BP & Edema from Prednisone

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aimsgirl16 Veteran Member Date Joined Jun 2008 Total Posts : 1470	Posted 9/17/2009 6:55 PM (GMT -6)
	Okay! I have been in a pretty bad flare and was given several IV's of prednisone and having to take 60 mg daily...will probably stay this high until my kidney funtion starts going back up. Might actually have to get another IV of pred soon, depends on my labs tomorrow but My question is My BP is going crazy. I woke up this morning and it was 149/129. That is the highest my distolic pressure has been, but since Friday my distolic hasnt been under 100. My Pulse has also been 100-150...I am currently taking 40 mg of Lisinopril. Is there anything else i can do to try and get the distolic number under 100? Does Pred cause high BP? Or possibly Cytoxan? I know kidney issues do but my BP has never been this high...I don't know if this is something I should be more concerned about???? Any ideas of how to get this down naturally without having to add another med? Does high BP cause you to feel your heart POUNDING everywhere in your body? I can also hear it in my ears...Its just a nusiance... Also I am having the horrible pitting edema again. I can feel the fluid moving around in my feet when I walk. I will press on my ankle and the indention will stay there for about 5 min (no exageration). I have a scrip for Lasiks but the last time I took them it even got worse. I was taking 80 mg and maybe used the restroom 3 or 4 times the whole day. When I finally stoped taking the Lasiks, it got better. So is there anything I can do to get rid of this? Anyone discover any home remedies that help with this problem or do I just wait till it feels like going away? Amy Systemic Lupus , lupus nephritis , and a lot of other stuff associated with Lupus! ^{Cytoxan, Prednisone, Lupron, Zofran, Mesna, Lisinopril, Ambien, Flexeril, Ultram, Darvocet, Ferrious Sulfade, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Aspirin 81 mg, Vitamin C} The Old Normal is no more so I and we have to find a New Normal... Back to Top

MJLD Veteran Member Date Joined Jul 2007 Total Posts : 1048	Posted 9/17/2009 7:17 PM (GMT -6)
	Amy, I know where you're at girl! The Cytoxan actually lowered my pressure, but the pred increased it drastically at those doses and of course, I was also dealing with kidney issues as you are. There are other diuretics to try. I also took up to 80mg of lasix then had to switch to demadex for a while. Remember to watch you salt intake, including sodium in processed foods. Don't use salt substitutes without asking your doc, big no-no in renal failure! I know how miserable you are girl and i'm sorry! Love ya, Judy Back to Top

aimsgirl16 Veteran Member Date Joined Jun 2008 Total Posts : 1470	Posted 9/17/2009 7:46 PM (GMT -6)
	Thanks Judy! I guess I will call my doctor and see if he can try another diuretic, hopefully that will work. To be honest, I hadnt thought about my diet. I have been drinking lots of gateraide/poweraid...eating chips, salting my food. Hadnt even thought about my salt intake. Thanks for the reminder...maybe the watching my salt intake will help quite a bit! It is something when co-workers look at my feet and comment on them "jiggeling" when I move around. How are you doing? How are your kidneys? Are you still able to be off of dialysis? I sure do hope so!! Its good hearing from you and I really pray things are going well Amy Systemic Lupus , lupus nephritis , and a lot of other stuff associated with Lupus! ^{Cytoxan, Prednisone, Lupron, Zofran, Mesna, Lisinopril, Ambien, Flexeril, Ultram, Darvocet, Ferrious Sulfade, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Aspirin 81 mg, Vitamin C} The Old Normal is no more so I and we have to find a New Normal... Back to Top

