So, continuing my search for the culprit behind my high blood pressure, I decided to do a little research. Since, my blood pressure is great when I wake up in the morning and terrible by the time I go to bed, it seems like there's got to be a med in there somewhere that is causing it to go up. I figured I'd start with the very first thing I take in the morning - Omeprazole - I googled "Omeprazole and high blood pressure" and found that link. When I went searching for the link I found it was in relation to the "delayed release" version of the med. Until a few months ago I'd been on just the regular version, however when I had my GP refill the script he evidently wrote it for the delayed release. When I looked back at the appointment date it was around the same time I started the Welbutrin, and between that date and the first ER visit, I don't think anyone checked my blood pressure. I still think the ER visit was a culmination of several drugs causing problems, but there's evidently still a culprit affecting my body, and at this point it's making some sense that it might be the Omeprazole DR.
I really wish there was just an automatic reset button for life, so I could just undo any changes that have occurred that might have caused the problem (kinda like you can do with Windows).
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Update: Stress Test & The Wrong Way to Fewer Meds
About a week ago I finally had that stress test that was ordered after my first ER visit about a month ago. My blood pressure is still running somewhat high (around 125/90 with my heart rate running 100+). The good news is that the stress test came back normal.
For those who have never had a stress test, here's how it went. I arrived at 8am. They gave me the lovely hospital gown to change into (I was able to keep my pants on). Then they took me in to put in an IV; this part is always fun for me, but this time it was more fun since the guy trying to put it in was shaking like a leaf. Needless to say, it took 3 different people to finally get the IV in my arm (this is normal for me). After that I waited for about an hour before they came and got me for the treadmill test. For this they took my BP and heart rate prior to starting, then left the cuff on while I got on the treadmill. They slowly increased the speed and the incline (mostly the incline) in an effort to push my BP up quickly. Overall, this took less than 10 minutes (probably more like 5) and was really no big deal. As this part finished up the Dr came by and pushed something through the IV (contrast for the images to be taken later) and I was sent back to the waiting room where I was finally allowed to eat and drink something (luckily, they had crackers and juice/water provided). I waited here for about another 3-4 hours before someone came to get me for the heart imaging (CT scan?). If it wasn't a CT scan it works about the same way, you lay down on a hard table and a camera thing moves around you taking pictures of your heart for about 20 minutes or so. Then I was finally allowed to dress and go get some real food and take my morning meds (I arrived at 8am and left at 1pm).
Following that I called my GP and given the BP readings I had sent him he wanted to see me ASAP. However, before I could get in to see him I had my annual Gyno visit. When she found out about all the fun I've been having with my BP she ordered me off the pill ASAP.
Now, I'd already planned to dump the pill in a few months since Paul had already made the decision that he would go ahead and get the vasectomy he'd been considering for the last 4 years. During the first ER visit one of the nurses had made a comment about how she'd had to come off of the pill because of her blood pressure. I guess that was the straw that made the decision for him. So, we'd figured I'd keep it for a few more months and come off after he got the all clear. My Gyno seemed to feel that I shouldn't wait, so I didn't. That's one less pill I have to take. It's been less than a week so it's too early to tell if there's going to be any real effect yet.
I did see my GP yesterday and he was all ready to put me on a Beta Blocker for the blood pressure until I took him my Gyno had taken me off the pill. After finding that out, he wanted to wait at least a cycle or two and see if it comes down on its own. Of course, while I was in his office my blood pressure measured perfectly normal. Of course, my appointment was at 10am and that's when I normally get out of bed, so I'd been awake for all of an hour. My blood pressure tends to go up as the day progresses, which he said is normal both due to hydration and possibly due to meds.
At this point the only med I'm still on that could affect my blood pressure (that I know of) is Savella, and I'm only taking a half dose of that. I can't really tell a lot of difference on the lower dose vs the higher dose, and I'm still considering dropping it altogether, or at least trying to replace it with something that does the same job and will also help with the depression. We'll see what happens with that in a week when I visit the Psych again. I've been putting off that visit until there was some possibility we'd be ready to try changing a med.
