Pressure's still on

Just realised I still haven't updated with the specialist progress on the blood pressure front...

As Dr Google previously informed me... it's probable that I have fibromuscular displaysia. It also confirmed that it's pretty uncommon, especially for someone my age - 23.

My medication was changed so that the next round of blood tests aren't affected by rogue hormone levels. On that note, the new medication isn't working anywhere near as well, and more often than not, my readings are still coming back high.

They also said they wanted me to have a procedure done called Renal Vein Renin Sampling... where I'm admitted into hospital, put on a low-salt diet for several days, and then sedated while blood is collected directly from each kidney. I was told that when bloodflow is restricted to the kidneys, they emit certain hormones, namely renin, and the presence of it will confirm the fibromuscular displaysia.

The clinic said they weren't expecting me to have this done until after Christmas, with the closedown period and other factors being taken into account.

They called me Wednesday... I'm being admitted on the 10th of December, and not being released until the 16th. At least I'm not in hospital for my birthday, but damn. Less time to get organised for the week of lost income. Also, I need a new nightie, dressing gown and slippers...

I'm not looking forward to being flat on my back for 7 days. But it's better that they're doing it sooner rather than later, I guess.