Guest guest Posted March 4, 2012 Report Share Posted March 4, 2012 Thank you for the information! I've always had the sneaking suspicion that the BCPs were affecting my levels somehow, but none of the many specialists and other doctors I've seen have made any mention of them after reviewing my elevated test results and hypertension, so I assumed it wasn't a big deal. My hypertension started when I was about 22 or 23 (I am now 27), and at the time was not on any BCPs or other medications. I am now worried that my blood pressure is actually much higher than I think, and my K is lower than I think. Is this something that the doctors, and specialists in particular should already know, or should I mention this at my Nephrology appointment this week? 27 y/o , 115 lb at 5'6, female with 4+ year history of hypertension (Avg 140/95). Taken off all bp meds because of resistance to them. Currently awaiting a second opinion consult at Renal Associates of Montgomery AL. First Aldo level taken this past June was 88 ng/dl. Taken again in July and was down to 18.8 ng/dl. Then back up to 42 ng/dl. K- 4.5, NA- 138, renin- 0.65. Most recently aldo was taken with 24 hour urine. Aldo was 82 ng/dL. No known underlying illnesses other than a mild aortic murmur. Symptoms - shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nocturia 2+ times per night, fatigue/weakness. From: msmith_1928 <janeray1940@...> hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, March 2, 2012 6:57 PM Subject: Re: spiro > So are you saying that if I were on a progestin-only pill I would feel better or worse? I'm saying that your testing would be more accurate. Estrogen can raise BP, and the progestin in Yazmin or Yaz can elevate potassium (so much that it has killed people as a result; I've read there are pending lawsuits about this.) As for whether you'd feel better or worse on a POP - my guess would be the same, or worse. The progestin in Yazmin acts somewhat like spironolactone, so it's probably lowering your BP somewhat and raising your K somewhat. If anything, this would make you feel better, but would give you false BP and K readings. The main takeaway here is that if testing for PA isn't considered accurate when done while on spironolactone, it shouldn't be considered accurate when done on Yazmin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2012 Report Share Posted March 4, 2012 Thank you for the information! I've always had the sneaking suspicion that the BCPs were affecting my levels somehow, but none of the many specialists and other doctors I've seen have made any mention of them after reviewing my elevated test results and hypertension, so I assumed it wasn't a big deal. My hypertension started when I was about 22 or 23 (I am now 27), and at the time was not on any BCPs or other medications. I am now worried that my blood pressure is actually much higher than I think, and my K is lower than I think. Is this something that the doctors, and specialists in particular should already know, or should I mention this at my Nephrology appointment this week? 27 y/o , 115 lb at 5'6, female with 4+ year history of hypertension (Avg 140/95). Taken off all bp meds because of resistance to them. Currently awaiting a second opinion consult at Renal Associates of Montgomery AL. First Aldo level taken this past June was 88 ng/dl. Taken again in July and was down to 18.8 ng/dl. Then back up to 42 ng/dl. K- 4.5, NA- 138, renin- 0.65. Most recently aldo was taken with 24 hour urine. Aldo was 82 ng/dL. No known underlying illnesses other than a mild aortic murmur. Symptoms - shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nocturia 2+ times per night, fatigue/weakness. From: msmith_1928 <janeray1940@...> hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, March 2, 2012 6:57 PM Subject: Re: spiro > So are you saying that if I were on a progestin-only pill I would feel better or worse? I'm saying that your testing would be more accurate. Estrogen can raise BP, and the progestin in Yazmin or Yaz can elevate potassium (so much that it has killed people as a result; I've read there are pending lawsuits about this.) As for whether you'd feel better or worse on a POP - my guess would be the same, or worse. The progestin in Yazmin acts somewhat like spironolactone, so it's probably lowering your BP somewhat and raising your K somewhat. If anything, this would make you feel better, but would give you false BP and K readings. The main takeaway here is that if testing for PA isn't considered accurate when done while on spironolactone, it shouldn't be considered accurate when done on Yazmin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2012 Report Share Posted March 4, 2012 I would discuss with your team stopping the Yasmin and observe BP AND K. May your pressure be low!CE Grim MS, MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertensionOn Mar 4, 2012, at 20:47, Marchelle Syktich <marseachelle02@...