What triggers big changes in my blood pressure is what is going on in my mind. For example I think I got the highest reading ever after completing a tax form. I can bring it down to very low levels through deep breathing/meditation.

I very rarely go and see my Doctor but when I do - my reading always shoots way above its normal level - simply because I don't like him for how he treated my Mother (well actually he wouldn't even examine her).

I guess I should get another Doctor.

Hi everybody.. Im new to this site.. have had MC since birth, and i need a whole book to detail the long road to recovery,and management for this illness which has blighted my life.. Im now 60..and feeling a lot better because i dont have to live up to the expectations of ''well'' people, or be stressed out with the demands of a family. I am responding today, because of your mention of procainamide.. and your experience with smoking dope..
Firstly, I was on procainamide for 10yrs.. the 3 times daily dose was far too much, and i ended up with just a morning dose..I had terrible withdrawal symptoms which used to kick in around 6pm, just as i needed to be cooking for the family etc.. I was continually grumpy and screaming at the kids.2 of which have MC..I started having joint pains, in fact i was in agony 'in my bones', and eventually i said, enough is enough, and i went cold turkey. I met, or was led to, a naturopathic guru, and was forbidden all usual chemical drugs.. I have managed to detox my body over the years, and take homeopathic remedies for absolutely everything..I avoid everything that could bring on an attack, including stress.. but we all know that MC has a mind of its own, and does what it wants, when it wants.. i have had to tailor my life accordingly.. I basically find i cannot keep up with the healthy, and to a degree, this has slowly led me to quite a solitary existance now that i have empty nest, which i enjoy within the confines of the illness.
My second point relates to your mention of marihuana. I have always maintained that i could not have coped without smoking dope.As a 'hippy' in the good old days, i was a late smoker..didnt know about it till my thirties..and in those days it was new and good fun.When my guru stopped me smoking nicotene, i found a way round it by smoking herbal cigs made of Coltsfoot and Rose petals. There are plenty of herbal cigs nowadays.. Of course, I cannot smoke the new hybrid stuff, Skunk...nor any rubbish solid stuff.. but natural grass, has been my saviour for 30yrs.It helps me shut off the strain of coping with a MC affecting my whole body.. from my tongue to my toes.. i have cramps in places[ like behind the ears]where i was unaware muscles exist.
So i am pleased to hear of someone else who finds it helpful...
At some point i will tell my story too..in the meantime i am blown away to link with fellow sufferers. Love Vicky..in London. England