Too much potassium?

[Sue812]

I hope I'm asking this in the right place.  This is the closest topic I could find for my question.  Ten years ago, my doctor found that I had a potassium deficiency.  I also had tachycardia but no murmurs, so nothing has been done with that.  Because low potassium can cause heart problems, he prescribed 80meq of potassium a day for me.  I also take a potassum-sparing diuretic for my blood pressure.

For the past few months, I have been experiencing chronic diarrhea, tingling and numbness in my hands and feet and severe fatigue.  By chance I watched a TV show a few days ago about a woman with Addison's Disease.  I'm sure I don't have that, but she had a very high potassium level.  Her symptoms were identical to mine.  I would have thought nothing of it, except that I'm taking extra potassium every day.

Has anyone here experienced this?  If I should be asking this in a different forum, please let me know.  I'd appreciate any responses.  Thank you!

[Sue812]

Thank you so much for responding and the information you supplied!

I went to the section about vitamin D deficiency.  One post I pulled up almost made me fall off my computer chair.  The symptoms outlined were very much like mine (pain and tingling of the hands and feet).  One symptom the poster had (that I haven't read about anywhere else) was waking up at night with your hands numb, clenched into a fist and curled under at the wrist.  Wow!  That was a revelation!

I always used to walk outside a lot.  I live up in the northern U.S., so it's been a cold winter.  I had surgery on my neck last December (to remove a benign tumor on my salivary gland-both removed).  I was cautioned not to spend much time in the cold due to that.  Later, my road was too icy to walk on.  (I live on a road that is never plowed.)  After two nasty falls, I started getting my walking exercise indoors.  It is very likely that I may have a vitamin D deficiency.  

In a previous post, a doctor recommended sitting in a sunny window for 1/2-hour stretches several times a week.  I will do that and stand out on the deck (if it's not too cold) and see what happens.

Thank you, Bon-Bon for your help and concern.  This may well be my answer.  God Bless You!

Sue

[Bon-Bon]

Hi Sue.  You are certainly not a bother.  If there is any way that I can be of help to you, I am more than willing to do what I can.  It is good news that your thyroid checked out okay.  

I just found something that I think may be of interest to you, possibly.  It is regarding Vitamin D deficiency.  

You go to the "Med Help Search" feature (located underneath the Inbox and Logout feature at the top of the page).  Type in "Vitamin D deficiency".  There are lots posts there that may be of great interest and help to you.  You may want to check out the bottom of that page too.

I hope you get to feeling better soon.  Don't be a stranger.

You always have my pleasant thoughts.  May a sense of complete wholeness, wellness and comfort come to you today and remain with you always.
Bon-Bon

[Sue812]

Just one last post and I won't bother you again.

My thyroid test came back normal.  My symptoms continue, and I'm stumped.  I do have a severe vitamin B-2 deficiency that I have to give myself a shot for every month.  After more research, I find I may (I stress "may"!) have a deficiency in the other B vitamins as well.  So I will be checking that out.

Do you know, is there a forum covering that here?  If so, I'd like to look it over.

Thanks for your suggestions and concern, Bon-Bon.  I know I and others appreciate the help you offer.  I wish you good health and happiness.

Sue  

[Bon-Bon]

I am so glad to hear that you will be getting your thyroid checked on Saturday and that the diarreah has stopped.

Have a pleasant and worry free day Sue.
Blessings to you for healing now and exceptional good health...always.
Bon-Bon  

[Sue812]

Thank you so much for your continued concern!  I appreciate it.

I did call my doctor today and she has written a new lab order, so I can get the TSH test right away.  I go to an out-of-town lab (half the expense of our hospital lab), so I will get it on Saturday.

I had done a little more research and it sure looks like my thyroid could be the culprit.  Besides the family history, numbness and tingling, etc. that fit my symptoms, I also had neck surgery in December (benign tumor on my salivary gland-the whole gland was removed).  I've read that neck trauma or surgery can affect your thyroid too.  Of course, I was positive that my potassium was off and I was totally wrong on that.  LOL

I do love bananas and will keep eating them.  The diarrhea has stopped.  But maybe I wrongly blamed my potassium level for that.  It's another sign ("digestive problems") of hypothyroidism.

Thanks for your kind wishes too, Bon-Bon!  :0)  

Sue

[Bon-Bon]

Don't feel foolish Sue.  Any of us would of and could of easily came to the same conclusion as you did.  You are doing the right thing.  You are consulting with your doctor regarding what you are going through.  I believe you and your doctor will get to the bottom of what is troubling you and get it fixed indeed.  Do you feel your doctor could bump up the thyroid testing a bit sooner for you, even if your thyroid is okay and I pray that it is, it may help to put your mind at ease a bit.

As you know, the filler (or vehicle) in which a medication or supplement is carried or used in the body, with some medications and natural supplements, can somtimes cause adverse reactions, in some people.  So I think you are very wise in your thinking.  Trying another brand my be the solution.  

What about supplementing with potassium rich foods such as bannanas, etc. would that work between you and your doctor or does it not contain enough potassium given your particular situation?

Keep us posted in how your doing.  Pleasant thoughts and wellness to you Sue.  

Bon-Bon  

[Sue812]

Thank you for your kind wishes.  I had the electrolyte panel and my potassium is fine.  If anything, it's on the low side of normal.

My doctor wanted me to start taking it again in a lower dose.  I took it last night and three hours later, I got diarrhea again.  I think it must be something in the filler of the pill that is causing problems.  I'm going to get another brand of potassium and try again.

I still have the fatigue, numbness and tingling.  I remember that my Mom had hypothyroidism for years.  The doctor wants to see if I get any better and if not, we will have a thyroid panel done in two months.

I feel foolish - I was so sure I had an excess of potassium in my system.  The problem seems to be with the pill ingredients instead of the potassium.

Have a very good day yourself, Bon-Bon!

Sue

[Bon-Bon]

Hi Sue812.  I also agree with SassyLassie.  

And since your previous doctor did not followup after prescribing you the postassium, I would certainly think that an electrolyte blood panel at this time would be warranted.    

I hope you feel better soon.  Let us know how you're doing.

Blessings and pleasant thoughts to you this day and always.
Bon-Bon

[Sue812]

Thank you for responding.  I am starting with a new doctor and have an appointment next week.  My old doc never followed up on anything with me, and after further research, I've read that people who take both potassium-sparing diuretics and potassium should be closely monitored.  Hmmm...

Her nurse will ask the doctor if I can get orders for an electrolyte blood panel test to be done before the appointment.  

Most people have problems with not enough potassium and I'm now the opposite.  I certainly don't want to damage my heart muscle over this.  Thanks again.

Sue

[SassyLassie]

I have not experienced any trouble with potassium. However, I do know that a person should not take too much of it. The extra potassium plus the potassium-sparing diuretic could  be causing your system to retain too much. You might want to ask your doctor for an electrolyte blood panel test, this will show what, if anything, is going on.