> wrote: Thank you for the information! I've always had the sneaking suspicion that the BCPs were affecting my levels somehow, but none of the many specialists and other doctors I've seen have made any mention of them after reviewing my elevated test results and hypertension, so I assumed it wasn't a big deal. My hypertension started when I was about 22 or 23 (I am now 27), and at the time was not on any BCPs or other medications. I am now worried that my blood pressure is actually much higher than I think, and my K is lower than I think. Is this something that the doctors, and specialists in particular should already know, or should I mention this at my Nephrology appointment this week? 27 y/o , 115 lb at 5'6, female with 4+ year history of hypertension (Avg 140/95). Taken off all bp meds because of resistance to them. Currently awaiting a second opinion consult at Renal Associates of Montgomery AL. First Aldo level taken this past June was 88 ng/dl. Taken again in July and was down to 18.8 ng/dl. Then back up to 42 ng/dl. K- 4.5, NA- 138, renin- 0.65. Most recently aldo was taken with 24 hour urine. Aldo was 82 ng/dL. No known underlying illnesses other than a mild aortic murmur. Symptoms - shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nocturia 2+ times per night, fatigue/weakness. From: msmith_1928 <janeray1940@...> hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, March 2, 2012 6:57 PM Subject: Re: spiro > So are you saying that if I were on a progestin-only pill I would feel better or worse? I'm saying that your testing would be more accurate. Estrogen can raise BP, and the progestin in Yazmin or Yaz can elevate potassium (so much that it has killed people as a result; I've read there are pending lawsuits about this.) As for whether you'd feel better or worse on a POP - my guess would be the same, or worse. The progestin in Yazmin acts somewhat like spironolactone, so it's probably lowering your BP somewhat and raising your K somewhat. If anything, this would make you feel better, but would give you false BP and K readings. The main takeaway here is that if testing for PA isn't considered accurate when done while on spironolactone, it shouldn't be considered accurate when done on Yazmin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2012 Report Share Posted March 4, 2012 I would discuss with your team stopping the Yasmin and observe BP AND K. May your pressure be low!CE Grim MS, MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertensionOn Mar 4, 2012, at 20:47, Marchelle Syktich <marseachelle02@...> wrote: Thank you for the information! I've always had the sneaking suspicion that the BCPs were affecting my levels somehow, but none of the many specialists and other doctors I've seen have made any mention of them after reviewing my elevated test results and hypertension, so I assumed it wasn't a big deal. My hypertension started when I was about 22 or 23 (I am now 27), and at the time was not on any BCPs or other medications. I am now worried that my blood pressure is actually much higher than I think, and my K is lower than I think. Is this something that the doctors, and specialists in particular should already know, or should I mention this at my Nephrology appointment this week? 27 y/o , 115 lb at 5'6, female with 4+ year history of hypertension (Avg 140/95). Taken off all bp meds because of resistance to them. Currently awaiting a second opinion consult at Renal Associates of Montgomery AL. First Aldo level taken this past June was 88 ng/dl. Taken again in July and was down to 18.8 ng/dl. Then back up to 42 ng/dl. K- 4.5, NA- 138, renin- 0.65. Most recently aldo was taken with 24 hour urine. Aldo was 82 ng/dL. No known underlying illnesses other than a mild aortic murmur. Symptoms - shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nocturia 2+ times per night, fatigue/weakness. From: msmith_1928 <janeray1940@...