Well, Dom started Physical Therapy on Monday. Three days per week. So far, so good.
He's still in a wheelchair, but they've got him strengthening his ankles and knees and walking with a walker.
His neuropathy is horrible. He cannot feel his feet.
Our next appointment is with his Slidell oncologist in about 2 1/2 weeks. Then Tulane Cancer Center the following week.
We're also back to weekly blood work. He got a little "kooky/confused" on Wed., so we had blood work done today. I pumped him full of salt Wed. afternoon, and he snapped out of his daze.
Showing posts with label Hyponatremia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hyponatremia. Show all posts
Friday, September 1, 2017
Low Sodium in Blood (Hyponatremia): Definition, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
I never realized how dangerous this can be!
http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-articles/low-sodium-in-blood/
While many of us are trying to reduce the amount of sodium we ingest, there are some people who need to boost their intake. Low sodium in blood is medically referred to as hyponatremia and can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. As we need sodium for proper functioning, it is important to understand what causes low levels and to be aware of hyponatremia symptoms.
We need sodium to help maintain blood pressure, regulate fluids, and aid in the function of our nerves and muscles. The official hyponatremia definition is the lack of sodium in the blood necessary to regulate the water used by our cells. Once the sodium level drops, our cells expand from the abundance of water present in the blood. This can cause mild symptoms of nausea and headaches and eventually lead to rapid brain swelling and death.
A normal sodium level is between 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia is present when levels drop below 135 mEq/L. We will next investigate hyponatremia causes.
What Causes Low Sodium in Blood?
Hyponatremia causes can be linked to direct and indirect factors. As our blood sodium levels drop, it is important to take note of recent lifestyle changes, any existing or new health conditions, and possible effects of prescribed medication.
1. Excess Water Intake
The sodium levels in our blood become depleted as we sweat, and we may overcompensate by drinking too much water. Strenuous exercise such as running can cause us to sweat profusely and replenishing with water may dilute our sodium content.
2. Dehydration
On the flip side, we can easily become dehydrated by not drinking sufficient amounts of water. This stage causes us to lose electrolytes such as sodium and other fluids.
3. Hormonal Changes
Health conditions affecting our hormone balance can also cause hyponatremia. Our adrenal glands produce hormones to help balance the water, sodium, and potassium levels. Low functioning adrenal glands and an underactive thyroid will cause sodium levels to drop.
4. Drugs
Over-the-counter and prescribed medications may have an adverse effect on the sodium levels in our blood. These can include antidepressants, pain relievers, and diuretics. The recreational drug known as ecstasy can lead to a rapid drop in sodium levels that may result in death.
5. Severe Diarrhea or Vomiting
We may lose valuable nutrients, electrolytes, and fluids through severe bouts of diarrhea and vomiting.
6. Chronic Illness
Certain health conditions can create an environment within our body where fluid retention is a major factor. The buildup of water will quickly lower sodium blood levels. This can include heart, liver, and kidney disease.
7. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
SIADH leads the body to produce the antidiuretic hormone, also known as vasopressin, in excess. The resulting water retention can cause sodium levels to decrease.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hyponatremia
There are several symptoms that indicate the sodium levels in your blood have dropped too low. Initial stages of low levels may not present any symptoms unless they drop rapidly.
Headache
Weakness DOM
Fatigue DOM
Confusion DOM
Nausea
Vomiting
Irritability
Cramping or muscle spasms DOM
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Coma
If you seek medical advice for any of these symptoms, you can expect a thorough examination by your physician. Based on your symptoms, the physical examination, and details of your medical history, you may be required to undergo a series of tests. A diagnosis of hyponatremia may result from an osmolality (chemical) blood test, a urine osmolality, a comprehensive metabolic panel, or a urine sodium test.
How to Increase Sodium Levels
Hyponatremia treatment starts with increasing sodium levels in the blood as determined by the cause. Under a doctor’s care, or as an existing hospital patient, you may receive a prescribed dose of diuretics, a sodium solution through intravenous injection or pill form, for the symptoms.
There are some suggestions for low sodium treatment at home, which also may help to prevent levels from dropping.
1. Sodium-Infused Juices
Drinks enriched with sodium such as vegetable juices can boost your blood sodium levels. An eight-ounce glass of the popular V8 brand may contain up to 500 milligrams of sodium, so be mindful of your daily intake. You can balance sodium levels with a low-sodium vegetable juice if in need of a smaller boost.
2. Maintain Adrenal Glands Production
You can keep your adrenal glands working properly by maintaining a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, coconut products, seaweed, and foods enriched in B vitamins. Our adrenal glands also need appropriate sleep, rest, and exercise to produce sufficient hormones to balance the electrolyte levels.
