Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)

[Shianne]

I had a Dr's appt. yesterday and my blood pressure was high. I have never had high blood pressure before. I've read other posts and elevated blood pressure seems to come up a lot. I'm wondering what is the connection between that and the RSD if any. I'm wondering if I should be concerned. Any info would be apreciated.

[christine1003]

were you in pain when you went? when my rsd is acting up so is my blood pressure

[Shianne]

I was only about a 5 but I'm worried because I'm gaining weight and I can't excersize. I have never had high blood pressure. it's always been 90/60.

[reruho]

High blood pressure is very common and RSDers. Think about it, if your sympathetic nerves are in the fight mode constantly from the pain, the your BP is going to be elevated.

My BP jumped to 170/100 about a month after my RSD started. My primary had me take my BP 3 times a day for two weeks. Then, my primary prescribed BP meds and I had it under control within a month. My BP is now down around 100/70. Make sure you record your pulse too.

Do you have a home BP machine? Talk to your doctor, he may a machine you can borrow or reccomend a machine to purchase. You can pick one up at Walmart or a drug store for $20-30. My primary used to keep several machines that he lent out to his patients. You could take your pressures 3 times a day and see if this is a fluke or not. Going to the doctor is very stressful for people.
Reta

[christine1003]

thanks reta that was very helpful

[reruho]

I forgot to answer your question. Yes, you should be concerned. Untreated hypertension can lead to stroke and organ damage if left untreated.
Reta

[Shianne]

My doctor did not even adress it, he was too busy trying to convince me that RSD does not spread. That you for responding.

[Bussey]

Hello Shianne,

Your question is a good one. I have never suffered from blood pressure issues. My blood pressure was always within normal parameters whenever I saw a Dr. for any reason. However, during the first year of the onset of RSD, each time I went to see a Dr., for any reason, my blood pressure levels were always different. Not only were they always different, but the levels were always elevated. By the time it was time for me to see my cardiologist for my regular checkup, my blood pressure level was still somewhat elevated. I had been seeing him for many years, and he was never concerned. He said that he wanted to see me again in six months. Then, if my blood pressure was still elevated, he would recommend medication. Thankfully, that never happened. What I realized was, the RSD was affecting my blood pressure, during the period just after onset. Thankfully, after a few months, my blood pressure stabilized once again.

I am not sure how long you have been suffering from RSD, but I do think it is a good idea that you monitor your pressure regularly for the time being. Of course, that is in addition to consulting with your Dr. regularly, to determine if this is an acute problem, or a chronic one.

I hope that this information is helpful to you.

Take care of yourself, and God bless you!

Bussey

[Bussey]

Shianne,

Just one more thing. You may want to consult a different Dr. concerning this matter, since he showed no interest in responding to your concern.

Bussey

[reruho]

I agree with Bussey about the doctor. My primary was the one that decided it was a major comcern. My old Primary took care of all me except the RSD. He was the first to prescribe pain meds for me. Now, the PM takes care of the RSD and my primary takes care of the rest of me. I try to limit the number of people prescribing for me. My old primary always asked how my BP has been when I would go to see.

I always take my BPs for 3-4 days after any med changes to make sure it does not raise my BP ot pulse.
Reta