Expert: Howard Lorenz - 7/6/2008

Question
I have a question regarding my hypertensive state.  When I enlisted I was border line hypertensive due to One hypoplastic kidney.  When I was put at my permanent duty station I ended up at sick call and the Dr threw a fit about my blood pressure put me on medication which isn't helping. Now that Iam deployed I had a adverse reaction with the medication. My NCO wants me to go get checked out again and be reevaluated. Which I'm not disagreeing with but I have that fear of being MED Boarded out over this.  When I enlisted I was granted a medical Waiver for the missing kidney. I did all the testing and everything the army wanted for my BP's. Weekly checks ect ect ect. I was in the low 130's/80's right now Iam around 140's over high 70's to mid 80's.  With as much effort and time I have put into joining the army I don't want to be put out over this. I know I would have many letters of recommendation from my chain of command requesting me to be allowed to stay in.  But what's the chances of this not going in my favor?

Answer
Well the first thing I wouldnt do is stress about being Med Boarded out....that will raise the BP. I am in the same boat, they just need to adjust the medication till you start responding. You BP is high, but managable. I dont know what your weight is , but if you are over weight...loose it. You need to look at all the things that contrubute to Hypertension and stop doing , taking or eating what will agravate the situation. And if you dont want to be med boarded out of the ARMY, then tell them... They will keep those who want to stay. Hypertension is managable, but there are things that you can do to help...