Bsime Veteran Member Date Joined Apr 2006 Total Posts : 1342	Posted 9/17/2009 9:41 PM (GMT -6)
	Amy, 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 MCTD (lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis). Diagnosed 2005. Kidney, liver, GI tract, dysphagia, raynauds, Barretts esophagus, quadriplegic in 2005. Recovered and now active in skiing, tai, chi, hiking, golf. Meds: prednisone 2.5mg, imuran 25mg, amlodipine, benazapril, omeprazole, potassium, folic acid, vitamins, maxide and various supplements and vitamins. Remain optimistic and you can overcome the odds. Back to Top

aimsgirl16 Veteran Member Date Joined Jun 2008 Total Posts : 1470	Posted 9/18/2009 6:07 AM (GMT -6)
	Hey Bill! Thanks for the reply. Yes I am seeing a nephrologist. In January I had Acute Kidney Failure and thats when I started seeing him. My kidneys also started failing again 2 weeks ago. My kidney funtion has been monitered closly over the last 2 weeks...Its SLOWLY going up. Right now it back up to 41 percent It seems like I have edema when the kidneys start acting up but everytime I start getting high doses of pred it gets bad...I am just waiting to walk into something and scratch my leg and see fluid draining out of my leg like a fire hydrant being drained. LOL! I have seen all my doctors within the last month. Even a few extra than normal but have not seen anyone since Friday, which of course is when My BP decided to start acting up. I will give my nephrologist a call today and see what he says. I also have been on pred full time for over a year now at pretty high doses most of the time. Amy Systemic Lupus , lupus nephritis , and a lot of other stuff associated with Lupus! ^{Cytoxan, Prednisone, Lupron, Zofran, Mesna, Lisinopril, Ambien, Flexeril, Ultram, Darvocet, Ferrious Sulfade, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Aspirin 81 mg, Vitamin C} The Old Normal is no more so I and we have to find a New Normal... Back to Top

Bsime Veteran Member Date Joined Apr 2006 Total Posts : 1342	Posted 9/18/2009 8:24 AM (GMT -6)
	Amy, 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 MCTD (lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis). Diagnosed 2005. Kidney, liver, GI tract, dysphagia, raynauds, Barretts esophagus, quadriplegic in 2005. Recovered and now active in skiing, tai, chi, hiking, golf. Meds: prednisone 2.5mg, imuran 25mg, amlodipine, benazapril, omeprazole, potassium, folic acid, vitamins, maxide and various supplements and vitamins. Remain optimistic and you can overcome the odds. Back to Top

MJLD Veteran Member Date Joined Jul 2007 Total Posts : 1048	Posted 9/18/2009 12:04 PM (GMT -6)
	Amy, Wanted to check back and see how you are. I'm still off of dialysis, thankfully! I'll have blood work next week and see my nephrologist on the 30th. I'm still spilling alot of protein, but as long as I can stay off of dialysis i'm thrilled!!!! Please keep me posted on your condition! God Bless You, Judy Back to Top

aimsgirl16 Veteran Member Date Joined Jun 2008 Total Posts : 1470	Posted 9/18/2009 1:25 PM (GMT -6)
	Hey! Well I called my nephrologist and they had me come in to check my BP...of course it was high so they put me on Hydrochlorothiazide. They said that it should help with the edema and the BP. So I got it filled and took it about 2 hrs ago. I stil haven't gone to the bathroom but maybe it takes some time to work...We will see. I do feel like my BP is getting better. The bright shooting lights I was seeing is going away and my headache that I ahve had for days is almost gone! 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!!!! Amy Systemic Lupus , lupus nephritis , and a lot of other stuff associated with Lupus! ^{Cytoxan, Prednisone, Lupron, Zofran, Mesna, Lisinopril, Ambien, Flexeril, Ultram, Darvocet, Ferrious Sulfade, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Aspirin 81 mg, Vitamin C} The Old Normal is no more so I and we have to find a New Normal... Back to Top

Ginny Veteran Member Date Joined Feb 2003 Total Posts : 5514	Posted 9/18/2009 6:24 PM (GMT -6)
	Amy good to hear that you're on a new med for the bp. I hope it works quickly too! My bp is a bit high right now also from all the pred. Oh the joys!!!! You're getting a KITTY hehehe, I'm such a dork. I can do anything through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content. Phillipians 4:11-13 35 years old. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2000. Fibromyalgia, Anti-phospholipid syndrome(APS)(stroke, 2002), Sjogren's, Raynaud's, Libman Sach's Endocarditis, vasculitis, sacroiliitis, arthritis (neck), anxiety, PTSD. Prednisone, Imuran, Plaqunil, Coumadin, Clobazam, Amitriptyline, Didrocal, Cozaar, Zoloft, calcium, multi-vitamin, vitamin D, Magnesium, vitamin B6, Moderator for the Lupus and Fibromyalgia forums Back to Top

