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Posted 8/1/2013 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
What is considered "high blood pressure" and when does it become a concern??? My mom's blood pressure typically is in the mid 120's but lately its been in the 140's/low 150's. Does this happen after transplant?
Posted 8/1/2013 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
They wouldn't consider that high, I'm sure.

But why not ask her doctor to ease your mind?
They are the experts and are watching her vitals, no doubt.
Posted 8/1/2013 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Do you mean systolic pressure (the upper number?) 140 is the high end of normal and 150 is mild hypertension. Is she on any BP medication? If not, they will probably wait to see if it drops before prescribing anything. They look for trends...is it trending upward daily? No real reason for concern right now.

As Mae suggested, it is best to contact her doctor with these types of concerns...but get a couple of questions together before calling. Or speak to his nurse.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 8/2/2013 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
I think they lowered a year or so ago. Anything above 130 if consistent is high. My BP has gone up since liver function has improved. Apparently liver damage causes low BP. I had to increase meds because I was hovering at 135, doc wanted it below 130.

Post Edited By Moderator (hep93) : 8/1/2013 7:23:41 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/2/2013 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Barry, I believe I read about them lowering the numbers. Or maybe it was cholesterol. Or both.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 8/2/2013 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you. Our TC is off until Monday...I will call her then.
She is not on any Blood pressure medications right now. Is it typical to take blood pressure meds after transplant???
Posted 8/2/2013 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
I was taking BP meds both before and after TP. Same with diuretics. However, I was taking both Lasix and Aldactone after TP for awhile, and now I'm taking just the Lasix 20 mg a day. I had bad issues with edema. I take metoprolol 50 mg a day for BP control. I did have an elevation in BP for a few months after TP and they increased the dosage to 100 mg/day. Now it is controlled on 50 mg once a day.

They will watch your mom's BP and see if it continues to rise over a period of time. They will not intervene if it's just a once-in-awhile reading that is elevated. Of course, if it suddenly goes sky-high (systolic of 170 or higher), they will definitely put her on meds and also look for the cause.

How is her diastolic reading (bottom number), which is actually more serious.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 8/2/2013 11:18 AM (GMT 0)
The bottom number is usually in the low 70's. Is that okay??? Will it be transplant that monitors her blood pressure or the primary care doctor?
Posted 8/2/2013 12:19 PM (GMT 0)
70s is good. Top # seems high. Record 3 times a day for a few weeks to show consistency. Then bring it up.

Post Edited By Moderator (hep93) : 8/2/2013 1:25:20 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/2/2013 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, 70s diastolic is good. I got a BP machine and took my own pressure every day for over a year and charted it, as Syxx suggested. At any visit to see the TC or transplant surgeon, they also take it. It can be monitored by either primary care or the transplant team. Usually, during the first year post transplant, the TP team likes to monitor and manage everything. Then they want you to gradually transfer monitoring and care to the PCP, including Rxs.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 8/3/2013 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
At this point (3 months post transplant), it would be the transplant team controlling/monitoring the elevated blood pressure OR the primary care physican???
Posted 8/3/2013 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
I assume that the transplant team and the pcp keep in touch, so both should be consulting with one another.
Posted 8/3/2013 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Jane,

It's good to come and ask questions, but keep in mind that we are not doctors. I'm thinking you're reluctant to pin the doctors down. All you have to do to set your mind at ease for a change, is to come right out and say "at what point should I be worried about mom's bp?" There may be several reasons it is above her usual read. (I never had them be concerned when brothers was equivalent.) Or "is that a normal dose of cellcept for 3 months out?" Everyone has a different normal.

Try not to obsess about every little thing. Put it on the medical staff, that's why they're paid the big bucks! They are the experts, and if you don't have faith in them, it's time to change doctors.

I wonder too if by all your obsessing, are you driving her bp up past what you call normal? Relax, and let mom recover without all the worry. It's a waste of precious time. She will sense your apprehension.

Rent a happy movie and watch it with her AFTER you turn off your computer :)
Posted 8/3/2013 6:25 PM (GMT 0)
Good advice, Mae. Nurses are good sources of info, too, regarding things like BP and med doses.

Please don't obsess over every little thing. Your mom is in good hands. The transplant team is keeping a good eye on her The things you should be concerned with are a high fever, infection, sky-high BP; no urine output, or constipation for 3 days or more; i.e., things that are way out of the norm.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 8/3/2013 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Right on Connie! Nurses are charged with administering and evaluating prescribed treatment. They are the eyes for the ever-changing patient wellness.

My own mother was an RN and daughter is an NP. I myself am often asked by staff if I am a nurse lol. Guess I learned a lot of medical terminology in my day, along with 2 years of Latin in my studies Catholic School :)
Posted 8/4/2013 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
@ Mae...after transplant, we were told to keep a log of my mom's blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and weight. This needs to be done 2x daily (morning and night). It has been most recently that we have noticed a slight increase in her blood pressure. I have reached out to her TC (she's on vacation and spoke to her back up). I was told its not a concern at this time but to monitor it for the next few days and report back into the TC on Monday.

I don't live with my parents and don't see them daily (we live in different counties) however speak with my mom a few times a day and see/visit with them a few times a week. I do not show my mom if I am concerned or worried. I am very lax when I am with her so that she is always in a very happy and peaceful mood. But, I do appreciate your advice :-)

@ hep93...you are 100% correct...there are other things to focus or be concerned with.
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