3. Replenish Electrolytes
Not just for athletes, sports drinks can help to replenish sodium levels, especially after a strenuous workout or run. The best sports drinks will have 100 milligrams of sodium, 14 grams of carbohydrates, and 28 milligrams of potassium in an eight-ounce serving.
4. Limit Certain Drinks
When looking for high-sodium drinks to increase levels, limit beverages that do not have any nutritional benefit. Drinks such as hot chocolate, flavored coffees, and fruit juices may have high sodium content but do not offer essential nutrients.
A low sodium in blood level can lead to scary outcomes if ignored. Although the American Heart Association estimates 97% of Americans consume too much sodium, hyponatremia is a common condition. We rely on sodium for the proper functioning of many organs, including our skin cells. Blood sodium levels can drop gradually or rapidly, depending on the underlying cause. Symptoms and the condition of hyponatremia may be treated and possibly prevented with lifestyle choices and remedies.
http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-articles/low-sodium-in-blood/
While many of us are trying to reduce the amount of sodium we ingest, there are some people who need to boost their intake. Low sodium in blood is medically referred to as hyponatremia and can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. As we need sodium for proper functioning, it is important to understand what causes low levels and to be aware of hyponatremia symptoms.
We need sodium to help maintain blood pressure, regulate fluids, and aid in the function of our nerves and muscles. The official hyponatremia definition is the lack of sodium in the blood necessary to regulate the water used by our cells. Once the sodium level drops, our cells expand from the abundance of water present in the blood. This can cause mild symptoms of nausea and headaches and eventually lead to rapid brain swelling and death.
A normal sodium level is between 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia is present when levels drop below 135 mEq/L. We will next investigate hyponatremia causes.
What Causes Low Sodium in Blood?
Hyponatremia causes can be linked to direct and indirect factors. As our blood sodium levels drop, it is important to take note of recent lifestyle changes, any existing or new health conditions, and possible effects of prescribed medication.
1. Excess Water Intake
The sodium levels in our blood become depleted as we sweat, and we may overcompensate by drinking too much water. Strenuous exercise such as running can cause us to sweat profusely and replenishing with water may dilute our sodium content.
2. Dehydration
On the flip side, we can easily become dehydrated by not drinking sufficient amounts of water. This stage causes us to lose electrolytes such as sodium and other fluids.
3. Hormonal Changes
Health conditions affecting our hormone balance can also cause hyponatremia. Our adrenal glands produce hormones to help balance the water, sodium, and potassium levels. Low functioning adrenal glands and an underactive thyroid will cause sodium levels to drop.
4. Drugs
Over-the-counter and prescribed medications may have an adverse effect on the sodium levels in our blood. These can include antidepressants, pain relievers, and diuretics. The recreational drug known as ecstasy can lead to a rapid drop in sodium levels that may result in death.
5. Severe Diarrhea or Vomiting
We may lose valuable nutrients, electrolytes, and fluids through severe bouts of diarrhea and vomiting.
6. Chronic Illness
Certain health conditions can create an environment within our body where fluid retention is a major factor. The buildup of water will quickly lower sodium blood levels. This can include heart, liver, and kidney disease.
7. Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)
SIADH leads the body to produce the antidiuretic hormone, also known as vasopressin, in excess. The resulting water retention can cause sodium levels to decrease.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hyponatremia
There are several symptoms that indicate the sodium levels in your blood have dropped too low. Initial stages of low levels may not present any symptoms unless they drop rapidly.
Headache
Weakness DOM
Fatigue DOM
Confusion DOM
Nausea
Vomiting
Irritability
Cramping or muscle spasms DOM
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Coma
If you seek medical advice for any of these symptoms, you can expect a thorough examination by your physician. Based on your symptoms, the physical examination, and details of your medical history, you may be required to undergo a series of tests. A diagnosis of hyponatremia may result from an osmolality (chemical) blood test, a urine osmolality, a comprehensive metabolic panel, or a urine sodium test.
How to Increase Sodium Levels
Hyponatremia treatment starts with increasing sodium levels in the blood as determined by the cause. Under a doctor’s care, or as an existing hospital patient, you may receive a prescribed dose of diuretics, a sodium solution through intravenous injection or pill form, for the symptoms.
There are some suggestions for low sodium treatment at home, which also may help to prevent levels from dropping.
