Yeah I know but I was just making sure there wasn't anything I really needed to be aware of. Thankfully I haven't had to use it yet but at least I know that I don't have to worry about using it if I ever have to.
As a quad I typically have a low blood pressure in general which gets even lower when I stand which I imagine is normal for anyone that doesn't stand much. I also have extremely high blood pressure occasionally due to autonomic dysreflexia (AD). Thankfully I've never passed out from low blood pressure or had to go to hospital due to high blood pressure. Has and of you have this happen? How do you manage your blood pressure? I carry nifedipine with me incase of extremely high BP and don't really need anything for low blood pressure. For those that don't know about nifedipine you can read up on it here: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a684028.html
I've had some issues with blood pressure but as it turns out it runs in the family on my dad's side. When I was first injured and moved to a regular rehab facility the staff there didn't know I was flat on my back for nearly 2 and 1/2 months in traction. I didn't have any surgery on my neck at anytime even in the past 33 years. At any rate they were getting me up and into my chair and before I could say a word I passed out. After that they put me in a reclining chair and gradually working me up into a normal sitting position. I think nearly everyone with a cord injury has experienced AD to one extent or another. I can tell when my pressure is up because my face will turn red and feel warm and when it's low slightly dizzy. I do take several BP meds but they are still trying to figure out the right combination and dosage for me. I lost nearly 50 pounds and that has helped big time.
I've had some issues with blood pressure but as it turns out it runs in the family on my dad's side. When I was first injured and moved to a regular rehab facility the staff there didn't know I was flat on my back for nearly 2 and 1/2 months in traction. I didn't have any surgery on my neck at anytime even in the past 33 years. At any rate they were getting me up and into my chair and before I could say a word I passed out. After that they put me in a reclining chair and gradually working me up into a normal sitting position. I think nearly everyone with a cord injury has experienced AD to one extent or another. I can tell when my pressure is up because my face will turn red and feel warm and when it's low slightly dizzy. I do take several BP meds but they are still trying to figure out the right combination and dosage for me. I lost nearly 50 pounds and that has helped big time.
Yeah I think anyone with a spinal cprd injury can get AD as well in some form or another. I've come very close to passing out in the beginning but never actually did. I bet it taught the staff a lesson!