Severe, constant IP, causes the mid-brain area
known as the hypothalamus to over-activate the pituitary
and adrenal glands, which in turn produce excess
blood levels of adrenaline, cortisol (the bodies natural
cortisone), and related chemicals. Excess adrenaline
causes the pulse rate and blood pressure to rise, and
excess cortisol, overtime, causes loss of bone and
teeth, osteoporosis, weight gain, hypertension, diabetes,
and immune suppression among other complications.
IP patients MUST find out if they have this
syndrome, because it causes too many serious complications
if it is not controlled. For example, a pulse
rate or blood pressure that remains high, over time,
may cause any one of several cardiovascular complications
including arteriosclerosis, angina, heart attack,
and stroke. It is the author's belief that most IP patients die prematurely of heart or stroke complications.
Due to these complications, IP patients must obtain the pain control they need to keep their pulse rate
and blood pressure in check.
BLOOD PRESSURE AND PULSE RATE - CRITICAL MEASUREMENTS
Uncontrolled IP drives up the pulse rate to over 84 per minute. Many patients go over 100 per minute
when their pain is in a flare or breakthrough episode. Blood pressure may also go up over 130/90mm/Hg.
It must remain below this figure.
It is critical to understand that uncontrolled pain produces damage and aging to the body, and pulse
and blood pressure let you objectively know if you are in adequate control. You MUST obtain a blood
pressure - pulse monitor for at-home use. They are now quite inexpensive and can be obtained at most
pharmacies. I recommend you check your pulse and blood pressure daily. You particularly need to check
it during a pain flare or breakthrough episode to let you know just how much danger you may be in during
a flare. For example, if the flare drives up your pulse rate above 120 per minute, you are at serious risk
for a heart attack or stroke. I have observed a number of IP patients who develop angina (severe heart
pain) during pain flares and require nitroglycerine. Use your pulse rate and blood pressure to adjust your
medication. Always let your medical practitioners know what your pulse and blood pressure readings are
running at home. IP that causes blood pressure to elevate will not respond well to the high blood pressure
drugs used for ordinary high blood pressure treatment. Only adequate pain control will lower high blood