low sodium levels

[Mel1971]

hi posting hoping to get some advice my mum has NAFLD along with other Heath issues including lymphoedema and type 2 diabetes, she is 79 and is not eligible for a liver transplant

She’s been on diuretics for fluid around her stomach and also some swelling in her feet

Her medication has been changed a number of time in the last couple of weeks which has contributed to her having low sodium levels

she’s been admitted hospital twice in the last 3 weeks for fluids, the first time was an overnight stay in a ward unfortunately the secon was 4 nights in a chair in A&E which you can imagine was a really difficult experience

The staff have been exemplary in both cases but she became very confused and disoriented in A&E and had a really difficult night where she was wandering around

she’s now being monitored on a virtual ward where her bloods are checked every couple of days

Her sodium levels are now dropping again but she is adamant she won’t go back to hospital after the last experience

Has anyone had any medication, supplements or any dietary advice that can help maintain sodium levels

I’ve read that a high protein diet and also some energy/electrolyte drinks can help

any advice would be greatly appreciated

[BritishLiverTrust8 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear Mel1971

If you would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays)

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[looby24]

Hi - sorry that you have not had other replies. My husband is actually in A&E right now on a drip to address a big drop in sodium. He had been stable in his sodium levels for about a year and we don't know what has caused this. It's interesting that you say the changes in medication have caused her sodium levels to drop.

When the low sodium was first detected he had - just the day before- had a very upset stomach, one of those 24 hour bugs. With hindsight we should have mentioned at his blood test. A week later the levels climbed back up to nearly within range but a couple of days before the new results he was told to stop one diuretic and double the other one. Unfortunately 10 days later the sodium levels dropped to below the first dip and I believe dangerously low. We don't know if the change in medications has made things worse, while he could have just slowly been recoveing after his stomach bug. I hope your mother gets better