BP Cuf causing PAIN + HBP

[MSW1963]

Recently seeing a new MS doc plus new GP, urologist and referrals. As a result of several consecutive OVs, I've had my BP checked numerous times at each OV.

I'm experiencing pain from the BP Cuff. It's not the first time this has happened, but because of the consecutive appointments, it's more obvious than past incidents that seemed a one off because I was only seeing a MS doc 4xyr versus recently seeing multiple docs, OVs, BP checks for each.

In addition to the BP Cuff pain, my BP is very high. HBP is unusual for me, in the past it's been on the low end, or spot on perfect but never high. Transverse Myelitis is suspected pre dx, and I've been very symptomatic with episodes of arm paralysis, parenthesis and Allaydonia.

I suspect the TM and arm sensory sx's over the years is associated with the new BP Cuff pain and the HBP.

Curious if what I've described sounds familiar to anyone? Any ideas?

[SNOOPY]

Many medications, prescription and over-the-counter can cause HBP. The medications used for fatigue such as A.D.D. medications can cause HBP, as an example.

[marti]

I don't know about you, but I have White Coat Syndrome which causes my blood pressure to spike every time I visit the doctor. Doesn't matter which one or how well I know him or the staff. I'm not afraid of them, but my b/p is always way up when I go to see them. I check it a few hours after I get home and it's always back to normal.

Your particular problem sounds different. Let us know if you find out why the cuff is hurting you.

[jamilea]

What is your blood pressure reading that makes you think you have high blood pressure?

[MSW1963]

Snoopy, I have an aversion to OTCs, take very few rx meds., no fatigue meds *intolerance*

I appreciate your reply, but nothing explains the arm cuff pain that coincides with the HBP. Plus I don't and have never taken OTCs; currently 1 sx rx that doesn't include HBP as a side effect; no fatigue meds for many many years. Plus a history of very normal BP, with episodes on the low side of BP. e

Previously took 2 sx rx meds for +10yrs with no HBP. Possible? but unlikely that it's med related.

Thanks again.

[palmtree]

Speaking from someone who has had HB forever, I have found that when the cuff is squeezing so tight it's hurting, my pressure will be high.

The high number at the top varies a lot for everyone and isn't too much of a concern unless it's over 150. But the lower number below it is the main indicator of dangerous pressure. Generally, anything over 85 is a warning sign. But some doctors are
concerned with anything over 80. Diastolic vs systolic not necessarily in that order.

Doctors used to scold me for having high blood pressure. It was such a relief when it could finally be treated.

[MSW1963]

BP Cuff Pain and HBP

Snoopy, no otc's here ever; refill cns stimulants annually but intolerant so I keep them around for emergency but haven't used it in a couple of years; always keep rx meds to minimum and that's true now. I'm currently on 1 rx. Transitioning to new DMT since approximately April.

marti, I might suspect WC syndrome except that my low and normal bp hasn't included a spike over the years.

jamilea, I personally wouldn't known high bp, except doc's/nurses have told me it's high, I don't remember exactly, but it's over 150.

Thanks you guys

[rdmc]

It's my experience that if they aren't using the right size cuff, I have pain when my BP is taken. Ask them to try a larger cuff. Unfortunately, I think the larger cuff is only used in offices where they take your BP the old fashioned way, i.e. not with an electronic machine, but with a cuff and the nurse using a stethoscope to read the bp.

I've had HBP since I've had MS..before MS it was very low 90/60 range. I've learned it is a symptom of my MS, evidently caused by a lesion in my medulla. But we didn't know that at first, and there were many tests like a 24 hour BP monitor and MRIs of my adrenals to try to come up with a reason. When the medullary lesion was discovered, then all parties agreed it was the MS.

I tried so many different BP meds, and none of them seemed to work. I'd have spikes of 210/110, and they were recorded even while I was asleep. Once they figured it was MS, they tried a med that is used by paraplegics for autonomic dysreflexia bp problems called Clonidine. It pretty much did the trick, that med and atenolol (because my adrenaline levels were excessive also) keep my BP at a very normal reading, usually in the 120/80 range.

My doctor's nurses are so glad too, everybody would freak out when they'd take my BP. I've been at a walk in and had to convince the doctor not to call the ambulance because she thought I was stroking out (a lot of the stroke signs are part of my "normal" life with MS....tingling, crooked smile, crooked tongue, slurring, unable to raise my arm over my head) But now that it's a normal reading, my doctor's nurses are very glad.

