Got myself in a bit of a nervous state. Since the doc rang me on Monday to tell me my potassium levels are low, I've worried. He told me to eat some bananas and then have another test next week. He seemed unaware that pred would cause it, and having researched it, I see cushings is another reason for it to be low, and we have cushings temporarily. So now im scared as I don't think bananas will sort it out and worry something bad will happen.
Take a deep breath! You aren't going to die from it. Sounds like it's not too bad if the Dr thinks a few bananas will fix it.
Next week s/he will probably let you know if you need to take a supplement. Until then enjoy the bananas!
Thanks. I am afraid Ive lost faith in this GP. Was told my chest xray was clear and later, another scan for something else asked for by rheumy showed emphysema. I later found it had been reported on xray, he just didnt read the report.
So of course I have no idea what my levels where and he said, pred wont cause it, when its a well known serious side effect. Feeling very anxious. Due to go away in two weeks for 5 weeks...will be a like a shadow over me
Take a deep breath! You aren't going to die from it. Sounds like it's not too bad if the Dr thinks a few bananas will fix it.
Next week s/he will probably let you know if you need to take a supplement. Until then enjoy the bananas!
Not trusting your GP is a real concern. I presume you have considered a different one, or you can't go to another one? Your best defence is to educate yourself and be very direct with s/he. If you stand up for yourself they are more likely to wake up to themselves. Pull him up and make him take notice of you! It won't kill him to do some research on your behalf! You are IMPORTANT!
Jenni, you're not taking any blood pressure medication, especially a diuretic, are you? They can cause reduced potassium levels. Try not to get too anxious - if your levels had been very low, your GP would have given you a potassium supplement. You can always ask for the potassium reading and see for yourself whether it is only slightly reduced, leading to the simple suggestion to eat more bananas.
Hi jennissw; I'm not sure if the same rules apply where you live, but here in Australia, ALL of your own Medical information is your's....so what I'd do (if you can't find another GP.or even if so)...I'd ask for Copies of ALL my Results (x-rays/bloods..the Lot), and take them to another GP, either in your area, or try one while you are away??? Any help....for yes, Potassium can be an issue.....it is needed for correct cell activity (the Osmolisis.....Potassium goes with Sodium Chloride)....continue your own research...the Bananas are a Good source of Potasium, and maybe All you do need....wait(and get the results copied) for next week's blood results......any help? Bron
Jenni I get a copy of all my test results printed out by the surgery, it may take a few days but is really useful I find looking back at results. At keast then you know what the situation is.
Mrs O: No no other medications...only pred. I know its a side effect.
I hope he would have done more than suggest bananas...I think part of my anxiety is my lack of trust...wont go into why.
Bronwyn and ptolemy. Thanks. I can get the result as have been able to access other results. I will call them tomorrow to see if I can get some reassurance.
My trust is down because of them saying something else was wrong and telling me t was fine till saw the result (I have emphysema).
I ay change GP but its a bit of a process here in UK.
Hi jennis, when I was first diagnosed with this stupid condition any little blip would give me the hibby gibbys and I would fret that the end of my life was nigh! I agree with flipdover and take a deep breath and make the most of all those banana splits!
as for not trusting your GP a similar incident happened to me, but luckily as soon as I was diagnosed with PMR I immediately changed GP surgeries and I can't believe the care I get now, brilliant!
Whilst at my old surgery, I visited complaining if all these pains and stiffness. My GP said that she couldn't for the life of her knopw what could be wrong with me but I eventually I had a blood test done. The results returned and because my liver tests were concerning I was sent for an ultra sound. When I went back for the results she told me that I had a fatty liver but that everything else was fine. I was sent to have another ultra sound for a nagging pain I have under my left hand side breast bone only to be told by the scanner, 'oh I assume you're here for a check up on your polyp on your gall bladder' I told him he must have the wrong results because I didn't have a polyp. He double checked all the paperwork etc and sure enough I have got a polyp that my last rubbish GP never told me about. All the best, christina
The first response to a slightly low potassium is to tell the patient to eat more potassium containing foods - bananas and dried apricots come to mind. It happened to another lady on another forum, her doctor didn't say anything, we told her to eat bananas and apricots, problem solved.
He knows, he's told you and told you what to do. He will check it again in the next week or so. THEN you start to think about supplements if it falls with a better diet. Too much potassium is as bad as too little. If you can sort by diet it is far better.
If you don't trust him then you MUST find another GP or discuss it with the practice manager and him. It isn't actually that difficult in the UK - and I assume you have an alternative within the practice anyway.
I eat 2 bananas a day for this reason, and my potasium is ok, my doctor said to eat only one now so yes i think you will find this ok and there are other foods suppy this as well. Good luck
Many thanks to everyone. Margaret do you know what your levels were?
I already have one banana and have for about 6 months, plus all the foods I eat are potassium rich...I have been told to eat some kiwi fruit. Bang goes my low carb eating!!!!
Called the surgery and they said my level is 3.0. looked it up on here and its boarderline between moderate and mild.. Moderate starts at 3.0.
So I will continue to eat two bananas and try to find some kiwi, dried apricots and also celery. Hope I can get the levels up.
Again thanks so much everyone.
Hi Jennishaw, no but i will find out if i can. Good luck