RA and heart conditions

[Angels-delight]

I am living in a long-term care home for almost a year. Dec 2023 I was sick with flu and in isolation. Jan 2024 I had RSV, given antibiotics, Feb 2024 I had covid again I was in isolation. Evrrytime I take antibiotics I need to stop my biological medication. I don't know with this biologic medication how long it takes to fully get into your system. I am in so much pain, more so when the weather is bad (storms) I live in Canada.

They doctor at the care home wanted to put me on apixaban medication. I had 1 dose at 4pm and the next morning my BP was tested. It was 204, the nurse said she was going to call the doctor right away. When she came back I was told to take the rest of my med and have breakfast. She came back a hour later it was 154. My blood pressure had never been 204 before. It scared me, I thought they would sender me to hospital incase I had a stroke or heart attack.

I was wondering if anyone has similar experience.

I have an a appointment with the doctor here on Monday to discuss as I refused to take the medication. I also have an appointment with my Rheumy next week. I always discuss any concerns with the doctor.

I hope everyone is okay and not in too much pain take care everyone. Sorry this is such a long message but my high blood pressure really scared me. XX

[Deeb1764]

I went thro a period my bp was high so my GP told me to take a reading 3 times a day for a week to get an average. Mine did not settle a lot so they upped my BP meds. I do react as well with new medication and this can cause my body to go up too. again when I take a new med I do a check sheet of what my readings are. Maybe have a proper discussion with the doctor and go from there.

I did land up with a heart issue but this they felt was due to steroids being an issue as on them so much and caused issues.

Just Keep asking questions

[Angels-delight in reply to Deeb1764]

Thank you for your reply, I will speak to the doctor on Monday again plus my Rheumatologist next week. My BP does vary depending on how bad my ra pain is.Take care

[medway-lady]

Apixaban is the same class of medication as Riveroxaban which I take, I don’t know about it increasing blood pressure but stress definitely can. Both these medications can be used to prevent clots occurring which might cause strokes so you must talk to your doctor because stopping it might be a really bad idea. I would suggest you get some professional advice and take it from there. I hope you get some help soon.

[Angels-delight in reply to medway-lady]

Thank for your reply, my doctor is coming to see me on Monday. I will discuss further. I didn't expect him to say I needed to take apixaban, but since gave it a lot of thought and now have many questions. Thank you for your response.

[cyberbarn]

Another variable to take into consideration is the type of machine used to take your blood pressure. If it is one of those digital ones then they can be miscalibrated, and sometimes the algorithms in them just make things up.

I know someone who went to A&E and they took her blood pressure and said it was 200, dangerously high, they had to give her an injection. She refused saying that she knows she has low blood pressure, and asked them to take it again with an analog machine. Eventually they agreed to, and sure enough she had very low blood pressure and if they had given her the injection it might have killed her.

So ask them to use a different machine, make sure they are following the correct procedures for measuring blood pressure (many people don't) and take an average over time.

[Angels-delight in reply to cyberbarn]

Thank you, I will speak with the doctor on Monday plus my Rheumy on Thursday next week. My BP varies depending on the ra pain which is between 136 and 170. The doctor wants a list of my BP reading when he comes to see me on Monday. Take care

[Angels-delight in reply to Angels-delight]

Thank you, I hope I am as lucky as you, take care.

[Angels54]

Hi , If sounds as if you are having a difficult time , I rember four years ago when I fractured my back in seven places , plus crushed veterbrae, rhuematoid, also had an infusion, couldn’t see anyone about my back as it was Covid , my posture so bad , I really thought I wasn’t going to make it through as I was do I’ll , I have battled on , I hope you find strength and support to get you through .🙏

[Angels-delight in reply to Angels54]

Thank you for your reply, my doctor wrote to the nurse advising that he was increasing one of the meds for my heart and to keep a check on my BP. I will see him on Monday when he comes to the care home. I have always been told I high risk as my family have heart problems, plus having ra and diabetes. Take care, hope you are okay and not in a lot of pain. X

[Angels-delight in reply to Angels54]

I had a virus last December, January I had rsv virus, and February I had covid, just had the all clear and out of isolation. It was suggested that I have too much inflammation in my body which could be the reason for the reaction to taking apixaban medication. I will speak with the doctor on Monday and my Rheumatologist next week when I see him. I hope you are feeling better. I also back pain so I feel for you.Take care, xx

[artists]

hi my blood pressure went up to 220/105 for 24 hours l went to the emergency department went on drip for a few hours . Asked why this had happened and was told it was just pure bad luck . I have had no problems since so good luck to you .