increased blood pressure after cataract surgery

by Gaynelle
(Spartanburg, S. C.)

On 1//4/12, I had cataract surgery on my right eye. Surgery went great, no complications. Vision greatly improved immediately. While I was in recovery, my blood pressure went from 133/77 (pre-op) to 194/104. It ranged high for about 2 hours and additional drugs were given to decrease pressure.

The doctors did not know why there was the increase in blood pressure. I have never had blood pressure problems and do not take any medication at all......... Age 71 in excellent health.

Has anyone had similar issues...?

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Sep 28, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Highest BPs ever
by: DMM

Hi. A friend just sent me this very interesting thread. I had cataract surgery in July & August. During the first surgery my BP sky rocketed. Saw my MD the next day and it was 190/90. She started me on a BP medication . During the August surgery they had to push BP medications because my pressure got so high. Went to MD the next day and she added another BP medication and Xanax . I followed up with a cardiologist and had an echo and stress test. Everything normal. He told me to go back to walking (I had stopped due to BP fear) . This weekend while walking around the block I could barely make it. Came home and my BP was 200/100. HR 140. I went to the ER and my BP was 220/110 and HR 160 ! They gave me IV BP meds, did a bunch of tests which were negative. Kept me for 2 days to adjust medications. Laying there thinking I’m dying / losing my mind. Then my friend sent me this. Could it be ?? I am following up with my MD Thursday and plan on talking to her about this. There’s no other explanation. I wish all who are dealing with this a calm night and hopefully good BP in the near future.
Sep 25, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Eyedrops
by: Anonymous

My doctor would not even admit that it was eyedrops that were the culprit. He said it was anxiety due to the eye being such an important and sensitive part of the body.
Sep 25, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Alphagan Eye Drops
by: Anonymous

Thank you for this forum and all your wonderful knowledge sharing! Has anyone had their blood pressure rise dramatically after cataract surgery while using these specific eye drops: Alphagan brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.1%? I was told these are non-steroidal eye drops when I was given them during the post-operation follow-up examination the day after first (right) eye cataract surgery. Ever since I started using these drops, blood pressure has increased drastically. Thanks!
Sep 23, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Blood pressure spike after cataract surgery
by: Anonymous

Having had cataract surgery recently July 26/21 and Aug 28/21 and having my blood pressure increase after surgery, I found this site and was amazed at what I read. After fairly extensive invtigation I found the cause for my spike in BP.

The culprit are the eye drops named SANDOZ PREDNISOLONE 1% which I was using, is a STEROID. According to my eye ssurgeon on my final visit this morning, Sept.23/21, she said only 5% of people are affected by steroids and I am one of them. When my pressure spiked I went to see my GP, he said lets watch it over the next 10 to 14 days, during that time I discovered the steroid problem, Approx. 10 days after my visit to my GP I saw him again, 2 days ago, since my first visit my pressure has dropped. MY GP was not aware that steriods could have this effect and said that I be sure to mention this to my eye surgeon, which I did this morning. As well according to my research steriods can affect blood sugar, first blood sugar can drop and if steroid intake is continued, blood sugar levels can increase and cause diabetes.

Hopefully this may help if you are taking the eye drops that are a steroid, and are a person that could be affected by steriod intake that possibly could be affecting you blood pressure.

I live in Surrey, B.C Canada.

regards
Aug 23, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Eye Surgery & Blood Pressure
by: James Smith

Had eye surgery for cataract for both eyes. My first surgery was on my right eye, it is over a month now my vision is still blurry on my right eye, My left eye has cleared and my blood pressure spiked up.
Aug 10, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		My mom Cataract surgery
by: Eve

Cataract surgery was supposed to be easy, but when it goes wrong or weird it’s a problem ….. my mom has been dizzy prob due to mono vision for 2 months now and also never had high blood pressure and know it’s through the roof! Having a hard time getting it down. Also the pain in her for head is bad.
How long can this last? It’s been 2 months since one eye and 3 months since the other.
Jul 01, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Took several months
by: Theresa Q

My BP spiked after my cataract surgery and it took about 6 months to come back to my norm.
Jul 01, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		High BP after catarac surgery
by: Anonymous