In the meantime, get a BP cuff and take your BP at different times of the day, and keep a record for your doctor. If the big cuff hurts you, use one of the wrist cuffs, just make sure your wrist is at heart level when you take it using the wrist machine.

I hope you can get it figured out, and correct it. I understand the frustration of not knowing what's causing it and having no idea how to treat it.

[MSW1963]

rdmc, wow, so sorry you've had to deal with this for so long, although hearing from someone I can compare notes with is a relief/?, not really though.

I suspect my hbp to be secondary to a spinal cord lesion that manifests at times with paralysis and pain similar to phantom limb syndrome, other times with various sensory sx. The cuff pain is similar to pain induced when wearing long sleeves, arms are too hot or cold, among others. Of course it could be MS lifestyle related. I'm exhausted, weary.

rdmc this does give a jump start for where to begin looking for what might be causing my hbp. thanks you, and everyone who replied.

[rdmc]

rdmc, wow, so sorry you've had to deal with this for so long, although hearing from someone I can compare notes with is a relief/?, not really though.

I suspect my hbp to be secondary to a spinal cord lesion that manifests at times with paralysis and pain similar to phantom limb syndrome, other times with various sensory sx. The cuff pain is similar to pain induced when wearing long sleeves, arms are too hot or cold, among others. Of course it could be MS lifestyle related. I'm exhausted, weary.

rdmc this does give a jump start for where to begin looking for what might be causing my hbp. thanks you, and everyone who replied.

My HBP came in episodes, so I'd encourage you to keep a journal of your BP and see if it's consistently high, or are you having normal, and then spikes of HBP. This is what I learned
from my quest to figure out the HBP.

Since you have a spinal lesion, it might be interesting to look into autonomic dysreflexia. It's a condition that is usually seen in paraplegics and an acute attack can be quite intense. It has been linked to MS on occasion.

Although I did not have the condition, I was exhibiting some of the symptoms during my HBP spikes...I'm sure that's why the Clonidine helped. Here's the wiki on dysreflexia, not sure if it's allowed so the mods may remove it...if so just google it:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomic_dysreflexia
Another trail we chased when my GP was trying to get answers to the crazy bp was a test to measure my catecholamines. There's a blood test, but more importantly a 24 hour urine
test. Mine were high, and that can indicate that the increased bp is caused by excess adrenaline. The reason there is too much adrenaline in the blood stream can be the result of a tumor on the adrenal gland called called a Pheochromocytoma. I was referred to a nephrologist/BP specialist. He ran a 24 hour BP monitor...it's just like a 24 hour halter monitor for your heart, just they hook you up to a cuff that takes your BP every 15 minutes. Due to the results of the catecholamine levels, and the BP spikes, he wanted to rule out the Pheo...thus an
MRI of my adrenals. Thankfully no tumor. Pheo tumors are usually benign, but evidently it's tricky removing

them.

I'm not sure I've been of any help, but these might be areas to investigate for yourself, and share with your doctor if any seem like they might be in play. I was very fortunate at the time, because the GP I had (he's since retired) had a lot of "curiosity" and wanted to find answers so he would sit at the computer during an office visit and discuss the symptoms, and he'd google things he wasn't 100 percent sure of, and what meds worked best with which condition. The good thing being, he found answers, and wasn't too proud to admit he didn't know the answer but we'd work on finding an answer. I haven't run into too many doctors like that.

[MSW1963]

rdmc, thank you for the info. I'm trying my best to wade through all Dr. google searches. It's very technical and above my pay grade, but some info is making it way through somehow.

Any info that you think might be helpful is appreciated. I'm scheduled for a urodynamic evaluation tomorrow and wondering if there is relationship between cuff pain, hbp and recent exacerbation of bladder dysfunction? Considering mentioning all of this to the Urologist in the off chance it's all related.

Thanks again

[MSW1963]

rdmc, I googled neurogenic bladder + hbp which resulted in many titles for autonomic dysreflexia.

16yrs dx with neurogenic bladder, today will be my first follow up since dx. Thank you for setting me on 'a' path that for now doesn't appear to be totally out of left field.