> hyperaldosteronism Sent: Friday, March 2, 2012 6:57 PM Subject: Re: spiro > So are you saying that if I were on a progestin-only pill I would feel better or worse? I'm saying that your testing would be more accurate. Estrogen can raise BP, and the progestin in Yazmin or Yaz can elevate potassium (so much that it has killed people as a result; I've read there are pending lawsuits about this.) As for whether you'd feel better or worse on a POP - my guess would be the same, or worse. The progestin in Yazmin acts somewhat like spironolactone, so it's probably lowering your BP somewhat and raising your K somewhat. If anything, this would make you feel better, but would give you false BP and K readings. The main takeaway here is that if testing for PA isn't considered accurate when done while on spironolactone, it shouldn't be considered accurate when done on Yazmin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2012 Report Share Posted March 4, 2012 I have to admit I thought Yasmin was OTC prep till this discussion came up. Thanks for the heads up. I also found the ref to it interfering with testing for PA from an Italian paper on pubmed. May your pressure be low!CE Grim MS, MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertensionOn Mar 4, 2012, at 21:49, msmith_1928 <janeray1940@...> wrote: I'd recommend that you tell the nephologist that you are taking Yasmin, and that you are aware that the progestin in it (drospirenone) is a mineralcorticoid blocker(as is spironolactone), and that you are concerned that this is skewing your test results. One would think that doctors pay attention to the forms you fill out that include the meds you are on, but sometimes they don't know what something is (or they confuse it with something else, or just plain don't know what it is) so it really is good to address these things from the start. I did a quick PubMed search for "drospirenone spironolactone" and got some interesting results, most notably: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22147655 Which states that "false positive aldosterone-renin ratios can occur... while taking an oral ethynylestradiol/drospirenone... contraceptive, but only if calculated using direct renin concentration and not plasma renin activity." > > > So are you saying that if I were on a progestin-only pill I would feel > better or worse? > > I'm saying that your testing would be more accurate. Estrogen can raise > BP, and the progestin in Yazmin or Yaz can elevate potassium (so much > that it has killed people as a result; I've read there are pending > lawsuits about this.) > > As for whether you'd feel better or worse on a POP - my guess would be > the same, or worse. The progestin in Yazmin acts somewhat like > spironolactone, so it's probably lowering your BP somewhat and raising > your K somewhat. If anything, this would make you feel better, but would > give you false BP and K readings. > > The main takeaway here is that if testing for PA isn't considered > accurate when done while on spironolactone, it shouldn't be considered > accurate when done on Yazmin. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2012 Report Share Posted March 4, 2012 I believe Yasmin is the only BCP that uses that particular form of progestin (drospirenone), a form that acts like spironolactone. Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of Clarence Grim I have to admit I thought Yasmin was OTC prep till this discussion came up. Thanks for the heads up. I also found the ref to it interfering with testing for PA from an Italian paper on pubmed. On Mar 4, 2012, at 21:49, msmith_1928 <janeray1940@...> wrote: I'd recommend that you tell the nephologist that you are taking Yasmin, and that you are aware that the progestin in it (drospirenone) is a mineralcorticoid blocker(as is spironolactone), and that you are concerned that this is skewing your test results. One would think that doctors pay attention to the forms you fill out that include the meds you are on, but sometimes they don't know what something is (or they confuse it with something else, or just plain don't know what it is) so it really is good to address these things from the start.I did a quick PubMed search for " drospirenone spironolactone " and got some interesting results, most notably:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22147655Which states that " false positive aldosterone-renin ratios can occur... while taking an oral ethynylestradiol/drospirenone... contraceptive, but only if calculated using direct renin concentration and not plasma renin activity. " > > > So are you saying that if I were on a progestin-only pill I would feel> better or worse?