Re: K-sparing diuretics

[Guest guest]

Ameloride by itself is one I experienced with good results.

But ask your doc.

Dave

On Sep 25, 2005, at 6:03 PM, huguette nadeau wrote:

> Hi,

>

>

> I just came back from seeing my endocrinologist and he gave me the

> result of

> a potassium challenge test. He said that when my kidneys are

> challenged to

> produce potassium they excrete way too much and this is why I have

> paralysis

> attack. I am presently taking 2 - 2mm of K-Dur which is helping with

> the

> muscle weakness and paralysis.

>

> Would any of you know which medication I could take to help my kidneys

> keep

> the potassium?

>

> Thanks

>

> Ernie

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Dave,

I checked the med you mentionned on the web and I found out that a K-sparing

diuretic would reduce my blood volume and increase sodium loss.

I wonder if there is another kind of pill that helps keep potassium but it

not a diuretic?

Ernie

[Guest guest]

I am not aware of anything. Ameloride is not really used as a

diuretic, as its action in that way is very mild, but it is still

classified as such by the touchy Pharmos. It was the only thing Wash

U. said would work that would NOT affect you like the thiazide or

diazide diuretics. It is used as a K-sparing agent for people with the

same problems you describe. I is a petrol-synthsized drug, and not

without possible toxicity. I had great results, but have found

tapering off it hard.

Of course, there is a hi-K diet, which really makes a difference. Dr

Grim " turned us onto " low sodium V-8 juice, and it really tastes better

than the salty stuff. Like real veggies, kind of sweet. I use it

daily now. You know the DASH diet? The low sodium version or not, it

is very high K. 's book on it shows that it has more good

science than any diet. It is scandalous! If word got out, Atkins, So

Beach, etc. would have to go back to the drawing board.

Dave

On Sep 25, 2005, at 8:15 PM, huguette nadeau wrote:

> Thanks Dave,

>

> I checked the med you mentionned on the web and I found out that a

> K-sparing

> diuretic would reduce my blood volume and increase sodium loss.

>

> I wonder if there is another kind of pill that helps keep potassium

> but it

> not a diuretic?

>

> Ernie

>

>

Molly & Co Publishers, LLC

dba www.molly-online.com

Po Box 22473

Saint Louis, Missouri, 63126

dave@...

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civil, criminal or equity penalty.

[Guest guest]

Ernie,

I suffer from serious hypokalemia and take 120MEQ of potassium daily. I have experienced the paralysis. The only medication that I have been on that helped keep my potassium above 3.5 is a diuretic for heart failure patients called eplerenone or brand name Inspra. It is an aldosterone blocker I am told and I was taken off while the docs perform several tests. When on Inspra my potassium loss is much slower but still present and I don't have to take the huge amounts of potassium to keep my levels in the low normal range. I took 40 MEQ on Inspra and 120MEQ off...which to me is a huge difference.

Have you talked to a nephrologist? This is a battle I've been fighting for almost 8 months now and we're still trying to get to the root cause of my potassium loss. I do know there are different types of diuretics, it's worth discussing with a doctor.

Good luck,

-- Re: K-sparing diuretics

Thanks Dave,I checked the med you mentionned on the web and I found out that a K-sparing diuretic would reduce my blood volume and increase sodium loss.I wonder if there is another kind of pill that helps keep potassium but it not a diuretic?Ernie

[Guest guest]

Yes, is right - if you have hyperaldosteronism, Inspra or

Aldactone is a must to try, at least. That did it for me too

(supported by low -Na DASH). It is why I am tapered off ameloride and

other things.

Dave

On Sep 25, 2005, at 9:05 PM, S. wrote:

> Ernie,

>  

> I suffer from serious hypokalemia and take 120MEQ of potassium daily. 

> I have experienced the paralysis.  The only medication that I have

> been on that helped keep my potassium above 3.5 is a diuretic for

> heart failure patients called eplerenone or brand name Inspra.  It is

> an aldosterone blocker I am told and I was taken off while the docs

> perform several tests.  When on Inspra my potassium loss is much

> slower but still present and I don't have to take the huge amounts of

> potassium to keep my levels in the low normal range.  I took 40 MEQ on

> Inspra and 120MEQ off...which to me is a huge difference.

