Dr tells me high bp is not a concern

dparker721

I apologize in advance for this being long but I'm confused and don't know who else to ask.

I'm a FTM and my bp has always run on the low side. (95-105/55-65). My bp was higher than my normal at my 12 week appt but fine since then.

At my 20 week appt my bp was 145 over 70 but the doctor didn't say anything about it. The past couple of weeks (I'm 22 wks) I've been feeling really bad...bad headaches, my skin becoming really flushed and hot to touch, swelling, & shortness of breath on top of still vomiting daily. We have a bp machine at home so I've been recording it each day since last week due to feeling so bad and it's been 145-150/96-100.

My husband, being a nurse, seemed a little concerned about my bp and the symptoms so I was planning to take my log with me to my appt. next week. This morning I was driving and my vision became so blurred that I had to pull over and let someone else drive, so my husband convinced me to go ahead and call the doctor. I did and they asked me to come in. (Which is almost an hour drive for me so I was a little worried that something was going to be really wrong)

The doctor I saw today was the first time I've met him. He talked down to me the whole time and said that high blood pressure cannot cause any of the symptoms I'm having and that I'm pregnant so I just need to deal with it and I'm just having hot flashes. He went on to say that if I'm going to obsess over checking my bp, to make sure I have a quality machine, and not come in or call over having a headache or being dizzy. When I asked if he could explain why my numbers have been high and coincide with these symptoms, he told me that my readings didn't count and it's just coincidence.

I explained that I wasn't just a paranoid FTM and that I was only there because my husband recognized these symptoms in his patients with high bp and was concerned. He said "well is your husband and obstetrics nurse?" I said "no, he works in ICU and ER but he still knows about bp." My mom was with me so he started asking her about my bp history along with hers and my dads since i guess he didnt believe me about never having high bp before that 12 wk apt. When she said all of ours ran low, he just shrugged it all off and then pushed my appt that was next week out another 2 weeks and sent me on my way.

He said a slew of other things, but that was the basics. Now I'm confused...i know that high bp while pregnant is a serious thing so I don't want to ignore it and I also hate feeling so bad with no relief, but I have a doctor basically telling me it's no big deal. It just makes me concerned of the problems that could occur and be over looked.

Do any of you have any input or suggestions of what you would do?

mrsdhouse89

Hp can be a sign of preeclampsia so please tell me he wasn't your OB? He sounds rude! Also with your other symptoms I could see why you'd be concerned. I'd go see your gp fir a 2nd opinion.

mrsdhouse89

For* not fir

dparker721

mrsdhouse89 said:

Hp can be a sign of preeclampsia so please tell me he wasn't your OB? He sounds rude! Also with your other symptoms I could see why you'd be concerned. I'd go see your gp fir a 2nd opinion.

He isn't listed as my primary OB, but he is one of the 6 in the office and you have to see them all, unfortunately. I don't really have a gp, but I am definitely thinking a second opinion is in order. It makes me question whether I should have chosen a smaller practice rather than the one associated with the hospital.

jenn2132

That sounds crazy! I'd go into urgent care and consider switching drs. Can your husband get you into the ER tonged you checked out since he works there?

mrsdhouse89

If he was as rude as he sounds I'd consider filing a complaint and switching practices. No doctor should ever tell you not to call them if you are unsure about something you are feeling. That to me is highly unprofessional. It would just make me wonder how they would be if you got stuck with them during labor.

batmom05

I'm not a doctor, so I won't give you advice on whether or not this is something that needs a second opinion. I can offer my own experience.


Right around 14 weeks I wasn't feeling well, having back pain, etc. I made an appointment with the midwife since I just felt off. When I got there, they figured I had just overdone it over the weekend and that was what was attributing to my complaints. While I was there, my blood pressure was extremely high (150/97). It had been a very stressful day, I wasn't feeling well and we were having some family drama. In my opinion, it was situational high BP.

Conversely, they told me that high blood pressure prior to 20 weeks is rarely a sign of preeclampsia and is more commonly preexisting pregnancy.

