To find low blood pressure so fucking annoying and debilitating?

[AbsentmindedWoman]

As I write this, I'm lying down completely on my side with the computer sort of propped up against my bent knees. I can't even sit up without feeling sick and light headed. So far, I've felt myself started to 'go', as in pass out completely, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, and at my desk. It's horrible. I'm used to it now so if I move quickly and lie back down I can prevent the actual passing out most of the time, and because I can prevent this, doctors seem to think this is fine but it's not really, is it?

My cardiology appointment isn't until February and I've had trouble with this for the last couple of years, only the instances of it are getting more frequent. The worst during my period which is happening now.

It's a complete fucking pain in the arse and nobody seems to be that bothered! Does anyone else deal with similar stuff?

YANBU It’s plagued my life since I was 11. I have to eat a lot of salt. When it’s especially bad (gets as low as 68/36) I try Gatorade and salty crisps to raise it a bit.

Most people have no idea how awful it is and think low bp is a symptomatic.

Its bloody awful!! I get told to eat more salted things too. But actually not that keen on salty stuff. Ive passed out many times constantly seem to be dizzy. Its frigging awful. Feel your pain !

Are you on any medication, it sounds miserable for you. I'd go back to the g.p. and ask for an urgent referral, I'm guessing this must really affect everything you do.

Should add, I’ve other health issues so went to see a Dr Peatfield in Crawley. Was very expensive but I take some supplements that he advised and, period aside, my bp has gone up to over 100/70 most days.

I was originally prescribed Midodrine by the cardiologist but I suffered severe episodes of Tachycardia and was considered to be a stroke risk.

Have you considered reading the 'Boswell' threads?

Sorry. I'll get my coat.

I've got this and today is a bad day, lots of salt and diet coke helps. It means I can't exercise properly which means I'm a blob. It means I worry about taking my kids out. I hate it

Yep it's horrible isn't it. I had no idea there were supplements that could help @shadylady53, what were you advised to take?

I have really low bp and it sucks. I have been injured more than a few times, fainting while showering, going up or down stairs, etc
I dont like salty stuff to begin with, but I do make sure to have some in my diet. I also have to be really careful with dehydration.
My doctor wavers between saying I will be ok, and talking about taking my drivers license away

Get your thyroid tested. Suffered through it my entire life and apparently my hormone panels indicated imminenent hypothyroidism for years before I was finally diagnosed.

It feels horrible, doesn't it?

Things that work for me pretty quickly are cold showers or a cold coke. But I have never been as bad as you sound. I think you need to be seen before February.

You're right, most people really have no idea!

I do like salty stuff but have been trying to avoid things like salami and bacon lately, as you read all the nitrates are bad. I love crisps but am type 1 diabetic and the carbs are problematic - was really craving crisps last night though with PMS so did guzzle a ton.

I have pickles in the kitchen which is down a flight of stairs and I'm scared of stairs right now!

A lot of the time I'll be dizzy but get relief from drinking a lot of water and then having coffee. But when it gets bad, it is BAD.

I've always had low blood pressure. I'm used to managing it so I haven't stood up and passed out in a while but is a pain and people always seems to think it's a good thing. I've actually knocked myself out when fainting so it can be bloody dangerous as well.

When I had an operation some years ago I had to stay in hospital an extra couple of days as my blood pressure had fallen through the floor and they couldn't get it higher.

The heatwave was a nightmare as extra sweating meant losing more salt and more lightheadedness. I'm a big fan of salt!

I already have low blood pressure and now have to take tablets to keep it down as I have a damaged heart valve (a whole other thread) and am currently on the waiting list for surgery.

Things which can help are:

No hot baths/showers as these dilate your blood vessels and can lower your bp more.

Plenty of clear fluids e.g. water, squash etc. If possible drink a glass or cup of something before you get out of bed in the morning, sugar in tea but don’t overdo it - excess sugar plays hell with my heart rate but sugar in tea brings my bp up slightly.

Elevate your head slightly when sleeping as if you go from flat to not straight away this can cause your bp to drop suddenly.

Ensure you’re getting enough potassium, bananas are a good source if you like them, alternatively four squares of pure dark chocolate contains the same amount of potassium as a banana, and there’s a whole list of foods on the web which contain it.

No sudden movements, get up slowly, hold on to the chair etc, for a few seconds before moving, etc.

Some of these are common sense but things which I have only gleaned over time iyswim.

Low bp is a real bitch and I’m currently heading into a blip myself as am due on soon so you have my sympathy.

OP - Have you spoken to your diabetic consultant about it ?

Following this as I have a teen currently having issues with this and need all the help we can get. Doctor just said drink more fluids and eat more salt.

@Inspectorlkem Not read the Boswell thread, but maybe I should start a fight on AIBU.

Yes, mentioned to diabetes team twice, there's some chance it could be caused by diabetes screwing up the autonomic nervous system. I've had a nerve conduction test for peripheral neuropathy, but not any specific tests for autonomic neuropathy. I should probably chase this again at my next appointment.

Started to feel really rough again, and - sorry if graphic - passed a large period clot. My bathroom is small so I can sit on the loo and rest my head on my folded arms on the sink and thank god I can because I couldn't sit upright.

Now back in bed, shaking and with a bucket in case of puking but I need to lie down and don't want to lie on the bathroom floor unless I need to when in there.

This scares me, when it's at this point.

What do you count as a large clot?

Google says bigger than a 10p coin size is big. Surely not? I'm sure I've read here and elsewhere of women passing much larger clots and it not being a sign of anything awful?

@category the supplements are for an underlying thyroid and adrenal problem, not just low blood pressure so I’d be hesitant to recommend without being a medical practitioner myself and not knowing what is causing the low blood pressure for you.

One side effect of the supplements is that my horrendous periods have actually got worse so I’d be especially hesitant to recommend the supplements given the terrible time she’s having with her periods.

OP, I relate to the clots! A side effect of considerable blood loss is low blood pressure. I’m wondering if that’s why so many of us suffer around our periods or if it’s chemical/hormone based...

A big clot to me is about half the palm of my hand? 10p is nothing!

I have neurocardiogenic syncope type 2b.

Do you wear compression stockings?

If this is worse during your period I am wondering if it’s anaemia related... sorry if I’ve missed a post saying that I’m reading this with ds next to me!

Also, look up “pots” in relation to Addison’s disease. Might be worth having an early morning cortisol test to check for that too - they won’t do it as part of a standard blood test.

My big clots are similar in size and shape to an adolescent mouse So, bigger than a 10p for sure, but not frighteningly big!

I think when one passes through my cervix it triggers some awful vasovagal dip. Not always from pain, but the sensation?

Long term medication im on causes mine to spontaneously drop when i stand up, the dizzy, pixelating vision and having to grab on to stuff to stop yourself falling isn't great. This is the 6th medication ive tried and the only one that works for me, but they have to up my dosage very slowly, an i cant have medication for my raynauds as it causes the same side effect too so i cant have both.

Goodness, poor you. Things that work for me are salty foods and not getting dehydrated so plenty of fluids. I’ve frquently been anaemic too and it’s worse then. Maybe get tested for anaemia? Especially as anaemia makes you bleed more during periods creating a visious cycle.

You could try eating some soft Australian style liquorice as it can raise BP. In fact some I bought recently that has a warning on the packet for anyone whose BP is high not to consume more than 2oz a day. But not sure if you’re going to see a cardiologist.

My GP told me low BP is not considered a medical condition in the UK so not routinely medicated whereas in other countries it is.