Slight panic. Help and Advice please

[Bridge31]

Hi everyone

I took my first tablet yesterday evening 5mg and another 5 this morning

My BP which is normally fine has shot up to 178/109 and my heart rate 98.

[Hidden]

Hi Bridge

Firstly, it could be a bit of anxiety in taking the first dose of Pred. Are you following your Consultants Instructions?

I’d suggest you try to relax & check your BP/Pulse again in half an hour. Do not look at the screen & do not talk, just relax. If it remains high, ring Out of Hours Doctors for advice; if it’s OK check every half hour for a couple of hours & see how it is.

It may just have been the ‘stress’ of taking the Pred.

Kind Regards

MrsN

Please Update later otherwise we worry x

[Bridge31 in reply to Hidden]

The instructions were 5mg twice a day. As I only collected it yesterday afternoon I only took one.

My BP was 160/95 first thing so it’s its gone up during the morning.

I will do as you say now thank you.

[Hidden in reply to Bridge31]

Just try & relax, not easy l know.

Keep us in the loop x

[Bridge31 in reply to Hidden]

Ok thanks. Starting now

[Bridge31 in reply to Bridge31]

It’s come down to 158/93 so thanks for your help

[Theziggy in reply to Hidden]

If you are in doubt at all - go to A&E

[Bridge31 in reply to Hidden]

171/98 and my heart rate has come down to 81.

Should I take my other tablet tonight ?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bridge31]

Take your BP again before you take your tablet. Sit down for at least five minutes and think of something nice and relaxing - like waves on a beach! First reading may be high, so take it again - a few minutes later...and difficult though it is stop worrying about it - that will only make it go up!

Then decide whether you want to take the second tablet.

But if you are still concerned, then really your only option is to go to A&E.

[Bridge31 in reply to DorsetLady]

Ok thanks , I’ve been resting all day ( very difficult for me ) and the bottom number has come down quite a bit. I must say though that there is a lot less

pain compared to yesterday with just 5mg each day.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Bridge31]

Well, if you think 5mg is helping then maybe stay at that level until you can speak to GP on Tuesday - why do these things always happen on a Bank Holiday!

[Bridge31 in reply to DorsetLady]

My thoughts exactly !

158/93 now so coming down and panic over .

Thanks as always for your help

[Hidden in reply to Bridge31]

Just chill & okay relaxing music & let everything wash over you.

Dorset Lady has given you some very good advice, so just see how the reading are later.

Kind Regards

MrsN 🌷

[Coriander000 in reply to Bridge31]

I find slow deep breathing brings mine down quite a bit - just before taking your BP - I now have additional blood pressure pills - hate all this medication.

[Bridge31 in reply to Bridge31]

I rang out of hours. They said ring the pharmacist and gave me the number. He said if you feel unwell go to A & E !

[Hidden in reply to Bridge31]

If it’s still raised, then go to A&E

[DianeA1]

White "pill" syndrome? (just joking...)

Is the BP machine one that you are accustomed to using so you trust it to be accurate?

[Bridge31 in reply to DianeA1]

Yes it is and I’m sure you are right. Calmed down now

[Oxford8]

I am so proud of this forum. Instant support, freely given, by people who care. ❤️👍. Thank you.

[Telian]

Those readings are too high whatever the reason. I suffered the same initially and GP said to record the best of three BP readings as it helps them decide what to do next. Hold off the second dose if the BP remains high but either way you need to see either A&E today but definitely your GP on Tuesday.

It could simply be anxiety but if there is a tendency for it to rise you still need to see your doctor. Try some relaxation techniques - they do help.

I’m over 5 years GCA/PMR and have had the tendency for raised BP throughout and now take an additional tablet.

I’ve never been anxious when seeing doctors but they tell me I must suffer from white coat syndrome as the BP reduces before I come out of the surgery.

As DL suggests you need to monitor before and after taking your dose and take your readings with you when you see the doctor.

Best wishes.

[Bridge31]

155/90 this morning after taking my 5mg and 134/79 just now. Thank you for your advice. I’m sure everything will settle down in the next few days . I have both my children’s families staying the weekend , 5 grandchildren and 3 dogs. I’m used to rushing round after them all so it’s been difficult starting my Pred and trying to relax.

I will try and see my GP on Tuesday to discuss everything but it’s unlikely after a Bank Holiday 🤨. At best I may receive a telephone call.

[Hidden in reply to Bridge31]

Hi bridge31..all I will say is just wait for your visitors to disembark. You need to understand, and they need to understand, that you have a serious systemic illness. It's like having the worst case of flu and trying to run round after people - with the possible it could get worse and you could risk your sight if you don't treat it effectively. Take the pred before you end up even worse and at least try and get some rest. Please, please take care of yourself asap.

[HeronNS in reply to Bridge31]

Well I hope the family has stepped up to the plate and is not expecting you to do too much. If you are like too many parents and not wanting to worry their busy adult children now is the time you give them a new gift: the gift of allowing them to care for you.

[Bridge31 in reply to HeronNS]

My daughter and daughter-in -law are both very helpful and understanding . The men ? Helpful when asked !!

[Hidden in reply to Bridge31]

Nothing changes. 😉

[HeronNS in reply to Bridge31]

That sounds about right. 😉 So glad they are helpful!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bridge31]

Then ask ...

[Bridge31 in reply to PMRpro]

I am starting to but it’s difficult when I’ve always just got on with what needs doing. 🙆‍♀️

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bridge31]

Whole new way of life- and it won't hurt them either!

[Hidden]

That would raise my B/P too. You and your family will get used to your pacing yourself. ‘‘Tis a big adjustment. Have had hypertension for 30 years, and prednisone necessitated meds being raised. Though yours has always been normal, the pred may change that for awhile, as it is a side effect. Do hope you get to see your dr. or talk at least. Important I think. My best to you.