I had very high blood pressure that I worked with my DR to get under control in 2018. After trying a lot of different meds over several months, we settled on a three-drug cocktail made up of a Calcium Channel Blocker, an ARB, and a diuretic which has brought my BP down into the high-normal range.
I was just looking at the WADA banned substances list and saw my diuretic (HCTZ - Hydrochlorothiazide) is listed as banned for both in and out of competition. I do an occasional race that defaults to WADA requirements, and so, even though I’m just a recreational rider, I thought I’d follow the USADA process for a TUE and see how it goes. I filled out the USADA pre-check form and sent it in today. It’ll be interesting to experience the process and see how it plays out.
Good for you…I applaud your commitment to following the process.
Honestly, I don’t know if I personally would have bothered. Diuretics are primarily used as masking agents, not performance enhancers themselves, so you aren’t necessarily gaining an advantage by using them.
A way different situation than some using a prescription for testosterone and not going through the TUE process, etc.
But again, kudos for following the process. Keep us updated on how things progress!!
Oh, I absolutely think he did the right thing. I just don’t know that I would bother to go through all the steps if I wasn’t taking an actual performance-enhancing drug.
