BP & Edema from Prednisone

Prednisone can cause a spike in BP and did with me.  It has taken other meds like lisinopril and maxide to get things under control.  My BP went from low normal range to about 200/110 almost over night even though it had stayed in the normal range for the first 10 months of taking prednisone. 

Your edema is most likely due to a kidney condition called proteinuria. If you have not seen a nephrologist you should consider seeing one.  A drug like lisinopril treats the kidney condition and a diuretic like lasix is usually prescribed to get the swelling down.  Initially I took lasix but was switched later on to maxide.

Your blood pressure is dangerously high and if you have not seen your doctor recently you should immediately.  Forget about home remedies or diagnosing whatever is causing your problems...you need to see your doctor and find meds to lower your bp.  BP is often described as the silent killer, no symptoms, but when it is very high you definitely can feel it.....in your eyes, headache, and a feeling like you are on speed.

There are meds that will get it down within an hour.  But then your doctor will have to find the right meds to maintain it.

Bill

I gained about 20lbs of water weight in just a few days several times before my docs got things under control.  Looked like the Michelin man and felt like I could not bend my ankles, knees,  wrists, elbows......  My kidneys have been under control for 4 years now with no problems but edema was a problem the first year.

Scary when you gain so much weight so fast.  When polymyositis kicked in I gained 20lbs of water weight in 3 days and then lost that and about 40lbs of muscle cells in a week.  More like the incredible shrinking man instead of the Michelin man.

Keep getting better.

Bill

Judy, I am so glad you are still off Dialysis. I know you have to be thrilled. Can they do anything to help with the protein? My protein leakage has gone down a little bit so that is good but still have a ton of blood...but my function is on the rise so I can't complain too much. I do have to say it is so nice to have someone to talk to that has been where I am. Thank you for being there Judy! It means a whole lot!!!!

about my BP...does anyone know how long it takes for meds to work? My BP this morning when rolling out of bed was 131/113 with pulse of 114. I am just worried about the bottom number...Nothing has changed with the edema...its actually a little worse, its up to my knees now! Oh well...guess I will wait a few more days till the meds workd!

The BP has stayed close to the same. Actually my top number has come down a little bit. Last night before bed it was 131/116 and this morning it was 126/113. The diuretic has worked just like the lasiks....made it worse. now its in my toes makeing my toes look like minature hot dogs...quite funny looking!

How did your labs come this morning? I can't believe they aren't treating the protien but I guess there is only so much you can do! I am praying things are still mainting for you!

Best Wishes, there is hope

Hi! Amy,

I have certain flares that make my b/p bounce up that badly, too. And with pitting edema in my lower legs, and use a prn prescription for Lasix. My rheumy has explained that he is in charge of the meds to control my lupus, and that my family dr. should treat my hi B/P. Therefore, two appts., prednisone for my flare, and an increase in my atenolol from 25mg. twice a day, to 50mgs twice a day, and that helped alot. The atenolol also helps to keep my pulse down. I used to feel it pound and race in my chest enough that I thought I would lose my mind.  I also take 5mg of Norvasc, and a scary headache and scary hi b/p were the first symptoms that led me to a neurologist and back to my immunologist who had first diagnosed my APS, and then quickly after that, a lupus diagnosis. I have found that putting my feet up on enough pillows to put my feet over the level of my chest helps alot. I will keep them up for at least a 1/2 hour and the pain subsides immensely. I am so glad we have this site, I will feel extra lousy and decide to at least sit at my desk for awhile, cause my misery really does love everyone's company.

hugs,

suetoo

ps.

i think I saw pure cranberry juice at Walmart. Do you like purple grape juice? Maybe you could try making juice mixes until you find the perfect taste. Cranberry juice makes me pucker just THINKING about it!   Renal diets are really tough, too. Ask to chat with the dietician at your hospital for some insider insight into kidney friendly foods. And I put my juice in a little blender with ice cubes to make a crushed flavored ice so I get more water in my diet. You can use soy or skim milk for chocolate iceys, with a touch of cinnamon, or vanilla extract,  lemon, orange or lime for citrusy ones, It has been really hard for me to give up Coke. I had to compromise, and only allow myself one can per workday, which is a Big decrease from the 3 lg. 16oz bottles I would often drink. And salt.........unfortunately, now I have been salt 'free' for so long, restaurant food often tastes unpleasantly salty. Protein is tough to omit, too. Hope you feel better really soon!