OA and blood pressure

[frankaspergilus]

Hi everyone.

I seem to be having increasing problems with elevated BP levels that spike when I have a spike in OA joint pain. Normally my BP levels are about 120/80. Now, when I have a lot of pain it shoots up to about 150/90. But only for a few minutes and not even every time I have pain. Sometimes I have the spike in pain but my BP is normal.

As my pain levels seem to be increasing and happen more often, I was wondering whether I should be taking BP medication for a problem like this.

Does anyone have the same experiences or have any suggestions?

Thanks.

Frank

[DorsetLady]

Hi, see you asked a similar question about a month ago, so if you still have issues, think this is a question for your doctor.

Do you have a BP monitor at home? If so, then test for about a week, morning and night so you have records to compare on good and bad days - so doctor has some information to work with.

[frankaspergilus in reply to DorsetLady]

Wow! I'd completely forgotten I'd written that last post. But my brain's been wiped out for a long time and I think pain makes it worse. I'll now take a look at the replies I had which I'd also forgotten about.

I check my levels when I start to feel unwell and sometimes they're higher sometimes not.

My own GP doesn't have an idea about what to do as he's pretty much given up on my various problems. Once you have a bundle of issues which doctors can't fathom or separate one from the other, they throw their hands in the air and say "I don't know what to do". That's been my experience for a long time now. So if I took my BP information to him and asked him about this problem he'll probably tell me it's my choice about whether to take BP meds. He won't give me a firm yes or no. He won't follow up either. He's the third GP I've had and they've all been the same. Believe me, I've given doctors detailed information on every issue I've had, in writing, the list getting longer over the years, and haven't had an ounce of help. The last internist told me they'll never find out what's wrong so I need to take antidepressants to cope with all the symptoms.

I have to see a rheumatologist on Friday next who's going to inject my own recycled blood into my left knee after previous cortisone and gel injections didn't work. I'll talk to him about my BP problem and see if he has any ideas.

Thanks for your suggestions and reminding me about my last post. I'll make sure I reply to them soon.

Frank

[Hidden in reply to frankaspergilus]

Hi Frankaspergilus l really feel for you. Like you l feel abandoned by my doctors. There's no continuity of care and l feel passed around by them. All seem unable to get to the he cause of what's going on. My health issues started in March 2020 and continue to escalate spreading throughout my body. Like you l am due to see a rheumatologist. I just put up with my illness now as l have become frustrated with trying to get help and sick of explaining it to get no further. Wishing you well with the rheumatologist.

[frankaspergilus in reply to Hidden]

Yes, Sueiso, it's much harder to get real help than it should be by a long way.

I don't know if you ever watched any the "House MD" television series. I remember in one episode a chap entered the hospital with a gun and held a few doctors hostage saying he wasn't leaving until somebody did something about his health problems after being ignored for years. Well, I'm getting to that stage now and I'm sure it won't be long until I go in to see some specialist and tell him I'm not going anywhere until I get some real help. Don't think I'll take a gun in but it would probably help make my point.

I live in France and was told a few days ago that French doctors used to be good twenty years ago but now none of them want to take responsibility for anything. If the problems are not obvious they just walk away. It's not just in the UK.

I see you have thyroid issues too. Have you ever been tested for lyme disease? I have but always tested negative in normal labs but slightly positive when I sent samples to Germany. Of course doctors who believe lyme is serious wanted to treat me for lyme but those that don't regard lyme is a real disease said no. I don't know what to think. If you've never been tested it might be worthwhile.

Having said that, my brother who has almost identical problems to me lives in the UK. So lyme seems less likely (but not impossible). It's more likely to be genetic I think.

Have you thought about any problems your parents had that you may have inherited? Or any close family members? Both my parents suffered ill health in their later years, both had pain from arthritis but possibly other stuff too. They both lived to good ages but not well unfortunately.

I hope you get some answers soon. You could get yourself a pistol and see if that makes a difference!!

Frank

[Bcol]

Hi, nothing to add to DL 's observations, other than with the understandable problems that we and the doctors have with f2f at the moment, I am keeping as full a diary as I can which I send to my doc, either on her request or when I request prescriptions. That diary /spreadsheet includes BP levels every day. I also have to add that so far I have been very happy with her.