Hypo with High Blood Pressure

[HypoinEastbourne]

Hi. I've been hypothyroid for 5+ years on 75mg of thyroxine. I thought it had gone down but Blood tests are coming back normal. I'm waiting for total thyroidectomy as I have nodules on both sides. There is a +40week waiting list in East Sussex for any thyroid operations. Out of the blue I have developed high blood pressure. Neck is so tender but doc says it's blood pressure and not related to thyroid. Never had high blood pressure before. Going back to doc on Monday to start blood pressure meds. I'm not convinced but anyone experienced same thing? Or is it a vitamin deficiency?

[greygoose]

High blood pressure can be a hypo symptom. Perhaps you are under-medicated. Are the nodules causing you problems?

[HypoinEastbourne in reply to greygoose]

Hi thanks for the reply. Neck is tender and obviously nodules puff it out a bit. Neck is Sore today but blood pressure is normal. Blood pressure is usually 130/85, spikes a little at work, but highest it's been is 150/95 at docs when I visited, which is why he's fixed on that. I think it's secondary to thyroid, but as the bloods for that have come back normal, doc is dismissing its related. I'm reluctant to start blood pressure meds but feel I have no other options. Felt awful fri/sat this weekend, very tired today with jelly legs. I think I'm going to have to suck it up and go down blood pressure meds as I can't carry on like this. Maybe it'll at least rule it out if nothing else. Symptoms for all these things are so similar.

[greygoose in reply to HypoinEastbourne]

Ah, that sounds like White-Coat Syndrome. Lots of people have high blood pressure when measured in the doctors surgery, due to nervousness, the rush to get there, etc. etc. etc. The true blood pressure reading is when you are relaxed and feeling comfortable.

[HypoinEastbourne in reply to greygoose]

In that case it's 135/85. I've monitored it for 2 weeks and took readings to doc but he only wants to go on his readings. So frustrating, I feel like I'm going mad at times. I'm sure he thinks I'm a neurotic middle aged woman! I rarely go to docs so not a frequent flyer there! See where I get to tomo.

[greygoose in reply to HypoinEastbourne]

Well, remember that just because he wants to put you on blood pressure medication, and increase Big Pharma's profits, you don't have to accept. You are free to refuse if you don't want to take them.

[HypoinEastbourne in reply to greygoose]

Yeah I've been refusing for 2-3 weeks but can't think of what else to do to feel normal again. I might try a low dose even if it proves to him it's not the problem. Roll on the thyroidectomy when it comes!!

Ps. Thanks for your reply you seem very knowledgeable so good to hear another slant.

[fibrolinda]

Have you got your 'normal ' blood pressure results including ranges? My blood pressure was high but gradually came down as ft3 finally rose and is now great.( 114/70 five minutes ago) Hypothyroidism does seem to go hand in hand with low b12 Ferritin Folate and vitamin d, have you had them tested?

[HypoinEastbourne in reply to fibrolinda]

Hi thanks for the replies. Neck is tender and obviously nodules puff it out a bit. Sore today but blood pressure is normal. Blood pressure is usually 130/85, spikes a little at work, but highest it's been is 150/95 at docs when I visited, which is why he's fixed on that. I think it's secondary to thyroid, but as the bloods for that have come back normal, doc is dismissing its related. I did mention b12 to him but he laughed and said no it's blood pressure. I had full blood count done and white blood cells are high, doc says I'm fighting an infection but of no concern.

[fibrolinda in reply to HypoinEastbourne]

Oh I'm so sorry I meant have you got your thyroid blood test results including ranges.. my brain is.... sigh.... gone on holiday without me I think. greygoose is right (usually is lol) you don't need to take blood pressure meds just because GP wants you too. My son is a nurse and says blood pressure should always be done three times and middle one logged to help avoid white coat readings... never met a GP who does though but most would go by your readings done from home when relaxed. He sounds like a numpty to be honest

[silverfox7]

I have white coat problems so my doctor sends me away with a. Hart to fill in for the week and my body machine automatically averages three readings and she'S happy with that. Had a sarcastic laugh though when you said GP lines to use his machine as I was thinking that you haven't actually seen your results with saying doctircsays normal. Could you get a copy and add them with the ranges please? They may not be as 'normal' as they should be!

[HypoinEastbourne]

Yep will get thyroid ranges tomo! Also taking in my blood pressure monitor to calibrate with his. Will let you know. Thanks.

[HypoinEastbourne]

So seen doc. He thinks it's been thyroid storms over last 5 weeks (yes change in story!), due to white blood cells being high and pain in thyroid/neck. Now dismissing high blood pressure as it wasn't bad today!! He's written back to my ent consultant asking him to expedite my thyroidectomy rather than having to wait 40 weeks for the surgery. He admitted he was'at a loss on what to do and what did I think'. Lesser of evils I think, symptoms like this or surgery?!?! Mmmmm what a choice. Will see what consultant says. Anyone used a good one in south East Sussex/Kent area as mine seems more happy to fly off to do private work abroad rather than clear back log in sussex?