[Marshmellow]

hello all

my doc has discovered I have very low sodim levels after my last batch of bloods and he has said this could be aggravating my fatigue. Has anyone else ever had/heard of this?

Ta

Rachel

 

[lazylegs]

Hi Rachel,

Low sodium can be due to a few things. They range from consuming too much water, certain medications, underactive thyroid and others. Your doctor is correct that low sodium can cause fatigue. I am glad he is on top of the situation. Is your doctor doing more tests or did he suggest some type of treatment?

Take care,
Lazylegs

 

[Marshmellow]

He recommended increasing my salt intake-salt and vinegar crisps here I come!. He checked my thyroid and that's ok. I have an appt with my Rheumatologist on Friday so will mention it to him

Rachel

 

[Lily]

Hi Rachel,

Let us know what your Rheumy says. I have heard of it as a result of taking diuretics though.

love
Lily

 

[Kenzmadie]

Good luck with that sodium result. I went to the emergency room last Spring because I had a tremendous headache and a very painful abdomen. My sodium was 121. My GP put me on salt pills and made referrals. The x-ray of the chest resulted in a CT scan of my lungs and a new doctor (pulmonologist). She noticed I had thickening of the pleural lining...more than I should...but no explanation of low sodium. When she did the repeat CT, she notice an enlarged thyroid. New doctor (endocinrologist) and thyroid tests (the needle biopsy was especially pleasant). My thyroid is three times the size it should be but, by the way, that didn't explain the low sodium either. Have to have a repeat sonogram of that this Spring. Also had a nephrologist thrown in there but his tests indicated no reason for it either. I've had my sodium tested fairly regularly since that time and am no longer on salt pills but it does tend to hang around 135...sometimes lower. They still don't know why it was low and still tends to hang around the low end. I'd be interested to know what they find with you. Please keep us posted.

 

[Marshmellow]

So far no answers after an appt with my current consultant -i have been referred to a another specialist in a differet hospital as he feels I need more expert advice and a more aggressive form of treatment than just my current Plaquenil and anti inflammatories.I am on steroid injections for pain in the mean time.

So it's a wait and see game!!!

Rachel

 

[Clare.T]

Hello Rachel

Surely your GP should be investigating the possible root causes of low sodium levels? There are various possibilities such as thyroid adrenal or pituitary problems. Has there been a urine test recently? I just know what I have read up about it but I've never heard or seen mention that it is related directly to lupus. It just might account for some of the symptoms you've been having.

All the best

Clare

 

[Marshmellow]

clare,
well my doc has tested my thyroid and urine-both ok-so he seemed abit stumped and said mention it to the consultant which i have done but as you will have read in my other post he is also passing me on to someone else as i am beyond him!!!!! feel like a very complicated parcel!!!!

Rachel