Low sodium, low potassium chronic, anyone else?

[Carolina]

It truly is ALWAYS something.

The last two or three times I've been hospitalized (a yearly event, it seems)
my potassium level is below the low end of the range.

Potassium and sodium are regulators of kidney function, so are crucial.  I have to drink the horrible potassium drink, then I have IV potassium.  Now I take KLOR-CON a prescription potassium.

I took OTC potassium for years (30 at least), but that isn't enough.

NEXT:  On every Basic Metabolic Panel, my sodium has been at the lowest end of the range, or BELOW, for the past 13 years!  I have had doctors tell me to use more sodium!!!  That NEVER happens to anyone I know.  Since sodium is a regulator of kidney function, it is important to have a normal blood level of sodium.   

So here I am at the dining room table in our retirement community, salting everything, when no one else touches the salt shaker.

Why does this happen to me?

Mystified Elaine

[Linda196]

I had low sodium for the last 3 years due to the fluid pill I was taking for my BP. When the benefits stopped outweighing the risks I had to stop the fluid pill, the sodium returned to normal range but the BP soared, so I'm now on a different fluid pill and things are falling into place again.

About 30 years ago I got into a low sodium problem following surgery, and the only way to treat it was fluid restriction, not a lot of fun for a devoted tea drinker! After a 2 year restriction of 2 liters a day (including fluids in food) the sodium normalized and I was ok until this last bout.

I know what you mean about using the salt shaker! I don't care for the taste myself, but had to add it. My husband loves salt and isn't permitted it. I had to buy a dollarstore shaker so i had something to use, and keep it by the stove to salt when i plated meals, because I thought it was mean to do it at table in front of him LOL

For some reason my Potassium levels remained normal through all of it.

[sunflower]

Yes, for me it was my BP med - Coversyl Plus.  Perindopril plus indapamide (diuretic). I was on the combo for years and didn't know why I had trouble with low potassium and sodium until a couple of months ago.  My cardiologist had put me on a potassium supplement.  I was taken off the indapamide and my potassium and sodium bounced up into normal range. I, too, felt silly adding salt to my food at my age.  I still have to review this with my doctor but I hope I can stay off the diuretic.

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

Can't you get the low sodium salt in Canada Linda? It tastes the same.

Take care = Scottie 

[Linda196]

There are several varieties available, but I don't care for the taste of any salt, except on boiled eggs, soft caramel,  and some french fries, so for the tiny amount I'd eat (and I never add it in cooking) I stick with the real thing.