low sodium diet

[Tinker2015]

hi everyone need advice it’s been a really bad week for me lately worrying about my brothers liver total failure and me going on a low statin as I mentioned in an earlier post. Well yesterday I had to take my hubby to emergency A and E. kidney stone. A lot of pain and vomiting we arrived early evening took them a couple of hours for pain relieve anyway a senior doctor appeared saying because junior doctors are on strike and the fact that they had 2 traumas coming waiting time will be 8 hours plus. At 10am hubby went too the loo after his meds felt better when he came back I was slumped in chair nurse came blood pressure taken it was 69/42. Both arms. They had to get a doctor was ushered into a room had to lie down with feet raised I couldn’t get up or walk they helped. After awhile it came back up but more than it really was usually. Anyway I think it’s because my salt level too low. I have borderline heart failure asked to watch my salt intake but I think I have gone too far as not felt well for ages so what is considered the right amount for me any help seeing doctor next week sorry for long post.

[Hidden]

You have had a hard and shocking time, I hope both your husband and yourself are on the mend. Salt levels are a difficult one and like you I had a period of low sodium intake and it made me very weak feeling.

Its not just about salt its also about minerals levels, we all know to cut down on salt but like you have found it is also important to have salt, most folks get enough with their food, or in most cases to much if your eat prepared , tinned etc food.

I prepare most of my meals fresh so it was easy not to cook with or add salt after and that is were I began to have a problem.

I was put on rehydration salts { Dioralyte } from my Drs and that really helped.

You must contact your Dr first and make sure with your other problems that it is safe for you to take them and in what quantity .

Your dispensing chemist, that knows your medication maybe able to help you as well.

Good luck and please keep us informed

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Your BP sounds way too low as I am sure you are well aware. I would not guess as to the causes I would wait until you speak with your GP soonest to see what he/she advises, since they are best placed professionally and also know your medical history in detail.. In the meantime be very cautious about what you do, and if I were you I would avoid driving in case you have a relapse whilst on the road.

[Cee-Cee1]

I'm so sorry to read this, Tinker - you've really been through the mill recently. I do hope that both you and your husband are feeling a little better today. Maybe a call to the pharmacist who prepares your medication might be of help - I know that mine has my medication needs available on line - they might be able to recommend something. Good luck with your appointment at the GP next week, hopefully it'll be of help. Carol

[Blearyeyed]

I would definitely suggest speaking to the GP , get your kidney / electrolytes sodium and potassium blood tests done and Magnesium , as sometimes very high magnesium levels can cause low sodium or potassium. Ask for their recommendation they may have a short course of electrolytes treatment for you , and also ask if they can refer you as urgent explaining your cardiac crisis to a dietitian to help you create the right sort of sodium diet for you. Hope you are feeling a little better, and both you and your husband are getting some rest after your experience, take care , Bee

[Silvasava]

I limit my salt intake and when I'm feeling lethargic I use ORS tablets as they have electrolytes and are more pleasant than the general rehydration salts HTH

[DiggyDoggy]

I'm sorry that you've had such a stressful time!

I'm no expert, but my understanding is that a little salt is fine for most people. I now have Himalayan salt, because I too was feeling weak.

My doctor is absolutely fine taking my bloods every couple of months so maybe yours will also be OK. That way you can keep an eye on your Sodium, Potassium etc .

Are you drinking enough water? I ask as a glass or so can almost instantly raise blood pressure by a fair amount.

Finally, if your budget allows it, I would get a private cardiologist. Mine costs £150 each visit and I see him twice a year. It is immensely reassuring to have someone who can see you at short notice, and who will take the time to listen and be thorough.