

the house is located right near the club house so my husband can enjoy the

activities and check up on me often

we have not seen a monsoon yet, thanks for the warning

we drove by the Tucson Foothills mall many times, never venture inside. I have a

lot to discover when will start feeling better

Iwish you all the best,

Ana

________________________________

From: mike rosner <martysfolks2004@...>

rheumatic

Sent: Tue, July 6, 2010 9:17:14 PM

Subject: Re: rheumatic starting benicar

 

Hi Ana. Mike and I used to live in Tucson in the 80's.  We moved there when my

daughter got married and lived in Bisbee, AZ.  They used to take the trip up

with my grandson who was just a baby and I would watch him on weekends.  At

that

time, Tucson held a flea market on  weekends at the Tanque Verde and we lived

on

Wilmot, just before the turn to Restaurant Row. We had some fun times there. 

I

used to work at a hospital on Wilmot, that is no longer there.  I heard they

turned it into a nursing home a few years back and the flea market got moved to

the Indian reservation at the other end of town.   My grandson is now married

and lives in Phoenix. I began having symptoms of stiff joints when I first

moved

to Tucson.  My body did not agree with the dryness.  The same thing happened

in

Vegas.  My nose would bleed.  Be careful with the monsoons.  The low spots

flood

like crazy and a car can get stuck quite quickly.  Is the Mall still

there?  I think it was down on Speedway, but can't remember. After that we

moved

to Hawaii. Take care, my best to you and your family,  Dolores   

From: Ana Andrescu <anaandrescu@...>

Subject: rheumatic starting benicar

rheumatic

Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 12:32 AM

 

Hi Dolores,

I got a prescription for benicar. the doc says I should take 3 of 20 mg a day

because of low bp and small body mass

I am afraid of a repeat of " lights out " that I had 5 yrs ago when tried mp and

gave up because of it

the doc that will monitor me does not know much about it

any word of wisdom?

thanks,

Ana

[Guest guest]

Hi, I'm sure Tucson has changed a lot since the 80's.  I probably wouldn't

recognise it today.  hope you feel better soon.  My best, Dolores

From: Ana Andrescu <anaandrescu@...>

Subject: rheumatic starting benicar

rheumatic

Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 12:32 AM

 

Hi Dolores,

I got a prescription for benicar. the doc says I should take 3 of 20 mg a day

because of low bp and small body mass

I am afraid of a repeat of " lights out " that I had 5 yrs ago when tried mp and

gave up because of it

the doc that will monitor me does not know much about it

any word of wisdom?

thanks,

Ana

[Guest guest]

Yes, we like it here and we like the people too; they are friendly, with a sunny

disposition.

I have not started the mp yet, still reading about it.

I will keep you posted

hope you do well

my best,

Ana

________________________________

From: mike rosner <martysfolks2004@...>

rheumatic

Sent: Wed, July 7, 2010 9:37:33 PM

Subject: Re: rheumatic starting benicar

 

Hi, I'm sure Tucson has changed a lot since the 80's.  I probably wouldn't

recognise it today.  hope you feel better soon.  My best, Dolores

From: Ana Andrescu <anaandrescu@...>

Subject: rheumatic starting benicar

rheumatic

Date: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 12:32 AM

 

Hi Dolores,

I got a prescription for benicar. the doc says I should take 3 of 20 mg a day

because of low bp and small body mass

I am afraid of a repeat of " lights out " that I had 5 yrs ago when tried mp and

gave up because of it

the doc that will monitor me does not know much about it

any word of wisdom?

thanks,

Ana