Hyponatremia: Understanding Why It's Often Missed by Doctors

Question
Please provide some insight as to the reluctance for medical doctors to do their jobs properly. For at least seven years or more, I have been dealing with a phenomenon that only recently has a name and a cause.  Water intoxication medically known as Hyponatremia, is not looked upon in adults as readily as it should be. Why is this so?  My medical doctor prior to the one
that I have now, never ever stated that my blood sodium was to low.

The physician that I have now did not state that there was a problem with my serum sodium level as well.  It was only upon review of my hospital records, which I requested and received.  Each trip to the emergency room and resulting test showed Hyponatremia, which is a true reason behind my seizures, which was never told me by anyone. The only thing offered by the doctor was medication on top of  medication and no reasons conveyed for why.
 
For last seven months have made a particular effort to only utilize natural Sea salt in my diet.  Also,
I have made it my focus to limit the quantity of water (bottled in particular ) I consume and increased my sodium intake so that when sweating, it can be detected. In the past, no salt could be detected in my sweat nor would it burn my eyes, this has been the case for the last 15 years. There have been many improvements to various areas around my body, no seizures, skin abnormalities brought to the attention of my doctor in the past that he wanted cut open to remove, has since gone away.

My medical records from hospital provided the insight needed to act properly for my health.  Do the physicians in private practice forget their training?  Aren't there certain test that are standards for the initial work up regarding a patient's electrolytes?


Please reply,

Melvin Keyes


Answer
Dear Melvin,   Unfortunately, doctors often miss things or take them not at face value...  However, electrolytes are NOT the main way to diagnose Hyponatremia.....  It take several tests to make this diagnosis including 2 different urinalysis....

Since you have all of your blood work etc, I will give you this web site to see if it can help you help yourself with a proper diagnosis or at least tell the doctor what you NEED in the way of testing to be sure you get a proper diagnosis....

www.emedicine.com/med/topic1130.htm

Thank you,   karen