I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: paddbear0000 on September 02, 2007, 10:42:57 AM

Title: Wacky blood pressure
Post by: paddbear0000 on September 02, 2007, 10:42:57 AM
I have been on lisinopril for about 5 years now and now, I my BP is acting all wacky! The doctor I had been seeing for years (I've since moved far away and am seeing my 2nd one since moving) originally put me on it to help prevent kidney problems (that's pretty much standard now for diabetics) and I was taking 10 mg for the first 2 years. Then she upped it to 40 mg because my blood pressure started getting pretty high. When I moved 2 1/2 years ago, my new doctor upped it to 60 mg because my blood pressure was through the roof. I switched doctors a month and a half ago and now, my new doc reduced it 40 mg, telling me that is the maximum dose anyone should be taking of that drug. Well between a month and a half ago and until a week ago, my BP was all over the place, ranging from 97/65 to 207/117. Now, it has been normal at pretty much 110/70 for the last week. What's going on? Could the super-high doses of lisinopril be causing a delayed affect? Does your BP drop as kidney function declines? I've been having some symptoms that I've been a little concerned about recently and am concerned my kidneys are headed downward faster.
Title: Re: Wacky blood pressure
Post by: Romona on September 02, 2007, 11:13:56 AM
Have you been able to get in to see a doctor yet? I am on lisinipril too. Last spring I had a period of very low blood pressure. My creatin had gone from 5.5  to 3.5. The improvement was because of damage to my kidneys after a misdiagnosis of an infection after a biopsy. When they attempted to drain the infection that wasn't there they had caused the damage that made it jump up to 5.5. It took almost a year for my kidney to heal. Which they had told me would never happen.
I don't want to get your hopes up or anything, but has there been any improvement in your function? I had read your other posts about the color of your urine. Please don't go by my experience. But maybe the medications you are on and diet changes you have made is making your pressure the way it is.
Be careful that it doesn't drop too low. I do know lisinpril takes a little while to get to a theraputic level.
As for your question about blood pressure dropping as function declines, I think it should be opposite. It should go up.
Like I said before please don't get your hopes up because of what I experienced. Stress can also cause a drop in blood pressure. I know that sounds crazy too. One of the first things I was asked was if I had any additional stress. Additional stress can triigger more hormone release that can cause it to drop.
How have your sugar levels been? That can also influence blood pressure.
Please keep us posted. I have been thinking about you.  :)
Title: Re: Wacky blood pressure
Post by: paddbear0000 on September 02, 2007, 01:22:23 PM
Well, my blood sugars haven't changed any, nor has my diet or any other meds I've been on. The last med to have changed besides the lisinopril, was several years ago. I seriously doubt my kidney damage will reverse, as it's due to years of brittle diabetes and high blood pressure. I called my nephro to see if they could get me in earlier, but they couldn't. My appointment is next week, so I don't have too much longer to wait.
Title: Re: Wacky blood pressure
Post by: Romona on September 02, 2007, 02:26:43 PM
Best of luck to you. It is so frustrating at times when you can't figure out what your body is doing.
I'm glad your blood sugar is good. I just wish you didn't have to wait to get some answers.
I'll be thinking of you.
Title: Re: Wacky blood pressure
Post by: keefer51 on September 03, 2007, 02:03:29 AM
I have been on blood pressure meds for years. The docs. gave me several different kinds. I am now on four and they seem to work out good. I have been on lisinopril for about 10 years that and the other have finally controlled my BP. Mine was very high before dialysis. Now it is somewhat normal depending on how much fluid i have on. I also have been on a pain med that seem to lower it. I try not to take it before dialysis though.
Title: Re: Wacky blood pressure
Post by: Black on September 03, 2007, 07:00:22 AM
I know that some BP medications can cause a rebound effect when you cut the dose or stop taking them.  There is a spike in BP and then it levels off.  Maybe that's what happened.  Cuttin the dose by 1/3 all at once may have been too much?  Maybe he should have cut to 50 and then 40?