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24 your blood pressure monitor

(8 Posts)
Antonia Thu 29-Mar-18 17:16:57

Just this morning I have a letter from my hospital, for a 24 your blood pressure monitor to be fitted. It will be part of ongoing tests for kidney disease, stage 3b. I really do not want to do this as my DH had one fitted a couple of years ago. He got very stressed every time it inflated ( especially when he was driving and unable to keep his arm still). He finished up with sky high readings, which I am sure were related to the stress of wearing the damn thing.
I am not at all sure that the doctor will get an accurate picture of my blood pressure if I wear one of these machines. Has anyone else had one fitted and how did you find it? At present I am undecided whether to just go for it or to refuse it.

Dontaskme Thu 29-Mar-18 17:25:10

Antonia I haven't had a bp monitor on for 24 hours but had to take my own bp 4 times a day for 3 days. If you are concerned about the 24 hour thingy could you suggest doing what I had to do instead?

silverlining48 Thu 29-Mar-18 17:32:50

Antonia it’s worth discussing alternatives but you may deal with this differently to your husband and not find it as bad.
In the end it’s up to you, if you found it too difficult you could stop it.
It might be a bit awkward when the sleeve blows up but you may find it’s bearable. Wishing you well.

BlueBelle Thu 29-Mar-18 17:43:35

It is only 24 hours and a very routine test The more you keep thinking and worrying about it the worse it will be try to relax and just carry on as normal and it will all be done and dusted before you know it
I haven’t worn one but my neighbour who is an adult Down’s syndrome had to he was very nervous but actually found it fine and was very proud of himself when the 24 hours were up

Antonia Thu 29-Mar-18 17:54:18

Thanks for the input everyone. Don'taskme I would like to suggest taking my BP myself as I have a monitor. The trouble is, I don't know who to discuss it with. The letter from the hospital just said 'your doctor' has asked for a 24 hour BP monitor, with no indication of which doctor, as I have seen several at the surgery, and the one at the hospital I have no contact details for. I think I will make an appointment with the surgery to discuss it and take pot luck as to which doctor I see.

Charleygirl Thu 29-Mar-18 18:30:00

I have had it done a couple of times and it did not bother me, even when I was driving. I am sure that I took it off before I had a shower and went to bed and took it back to the surgery the next day.

I tried to make sure I was doing something, even hanging out washing so that I did not look aas though I was sitting in a chair reading all day.

Nowadays before I see my GP every 6 months I take my BP for a couple of weeks before but not totally at random times. I work out timings carefully.

Situpstraight Thu 29-Mar-18 18:54:10

Ive had it a couple of times and kept it on at night, they can tell if you are moving when it inflates and can see the ‘normal’ readings on either side. It’s no problem.

Katek Thu 29-Mar-18 22:23:57

I had this done a few years ago and honestly it’s no real problem. Bit irritating at times but that’s all. It set for much longer intervals during the night so even sleeping isn’t too problematic.