I often get asked by patients what time of day is best to take their medication, particularly with respect to blood pressure. There have been a few clinical trials looking at this with slightly surprising results. Two new trials have really put the topic to bed though, and in this week’s research video you can listen to me explain why. You will find it in the weekly videos section, and I’ll also put it in the blood pressure area.
Today I wanted to cover a topic that I’m struggling to know how to address properly, but it’s definitely one that warrants some attention. It’s one I have had my own struggles with over the years, but only recently understood and came to terms with. As a doctor, I inevitably see a great many awful things happen to people. I hear sad stories of rare diseases, or tragic events happening to young people. Perhaps as a result of this, I tend to be a bit of a ‘catastrophiser’ (if that’s a word?) when it comes to my own health. Fortunately I’ve been fairly lucky, counting only a burst appendix, nasal polyps and broken bones (comes with the sports unfortunately) in my medical history. However that hasn’t stopped me worrying I have had a number of awful conditions in the past.
What leads me to wonder why I have something wrong with me? I don’t just worry for the sake of worrying, but I sometimes get symptoms which I convince myself are the start of something terrible. Let me give you an example. Around 5 years ago I had a sore throat which lingered for weeks. Looking in my throat, I noticed a small lump on my uvula (the dangly bit a the back of your mouth). I found myself ruminating on it daily. I’m embarrassed to say now, but long story short, I ended up having it biopsied (one of the most singularly unpleasant things ever), which of course was normal. My symptoms resolved straight away (although it did ruin my Christmas dinner a few days later, as the biopsy site was swollen and uncomfortable!)
The point is, I had very real symptoms every day, but these were all in my head. All I needed was reassurance.
Am I alone? No. Medically unexplained symptoms account for 20%, yes 20% of all new consultations with a GP! If you haven’t had them, you will know someone who has. I certainly see a great many patients who have very significant symptoms but have reassuring investigations and things settle down. It is so common, probably even more so in today’s world.
Why mention it in today’s blog? Well I had a recurrence of the exact same symptoms this week. I’m not sure why. I don’t feel stressed and I’m in great shape physically. My best guess is that I’ve been a bit slack on my meditation practice over the last few months, which for me is like my routine mental health maintenance. It’s one reason why I’ve posted myself a challenge in the members success stories and challenges section of my website. Being accountable to you all is one way I’m more likely to achieve my goal. I’ve already noticed I’m doing more of it, and like any healthy habit, the more I do, the better I’ll feel in time.