Hi ladies
I take cocodamol 30/500 regularly
I took my horse out for a ride yesterday...only a steady walk/trot and enjoyed it
However when I got off I felt very weak and dizzy and had to sit down...took my blood pressure when I got home and it was 110/60 which is low
I hadn’t eaten and had taken 2 doses of cocodamol in 3 hours so I wouldn’t be in too much pain...stupid I know!!
Has anyone else experienced this?... scared me a bit
Barb xx
Hi Barb,
Sorry to hear that you had low blood pressure. You are not stupid! Any of us could have the same thing happen. Did you feel better after eating something? Perhaps you should have a meal before taking the medication or take a snack with you when you are out with Bugsy. I would mention what happened to your oncologist or oncology nurses to see what they have to say, as they might have some suggestions.
Take care,
Sophie ❤
Thanks Sophie
One of the yard girls said I should have one of those sweetie bracelets (remember them?!) so I could snack while riding...joking apart I’ll be more careful...it happened once before when I was taking slow acting morphine and took extra top up pain relief...it’s scary how they can affect you...there was nobody about either when it happened so I was lucky I didn’t have a fall and bash my head or something...luckily Bugsy is a well mannered horse...trained him well!!
Barb xx
Hi Barb,
You're welcome.
Yes, I remember those bracelets! That's a blast from the past. I also remember penny sweets. I used to be able to get a big bag of sweets for £1!
It is scary how some of the drugs can affect us. But I'm glad you are OK. I'm sure Bugsy would have taken care of you if you had fallen and stayed right by your side. He sounds like a loyal horse. I walk a German Shepherd who is scared of his own shadow, but he is super protective of me. If he sees anyone walking behind us or approaching us he tries to defend me. I usually step off to one side so he doesn't eat anyone and then praise him (but not too much!) for being protective.
Sophie ❤
Aww he sounds lovely...the owner of the livery yard breeds German shepherds and there are 8 new puppies at the moment..born last week...so sweet
I’m afraid horses aren’t intelligent like dogs but they’re very perceptive of our emotions...Bugsy definitely knows when I’m not feeling well and seems to behave accordingly...he can be spooky and silly though!!.. there are some roadworks near the yard and I won’t ride past those...self preservation!!
Have a nice weekend
Barb xx
He is! He's one of my favourites (don't tell!) I bet the puppies are adorable. I love German Shepherds.
Enjoy your weekend too. I'm finishing up my packing for Iceland. We leave next Thursday.
Sophie x
That sounds like an amazing place to visit. I would love to go sometime. Share some pictures when you get back and have fun.
Thank you! Iceland is a great country to visit. I would highly recommend it. It's very expensive though and at this time of year it doesn't start getting light until around 11:00am.
Sophie 💓
Good morning/afternoon! Dr. Google said too much codeine can cause low blood pressure and respiratory arrest! maybe only take it right before your ride ... glad you had a good ride though, and your body probably released a trillion endorphins <grin> <3 xo
We're so focused on our meds that it is so easy to forget the mandatory food that we need. Did it bring your pressure up I hope?
Hi Barb, The dizziness could also have been caused by not eating with those meds not just low blood pressure. Glad you’re alright now. I would make sure I have a little something in my stomach before taking it and of course wait closer to the time. I think we all take pain meds sooner after a dose than we are supposed to. Glad you had a wonderful time on your horse.
Stacy
I'm glad your OK !! And Happy you where able to get out and enjoy your horse .
My hydromorphone gives me really dizzy spells when standing and lowers my bp bit only for a short time after standing. I’m not sure what the drug was you are taking (likely just the British name that I don’t know). I always take mine with a little food if it isn’t meal time. Maybe even a glass of orange juice might help. Definitely mention at your next appointment. I love that you can get out with your horse.
Barb, It's a good think Bugsy is a gentle giant. Try eating with it next time - maybe a few saltines. At any rate, I am glad that all is well. Blessings, Hannah
Your blood pressure sounds fairly normal to me, but the not eating part of your story makes me think that your blood sugar might have been low. That can also make you feel light headed. I don’t have any problem with my pain pills and blood pressure but I do try not to go without meals or at least a snack if I’m taking pain pills. Don’t get scared off from taking the pain pills you need, just learn from this. You could stick a granola bar in your pocket and maybe only take half a dose of pain pills if it’s only been 3 hours since your last dose or time your ride so you go half an hour after you normally take your pain pills. You will figure it out. There is always a bit of trial and error with pain relief. Elaine
I just had mine done and it was 100/90 and I was told that is good. I was told it fluctuates This is what I found when I looked up the numbers as to what is good vs. bad. There is actually some benefit to it.
"Hypotension is commonly defined as a blood pressure less than 100/60 (pressure between 100/60 and 120/80 is considered optimal). For most people, living with low blood pressure is not an issue. In fact, studies show that the lower your blood pressure, the lower your risk of cardiovascular disease."
I would think it may have more to do with your not eating and taking two of those pills. There is a reason that they tell you to eat something while taking it. Maybe even just have a slice of toast if you do not feel like having breakfast. They gave me 800 mg. of ibuprofen for pain and I was told by more than one doctor NOT to take it on an empty stomach bc if I do it too much without eating, I could have stomach bleeding from inside.
I’m sure you’re correct...I had porridge this morning...took my pills and rode out no problem
Silly me not being sensible!
Barb xx
I get envy every time you mention going out horseback riding. I cannot think of something more fun to do and give you time to forget about our journey. Unfortunately, I live in Brooklyn so no horse back riding around here. I would do that every day if I could (and if I had a horse LOL).
Barb,
You are not stupid by any means. I would suggest you eat before talking that med and speak to your onc about your reaction.
I thought 110/60 was excellent blood pressure.
I used to get 110/60 consistently until age 55,
Barb, we have this thing called panadol osteo, it’s a much stronger version of paracetamol. Lasts for 6 hours. It really works for me, instead of my “binding” codiene. Maybe you should give it a go?
Hmmmm. I do that thing of not eating in the mornings. I try to fast until at least 12 noon. Very rarely I get a bit wobbly. Ohhhhh. I have “your life” envy. I love horses so much, but I’m afraid of them. They are such majestic animals. And I’m such a city girl. Off to have my bloods done now. Monthly check up.
Take care Barb.
I just cannot take Cocodamol or Tremadol. I just get so sick with them whether I eat or not. Apparently you can take an anti dizzy/sickness pill to correct the effects.
Good luck and take care
Low blood count
Sickness due to low neutrophils
Ibrance low nwutrophils 
Low wbc and going out 
Ibrance and/or long term port & Blood Clots? 
