Low BP

Hi. I have been dealing with low blood pressure, with the systolic pressure around 91 for over a week now. I am not particularly dizzy when getting up. I've read that it is no big deal until it drops below 90. I have had a lot going on with neck and shoulder pain for a month now and am seeing a chiropractor and beginning this week, a physiotherapist to build upper body strength. I am very lethargic. I feel relatively useless. I have been dealing with one thing after another since I went into kidney failure in November, including having had my PD cath repositioned, cycler adjustments, and inguinal hernia surgery about 12 weeks ago. I have discontinued my BP meds because I do not have high blood pressure at present and want to see where my natural pressure is. I am taking in salt to raise my BP and try to stay hydrated in unusually high heat. I also walk my dog for an hour (even though I don't feel like it) and am trying to walk on a treadmill a few times a week. My most recent bloodwork from about 4 weeks ago suggests I am within normal parameters across the board. I thought about reaching out to my dialysis team, but they will just advise me to see my doctor, whom I have recently seen and must wait a month before I see her again, as she is booked up. Has anyone else been dealing with low BP? What do you do to combat the lethargy and do you have any tricks for raising BP? Thank you.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

A doctor evaluation is a must at this point. Many causes and many ways to treat. Call doc, contact dialysis team. Ive had chronic low bp for 17 years. Blessings

[Hidden in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thank you, Kidney Coach. I am beginning to feel "high-maintenance" and am kind of embarrassed by it. I guess I am really still very much on a learning curve and I need to get over my angst.

[platypusak in reply to Hidden]

You will feel less high maintenance as you progress. I felt like a terrible bother every time I asked a “dumb” question and had to make after hours calls because things seemed to be going wrong. This is a big deal and you are saving your own life. You PD team is there to support you and especially now in your early days will welcome you questions and input. Wising you well on your journey.

[platypusak]

I also deal with low BP and have been on PD about a year. In fact I havehad unanticipated weak spells due to this. My doctor warned me about the effects of dehydration when you are on PD. It’s so important that you discuss all your symptoms. Lethargy can be a problem. Also be very careful not to get too hot. The last time my BP went too low I’d spent the afternoon outside, in the shade, but did not hydrate enough. Low pressure can be dangerous, the possibility of fainting and falling is very real. It happened to me and I broke my hip. If I had been alone it could have been very bad. Do NOT hesitate to voice your concerns. Prayers

[Hidden in reply to platypusak]

Hi Platypusak! I appreciate your response. I looked at the possible reasons for low BP and saw that dehydration is one of them. This is my first summer on PD dialysis. Usually August is my tough month for this very reason - dehydration - but we are experiencing very hot temps for July here. I am sorry to learn that you broke your hip because of your BP issues. It is amazing how things can snowball. I am learning that although I like to think I am strong and healthy in spite of my CKD, in reality, one thing can quickly lead to another healthwise. Thanks again for sharing your experience with me!

[RonZone in reply to Hidden]

wow, this is all good stuff to watch out for. I assume they'll mention all this during my PD training next week, but if not, it's good to get it here!

[Jayhawker in reply to platypusak]

I couldn’t agree more with your comments. I’ve struggled with low BP for many years. I’m often weak and dizzy. I did faint on July 22nd while in the hospital for some other tests. I’m sure the dehydration resulting from the colonoscopy test prep had to be a contributing factor if not THE factor. Anyway, I just broke down and purchased a folding four-wheel walker with a seat specifically so I can sit down when feeling light headed rather than fainting again. Ugh!!! I hate this! But the Waller will at least keep me up and walking safely when I’m away from my house.

Jayhawker

[Hidden in reply to Jayhawker]

Jayhawker, I am sorry to learn that you fainted, but relieved that you were not alone or in a dangerous situation. It sounds like you've come up with a useful solution. Best wishes!

[Jayhawker in reply to Hidden]

I’ve been really focused on drinking fluids since the fainting episode. I’m certainly feeling better but will need to stay focused on this!