On January 9th I had my bi-annual D.O.T. physical and failed due to high blood pressure readings. As a result I wish ony issued a 90 day medical card, which expires on April 9th. Yesterday I finally got around to seeing a doctor for a follow up. My blood pressure was still high.
As I haven't had a real physical in years and am now 50 years old the doc gave me a full physical including blood work. Barring the results of the lab work next week he proclaimed me in reasonably good health with the exception of the blood pressure thing, which he says just come with age for some people.
I am now on blood pressure medication so we can get it down to the D.O.T. acceptable level before my card expires. Once over that hurdle we are going to see if it's possible to get it down long term without the drugs as I despise the idea of being dependant upon medication.
I am now just hoping there are no unexpected surprises from the lab next week. Due to my diet I expect my cholesteral is likely on the high side so that in itself wouldn't be much of a surprise, but they are also running tests for liver and kidney function, prostate cancer, thyroid function, etc. I'll know about all of that early next week.
I now have an automatic blood pressure monitor to check my pressure twice a day. It stores the readings, along with time and date, so the doc can take a look at the readings over time. Just something else to hasssle with on the road, and something else to take up space in the truck (although it isn't all that big).
On the up side, I took the first pill yesterday after filling the prescription and when I took my pressure reading this morning it was well within the normal range. Of course one reading right after getting out of bed doesn't mean much in itself so I'll have a little better idea when I take another one late this afternoon or early evening.