1. Sodium-Infused Juices
Drinks enriched with sodium such as vegetable juices can boost your blood sodium levels. An eight-ounce glass of the popular V8 brand may contain up to 500 milligrams of sodium, so be mindful of your daily intake. You can balance sodium levels with a low-sodium vegetable juice if in need of a smaller boost.
2. Maintain Adrenal Glands Production
You can keep your adrenal glands working properly by maintaining a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, coconut products, seaweed, and foods enriched in B vitamins. Our adrenal glands also need appropriate sleep, rest, and exercise to produce sufficient hormones to balance the electrolyte levels.
3. Replenish Electrolytes
Not just for athletes, sports drinks can help to replenish sodium levels, especially after a strenuous workout or run. The best sports drinks will have 100 milligrams of sodium, 14 grams of carbohydrates, and 28 milligrams of potassium in an eight-ounce serving.
4. Limit Certain Drinks
When looking for high-sodium drinks to increase levels, limit beverages that do not have any nutritional benefit. Drinks such as hot chocolate, flavored coffees, and fruit juices may have high sodium content but do not offer essential nutrients.
A low sodium in blood level can lead to scary outcomes if ignored. Although the American Heart Association estimates 97% of Americans consume too much sodium, hyponatremia is a common condition. We rely on sodium for the proper functioning of many organs, including our skin cells. Blood sodium levels can drop gradually or rapidly, depending on the underlying cause. Symptoms and the condition of hyponatremia may be treated and possibly prevented with lifestyle choices and remedies.
Friday, August 25, 2017
It's Been ROUGH Around Here
Dom's neuropathy has gotten so bad that he's now in a wheelchair. He can't feel his feet.
A dear friend, Richard McM came over to build a wheelchair ramp for him. Unfortunately, Dom is using my dad's old wheelchair- probably 30 years old and HEAVY. I can barely move it into my car.
On Wed., we had an appointment with Dr. Safah at Tulane. She's going to arrange for a few weeks of physical therapy to get him walking again, then putting him back on a different chemo. She said that besides the neuropathy, his muscles have atrophied after a couple months of inactivity.
We came home very hopeful- feeling positive- happy to be back with Dr. Safah.
We stopped to get some food to go on the way home.
Dom went to bed after eating.
I noticed that there was a message on the answering machine.
It was Dr. Safah's nurse telling us to get to an emergency room IMMEDIATELY. His sodium was "critically low" at 120. (Hyponatremia)
So... off we go to Our Lady of the Angels ER in Bogalusa, LA- about 15 miles away.
The ER doctor told me to go home, as he would be admitted.
They finally put him in a private room at about 10 pm. By that time, his sodium had dropped to 119.
They pumped him full of sodium and released him last night once he reached 130.
Got home around 7:30 pm. He fell TWICE last night using a walker. He cannot feel his feet or calves.
So, now I'm working on getting him a wheelchair. Hoping that Tulane will do it. He called our VA Rep this morning, and she said that if he got an appointment with the VA (ha-ha), they'd pay for it.
I'm waiting to hear from Dr. Safah's folks to obtain a lightweight wheelchair that I can lift for him.
So- kinda "gloom and doom" here.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
A dear friend, Richard McM came over to build a wheelchair ramp for him. Unfortunately, Dom is using my dad's old wheelchair- probably 30 years old and HEAVY. I can barely move it into my car.
On Wed., we had an appointment with Dr. Safah at Tulane. She's going to arrange for a few weeks of physical therapy to get him walking again, then putting him back on a different chemo. She said that besides the neuropathy, his muscles have atrophied after a couple months of inactivity.
We came home very hopeful- feeling positive- happy to be back with Dr. Safah.
We stopped to get some food to go on the way home.
Dom went to bed after eating.
I noticed that there was a message on the answering machine.
It was Dr. Safah's nurse telling us to get to an emergency room IMMEDIATELY. His sodium was "critically low" at 120. (Hyponatremia)
So... off we go to Our Lady of the Angels ER in Bogalusa, LA- about 15 miles away.
The ER doctor told me to go home, as he would be admitted.
They finally put him in a private room at about 10 pm. By that time, his sodium had dropped to 119.
They pumped him full of sodium and released him last night once he reached 130.
Got home around 7:30 pm. He fell TWICE last night using a walker. He cannot feel his feet or calves.
So, now I'm working on getting him a wheelchair. Hoping that Tulane will do it. He called our VA Rep this morning, and she said that if he got an appointment with the VA (ha-ha), they'd pay for it.
I'm waiting to hear from Dr. Safah's folks to obtain a lightweight wheelchair that I can lift for him.
So- kinda "gloom and doom" here.
Thanks for your continued prayers.
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