I begin with a 11-12 BPM, but my breathing rate at the end of a session always falls to 4.8. I use Resperate a.m. and p.m. It is an effort to speed up my BPM towards the session's end to achieve the over 5.0 BPM, and besides, the voice is encouraging me to keep with the slower rhythm. What do you recommend?

Hi Flossie:

I have had my Resperate about six weeks now and I had (and still have) the same problem. Like you, I was concerned because I was trying to keep my BPM between the 7-8 BPM figure that had been recommended. Through trial and error (and assistance by Marguerite) I now am not concerned about ending up the session with a 4.9 or 5.0. I don't even look at the machine until it tells me that my session is almost over. I took a reading this morning (I do this once a week) and my blood pressure was 118/72. So, as you can see, the Resperate really works. So, bottom line, don't spend too much time worrying about the numbers. Just close your eyes and relax until it is over. It works - I am living proof of that.

This topic actually came up in our meeting today and it's been decided to make some modifications in the User Manual and Quick Start. Here's the deal. Most people are comfortable between 6-8 BPM. It's not to say that you can't or shouldn't go below 5 BPM. Also some people have a hard time getting below 8 BPM! Then we have people that call us and tell us they are getting below 5BPM and are comfortable, but see an increase in their Blood Pressure. The reason is that they sit there litereally breathing in with the tone and breathing...breathing in..breathing out. Great..not! They're keeping up, but they are not relaxed!!!! RELAXATION is key! If you have your eyes closed (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) and are following the guiding tones and it happens to bring you down to 4.5bpm, but you thought that was the most wonderful experience (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) , then it's OK!! I hope everyone can understand this. It's almost like "go with the flow" or do what feels good.
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Hmm,

I have been using mine for just a couple of days now, and I have the reverse 'problem' in that I want to breath more slowly but the machine wants to go faster, at least to start.

I have no problem at all with 4 BPM, and just slow down comfortably until the machine catches up with me.

Remember, this is not a competition. Comfort is key.
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

I've been doing the Resperate for a month and I love it. I do it 5-6 times/week and have been routinely winding up at 4.9bpm with all but the first couple minutes of the session in the TBZ. My problem is that I can't prove the benefit of this biofeedback because I freek out when a blood pressure cuff is attached to my arm. My readings shoot way up because I fear a high reading (...yes I know I'm a head case...) and, sure enough, the reading is high. I'm my own worst enemy. I hate to take more drugs (I take Benicar HCT 40/12.5 now) and would rather less than more.

Dickster, just wanted to say that I feel your pain. I would almost rather give a speech than take my OWN blood pressure, much less have it taken by a doctor. I have not only "White Coat" syndrome but I also have "if any sort of bp cuff comes near me I panic even if I'm alone in the room" syndrome! I envy those who can relax enough at home to get an accurate bp reading! I've been taking my bp daily for about 2 weeks thinking eventually I would get used to it and be calmer, but my pulse always shoots up to over 120 with a corresponding jump in bp, even if I sit still for awhile and let my pulse come down it zooms back up when I put the cuff back on. Very frustrating and although intellectually I know how counter-productive it is, it's hard to argue with that fight-or-flight part of my brain that says "panic first, logic later". Very very occasionally, if my mind is on other things and it suddenly pops into my mind, I can sit down and get a fairly good bp reading, but I have to fool myself by making that decision on the spur of the moment, if I have any time to think about it the hands start shaking and the heart starts beating wildly with adrenaline. ARGH.

The good news is, I think Resperate may eventually help with that. I'm encouraged becauase I"ve been using Resperate for about a week and on about the 3rd day I did manage to get a much lower reading after a session than before, again it was a spur-of-the-moment decision to take my bp just after the Resperate session ended, I was SO HAPPY and actually astounded to see that 20-point drop. 2 days later I got an unusually low reading the day after a session (did not use the Resparate that day yet), EVEN THOUGH I was feeling stressed and anxious when I took my bp, AND even though my heart rate was very high. BP has been up and down since then but I'm hoping that eventually somehow the Resperate will teach my blood vessels not to over-react even if I'm panicked, that would be a dream come true for me!

