We're at the hospital

15 years 11 months ago #15860 by Julie
Replied by Julie on topic We're at the hospital
Julieann, ask the Dr. to explain why it is not the cancer that caused her sodium level to drop instead of asking if it is the cause. Sometimes reframing the question helps get through to them. Be a broken record repeat your request every time you see a RN or Doctor. Your Mother's nurse can be your go-between with the Doctor. Repeat what is causing this and how can we prevent it from happening again. In this day and age everyone needs an advocate when they are in the hospital to make sure the patient gets the care they need. True we didn't go to med school and may be way off base but so what when they explain their thinking we understand better what is going on. Julie

Volunteer Coordinator
ABLSC

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

15 years 11 months ago #15858 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic We're at the hospital
Good for you for reading to much and don't let them intimidate you....it could be simple ..it could be more complicated...but don't let him bully you. Ask for an answer....Pat

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

15 years 11 months ago #15857 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic We're at the hospital
This really might explain your mothers behavior as her electrolyte balance was obviously out of kilter....but they need to find out why...if its her diet which from what you've said is most likely the cause....or something else. And then she needs to know she must balance her intake of foods and water....make sense?
Sodium: Sodium is the major positive ion (cation) in fluid outside of cells. The chemical notation for sodium is Na+. When combined with chloride, the resulting substance is table salt. Excess sodium (such as from fast food hamburger and fries) is excreted in the urine. Sodium regulates the total amount of water in the body and the transmission of sodium into and out of individual cells also plays a role in critical body functions. Many processes in the body, especially in the brain, nervous system, and muscles, require electrical signals for communication. The movement of sodium is critical in generation of these electrical signals. Too much or too little sodium therefore can cause cells to malfunction, and extremes (too much or too little) can be fatal. A Normal blood sodium level is 135 - 145 milliEquivalents/liter (mEq/L), or in international units, 135 - 145 millimoles/liter (mmol/L).
Pat

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

15 years 11 months ago #15856 by julieann
Replied by julieann on topic We're at the hospital
Ok, I have done a lot of reading tonight. I'm no longer very sure that this is due to diet (like Patricia said). I don't thinkit is a coincidence that hypoatremia is known to present itself when there has been a change in tumor size or a met particularly to the lungs. Why hasn't the doctor mentioned this? I am so angry with him if he thinks this is something other than diet for letting us assume it is minor. If I mention my findings to anyone they will just tell me I read too much. I think I'll just go to bed.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

15 years 11 months ago #15847 by julieann
Replied by julieann on topic We're at the hospital
Patricia, don't be sorry! You just know more about it and that is why you are so valuable here! I get it now. Not sure that I have any more info. Her sodium is up to about 126. Another day at the hospital. I don't know about this doctor. I don't think we are any closer to scans.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

15 years 11 months ago #15827 by Patricia
Replied by Patricia on topic We're at the hospital
Sorry...in other words her kidneys are not functioning properly possibly due to her diet and excess intake of water depleting her of sodium.....but thats just one cause...thats why i wanted you to make sure the doctor or someone who is caring for her knows what her diet has been......doesn't sound to me like the doctor is paying attention if he's not reachable.
I'm sorry i'm just familiar with this as this is what happened to my mother after a long illness. Pat

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Cynthiaeddieksara.anne