For those who have never had a stress test, here's how it went. I arrived at 8am. They gave me the lovely hospital gown to change into (I was able to keep my pants on). Then they took me in to put in an IV; this part is always fun for me, but this time it was more fun since the guy trying to put it in was shaking like a leaf. Needless to say, it took 3 different people to finally get the IV in my arm (this is normal for me). After that I waited for about an hour before they came and got me for the treadmill test. For this they took my BP and heart rate prior to starting, then left the cuff on while I got on the treadmill. They slowly increased the speed and the incline (mostly the incline) in an effort to push my BP up quickly. Overall, this took less than 10 minutes (probably more like 5) and was really no big deal. As this part finished up the Dr came by and pushed something through the IV (contrast for the images to be taken later) and I was sent back to the waiting room where I was finally allowed to eat and drink something (luckily, they had crackers and juice/water provided). I waited here for about another 3-4 hours before someone came to get me for the heart imaging (CT scan?). If it wasn't a CT scan it works about the same way, you lay down on a hard table and a camera thing moves around you taking pictures of your heart for about 20 minutes or so. Then I was finally allowed to dress and go get some real food and take my morning meds (I arrived at 8am and left at 1pm).
Following that I called my GP and given the BP readings I had sent him he wanted to see me ASAP. However, before I could get in to see him I had my annual Gyno visit. When she found out about all the fun I've been having with my BP she ordered me off the pill ASAP.
Now, I'd already planned to dump the pill in a few months since Paul had already made the decision that he would go ahead and get the vasectomy he'd been considering for the last 4 years. During the first ER visit one of the nurses had made a comment about how she'd had to come off of the pill because of her blood pressure. I guess that was the straw that made the decision for him. So, we'd figured I'd keep it for a few more months and come off after he got the all clear. My Gyno seemed to feel that I shouldn't wait, so I didn't. That's one less pill I have to take. It's been less than a week so it's too early to tell if there's going to be any real effect yet.
I did see my GP yesterday and he was all ready to put me on a Beta Blocker for the blood pressure until I took him my Gyno had taken me off the pill. After finding that out, he wanted to wait at least a cycle or two and see if it comes down on its own. Of course, while I was in his office my blood pressure measured perfectly normal. Of course, my appointment was at 10am and that's when I normally get out of bed, so I'd been awake for all of an hour. My blood pressure tends to go up as the day progresses, which he said is normal both due to hydration and possibly due to meds.
At this point the only med I'm still on that could affect my blood pressure (that I know of) is Savella, and I'm only taking a half dose of that. I can't really tell a lot of difference on the lower dose vs the higher dose, and I'm still considering dropping it altogether, or at least trying to replace it with something that does the same job and will also help with the depression. We'll see what happens with that in a week when I visit the Psych again. I've been putting off that visit until there was some possibility we'd be ready to try changing a med.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Relax Wraps BOGO 8/22-8/23
I'm actually surprised I haven't posted about these earlier. I found them several years ago when I first started dealing with my TMJ related pains and wanted something to help ease the pains in my neck and shoulders. It just so happens that these guys are out of TN and they had a kiosk set up at one of the malls there that I visited frequently. After having a chance to try it out, I bought one right away and loved it. Since then I've bought at least 4 more for myself (and a few for others, as well).
What are Relax Wraps? They are customizable hot/cold aromatherapy wraps. Whatever your ache or pain they have a wrap for you. As I mentioned, I love the neck and shoulder wraps (especially the shoulder and collar wraps - or even the body wraps). Have a headache? pop the "Basic Wrap" in the micrawave for 90 seconds and lay it across your head (or use the eye wrap, hot or cold). All of the wraps can be used hot or cold, and they even have slippers! I love them all.
The prices on these are already great but today and tomorrow they are even better at Buy One Get One (trying to think of who I might need to buy some for for Christmas). You can check out all the different Relax Wraps and options and order your bogo deal here. The great thing about getting two of whatever you order is that you can keep one cold and the other ready to heat as needed and not need to switch them back and forth. Or, you can do what I do and keep them all over the house so you can find them when you need them!
What are Relax Wraps? They are customizable hot/cold aromatherapy wraps. Whatever your ache or pain they have a wrap for you. As I mentioned, I love the neck and shoulder wraps (especially the shoulder and collar wraps - or even the body wraps). Have a headache? pop the "Basic Wrap" in the micrawave for 90 seconds and lay it across your head (or use the eye wrap, hot or cold). All of the wraps can be used hot or cold, and they even have slippers! I love them all.
The prices on these are already great but today and tomorrow they are even better at Buy One Get One (trying to think of who I might need to buy some for for Christmas). You can check out all the different Relax Wraps and options and order your bogo deal here. The great thing about getting two of whatever you order is that you can keep one cold and the other ready to heat as needed and not need to switch them back and forth. Or, you can do what I do and keep them all over the house so you can find them when you need them!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Idiodine Deficiency and FMS
I posted a few weeks ago about the possibility of Iodine Deficiency causing many of our Fibro symptoms. I came across this article today which explains it in more detail.