Hi Diane: I guess it must be that being tense and nervous must be a sort of common denominator with us. I have been a Type-A person all my life and I have suffered in the past from very high anxiety and even had panic attacks. I can relate to the panic that you feel but I want to tell you not to be afraid of it. It is just a nervous symptom and nervous symptoms will rise and fall if you don't attach the idea of danger to them. Just change your thoughts, i.e., tell yourself that you are feeling uncomfortable while taking your blood pressure but go ahead and do it anyway. If you keep doing that, eventually the idea of danger will dissipate. I notice that many people are comparing themselves and their BP readings with other people. Just remember that everyone is different. If you feel that you must compare yourself, compare your BP results with the BP results you had BEFORE you started using the Resperate machine. That's what really counts - not how many BPM's you are having but what the final results reflect. There you will see your gains and you will feel more confident.

To Flossie: Thank you for the email that you sent me. I haven't figured out yet how to respond to emails so when I figure that out, I will be happy to respond. It may not be for a while yet because I am leaving for vacation overseas in a couple of days. Right now I am trying to figure out the best way to pack my Resperate. I think I will take it in my carry-on. I would rather lose all of my other luggage but NOT my Resperate!!

Good luck to both of you. Relax and then endorse yourself for all your efforts.

Dandee (Dolores)

Thanks, Dandee. I have had panic attacks in the past also, so I agree that many of us may have very sensitive nervous systems! I also decided last night to try something a little silly. I'm buying a big box of chocolates (Sees, my favorite, which I hardly ever allow myself), and before I take my bp every day I'm putting one perfect chocolate in a little dish, and letting it sit there on the table while I try to relax for a few minutes and then take my bp, then the chocolate will be my little reward. It worked for Pavlov, maybe it'll work for me, and somehow my brain will get the message that taking a bp is a GOOD thing. I'll let you know if it works to calm me down! Enjoy your trip, nice chatting with you!

Wow, this makes me happy to see everyone helping out eachother! The RESPeRATE relaxes your nervous system, so for those of you that are still experiencing White Coat, those numbers will eventually start coming down. I once had someone try to "paint me a picture" using just words. Try to invision a beach scene or a lake or any serene location while measuring your blood pressure. As far as that chocolate trick, i give you a lot of credit if you can hold-out until AFTER you've taken your blood pressure readings! That chocolate would have been gone before it was put down! hee hee
Most importantly, breathe easy!
Marguerite (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Hello Diane

It is hard to say whether Resperate is working as I am very much like you. I have my own Bp monitor at home but cannot relax enough to take it properly. I even have my husband sitting next to me to talk to me while I take it. As for the Doctor or nurse taking it at the Surgery I panic like mad. It is comforting to know that there are many people out there with White Coat Syndrome. I will carry on using the Resperate and remember that I am not the only one who panics at the sight of a BP
cuff.

Patrice

Patrice,
You are definitely not alone. I can also add that we get MANY calls a day from people who almost seem to have a phobia of a blood pressure monitor as well as doctor's office (White Coat Syndrome) I think that no matter how you repond, it's important to take your BP readings at the same time of day every time you take it. I would even suggest taking 3 readings in a row (3 minute intervals).
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

I actually found taking of the BP painful, and almost stopped until the pharamist suggested the wrist model. I wouldn't use another type now. It may not be as accurate but it so much more comfortable. You can take your blood pressure as many times as you want, your arm doesn't hurt and there isn't this sense of the thing squeezing the life out the poor arm.

Hi Patrice

I know where you're coming from on this. I'vs gone the opposite way. 6 months ago my BP was not too bad and I used to take home readings without a problem. Then it went up and I bought Resperate which I have been using twice a day for 2 months. For the last few weeks I have stopped taking readings as I became so anxious taking them and they have gone up so much. I do feel more relaxed now using Resperate and find it has made me more aware of my breathing throughout the day as well but it would be great just to see those readings coming down.

Jem