I had cataract surgery on both eyes. It has been 4 months and my BP is very high. Usually around 200 or more. Went to ER and they done EKG plus a few other things. All was well. Sent me home and my BP is still the same. Before surgery it was great. Now the doctor keeps changing meds but does no good. Even Xanax doesn’t help. Has anybody else gone through this and if so for how long after surgery? I also get cold spells often that last for a few hours.
May 07, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Day after cataract surgery
by: Fabiola

I had cataract surgery yesterday and today my blood pressure was over 200 all day—213/120 highest reading. I panicked and got really scared because it has never been that high. I was told by my doctor to go to the emergency room. Before going, I decided to check if cataract surgery can cause blood pressure to go up. I read all your comments and it seems many of you have experienced the same thing. I will postpone rushing off to the hospital, monitor my bp at home for a few days to see if it starts going down. I feel relieved knowing the surgery could be the reason for this scary health-related occurrence that would lead to a stroke.
Apr 06, 2021
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starstarstarstarstar 		Me also
by: PMS

So good to hear from others as I have had the same experience. Ended up in ER with 250/120. The drops were blamed but am not sure if they are totally the culprit. I stopped the drops and still am not totally feeling like myself. Had left and last eye done in Dec/20. It is April /21 am starting to see my BP return to normal. So about 5 months of being scared to sleep incase I never woke up. Had a prescription for a "quick fix" for extremely high BP and that calmed me down when it reached 160'100 I would take one and it brought it down so I could get some sleep. The eye specialist did say he felt it was the drops and suggested I put the drops in away from my tear ducts so that not as much medicine would go into my blood stream. My friends and relatives have had this surgery with no problems. Are we all the one in a million that this happens to. Tired of being this special. Am so glad I am not alone, that is a comfort in itself.
Feb 27, 2021
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		High BP after cataract surgery
by: Anonymous

I recently had a cataract surgery on both eyes and still using eye drops.After operation my blood pressure went up to 140-150 .I’m feeling dizzy and tired.Prior to surgery my BP was always normal .For people who use Nevanac eye drops I found that it can cause high blood pressure among other side effects .Website: rxlist.com.Hope this can help.
Oct 19, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		High BP After Cataract Surgery
by: Annette

YES !! I just googled this because I’ve been experiencing high blood pressure while recovering from cataract surgery on my right eye. I take blood pressure medication and normally my numbers have been relatively good . Since surgery my number have gone up the & while it fluctuates the bottom number stays in the 90’s. On top of that the last 5-6 days I’ve been extremely tired & dizzy. My dr advised that I take my Lisinopril twice a day. We shall see!
Aug 26, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		HBP and cataract suegery
by: Anonymous

thank you for the information, I feel better with this knowledge
Aug 22, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Returning to normal
by: TheresaQ

It took mine about six months to return to acceptable levels.
Aug 22, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yes
by: Anonymous

I know it will seem like it won't come back down but give it a couple more weeks possibly up to a month and it should come back down.
Aug 22, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		BP and eye surgery
by: Anonymous

My blood pressure has been dangerously high since removal
Of cataracts,lens replacements and drains. It has been over six weeks.
Has anyone had their pressure return to normal?
Jun 20, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		High bp with cataract
by: Anonymous

My b/p is through the roof it has to be the drops I'm contacting the FDA. People should be forewarned.





Mar 10, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hi Mo
by: Mark

Yes, was also glad to find this after Dad's BP went just the same as yours after surgery.
Am 100% sure it is not anxiety linked as he was not stressed at all and also if it was then it would have decreased fairly quickly.
Therefore I think it is the drops but not sure if there is something else going on from the surgery that causes it. I asked a couple of the Dr's but they didn't seem to think it was the drops but didn't offer any other explanation.
Either way don't worry, it will return to normal,just might take a few weeks even after stopping the drops and in the meantime just try not to let it bother you.
All the best!
Mar 10, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		High BP After Cataract Surgery
by: Mo B

So glad that I found this thread. I had my second cataract surgery yesterday, and my blood pressure was 177/109. Normally, my BP is 118/70 or so - absolutely is freaking me out. Will wait about two weeks to see if things settle down. What I'm not clear about from this thread is if the drops also raise the BP or was the increase due to the anxiety?
Mar 01, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		I asked my doctor about this
by: Theresaq

Hi all. I asked my ophthalmologist about this problem. He says it is anxiety based, because the surgery is in such an important part of the body.
Mar 01, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		More hopeful
by: Maureen

Hi Mark,
Thank you for the input. Feeling better knowing my blood pressure will return to normal in time.

