Te kōrero o Witi , Witi Ashby’s story
Witi Ashby is a father, a husband, a brother, an uncle and a nephew. He is also a friend to many in Taitokerau where he lives with his wife Di Grennell in Whangarei. For many years he has lived with a number of conditions that need to be managed with medications.
Are you currently on any medication?
Yes I am. At the moment I have these conditions: high blood pressure/hypertension, high cholesterol, severe chronic asthma and diabetes and I take Loratadine, Amlodipine, Aspirin, Simvastin, Inhibace, Doxazosin, Metformin, Potassium, Ventolin and Symbicort to treat them.
I have been treating my asthma since I was seven years old and I spent time in accident and emergency regularly – I had nearly died from asthma as a child. When I was 15 years old moved to Auckland, my asthma disappeared but when I returned to Whangarei at 23 years of age, the asthma returned. It has remained a chronic condition for me.
Why am I feeling dizzy and breathless?
Witi was diagnosed with hypertension firstly in 1998, and started taking medication for this. At the time Witi was working with youth groups and outdoor pursuits, so was extremely fit; however, he began experiencing dizzy spells. He was getting short of breath after exertion, and after a particular caving expedition, he had to sit down.
Shortly after this incident, a nurse from Ngati Hine Health Trust tested Witi’s blood pressure and found that it was dangerously high. She suggested that he should visit a GP, but unfortunately it wasn’t until six months later that Witi did seek medical advice.
At this visit, his doctor tested him and confirmed that he had high blood pressure. Witi was given a range of tests to identify the cause of his sickness and the conclusion was made that his family history of high blood pressure was being repeated in him.
My struggle with medicines
Taking my medicines was not a priority for me, because I was determined to continue as though nothing had changed. I took the medicines sometimes, but I’d sometimes forget, but I didn’t worry about it and I ignored the symptoms of my illnesses. I put it down to bad luck.
At one stage, Witi had a dressing table full of medicines that were not being taken correctly.
I would have about 10 bottles of medicines waiting to be taken, that I would forget about. And each day passed by in the same way.
It was actually the RA dispensary offering to put my medications into blister packs that made the difference! I wake up in the morning and I’m aware that I have to take my morning meds and if they are still there at night, it’s obvious! If I forget to take Monday, it plays on my conscience – it tells me I have to be consistent. It is an awesome way to keep track of what I have to take.
"Psychologically, the blister packs motivate me to actually take my medications! The blister packs prompt me to take them every day, at the right time – you have to do it!"
Blister packs – these are awesome. It gives you the times, dates and hours to take your medication, morning, evening/bed time. It tells you what days you take them e.g. Monday to Sunday, and at the end of the week the Rust Ave Pharmacy drop off a new supply of the medications off at our house.
Witi is now with a new GP who has reviewed all of Witi’s medications and is trialling, adjusting and monitoring closely to get his blood pressure under control.
Witi’s wife Di Grennell plays an important role in supporting Witi as he manages his conditions and his medications.