> > I'm saying that your testing would be more accurate. Estrogen can raise> BP, and the progestin in Yazmin or Yaz can elevate potassium (so much> that it has killed people as a result; I've read there are pending> lawsuits about this.)> > As for whether you'd feel better or worse on a POP - my guess would be> the same, or worse. The progestin in Yazmin acts somewhat like> spironolactone, so it's probably lowering your BP somewhat and raising> your K somewhat. If anything, this would make you feel better, but would> give you false BP and K readings.> > The main takeaway here is that if testing for PA isn't considered> accurate when done while on spironolactone, it shouldn't be considered> accurate when done on Yazmin.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2012 Report Share Posted March 4, 2012 I believe Yasmin is the only BCP that uses that particular form of progestin (drospirenone), a form that acts like spironolactone. Val From: hyperaldosteronism [mailto:hyperaldosteronism ] On Behalf Of Clarence Grim I have to admit I thought Yasmin was OTC prep till this discussion came up. Thanks for the heads up. I also found the ref to it interfering with testing for PA from an Italian paper on pubmed. On Mar 4, 2012, at 21:49, msmith_1928 <janeray1940@...> wrote: I'd recommend that you tell the nephologist that you are taking Yasmin, and that you are aware that the progestin in it (drospirenone) is a mineralcorticoid blocker(as is spironolactone), and that you are concerned that this is skewing your test results. One would think that doctors pay attention to the forms you fill out that include the meds you are on, but sometimes they don't know what something is (or they confuse it with something else, or just plain don't know what it is) so it really is good to address these things from the start.I did a quick PubMed search for " drospirenone spironolactone " and got some interesting results, most notably:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22147655Which states that " false positive aldosterone-renin ratios can occur... while taking an oral ethynylestradiol/drospirenone... contraceptive, but only if calculated using direct renin concentration and not plasma renin activity. " > > > So are you saying that if I were on a progestin-only pill I would feel> better or worse?> > I'm saying that your testing would be more accurate. Estrogen can raise> BP, and the progestin in Yazmin or Yaz can elevate potassium (so much> that it has killed people as a result; I've read there are pending> lawsuits about this.)> > As for whether you'd feel better or worse on a POP - my guess would be> the same, or worse. The progestin in Yazmin acts somewhat like> spironolactone, so it's probably lowering your BP somewhat and raising> your K somewhat. If anything, this would make you feel better, but would> give you false BP and K readings.> > The main takeaway here is that if testing for PA isn't considered> accurate when done while on spironolactone, it shouldn't be considered> accurate when done on Yazmin.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2012 Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 Just an update. I saw a new Nephrologist/Internist today. He was wonderful and affirmed everything that Dr. Grim has taught me through this group. He took my blood pressure multiple times, both arms, proper sized cuff, and after I had been sitting relaxed for 5-10 minutes. My BP was about 160/104 in both arms. Dr. went over current and past lab results and explained that none of the tests had been done properly since renin and aldosterone were not measured in both blood and urine. Advised me to stop Yasmin birth control for 2-3 weeks, then redo 24 hour urine and blood tests. He then said he would order an MRI of adrenals and go from there. He suspects that my hypertension is congenital due to my having small kidneys (I was premature by about 2 months). However small, he said that my kidneys seem to be functioning just fine, but may pose more risks in the future for hypertension. Thank you so much Dr. Grim for teaching me all you have through this group. I would have been totally lost without your guidance! 