Need help finding "teen" sized blood pressure cuff

[hopeful]

I'm sorry I haven't written in a while. I'm glad to say things are going really good for my son, but I have some real concerns for my mom. I don't know if this is the right place to ask, but we need help.

My mom has been suffering from anxiety (finally diagnosed)and high blood pressure. She suffers from "white coat" syndrom. Her blood pressure meds have not been working. They want her to take accurate blood pressure readings at home.

What the problem for her is she is extremely tiny. The smallest adult cuffs are 9", and she's an 8 1/2". She's purchased several over the years, but she's lost even more weight and she can't find one that fits her well enough to get an acurate reading. The kid's cuffs are a bit too small, adults too big. I know there are some nurses out there, and some mom's that know enough to be nurses. Does anyone have any suggestions? The internet hasn't really come up with any that are accurate enough. I suggested calling the children's hospital, but I told her I would try and ask on this board too.

Sorry if it's the wrong place to ask, but I'm really concerned about her, and her doctor even suggested to her today that she keep in touch with me every few hours to make sure all is ok. Thanks for listening

[Amsmom]

oh hopeful, please dont apologize for asking about your sweet mom. we are here for you. have you tried contacting a medical supply company? they may be listed as either home medical equipment or durable medical equipment. they may be able to tell you if an 8-1/2 is available or can be ordered. lots of hugs to you and your mom

[tridlette]

Try calling the non emergency number for your local ambulance/ rescue squad. Ask to talk to the equipment supply officer... not just some "want to be expert" and ask the supply officer to recommend a company and tell you what would be a reasonable price to pay. I have been out of the business too long to dare to recommend anyone specific. But I went back and looked on line. I am posting the link to what should be a decent price and piece of equipment.

I used to deal with Moore Medical Supply and they had a good variety and usually reasonable prices.

www1.mooremedical.com/index.cfm?PG=CTL&CS=HOM&FN=ProductDetail&PID=6497

There is a place on the page that says they have live on line help, so if this isn't the right product, I am sure they can help you out. Use the key word "sphygmomanometer" to look up bp cuff.


Good luck.

[kppy3]

hi,

have you tried asking your pharmacist? the hospital pharmacy may have an even wider range of supplies?

good luck!
kppy

[hopeful]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I've been without a computer for a few days so I've been terribly frustrated.

Turns out my mom isn't so good with Google. I have to give her credit, 71 years old and uses a computer. Most of her friends do not. In any event, we were able to solve the problem. My son's pediatrician came to the rescue. I'm still on pins and needles about her heart and mental health, but we're going on the right track.

Happy Holidays to all,

Hopeful

[rosierobinross]

At home I have one of those wrist cuffs and I can imagine it would not work on very thin forearms. At my gym though they have a cuff that you put on your upper arm, it is more like a cloth sleeve that you slice on and then tighten with velcro. It is very easy to use and more comfortale than the wrist type cuff, I also think more accurate. I am sure it goes small as it is a big soft cuff with allot of adjustment, it is then attached to a small box with a rubber hose that gives you the reading, quite small and just packs up into a bag all about the size of book. Try to see if you can find one of those types.