HBP diagnosis after Anemia-50 MG Metropolol- Confused - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

hannahhannah57 · 06-18-2008, 02:27 PM

I am 33, just went through an iron treatment in March for Anemia. I had irregular blood pressure during the entire Anemia process, but they attributed that to the Anemia. During the follow up with my hematologist, my blood pressure was taken 3 times and the lowest reading they could obtain was 172/96. Considering the other irregular readings during the anemia, he put me on 50 mg of Metropolol and also Aldactone. It has been 30 days and I feel terrible, I am tired all the time & have no energy and no matter what I eat it seems to upset my stomach.
I called the doctor because my prescription was out, I weigh 116 lbs and I wanted to ask him if maybe this dosage was too much. I explained all this to the nurse & instead of having him call me, she called in a refill. So that aggravated me and I just called my regular OBGYN for an appt. My question is, everyone I know acts really surprised that the docs have not been checking my blood pressure on a regular basis while I am on this medication. Should they have been checking it? They gave me no other instructions other than to take the meds. Should I be this tired and I am having dizzy spells too?

Edelweiss · 06-18-2008, 04:20 PM

I definitely feel your doctor (or you) should be monitoring your bp on a regular basis especially since you're a "beginner" on bp meds. Plus, you're not feeling well. I would call your doctor back and request an appointment to see him ASAP.

In the meantime, is there someplace convenient where you can check your bp -- many pharmacies and grocery stores have machines that I've found are usually pretty accurate.

I hope you're able to get an appointment soon and get your meds straightened out.

famnd · 06-18-2008, 10:51 PM

Hi Han,

I agree with Eldelwiss in that you should see a Dr., but I think it would be better to see your family Dr. who will more likely monitor your b/p & do the appropriate lab testing at least every 3 months & then every 6 months.

Until you get in to see a DR. you should get your b/p taken. I haven't found pharmacies etc. reliable. Your family Dr. might let you pop in & get your b/p taken without an appointment. If not, the I would go to the ER & have it done. I've had to do that on occasion. They don't charge anything. Another possibility is a fire station.

Tireness from a beta blocker is common but you should not be dizzy after taking it for a month. What is aldactone? Is it a diuretic? The name is familiar, I just can't think what it is. If it is a b/p drug, then I would question why you are starting out with two drugs instead of one. Taking one drug at a time helps one sort out the cause of side effects etc.

You are smart to question the care you are getting. Fam

hannahhannah57 · 06-23-2008, 08:36 AM

Thank you for the responses. I bought a BP monitor Thursday evening and it seemed low to me everytime I took it, 90/55 was the average and my pulse was 67. My BIL is a pharmacist and he said to half the dosage. I quit it cold turkey, which I am sure you are not supposed to do, but I was so tired I could barely make it. After not taking it since Friday,today it is 112/65.
I called my doc this morning and they want to see me Wednesday. Aldactone is a diuretic..I will let you know the outcome, thanks so much!