Feb 29, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hi Maureen
by: Mark

Hi Maureen,

I posted earlier about my Dad, 84, who has had a similar experience to you. His BP has now returned to normal but just to warn you it didn't go back down straight away when the drops finished, it took a further month and all the Dr's I spoke to said it couldn't be the drops as they are in such low concentration. Either way I am sure it is something connected to the cataract op.
Try not to worry as I'm sure yours will return to normal in a few weeks and I'm guessing the fact that nobody else has posted back here shows they have all got over the high BP problem post op.
Feb 29, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		BP high after cataract surgery
by: Maureen

Had my left eye done 2/11/2020 and my right done on 2/25/2020. I am 72 and in good health. I have never had a problem with high BP until cataract removal. I have been worried sick over how abnormally high my BP has been. I am convinced that it must be the eye drops. WHY do they not warn patients that the drops can cause high BP numbers??
After reading other posts, I feel that I may have found the answer to my higher BP. I still have 2+ weeks of eye drops.....hoping my BP will return to normal in time.
Jan 20, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I am happy
by: Anonymous


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Jan 02, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Help
by: Anonymous

I have also had this problem of high blood pressure after cataract surgery- can anyone tell me how long this lasted for and has it now returned to normal and what you did to achieve this?
Thanks in advance
Dec 13, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Similar Concerns
by: Mark

My Dad aged 84 had a cataract removed 2 weeks back and has just the same experience as all below- elevated blood pressure and higher than usual erratic pulse. Has anyone reported back the reason why or updates please on how long this lasted post op- not sure what to do.
Dec 09, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		cataract Surgery
by: Anonymous

I also have had cataract surgery, blood
pressure has been high, went to Dr. today he put me on blood pressure pills, I have never had blood pressure problems. Can anyone tell me if it will go back to normal?
Dec 04, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		7 months after Cataract Surgery
by: Anonymous

My mom had cataract surgery in both eyes. She’s 74 and it great physical shape. She was diagnosed with high blood pressure after the surgery and now 7 months later her BP went up to 233/103. I took her to the ER and they kept her for a few days and doubled her medication. They discharged her but her BP goes very high at night and I’m scared. The dr’s don’t seem to know what’s going on or what’s causing it. It all started after her surgery. Help!
Nov 18, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Nervous
by: Anonymous

Im 55; 3 weeks after my cataract surgery i got nervous due to sudden rise of my bp..after reading some experiences in this site..im going to stop my anti inflammatory drops...
May 29, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bp after cataract
by: Anonymous

same happened ..55 yrs old ...pre operatively it was 140/80..but post surgery went upto 190/120...i was panic ..took multiple medications.er admission too
May 26, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Post cataract surgery hypertension
by: Anonymous

I watch and record my BP every day and take a low dose of Losarten (25) Immediately after cataract surgery I was getting readings of 140/94 I follow a low sodium diet also. Nothing has changed except the surgery and the eye drops. None of the eye drops show a warning about this. I am perplexed?
May 25, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Update
by: Anonymous

I am the 75 year old lady with an update that may help others.

Six days after my left eye surgery I was still taking my anti inflammatory eye drops and my blood pressure was very high. I was also showing another reaction to the Sophipren, so I stopped all medications. Within 24 hours my blood pressure dropped and has stayed at its normal average of about 118/75 ever since. So I started to look at my history.

1. Over 50 years ago I was given an injection after surgery. That day I was found screaming in the corner of the room with daggers all coming at me. The doctor then told me that they always give patients a shot after surgery and I was the 1% that was allergic to it. I do not remember the name. I would imagine that all patients are given an anti inflammatory shot after surgery.

2. Recently I had some kind of bronchial infection and was given a drug that had corticosteroid in it. An anti inflammatory. I became uncontrollably terrified of everything.

3. Both Acular and Sophipren drops that I was put on after surgery are anti inflammatory drugs.

So in conclusion, I strongly feel that I am allergic to CORTICOSTEROIDS.

There is a possibility that since only 1% of people are allergic to this medication, that other patients could be reacting to their drops also.