27 y/o , 115 lb at 5'6, female with 4+ year history of hypertension (Avg 140/95). Taken off all bp meds because of resistance to them. Currently awaiting a second opinion consult at Renal Associates of Montgomery AL. First Aldo level taken this past June was 88 ng/dl. Taken again in July and was down to 18.8 ng/dl. Then back up to 42 ng/dl. K- 4.5, NA- 138, renin- 0.65. Most recently aldo was taken with 24 hour urine. Aldo was 82 ng/dL. No known underlying illnesses other than a mild aortic murmur. Symptoms - shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nocturia 2+ times per night, fatigue/weakness. From: Clarence Grim <lowerbp2@...> "hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism > Sent: Sunday, March 4, 2012 10:33 PM Subject: Re: Re: BCPs I have to admit I thought Yasmin was OTC prep till this discussion came up. Thanks for the heads up. I also found the ref to it interfering with testing for PA from an Italian paper on pubmed. May your pressure be low!CE Grim MS, MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertensionOn Mar 4, 2012, at 21:49, msmith_1928 <janeray1940@...> wrote: I'd recommend that you tell the nephologist that you are taking Yasmin, and that you are aware that the progestin in it (drospirenone) is a mineralcorticoid blocker(as is spironolactone), and that you are concerned that this is skewing your test results. One would think that doctors pay attention to the forms you fill out that include the meds you are on, but sometimes they don't know what something is (or they confuse it with something else, or just plain don't know what it is) so it really is good to address these things from the start. I did a quick PubMed search for "drospirenone spironolactone" and got some interesting results, most notably: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22147655 Which states that "false positive aldosterone-renin ratios can occur... while taking an oral ethynylestradiol/drospirenone... contraceptive, but only if calculated using direct renin concentration and not plasma renin activity." > > > So are you saying that if I were on a progestin-only pill I would feel > better or worse? > > I'm saying that your testing would be more accurate. Estrogen can raise > BP, and the progestin in Yazmin or Yaz can elevate potassium (so much > that it has killed people as a result; I've read there are pending > lawsuits about this.) > > As for whether you'd feel better or worse on a POP - my guess would be > the same, or worse. The progestin in Yazmin acts somewhat like > spironolactone, so it's probably lowering your BP somewhat and raising > your K somewhat. If anything, this would make you feel better, but would > give you false BP and K readings. > > The main takeaway here is that if testing for PA isn't considered > accurate when done while on spironolactone, it shouldn't be considered > accurate when done on Yazmin. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2012 Report Share Posted March 8, 2012 Don't forget no BCP means u can get PG May your pressure be low!CE Grim MS, MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertensionOn Mar 8, 2012, at 8:50, Marchelle Syktich <marseachelle02@...> wrote: Just an update. I saw a new Nephrologist/Internist today. He was wonderful and affirmed everything that Dr. Grim has taught me through this group. He took my blood pressure multiple times, both arms, proper sized cuff, and after I had been sitting relaxed for 5-10 minutes. My BP was about 160/104 in both arms. Dr. went over current and past lab results and explained that none of the tests had been done properly since renin and aldosterone were not measured in both blood and urine. Advised me to stop Yasmin birth control for 2-3 weeks, then redo 24 hour urine and blood tests. He then said he would order an MRI of adrenals and go from there. He suspects that my hypertension is congenital due to my having small kidneys (I was premature by about 2 months). However small, he said that my kidneys seem to be functioning just fine, but may pose more risks in the future for hypertension. Thank you so much Dr. Grim for teaching me all you have through this group. I would have been totally lost without your guidance! 27 y/o , 115 lb at 5'6, female with 4+ year history of hypertension (Avg 140/95). Taken off all bp meds because of resistance to them. Currently awaiting a second opinion consult at Renal Associates of Montgomery AL. First Aldo level taken this past June was 88 ng/dl. Taken again in July and was down to 18.8 ng/dl. Then back up to 42 ng/dl. K- 4.5, NA- 138, renin- 0.65. Most recently aldo was taken with 24 hour urine. Aldo was 82 ng/dL. No known underlying illnesses other than a mild aortic murmur. Symptoms - shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nocturia 2+ times per night, fatigue/weakness. From: Clarence Grim <lowerbp2@...