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Lifelong chronic symptoms rapidly resolved after potassium supplementation. Theories very welcome.

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Kidney Diseases & Disorders
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Posted 7/12/2017 10:06 AM (GMT 0)
I’m very interested in your theories as to the cause and possible treatments for my undiagnosed condition.

I’m a 30 year old male that has suffered from a long list of chronic severe symptoms for most of my life. Dozens of specialists consultations and different tests and treatments have yielded almost zero results. Not even placebo effects.

Recently, I tried a basic potassium gluconate supplement. I experienced rapid and dramatic reduction in all of my symptoms. These effect has continued for 5 weeks now. Many of these improvements are objectively measureable.

If I stop the supplementation, the symptoms return within a day. Eating very large or salty meals also seems to lessen the effectiveness of the potassium supplementation.

These improvements include:

Severe chronic asthma and diaphragm weakness resolved.
Severe chronic turbinate hypertrophy resolved (after two surgeries had no effect).
Severe, chronic daily constipation completely resolved.
Chronic headaches gone.
Sleep quality improved dramatically.
Chronic muscle cramping, weakness and pain resolved.
Chronic health palpitations have ceased. Average heart rate has fallen from 90 BPM to 75 BPM. Blood pressure has gone from high to normal.
Overall feeling of physical well being increased dramatically.
And many more lesser chronic symptoms gone.

I’ve also suffered from unexplained osteoporosis since 25 years old.

It seems to me that this dramatic improvement presents a powerful data point that should help narrow my health investigations and hopefully result in a proper diagnosis of my condition. It would be life-changing to finally know what has caused me so much suffering throughout my life.

I’m booked to see an endocrinologist. Suggestions of other recommended specialists are welcome.

I am taking 400mg to 800mg of potassium gluconate per day. I understand that this is within a safe dosage range. Previous years pathology show low but not out-of-range serum potassium levels.
Posted 7/28/2017 2:05 PM (GMT 0)
I have some of the same problems you do, especially muscle pain. My doc had me on all kinds of muscle relaxants but nothing helped. At one point I got disoriented and couldn't get out of bed. My son call an ambulance. My potassium level was 2.0, normal being 3.5-5.5. I was in the hospital for 3 days, and sent home on a Potassium Chloride 20 mEq capsule daily. My muscle pain is GONE. I was on meds for high blood pressure but my kidney labs became elevated, BUN and Creatinine were high. I have an appointment with a nephrologist in September. My doc took me off all my BP meds and now my BP is normal. Potassium Chloride is given only by prescription as far as I know. I just wanted to let you know you are not alone, and if you want, I'll let you know what the kidney specialist says in September. Good luck and glad you're feeling better. smile
Posted 7/28/2017 2:40 PM (GMT 0)
that's really interesting, thank you!

has anyone given you any reasons for why your potassium levels might be low?

did they do a blood test or a intracellular test?

they say 97% of potassium is in the cells...
Posted 7/28/2017 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
Many years ago I was on a high blood pressure medication along with a diuretic and my potassium was depleted. I ended up in the ER after general weakness and heart palpitations. I was taken off the diuretic and upped potassium intake and have not had any recurrence.

There are several causes for potassium depletion though. This is from the Mayo Clinic site: www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-potassium/basics/causes/sym-20050632

This is a good reason for everyone to be aware of medication side effects and for regular blood tests which include potassium levels. On the other hand, potassium levels that are too high can damage the kidneys, so I would be careful about supplements unless you know what your levels are and your doctor approves.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration can lead to high potassium levels.

I hope you're feeling better.
Posted 7/28/2017 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Barry,
They did a standard chemistry blood panel that included potassium level. I'm a retired RN and that the test we always used. I had been taking Celexa for depression and Prilosec for diarrhea. That caused the initial low potassium level. I had high blood pressure at the time, and was put on amlodipine and lisinopril. After a year, my BUN and Creatinine went up. I haven't taken either for 6 months. I'm also on bupropion and have lowered my dose. My potassium continues to drop unless I take the prescribed pill daily, It averages about 4.2 now. Have you seen a doctor? I would advise it if you haven't. You're young enough to stop anything serious from occurring. Best of luck.
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