>  

> Have you talked to a nephrologist?  This is a battle I've been

> fighting for almost 8 months now and we're still trying to get to the

> root cause of my potassium loss.  I do know there are different types

> of diuretics, it's worth discussing with a doctor.

>

> Good luck,

>  

>  

> -

[Guest guest]

Do you have a family history of this?

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHS

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Director, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.

Listed in Best Doctors in America

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

The only medication that I have been on

> that helped keep my potassium above 3.5 is a diuretic for heart

failure

> patients called eplerenone or brand name Inspra.

Inspra is NOT a diuretic, it is an aldostrerone blocker. It was not

originally developed as a heart drug, but as a precision drug that only

blocked aldosterone, instead of a shotgun like spiro that blocks all

mineralcorticoids. Since it is the overexcretion of aldosterone that

causes potassium wasting, blocking this path results in normal sodium

loss well holding onto potassium.

Inspra was used in heart patients when it was found that aldosterone

was produced in the heart as part of the inflamation process involved

in heart failure. Blocking the aldosterone there, blocked the

inflamation and the consequent enlargement of the heart, which leads to

failure. Wayne

[Guest guest]

Perfectly accurate history. Fewer pts can tolerate it than spiro,

though, and it is walloping expensive, and doctors are leery of it

because of a dearth of experience or clinical history.

Still, it would be the idea for aldo blocking if the above hurdles can

be surmounted.

On Sep 26, 2005, at 8:29 AM, wbongianni wrote:

> The only medication that I have been on

>> that helped keep my potassium above 3.5 is a diuretic for heart

> failure

>> patients called eplerenone or brand name Inspra.

>

> Inspra is NOT a diuretic, it is an aldostrerone blocker. It was not

> originally developed as a heart drug, but as a precision drug that only

> blocked aldosterone, instead of a shotgun like spiro that blocks all

> mineralcorticoids. Since it is the overexcretion of aldosterone that

> causes potassium wasting, blocking this path results in normal sodium

> loss well holding onto potassium.

>

> Inspra was used in heart patients when it was found that aldosterone

> was produced in the heart as part of the inflamation process involved

> in heart failure. Blocking the aldosterone there, blocked the

> inflamation and the consequent enlargement of the heart, which leads to

> failure. Wayne

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks and Dave for your help.

, that's such an inprovement for you when you are on Inspra.

The hospital just called me this morning and they told me the

endocrinologist want to redo the blood work with 20 mm K+ X 2 a day and 2 x

2 g of salt per day. He wants to check my renin, aldosterone, cortisol and

electrolytes and ACTH. I guess he wants to check how my body is reacting to

both sodim and potassium intake.

The last time I did the renin-aldosterone test I had low renin supine, and

high renin sitting 15 minutes). They did not make me stand or walk around

because I faint within 2 minutes.

I would like to see a nephronologist but I think that for the time being my

endocrinologist only wants to consult with one.

I have been complaining of paralysis for the past 30 years and they always

told me that it was all in my head. My new doc (internist) wonders why they

never did a potassium challenge test since I was only paralsngs when

exerting. Who knows!

This week I have a 10 minutes ambulant renin-aldosterone test with another

endorinolgist. It is for a research protocol and they are suppose to send

the test result to my PCP. This might be one of the rare ambulant test I

will be doing because of the severe orthostatic intolerance.

The strange thing is that since I have started taking K-dur I faint less and

have had no paralysis attack. I pace my body so as not to trigger any

episode but I see an imporovement.

I am just so impatient to find the treamtnent that will give me my life

back. I have been 3 years bedridden because of the syncopes/paralysis

episodes and now since I am on K+ I can leave the house a bit. It gives me

hope that when the doctors find my problem I will have more improvements.

, would you mind telling me more about your paralysis, ie triggers, and

it is all your body that paralysis or limbs, etc.

Thanks

Ernie

[Guest guest]

Sounds like a good plan, and a knowledgeable endo.

Hypokalemia is no fun, and less so by degrees. I suffered with it for

decades, and got the same " all in your head " faces too. Later, after a

40% increase in heart mass due to LVH, I discovered it wasn't in their

heads, but should have been. They got it in med school, but " forgot "

because elders and betters sell the " rare disorder " idea, also

incorrect. With spiro & DASH (my body wouldn't tolerate Inspra) bam,

BP dropped from 170/95 to 118/70 and stayed there. The heart has

shrunk back 25%.

