I am a 37 yo female with no serious illness, aside from severe allergies (taking Allegra D & Flonase) and just recently had a 'thyroid storm' (taking Levoxyl).
Have always had low or normal blood pressure except for twice related to pregnancy. 11 years ago, pre-eclampsia during last 8 weeks with BP ranging 135/99 to 147/131, headaches and protein in urine. On bed rest, diuretic meds and lots of testing, bp kept getting higher, so delivered by c-section 1 week early. Returning home, my BP returned to normal... and below normal.
Pregnant the 2nd time, 4 years ago... BP ran mostly low , 110/70 became my new normal. (I delivered 4 weeks early this time but because baby decided it was time.) One week post-partum... severe headaches, nausea, vision problems. Lost consciousness a few times, (we all just thought I was exhausted). Passed out in Drs office, rushed to hospital for protein and BP 'through the roof". BP meds and magnesium and saline. BP had been highest at 160/150. Short stay, released with BP meds, stayed on until BP dropped too low (90/60) about 5 weeks later. Since then, very close to 120/80, if not lower.
This may be unrelated also... but a few weeks ago, I noticed pains in my legs constantly and a vein that seemed to be popping out behind my knee. My legs have also become painful to touch. A nurse friend of mine suggested it was the start of varicose veins, so I didn't worry. The past few days I have not been feeling "right" and have had a pain in the back of my head (right side about 2 inches behind ear) that is quite severe. Today I found my BP monitor and tested it. My readings were confusing! 104/92 was the first reading. I waited and relaxed and the next was 102/96. We went out and walked for approx 3 hours and on return it was 109/96. I don't understand how the diastolic can be so high and the systolic can be so low. We tested my husband who was 124/84 ... so it can't be the machine.
I am hoping to find some kind of answer to 'calm' me so I don't rush to the ER now. Tho I will definitely try to go to the DR tomorrow (if they're open... it's a holiday weekend!).
Sorry so long... but I figured the more background the better.