I had a brain-bleed stroke and are these medicines right?

[grandma_jr]

I had a brain-bleed stroke approximately 14 weeks ago. I was initially prescribed Enalipril, Nifedical XL, Maxide, and Prevacid.  The blood pressure was down to 120's over 90's.  I was unable to stay awake and was dizzy and groggy all the time.  I went to the neurologist and he suggested adding Mavik to bring the bp down even further.  Once that regimen was established, I was unable to ambulate for more than a matter of minutes.  I was always feeling totally brain damaged.  I explained this to the doctor, he didn't seem to care.  I made a second trip to the doctor, he seemed upset with me and as I was leaving he handed me a bag and walked off.  Inside the bag was Avapro (irbesartan).  There were no instructions.  I called the office and was told by a woman to take it instead of the hbp med.  My guess was the Enalipril and the Mavik, so I took it instead.  Two days ago my bp was 159/113, heart rate 115.  Yesterday it was 151/118, hr 130.  This is not good and I'm scared.  Three of the medications all have side effects of fatigue and/or dizziness.  Why can't I get medications that don't keep me feeling drunk all the time???  And literature on these drugs say not to take this one with that one and not to take that one with the other one.  Is this hopeless?  I am 54 years old.  By the way, I always take all of my drugs to any doctor every time I go so he can see what I'm taking.
grandma_jr

[pjustme]

My sister had a brain bleed 10 months ago,  She has reciver, but is showing signs of confusion, irritability, depression.  She refuses to seek professional help.  She asks me to tell her what to do.  I do not know.  Since you have had a bleed- do you recognize any of these symptoms?

[grandma_jr]

Thank you all so much for the prompt reply.  After reading your posts I sensed an urgency and called a new doctor.  I was seen within a matter of hours.  The new doctor removed the Triamtz (Maxide)as it was an unecessary water pill and was creating the problem.  Prior to this visit I was literally unable to remember how to make coffee.  One morning I couldn't remember my dog's name.  I now am able to function as a human being, rather than as a vegetable.  My total fatigue and confusion, which previously was overwhelming and constant, has been all but eliminated and my bp is back to a very normal 124/87. My peripheral vision has returned, which I thought was gone forever. I can't express the helpless feeling I had prior to your reply, as I couldn't get through to my doctor.  His answer was always that this was a result of the stroke and I would never return to normal.  An internet friend, a former nurse in New Zealand told me otherwise.  Four days ago I made coffee and then couldn't figure out what to do.  It took me several minutes to "remember" that I had to get a cup out of the cupboard and pour the coffee into the cup.  That is the dangerous level of sheer incompetance I was at, when previously I was a titled employee, sharing an office with the general manager.  I have now lost months of my life due to bad medication and treatment, not to mention that I also believe my future was perilously at risk.  Thanks to your care and concern I am a new person; or at the very least, returning by leaps and bounds to my old person.  And in reply to the one who told me that I will be better operating at a higher bp, I have told the doctor that over and over again.  I had one doctor that maintained my bp at a higher rate, almost the same as yours, and it stayed that way for years.  Naturally, she moved to another state and I have had problems ever since.  Thank you all so much, you may have saved my life.  grandma_jr

[nobodyhome]

I am not saying that this is the case for everyone, but I have found out through experience that if my blood pressure is brought down below the level that my brain needs (I have some clogged vessels in my neck and brain) that I experience most of the symptoms that you do.  Therefore, my accepted systolic BP is about 140-150 - which would be high for other people.  I went to many docs trying to find out what to do for my BP and I finally was referred to a hypertension specialist, otherwise known as a nephrologist.  A nephrologist is a kidney doctor.  Many blood pressure problems start out in the kidneys and these doctors (at least the one I have) is VERY well versed in which meds to give with which and what will work best with your body.  
In my opinion, the doctor who is giving you the meds isn't very careful with follow-up and you might be better off finding a new primary physician.  Ask him/her to let you see a nephrologist and see what he/she can come up with.  
You didn't say what the doctor who is giving you the medications has a specialty area?  Does he/she routinely work with people with your problem?

[nmc]

I've read many of the posts here and it seems there is a disturbing decline in the quality of care patients are receiving from their doctors. Your experience is particularly upsetting, which is why I've suddenly decided to respond to a post instead of just reading them. To simply hand you bag of medications without instructions is irresponsible and dangerous. Although your doctor may have assumed you'd have the good sense to look the drug up on the internet or call the local pharmacy for information, the onus is on him to relate this information. Most changes in hypertension medications require a gradual reduction in dosage - suddenly stopping these medications can result in adverse effects. You should have received clearer instructions from your doctor (not his nurse) when you were in his office (not halfway out the door). I can understand that most doctors are overwhelmed (thanks to HMOs), but this is ridiculous. You should consider finding a doctor who considers you a partner in the management of your healthcare and not just another name on a patient file.
Good luck to you and I hope you are feeling better soon.
Nancy

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

grandma_jr,

Sorry to hear of your ordeal.

It sounds as if you need to re-establish a working relationship with your current doctor, or seek another doctor.  If indeed you suffered a hemorrhagic stroke (brain bleed) 14 weeks ago, then blood pressure control is critical to your continued survival.  Trying different medications to minimize side-effects will probably be the only way to see which ones are right for you.  This approach will require patience from you and your doctor.  

Ultimately, you may have to be willing to experience some fatigue to maintain a blood pressure that is not life-threatening.

Good luck.