bp climbing--Dr doesn't seem to mind.

[lisa d.]

Hi. I just discovered your site and wish I'd found it before, but I need you all now more than ever. I am 35w4d with what will be my second child. I've been on bedrest since the first of Sept due to a bp spike from 110/70 to 160/95. Since going on bedrest, it's stayed reasonably down, ranging from 120/75 to around 149/89.

However....the past 2-3 days have worried me. The lowest bp since Mon am has been 136/90 (this am), but I've spent much of the time in the 150's-160's/90's. Highest recorded was yesterday afternoon at 166/96. I called the nurse and after checking with my HR OB, she relayed the opinion that "bp's can fluctuate and unless I'm having severe headaches, abdominal pain and/or pain in the upper right chest area that it's nothing to worry about". I'm not having those symptoms at this time, along with no weight gain and only mild swelling in the fingers and toes (normal probably?). However, I'm sorry, but my bp has never been that high and I *am* worried.

He seems determined to not deliver this baby until 10 days before my due date and seems determined to ignore anything that might indicate a need for earlier delivery. I don't know if I'm stressing too much over this or if my feeling that I can't trust him has foundation.

Oh, one other reason for my concern is that I know pre-e is hard on the kidneys....I've only got one, and would like to protect it.

I have an appt with him tomorrow AM (Thurs) and will be sure to check on the protein level in my urine (they don't usually bother to tell me what it is), but what else do I need to do or say while there?

I am not anxious to spend Halloween in the hospital or to deliver sooner than safe, but I'm also not interested in messing around with this.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Lisa
35w4d

[angelical]

Can you get into see a high-risk OB (peri)?

My best advice is to trust your instincts. If you think you need more/better care, then seek it.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Sharel

------------------------
Sharel & Kevin
Aaron - 28 weeker
Born 5/2/02 due to preeclampsia & HELLP

Our miracle boy is doing great!!

[lisa d.]

Sadly he is a high risk OB in one of the largest such clinics in the area (part of a med school). I've been working with this group of Dr.s for 10 years with never a prob until this guy. He's got a bit of a god-complex and doesn't like to be challenged. But going somewhere else now would be like throwing a dart into a dartboard, totally random. I've considered asking to see one of the other drs in the dept but am afraid it will generate problems.
-Lisa

[angelical]

....calming down.... calming down....

Okay, let's see if I can write this now. [;)]


When I was pregnant with my son, and had preeclampsia, my OB sent me to a teaching hospital to see the high risk OB. That man was an absolute idiot. He completely disregarded all of my symptoms and acted like I was just faking, or something. (how I could fake protein, swelling, and high bp, I don't know)

Finally, a couple days after that horrible appointment, I called back to the teaching hospital, and happened to get a different high risk OB. It was like Night and Day. He told me to come in immediately, and they admitted me. Five days later I developed HELLP Syndrome. Had I followed the first specialist's advice, I could have been at work, almost 2 hours from the teaching hospital, and, well... the outcome would have been much different.

PLEASE don't worry about interaction between docs. Hopefully they are all professional. You owe it to yourself and your child to seek out the best care.

Good luck!

Sharel


------------------------
Sharel & Kevin
Aaron - 28 weeker
Born 5/2/02 due to preeclampsia & HELLP

Our miracle boy is doing great!!

[ileana]

I suggest you print and take these messages with you

http://www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1081&SearchTerms=treating,hypertension



These messages were sent by the leading specialists in Hypertension in pregnancy:
http://www.preeclampsia.org/Mboard.asp

Your god-complexed doctor cannot ignore these guys...

For the single kidney problem, maybe you should also see a nephrologist...
http://www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=769&SearchTerms=kidney

Good luck to you! Keep us posted with how it goes!



Ileana 33
Angel stillborn 24w p-e 2/17/03

[annegarrett]

Definitely ask what your proteinuria is. If you know your baseline BP it may help the doctor appreciate the "climb"...facts speak loudly to smart doctors...emotional "sounding" complaints may be dismissed. For example say: As you can see from my chart--my normal BP is 100/70--so my BP has risen 50 points systolically and 30 points diastolically. IF you have any protein in your urine they SHOULD (at this point) do a 24 hour urine collection.

We encourage women to know these facts, speak them calmly as if "of course you know," so that you are already creating agreement with the doctor, and say, "Given that I have proteinuria (ANY), I need to do a 24 hour urine," If he says no--say, I am sure you will appreciate, given my one kidney, that I want a second opinion.

Tough as it is--this is not a negotiable situation--this is your baby and your body. You are entitled to good care. Ignore his attitude--focus on getting good care. His ego is his issue. Your job is not to worry about making waves--your job is to do the best thing for yourself and that baby.

Let us know how tomorrow goes--hang tough and if you do have any signs they mentioned--go right to the hospital--do not pass go!

Take care--

Anne Garrett
Executive Director
Preeclampsia Foundation

[laura]

ACK! I'm with the girls on this one... or even worse I say make a consult/second opinion with another peri!
This fella seems to be playing fast and loose with your kidney- It is my understanding that nephrologists are super concerned with keeping that BP low for your kidneys. Hmm. Let us know how you're doing!


Laura-28
DH Jack-30
Allie 5-13-98 (35 weeks-pre-e)
Baby Camille 4-17-03 (36 weeks- htn and oligo)
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/c/camilleandallie/

[lisa d.]

I really appreciate everyone's input. I will keep all the ideas and comments in mind and put them to use. I will keep close track of my various results tomorrow and will certainly get a second opinion if I don't feel comfortable. I neglected to mention that I'll also be having an NST tomorrow, which will give some additional info as well.

My bp has stayed a little lower today, in the upper 140's/upper 80's mostly. I guess that's a good thing.

I'll check back in with you all after tomorrow's am appt. And you'll all be with me there to make sure the appt goes well. [:)]

Thanks so much for your help,
-Lisa

[taras mom]

I always feel like I'm chiming in late, but people are so quick with the good advice around here![8)]

Trust your instincts. I had NONE of the pain, swelling, weight gain, visual problems, or other symptoms; it was only the size of my baby and my elevated bp that told us we were in trouble. You might be able to stay pregnant as long as this doctor says you can, but they should be watching you more closely and protecting your kidney. Don't hesitate to ask to see another doctor in the department. Good luck!

Carol (38)
DH Bill (39)
Tara Mairichi
12/7-12/9, 2002
The Mightiest Little Angel