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What Causes Leg Muscle Weakness When Scheduled For A Prostate Reduction Surgery?
Question: 78 yr old man, scheduled for prostate reduction surgery next Wednesday, has catheter in the mean time (since 12/24). this morning he is experiencing muscle weakness in his legs, some labored breathing. is this dehydration or something else?
Brief Answer:
Need to do a full evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello ! Thank you for posting your question here .
Dehydration may be not the only reason for these symptoms .
He needs to do some blood test ( electrolytes and others ) and urine test to rule out any electrolyte ( K, Ca, Mg)problems that may cause the symptoms or urinary tract infection .
It's very important to check if comes urine from the catheter ( sometimes they block and urine does not comes out and you may think that is just dehydration but this need immediate evaluation.)
In dehydration the patient also will have dry mouth or skin , are very thirsty... as part of the first symptoms .
If the kidney does not produce urine the electrolytes (K,Ca,)will increase in the blood and cause symptoms .
It would be good to be seen by a local doctor for a full evaluation to rule out the possibilities I mentioned.
Meanwhile advice him to drink planty of water .
Hope I have answered you question.
If you have any other questions I will be happy to help.
Take Care !
Dr Balliu
Need to do a full evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello ! Thank you for posting your question here .
Dehydration may be not the only reason for these symptoms .
He needs to do some blood test ( electrolytes and others ) and urine test to rule out any electrolyte ( K, Ca, Mg)problems that may cause the symptoms or urinary tract infection .
It's very important to check if comes urine from the catheter ( sometimes they block and urine does not comes out and you may think that is just dehydration but this need immediate evaluation.)
In dehydration the patient also will have dry mouth or skin , are very thirsty... as part of the first symptoms .
If the kidney does not produce urine the electrolytes (K,Ca,)will increase in the blood and cause symptoms .
It would be good to be seen by a local doctor for a full evaluation to rule out the possibilities I mentioned.
Meanwhile advice him to drink planty of water .
Hope I have answered you question.
If you have any other questions I will be happy to help.
Take Care !
Dr Balliu
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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