K = 40 and stable.

Dave

On Sep 26, 2005, at 8:49 AM, huguette nadeau wrote:

> Thanks and Dave for your help.

>

>

> , that's such an inprovement for you when you are on Inspra.

>

> The hospital just called me this morning and they told me the

> endocrinologist want to redo the blood work with 20 mm K+ X 2 a day

> and 2 x

> 2 g of salt per day. He wants to check my renin, aldosterone,

> cortisol and

> electrolytes and ACTH. I guess he wants to check how my body is

> reacting to

> both sodim and potassium intake.

>

> The last time I did the renin-aldosterone test I had low renin supine,

> and

> high renin sitting 15 minutes). They did not make me stand or walk

> around

> because I faint within 2 minutes.

>

> I would like to see a nephronologist but I think that for the time

> being my

> endocrinologist only wants to consult with one.

>

> I have been complaining of paralysis for the past 30 years and they

> always

> told me that it was all in my head. My new doc (internist) wonders

> why they

> never did a potassium challenge test since I was only paralsngs when

> exerting. Who knows!

>

> This week I have a 10 minutes ambulant renin-aldosterone test with

> another

> endorinolgist. It is for a research protocol and they are suppose to

> send

> the test result to my PCP. This might be one of the rare ambulant

> test I

> will be doing because of the severe orthostatic intolerance.

>

> The strange thing is that since I have started taking K-dur I faint

> less and

> have had no paralysis attack. I pace my body so as not to trigger any

> episode but I see an imporovement.

>

> I am just so impatient to find the treamtnent that will give me my life

> back. I have been 3 years bedridden because of the syncopes/paralysis

> episodes and now since I am on K+ I can leave the house a bit. It

> gives me

> hope that when the doctors find my problem I will have more

> improvements.

>

> , would you mind telling me more about your paralysis, ie

> triggers, and

> it is all your body that paralysis or limbs, etc.

>

>

> Thanks

>

> Ernie

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/26/05 4:17:16 PM, friday@... writes:

I had a weird occurrence last week.  Have you ever had half your body go numb (not pins and needles but just like novocaine not there numb)?  My entire right side was without feeling and felt heavy but did move for about 20 hours and was extremely weak.  I didn't go to the ER but my PCP gave me the riot act for not going.  He said I needed an MRI or CT.  Oops.  I don't know what that was all about but I hope it doesn't happen again.

You may have had a TIA which is a warning of an on coming stroke. Next time go to the ER and It would still be good to get the tests if you have never had one-esp is anyone has ever thoughtyou had a stroke.

Have you been to the for orthostatic HTN? I cant recall the site now but there is a national organization. with at good site.May be under the name automatic nervous system dysfunction or autonomic dysfunction.

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHS

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Director, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.

Listed in Best Doctors in America

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/26/05 12:32:21 PM, homeopathiehn@... writes:

Thanks Wayne for the explanation.

I find that very interesting  because my brother died last year and he had

uncontrallable hypertension, and when they did the autopsy they found that

his heart was very enlarged and that his adrenals were twice the normal

size.

I am glad to know that there is a K-sparing drug that is not a diuretic

because I have low blood volume.

I will ask the internist about this med next week when I go to see him.

Thanks again.

Ernie

Be certain you take my article to your internist.

Can you get the path report on your brothers adrenals. It is critical to decidiing what is going on. I can also call the Dr.

Can you give us your complete family pedigree as far back as you can. I assume no one eats licorice or has short fingers in the family?

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHS

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Director, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.

Listed in Best Doctors in America

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/25/05 9:34:32 PM, dave@... writes:

I just came back from seeing my endocrinologist and he gave me the

> result of

> a potassium challenge test.  He said that when my kidneys are

> challenged to

> produce potassium they excrete way too much and this is why I have

> paralysis

> attack.  I am presently taking 2 - 2mm of K-Dur which is helping with

> the

> muscle weakness and paralysis.

if you kidneys dont excrete excess K they you die from too much K in the blood. The problem seems to be that you kidneys are either not able to conserve K for any of a number of reasons or your body is making too much of any of a number of hormones that make the kidney lose K. Take my article to your Dr as well and it may help them think about the problem.

