I think the blood pressure machine at the pharmacy should keep a top ten list of best blood pressure readings, like the top scores on a video arcade game. Then every month when I pick up my migraine pills I could try to beat the high score.
This month my arm actually fit comfortably into the cuff and I scored an awesome 122/71. A reading of 120/80 is considered normal. It was all I could do to contain myself and not yell “Score!” while pumping my fists in the air and taking a victory lap around the feminine hygiene aisle.
My family has a history of hypertension. At our last family reunion my aunts and uncles started comparing what blood pressure medications they were on. My blood pressure has never been in the dangerously high levels, but it wasn’t ever this good either. So, yay! You can be fat and fit.
Now if I could just get off these damn headache pills. I tried going off of them in December but that was A Very Bad Idea because I ended up having a migraine during midnight mass, as if I don’t find attending church painful enough. I’ve always hoped my headache problems were weight related, but maybe my noggin’ is just screwed up. But you all knew I wasn’t right in the head already, didn’t you?
Lora says
May 11, 2006 at 11:44 amI don’t know what you have or haven’t tried for your migraines but have you tried caffeine? My sister has horrible migraines (she’s been hospitalized for them) and hates the way the various meds for them make her feel and she has found that a cup or two of really strong coffee in the morning prevents almost all the headaches. She’s been treating them this way for a few years now with nary a headache in sight.
zara says
May 11, 2006 at 11:56 amAck! My comment got eaten!
I love the game idea! (the short version of my previous longer and *hilarious* comment) ;)
Congrats on the healthy blood pressure!
PastaQueen says
May 11, 2006 at 12:25 pmLora – As long as I stay on the pills, I don’t have the headaches. Though I think if I eat a lot of chocolate it can trigger one. I do drink a lot of caffeine (diet sodas) so maybe that is helping too. I’ve never been hospitalized for them though, so I feel bad for your sister!
Nicole says
May 11, 2006 at 12:33 pmYour BP story literally made me chuckle out loud.
You have inspired me as well….I just ordered the South Beach Diet book from Amazon.com.
Hilly says
May 11, 2006 at 11:11 pmLMAO – dude, I totally got the high score at the BP machine today…I beat out that 80 year old lady!
I used to be on BP meds before I started this journey so I feel ya loving that good blood pressure and fitting in the cuff!
Fat Bitch says
May 12, 2006 at 1:05 amHi Pastaqueen :)
Oh do you know how to write!
I’m happy for you that your BP was so normal. I use the word loosely I promise you I do. ;)
Julia says
May 12, 2006 at 2:39 amI also had migraines and found that they were triggered from CAFFEINE. It was really hard but I slowly nursed myself off diet sodas, and then coffee. Now I get maybe two a year as opposed to once a week.
If you are a diet soda consumer, I bet that’s what it is.
Dee says
May 12, 2006 at 8:54 amI spat water everywhere when I read how you wanted to pump your fist in the air and do lappies around the “ladies” asile. HAHAHA!
On a serious note tho, absolutely bloody brilliant!!!!!!! @ the blood pressure.
Maybe you should take that winner lap…
Liz says
May 12, 2006 at 12:19 pmI do not have migraines, but I heard an excellent story on National Public Radio about treating migraines through diet instead of medication. Here’s the link to the story on their website:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5364970
Vic says
February 9, 2007 at 10:47 amI used to suffer from migraines also.I have eliminated all fake sugar(aspartme) foods such as diet soads, sugar free gums and the headaches stopped the next day. I happen to love those things and so every once in a while I have some, but the migraines return in 1 to 2 days.
D says
March 1, 2007 at 2:09 pmStudies have shown magnesium helps prevent migraines. I hardly ever get them since I’ve started taking it. Studies have also shown it can help prevent type 2 diabeties.