[UpDownMiddleGround]

I have been having some trouble with the bottom of my legs and feet swelling for the last couple of months. I've known that it might be my blood pressure but I have been so overwhelmed that I have not done anything about it. I've been told to stop by a fire station to get my blood pressure checked but I kept forgetting while I was in my car. So, I decided last week when I was off to go by my doctor's office (primary care) to check on some paperwork only to discover that he is closing his practice. Now I'm without a doctor. I got a suggested doctor from a friend. He can't see me until September. The problem. . . my blood pressure was high when I checked it today. How does this relate to bipolar you ask? Well, I think the adderal that I was prescribed in January is causing it. It was supposed to keep me from being hungry, and it does for the most part, but I'm gaining weight. I've gained about 12 lbs since March. If I come off of it, my appetite increases and I am going to be depressed again. Unable to get out of bed. If I stay on it, I'm going to end up on blood pressure medicine in addition to everything else that I'm on. And I'm going to continue to gain weight.

I feel like no one is going to believe that adderal is causing the problems. It's frustrating. I should have called my doctor sooner. I was just so overwhelmed with everything else that was going on. (Basic life stuff that I just couldn't handle).

I'm in a bind. . .

[Victoria'smom]

Can you go to urgent care?

[Sunflower123]

I agree with going to urgent care. I do, however, have qualms about a doctor that can't see you until September. Is this a pdoc or family doctor?

[UpDownMiddleGround]

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

Can you go to urgent care?

I've thought about urgent care. I just worry about going there because I don't trust that they know what to do with people on meds for bipolar. I went there for a cold a few years back -- was having trouble breathing. I did not know that I could have an adverse reaction to a steroid shot. Started hallucinating. Almost ended up admitted into the hospital. I'm going to do some more calling around tomorrow to see if there is another doctor. This one was an internist and his online review said he commonly worked with patients with a diagnosis of bipolar. He may not be the one for me though. I can't wait until September to get this worked out.

[UpDownMiddleGround]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

I agree with going to urgent care. I do, however, have qualms about a doctor that can't see you until September. Is this a pdoc or family doctor?

This is an internist. If I called my pdoc today, he might answer his cell phone. If not, I would have a call back before the end of the day and would be worked in before the end of the week, if needed.

[Nammu]

Can you call your pdoc since he is the one who prescribed this med. he might have a different one you can try. Urgent care might not be the best place to deal with side effects of psych meds but it is better than waiting till September.

[kitska]

Originally Posted by Nammu

Can you call your pdoc since he is the one who prescribed this med. he might have a different one you can try. Urgent care might not be the best place to deal with side effects of psych meds but it is better than waiting till September.

Agreeing with this - he will know how severe your symptoms are and be able to advise you.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

[luvyrself]

Originally Posted by UpDownMiddleGround

I have been having some trouble with the bottom of my legs and feet swelling for the last couple of months. I've known that it might be my blood pressure but I have been so overwhelmed that I have not done anything about it. I've been told to stop by a fire station to get my blood pressure checked but I kept forgetting while I was in my car. So, I decided last week when I was off to go by my doctor's office (primary care) to check on some paperwork only to discover that he is closing his practice. Now I'm without a doctor. I got a suggested doctor from a friend. He can't see me until September. The problem. . . my blood pressure was high when I checked it today. How does this relate to bipolar you ask? Well, I think the adderal that I was prescribed in January is causing it. It was supposed to keep me from being hungry, and it does for the most part, but I'm gaining weight. I've gained about 12 lbs since March. If I come off of it, my appetite increases and I am going to be depressed again. Unable to get out of bed. If I stay on it, I'm going to end up on blood pressure medicine in addition to everything else that I'm on. And I'm going to continue to gain weight.

I feel like no one is going to believe that adderal is causing the problems. It's frustrating. I should have called my doctor sooner. I was just so overwhelmed with everything else that was going on. (Basic life stuff that I just couldn't handle).

I'm in a bind. . .

--response. My blood pr ssure med amlodipine made my hand and foot swell, the hand a lot. My pharmacist said swelling is a side effect. I dropped it immediately.

[UpDownMiddleGround]

Originally Posted by kitska

Agreeing with this - he will know how severe your symptoms are and be able to advise you.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

I went by the fire station today and had it checked. It is high. The fireman advised that I call my doctor tomorrow. The plan is to make a few phone calls.

Originally Posted by UpDownMiddleGround

I went by the fire station today and had it checked. It is high. The fireman advised that I call my doctor tomorrow. The plan is to make a few phone calls.

I hope you get things figured out. I need to get into the Dr too. Just so much life stuff going on, I can't find the time.

[Wild Coyote]

I am taking Adderall.
If I thought it was causing me high blood pressure, I'd stop it right away. High blood pressure can be very serious (stroke, etc.)

Please see a doctor right away to get possible causes fully identified and get the blood pressure under control.

Take care,

WC