Postural Hypotension

Posted on by SingleRheum

Well there’s rarely a dull day here at the moment, after lunch Tuesday with my lovely Dad I had nothing else on all week which is so welcome, my spoons were vanishing, need sleep!  Tuesday I also saw a locum GP, who was great, she listened, checked me over and we think we have a diagnosis – yes another one! 

I’d had odd very wobbly moments before, but last week they started happening every evening, sometimes twice, and I was getting quite worried. Felt like the inside of my head was spinning, usually lasting about two minutes or so. My biggest concern immediately was please don’t stop me driving, I’d be so stuck 😕

I, fortunately in a way, had one episode  Saturday evening while out with my friends, and they all said I immediately went white, not something I’d notice at home on my own. 

The doc is pretty sure it’s Postural Hypotension. Which basically means when I go from lying or sitting to standing my BP doesn’t catch up quickly enough, hence the dizziness. 

She’s asked me to take BP readings for a week am and pm, because my BP looked high in the surgery. This is a little worrying as I’m already on BP meds for Hypertension, ie high blood pressure and it looks like they may have stopped working? At least I’m being looked after. 

In the meantime I just need to take my time when getting up. Talk about feeling 90! 

Get Well Soon Doc! 

Posted on by SingleRheum

I know I’ve mentioned in blogs before that I’m extremely fortunate to have a wonderful GP, she knows me well, is incredibly supportive and I’d be lost without her. 

I had a phone call yesterday afternoon to let me know she’s gone off on long term sick with a back problem. Anyone who is chronically ill will know the immediate panic and anxiety this caused. 

Most people probably see their GP a couple of times a year if that. I probably see mine every six to eight weeks, with intervening phone calls and occasional texts if something new crops up. My medical history for the last few years is stupidly long and complex, and this is where the problems start with seeing another GP, however wonderful they are. She knows my story. 

I have RA, Fibromyalgia, Degenerative Disc Disease, IBS, hypertension, post Phlebetic Syndrome, Sjorgens Syndrome, ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression & Anxiety, intermittent insomnia, a Hiatus Hernia, Gastro Esophageal Reflux and am currently being treated with a steroid inhaler for a chronic cough, as well as ongoing painful bowel issues. 

My GP knows (despite all the above) that I’m not a hypochondriac and I never bother her unnecessarily. I am educated about my health and my meds, and usually know if something is wrong what it’s likely to be related to. When I go in to see her I always have a little list on my phone, we zip through it and she’s happy if I go over the set appointment time. 

The GP I’m waiting for a call back from today (possible onset of vertigo?) knows none of this. Without looking at a list they know nothing of the 18 repeat prescriptions I currently have either. 

The thought of trying to get them to focus on my immediate concern and ignore the other stuff is a  bit mind boggling, but I know this weird dizziness is not related. Then I have a ‘catch up’ appointment booked on the 18th which will be with a GP I’ve thankfully met before who seems nice. I’m just hoping she doesn’t think I’m nuts when I get my little list out – bowel pain ongoing –  meds made things worse, drops for sjorgens are helping –  can I have more please, yes I take tramadol daily, I need more of that too. Chest xray results please, if I miss a dose of my steroid inhaler this cough starts up again. Oh and by the way I need to update you from my appointment with the fatigue clinic, and my hands and back have been exceptionally painful for the past couple of months. 

Not quite so simple as simply popping in once a year when you get a virus. 

So for a multitude of reasons I’m sending healing blessings to my GP, and I very sincerely hope she’s better soon!