aimsgirl16 Veteran Member Date Joined Jun 2008 Total Posts : 1470	Posted 9/19/2009 7:49 AM (GMT -6)
	yes I am getting a kitty! hopefully today. The place where I am getting it wants the owner of the house (my sister) to come and meet them...I guess to make sure I am not trying to sneak a kitten in the house. Oh, I can't wait. I have been waiting for a kitten for 5 years. 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! Amy Systemic Lupus , lupus nephritis , and a lot of other stuff associated with Lupus! ^{Cytoxan, Prednisone, Lupron, Zofran, Mesna, Lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, Ambien, Flexeril, Ultram, Darvocet, Ferrious Sulfade, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Aspirin 81 mg, Vitamin C} The Old Normal is no more so I and we have to find a New Normal... Back to Top

MJLD Veteran Member Date Joined Jul 2007 Total Posts : 1048	Posted 9/21/2009 3:14 PM (GMT -6)
	Amy, It really should have brought your pressure down by now. How long has it been since you've had a 24 hour urine done? Have you called your doc back. I'm really concerned! Please keep me up to date. I have had all of the treatments available for the protein issue and mine is so resistant. I am taking a fairly low dose of cellcept. My doc has determined by my last biopsy that my kidneys are far too damaged to continue to bombard my body with toxic drugs. The end just no longer justifies the means! But, i'm holding my own. I'll be retested in the morning! Judy Back to Top

aimsgirl16 Veteran Member Date Joined Jun 2008 Total Posts : 1470	Posted 9/22/2009 7:28 AM (GMT -6)
	Hey Judy! I have never had a 24 hour protein done. My nephrologist said there is a spot protein somthing somethign that is as accuarate as the 24 hr test. I go on Friday to get my labs checked. I am seeing a lot more foam, tea colored, and getting up more frequently at night (6 times last night), so I am really crossing my fingers. Its crazy to me that I am still seeing this on 60 mg of pred... 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! Amy Systemic Lupus , lupus nephritis , and a lot of other stuff associated with Lupus! ^{Cytoxan, Prednisone, Lupron, Zofran, Mesna, Lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, Ambien, Flexeril, Ultram, Darvocet, Ferrious Sulfade, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Aspirin 81 mg, Vitamin C} The Old Normal is no more so I and we have to find a New Normal... Back to Top

Raven1954 Regular Member Date Joined Sep 2009 Total Posts : 31	Posted 9/23/2009 6:34 AM (GMT -6)
	Sorry haven"t figured out subject and name yet, am computer dork. Old time hippie from the 60's. I am on an increased dose of prednisone now for flare of cerebritis. Am on inderal daily for heart arrythmia's but keeps b/p fairly well controled. Don't know if I can suggest this, but I used to take maxide to control edema, except was on it too long (years), even though it is a loop diuretic and potassium sparing I ended up in the hospital getting iv potassium, but good on short term basis. Now my Rheumy always me to take a daily natural supplement to cleanse liver and kidneys,very effective. My feet swell terrible on inc. pred. which I am on now. I rest as much as steroids allow,elevate my feet,really watch salt intake,even though since onset of cerebritis,and cushings, my adrenals have had it,and have been running very low blood sodium levels,but right now look blown up and 7 months pregrant,and I will be 56 in few months,will get extra rest today with feet elevated,try to meditate as much as steroid monkey mind will allow,and juice fresh veggies that always seem to help in this situation. sorry for length, monkey-mind at work. Always call your Doctor when you are having these issues,can't sress this enough. God Bless,Namaste, Raven1954 sle since 1986, cerebritis,pre diabetic, peripheral neuropathy,mvp cataracts,degenerative disc dx. liver failure due to tylenol for to long,Meds: prednisone,inderal. synthroid,tegretol,nasonex,phenergan,dalmane,valium for fibromyl. dilaudid q8 for pain,cytoxin iv every 6 months,asa daily,albuteral inhaler,frequent antibiotics. Learning to live a differant life now, joining this has been a big step.Husband and son wonderful,but can't step inside,you guys are there. Back to Top

