Patti
I am a nurse as well as someone who has hypertension. Usually once you are placed on medication for your blood pressure you will be on it for life. There are exceptions, but that will be your doctor's call. There are some things you can do to help keep your pressure down and increase the chances that you might one day be taken off the medicine. Some are regular exercise, keep your weight in normal range, watch your salt and fat intake. Your doctor is the best resource for your questions since each person is different. If you don't have a good enoug relationship with your doctor to feel free to ask questons about your health, perhaps you need to find one you are comfortable with. Never assume that because your pressure is normal on medication and you feel OK that you can stop the medicine! without consulting with your doctor.