high blood pressure

Hi sisters,
It's been a while since I've posted. I have been working and trying to get back to a "normal" life.
I did however experience what I thought was heart palpitations or a skipped beat on Monday. I kept feeling this hard beat in my throat and I would immediately get a head rush after it happened. I went to see my DR/GP and they took my Bp and it was 180/100. I am usually 120/70 or lower. Never had high Bp in my life. He did EKG, which was normal. He asked me a lot of questions about my kidneys (which I'm sure is related to my Lupus) and gave me Norvasc 5mg to take. He also ordered CBC, Chem 7 or 12?, ANA, C4 and a urine culture.
I don't know if the surgery has "uncovered" yet another problem or if it "woke" up my Lupus. Anyway, I just wanted to lean on my sisters. I know I can find an ear here. Thanks

wow!! 180/100 is a frighteningly high number!!! I hope they are able to find a source for you soon.

Stef TVH due to adenocarcinoma in situ

Hi there

I agree with Stef, 180/100 is really high for anyone, but especially a young woman like yourself. I will keep you in my thoughts and ers that your Doctor will be able to get this under control.

Please keep us posted on what you find out.

Love & s

Hi disneyfan I don't have any great answers for you but I wanted to let you know you're not alone. The same thing happened to me Labor Day weekend, and I ended up in the ER having a CT scan because the clinic DR thought I might have had a tiny stroke, my bp was so high.

My internist is working on it with me... it doesn't seem to be HRT related since adjusting things there doesn't affect it AT ALL... one factor that does seem to have an influence is stress and sleep... I'm a single mom of 2 adolescent boys (no stress there right? ) and insomnia kind of comes with the post hyst territory for a while.

I'm getting the sleep thing under control and making a point of walking for an hour three times a week... it's still quite high though, and like you I was always a 120/60 or 70 person until a few months post op.

One other consideration: did you gain any weight post op? I did, and my DR tells me that at some point, you can cross a line where gaining only a few pounds can trigger hypertension, especially if you have a family history (I do). In my case if it doesn't come down by my next visit (which will be her third confirmation of hypertension) she's going to put me on a very mild diuretic to get the pressure down.

Please keep posting and let us know if you find out anything... there are more of us around here with this issue who would love to hear what helps you.
s,
-Linda

It could be that hormones are playing a part in this. I have had high blood pressure on and off for many years, so I was "tuned in" when I read how menopause can cause your blood pressure to go up. Are you on HRT? If you are on Estrogen without progesterone replacement , progesterone cream might help, according to Dr John Lee in his book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause." You might want to check it out. I kept my ovaries, and at 6 weeks my BP seems about the same.
I am sure Lupus can be a factor too.
I have a friend that has lupus and has had dramatic improvement after trying immunocal. It is an immune system booster. Check out their website at immunotec.com.
Good Luck!!

I had high blood pressure after surgery. I always had perfect bp before that. It has been two years now (almost) and I still have not returned to my prior bp. However, it is better than the first few months directly after surgery.
Pam