They sent me for a follow up appointment to a MFM group. Although my BP was fine when I went back and has been perfect at every midwife appointment since, I am still going to the MFM group every 3-4 weeks in addition to my midwife appointments to have my BP monitored.

Given that, I would say that if they reacted that way when my BP was that high that in your case a second opinion might not be a terrible idea. Knowing what I know now and from my experience with my first pregnancy, I think I'd be more likely to reach out for a second opinion or to at least see another provider in the practice.

Good luck, mama!

LLynde5

In my opinion if you are not comfortable with the report that doctor gave you then a second opinion is needed. I would talk to the OB you are comfortable with and let them know exactly what happened at this appointment. If that doctor does not give you the assurance you need than I would switch practices. I am sorry you had this bad experience.

jenspeake

All of my life I've been even stevens with my blood pressure.  It has been high since I've been pregnant.  My doctor is worrying about it right now....he said said it has been steadily high then we'd be ok for now....but if it went higher he would be concerned.  As soon as I woke up this morning I kind of had some of the symptoms you listed above.  I was drying my hair then got all hot and clammy so I sat down under our ceiling fan for a bit.  Then got up and got ready for work.  Had a little headache and just didn't feel right in the head all morning.  I eventually told my boss that I needed to go home.  I wasn't sure if I didn't eat enough yesterday or what.  I add a nice big lunch, took two tylenol and took an hour nap and felt much better.  I'm definitely going to say something to my doctor next week at my monthly as I'm not sure what caused it.  I would ask to see a different doctor.  My place is the same way that they want us to see all doctor's but they've had me see the same doctor since my second appointment.  I'm worrying about the blood pressure thing too!

leighann1

I have no experience with blood pressure issues, but I say trust your gut. If this is new, different, and uncomfortable for you, get another opinion. My doc always says if your body is telling you something, you need to listen. Call back and request a different doctor. Or see if another doctor's office will see you.

Edit to add: That doctor sounds like a giant condescending douche. My husband is also a nurse and I would probably lose it if my doc implied he didn't know what he was talking about. Doctors who don't respect nurses are asshats.

mkross123

I would say follow up with another doctor who takes your concerns seriously. At the same time, I've had high BP for years and bought a monitor a few years ago. It is totally bonkers and not at all consistent with the ones in doctor's offices. I quit using it because it was causing anxiety, which in turn led to even higher BP! I would go to the doctor and have them take it a few times throughout the appt. If you go in very worried about BP then it reads higher, so sometimes if they randomly take it while you're in the midst of other discussions/portions of the appt it will read lower. It should be taken seriously though, especially if you get those readings at the actual appt. with the doctor monitor. I have been on meds since long before my pregnancy to keep it controlled during this process!

cmjn94

It sounds like he didn't really listen to your concerns or do any sort of tests to ease your worries. I would get a second opinion with a doctor who will do some, if only to give you peace of mind! A good doctor will order a test for you even if he doesn't think anything is wrong if it gives you peace of mind.

dparker721

leighann1 said:

I have no experience with blood pressure issues, but I say trust your gut. If this is new, different, and uncomfortable for you, get another opinion. My doc always says if your body is telling you something, you need to listen. Call back and request a different doctor. Or see if another doctor's office will see you.

Edit to add: That doctor sounds like a giant condescending douche. My husband is also a nurse and I would probably lose it if my doc implied he didn't know what he was talking about. Doctors who don't respect nurses are asshats.

He even went so far as to ask where my husband attended college...seriously!? I just looked at him and didn't answer.

dparker721

mkross123 said:

I would say follow up with another doctor who takes your concerns seriously. At the same time, I've had high BP for years and bought a monitor a few years ago. It is totally bonkers and not at all consistent with the ones in doctor's offices. I quit using it because it was causing anxiety, which in turn led to even higher BP! I would go to the doctor and have them take it a few times throughout the appt. If you go in very worried about BP then it reads higher, so sometimes if they randomly take it while you're in the midst of other discussions/portions of the appt it will read lower. It should be taken seriously though, especially if you get those readings at the actual appt. with the doctor monitor. I have been on meds since long before my pregnancy to keep it controlled during this process!

