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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

I am a 78 year old man, I have COPD, CHF and a multitude of other issues. I take up to 3 lasix daily and use lactolose and prune juice to regulate my bowels because I am on a 75mg Duragesic patch and supplement Oxycodone for pain from back surgery which cause severe constipation. I am in a wheelchair but able to ambulate to and from a sitting position. I am experiencing a number of new symptoms such as muscle weakness, hot forehead, overwhelming weakness to the point where I cannot get out of my chair, lethargy, and weight gain. My urine flow has greatly decreased even with the increased dosage of lasix. I have very hard stools which end up with severe diarhea. I am concerned about my electrolyte balance. Could any of my new symptoms be caused by and electrolyte balance? I am under the care of a cardiologists and multiple other specialist but haven t talked to them about these new symptoms.
Wed, 6 May 2015
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Pulmonologist 's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your situation and problem.
Yes, you are right about electrolyte disturbance as a cause for your new symptoms.
Your symptoms like lethargy, muscle pain and weakness are mostly due to low sodium (hyponatremia) and low potassium (hypokalemia).
So better to get done sodium and potassium level.
The reason for this is mostly decreased urine output.
This causes fluid retention. This fluid retention causes dilutional hyponatremia and hypokalemia. It also causes weight gain.
So better to consult nephrologist for electrolyte disturbance and decrease urine output.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.
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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your situation and problem. Yes, you are right about electrolyte disturbance as a cause for your new symptoms. Your symptoms like lethargy, muscle pain and weakness are mostly due to low sodium (hyponatremia) and low potassium (hypokalemia). So better to get done sodium and potassium level. The reason for this is mostly decreased urine output. This causes fluid retention. This fluid retention causes dilutional hyponatremia and hypokalemia. It also causes weight gain. So better to consult nephrologist for electrolyte disturbance and decrease urine output. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.