> "hyperaldosteronism " <hyperaldosteronism > Sent: Sunday, March 4, 2012 10:33 PM Subject: Re: Re: BCPs I have to admit I thought Yasmin was OTC prep till this discussion came up. Thanks for the heads up. I also found the ref to it interfering with testing for PA from an Italian paper on pubmed. May your pressure be low!CE Grim MS, MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertensionOn Mar 4, 2012, at 21:49, msmith_1928 <janeray1940@...> wrote: I'd recommend that you tell the nephologist that you are taking Yasmin, and that you are aware that the progestin in it (drospirenone) is a mineralcorticoid blocker(as is spironolactone), and that you are concerned that this is skewing your test results. One would think that doctors pay attention to the forms you fill out that include the meds you are on, but sometimes they don't know what something is (or they confuse it with something else, or just plain don't know what it is) so it really is good to address these things from the start. I did a quick PubMed search for "drospirenone spironolactone" and got some interesting results, most notably: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22147655 Which states that "false positive aldosterone-renin ratios can occur... while taking an oral ethynylestradiol/drospirenone... contraceptive, but only if calculated using direct renin concentration and not plasma renin activity." > > > So are you saying that if I were on a progestin-only pill I would feel > better or worse? > > I'm saying that your testing would be more accurate. Estrogen can raise > BP, and the progestin in Yazmin or Yaz can elevate potassium (so much > that it has killed people as a result; I've read there are pending > lawsuits about this.) > > As for whether you'd feel better or worse on a POP - my guess would be > the same, or worse. The progestin in Yazmin acts somewhat like > spironolactone, so it's probably lowering your BP somewhat and raising > your K somewhat. If anything, this would make you feel better, but would > give you false BP and K readings. > > The main takeaway here is that if testing for PA isn't considered > accurate when done while on spironolactone, it shouldn't be considered > accurate when done on Yazmin. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2012 Report Share Posted March 11, 2012 Hi ! YES I really was stunned for a few days after having such a successful appointment! I am still in disbelief that I can begin to fully trust this new nephrologist; call me cynical lol Have been let down one too many times! However, my goal going into the appointment was to at least have someone agree with me that my blood pressure for my age, weight etc, and levels were not right; and that's what I ended up with and more! Hallelujah!The doctor did mention that once coming off of BCP's if blood/urine levels come back within normal ranges, but BP stays elevated that it is most likely from my small kidneys. I believe he said they were 9 and 8.5 cm. I was hoping for a solution that wouldn't involve medication for the rest of my life or the possibility of a transplant later in life, but still thankful for having a few more pieces of the puzzle to put together.I now have convinced my husband to DASH with me. So far so good. :-)27 y/o , 115 lb at 5'6, female with 4+ year history of hypertension (Avg 140/95). Taken off all bp meds because of resistance to them. Currently awaiting a second opinion consult at Renal Associates of Montgomery AL. First Aldo level taken this past June was 88 ng/dl. Taken again in July and was down to 18.8 ng/dl. Then back up to 42 ng/dl. K- 4.5, NA- 138, renin- 0.65. Most recently aldo was taken with 24 hour urine. Aldo was 82 ng/dL. No known underlying illnesses other than a mild aortic murmur. Symptoms - shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nocturia 2+ times per night, fatigue/weakness. From: <jclark24p@...