Kyani & High Blood Pressure Day 1: 139/99

Last week I had my well check by a new doctor (actually, she's a nurse practitioner) and I was horrified when her MA had to do two blood pressure readings because they were so high. "High blood pressure runs in my family," I explained to her.

Before I go further, I am a 54 year old female carrying the typical 20 pounds most of us over 50 who don't work out carry around. I work full time and go to college half time, so you can well imagine, any free time I have, I spend trying to relax and psyche myself up to handle the challenges the following day/week throws at me. And yes, high blood pressure does run in my family.

The first reading was 165/105. I have never, ever experienced anything over 100 on the bottom side. The MA took it from my right arm, instead of my left. Similar reading. When the NP took a reading at the end of the consultation, it read 160/100. Stage 2 hypertension. She gave me a chart to monitor my BP for two weeks, at which time I return for a follow up visit. I spent $53 I do not have for a home blood pressure machine. On my way out of CVS, one of those blood pressure machines beckoned me. I stopped and slipped my tired arm into the cuff and pressed the start button. It squeezed and squeezed my arm tortuously. "IF YOUR ARM FEELS PAIN OR NUMBNESS DURING THE TEST, PRESS STOP IMMEDIATELY," read the machine. Well, my arm felt as if a thousand needles were jabbing at my arm. My lower arm swelled with veins. If it had been a balloon, it would have popped, but I'd be damned if I was going to give in and press that red "stop" button. The reading was 171/101. My BMI was 28. Not to be thwarted by this obnoxious machine, I dared to take the "health age" test. The results? I'm a 58 year old walking around in a 54 year old's body. How pathetic.

I've always considered myself a healthy woman, and always (well almost always) would work out, mostly through power walking or running. Three years ago, I injured both feet by wearing shoes that lacked support. Basically, my arches no longer arched in either foot (plantar fascitis), and these two scary little bones in each of my papa toe joints had escaped their nest (sesamoiditis.) I flat out stopped walking and gained 20 pounds.

Today I am on a quest for better health. I ordered "Kyani Sunrise," and am going to see if it helps my readings. I will blog my daily results and monitor other effects this new supplement has on my physical and mental health.

My goal is to lower my BP, eat healthier, and have more energy to deal with the stresses of daily life. Maybe this new lifestyle will help me shed 10 pounds. Wish me luck!