Blood pressure phobia

For many years I have had a phobia to matters medical. For years I hated plasters after I fainted as an 8 year old while having one put on.

My father had a heart attack and died at 57 and I hated the sight of him wired up in hospital to all the machines (I was 11)

Getting my blood pressure taken has always been an issue. I remember having it taken in 1994 when I was 31 and it was through the roof. Went back a couple of weeks later but I had tonsilitis and it was back to 120/80 - probably because I was more bothered about my sore throat.

Similar instances have happened over the years and one where is was 220/130 in the office and then i was put on a 24 hour monitor and while wearing it went out for a few drinks with friends (therefore forgetting I was wearing it!) and again the 24 hour monitor came back normal.

This week I had a routine check and again massively high in the office. Told to come back next week to have it checked again but in the meantime check reading with my own monitor. However, as soon as I put the cuff on i get tensed up, my pulse rate rises to about 100 bpm and the readings are high. (about 160/100). I contacted the doctor and he put me on Amlodipine.

Although my BP has dropped very slightly to 149/102 with a pulse rate of 90+bpm, I still am very worked up and anxious about the BP and it's a.most as if it is a self fulfilling prophecy for it to be high. Even writing this makes me feel tense.

As an example I took my pulse rate while sitting at work and it comes to about 70 bpm and I feel fine. I also cycle 50 miles a week and am relatively stress free in work. I am a couple of stone overweight but at 56 need to reduce that.

So what can I do about this and have any others had similar episodes?

I will mention this to the nurse next week but looking for advice.......

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