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHS

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Director, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.

Listed in Best Doctors in America

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

It is useful to get the full family tree on how old they were when these started etc. What they died from and how old etc. This will help figure out how it is being inherited and may give us a clue as to the cause of the problem.

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHS

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Director, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.

Listed in Best Doctors in America

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

on our site under publications I think.

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHS

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Director, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.

Listed in Best Doctors in America

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/26/05 5:02:02 PM, friday@... writes:

Ok TIA is a new term for me, I'll look that up.  I don't think anyone has ever thought I had a stroke...what type of tests would they run?  I have had an echocardiogram, thallium study (chemical not exercise because I pass out), ultrasound of my legs, and blood work out the wazoo.  So far my heart seems to be fine from those tests and they were done in July.  Am I not a bit young for a stroke?  I always thought they were more an issue for senior citizens.

My first wife died of one at age 21.

 

There is a website for orthostatic HTN?  I have never looked.  This was a new dx my last visit to my nephrologist thought it was the case and my endo confirmed it.  I had a 40+ variation in BP from standing and lying positions. I just can't understand how I can tumble into such poor health so fast.  I have always been "sickly" and caught everything that I was exposed to but this is ridiculous. 

 

My familly does have a very serious cardiac history but it struck older ages.  My maternal grandfather passed away overnight from a massive heart attack at 54 (right after passing a FAA physical the day before) and my grandmother in her early 70s.  My grandfather was a heavy smoker as well.   My paternal grandfather passed from a "brain tumor" in 1948 and paternal grandmother was classified as a severe (type 1) diabetic and died young from complications of diabetes.  My parents are in their mid 60s and have HTN, high cholesterol, obesity and mom has malignant melanoma but they are in decent health otherwise.  My sister is obese but fine as far as I know.

 

I guess I need to look up the risk factors for a stroke.  I know my aunt had a stroke in her 40s but that was because of lifestyle issues I was told.  She is now in her late 50s.

 

Hrmmm.  I was afraid a doctor wouldn't take me seriously with my symptoms.  They seemed so goofy.  I was guessing a pinched nerve.

The major risk factor is HTN--around the world.

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHS

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Director, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.

Listed in Best Doctors in America

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

As an expert in adrenal pathology I would be interested in looking at the slides myself. They may still be on file. It is possible they missed something. See if you can get permission for me to look at them as of interest to our group.

Did you say he had low K problems as well?

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHS

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Director, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.

Listed in Best Doctors in America

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

Hi Ernie, I'd be happy to share my experience because I think we are in similar boats. I have a history of high cortisol from Cushing's Disease and have had 2 pituitary surgeries. I was adrenal insufficient for the first 6-7 months post surgery and my adrenals have now resumed normal function as of early this year. However around that same time I started having massive potassium loss that led to cardiac events (they called heart attacks) that led me into dangerous arrhythmias and several instances of paralysis. I am 33 and have developed permanent muscle weakness/wasting and a condition called fibromyagia which causes chronic pain. These can be results of my previous medical history.

Usually when I had the paralytic episodes they were in my legs only and were brought on after I had exerted myself too much. I have to say it was one of the strangest things that has happened to me. The doctors also told me that high carbs (which you crave as a Cushing's patient) also may have an impact.

Today I am battling for my quality of life too. I have been bedridden for a little over 2 yrs. I have high renin, high aldosterone, normal cortisol, sodium and ACTH. My potassium leaves me as fast as I swallow it. I also take a gram of salt and am also in early stage renal failure. (unknown cause). I am not on dialysis yet but am due to see a nephrologist about it in November.

Current theories on my condition but none diagnosed: aldo/renin producing adenoma that has not been found, Barrter's Syndrome/Gitelman's Syndrome (inherited and no family history so I am suspect of this), some sort of salt wasting kidney disease.

I had a weird occurrence last week. Have you ever had half your body go numb (not pins and needles but just like novocaine not there numb)? My entire right side was without feeling and felt heavy but did move for about 20 hours and was extremely weak. I didn't go to the ER but my PCP gave me the riot act for not going. He said I needed an MRI or CT. Oops. I don't know what that was all about but I hope it doesn't happen again.

