Fluctuation in Blood Pressure

[Bestwriter]

My father came from Vietnam and is 80 yrs old.  His blood pressure fluctuates so much that his doctor would not permit him leaving town visiting his family.  So, he is miserable and depressed.  Would you please help?  Thanks.

His blood pressure fluctuates from 120/70 then 190/94 (3-4PM).  So, he takes 1/2 of Clonidine HCL (0.1mg) then it drops to 58/47... eventually it comes back to 120/70 at night.

Labetalol HCL 200mg Two time daily (8AM and 7 PM)

Libinopril  10mg One time daily  (noon)

Gabapentin 300mg Two time daily (10 AM and 8PM)

Clonidine HCL 0.1mg. Take 1/2 Tablet when blood pressure is higher than160/90.

With high potassium, he doesn't eat banana, orange and cocoa.  He also has gout disease.  So, he avoids seafoods.

His hands are numb most of the time and he takes Gabapentin 300mg two time daily (10 AM and 8PM) for this.

He is always tired and itchy (his doctor prescribes .1% Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream for his skin)

He also was operated for cataracts (both eyes).

He almost died from Stephen Johnson Syndrome in 2002.

He also has night leg cramps and uses Salonpas for it.

Although we could come and visit him, due to school schedule, the grand kids could only visit him when they are not in school.  Therefore,  he prefers visiting us since he could stay longer with his grand kids.  Any advice to stabilize his conditions so he could fly to visit his family is greatly appreciated.

Thanks a million.

[Bestwriter]

Thank you very much for all your help.  I hope that my father is open to be seen by another physician.

Again, thank you.

[caregiver222]

Good question. The local medical society should be of help.

Within the last ten years geriatric medicine has become a "specialty".

[Bestwriter]

Thank you very much.  How do I find a competent geriatric specialist in Oklahoma City, OK?

Thanks a million.

[caregiver222]

You missed the most important measure. The heart rate. A blood pressure measurement without a heartrate is meaningless. A drop to 58/47 is unacceptable. There are also "missing pieces" in the reasons why the various meds are prescribed. I think Gabapentin is a medication with many side effects that is overprescribed, but that's an opinion of one. I can see no reason for prescribing Gabapenton for numb hands. What may help is alpha-lipoic acid, 1000 mg of omega-3 fish oil, and a daily dose of cod liver oil might help.

Eighty years old is not that old. I would suggest he seek out a physician that specializes in geriatric medicine. It appears he needs a look-see by another physician.