Muscular Dystrophy

Posted on: Thu, Jul 31 2008 12:40 AM

Posted by: Carlos Posts: 24

Hi all,

 Last month, my primary care physician put me on Lisinopril-HCTZ cause of high blood presure.  He does know I have congenital myopathy (my exact diagnosis).

 Well, I'm not sure if the side effects I have now are normal or different cause of my MD.  I get light-headed, dizzy, and my eyesight gets blurred.  I tend to also get even easily cranky.

 I figured my body would adjust to the med., but the effects are almost every day after being on this for a month, esp. if I've had a busy day.

 Have any of you w/ MD had this same problem? I've heard some common problems are not the same for those w/ MD, like enlargened livers that are normal for FSH, but diagnosed as diabetic for non-FSH.

Posted on: Thu, Jul 31 2008 12:55 AM

Posted by: Becky Posts: 1,555

Hey Carmitch! I don't have MD. Many of the anti-hypertensive medications can cause side effects such as you describe. Here's a link about lisinopril side effects here. Now, whether these symptoms you are having are as a result of your MD and lisinopril or just due to the medication alone, that's a question for your doctor. Regardless of the cause, you should mention these symptoms to your doctor. Also, you should have your blood pressure checked after starting a new medication, to see if it is too low or if the medication is working or not. Good luck to you! 

Becky

Posted on: Thu, Jul 31 2008 2:44 AM

Posted by: Carlos Posts: 24

 Thanks!

I thought about getting a blood pressure meter, but they're not cheap.  I'm lucky that the light-headedness hasn't kicked in when I am getting in or out of the tub.

Posted on: Thu, Jul 31 2008 7:53 AM

Posted by: Wheelin Rev Posts: 837

Carlos,

By all means, get to your doctor ASAP. Lightheadedness can be low blood pressure and if too low, you can lose consciousness and worse. As for the meters, I have three of them and none of them are very accurate. I see an in-home nurse every other day and a 110/70 reading by my nurse using a stethoscope (most accurate) where my meters show around 125/85. They all tend to run on the high side which might give you a false sense of security since your blood pressure may be too low. If you still want a meter, keep watch for store rebates, yard sales, etc. All of mine were $20 or less.

My best to you and please, have that blood pressure checked ASAP.

Dave