I hope Inspra is able to help you. I am looking forward to going back on it because I have such a hard time swallowing the huge K pills even broken in half. They disintegrate in the back of your throat.

I have not seen an improvement in myself taking the salt. I too suffer from severe orthostatic hypotension and pass out a lot. I was given a medication to help combat that called midodrine which raises your BP. I haven't taken it yet because of the side effects but if I have a day I need to be up and not passing out I will. I am on disability so I too try to pace myself but am fighting to get my life including a job back. I am too young to be this sick.

-- Re: K-sparing diuretics

Thanks and Dave for your help., that's such an inprovement for you when you are on Inspra.The hospital just called me this morning and they told me the endocrinologist want to redo the blood work with 20 mm K+ X 2 a day and 2 x 2 g of salt per day. He wants to check my renin, aldosterone, cortisol and electrolytes and ACTH. I guess he wants to check how my body is reacting to both sodim and potassium intake.The last time I did the renin-aldosterone test I had low renin supine, and high renin sitting 15 minutes). They did not make me stand or walk around because I faint within 2 minutes.I would like to see a nephronologist but I think that for the time being my endocrinologist only wants to consult with one.I have been complaining of paralysis for the past 30 years and they always told me that it was all in my head. My new doc (internist) wonders why they never did a potassium challenge test since I was only paralsngs when exerting. Who knows!This week I have a 10 minutes ambulant renin-aldosterone test with another endorinolgist. It is for a research protocol and they are suppose to send the test result to my PCP. This might be one of the rare ambulant test I will be doing because of the severe orthostatic intolerance.The strange thing is that since I have started taking K-dur I faint less and have had no paralysis attack. I pace my body so as not to trigger any episode but I see an imporovement.I am just so impatient to find the treamtnent that will give me my life back. I have been 3 years bedridden because of the syncopes/paralysis episodes and now since I am on K+ I can leave the house a bit. It gives me hope that when the doctors find my problem I will have more improvements., would you mind telling me more about your paralysis, ie triggers, and it is all your body that paralysis or limbs, etc.ThanksErnie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/26/05 6:24:27 PM, friday@... writes:

Ernie, if you log onto /hyperaldosteronism and look under files you will see several articles from Dr. Grim.  That is what I am doing right now.  I think the article he means is Grim Evol PA 50324.pdf. 

 

 

Yes that is the correct article.

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHS

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Director, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.

Listed in Best Doctors in America

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

Ok TIA is a new term for me, I'll look that up. I don't think anyone has ever thought I had a stroke...what type of tests would they run? I have had an echocardiogram, thallium study (chemical not exercise because I pass out), ultrasound of my legs, and blood work out the wazoo. So far my heart seems to be fine from those tests and they were done in July. Am I not a bit young for a stroke? I always thought they were more an issue for senior citizens.

There is a website for orthostatic HTN? I have never looked. This was a new dx my last visit to my nephrologist thought it was the case and my endo confirmed it. I had a 40+ variation in BP from standing and lying positions. I just can't understand how I can tumble into such poor health so fast. I have always been "sickly" and caught everything that I was exposed to but this is ridiculous.

My familly does have a very serious cardiac history but it struck older ages. My maternal grandfather passed away overnight from a massive heart attack at 54 (right after passing a FAA physical the day before) and my grandmother in her early 70s. My grandfather was a heavy smoker as well. My paternal grandfather passed from a "brain tumor" in 1948 and paternal grandmother was classified as a severe (type 1) diabetic and died young from complications of diabetes. My parents are in their mid 60s and have HTN, high cholesterol, obesity and mom has malignant melanoma but they are in decent health otherwise. My sister is obese but fine as far as I know.

I guess I need to look up the risk factors for a stroke. I know my aunt had a stroke in her 40s but that was because of lifestyle issues I was told. She is now in her late 50s.

Hrmmm. I was afraid a doctor wouldn't take me seriously with my symptoms. They seemed so goofy. I was guessing a pinched nerve.

