Body location for BP and bloodwork after BMX w/ node removal

CiaaGie

Hello my BC fam 💗..My first post here!

Where do you now have your BP and bloodwork taken.. arm or leg? And why is yours taken this way?

I am 1 week out from my BMX (5/17/2018). Left side, sentinel node removed. Right side, sentinel and two additional nodes removed.

Saw the surgeon for drains removed yesterday and asked if I needed to have BP and bloodwork from the leg and which leg.

He advised since only the sentinel node was taken from left side, BP from left arm is ok.. but also ok to have it from the left leg. He added, blood taken on left arm only. I didn’t ask if the BP reading would be any different than from the arm.

Where do I align the cord on the cuff? Where is the exact right spot to take it on the leg?

So, I took my bp from the lower calf in left leg this morning and my reading is high..158/87. I plan to keep taking readings up to my next appointment with him next week.

I’m also on BP meds. And up until now, have had good BP readings.

NotVeryBrave

Blood pressure readings on lower extremities are usually higher. The blood pressure machine that you have should have information on where to take the measurements. Make sure that the cuff is sized for the extremity that you're using it on.

There may be a formula to convert one measurement to another. I would suggest speaking with the doctor that handles your blood pressure concern for their advice.

Many places won't draw blood from lower extremities. Your best bet will probably be to use the arm that has the least number of lymph nodes removed.

Trishyla

After my BMX last April, I developed truncal lymphedema that is worse on my right side, so I have my BP taken on my left arm.

I have my blood draws done from my feet. It's very hard to find someone who is trained in foot draws, but well worth it. Your best bet is an RN who is also a phlebotomist.

Good luck!

Trish

CiaaGie

sincerethank you! That info is very helpful.

CiaaGie

thank you for this answer..it’s all really helpful info.

And I will check on the info for my bp cuff I’m using at home. Might need to upfrade