I have had a heart condition for many years [ I had two stents inserted back in 2005] and have had two medically diagnosed heart attacks.
For the past decade or more I have been on Thyroxine for an underactive thyroid.
Up until last year I was a very fit and active gym-goer and watched my weight and diet.
But since I received my last treatment for prostate cancer at the end of last year, I have gained excess weight and have lost my motivation for regular exercise. I believe the hormone and radiotherapy wiped out my testosterone.
On reflection, I should have had my prostate removed.
I now have high blood pressure. For the past two days I have had a bad headache. My BP reading this morning was 150 over 79 and my pulse was 70.
I am thinking of going to A&E for a medical diagnosis.
Kind regards,
David.
Written by
4paddydoransheart
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Hi David, unfortunately cancer treatment can affect your heart. As you already had a heart condition I would think a cardiologist would have attended the MDT meeting to discuss the risks of treatment.
Unfortunately HT does make you put on considerable weight but you should be able to lose this once your treatment has finished, though it can take time. Additionally, your testosterone will return, this again takes time. Do you know if your testosterone is also tested when you have your PSA tests? Some hospitals/oncologists do this others don't, you could ask for this to be measured.
Your heart rate of 70 is in the normal zone so I wouldn't be too concerned about that. Your blood pressure is certainly high but if it's a one off I wouldn't be too concerned about that either. Have you checked your blood pressure again? It's always a good idea to take your blood pressure when you're sitting & resting, I would take it 3 times with a 5 mins wait between readings & see what the average is. When we're stressed, worried etc then we're more likely to have a high reading.
If you haven't been to A&E I would suggest you phone NHS 111 for advice, they will arrange for you to speak to a clinician who will go through your symptoms & advise if A&E is where you should be
Good luck 🤞
Ps: it's quite possible that after having your prostate removed you may still have had to have HT & possibly RT, your testosterone would still be affected. Additionally, removal is a major operation which in itself causes further complications.
Thanks for you very informative response to my post. You are quite right in all that you have said. I do feel a lot better having gone to A&E and got the all-clear. They gave me a couple of paracetamol and an ibuprofen on my arrival, which has since banished the headache. So hopefully I will catch up on some sleep tonight. Thanks again.
Hi DavidReally glad to hear you're feeling better & hopefully a good night's sleep will help even more. If the headaches persist then it would probably be a good idea to have a talk with your GP about them.
And yes, if such a headache returns, I will take it to a GP. Although given the waiting times these days, the headache might well be long gone by the time I get so see one. Thanks again.
Hi paddy- Pleased your visit to A&E didn't identify any issues. Have you thought of joining the prostate group on here, I know there are people on there who opted for radiotherapy rather than surgery and you may get other perspectives on coping with side effects.
Hi Paddy, I can fully symphathise on your condition, it must be really difficult to maintain a positive attitude. But remember there are others in much worse conditions than us!
However we must fight on! Your BP is slightly elevated, no doubt this is all part of the relaxing of activities. Try to get back to your earlier routines with a new resolve, you will feel much better, best of luck.
No doubt you have loved ones looking up to you also!
Thanks for your input. I am by nature a positive person. Having said that, I am finding it difficult to motivate myself to get back to regular gym attendance. I will do it.
Sorry to hear about your situation. Like others have said, your HR is in normal range and while your sys BP is on the higher side - I dont think it is a number to panic about. With my multiple visits to a&e, the triage nurse said they only worry about your bp when higher than 180/100.
However, you are the master of your body - if you feel something is not right or off - better get it checked out.
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