May 21, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		High Blood Pressure
by: Anonymous

I am a 75 year old woman who had cataract surgery. I am in good health. I had BP normally around 117/75 and take no prescription medications. The surgery on my first eye went well and when I went back for the second eye my pressure was 123/80 before surgery. Two days later my blood pressure started to go up. On the third day it got very high for me so I went to the doctor. He thought that it was dehydration and gave me an IV of saline solution and sent me home. Then it really started to rise. By 1 AM the next day it was it rose higher, so I went to emergency. It was now 188/91. They admitted me and started to take many test including an EKG. Everything turned out to be perfectly normal.By then I am very nervous and thinking that I must be a nut case. How could everything be normal with my BP so high? It was still high and my pulse was dropping.I was in a panic because no one knew what could be wrong. My Dr. warned to take more test. Then I saw the information on this page and have calmed down. Knowing that this can be a normal reaction and not that I am just being paranoid has really helped.
May 12, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bp spiked for 2 months after cataract surgery
by: Jody Hurrish

It was horrible. I was confined to bedrest for over 2 months...had all manner of tests, nothing was wrong with me..BP was 190/89 with pulse of 90..Doc was perplexed..we kept changing meds. she told me to take anxiety pill..that made it worse. It was not in my head. BP was real. She said age..I said I am the same 67 as I was a month ago...I lost lots of weight, could not eat, nausea all the time, could not sleep as heart pounding out of my chest. I really thought I would die. the only thing different in my life was I had the 2 eye surgeries..2 months of hell. I am #93 and exercise every day of my life..in excellent shape..I hope this can help somebody.
Apr 03, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Also had high BP spike
by: Theresa Q

I had a high BP the two nights before surgery, the day I started eye drops. My BP has gradually come down, but is still too high (even today, first reading was 145/99). My second and third readings are lower, and a couple days ago were in the 120s/80s, but today only went down to 112/90. I wondered if it was the drops or the nervousness about surgery. The surgeries have been over for two weeks, but my BP is still not at pre-surgery levels. I don't take meds, but have been using supplements to control my BP, which pre-surgery was 115-120/72-80. I went to my MD, and she was not too concerned. She wants to wait until my July checkup. I will wait until I'm done with the drops and wait a couple weeks. I'm glad I found this forum.
Aug 31, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		High Blood Pressure after Surgery
by: Anonymous

My mom's blood pressure has gone sky high after cataract surgery. She and pharmacist think it is eyedrops (steroids in the drops possibly?). She will try to exercise, reduce sodium, and play cards to relax.
May 06, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Not well at all!
by: Anonymous

Blood pressure 197/104 three days after cataract surgery. I have controlled blood pressure with 5mg lisinopril in the past. Recent months have shown blood pressure at 120/78. Blood pressure soared over 200 immediately after surgery. Now cannot get it under control. Would like to see a doctor post to this page with reasons for health detriments of this surgery.
May 04, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		High blood pressure after cataract surgery
by: Anonymous

I have read most of the comments and I too have high blood pressure I think could be the eye drops that's causing it ... I am going to wait when I finish eye drops before I go to Dr. I am not telling other people to do this but that's what I am going to do ..........
Mar 26, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		High Blood Pressure
by: Anonymous

Has anyone experienced that high blood pressure eventually has gone down after body is adjusted to the cataract lens?
Mar 24, 2018
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starstarstarstarstar 		I never had blood pressure but after cataract surgery I cannot control it, even with pills.
by: Anonymous

I am 59 years old and never ever had high blood pressure or any health issues what so ever. I had Cataract surgery this past January, replacing my right lens and two days after surgery my blood pressure skyrocketed and went up to 195/98. I felt the whole world was tipping over and turning side ways as I tried to walk. I went to Dr. and he put me on blood pressure pills. I did my second eye just a bit over a week now and I just can't get my blood pressure down even with the pills I am taking. My face and my whole body is just over heating and there is nothing I can do to lower my blood pressure. I feel miserable and find it hard to cope with myself. Will this hopefully change as my body adjusts to the new lens in my eyes??
Feb 23, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		blood pressure
by: Anonymous

I too had cataract surgery. My blood pressure was always around 125 t0 130. Since the surgery, my blood pressure is way up. I am taking medical pills to try to lower to no avail. My weight is around 190 to 195. I eat healthy foods all the time. I have gone to my DR just four days ago; he has once again changed my prescription once again. Will see him at the end of the month in March.
axegrinderj@yahoo.com
Feb 18, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Blood pressure
by: Anonymous

