Hi, Mej, 

Feeling like one is coming down w/the flu is a sympton of RA that many of us experience.  The drop in the bp is concerning though.  It would be prudent for you to call your doctor and let him/her know about this situation. How low does you bp drop?  Are you on bp meds?  Sorry for so many questions, but I am concerned and just looking for some more information.  We are not doctors here, but large fluctuations in bp are not a good thing.  Please call the doctor and let us know how you are doing.  We are all in this together, and we are concerned for you.

Best Wishes, 

V

mej

8/13/12 11:01am

Thank you for answering and caring. B/P readings: 102/61, 114/65, 106/62.

this morning it is 114/88. I am scheduled for a complete physical next week.

Thank you, MEJ

mej

8/13/12 11:15am

I forgot to say that, I do not take B/P meds. I do take mexo( 10m.)prednisone( 5m) evoxic (30m)and folic acid.

V, Health Guide

8/14/12 8:37am

I hesitate to say this, but I know your doctor will be happy with those bp readings.  I am a 30 year veteran of high bp and high bp meds, and I know doctors like those lower readings.  If your lower number were in the 50's I think they would be concerned.  I am not a doctor, though.  You need to let your doctor know exactly what is going on.  What is your bp normally?  I do know docs are unhappy with big fluctionatins in blood pressure.  My bp was 164 over 98 after I took my bp meds the other day, so they changed my meds...again. Prednisone raises most people's bp. I wonder what your bp would be if you were not on prednisone. The thing is this, if you feel that something is wrong, it probably is.  Trust your gut instincts and check it out with the doc.

 

Best Wishes,

V

mej

8/14/12 11:58am

Thank you for your comment. I will talk to my doctor next week. My usual BP is 120/80 now, and 110/70 when I am off meds. I am thankful!

sigh... I should've read the second part of your question, the one where you mentioned that you feel like you're coming down with the flu. Yes, flu-like symptoms is very much part of RA. It's called RA malaise - fatigue, perhaps low-grade fever, feeling unwell in general, etc. You mentioned that it happens about once a week - have you notice whether it happens in connection to something such as taking a medication, having a long day, overdoing it, and so on? You may want to keep the bit about diary for 3-4 weeks. Write down how you feel each day, what the medication you take, what you do, etc. Just short notes. It might help you identify patterns.

These bursts of malaise may be an indication that your back to the disease. Talk to your rheumatologist about it - it may be time to look into medication options.

Hi, Mej,

Did you talk to your doc yet?  Is your bp okay?

V

mej

8/19/12 7:59pm

V

I will have  a complete phyical on Thurs. I'll let you know what the Doc. says.

Thanks, MEJ

V, Health Guide

8/21/12 8:15am

Sounds good!  I saw my cardio last week.  He raised my bp meds and said I have to have a renal ultrasound.  I am pretty sure that will be okay. I hope your appt goes well.

 

Take care,

V

mej

8/21/12 11:35am

V

Please let me know the outcome of your test.

MEJ

V, Health Guide

8/25/12 9:29pm

I had the test Friday.  Should hear something next week, I would think. It only took 30 minutes, but I had the ultrashound tech from Zombie Land.  She was saying she had been working a lot of overtime.  She was not gentle with that want.  It hurt like heck.  Aggravated my Fibro, I think. Hopefully all is well. Will let you know!

 

V