sodium

[bevpuppy]

My husband is an alcoholic who just went to the hospital for low sodium.  He is having trouble keeping enough sodium in his body but the fluid retention is stll happening.  His feet swelled and now its his leg.  The hospital said the fluid is more likely from his heart than his liver.  He has something not working exactly right in the lower heart.  He doesnt change his habits much.  He started drinking ensure and went from 24 beers a day to 18.  He smokes 3 pks per day.  My concern is how to keep the sodium up and the swelling down.

[jrbon]

And if heart issues are suspected, the sooner he stops alcohol and smoke the better.

Diuretics can help to decrease swelling but if already low in sodium has to be closely monitored.

Unfortunately, there are cases of people that are dead before been able to change its habits.

Does he knows that a sudden drop of sodium can be lethal?

Jesus

[beema36]

When I had severe low sodium levels I was placed on fluid restriction. No more than 24 oz of liquid per day. It was terrible but it worked and I.lived that way for 7 yrs until they found what caused it.