92 yrs old female-sudden physical weakness - Page 2

woody1 · 04-14-2005, 01:34 AM

Thanks Ladybug. You better believe we are lookin hard and trying to help.
04/13/05 Heart Dr. results: Furosemide water pill cut to 1/2 per day.
Hospital Lab tests from last friday show low Serum sodium-130, low serum cloride -97, high glucose 161, high BUN 37, high blood creatinine -1.8, high alkaline phosphatase -98, and low calculated osmolality- 273.
Blood was drawn today at test lab. Results to be sent to an internist for looksee and appointment next Friday - Thanks to sister that is doing the pushing and made the appointment in spite of mother's reluctance. Wish us luck.

ladybug8372 · 04-14-2005, 08:30 AM

I wish you the best of luck. It takes pushing..both towards doctors....as well as the patient. I remember with dad, I would get so upset with him for being stubborn, not wanting to go to the dr when he was so sick and needed a dr...but in the last year, I didnt worry anymore, because he knew when it was time to make an ER trip..and didnt waste time calling me. I hope things work out with your mother. I am praying for you.

Marie55 · 04-14-2005, 01:40 PM

I know your mom is taking potassium, but, what is her potassium count on the lab sheet? She still may be too low in potassium and this definitely will cause weakness.

If potassium level is 3 and above she is o.k. but a 4 or higher is better. If count is near 2 she is way too low in potassium.

Marie55 · 04-14-2005, 01:42 PM

I know your mom is taking potassium, but, what is her potassium count on the lab sheet? She still may be too low in potassium and this definitely will cause weakness.

If potassium level is 3 and above she is o.k. but a 4 or higher is better. If count is near 2 she is way too low in potassium.

Too little potassium is bad and too much potassium is bad. Do not increase potassium intake without doctors approval. Too much potassium can cause problems with the electrical system.

woody1 · 04-18-2005, 05:04 AM

Lab Potassium 4.2.
There has been some definite improvement since the reduction to 1 furosemide (lasik) pill per day, and drinking Gatorade for sodium recovery. ( I was in error when I said Lasik was cut to 1/2 pill. Prior to this it was one and a half per day. )
The potassium should rise also with the reduction of lasik.
A letter from the Heart Dr. says he recommends her seeing a urologist.
So - until Friday and the internist visit - hurry up and wait!