copd, maintenance
"Recently, I went to the emergency room with a blood pressure of 212 - 231 over 100 and pulse 68.  Nothing was wrong physiologically, the ER doctor suggested reviewing my many medications with my primary doctor and cardiologist.  I tend to be proactive and while doing this I dialed back my meds to the bare minimum which left blood pressure medication, aspirin and Asthma inhaler, thus eliminating my Spiriva despite not having any side effects.  Today after a couple of days, off of Spiriva, I had real difficulty breathing and shall breathing, so much so that I cut my activities short to get home and rest. I reviewed the Spiriva side effects and applicable to me would be increased heart rate, and in my case a benefit. Can't live without Spiriva"