After I posted the original post many of my Fibro friends commented that they've found they are more averse or sensitive to salt now than they were prior to Fibro. There are many Iodine supplements available and the supplements are probably a better way to increase Iodine than via table salt. As it is only regular iodized table salt has added iodine, and more and more often we are using straight sea salt both at home and in restaurant cooking.
After I posted the original post many of my Fibro friends commented that they've found they are more averse or sensitive to salt now than they were prior to Fibro. There are many Iodine supplements available and the supplements are probably a better way to increase Iodine than via table salt. As it is only regular iodized table salt has added iodine, and more and more often we are using straight sea salt both at home and in restaurant cooking.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Diet Changes & Fibromyalgia Symptoms
If you have Fibro and you've told anyone, you've likely heard something along the lines of "I knew someone who had Fibro, and they found that _____ (insert diet change here) fixed it for them". I've got one friend who is convinced that I just need to do away with gluten, others have told me to add this juice or that food, or that my symptoms are just an intolerance to some food or another. I'm pretty sure I've heard them all (and you probably have too). And that's how I felt again after reading this article. The article basically is making a link between Aspartame and Fibromyalgia and using two cases of people who found their symptoms went away when they stopped consuming Aspartame as the basis of their theory that Aspartame may cause Fibromyalgia.
Having heard every theory there is (I hope), when I see or hear these types of things, I can't help but think "did they really have Fibromyalgia?" Food allergies do cause many of the same symptoms that we suffer with Fibromyalgia. If you find that your Fibromyalgia is "caused" by a food allergy or food intolerance, then chance are that what you really had to begin with was a food allergy or food intolerance. When you took away the problem, you felt better. Given the insanely high numbers of people now being reported to have Fibromyalgia (it's pretty much the #1 medical issue there is now), and given the wide range of symptoms that those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia suffer, it's pretty easy to make the connection that perhaps a certain percentage of those being diagnosed with Fibro, don't really have it but rather have some other disorder or issue that is causing their symptoms.
That's not to say that there aren't diet changes we can make to help reduce our symptoms to some degree. Aspartame is known to cause a lot of major health issues. I've made every effort to remove it from my diet. We can also increase our intake of fresh fruits & vegetables, and lean proteins to help make our bodies work better. The addition of more fiber (whether via supplements or those fresh fruits and veggies) should also help ease the IBS symptoms we often suffer along with Fibro. Drinking water instead of sugary caffeinated drinks will help both with digestion as well as help even out our energy cycles (vs the caffeine or sugar highs and crashes you may otherwise suffer).
Many of us who suffer with Fibro can tell you almost the exact day that the problems started. For those who can narrow things down to that level I have a hard time believing that food allergies or intolerance could really be the cause of the symptoms we suffer. However, if you can't remember when your issues you started, or if they've gradually gotten worse you may want to take a look at what you eat and consider whether or not a food allergy may be the culprit. Play around with your diet a bit and try removing one potential problem food at a time (gluten, eggs, dairy, aspartame - I'd start with the last one), and see if doing so makes you feel better. If it does, leave that item out of your diet. You may find that you've "cured" yourself.
Having heard every theory there is (I hope), when I see or hear these types of things, I can't help but think "did they really have Fibromyalgia?" Food allergies do cause many of the same symptoms that we suffer with Fibromyalgia. If you find that your Fibromyalgia is "caused" by a food allergy or food intolerance, then chance are that what you really had to begin with was a food allergy or food intolerance. When you took away the problem, you felt better. Given the insanely high numbers of people now being reported to have Fibromyalgia (it's pretty much the #1 medical issue there is now), and given the wide range of symptoms that those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia suffer, it's pretty easy to make the connection that perhaps a certain percentage of those being diagnosed with Fibro, don't really have it but rather have some other disorder or issue that is causing their symptoms.
That's not to say that there aren't diet changes we can make to help reduce our symptoms to some degree. Aspartame is known to cause a lot of major health issues. I've made every effort to remove it from my diet. We can also increase our intake of fresh fruits & vegetables, and lean proteins to help make our bodies work better. The addition of more fiber (whether via supplements or those fresh fruits and veggies) should also help ease the IBS symptoms we often suffer along with Fibro. Drinking water instead of sugary caffeinated drinks will help both with digestion as well as help even out our energy cycles (vs the caffeine or sugar highs and crashes you may otherwise suffer).
