Low sodium problem any ideas

F

FellingLonely

New member
Hi,

I care for a woman who is a C5-6 quadraplegic post
injury 1980. In jan. of this year she was admitted to the hospital for
critically low sodium 118. She is currently maintaining a level of
124-128 taking 3.5 grams by mouth a day. She has been to 2 local
Nephrology doctors that are providing no answer's. Could you refer me to
a doctor that specializes in this type of problem that we can contact.
She gets bloodwork done weekly to watch her levels. She has never had
sodium problems before. I am her aid and have been with her since 1986.

Would like answers to the following questions:

1. What is the possible causes for hyponatremia or related illness/disorder

2. What is the treatment for hyponatremia or related illness/disorder and

3. What is the prognosis for full recovery with the proper treatment and

4. What is the time frame for recovery

Thanks,

John
 
Hello-

I can offer insight into questions 1 and 2.
Hyponatremia is suggestive of kidney problems or possibly congestive heart failure. However there are probably many other conditions that might also cause a low sodium, but these are the main ones that come to mind.

As far as treatment, a low sodium diet might help. A high sodium diet actually can cause a low sodium, by causing the body to retain fluid, thus diluting sodium in the blood. Also diuretics are used as well. A low sodium suggests the person is "fluid overloaded." - There may be edema, as well, or a swelling of extremities such as hands, feet and ankles.

Leea
 
Hi Leea,

Thanks for the reply. First this person is a vegetarian and her sodium intake has always been low. Years ago she did have some edema in her ankles and use to go to a reflexologist on a weekly basis but is no longer a problem. She did have alot of stomach edema when she first went to the hospital back in jan. but that has dissipated with the 4 grams of daily sodium tablets she is on. The salt tablets are killing her stomach and she would like to figure out the cause of the problem to find a solution that will alow her to not have to take them. She does drink alot of water daily, well over a gallon due to spasm medication she has been taking for over 20 years, and which there are no other alternatives too.She is scared she is going to have a stroke and die, as any time her sodium becomes low she gets headaches and chest pains. Doctors so far have not been much help over the last 6 months this has been going on.

John
 
Does she take Effexor or a similar antidepressant? They can cause hyponatremia (Effexor did it to me.) Perhaps other meds could do that as well.
 
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