I found out that my mother has "dangerously high blood pressure" on Monday, which completely blind sided me. I found out that my father had very high blood pressure just the week prior, but not nearly as bad as my mom's. And, this wasn't totally surprising based on his diet and family history. The doctor told my father to change his diet and to exercise, which he did both immediately and has been doing daily. I am so proud of him for taking it so seriously and for making the changes.
The doctor prescribed by mother blood pressure medication yesterday after a lengthy appointment. She didn't take them and has made a multitude of excuses as to why she doesn't need them. We had a somewhat heated discussion and she was so upset with me, but then later apologized and said that "I'm not going anywhere and won't leave you" which completely made me breakdown. I've had sleepless nights since I found this information out on Monday and have been experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks at the thought of losing my mother. I don't know what to do, I know that she is not taking this seriously. I am beyond devastated at the moment and feel so helpless.
AH Pup I'm so sorry this is happening, can your dad convince her to start walking w/him? As I'm sure you've already told her you dont want to lose her. Do give mom much need time to let this sink in so she can regroup her thoughts & apply them to a course of action along w/your love, support & encouragement, maybe you can give her some slight (not pushing) suggestions to try that works for her.
April, thank you so much for your wonderful response, it's just what I needed. She's walking and eating much better now, but doesn't want to take the prescribed blood pressure medication. She's been making every excuse in the book. Thoughts and emotions of my grandfather refusing to take his medication and suddenly dying of a stroke all came flooding back in. I keep having visions of that happening to my mom. I've been tossing and turning each night, continually checking my phone and my anxiety's through the roof. I just don't know what to do anymore to help her.
Thank you again so much for helping me, I appreciate it so much!
Yes, us older folks get stuck in our ways alot & dont seem to realize the impact it has on our kids (you've just opened my eyes more to consider my kids feelings too). Eventually she may try the medication too as we all know the long term effects of our genetic links & lifestyles. Does she recall your grandfathers stoke? It may scare her into taking the meds. Hopefully her doctor will be capable in convincing her huh.
Hi April, thank you so much for your kind words, they truly made me feel so much better. She is taking her medication now, thank goodness. And, she is continuing on with her healthier eating and daily exercise. This all took a huge weight off of my shoulders. I was so anxiety ridden over it. I tried explaining to her, in a very calm and non-confrontational way, how much this affected her children. I think that really opened her eyes, because she realized that she was being a bit selfish by refusing to take her meds. I am glad that this helped you a bit in that you will take your kids' feelings into consideration when making decisions or changes in your life. I don't think she will ever know how this affected the 3 of us; we all had a week of sleepless nights and so much stress and anxiety over it.