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They are ordering a CT scan for my heart and lungs to see what's going on. My primary doctor sent me to ER for chest pain and shortness of breath. Have any of you experienced this and what could it be?

Also, my BP has been controlled for weeks and today all of a sudden things spiked.

😫😫😫 freaking lupus

July 16
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Answer Summary

A member shared a frightening ER visit for chest pain, shortness of breath, and spiking blood pressure, and the community rallied with both... Read more

A member shared a frightening ER visit for chest pain, shortness of breath, and spiking blood pressure, and the community rallied with both support and helpful information. Several members noted that lupus nephritis can cause sudden blood pressure spikes by affecting how the kidneys handle salt and water, and that ACE or ARB medications are often recommended to help manage this. A recurring theme was the emotional exhaustion of living with lupus, the importance of follow-up care with specialists, and the comfort of knowing others in the community truly understand the journey.

A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member yes the CT ruled out blood clots, they mentioned enlarged lymph nodes which has been present for 9 years under my arm pits, I will mention it to my primary doctor to see what she wants to do, I go get a mammogram soon as well. All this stuff gets so frustrating at times!! Yes, they gave me contrast for the CT but my BP was spiked before that and it is so random because I been taking spironolactone and nifedipine and it had been controlled all these weeks.

My nephrologist mentioned adding a ARB with the other 2 BP medicines, I can't remember the name. And she said we can keep benlysta or replace it and add an immunosuppressant.

I really wish I could control all of this holistically, but I tried and it didn't work so here we are sis lol

July 17
A MyLupusTeam Member

It sounds like they ensured that you didn't have blood clots in the lungs with the CT, right? Did you receive IV contrast with it? A sudden spike in the BP can cause chest pain and shortness of breath, but it's good you're seeing cardiology and pulmonology.

Lupus nephritis causes the blood pressure to increase, Empress, so that may be part of the issue. Kidney disease in general leads to high blood pressure, as it causes the body to retain more salt and water.

Treating your nephritis should help, and you may require BP meds, too. ACE and ARB meds are good choices for those with kidney disease, as they slow the progression.

Please keep us posted!πŸ’œ

July 17
A MyLupusTeam Member

**update 11:21pm I am finally home and the ER said nothing acute and serious was happening. I'll follow up with cardiologist and pulmonologist.

July 16
A MyLupusTeam Member

I'm glad you are following up with your GP and had a CT. I hope you feel better soon. GI issues have always been an issue with me. I have no motility and clearly wasn't digesting my food well. I've worked a lot of prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes into my routine, and finally some movement is happening regularly. Sclerosis definitely slows my who tract down. So many of us need a good GI specialist with a background in autoimmune issues.

July 19
A MyLupusTeam Member

Praying for you. I hope you get answers!

July 17

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