Potassium

[KRISPYKREME 0]

Just wondering if anyone has low potassium here? I almost didn't have LB surgery b/c it was too low at 2.7, so they gave me IV potassium 4 hrs b/4 surgery to bring it up. They sent me home on liquid potassium which is horrible, gross and nasty! Too soon to eat bananas and I can tell it's low again. Any suggestions?

[bambam 0]

Mine was low before surgery and after as well. I took pills up to the time of surgery. Was worried it would be too low just prior to surgery but it was okay to proceed at 3.4 I had potassium drips in the hospital afterwards as it was still low. I don't think it is unusual to have low potassium as the liquid diet, etc., can really deplete your system. However, I didn't have to be on potassium once I was home again.

Hopefuly as you resume a more normal diet it will come back to normal and you won't need the supplements. You may want to talk to your family doctor about it, or whoever will be checking your potassium level next, just to find out what they expect.

[rat427 0]

Op March 31, 2009

I have been taking potassium M-20 tablets almost two years along with a diuretic, torsemide 20 mg.

I continued to take both during the pre-op 10 day liquid diet.

My hospital admittance blood work showed a high potassium level, so I have not taken the potassium since resuming the diuretic.

Obviously, my potassium needs to be carefully tuned.