Many of us who suffer with Fibro can tell you almost the exact day that the problems started. For those who can narrow things down to that level I have a hard time believing that food allergies or intolerance could really be the cause of the symptoms we suffer. However, if you can't remember when your issues you started, or if they've gradually gotten worse you may want to take a look at what you eat and consider whether or not a food allergy may be the culprit. Play around with your diet a bit and try removing one potential problem food at a time (gluten, eggs, dairy, aspartame - I'd start with the last one), and see if doing so makes you feel better. If it does, leave that item out of your diet. You may find that you've "cured" yourself.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Meds & High Blood Pressure
The last few weeks have not been fun, not at all. I posted last week about the issues I was having with getting too much Serotonin, and how I landed in the ER with high blood pressure and chest pain (twice). Now, it looks like it may have been more than just the Serotonin causing issues.
After the second visit to the ER at the end of last week, I came off the Viibryd totally and upped my Welbutrin. After talking to my Rheumy I'd also cut my Savella in half (another SSRI) while we sorted all of this out and just in case it was Serotonin related. Needing something to help with the depression in the meantime, I'd upped my Welbutrin to the standard dose. My blood pressure was coming down but it was still really high. The doc at the second ER visit had given me a script for a blood pressure medicine. Having not had a good experience with her and not really wanting to add another prescription if I didn't have to, I didn't get it filled. Instead, I made an appointment with my GP and saw him on Tuesday. We went over all my meds and he said he didn't see anything else that should be causing high blood pressure. I asked him if he thought I should get that other script filled and he said he didn't think so, at this point. He told me to keep tracking it and to go ahead and follow-up with the cardiologist (as planned). All seemed well.
That afternoon, I was taking my blood pressure as instructed and from 4pm to 6pm it had taken a massive jump again, putting me right back where I'd been the week before. After trying a second monitor to make sure mine was reading right, we considered another trip to the ER. While waiting on a call back from my GP's office to see what to do, we were basically coming to the conclusion that another trip to the ER would be just as fruitless as the last two; that they'd likely just ask why I hadn't filled the script from the visit before. So, I decided to look up the med they'd prescribed before. In reading up on it and the drug interactions it may have, it was stated to let your Dr or pharmacist know if you were on Welbutrin. Hmm....?
So, I Googled "Welbutrin and high blood pressure" and found that sure enough it is a side effect of Welbutrin also. After finding that I decided that another trip to the ER would just be a waste and we just stayed home. I did some deep breathing. After a couple of hours my bp had dropped back down to where it had been the previous few days (still high, but not as high).
Wednesday, I had an appointment with my Psych Dr and we discussed all that had happened. I'd already cut my Welbutrin back down to the half dose I'd previously been on. She agreed with the plan I'd basically already come to which was coming off of the Welbutrin altogether and leaving me off any new meds for a couple of weeks to see if the blood pressure evened out. I wasn't excited about the prospect of no anti-depressants, but it was better than taking the risk.
The good news is that after a couple of days without any Welbutrin and no anti-depressants (except my half dose of Savella) my blood pressure is now back down to normal. Mentally, I've actually been doing pretty good the last couple of days, despite feeling like crap, physically. The first day without anything (Thursday), I was fighting the depression off by going constantly. I figured if I kept moving I could outrun it, and that seemed to work. The bad news is that with only a half dose of Savella, I am now being informed (by my body) that YES, it was working, with a return of Fibro pains.
Hopefully, in the next week or so we can find a balance again between the physical and the mental.
After the second visit to the ER at the end of last week, I came off the Viibryd totally and upped my Welbutrin. After talking to my Rheumy I'd also cut my Savella in half (another SSRI) while we sorted all of this out and just in case it was Serotonin related. Needing something to help with the depression in the meantime, I'd upped my Welbutrin to the standard dose. My blood pressure was coming down but it was still really high. The doc at the second ER visit had given me a script for a blood pressure medicine. Having not had a good experience with her and not really wanting to add another prescription if I didn't have to, I didn't get it filled. Instead, I made an appointment with my GP and saw him on Tuesday. We went over all my meds and he said he didn't see anything else that should be causing high blood pressure. I asked him if he thought I should get that other script filled and he said he didn't think so, at this point. He told me to keep tracking it and to go ahead and follow-up with the cardiologist (as planned). All seemed well.
