Blood Pressure

pmh532

I had DCIS in left breast in 2000, just radiation, cancer free ever since.  My problem is taking my blood pressure.  I have been told not to have it done on left arm, no reason given, and all home units are made for use on left arm.  Hard to use on right unless someone else does it.  Is there a real reason for not using left one, or is there an alternative, easier site to use?  I would purchase a wrist unit, but have been told they are not as accurate, and we already have 2 different kinds of arm units.

Marple

Hi pmh,

I have a home unit and simply put it on my right (non mast side) arm.  It took a little getting used to but practice makes it a lot easier.  Mine inflates automatically which might make it somewhat easier too.  Good luck.

geebung

Hi pmh, the reason why we are told not to have blood pressure taken on the surgery/rads side is because of the increased risk of lymphoedema. We are also told to avoid needles, IVs, sunburn, insect bites, cuts and any other injuries which can increase the risk of infection. Blood pressure cuffs can cut off the lymph fluid and cause pooling which can lead to lympoedema.

gb 

Jorf

Probably women with LE would say otherwise but I had a great anesthesiologist for my exchange surgery who had done a lot of research on that issue and said it really is a non-issue. As I always say statistics don't mean a damn thing if you're the one who gets LE but I think it is becoming more accepted to be an old wive's tale. That said, I always stick out my right arm when I need BP or blood drawn.