High BP/irregular heartbeats/pain

[kingpeta]

Hi All,

I'm about 3 months post AVR surgery (mechanical). I've been having some worrisome symptoms that I wonder if any of you can shed some light on. My BP has creeped up to about 135/90-100. I've been noticing skipped heartbeats at regular intervals (maybe every couple minutes). Resting heartrate is about 80-85. I have a dull ache/pain in my lower back, left side just at or below my rib cage. I'm coughing just a bit mostly at night when falling asleep. In addition, I was put on antibiotics a few weeks ago for an ear infection and swollen lymph node behind my ear. The lymph node swelling has gone down a bit but it's not completely gone. I do feel like I'm getting cold symptoms (sinus pressure and congestion). The doc who had me on antibiotics (Ketek) didn't want to give me anything else now. He says wait 5-7 days and let him know. My BP has never been that high either before or after surgery so I'm scared. I'm trying to get in to see my cardio asap but wanted to see if anyone could calm me a bit! So, what do I have??

[RCB]

King,
Your Bp is borderline high/ watch it, but nothing to worry about. I take it this is the first time you have been sick since your surgery. Remember, your body is still healing from the trama of surgery and will tend to respond differently to a pathogen. Unless you are "gasping" for air at night and it doesn't subside when you sit up, I wouldn't worry. I think your doctor gave you good advice- give your body a few days to adjust. Your not a teenager anymore.:D You will be fine.

[Georgia]

It sounds like a viral infection coincidentally on the heals of the ear infection. I had a tough time with colds and stuff the first 6 months after surgery; I guess your immune system is screwed up.

Don't take sudafed for the sinuses - it'll push your bp up. And most likely that bp is due to the virus. Probably happens a lot when we have colds, but we don't know it because we don't take our blood pressure regularly like after ohs!

Hope you feel better - use Ocean nasal spray, alternate cold and hot packs at 20 min intervals for the sinuses, drink lots of water, eat lots of chicken soup, and try not to worry.

[carista]

I agree with everyone else. I was retaining water, which I was told spiked my blood pressure, but now I'm back to normal and last night all of a sudden felt like I had a fever and was naseous. My EXTREMELY protective husband made me go to hospital and my blood pressure was like 145/90 about, which is really high for me, got some tests done and the doctor told me he thinks I got a flu or something. So my body is definately responding differently to getting sick after surgery! I would listen to your doctor and try not to worry.

Carista

[joanne6]

If the L sided back pain and cough persist, I would see the doc. Probably nothing but just to be safe. You will worry until someone checks you and says you are OK.
Feel better.