Medical Anxiety. Really Worried

[Panicpanicpanicp]

I'm just going to flop out the facts, as I'm in rising panic and I can't function properly.

I have had a previous TIA about 9 years ago
I'm menopausal
I THOUGHT I had a pinched nerve in my shoulder but now I'm worried it's something else - stroke related
I've just tested my blood pressure and it's really, really high - my blood pressure is usually low - it's now over 160 sys
I went out earlier and it was 134 when I got home and it's been climbing since then
I don't check every day - I've only just bought the monitor
I feel dizzy with tingling left arm, but it's been like that for two weeks - I thought because of the pinched nerve
When I do the shoulder/nerve exercises or move around, it goes. It's only noticeable when I sit down.
I had a fluttery/palpitation feeling two nights ago, not since.
I'm overweight by about 1.5 stone, not obese and very sedentary/inactive for months other than light yoga (I'm going for a run first thing in the morning, I used to be regular until a couple of years ago)
I used to get panic attacks but haven't for years
I can't work out if I'm about to have a stroke, if I'm having a panic attack, if my heart is okay, or if I've got a pinched nerve and high bp

I'm going out of my mind basically, I'm worried sick. I've got 3 young children and I need to be strong and well.

If anyone can offer advice, I'd be so, so grateful. Sorry for the mad ramble.

Oh bless you, I think when you’ve been through a TIA it is natural to worry about symptoms. Could you call 111?

Give 111 a call, it might be nothing to worry about but please call just to make sure.

160 systolic is a little high, not very very high.

a tingling arm for two weeks that is relieved with movement does not sound like a stroke - I’m guessing there is no loss of function?
you do seem to have got into something of a fret, which will drive your bp up by itself.
if you are concerned call 111, and in the meantime do some calming exercises/breathing/whatever you find soothing.

Both my parents have had strokes and I wake up at least once a week in a panic I'm having a stroke as the way I lie means I often get dead arms in my sleep
95% of the time after the initial "oh shit is this time the real one?" thought I calm myself down and feeling returns. Then there are the times I wake up screaming.

It might be worth seeing if there's someone you can talk to over the weekend. With anything remotely stroke like I would expect 111 to send you to a and E but it might be worth popping into your local pharmacy. A lot offer blood pressure checks and they might have advice re the shoulder/tingly arm. I would probably try to get a gp appointment next week to get a review.

Thank you so much for your replies. I'm feeling reassured that no one has suggested rushing to A&E, and I'm so grateful for you for being understanding.
I've been trying to get my bp down by staring at calming images and listening to music. It's down to 146 but still relatively high.

For context, I've had two catastrophic medical emergencies from a clear blue sky, with not a single prior symptom, so I do understand why I'm spiralling a bit.

I'm not much of a drinker these days, but DH has opened some wine. I feel like a glass might settle me a bit. Would that be really stupid with these symptoms?

We do have a really good pharmacy nearby with BP machines and so on - I'll go tomorrow morning and talk through my symptoms with them.

I'd be having a chamomile tea and half a spoon of honey, that's how I relax. Leave the wine for now. Get some good sleep and nip to the chemist tomorrow.

Maybe some mindfulness would help? I find mindfully drinking a cup of tea helps. Herbal teas work well. Sit and notice how the cup feels in your hand. Run you fingers around the cup and handle, smooth bits, bumpy bits. Smell the tea, feel the warmth on your face. Then the taste, hold it in your mouth for a few seconds feel it cool and so on.

Thank you for your suggestions, I will try to tea cup thing, and I did have chamomile last night.

My bp is still really high this morning and I'm trying so hard not to panic. I did remember something that might be relevant actually...I like liquorice tea and I've been drinking a pot of it every evening this week - 3 tea bags left to stew until it's gone. I also had two cups of liquorice tea during the day yesterday.

I've remembered that liquorice tea can raise blood pressure, but to this extent? Is that possible, do you think?

Thanks all again.

I'm just nudging this OP as I'd love to hear people's thoughts/experience on liquorice tea as well ♥️

Yes, it could be the licorice tea. Cut it out and see what happens.
www.bloodpressureuk.org/resources/real-stories/liquorice-tea-caused-my-high-blood-pressure--nikkis-story/

As the other posters have said try to relax - anxiety is probably making you BP go up. I know it is hard.

My Mum was investigated for suspected TIAs many years ago. It turned out to be a trapped nerve in the neck/shoulder/

When you've had your blood pressure checked out, I can say that an osteopath works wonders with a trapped nerve in your neck/shoulder. The minute I feel the first twinge I book an appointment.

Hi, I just wanted to update this thread and say another thank you for keeping me sane that panicked night!

I've been monitoring my bp constantly and it;'s now back to around 107/81.

I'm completely convinced it was the liquorice tea. I was drinking a LOT of it for several hours most evenings, and I drank more of it than usual in the days before my bp went so high.

I'm booking an osteo appointment for my shoulder! Thank you for that tip.

Anyway, I'm updating mainly to say thank you, but also to leave a path for anyone madly googling "blood pressure liquorice tea" at some point in the future - it might be some help!

Glad it was so easily sorted.