Hi, Donna. Yes, like you, I was stabilized on a three-med regime for about ten years (HCTZ, Lisinopril & Metaprolol). Then last winter things started getting out of hand and both systolic and diastolic kept going up and up. Finally, in July, my doc doubled the Metaprolol. That didn't work. So he threw in some clonidine (fourth drug). That works but it makes me tired. So this week he switched the Clonidine to Amlodipine and we'll see how that works. I'll also be taking a renal artery test to see if that's clogged up and needs a stent.

I'd prefer not having a stroke right now. It would be very inconvenient. But I didn't spend years with uncontrolled BP, we controlled it as soon as it raised its ugly head. Unfortunately, it's all what they call "idiopathic," i.e., they don't know the cause. I do need to lose 20 pounds. Which I can do. As for the stress, I've been trying mindfulness meditation. I don't know how long that takes to have an effect. Do you?