Something small can often lead to an unexpected diagnosis. Get to know Annette, who went from hearing a ringing in her ears to being prescribed a daily medication for high blood pressure. She shares what it’s like to take control of her health, in her own words.
What does your day-to-day life look like?
I’m an cybersecurity engineer at a company that accredits and certifies government systems, like the U.S. Navy, for example. My work is in D.C., but I live in Virginia, and I have an 11-year-old daughter. When I’m not at work, I’m into crafting. I just took a sewing class, and I’m looking forward to delving into the next one. I have three sisters, and we all grew up crocheting and knitting. Now I’m teaching my daughter how to do both.
What motivated you to try a medication reminder app?
In 2012, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I’d been hearing this ringing in my ears, so I figured I better get it checked out. I went to see a doctor and they monitored me for a while and did some tests. I think my pressure was especially high during that time because I’d been out of work that year and was under a lot of stress. They prescribed me some medication, and I’ve been taking it ever since. It’s a very low dose, but knowing that it’s mandatory is enough for me to take it seriously.
IF YOU HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, YOU CAN’T BE FORGETTING TO TAKE YOUR MEDS. THE CONSEQUENCES COULD BE HUGE; I COULD HAVE A STROKE.
I know I have to be diligent and always take it at the same time every day. So once I found out about Mango, I knew that using the app would be the best way to make sure I never forget. It’s one thing to forget to take a supplement, but if you have high blood pressure, you can’t be forgetting to take your meds. The consequences could be huge; I could have a stroke. So Mango helps me stay on time and on target, until maybe one day very soon when I’ll be able to come off of those meds.
We admire the commitment you’ve made to your health. Can you tell us about your greatest success or challenge?
I’d say it’s been my weight. Actually, I’d lost 30 pounds before my diagnosis, but then I put it all back on again due to stress. After I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, I decided to take corrective action by trying to lower my weight again.
So I’ve been part of a fitness routine for quite a long time now. In addition to taking my blood pressure meds and all my supplements, I also use Mango to track my weight every morning. I’ve been reducing my weight little by little. At the moment, I’ve managed to re-lose 22 pounds, so I’m definitely on target to lose the whole 30 again. I just have to keep going!
