Friday, January 13, 2012

Sky's High Blood Pressure Update

At Sky's 7 year old physical examination, it was determined that she had high blood pressure.  To be sure, we had to go to the doctor's office once every 2 weeks during the summer to have it checked.  Each time it registered higher than normal for her age.  We also had blood work done but it all came back normal.  Sky doesn't have any of the symptoms of high blood pressure like dizziness or headaches.
For further examination, we were referred to a kidney specialist.  We saw him and he initially thought it was white coat hypertension (fear of doctors, etc.) which made a lot of sense if you know Sky.  So, he had us take her blood pressure a few times a week at home (to set her at ease with the process and get used to having it done).  My sister-in-law Michelle sent us a child's cuff and we did as the doctor told us to do.  Still, the blood pressure was higher than normal. 
We went back to the kidney specialist right before Christmas and he made the discovery that Sky's arms are longer than the average 7 year old and that she should have her blood pressure checked using a small adult cuff.  We bought this cuff and since then the readings have been within the realm of normal. 
However, at the last visit, the doctor had discovered slightly more blood in Sky's urine than there should be and so he also wanted to run some additional tests. So we recently had an ultrasound done of her bladder and kidneys, more blood work, and a 24 hour urine collection.  We went for the ultrasound yesterday and the technicians were running a full hour behind schedule so Sky had to sit with a very full bladder for a very long time.  It wasn't a happy time, let me tell you!  Poor Sky!  We will go back for the results and further consultation in a couple of weeks. 
I really like the kidney specialist.  He is very personable and very thorough. 
We are praying that everything comes back normal and that the use of the wrong size cuff was the problem all along.  I'll let you know when there's more news to share...

3 comments:

Pepere and Memere said...

Oh, Lori - We will keep Sky in our prayers and trust God to bring you through this.

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Mom & Bill said...

Thanks for the update, Lori! Sorry that you all (and especially Sky) have been having to go through all of this! Hopefully, the elevated blood pressure has simply been due to the cuff size. Know that our prayers are continuing,...

Cup of Joe with three sugars said...

Oh, hugs to our Sky! Thats not nice making her wait with a full bladder. I know from personal experience that can be torture. We will keep her in our prayers... Julia does anyway! ;o) If its just the cuff, thats alot of mommy and daddy worrying for nothing! Ack! Have to trust Gods got it all under control. Still can be a tough journey at times though. Our love and prayers are with you guys!