> hyperaldosteronism Sent: Thursday, March 8, 2012 1:23 PM Subject: Re: BCPs Isn't it wonderful to be treated by a professional who knows how treat you? Maybe the best part is you didn't hve to train him! ;>) I did some research on salt sensitivity once and one of the points/conclusions was that low birth weight was often a contributing factor. Dash, Dash, Dash and watch that NA! > >> > >> > So are you saying that if I were on a progestin-only pill I would feel > >> better or worse? > >> > >> I'm saying that your testing would be more accurate. Estrogen can raise > >> BP, and the progestin in Yazmin or Yaz can elevate potassium (so much > >> that it has killed people as a result; I've read there are pending > >> lawsuits about this.) > >> > >> As for whether you'd feel better or worse on a POP - my guess would be > >> the same, or worse. The progestin in Yazmin acts somewhat like > >> spironolactone, so it's probably lowering your BP somewhat and raising > >> your K somewhat. If anything, this would make you feel better, but would > >> give you false BP and K readings. > >> > >> The main takeaway here is that if testing for PA isn't considered > >> accurate when done while on spironolactone, it shouldn't be considered > >> accurate when done on Yazmin. > >> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2012 Report Share Posted March 11, 2012 Did they adjust your kidney length to your height. You are not very tall or big.Ultrasound is not the most accurate way to measure kidney's but should be good in someone of your build.What is your eGFR? Any proteinurinia (urine alb/cr ratio)?On Mar 11, 2012, at 12:09 PM, Marchelle Syktich wrote: Hi ! YES I really was stunned for a few days after having such a successful appointment! I am still in disbelief that I can begin to fully trust this new nephrologist; call me cynical lol Have been let down one too many times! However, my goal going into the appointment was to at least have someone agree with me that my blood pressure for my age, weight etc, and levels were not right; and that's what I ended up with and more! Hallelujah!The doctor did mention that once coming off of BCP's if blood/urine levels come back within normal ranges, but BP stays elevated that it is most likely from my small kidneys. I believe he said they were 9 and 8.5 cm. I was hoping for a solution that wouldn't involve medication for the rest of my life or the possibility of a transplant later in life, but still thankful for having a few more pieces of the puzzle to put together.I now have convinced my husband to DASH with me. So far so good. :-)27 y/o , 115 lb at 5'6, female with 4+ year history of hypertension (Avg 140/95). Taken off all bp meds because of resistance to them. Currently awaiting a second opinion consult at Renal Associates of Montgomery AL. First Aldo level taken this past June was 88 ng/dl. Taken again in July and was down to 18.8 ng/dl. Then back up to 42 ng/dl. K- 4.5, NA- 138, renin- 0.65. Most recently aldo was taken with 24 hour urine. Aldo was 82 ng/dL. No known underlying illnesses other than a mild aortic murmur. Symptoms - shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nocturia 2+ times per night, fatigue/weakness. From: <jclark24p@...> hyperaldosteronism Sent: Thursday, March 8, 2012 1:23 PM Subject: Re: BCPs Isn't it wonderful to be treated by a professional who knows how treat you? Maybe the best part is you didn't hve to train him! ;>) I did some research on salt sensitivity once and one of the points/conclusions was that low birth weight was often a contributing factor. Dash, Dash, Dash and watch that NA! > >> > >> > So are you saying that if I were on a progestin-only pill I would feel > >> better or worse? > >> > >> I'm saying that your testing would be more accurate. Estrogen can raise > >> BP, and the progestin in Yazmin or Yaz can elevate potassium (so much > >> that it has killed people as a result; I've read there are pending > >> lawsuits about this.) > >> > >> As for whether you'd feel better or worse on a POP - my guess would be > >> the same, or worse. The progestin in Yazmin acts somewhat like > >> spironolactone, so it's probably lowering your BP somewhat and raising > >> your K somewhat. If anything, this would make you feel better, but would > >> give you false BP and K readings. > >> > >> The main takeaway here is that if testing for PA isn't considered > >> accurate when done while on spironolactone, it shouldn't be considered > >> accurate when done on Yazmin. > >> > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 25, 2012 Report Share Posted March 25, 2012 How were u newly dx how was it done with OrNormal labs?May your pressure be low!CE Grim MS, MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertensionOn Mar 25, 2012, at 20:06, danielle_cairns <danielle_cairns@...