26th June 2007
Lenin - some good questions there. I have been on potassium supplements for years, since I was found to have low levels on a blood test. I think they assumed it was from taking so much blood pressure medication. And, as we all seem to find out, once you get on a medication it is hard to get off of it! I have asked a number of times, but my GP is very hesitant to lower the potassium doses. My last lab level was 4.5, which is smack dab in the middle of the range. I think they just don't want to mess with what they consider "success".
My dystonia is dopamine responsive, so I take Stalevo and Sinemet for it. The surgery has helped tremendously, so I may eventually begin to come off of those.
There is something really strange going on, though. I doubt that any doctor would actually believe me about it, as matter of fact. The surgery I had was Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. They placed electrodes in my brain and neurostimulators in my chest and there is an electrical current that goes through wires that lead up my neck. I have problems with electromagnetic interference with this system, however. Oddly, when I take the diuretic, I am much more susceptible to that interference. I noticed this when I first took the Hyzaar, so I went off of it for a few days. The interference settled down, so today I tried the Hyzaar today and it has flared up. I can go back and forth like this a few times to make sure I am not imagining things or to help rule out other coincidental issues, but that appears to be what is happening. I guess it makes sense that my electrolyte balance would affect how my body reacts to electromagnetic sources, though.
Anyway, thanks for the input. I will just have to work through this and check back with my doctor. Maybe they will try the Lasix instead of the HCTZ, to see if that works.
Blessings
Ramona
My dystonia is dopamine responsive, so I take Stalevo and Sinemet for it. The surgery has helped tremendously, so I may eventually begin to come off of those.
There is something really strange going on, though. I doubt that any doctor would actually believe me about it, as matter of fact. The surgery I had was Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. They placed electrodes in my brain and neurostimulators in my chest and there is an electrical current that goes through wires that lead up my neck. I have problems with electromagnetic interference with this system, however. Oddly, when I take the diuretic, I am much more susceptible to that interference. I noticed this when I first took the Hyzaar, so I went off of it for a few days. The interference settled down, so today I tried the Hyzaar today and it has flared up. I can go back and forth like this a few times to make sure I am not imagining things or to help rule out other coincidental issues, but that appears to be what is happening. I guess it makes sense that my electrolyte balance would affect how my body reacts to electromagnetic sources, though.
Anyway, thanks for the input. I will just have to work through this and check back with my doctor. Maybe they will try the Lasix instead of the HCTZ, to see if that works.
Blessings
Ramona