Excessive loss of salt

[Fireleigh]

I have had PMR for five years. At the same time I’ve been on a diuretic for variable blood pressure. I often feel overwhelmingly tired and lacking any sort of motivation. And light headed, symptoms of PMR. I got an urgent message to go on a high salt diet with no other information. I began that diet that I made up myself. I feel more positive but not better. How long does it take to get back to normal? Does anyone know.?

[nallufl24]

Before I was diagnosed with GCA my blood sodium levels were very low. Even though that’s not s symptom for GCA, it was for me. Once I was diagnosed with GCA, I was also told to eat more salt. It was really strange because pred makes you retain water and salt. Anyway, it took about 3 months of prednisone before my sodium levels were normal again. I was also told by a nephrologist to restrict my liquid intake which I did.

[SnazzyD in reply to nallufl24]

That’s really interesting. I was the other end of the scale. Did they say what was happening?

[nallufl24 in reply to SnazzyD]

No. No one had any idea why. In fact I had taken a blood test about 3 months previously and sodium was normal, but 3 months later when GCA symptoms were in full bloom, that was one symptom.

[SnazzyD]

What dose of Pred are you on?

[SheffieldJane]

That is very odd. Please check out the message source and ask your questions.

Many of us suffer with overwhelming tiredness with PMR and Pred alone. In fact I would say it is the worst symptom.

It isn’t really good enough to receive a random urgent message without a proper explanation with advice. It is probably accurate. All the best going forward. Having said that, I am glad you feel brighter. I wonder if it is low sodium?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

That is really not acceptable - they need to see you and review your medication. The most common cause of low sodium in blood is the use of diuretics. They need to establish exactly what is causing it as there are plenty of other causes - but in the meantime they should be keeping a close eye on you.

You must not get back to higher sodium in the blood too quickly but it does depend to some extent how severe it is.

I don't suppose they told you any numbers or what your blood potassium level is?

Are you on any other medications? Such as PPIs for stomach protection - omeprazole or other names ending in -azole.

[Fireleigh in reply to PMRpro]

I remember now O think I was told to drop the diuretic. I have been prescribed a different blood pressure pill at a low level . That was put up higher. I’m sorry I need to get back to you as I am very tired . My GP appointment is late in November. I’ll think through this before then.

I feel too lackadaisical to seek out the figures . I know my blood pressure responds to anxiety. I have that at the moment over dental procedures and bisphosphonates. I think that was resolved yesterday when I had root canal treatment so maybe I should wait

[2013mayo]

I have Siadh , I’ve had it for years, when I was on high dose pred it improved the levels but not to normal levels, once I cut down to 1mg it cut the levels again, my sodium is now 28 , it should be at least 35, I’m having to go through all the repeated blood test again. I did see an endocrinologist for this condition years ago, I was supposed to be on salt tablets but my doctor never followed through with it. I then had GCA diagnosed and it raised my levels, now I’ve gone back to low level pred it start all over again with the blood test. I don’t take any diuretics or any med that causes this, I don’t drink lots of fluid so no idea what I can do to correct it. Hope you get sorted.

[MrsPractical]

Hi Earlier this year, I had a seizure and was admitted to hospital. I was told that it was caused by dangerously low sodium and so they stopped one medication which I had just started which was an antidepressant and also changed lanzoprazole to famotidine. I was put on a restricted fluid intake in order to get levels to increase. Not told to increase salt at all. After 3 days in hospital the level had gone up sufficiently so as not to be dangerous. I had to continue the restricted fluid intake for a fortnight and when retested my sodium was back to a normal level. I was exhausted throughout. I have to say that I didn’t need more antidepressants and I believe the cause of my low mood was the low sodium.