Patsy's Journal

Three months after surgery. Happy Easter!

I’ve been experiencing some high blood pressure readings at rehab that have kind of come as a surprise to me. I have always had low blood pressure. At home, my systolic pressure is usually in the 90s and the diastolic pressure range is in the upper 40s to the mid 50s. When I’m at rehab, it’s always higher. I’ve even taken my cuff in to make sure it is giving me correct readings. A couple of weeks ago, I was on the stationary bike, and I had what I refer to as a bike wreck. I got on and right away I saw that I couldn’t do it. I got off and made my way to the nearest chair. They struggled for a bit to get my readings. My blood pressure was 190/70. My heart rate had also shot up. I have afib, so they thought I could have went in and came right back out of it. If so, I sure didn’t experience what I normally do...no trying to pass out and I didn’t exactly feel my heart out of rhythm. They had me to sit there until my pressure got back within normal range, benched me for the day and sent me home. Last week, I thought I was doing better, but they told me on Friday that my blood pressure is trending upward and that I need to call my doctor. I can’t for the life of me recall what they told me they think is happening. I was kind of stumped. I’m also experiencing some body jerking when I have over exerted myself. When I sit down, it’s almost like a rocket taking off. My upper body literally jerks me from side to side like a rag doll. It doesn’t last long, but it’s terrifying for me and my family when they see it happening. Has anyone else experienced this? I’ll call my doctor tomorrow because this morning
I had Moe’s surgery on the side of my face. They had prepped me before I even thought about mentioning my new heart valve. No problem! I guess there are others who forget to mention it because it wasn’t long until they returned with antibiotics for me to swallow. This is my fourth go around with Moe’s surgery, so it’s like, ‘Hello, old friend!’ They got it all, so I’m good to go again until my next round. No rehab for me this week. My job is to rest and keep my head above my heart.
Also...I’ve had a couple of messages that don’t show up on my page. Is this normal? I hate it that I don’t know how to find them or what to respond to.