(no caffeine, no smoking or alcohol)

-- Re: K-sparing diuretics

In a message dated 9/26/05 4:17:16 PM, friday@... writes:

I had a weird occurrence last week. Have you ever had half your body go numb (not pins and needles but just like novocaine not there numb)? My entire right side was without feeling and felt heavy but did move for about 20 hours and was extremely weak. I didn't go to the ER but my PCP gave me the riot act for not going. He said I needed an MRI or CT. Oops. I don't know what that was all about but I hope it doesn't happen again.You may have had a TIA which is a warning of an on coming stroke. Next time go to the ER and It would still be good to get the tests if you have never had one-esp is anyone has ever thoughtyou had a stroke. Have you been to the for orthostatic HTN? I cant recall the site now but there is a national organization. with at good site.May be under the name automatic nervous system dysfunction or autonomic dysfunction.May your pressure be low!Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHSClinical Professor of Medicine and EpidemiologyDirector, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment CenterBoard Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and HypertensionPublished over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.Listed in Best Doctors in AmericaSpecializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

Dr. Grim, where can I find your article?

-- Re: K-sparing diuretics

In a message dated 9/25/05 9:34:32 PM, dave@... writes:

I just came back from seeing my endocrinologist and he gave me the> result of> a potassium challenge test. He said that when my kidneys are> challenged to> produce potassium they excrete way too much and this is why I have> paralysis> attack. I am presently taking 2 - 2mm of K-Dur which is helping with> the> muscle weakness and paralysis.if you kidneys dont excrete excess K they you die from too much K in the blood. The problem seems to be that you kidneys are either not able to conserve K for any of a number of reasons or your body is making too much of any of a number of hormones that make the kidney lose K. Take my article to your Dr as well and it may help them think about the problem.May your pressure be low!Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHSClinical Professor of Medicine and EpidemiologyDirector, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment CenterBoard Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and HypertensionPublished over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.Listed in Best Doctors in AmericaSpecializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I know some of my family members have a history of muscle weakness, a few

need K supplements, many have hypertension and heart disease.

Ernie

[Guest guest]

Hi Dr Grim,

We don't eat licorice and I am not aware of people having short fingers in

my family.

I have my geneolgy starting in 10 generations ago.

Which of your article I should bring to my internist?

Thanks for offering to call my internist. I will give him your offer next

week.

My brother's path report:

Cardiac findings included cardiac hypertrophy with a mass of 615 gm (male

average for 180 cm height = 340 gm +/- 40gm, 1 SD). The left ventricle was

symmetrically hypertrophic without ventricular dilation. Histologically

there was extensive interstitial fibrosis in the myocardium with massive

hypertrophic myoctypes and significant myocyte dropout. There were also

regions with prominent disarray of myocyte bundles. Together these findings

support the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The combination of

hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, coronory artery disease, and hypertension would

be expected to have predisposed Mr X to cardiac failure. The existence of

pulmonary edema further supports this conclusion.

Mr X did have very large adrenal glands. The left adrenal gland was 21 gm

and the right 15 gm (average male gland = 9.7 gm each). Histologically, the

adrenal gland showed no identifable pathologic changes. The significance of

the size of his adrenal glands is not clear, however, it would be

interesting to note whether of not enlarged adrenal glands correlate with

high plasma catecholamines levels in this syndrome.

Ernie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/26/05 8:57:25 PM, homeopathiehn@... writes:

I have not notice that carbs make me paralyse but I have hypoglycemia.  At

least that's what I was told 20 years ago.

You may have carobhydrate induced hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Some the hyperthyroidism havce this. Esp comes on when eating rice or pasta

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHS

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Director, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.

Listed in Best Doctors in America

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/26/05 8:32:58 PM, homeopathiehn@... writes:

If the slides exists (do you mean something like pictures?) you can have a

look at them.  Just tell me how to proceed.  They could have missed

something because I think that my problem is very complicated and rare and

only a few experts can find it.

the tissue slides.

Sounds like you have famililar hypokalmeic periodic paralysis. Took care of a family with this in Indiana a long time ago.

May your pressure be low!

Clarence E. Grim, BS (Chem/Math), MS (Biochem), MD, FACP, FACC, FAHS

Clinical Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology

Director, Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment Center

Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Hypertension

Published over 220 scientific papers, book chapters and 220 abstracts in the area of high blood pressure epidemiology, physiology, endocrinology measurement, treatment and how to detect curable causes.

Listed in Best Doctors in America

Specializing in Difficult to Control High Blood Pressure and the History and Physiology of High Blood pressure in the African Diaspora