> wrote: Thanks for this thread! I am newly diagnosed and take generic Yasmin. I have normal BP and pottasium levels which the Dr's find confusing. I am going to tell my endo this info and maybe we can retest to see if the tests I have had to date are accurate - Thanks! > > I have been off of Yasmin BCP's for 2 weeks now and have been given the go-ahead > from my Nephrologist to redo my blood work and 24 hour urine. When I went to the > Lab to get my 24 hour urine container and arrange the blood work, the lab > technician there said they would would be able to measure > volume/creatinine/creatinine clearance and cortisol in the 24 hour urine, but > did not have the right chemical to measure aldosterone in urine. She also said > they would be able to blood work requested which is serum creatinine, > aldosterone and renin after laying down for 30 minutes. > > Since I haven't been able to get a hold of my Nephrologist, I thought I'd ask > here if it is possible for anything to be determined without the aldosterone > measured in the urine. I'm pretty sure the answer is no, but was just curious > what other feedback anyone could give me. Thanks in advance!!! > > > 27 y/o , 112 lb at 5'6, female with 4+ year history of hypertension (Avg > 140/95). Taken off all bp meds because of resistance to them. Have recently been > taken off of Yasmin BCPs to have all tests redone. First Aldo level taken this > past June was 88 ng/dl. Taken again in July and was down to 18.8 ng/dl. Then > back up to 42 ng/dl. K- 4.5, NA- 138, renin- 0.65. Most recently aldo was taken > with 24 hour urine. Aldo was 82 ng/dL. No known underlying illnesses other than > a mild aortic murmur. Symptoms - shortness of breath, heart palpitations, > nocturia 2+ times per night, fatigue/weakness. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 26, 2012 Report Share Posted March 26, 2012 Please send us your detailed story with the lab numbers for renin and aldosterone as well as the normal values for your lab. May your pressure be low!CE Grim MS, MDSpecializing in DifficultHypertensionOn Mar 25, 2012, at 20:37, danielle_cairns <danielle_cairns@...> wrote: Hi Doctor, Thanks for inquiring. I was diagnosed with a right adrenal adenoma 5 years ago but it was thought to be non-functioning and non-malignant. I recently went to the Dr. upon getting health insurance because I had been experiencing ongoing severe fatigue, major blood sugar fluctuations,rapid weight gain, and night sweats/excess daytime sweating. My GP reconfirmed previously diagnosed hypoglycemia and found that I had 3x the max level of aldosterone. I have normal to low BP and no potassium or electrolyte abnormalities which is good (but as the thread indicated may be due to by Yasmin use). I was referred to an endo who has confirmed that I have excess aldosterone and feels that it must be an aldosteronoma. I am following up with her about next steps in a couple weeks. I am doing urine labs and rescanning in the interim. I am hoping to utilize this group to learn more and support others. Thanks! > > > > > > I have been off of Yasmin BCP's for 2 weeks now and have been given the go-ahead > > > from my Nephrologist to redo my blood work and 24 hour urine. When I went to the > > > Lab to get my 24 hour urine container and arrange the blood work, the lab > > > technician there said they would would be able to measure > > > volume/creatinine/creatinine clearance and cortisol in the 24 hour urine, but > > > did not have the right chemical to measure aldosterone in urine. She also said > > > they would be able to blood work requested which is serum creatinine, > > > aldosterone and renin after laying down for 30 minutes. > > > > > > Since I haven't been able to get a hold of my Nephrologist, I thought I'd ask > > > here if it is possible for anything to be determined without the aldosterone > > > measured in the urine. I'm pretty sure the answer is no, but was just curious > > > what other feedback anyone could give me. Thanks in advance!!! > > > > > > > > > 27 y/o , 112 lb at 5'6, female with 4+ year history of hypertension (Avg > > > 140/95). Taken off all bp meds because of resistance to them. Have recently been > > > taken off of Yasmin BCPs to have all tests redone. First Aldo level taken this > > > past June was 88 ng/dl. Taken again in July and was down to 18.8 ng/dl. Then > > > back up to 42 ng/dl. K- 4.5, NA- 138, renin- 0.65. Most recently aldo was taken > > > with 24 hour urine. Aldo was 82 ng/dL. No known underlying illnesses other than > > > a mild aortic murmur. Symptoms - shortness of breath, heart palpitations, > > > nocturia 2+ times per night, fatigue/weakness. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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