Hi All,
I recently gave birth over a month ago and had an increase in my bp a month before. I have returned to work a week before I was suppose to but my doctor released me with requirements of exercising and lowerinh my salt intake (which I do not use often). I checked my bp on Saturday and it was 167/112. I noticed having a little pain when I laid down the other night in my lower right back and in my upper chest on the left side and now a severe headache. It come and goes away but comes back. Is this normal?? I do have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow. Do you know what types of tests they will do??? Is this serious???
So I went to the doctor who did EKG, blood tests, gave a tetnus shot, and prescribed me more prenatal bills. I took a couple days off from work though. Then, Friday I went to the ER bc I had same pain in my lower right side, arm and hand and mild chest pain on my left. They also did EKG, chest xrays and blood test. Nothing seems to be a problem to them either as being immediate. So they said follow up w/my doctor and gave me a couple vicodins. So Saturday I decided to get physical, I got up and did some exercises (played basketball and took a walk w/the kids). No pain in lower right back, hand or chest just still in my arm a bit though. Then today I took prenatal vitamin, playef more basketball and washed car). No pain nowhere but in my hand other than that took my test for one of my classes and will be going to work tonight! Thank you ladies for your advice care and concerns! I appreciate all who looked out...
Ps. As of the last time my bp was checked it was 145/85 so still more to go but its a start of lowering, Thank God!!
I would call the doctor and er tonight. Blood pressure problems can be fatal and at the very least serious~ Severe headache and pain, you need to call now. I hope and pray that you are ok.
GL.
M
I had HBP before baby and still have it. I had a hard time nursing and getting a med to work so ultimately I stopped nursing and began a med that brought my pressure down. My BP was never more than 145/90 and now it is usually 119/70 with the med.
Get this under control - kidney failure is no joke. Meds do work. Side effects can be an issue but they are manageable - a good MD can help you with it.
My HBP is one of the reasons we decided to have only one baby BUT she is the greatest and even when I am tired in the afternoons (my main side effect) my girl gets me going.
A friend of mine had to deliver early because of HBP, and wound up needing bloodpressure meds when it didn't return to normal.
Is your BP elevated now? If it is, and you have a severe headache, you may want to at least call the ER- tell them you do have an appt tomorrow, but you were wondering if you should come in to be checked tonight. I think it's better to err on the side of caution when it comes to BP.
Blessings :)
It can be serious if left untreated; be sure to keep your follow up appointment. My sister after her 3rd baby was too busy to keep close monitoring of her HBP and ended up hospitalized. If doctor feels it best, they may put you on medication short term. Continue monitoring and the symptoms you described are your body's way of alerting you something is not normal. While 167/112 isn't as high as I've heard others have, it's bad enough for you body to sound off alarms. I'm sure your doctor told you normal is somewhere near 120/70 and the bottom having the most impact on your health/heart; so by that it is quite high. I'm not a doctor of course and I always say, better to err on the side of caution. Go to emergency with you symptoms or call and let them guide you. Take care and hope you get stable soon.
.
I did not have HBP until the end of my pregnancy and unfortunately 8 yrs later still have it. I take 2 meds and have lost more than 70 lbs and my reading lately have been excellent. 118/72, at their highest they were 160/92 that was with medication. Are your feet swelling? I could also hear my heart pound in my ears. That's very disturbing. Good Luck to you!! M. E
Yes it is getting serious but you're doing the right thing by seeing a doctor.
Google DASH Diet - it is not a 'diet' per se, but an eating plan that helps you learn how to control blood pressure through the foods you eat (and don't eat). It is easy to follow and can help.
Be sure to write all your symptoms down and hand the list to the doctor upon his/her entry (so you don't forget). Be 100% honest about everything. High blood pressure can be a serious issue - it wears out the veins/arteries much quicker and you don't want to injury/rupture one (heart attack/stroke because oxygenated blood can't get to the brain).
I had issues with HBP after both my births. Both times through following a very strict low-sodium diet (no more than 1300 mg per day) and exercising I was able to take it from 150s/110s to 105-110/60s.
You may need to go on medication. If this is the case, don't be embarrassed or ashamed - it is all designed to bring your blood pressure under control and help improve your overall health.
Best wishes to you!
I think it's important to follow-up with a doctor and I can't give you advice, but my blood pressure did the same thing after my first son was born. I'm not sure how long it took before it finally went down, probably a couple of months. It did eventually return to normal without any medication--but I didn't have any of the pain or headaches you're having either--that is concerning.
Your BP was extremely high, and the symptoms do coincide with the elevated BP. They will probably do some blood tests, BP check , possibly an EKG, stress test, and check your urine. All routine, but needed in any case that involved hx or elevated BP with your symptoms. If it's consistently high, will probably be placed on blood pressure medications. This will stabilize your bp, and help keep it in check. It is good that you are going to your doctor. Catching it early enough will prevent any long term effects.
Make sure you are hydrated. Dehydration is very dangerous, and one of the symptomes is HBP. You should drink purified water, at least 1/2 ounce per pound you are. If you are 150 pounds, you will need 75 ounces of purified water. Salt isn't really a factor. Increase your vegie intake also. You will find that within a couple of weeks your BP should be back to normal
