Sodium levels

[Murderfan58]

I have low sodium levels but also have water retention which is driving nuts . I can put on 4lb in a day and then it's gone a day or to later. My legs swell I can put up with the pain been in pain my whole life with a rare hereditary neurological condition . It's how tight the skin gets on my legs that is the problem ,also can't wear some shoes because of the bulge that is on the front of my ankle which forms when swollen..

The Dr has reluctantly given me a week's worth of Furosemide 20mg tablets . Then I have to have a blood test.. I asked how can I help with the swelling she said sit with my legs raised which I do . Going to add extra salt to my meals and see if that helps .

Does anyone have this problem and any advice they can give me ?

[happyrosie1]

I might be wrong but I thought that decreasing your salt (not increasing) and drinking more water would be the thing to do - along with elevating your feet where possible.

Ensure your thighs aren’t compressed, too.

The NHS physio dept used to offer massage using a specialised machine. All this did was to remove the water temporarily and within a few hours it was back.

Compression stockings?

[Murderfan58 in reply to happyrosie1]

Thank you for replying. I can't wear compression stockings or even ordinary socks. I have the rare hereditary Hyperekplexia gene mutation SLC6A5 type 3. Which effects my limbs in constant pain and until I was put on Clonazepam suffered from limb jerks for 32 years and had 4 seizures. HPX as it's shortened to comes with host of other problems. But I have lived with not knowing what it was until I was 63 when my neurologist had my whole genome genetically tested. I am now 66. Luckily there is a Facebook group which is world wide but started by a man with HPX as he didn't know anyone else with it are numbers have increased and now 1,078 of us.

I had a run of UTIs and kidney infections which need 16 courses of antibiotics to get rid of a 4 years ago . Checked out by a urologist and found my bladder and kidneys worked fine. I usually have 8-10 drinks a day mainly just water. So thinking I would flush out the infection increased my drinks to 12-14 a day and decreased my sodium levels so my GP told me to stick to 8-10 drinks a day no more.

Recently been in 2 hospitals over a week. They thought I had had a heart attack as the cardiac enzyme test showed my levels of begins with a T can't think what it's called where 170. Had angiography but only showed slighting furring in my right artery no sign of heart attack. So think I had a TIA. So being referred to a stroke neurologist. My symptoms where headache ,pain left side of my neck and lost my speech but I lose my speech if I have an infection due to my HPX I had a UTI at the time . Stroke nurse ruled out stroke.

At least I know my heart is ok.

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Perhaps give the BHF helpline a call? bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

I have had really swollen ankles and lower legs in the past.

It was very uncomfortable and limited my mobility.

I laid or sat with my legs flat evenly supported with my ankles slightly raised above the level of my hips, which helped. No crossing of my ankles.

Mine was caused by one of my medications which has been changed.

My GP also did a NTproBNP blood test to check my heart muscle was working properly.

[Murderfan58]

Milkfairy I will do that thank you .