Stopping ALL Medications

@colleenyoung

Thank you for asking those questions.

As I have responded to others, please follow the whold thread to gain a better understanding and also an option to learn more.

This is not a decision I take lightly. Yes, I have done and am continuing to do the things that you have suggested as well as conducting extensive research on my own.

In the end, IMO, I will make my own intentional and informed choice, honestly and openly.

@oliverbowie, I have read the whole thread, thus my questions. The motivation to start this discussion is unclear and I'd like to ensure you get the support you are seeking. I see from your profile that you are managing peripheral neuropathy and mild cognitive impairment.

You mention palliative care and that it has been challenging to find in your area. I'm sorry to hear that. Are you looking for palliative care to help support symptom management? Is your physician following your care should you decide to discontinue medications for the conditions you manage?

A general comment:
Be very careful changing blood pressure medications. Anyone over 60 years old should own a blood pressure cuff and know how to use it. If you have any question about your blood pressure read your pressure daily and write it down, especially if you have changed your medication. Blood pressure is not something to play around with.

A middle-aged friend decided she could treat her blood pressure with vitamin supplements and stopped taking her meds. She had a serious stroke and spent the last years of her life in a wheelchair and with serious cognitive losses, finally killing herself in a horrible accident while her caretaker had gone out for food.

@edsutton

Thanks for the advice. I agree, which is why I do have my own BP cuff and know how to use it.

Good reminder for all of us.

My condolences on the death of your friend.

@cecilyl Same here, between my 9 prescription medications and all of the supplements I have to take I swallow almost 40 pills everyday.

@edsutton

I do want to share, but typing is very difficult because of my periphial neuropathy.

@njx58

Big questions. I've been myself for years.

Giving more complete answers is difficult because it is very difficult to type because of my periphial neuropathy.

@oliverbowie Finding an APRN depends largely on where you
live. From experience I know most southern states have APRNs in all Dr offices, clinics, etc. Because they are “ advanced” RNs they have additional training beyond regular nurses. I’ve found they often are more updated on current pharmacology than most doctors. I’ve gone to them in Maryland, Kentucky, Arkansas, now Texas. There must be some kind of group that keeps listing of states which use this system. Maybe the Mayo Connect people would know. I’ll check around too. It’s been many years since I needed med care in CA, PA, Utah, D.C.,etc. I apologize for not having large enuf frame of reference to help you more. Will get to you if I find anything. Would you mind sharing the state where you live? That might speed up research.😊

I gave u a hug because you seem, to me, to need additional guidance from a medical professional. You appear to be in pain and I don’t want to discount your statement. Please seek advice🙏

@browndognotnow

Thank you for your concern. Please believe me. I am seeking out advice from medical professionals.