Post by thegoliathfrog on Sept 9, 2013 21:37:03 GMT -5
Hello everyone,
Ever since I had one traumatic experience when I drove a very long way to get into a study, got nervous and failed the blood pressure test at the facility, I have had trouble passing the vitals at screenings. It never happened to me before this unfortunate incident. It is such an incredibly frustrating problem to have, because I KNOW my blood pressure is totally within range, normally. I get nervous when it's time to get my blood pressure taken, and it jumps way up.
Now, I'll be honest and tell you that I've tried using Propranolol (Inderal) to pass the test. That's a standard beta blocker. Every now and then I barely SQUEAK through (when using Propranolol), when the doctor is lenient enough, but it doesn't happen too reliably at all. I have noticed that the beta blockers (propranolol) keep my heart-rate and systolic number nicely in check, even when I get nervous, but it never lowers my diastolic number quite enough to pass. It's always hovering at around 95 or 97, which is not low enough. I would say, at the rate I'm going, I successfully get into a study once every 5 screenings or so (if that), which isn't too good. Mental training and trying to think about happy thoughts or "peaceful forests full of fluffy, friendly animals" doesn't really cut it for me, for some reason. BELIEVE ME, I've tried. I have tried a few different breathing exercises as well. I'm not saying that I would not be to helpful techniques (breathe in through the nose for 8 seconds, hold it, then exhale slowly for 4 or 8 seconds), but I'm REALLY hoping that one of you could propose a better drug I could use to help me pass at screenings. I don't think anxiety medicines would work, because they typically contain benzodiazepines, which are traceable in the urine test. I have also tried Labetalol, which is another beta blocker, but it has almost the exact same effect as the Propranolol, which is to say that it doesn't keep my diastolic quite low enough.
If you think you have some advice for me that does not involve taking a medicine / pill, feel free to offer it, but just KNOW that I've heard a lot of advice along these lines. It's harder than you think to overcome these temporary flashes of nervousness or focusing too much on the feeling of that seemingly harmless blue velcro pad slowly tightening its fateful grip around your arm. Remember, that blue pad holds within its clutches the singular power to destroy your chances of getting into the study... Remember that while trying to keep your blood pressure low! It's HARD to just NOT think about it.
Listen everybody.... I know there are others among you who suffer from this problem, too. It really is no joke. Could somebody PLEASE recommend soing effective? I really need some help here.
Ever since I had one traumatic experience when I drove a very long way to get into a study, got nervous and failed the blood pressure test at the facility, I have had trouble passing the vitals at screenings. It never happened to me before this unfortunate incident. It is such an incredibly frustrating problem to have, because I KNOW my blood pressure is totally within range, normally. I get nervous when it's time to get my blood pressure taken, and it jumps way up.
Now, I'll be honest and tell you that I've tried using Propranolol (Inderal) to pass the test. That's a standard beta blocker. Every now and then I barely SQUEAK through (when using Propranolol), when the doctor is lenient enough, but it doesn't happen too reliably at all. I have noticed that the beta blockers (propranolol) keep my heart-rate and systolic number nicely in check, even when I get nervous, but it never lowers my diastolic number quite enough to pass. It's always hovering at around 95 or 97, which is not low enough. I would say, at the rate I'm going, I successfully get into a study once every 5 screenings or so (if that), which isn't too good. Mental training and trying to think about happy thoughts or "peaceful forests full of fluffy, friendly animals" doesn't really cut it for me, for some reason. BELIEVE ME, I've tried. I have tried a few different breathing exercises as well. I'm not saying that I would not be to helpful techniques (breathe in through the nose for 8 seconds, hold it, then exhale slowly for 4 or 8 seconds), but I'm REALLY hoping that one of you could propose a better drug I could use to help me pass at screenings. I don't think anxiety medicines would work, because they typically contain benzodiazepines, which are traceable in the urine test. I have also tried Labetalol, which is another beta blocker, but it has almost the exact same effect as the Propranolol, which is to say that it doesn't keep my diastolic quite low enough.
If you think you have some advice for me that does not involve taking a medicine / pill, feel free to offer it, but just KNOW that I've heard a lot of advice along these lines. It's harder than you think to overcome these temporary flashes of nervousness or focusing too much on the feeling of that seemingly harmless blue velcro pad slowly tightening its fateful grip around your arm. Remember, that blue pad holds within its clutches the singular power to destroy your chances of getting into the study... Remember that while trying to keep your blood pressure low! It's HARD to just NOT think about it.
Listen everybody.... I know there are others among you who suffer from this problem, too. It really is no joke. Could somebody PLEASE recommend soing effective? I really need some help here.
