Raised BP after removal of left kidney due to cancer

[Goonerforever]

Hi! I'm in my 60's. In 09/2024, I had nephroureterectomy surgery to remove left kidney & ureter due to grade 3 cancer. Before surgery I was already on 5mg ramipril and 20mg atorvastatin. Now BP has gone higher as expected with single kidney. GP has added amlodipine 10mg to the ramipril, and now I'm suffering swollen ankles/feet quite a lot. Anyone in a similar situation? I have cut right down on salt & alcohol and it helps with the BP. Any helpful tips to survive on a single kidney welcome. P.S. I also have an enlarged prostate so high risk of UTI which can affect kidney function. I have been taking tamsulosin and finasteride for prostate BPH for a year now. Thanks.

[Happyrosie]

I’m wondering if there is a specific section within health Unlocked which might help? And I’m sure you are drinking plenty of water.

[Goonerforever in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks HappyRosie. Yes drinking as much water as I can but A&E once told me not to go mad on it or the kidney will be overwhelmed!

[Rainyday2024]

Hello, I was prescribed Amlodipine recently for my high bp and within a few days my feet and ankles became very swollen and quite painful, even when taking a low dose! I have read this can be one of the side effects, so am now trying Losartan but evidently I will need a blood test in a week or so, as this particular drug may affect kidneys! Hopefully they wouldn’t prescribe that one for you! It seems every drug has side effects! I hope you get it all sorted and go on alright in the future. Kind regards

[Goonerforever in reply to Rainyday2024]

Thanks Rainyday. In fact I had a BP review yesterday at my surgery, and they have now added small dose of doxazosin in the mix! I hope it does not start another side-effect! Kind Regards too..

[Rainyday2024 in reply to Goonerforever]

Hello again, That was a quick reply! I hope you new “addition” doesn’t cause you any more problems! Didn’t they offer to change the Amlopidine? I couldn’t even wear socks because my ankles were so swollen! As soon as I stopped taking it, they went back to normal which I think proves something, don’t you? Trouble is, the Losartan 25 mg wasn’t lowering my bp, so have got to try 50 mg!! Don’t get me started on statins!!! Grrrrr….. Look after yourself x

[Carriefarm]

I initially had swollen feet/ankles when I started Amlodipine but I made sure to walk daily and the swelling stopped after about two weeks. I think the walking helped with this. I hope you find relief soon.

[MountainGoat52]

Amlodipine also gave me swollen ankles which prevented me from going on my daily walk. I stuck it for a month, during which time I also had difficulty processing thoughts (not good as I was self-employed). My GP changed the prescription to Losartan and the problems disappeared more or less straight away and I've now been on that for 15 years without any issues.

[Rainyday2024 in reply to MountainGoat52]

Hi, I was interested to read your dr changed you over to Losartan, the same as mine. Would you mind telling me which dosage you are on? The 25 gm didn’t work for me, so have now been prescribed 50 mg! I haven’t collected the new pills yet, not going out today! Hopefully collect them on Monday - it will be interesting to see whether they lower my bp to an acceptable level - although that seems to vary according to which dr I speak to!!! Thanks

[MountainGoat52 in reply to Rainyday2024]

I started on 50mg and eventually had to go up to 100mg as my blood pressure rose due to stress. Later there was found to be an hereditary issue as well. After a triple bypass I now take 25mg. I have never had an issue with Losartan, even on 100mg. At one point my GP did prescribe Doxazosin in addition to Losartan, but that just put my blood pressure up even further. I have quite a few medications on my "black list". 😀

[Rainyday2024 in reply to MountainGoat52]

Thank you for your prompt reply! I think stress has an awful lot to answer for - even just trying to get a doctor’s appointment or use the online e-consult thingie is stressful these days! 😖 Thank goodness for these websites, it’s great to be able to share our thoughts, ask for advice, etc. I am also on the Glaucoma one, which I find very interesting and helpful. Take care and look after yourself. Regards, Gill

[MountainGoat52 in reply to Rainyday2024]

Hi Gill,

I've learnt several things since my "health journey" started which work for me:

1. Above all, keep positive. Mental health is as important as physical health.

2. Try to keep calm, particularly in situations where you can do nothing to make a change. Personally I have adopted a measure of manana.

3. Be pro-active in respect of your situation, even as far as being able to argue your case when the medication prescribed causes issues. Medication is meant to make us better not worse or create additional problems.

4. Get pleasure from simple things. I often give thanks for seeing something, such as a view or an unusual bird or animal. Try to enjoy life.

With my very best wishes for the future,

Gerald

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I had surgery for bowel cancer last year and since then my blood pressure has went up, I wasn't on any medication before the operation, although a few years ago I took amlodipine and my ankles did swell up so my consultant took me off them and I never needed anything till now, I take 2mg of doxazosin which seems to be doing the job ok . I hope your BP settles down and you start to feel a bit better. Take care char

[fishonabike]

I think you need advice and support from Renal/Urology specialist as many medications used to control BP can affect your kidney function

Can you contact the hospital department which treated you for your kidney cancer and ask if they can help, at this stage you should still be under their wing