My dad has had leukemia in the past but it is suppossedly in remission. He's only 62 years old. He has lost 52 lbs since 12/06 without even trying and his body will not maintain potassium levels. All tests have been coming back normal. Any ideas? Thanks in advance. I love my daddy.
2007-03-17 15:55:10 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
oops I meant No one. It's hard to type when you're crying.
2007-03-17 16:06:01 · update #1
Magnesium deficiency can contribute to not being able to absorb potassium. Low levels of potassium can also be caused by excessive perspiration, frequent urination (caused by diuretic food and medication) and vomiting or diarrhea. Adequate amounts of magnesium can be obtained from green leafy vegetables and whole grains.
Did the doctor say anything about sodium (salt) levels and potassium in the diet as they compete with each other as they both have positively charged ions?
Good sources of potassium include carrots, avocado, tomatoes, apples , bananas and oranges.
Make sure that his doctor has checked that the ratio between sodium and potassium is of the correct order in the diet. This is such basic stuff that I would be surprised if this has not been checked.
Your dad should not take potassium supplements without the advice of the doctor. The presence of kidney disease or the use of medicinal drugs may cause problems for his health if supplements are used. It might be adviseable to let him see a different practitioner. Good luck.
2007-03-17 16:29:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry about your dad. The weight loss and low potassium are certainly worrisome. Low potassium can be caused by many different things, but I must tell you that leukemia is one of them. Hopefully that is not what is causing it in his case. Here is an article that lists lots of different causes -- maybe there is something else that also makes sense in his case and also explains his weight loss, like vomiting or malnutrition.
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic273.htm
I hope that the doctors are able to figure out what is going on and get him proper treatment. Take care.
2007-03-18 02:02:52 · answer #2 · answered by vegan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me almost like he has somesort of parasitic worm-a tapeworm perhaps-in his intestines. They suck nutrients of their host, that could be why he's lost weight. When my dog was infected with one, he ate so much but kept getting skinnier and skinner. But I have a feeling the doctors should have already looked for that and I'm not sure if they lower the potassium levels any. I'm not a doctor, but i think it is a possibility because if they'd been looking for a diseases in the blood, I don't think they'd have been able to find it. Maybe an X-ray would help find it. Again, I am NOT a doctor but it might be a possibility.
Hope all goes well. I know what its like to have a family member suffer. I really do hope all goes well.
2007-03-17 23:10:18 · answer #3 · answered by Rachel 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like, that maybe the leukemia has progressed again, the weight loss of 52 pounds is not good,you or someone needs to get aggressive with these doctors, to find out what is wrong with your father, it would be a good idea also if you know someone in the medical field, that knows something about some of the tests, to go with you or explain some of them to you all, and again they may can help you with questions to ask his doctor..... God Bless you, and I sincerely hope your Daddy gets better....
2007-03-17 23:02:00 · answer #4 · answered by crickettmc2001 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm so sorry about your Dad. Get more doctors opinions. Find out who the best ones are in your area. Go online and research weight-loss and maintaining potassium levels. Sometimes we have to do our own research to find the answers. The answer will come. Prayer helps too. Really.
Love to you.
2007-03-17 23:05:00 · answer #5 · answered by Daystar9 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am very sorry to hear about your father and your grief. He sounds like a wonderful man.
Try different doctors, I had many doctors over 11 years tell me that my eczema was in my head. Eventually I discovered that the eczema on my skin was an allergy to dish-washing detergent. Wearing gloves while doing dishes solved the problem.
2007-03-17 23:03:00 · answer #6 · answered by Clown Knows 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear this. Some times you just cant find the stuff and first but it seems there is clearly a problem. Its too much to just pin point. Dont give up, keep taking him to the doctor they will find something, if not keep trying new doctors! He is worth it!
2007-03-17 23:01:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him marijuana. Seriously. It'll make him hungry. He'll eat more. Then give him things full of potash. But that is only prolonged the inevitable.
2007-03-17 23:03:12 · answer #8 · answered by frankie b 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm very sorry about your dad. I really don't know what to do.
He should probably stay in bed though.
2007-03-17 22:59:53 · answer #9 · answered by music_lover 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
get a second opinion!
2007-03-17 22:59:10 · answer #10 · answered by lots of ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