I don't think I can take much more

I saw the Cardiologist yesterday, and of course he order a stress test, echocardiogram, and a monitor that I'll wear for a month. Probably pretty routine for my symptoms.

I get home to the mail, and my primary sent a letter with my most recent blood results. My potassium is VERY high for the 4th time. We know it isn't a fluke, because it's been done at two different labs.

Doc included a strict low-potassium diet. Of course my entire diet, which I've developed to help with my horrible digestive issues is out the window.

I'm struggling so hard with this change, and I'm going to have to rely even more on laxatives. BUT, my BUN/Creatinine level is also high, so I have to be very careful of which laxatives I choose. It's so very overwhelming.

For those who don't know, high potassium is very dangerous, and is a sign of kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. I've had lower back pain for a long time, but have blamed it on my osteoarthritis that runs rampant through my spine. Maybe it's my kidneys.

I hit the ground running this morning with a low potassium breakfast, and am logging all of my intake and the amount of potassium in each item so I can stay within my very low daily allowance.

EVERYTHING has potassium in it. Even if it isn't listed on the nutrition label. Ugh!

I know you're overwhelmed right now, but just take it one day at a time. You're in the care of physicians who are running tests to find an answer. I also have anxiety over what to eat due to my health also; luckily the hospital that I go to offers a consultation with the health coach as long as I'm seeing my primary care doctor. Do you have insurance that covers these services or perhaps could your doctor refer you to a health coach or dietitian?

No, the BP is still acting up, but the tests they scheduled will hopefully tell us why, and what to do about it.

Yes, one day at a time is all I can do. So, today I print lists of recipes for low potassium diets, and make grocery lists for hubs to pick up for me.

When I went to CVS to pick up my draino (MoviPrep) for my upcoming colonoscopy, I picked up some new markers and pencils. I'm going to do some coloring this afternoon. Then, a nap hopefully.

Thank you guys. I really do need the support right now.

JM,

Oh no! Do you think you can get in for a rapid culture first thing tomorrow?

I am so sorry. Get in ASAP, so you can get your abx if you do have strep.

For now, maybe a warm salt water gargle could help...

Let us know when you hear something okay?

S.C.

I have a fear of my kidneys failing because of my Diabetes I have had for 38 yr's. So I have been thru the dr's to find out as much as I can and what symptoms you can look for. They have told me that if your kidney are in trouble that you would have pain higher on your back not in the lower back. I am glad you are seeing a Dr. They can do a blood test to find out if there is a problem. Make sure that if your doctor wants to test your kidneys do it. Every one is different in how they react to something in their body.

It is just allergies, thank goodness. I am still fighting it, but doing sinus rinses, and drinking lemon water to help keep the yuckies to a minimum. lol

Thanks for asking.