That's basically what he said. That he couldn't count my numbers because he didn't know the type of monitor and it couldn't be trusted. He gave a list of approved ones and marked which one he has at home for his wife....sure enough, I get home and see that I have the exact same one.

Also, the lady had to turn hers off/on three times and push the start button over and over go get it to work.

dparker721

Thanks y'all! My husband is in the national guard as well and is out of state training for a month but I should be able to talk to him tonight and see about a getting a second opinion. Between the doctor, hormones, and realizing that I may be paying some man who I don't like to deliver my baby, all while DH is gone and we have limited contact has had my emotions in overdrive today!

JaqiDec04

I would have been seriously pissed.

What was your BP at the doctors office?

I have BP issues and that is NOT the attitude my doctor had at all. I'd call and complain to his office, and I'd find a new doctor.

My doctor told me that when the bottom # is over 100, they start to worry. My BP was 156/93 at my appointment and he wanted to see within 7 days and another high reading, he would have sent me to a specialist.

I would not be happy with how your doctor handled it all. I'd consider finding a doctor closer to your home.

amberrmariee20

I would consider a second opinion. I have a friend who had to deliver her son 3 weeks early due to her high blood pressure. Blood pressure is a very serious matter, especially during pregnancy ! My BP went up the last month of my pregnancy, my Dr had me write down the numbers daily to keep track, luckily I had him with no problems, but If I were you I would be getting a second opinion !

millereliz13

Please call back and talk to your office manager and explain you need to see someone else. I have blood pressure that runs high, that high with blurry vision is something to be concerned about. At least that is my opinion.

Kristyhana

I had high BP with my first pregnancy. It was right around 20 weeks that it started going up. When it got to 135/90 my doctor put me on bedrest and had to see a MFM and do non stress tests twice a week for the remainder of my pregnancy. Even though mine did not turn into preeclampsia it is still very dangerous to have high BP because it restricts blood flow to the baby. They were ready to take my baby at 34 weeks if she didn't grow normally.

I would absolutely get a second opinion. That doctor sounds like a total jerk.

dchiapella

Second opinion. Second opinion. Second opinion. Make sure you get in to see someone else instead and be sure to get urine checked for protein. It's still early so an OB might not be able to give you a completely solid answer, but they ARE going to want to keep a close eye on it until they can rule preeclampsia in or out. 

kathyxoxo

hes so rude , and is just not right & doesnt know the worry a good mother carrys everyday for her well being and the baby , so he needs to know how to do his job right , if i were you ill go to the emergency room to ease your mind , Good luck , everything is fine

adcoxmt

dparker721 said:

Hp can be a sign of preeclampsia so please tell me he wasn't your OB? He sounds rude! Also with your other symptoms I could see why you'd be concerned. I'd go see your gp fir a 2nd opinion.

He isn't listed as my primary OB, but he is one of the 6 in the office and you have to see them all, unfortunately. I don't really have a gp, but I am definitely thinking a second opinion is in order. It makes me question whether I should have chosen a smaller practice rather than the one associated with the hospital.

I always hate hearing about crappy OB doctors when mine (and all of the OBs/nurse midwives in the practice) is absolutely fabulous. Granted, I did work there a couple years ago as well, but I've seen how the practice really takes care of their patients; they have 10 practitioners and every single one would have listened to your concerns and addressed them respectfully. I would definitely get a second opinion! Even if Dr. Douchey was right about there being nothing to worry about, he was still far too rude to remotely reassure you, and you NEED that reassurance. I'm not a nurse, but I've heard plenty of horror stories from my best friend (she's also an ICU nurse!) about blood pressure issues that I would not hesitate to get a second opinion if it were me.

Good luck! 

MamaOwl15

First of all, I'm not a medical professional, so everything I'm going to say is my opinion/anecdotal experience, but still . . .

My initial reaction is WTF?!

When I was pregnant with my son, I developed pre-eclampsia. Among the signs I was told to watch for along with high BP (140/90 or higher) were dizziness, headaches, blurred vision or seeing "floaters," and sudden unexplained swelling.

