I developed a case of peritonitis last week and have had to have antibiotics in my bag for a week now. About three days in to the antibiotics, my blood pressure became very low, 85/40. It has stayed around that level for the past four days. It has gotten as low as 75/30. I have had the nurse at work take my BP just to ensure that it wasn't a malfunction with my machine. It wasn't. I contacted my PD nurse the first day that it was low and was told to just eat some chips and if that didn't work, try broth. They didn't work. Now I am being told to make an appointment to see the doctor, within the next few days. Is this low of a blood pressure not dangerous? I normally take BP meds but have not taken any since Sunday. Could this be caused by the antibiotic? Is there anything else that I could do to elevate my BP?

Are you dehydrated? Look in the mirror, with your shirt off. Find your collarbone, and slightly 'pinch' the skin above the collarbone. How long does it take for your skin to return to normal? If it takes a long time, and if that is coupled with thirst, dry mucous membranes, or a decrease in urine output (if you still urinate), or if you are below your dry weight, you could be dehydrated. Talk to your PD nurse about potentially changing to a 1.5% glucose solution if that is the case. If so, simply getting some increased fluids in you during your exchanges will help your blood pressure.

In rare cases, extremely low blood pressures can be indicative of septic shock. Septic shock is caused from an infection that is not treated properly. You don't mention how you are feeling otherwise (is your fluid clear, are you running a fever, do you have a belly ache?), but you imply you are back at work, so I assume you aren't feeling 'horrible'. I also assume, however, that with a blood pressure like this you are incredibly tired and have no energy to do anything! Not good!

How is your hemoglobin? Sometimes an extremely low BP can be caused from poor anemia management. If you are forgetting your EPO, please remember to give yourself the shots.

My biggest concern, however, is the strain your body is under with a blood pressure like this. It isn't good for your heart to work extra hard to pump the blood around. Seeing your physician is very important. If your low blood pressure is accompanied by any chest pain, tightness in your chest, or numbness, tingling, tightness, or pain down your left arm or up your neck, you need to immediately go to the hospital for evaluation. Otherwise, please see your MD as soon as possible.

Let us know how things turn out for you,
Carol

Carol,

Thanks for the reply. My PD nurse did OK for me to switch to 1.5 solution for a couple of days. I used all 1.5 solution last night and do feel better today. My BP is still lower than normal at 100/65 but much better than it has been for the past few days. I have not been overly thirsty but I do show the other signs of dehydration. Other than just feeling run down, totally void of energy and the occasional dizzy spell, I have been fine. The stomach cramps dissapeared after the first tx with the antibiotics. I just got back from the dialysis center. I will use 1.5 solution tonight and call them again tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that that is all there is.

Mick:

Hang in there. It sounds like you are on the right track, but if things do get worse, please see your physician.

Carol