lingering high bloodpressure from HELLP syndrome?

Cathy - posted on 09/25/2009

I also had a emergency c-sec at 32 weeks, with pre-eclampsia. My daughter was 2lbs 12 oz. They had a hard time getting my blood pressure under control kept trying different meds. Then my incision split open, had to have a blood transfusion. Then I went home having a visiting nurse and my husband packing it. Then went back into hospital with a high fever ended up with an infection, (still dont know what type) spent 2 more weeks in hospital. Came home with a wound vac and iv antibiotics for month and half.(two bags to carry around with a baby still in hospital) and I couldnt see her because of the infection. Then they dropped my insurance, because I only got it because I was pregnant. I wasnt cured but the vac & anti cost over 200 a day for both.(isnt that nice) Good news is I lost 40lbs, bad news I gained it back! LOL I am still not 100% and still on BP meds(taking 2 different kinds) and (my mental health pill). LOL Other than all that it was COMPLETELY worth it every morning when my daughter wakes up with that BIG SMILE!!!

Misty - posted on 09/16/2009

I had my daughter at 24 weeks due to preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. I had never even heard of HELLP syndrome before & I work in the medical field. It is reassuring to know you've had a 2nd child full term, I'm terrified to try for another for the fear I'll have another preemie. Thank goodness my daughter is 10 1/2 months now and doing wonderful. I like you however am still on blood pressure medication twice daily & was told it will be lifelong for me now and I probably had undiagnosed hypertension before I became pregnant.

Keri - posted on 09/14/2009

Quoting Emma:

Hi I had pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. My daughter was born 5 weeks early and was 5lb 11oz and very healthy with just a little jaundice. I had to be evaluated 2 days before being induced and was in hospital a further week and 1/2 until all my bloods became normal again. My bp was elevated so I was given something to decrease it and after birth I passed out b/c it went from really high to really low. I don't suffer with any lingering effects from this but I am rather worried as I am about 6 weeks pregnant and seem to be getting some of the HELLP symptoms back. Is there anything I can do to stop it reoccuring or is it just one of those things?

You need to talk to your doctor if you feel like you might be developing it already.  While they can't stop it, they can help to manage your BP while you are pg, thus keeping your placenta and baby healthier.  You should also get a baseline 24 hour urine for them to do comparisons against in the future.  I had to go on BP meds with my 2nd at 10 weeks, bed rest at 16 weeks due to signs of pre-e after having a 29/30 weeker with my first.  I managed to keep #2 in until 35 weeks and he came home with me with no problems, but I was actually sicker with him than I was with my daughter, it was just that I was managed better, thus making his outcome better.  I would call your doc if you have any concern what so ever!

Kristi - posted on 09/12/2009

Both of my boys were born prematurely because I developed HELLP syndrome. After my first, my blood pressure returned to normal. I developed high bp early in the second pregnancy and am still on meds although it's only been about 4 months since I delivered. I was told this time that I may have high bp the rest of my life.

Someone asked if there is anything she could do for symptoms that feel like HELLP again. The only thing you can do is see your doctor regularly (hopefully a high risk OB) and follow doctors orders. Unfortunately, once the blood work becomes abnormal, there's not anything that can be done other than delivery to stop it. I wish you the best!

Bridgette - posted on 08/30/2009

I had eclampsia and hellp syndrome, my son was born at 26 weeks weighing 1lb 9.3oz. I ended up getting MRSA and having high blood pressure ever since. My doctor wasnt concerned and to this day Im not on any meds. But everytime I go to the doctor I get told that I have high blood pressure. But my doctor says I will have it the rest of my life due to the eclampsia and hellp syndrome and my dad having it.

Lindsey - posted on 08/30/2009

I still have high blood pressure a year later. My doctors thought after I had my daughter at 29 weeks it would go away, but it never has. I on 50 mg of Toprol and although I still stay at "high/normal" levels, it is under control.

Dannielle - posted on 08/29/2009

I've had HELLPS with both pregs but my bp has never been the same since having my first. I go to the gym most days and try to eat healthy to eliminate the lifestyle factors for the bp but it still sits at the high end of normal. As yet I don't have to take any meds to control it.

Courtney - posted on 08/01/2009

I was on bp meds before pregnancy and after having my son was on a higher dosage(400mg labetalol). I'm down to 50-100mg twice a day now pending on how it is when I monitor it.

Brooke - posted on 07/30/2009

I had severe preeclampsia with my premmie born at 31 weeks. 14 months later I am still on bp meds (2 different types) and before being preg my bp was totaly normal so is kinda frustrating now! I will probably be on them forever I would imagine and am 24yrs old.

Dana - posted on 07/29/2009

It has been a year since McKenna was born( emergency c-section). I still am taking blood pressure meds. When I left the hospital they told me I might be for the rest of my life.

Amy - posted on 07/28/2009

I had HELLP with both of my pregnancies. After my first my blood pressure never returned to normal and I continue to take BP meds 8 1/2 years later. Once my bp stabalized I have not had any other issues with it.

Emma - posted on 07/26/2009

Hi I had pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. My daughter was born 5 weeks early and was 5lb 11oz and very healthy with just a little jaundice. I had to be evaluated 2 days before being induced and was in hospital a further week and 1/2 until all my bloods became normal again. My bp was elevated so I was given something to decrease it and after birth I passed out b/c it went from really high to really low. I don't suffer with any lingering effects from this but I am rather worried as I am about 6 weeks pregnant and seem to be getting some of the HELLP symptoms back. Is there anything I can do to stop it reoccuring or is it just one of those things?