The Colon Club

Hello all ,
My dad had his scan friday so we are all on edge for the results also he had alot of loose stools last week that finally seems to be getting better . However today I have noticed he has confusion problems and even fell one time . He has had five cycles of folfiri is on blood thinners I know most likely there is alot going on but can low electrolytes cause the confusion and the fall ? I had him started drinking propel hoping that helps out until monday when i can call the oncologist ?
The current other problem is he is all of a sudden getting very tired which I know most likely could be the chemo but he also has had a hemoglobin of 7 to 9 for years and the oncologist is ok with it . Could anemia also be playing a role in the sleeping so much ?

I'm 51 and take 2 naps a day. The anemia can be rough. I also drink the hippy gatorade (I forget what it's called) to try and keep my electrolytes in good shape. Can also go with the low sugar coconut water.

Do you have a blood pressure cuff at home? May be worth monitoring...

For electrolyte balance I take Tri-Salts
For blood building I eat liverwurst

beach sunrise wrote:For electrolyte balance I take Tri-Salts
For blood building I eat liverwurst

Liverwurst has been out of stock at all stores here you can still buy it ?

Yes, usually at Publix. Ask the grocer to order it. They can do that for you.

I know the one time I was dehydrated, I struggled with my thinking and had trouble with balance.

It might be worth calling the on call oncologist. Iv fluids could make all the difference.

Dave

Electrolyte imbalance can certainly cause confusion, especially low sodium. If it's enough to cause confusion IV supplementation will probably be required, as GravelyGuy notes. However, bloodwork is required to confirm this.

Chemo can cause fatigue especially if hemoglobin is low. Why has he been anemic for so long?