[Michael 61]

Depending on what your conditions, chronic issues are, yes!

I’m in my early 60s, and have take several meds for various conditions (high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, chronic inflammation, etc) since my 30s.

Doctors have never really discussed lifestyle changes with me, but have always been quick to prescribe meds to “mask” the symptoms.

I started researching my various conditions a few years back. I began to focus on diet (get rid of sugars, seed oils, processed foods, high-carb foods), began a focused exercise routine, brought weight down to a BMI of 22.5.

Today, is a red-letter day. I was told to get off my final med, as all my numbers are in very good to excellent range. No longer pre-diabetic. Cholesterol excellent. Blood pressure in very good range. Inflammation eliminated. Lots of energy, sleeping great. How many people in their early 60s can claim this!

I’m posting this as an encouragement to many out there that feel they will be on these meds for life. There is a way off for some. I realize that everyone’s situation is different, and some need to stay on their meds. But for others, there is a way off, through being laser-focused on diet/exercise/weight.

[manaboutown]

Good for you, OP! Congratulations. What you have accomplished takes discipline.

[Michael G.]

Yep, there's a pill for everything.
Beware of doctors that think if one pill is good, two are better.

[Smalley]

Congratulations to you. You really improved your health in a big way. Your BMI is admirable.

[frayedends]

When my doctor a few years ago wanted to put me on blood pressure meds, diabetes meds, and a statin, I walked out dumbfounded. I went on a keto diet and my blood was checked 5 weeks later. I had lost 27 lbs. My A1C went down to 5.0 from 5.7. Cholesterol was fine, and blood pressure was 140/90. Not the best but not warranting meds. I had started at 237 lbs.

Anyhow, I had a few ups and downs since then but today I weigh 192 lbs. No meds ever. Just a very low carb diet and plenty of walking.

[justjim]

OP, congratulations. As you said, there are some that require certain meds. Since retirement and through changes in lifestyle and exercise, I have drastically reduced my meds. It’s hard to see family and friends that seem determined to leave before their time because of their lifestyle. We all have choices to make and you can’t make those choices for others. Fore!

[Whatnext]

The problem is, many patients do not make any effort to change life style, so need medication to get through the lifestyle they choose to have.
You see them every day, waddling and rolling around TV
Weight loss, exercise, half decent fresh food, is a good start. It's not that hard.
Well done OP.

[ResQme]

Congratulations and I am jealous! I went to Urgent Care a couple of weeks ago, and the doctor said "You're on all these meds???"

In my case, I am proud to say I am off all my high blood pressure medication! My BP has been normal for a few years now. I'm also reducing cholesterol medicines, and that's going well. But I'm still on a bunch of Diabetes medicines

[Arctic Fox]

Been trying for ages to get my (92-year old) Mother's blood pressure down, but she insists on adding salt to everything, even before tasting it :-(

Found some sodium chloride / potassium chloride mix that claims to taste the same as pure salt, so maybe that will help

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

Been trying for ages to get my (92-year old) Mother's blood pressure down, but she insists on adding salt to everything, even before tasting it :-(

Found some sodium chloride / potassium chloride mix that claims to taste the same as pure salt, so maybe that will help

Maybe, but I doubt it. Does your mother agree that they taste the same?

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

Been trying for ages to get my (92-year old) Mother's blood pressure down, but she insists on adding salt to everything, even before tasting it :-(

Found some sodium chloride / potassium chloride mix that claims to taste the same as pure salt, so maybe that will help

I'd be extremely careful about adding potassium to the diet of a 92-year-old. She most likely has significantly reduced GFR (renal function) and that might induce hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium), which can have all kinds of deleterious cardiac and neuromuscular effects

[DARFAP]

The focus on cholesterol is a stone age idea to support statins. There are plenty of books written by doctors who have awakened to this narrative that put this myth to rest. Like the OP learned, get off / significantly reduce carbs, quit seed oils, and start eating meat /eggs/ all those things they have told you will give you high cholesterol. There's a whole other world out here. No need to continue to suffer needlessly. Congrats OP!

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Maybe, but I doubt it. Does your mother agree that they taste the same?

Well, she hasn't noticed the switch :-)

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

I'd be extremely careful about adding potassium to the diet of a 92-year-old. She most likely has significantly reduced GFR (renal function) and that might induce hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium), which can have all kinds of deleterious cardiac and neuromuscular effects

Thank you for the warning

It was recommended by her doctor (I hadn't heard of the stuff)

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

Thank you for the warning

It was recommended by her doctor (I hadn't heard of the stuff)

I'm sure her doctor has a relatively recent blood test. If he recommended it, her GFR is probably > 60 and she'll be fine.