Blood Pressure Problems

[ShanaleT]

Hello everyone. It is great to visit the site again since I just do not have alot of time for sitting at the computer these days.

I am 4 months post op and having some issues with my blood pressure getting regulated. I had my aortic valve replaced with a St Jude valve and since that time this has been an issue. Starting in late Jan, it was extremely high, so my doc prescribed atenalol. After about 3 weeks, I started passing out and having severe dizzy spells. About 3 weeks ago, the doc took me off of the atenalol after my 2nd trip to the emergency room and 3rd spell. This morning I woke up with a headache and after checking, it was elevated again. I am so disgusted since I have not felt nearly as well as I thought I would after the surgery. I did not feel bad before the surgery, so it is hard for me to justify this ordeal at this point. I hope someone can give me some ideas since I am tired of being a human ping pong. I only feel really good a few days every so often. This is hard to accept since I never had this problem until after the surgery.

Sorry for the complaining and I hope to hear from some of you with some suggestions.

Shana

 

[Marty]

Hi BP post op?

Hi BP post op?

Shana, Where did you have your surgery? Who's looking after you now? Your symptoms are unusual. You need a precise diagnosis. Does your surgeon know you are having these symptoms? I think if he did, he would refer you to the the appropriate specialists and order the necessary tests. Don't delay.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Shana-

Please, please, please complain, complain, complain like crazy to your doctor, most especially your cardiologist. Be a real pain in the B---. You need to find out what the problem is, you are passing out, for Pete's sake. They've gotta do something for you.
If you don't get much of a response, keep going to the ER. The insurance company might then have a few choice words with your doctor to get the ball rolling.

The squeaky wheel gets the oil.

Take care and be well.

 

[ShanaleT]

Thanks for the reply. I did not even think to contact my surgeon's office so I have emailed his assistant. In the meantime, I have an appt with my new cardio doc tomorrow and hopefully he can offer some suggestions. As Nancy said, I have complained and complained some more and they just keep putting me on difference beta blockers and hoping for the best. The worst part of this is that they all admit beta blockers are not great for me since no matter how high my blood pressure gets, my heart rate stays around 60. They consider that a little low I guess and when I pass out and go to the emergency room, then it is usually around 50. I will keep you all posted and please, if anyone has any ideas, let me know.

Shana

 

[Nancy]

I'm so glad you have a new cardio doc. Let us know how it works out, can't be any worse than before, so gotta be better.

Take care.

 

[Mb]

Sounds to me like you've made the right decision to see a new cardio. This is an issue you've really got to get to the bottom of soon. Please keep us informed!

Marybeth

 

[ShanaleT]

Well, I am back. I am not sure if I like the new cardio doc or not. He spent the 1st 15 minutes telling me why he would have not recommended the surgery since he feels it should be a last resort. I did this as a proactive measure since I had good insurance at the time and I knew it would eventually happen. I felt like the recovery would be easier on me being young and healthy vs.waiting until something catastrophic happened. Oh well, we all have our reasons. Anyway, he feels I just need to check in with him annually unless there is a problem and has no problems with my MD monitoring my coumidin. He did write me a Rx for Topril for me to start back on if my blood pressure continues to be elevated. But today, it was back to normal after 2 days of being extremely high. I guess I will wait and see. All of you take care and I will be back soon.

Shana

 

[Marty]

OK, Shana

OK, Shana

OK, Shana, Keep an eye on that blood pressure. I'd get one of those machines at a drug store or medical supply and check your own BP every day for a while, keep a record for your home town doc. Your consultant doesn't sound like my kind of guy but at least your BP is down. All the best.