Freaking wonderful

[gridlore]

Just heard from Doctor C. Potassium is down to 2.7. That almost a full point in two days. I'm now on supplements.

I'd really like to know what is causing this.

Comments

[kshandra]

I forgot to ask - did they write you a specific scrip, or will the Potassium Gluconate tabs I picked up last week suffice for now?

[gridlore.livejournal.com]

I read the label to him, and he said those were good.

[jemstone.livejournal.com]

I've been meaning to ask you if you've been drinking the "normal" (for you) amount of coke and other such fizzy drinks... that might be throwing your results off, what with the various acids and whatsits playing havoc on your systems. We already know that too much HFCS can fuck with the immune system, and that there are ingredients in most sodas that leach calcium from the bones... I know Coke is a vital part of your bloodstream, but it's worth a look, maybe?

Just a thought. :)

They're looking for causes, aren't they?

[capplor.livejournal.com]

Just keep pumping more in doesn't sound like the long-term solution to your problem.

Re: They're looking for causes, aren't they?

[gridlore.livejournal.com]

That's underway, but until we can find some, keeping my levels up is the best we can do. I seriously do not want a repeat of last Thursday.

Hopefully, we can do a lot of this on an out patient basis.

[todkaninchen.livejournal.com]

Light reading: http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic273.htm

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/low_potassium/article_em.htm

"Hypokalemia may result from conditions as varied as renal or GI losses, inadequate diet, transcellular shift (movement of potassium from serum into cells), and medications."

Translation: Low potassium levels may be because of losses through peeing or into the intestines, movement of the potassium into the cells (may be related to other things like sodium or calcium), or as a response to medicines interupting the normal system keeping potassium levels balanced.

" DIFFERENTIALS

Cushing Syndrome
Hypocalcemia
Hypomagnesemia

Other Problems to be Considered:

Medication side effect
Renal tubular acidosis"

These are what the doctor tries to rule out...

...that can have symptoms like hypokalemia or can cause hypokalemia through other means like altering the electrolyte levels in the cell and fluids outside the cell.

[gridlore.livejournal.com]

Well, we know I'm not peeing it out. My diet hasn't changed appreciably in years, and my thyroid function is back to normal.

I believe the next step is some serious staring at my liver.