Sir I too had cataract surgery in both eyes my vision today is excellent vision I can see better now than I've ever had in my whole life but the whole problem is what you just mentioned is that I had blood pressure is high my blood pressure is gone from about 180 two 80/70 for the first time I am taking blood pressure pills to try to lower my blood pressure I even have a blood pressure at home which sometimes tells me that my heart is everything is OK I am still perplexed why my blood pressure is high my doctor has put me on about four different kind of pills which nonwork have even change my diet quit drinking coffee quit drinking sweet eating sweet etc
I am still working for one of the airlines I have plenty of exercise and I feel very good
But thanks for the info I hope we can both find someway to find out why her blood pressure is high

Feb 10, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My blood pressure is up after the cataract surgery on my left eye
by: Anonymous


I have got a successful cataract surgery on my left eye,recently. My blood pressure went up to 230/113 after getting the surgery and currently it is 190-200/89-95, but without symptoms. I am on medication for my high blood pressure since 4/5 years but it was normal before the surgery. Existing dose is (and even higher doses are) not working for reducing my blood pressure. I took appointment to see family doctor.
Nov 11, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Post-cataract op hypertension
by: On behalf of my mum

My mum has been in good health but a month after her cataract surgery, her blood pressure has also got up, from previously 130/65 to currently 150-170/85-95, but without symptoms.
Oct 24, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Only 39 (:
by: Anonymous

I am 39 years old, and recently had an ICL impact (no extraction) in my right eye only. This means I had a lens implanted but my natural one was not removed. After about 4 days I started feeling like I was bursting from the inside in a way (?) and uncomfortable , full pressure feeling and headache. My blood pressure had gone to upper pre-hypertensive levels, when it has always been very good my whole life. It has been coming and going for 4 days now, but is almost always high now, and I feel tired. I went to have my one week check today- a day early because I was concerned. They see no problems and believe it is a result of the pain caused by the procedure and lingering headache. I have started taking CoQ10, am taking less sodium, and am eating quite a bit less since it seems eating makes me feel like my pressure increases. I am heavy so that is not a bad thing for me!
If things do not improve, I will talk to a GP.
I think this was my first time with anesthesia, so I wonder if that could effect BP for some people.
Sep 20, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Elevated blood pressure and chronic dry eyes
by: Delores Harrison

I am 72 almost 73 years old and have experienced elevated bp after my cataract surgery! I have always had normal bp. I have been taking a water pill for years! I had also high pulse rate. Please let me know if this is normal or something else is going on with me! I am taking 3,600 mg of omega 3 and ointment at night and drops during the day for chronic dry eyes which my opthamologist prescribed! It is not Restatsis! But the very dry eyes is affecting me greatly!Thanks do much!
Sep 20, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Elevated blood pressure and chronic dry eyes
by: Delores Harrison

I am 72 almost 73 years old and have experienced elevated bp after my cataract surgery! I have always had normal bp. I have been taking a water pill for years! I had also high pulse rate. Please let me know if this is normal or something else is going on with me! I am taking 3,600 mg of omega 3 and ointment at night and drops during the day for chronic dry eyes which my opthamologist prescribed! It is not Restatsis! But the very dry eyes is affecting me greatly!Thanks do much!
Jul 06, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Same situation
by: Anonymous

My social work client here in Austria has had a similar experience. Also, his pulse is erratic. Any info? Antje.lewis@caritas-wien.at
Jun 24, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		High BP after cataract surgery
by: Anonymous

This is going on with my Mom. She had cataract surgery a few days ago and her BP has been high off and on since the surgery. Any idea why. Please text me at 859 618 4217 if any info
Mar 17, 2017
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		patient
by: suresh in florida

I am 78 yo always in super health. ON March 7, had cataract removed on right eye. blood pressure is still super elevated after 10 days. i always monitor BP (mercury sphyg)at home. it had been 133-125 syst, and 68-80 diastolic consistant for cpl years before surgery. Surgery went excellent, vision improvements very good. Follow up treatment of 3 types of eye drops contnuing still. As i write,march 17, its been 10 days after surgery. only after 4 days following surger my blood pressure went up significantly (145/88). Its on its upward path as i write. on this tenth day after surgery, it is about 170/94. GP appointment. planning to see my GP on march 20th. Also planning to cancel appointment for second eye surgery untill this is all sorted out.

I am feeling fine eating well sand full energy.

i will greatly appreciate if any doctor or a person with similar experience would text me >>>>> 407-408-8258

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