Re: diamox potassium other drugs

January 15, 2009

Hi All

While everything we deal with may not be chiari-related, I feel it is

soo important to realize how complex the brain truly is and that it

can effect every single system in our bodies.

A low potassium level can be caused by endocrine issues that have

been found in a large number of chiari patients, such as

hyperaldosteronism and adrenal problems. Pressure on the pituitary

can cause any number of hormonal problems which can cause electrolyte

problems. I personally believe a good doctor needs to realize your

brain certainly is involved and monitor everything closely because

things can change quickly. I was on steroids for extremely low

cortisol levels (which can be life threatening) and then my adrenals

would go into overdrive and my cortisol levels go through the roof.

My point is, it is not adrenal disease. It is a problem in my brain,

so my endocrinologist understands that and treats me accordingly.

Low potassium can also be caused by chronic diarrhea and by frequent

vomiting, both things being commonly caused by our chiari. I lived

with this for 7-8 years and stomach doctors tried everything to stop

the daily diarrhea. Guess what made it finally stop? Having my

tethered cord released. The diarrhea has not happened since the day

I woke from surgery. I still have vomiting because I still need

fused.

Heart and blood pressure problems are also a huge deal when you have

brain and/or brainstem issues. Any one of us with these issues

should see a cardiologist, but IF the cardiologist is not willing to

see the potential cause as problems at your brain stem, then you

should move on and find one that does understand this. Doctors can

try and try and try to control cardiac problems in chiarians like

they would in everyone else, but if we truly need decompression or

fusion, they are never going to be able to " fix " our heart problems.

Just my thoughts

Blessings

in Pittsburgh

Recommended Posts