Questions about Low sodium

[stringbean]

I have had low sodium several times since I was put on Tegratol Tegatol II, and now the generic.

At my appt. with my reg. doc Tuesday they did my reg blood work, and my sodium is low again.

When it shows up low on the bloodwork my neurologist does he just gives me 2 or 3 pills to take. Also a couple of times when I've had to go to the ER for something they do the same.

Now my reg. doc just wants me to eat some salty food for a few days, problem, I DON'T like salt. I don't salt anything, the only sodium I get is what is already in foods before cooking them.

I have a really hard time eating something I do not like.

She also told me that low sodium can cause swelling in the brain, I have never been told this before, anyone else been told this. Because she thinks that is possible that the everyday major headaches I've been getting can be because of this.

I have also read that low sodium can cause seizures, coma and even death.

Any info and or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Tammy

[LynnW]

What about the Gatorade type drinks? Gatorade, Propel "fitness" water, and G2 (if you don't want the calories) all contain a good amount of sodium, if you don't mind the artificial colors. Personally, I don't think they taste very good, but you may be able to stomach them. NI says they contain about 110mg of sodium.

[Bernard]

salty diet

[brain]

I drink Gatorade whenever I ever I tour (cycle),
I have to, or else I put myself into a risk, but
even so afterwards, I have to have some in
stock. I am not a fan of salt - I just do not like
the taste of it, I'm a pepper fan (Chilies / Chilis
Rocks!)...

I am unusual person with it comes to cooling
system in my body. My sodium has always been
low, so hence the need for me to be watered
(hosed) down or the Gatorade. Doesn't matter
if I'm on meds or not. They (Doctors) did try me
on sodium tablets, but it backfired as it tripped
off seizures, badly! That's why I ask for low sodium
or no salt. I handle the salt intake on my own.

One thing I can share with you is this:

Just before the menses cycle (a woman's period),
the salt intake frequently drops - so this may be
a good time to sit down and discuss with your
Doctor for a hematology / chemistry work-up on
this for monitoring.

Another thing is - do you perspire easily or not?

My Doctors knew I do not perspire easily and have
to hose, wet myself down, etc - it didn't matter if
I was on meds or off meds. The only time I ever
truly perspired was during Hot Flashes, which was
super soaker time. (GRRRRR!) They did try me on
those salt tablets, but it backfired - it actually
provoked me to have seizures during nocturnals,
so that was scrapped quickly and never considered
again! When we went out to eat (when married for
over 23+ years) - I always requested no salt or low
sodium, and we always went to the same places
to eat, because they knew who I was and it
eliminated the need to explain everything.

At home, I control the salt when I cook, but every
one else can salt their own food to their liking. I
just have to be exceptionally careful.

There were several Churches that we pastored or
were involved with - where we had the rules on the
potluck, because some congregation members,
such as those with cardiac, blood pressure, and
other health issues - we had the rule of:

* No MSG
* Very little Salt or No Salt
* No Artificial Sweetners or Sugar Subsitutes
* No Wheat or Soy-by products
* Peanuts or Any Nuts may be used but must be
marked on the item (we had members who were
allergic to such)
* The rolls were separate and were discouraged
from being a part of a main dish. (For those who
are unable to consume gluten)

In the Potluck dinners - and it wasn't a problem at
all; except one episode when one newcomer who
attempted to grind peanuts into brownies and did
not mark it and caused allergic reactions (not just
to me but several other members) of those who ate
it. That member was rebuked. She was shocked to
see how many people were effected by it! Never
did that again - ever!

I miss all those Potluck Dinners! They were yummy!



We appreciate Churches who were sensitive to their
members like these on the basic above that applied
to everyone. Not very many places go to that
extreme measures for they fear to offend their own
folks - but they care that much to put the fine line
down and put a few rules there which no one
objected to.

[BuckeyeFan]

Tammy - you might want to visit this sight.

http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/minerals/sodium.htm

[stringbean]

Thank you all for your replies,

Lynn W - I do drink propel water the one with fitness on it. However I usually drink alot more of it in the summer months.

Bernard - I am not to crazy about spicy foods, I used to eat several ones, however now my acid reflux doensn't allow me to eat much of them, I will do my best to get some of them in me for now.

Sharon - I have been through menopause for about 4 years now, I however still have major hot flashes and I break out in major sweats alot. Since my hysterectomy in Feb. I seem to be having the night sweats again. If I am remembering correctly, I did start having problems with my sodium levels dropping to low when I was going through pre-menopause. I do not handle major heat well at all, I know one reason is because of 1 of my seizure meds and the other my blood pressure med. I will sweat so bad that my hair will be soaked just like I just washed it and I will have sweat rolling down my face and my chest soaked with it. I also will break out in bad sweat when having partial seizures, which have been hitting me bad the last 3 days. I jsut had to stpo typig for a becusse of one.

bukefan - thank or htat link will yry it.