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Potassium Deficiency?

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Posted 3/11/2009 11:00 AM (GMT 0)
Has anyone ever been diagnosed with potassium deficiency?  My bloodwork shows that I am potassium deficient because of the diarrhea.  My GI wants me to start taking a supplement called K-Dur.  Any experiences with this?  Did you have any symptoms with potassium deficiency?  Blessings, Julie
Posted 3/11/2009 11:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Julie yes I have had pot. def., and I do remember at that time my hair was falling out but cain't think of any other problems other then I was very sick. I take a multi vitamin and eat a banana every day now ..the banana helps keep me from getting the D ...are you noticing any symnptoms? lol gail
Posted 3/11/2009 1:53 PM (GMT 0)

Potassium deficiency was what finally got me admitted to the hospital during my first major flare.  They had to put me on a potassium drip for a couple of days, and believe me you don't want to do that if you can avoid it.  Potassium is corrosive, and it hurts going in.

My main symptom was extreme weakness and fatigue.  The day I went into the hospital I had to have my mother help me put on my shoes and tie them, because I was afraid if I bent over to do it myself I'd just keep going and land on the floor.

Posted 3/11/2009 2:14 PM (GMT 0)
I had a potassium deficiency diagnosed and was put on supplements before I was even considered a IBS patient. Im sorry, it was so long ago that I can't remember exactly how it made me feel.
Posted 3/11/2009 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
During my last big flare, I was pot. def.  I had tingling on my face (especially the end of my nose), and was having severe muscle cramps to the point of not being able to walk or use my hands.  My fingers and hands were actually drawing-up.  I was admitted to the hospital and give potassium and magnesium IV.  This was after I had been taking the potassium supplements.  A potassium defficiency can be very serious.  Please make sure you continue to have your potassium checked.

Susie

Posted 3/11/2009 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Every time, I've been in the hospital (and I don't usually have diarrhea associated with my Crohn's, I lean the other way) I've had to take potassium due to having such low levels of it... One time, they even hooked me up with an IV bag of potassium... And let me tell you THAT hurts... It made my entire arm feel like it was on fire... *Shudders* Ugh... I don't wanna experience that again...
Posted 3/11/2009 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Yes. I find the symptoms of potassium deficiency very hard to cope with, so it's probably a good thing you're getting treatment for it.

I've been told that *sometimes* the supplements can increase d, so please do tell your doctor if you notice any changes in your gut. I had not problems with the supplements or infusions, though, and hope you don't either.

Ivy.
Posted 3/12/2009 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Yes. I have to take an rx for it. If I don't get tingling and severe charlie horses bilat legs. Also gives me horrid, gruesome headache. I seem to tolerate the rx for it quite well. I can really tell when I do not take it.

Hope this helps...
Posted 3/13/2009 12:26 AM (GMT 0)
It helps in loweing blood pressure too and was reading about how they think it might be responsible for rheumatoid arthritis .How are you doing these last few days? lol gail
Posted 3/13/2009 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
This thread reminded me that I need to get tested for potassium deficiency when I go to the doctor again! I was trying to figure out why I started getting those really painful foot cramps every day that wouldn't go away, and I read that potassium deficiency can cause this? It's scary that potassium deficiency can cause some pretty serious problems, I don't think mine is that bad if I have it at all luckily. Does anyone here know what percentage of your daily potassium intake is in a banana? I don't eat them, but it may be something that I should start doing. I have a habit of eating quite badly, so I'm sure that my nutrients are all out of whack!
Posted 3/13/2009 2:15 AM (GMT 0)

Potassium pills can be irritating to the stomach - try taking them with food. You can buy "salt substitute" (which is potassium chloride) or a mixed 50/50 salt/potassium substitute. You'll find this in the supermarket in the salt section. It might labeled "No Salt" or "Light Salt" or something similiar. Use it as you would use salt, and drink lots of water with it.

 

Potatoes (with the skin) is a good potassium source.

 

best regards,

Robert

 

 

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