That afternoon, I was taking my blood pressure as instructed and from 4pm to 6pm it had taken a massive jump again, putting me right back where I'd been the week before. After trying a second monitor to make sure mine was reading right, we considered another trip to the ER. While waiting on a call back from my GP's office to see what to do, we were basically coming to the conclusion that another trip to the ER would be just as fruitless as the last two; that they'd likely just ask why I hadn't filled the script from the visit before. So, I decided to look up the med they'd prescribed before. In reading up on it and the drug interactions it may have, it was stated to let your Dr or pharmacist know if you were on Welbutrin. Hmm....?
So, I Googled "Welbutrin and high blood pressure" and found that sure enough it is a side effect of Welbutrin also. After finding that I decided that another trip to the ER would just be a waste and we just stayed home. I did some deep breathing. After a couple of hours my bp had dropped back down to where it had been the previous few days (still high, but not as high).
Wednesday, I had an appointment with my Psych Dr and we discussed all that had happened. I'd already cut my Welbutrin back down to the half dose I'd previously been on. She agreed with the plan I'd basically already come to which was coming off of the Welbutrin altogether and leaving me off any new meds for a couple of weeks to see if the blood pressure evened out. I wasn't excited about the prospect of no anti-depressants, but it was better than taking the risk.
The good news is that after a couple of days without any Welbutrin and no anti-depressants (except my half dose of Savella) my blood pressure is now back down to normal. Mentally, I've actually been doing pretty good the last couple of days, despite feeling like crap, physically. The first day without anything (Thursday), I was fighting the depression off by going constantly. I figured if I kept moving I could outrun it, and that seemed to work. The bad news is that with only a half dose of Savella, I am now being informed (by my body) that YES, it was working, with a return of Fibro pains.
Hopefully, in the next week or so we can find a balance again between the physical and the mental.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Too Much Serotonin Is NOT a Good Thing!
As of last Thursday, I am no longer on the Viibryd (the new antidepressant that I had told you about). After increasing the dosage to the standard level, I developed a new side effect - increased blood pressure. A week before (on Friday) I'd started the 40mg dosage. I woke up Friday night with a sharp pain in my chest. I laid there breathing, hoping it would go away. It finally did. However, after waking up Saturday and taking the second dose at that level, my chest started hurting, it felt tight. I really didn't know if I was having a heart attack or just an attack of chostocondritis. However, after talking with my hubby he finally convinced me to go to the ER.
Evidently, chest pain really moves you through the ER quick. No sooner had I signed in than they had me in triage and hooked up to an EKG. Then straight back to a room where they hooked me up again and ran who knows what tests. In the end, all they found was that my BP was high, and the Dr blamed the pain on "chest wall syndrome" (aka chostochondritis). He told me to follow up with a cardiologist and that he didn't think my new med was to blame. Neither did my Pdoc when I told her about it.
As the week went on my BP got higher. For most of the week it was hanging around 160/110. At this point, between this and the increased muscle twitches, I was a little worried that I might be getting too much Serotonin. After contacting my Pdoc again and telling her what all was going on, she finally told me to discontinue the Viibryd. I did and by Friday my BP had fallen down to about 140/100 (which is where it has stayed since).
In the meantime, to control the depression, I upped the dose of my Welbutrin to 300mg (the standard dose), and low and behold I felt better! Except for one little thing... I can't seem to sleep. But, at least I don't feel like I have an invisible elephant sitting on my chest.
Evidently, chest pain really moves you through the ER quick. No sooner had I signed in than they had me in triage and hooked up to an EKG. Then straight back to a room where they hooked me up again and ran who knows what tests. In the end, all they found was that my BP was high, and the Dr blamed the pain on "chest wall syndrome" (aka chostochondritis). He told me to follow up with a cardiologist and that he didn't think my new med was to blame. Neither did my Pdoc when I told her about it.
As the week went on my BP got higher. For most of the week it was hanging around 160/110. At this point, between this and the increased muscle twitches, I was a little worried that I might be getting too much Serotonin. After contacting my Pdoc again and telling her what all was going on, she finally told me to discontinue the Viibryd. I did and by Friday my BP had fallen down to about 140/100 (which is where it has stayed since).
In the meantime, to control the depression, I upped the dose of my Welbutrin to 300mg (the standard dose), and low and behold I felt better! Except for one little thing... I can't seem to sleep. But, at least I don't feel like I have an invisible elephant sitting on my chest.
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