A week before my son was born, I checked my BP on a home monitor and it was high. Other than some dizziness and swelling, which I'd had for a while, I didn't have any other symptoms. But I called my OB and they sent me to L&D to be monitored. By the time I got to the hospital, my BP was back to normal, and they didn't find a significant amount of protein in my urine (I'm trying to remember and I think it was clear at that point, though a few days later it was enough to require a 24-hour sample . . .). So I was sent home. I called out of work, rested the rest of the day and went on as normal. One week later, I was diagnosed with pre-e and delivered my son. I'm glad my doctors didn't ignore my symptoms.

USUALLY, pre-eclampsia shows up late in pregnancy, like 35-36 weeks of so. However, it CAN show up early. The youngest of the kids on 19 Kids and Counting was born at 24 weeks because Michelle Duggar had severe pre-e. (No I'm not really a fan of the show but I've seen a few episodes).

Anyway, I don't think your OB should be so dismissive of your concerns and if it's just high BP not directly related to your pregnancy, a more reassuring way of expressing this would work.

I'd get a second opinion, and I agree with PP's that you should be monitored for signs of pre-e, such as protein in your urine.

Good luck!

edavis926

WTF those are definitely high blood pressure symptoms! I'd make sure to complain and look at your options for other doctors. I had a heart doctor who talked to me like that and when I got a copy of my file to give to my new ob (apparently they like to know before l&d if your heart likes to freak out!) I was reading the notes and letters to my GP and everything she said was wrong! Went as far as to say I said I wanted 2-3 minutes for my hr to go down before going to the ER when I waited over 2 hours! I ended up in tears at every appointment with her because she just wasn't listening.

Sorry for the small rant but that just really hits a nerve belittle patient concerns! We know our own bodies well enough at least take us seriously when we think something is majorly wrong.

knottymomma

That's insane! I would talk to your normal OB. My BP is usually around 130/84 and when it got 160/91 my midwife put me on BP meds. High BP is no joke. It will only get higher toward the end. I wound up on bed rest and having to be induced with my first pregnancy because of BP. You are right to be concerned. Especially if it is effecting your vision. Remember you are in control of your medical care. If you feel like a doctor is dismissing your concerns you have every right to not see that doctor again. I would suggest voicing your concerns to your usual OB and tell them that you want to know why your BP is getting high and what the effects or complications there could be. Let them know what symptoms you have been experiencing. Just know that high BP will make you high risk, and they will more than likely have you monitor it on your own and keep a closer eye on baby.

dparker721

@MamaOwl15 your story sounds similar to a friend of mine so she's been concerned for me since these symptoms started. I would rather them be cautious than not. I'm the one paying for the extra tests and visits anyway.

They did check my urine for protein and they said there wasn't, which is good. I have heard from a few people thay have gone through similar experiences that the protein didn't show up in their urine until they collected it for 24 hours.

I see a different doctor at my next appointment in two weeks so I'm going to express my concerns to him and then decide whether to stay or change offices. In the meantime, I'm looking into other doctors, taking it easy and if I have problems before then I'll visit the ER or urgent care just to be monitored. I've seen a different ob at every appointment so it seems to make it hard when one says we'll keep an eye on something and then you don't see him/her for a few months.

My husband will be back in contact, and hopefully home, the same day of my next appointment. I know that I'm the one who is pregnant, but it makes it so much harder trying to make decisions such as this when I can't even talk to him to get his opinion.

komorebi

There is a thing called gestational hypertension. It isn't pree because you aren't spilling protein but it needs to be monitored and makes you feel like crap. He's probably dismissing it because you don't have signs of being preeclamptic but also he sounds like a pompous ass and I'd be upset.

tbasinski

Get. A. Second. Opinion. NOW!! I'm an RN and those are symptoms that need to be investigated further. Could be pre-eclampsia or even HELLP syndrome. Not something to mess with.

sugarplum513

Go with your gut and see another dr. I would also file a complaint with the practice regarding the dr's behavior. Good luck!