aimsgirl16 Veteran Member Date Joined Jun 2008 Total Posts : 1470	Posted 9/23/2009 7:30 PM (GMT -6)
	LOL Raven!!! I can relate on the Blown up and 7 months pregnant! Heck, I might as well be pregnant....got the edema, High BP, weight gain, no periods, nausesness...Yet I will have nothing to show for it like in a pregnancy. Oh well!!! Gotta love AI disease. Is maxide a prescription? I have a feeling at my rheumy apt on Friday, she will take one look at my swollen self and try another diuretic...hopefully it will work! Amy Systemic Lupus , lupus nephritis , and a lot of other stuff associated with Lupus! ^{Cytoxan, Prednisone, Lupron, Zofran, Mesna, Lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, Ambien, Flexeril, Ultram, Darvocet, Ferrious Sulfade, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Aspirin 81 mg, Vitamin C} The Old Normal is no more so I and we have to find a New Normal... Back to Top

MJLD Veteran Member Date Joined Jul 2007 Total Posts : 1048	Posted 9/24/2009 11:15 AM (GMT -6)
	Amy, My labs are still stable, of course, except for the protein. I know all about getting up several times a night! Frustrating! Please let me know about your labs on friday! Hang in there girl! Judy Back to Top

5ballerinas New Member Date Joined May 2006 Total Posts : 18	Posted 9/24/2009 11:47 AM (GMT -6)
	I have been where you are. Have you thought about what you are eating. Might sound simplistic but when I was really sick, I found that my BP and other symptoms were reduced by completely cutting salt, gluetin, and sugar from my diet. Don't eat any processed foods. Also drinking a shot of pure cranberry juice (really sour) daily has drastically helped my kidneys. Increasing my water intake and no matter the pain level doing physical thearapy in the pool has made a life changing difference. It was 7 years ago that I was on the same meds as you. Had acute renal failure a few times. Finally in the end I did 2 rounds of Rituximab. It's a long road back but I have been getting better ever since. No Meds for 3 years now! As the mother of 3 healthy and active teenagers, I have a lot to look forward to and be healthy for. Best Wishes, there is hope Systemic Lupus, Sjogrens Syndrome, Complicated Migraines, Insomnia, Acid Reflux Back to Top

aimsgirl16 Veteran Member Date Joined Jun 2008 Total Posts : 1470	Posted 9/25/2009 6:44 PM (GMT -6)
	Hi balerinas, yes I have thought about my diet...only for about a week but I am working on it. I have cut ou sodas and have cut back drastically on Salt...didnt realize how hard it is to have a low sodium diet. I am drinking cranberry juice but haven't found pure cranberry juice. Where can I get it? I had an apt with my rhuemy today and she seemed worried. Said it is very unusual to have acute kidney failure on Cytoxan...Oh well. I had some blood work done on Tuesday and my kidney function is slowly going back up!!!! Which is great news. They are worried about the massive amount of protein and blood I am spilling. So they are going to keep me on 60 mg of pred for probably another month until my next apt with the nephrologist...hopefully then I can come down on it. She also said all my blood counts are low, actually checked them again today to see if they have gone up any. I will find out the results of those on Monday along with the C3 and C4 tests. Well the good news is since I have been on 60 mg of pred I have had no joint pain so that is a plus. My BP is finally starting to go undercontrol. It was 133/100, so finally the bottom is starting to fall!!! Hope everyone is doing ok!!!! Amy Systemic Lupus , lupus nephritis , and a lot of other stuff associated with Lupus! ^{Cytoxan, Prednisone, Lupron, Zofran, Mesna, Lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, Ambien, Flexeril, Ultram, Darvocet, Ferrious Sulfade, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Aspirin 81 mg, Vitamin C} The Old Normal is no more so I and we have to find a New Normal... Back to Top

suetoo Regular Member Date Joined Jan 2006 Total Posts : 395	Posted 9/26/2009 7:22 AM (GMT -6)
	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! God knows, even if I don't.... CNS Lupus 2005, APS, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Meds: Plaquenil, Neurontin, Thyroid, Piroxicam, Aspirin, Atenolol and Norvasc, Prednisone 5mg daily and Paxil, Ambien every night. Back to Top

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