Addisons Disease?

[Sugar pie]

Hi, I have just come back from the doctors after being told that my sodium levels are "slighly" low and my potassium levels are "slightly" high. I now have to have another blood test for Addisons disease but I show no symtoms of this. Could anyone tell me why my sodium and potassium levels would be out of sync and should I be concerned? :?

 

[sugarless sue]

Have a look at this link,

http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs ... ddison.htm

Aldosterone

Aldosterone belongs to a class of hormones called mineralocorticoids, also produced by the adrenal glands. It helps maintain blood pressure and water and salt balance in the body by helping the kidney retain sodium and excrete potassium. When aldosterone production falls too low, the kidneys are not able to regulate salt and water balance, causing blood volume and blood pressure to drop.
[Top]

This will be why they are doing the tests on you.

 

[Marzeater]

My pop has addisons. He was diagnosed at 15 and is now 72. It never hampered him at all, nor did it stop him producing 6 kids.
as long as he takes his meds. you would never know.

And as an aside he beat bowel cancer 3 years ago. He says 'don't die of embarasment'

 

[Sugar pie]

Good news, the doctor called me last night with the blood test results and said I dont have addisons disease! Liver function is a bit off key but nothing to worry about and they said they will monitor my sodium and potasium levels but overall things are looking good

 

[hanadr]

Sodium and potassium are involved with nerve transmission, so need to be close to the correct levels. Obviously a slight deviation doesn't make too much difference.