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AIBU?

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Original poster

Any drs or nurses that could help? Please

63 replies

Potassium123 · 07/06/2024 11:16

Hi

i made a thread recently but can’t find it now arghh, I name changed for it and can’t remember what I name changed to either so just figured it would be easier to start a whole new thread,

I was unwell over a month ago and in hospital for a few days, they picked up I had low potassium and gave me a prescription for sando k and told me to get a blood test in a few days. I did that and the potassium was still low, so more sando k and another blood test. And repeat. And repeat. Now unfortunately this is my 5th (I think) prescription for sando k. I just took it 3x a day for 7 days last week and had a blood test yesterday- they’ve just called with the results because apparently the potassium was 2.8. Am I being UR to be a bit worried about this? It was previously in the low 3s so I know 2.8 is a bit lower, but it’s not serious is it? From googling it says it’s only serious from 2.5? I’ve got another prescription for sando k and more blood tests next week, just slightly worried as the last few doses of sando K didn’t do much and if it’s 2.8 now I’m worried it’ll keep falling. I’ve tried eating loads of potatoes and bananas but I’ve been having awful headaches and pins and needles which I’m not sure if is down to the low potassium or me worrying about it!

can anyone please offer any advice or knowledge about this? Or any advice at all? Thanks in advance, just a bit of an anxious person in general x

OP posts:
Original poster
Potassium123 · 07/06/2024 14:28

namechange0998776554799000 · 07/06/2024 14:22

Just as an aside, Sando k gave me terrible diarrhoea - I was on a lot of drugs at the time so wasn't sure which caused it but later worked out it was that one, and nurses confirmed it's a common side effect. Just mentioning in case you continue to take it and don't realise there could be a connection

Oh that’s good to know I didnt realise that might be contributing to the diarrhoea!

sounds stupid but can they tell from a blood test that I’ve definitely been taking it? Like, it has such a horrible taste and I’ve persevered with every single dose as awful as it’s been, but a few times I was asked if I’ve definitely taken them all and not missed a dose. Can they check something to confirm I’ve definitely been taking it? Apart from the potassium itself obviously. Just a bit worried they think I haven’t taken it when I honestly have. My poor parents have had to live with me complaining about every dose 3 times a day for the last month basically haha

OP posts:
Original poster
Potassium123 · 07/06/2024 14:25

TraitorsGate · 07/06/2024 14:20

Plus the parking charges will be high if you need to wait. Good luck.

Oh good point I hadn’t even thought about parking charges! Honestly, I’m a bit scared of hospitals and try to avoid as much as possible tbh which probably made me even more reluctant to go in the first place! It’ll be the same hospital I was in when I was unwell last month and everyone was really nice that time so that’s reassuring I’m just a bit of a worrier x

OP posts:
namechange0998776554799000 · 07/06/2024 14:24

Also, when mine was down to 3 they did give me an IV rather than tablets. Mine never went below 3 and I did have sepsis so yours does seem particularly low

penguinbiscuits · 07/06/2024 14:22

Receptionist interpreting test results to patients? Is this really the norm in the UK now ?Sad

namechange0998776554799000 · 07/06/2024 14:22

Just as an aside, Sando k gave me terrible diarrhoea - I was on a lot of drugs at the time so wasn't sure which caused it but later worked out it was that one, and nurses confirmed it's a common side effect. Just mentioning in case you continue to take it and don't realise there could be a connection

NCgoingdry · 07/06/2024 14:20

When I had sepsis my potassium wasn't as low as yours and the hospital staff still shit themselves. You need to go get seen!

TraitorsGate · 07/06/2024 14:20

Plus the parking charges will be high if you need to wait. Good luck.

Original poster
Potassium123 · 07/06/2024 14:17

TraitorsGate · 07/06/2024 14:15

Is someone driving you, that would be safer, nhs24 or 111 will tell you to get yourself checked out. It can be confusing, I don't accept results from non medical staff anymore. Hope you get seen quickly and feel better soon.

Yeah I’m going to get a lift over, to be honest I actually feel fine to drive but don’t want to risk it!

thank so much, yeah it’s so confusing ah, hoping it’s fine when I get there but I’d rather get a second opinion and I’m just worried in case it keeps getting lower from 2.8 in the meantime waiting for the next blood test next week x

OP posts:
TraitorsGate · 07/06/2024 14:15

Is someone driving you, that would be safer, nhs24 or 111 will tell you to get yourself checked out. It can be confusing, I don't accept results from non medical staff anymore. Hope you get seen quickly and feel better soon.

Original poster
Potassium123 · 07/06/2024 14:11

Thanks so much everyone who helped. I genuinely was following everyone’s advice, it’s just a bit confusing because obviously my GP was so chilled about it and then to be told actually it’s serious it’s a bit of a shock, and it’s something I know literally nothing about so I that’s why I was asking about it because I have 0 context or knowledge about it

I am following everyone’s advice and I’m on hold to NHS24 and im just going to start making my way to A&E in the meantime too (we’re really rural so im quite a long drive from the nearest A&E so just going to start heading over and keep on hold to NHS24 in the meantime

thanks again everyone who helped

OP posts:
Original poster
Potassium123 · 07/06/2024 14:08

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Sorry but seriously what’s the need?

I’ve also been told several times to call nhs 24 and go to A&e if they’re not helpful and I’ve already said I’ll do that- I’ve been on hold to them for the last 13 minutes! I wasn’t asking ‘should I go to A&E?’ several times, I was asking different questions about low potassium because I’ve no idea about it and other people have actually been really helpful! Meanwhile I’m asking questions I’m also getting help, as I’ve been advised to do. So I am following advice

it’s also sometimes a bit confusing when a GP says it’s fine not to worry and then it turns out it’s not, so that explains my uncertainty at the start

Seriously just fuck right off

OP posts:
OpenRoadYeehaw · 07/06/2024 14:03

This reply has been deleted

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Munchyseeds2 · 07/06/2024 14:00

Multiple people have advised you to go to the hospital to be seen
That's what I would be doing if I was you

AnnaMagnani · 07/06/2024 13:54

Stress doesn't give you a low potassium.

TraitorsGate · 07/06/2024 13:51

It's best to just call and take their advice. We don't know how long you will be there, they will probably recheck your bloods, do an ecg and potassium can be given in intravenous fluids if they think that's the treatment you need. Take some snacks, water, something to read, phone, money, something warm to wear and basic toiletries like toothbrush and paste, clean knickers, tissues, handwipes. Let them help you.

Destiny123 · 07/06/2024 13:51

Sandok takes days to come up.

It's often given iv which works much quicker

Ask them to check your magnesium too, if that's low its pretty impossible to get potassium to increment (can buy it over the counter

Original poster
Potassium123 · 07/06/2024 13:47

Ok, thanks. I’ll give 111 a call and go to A&E if they’re not sure either. Thanks for all the advice, I honestly hadn’t realised how serious this could be! I thought it was fine because they were really relaxed about it at the DRs when i spoke to them on the phone, I was under the impression that 2.8 is only slightly low and not serious

does anyone know what will happen if I do go to hospital, will I just have to drink more sando K or something like that? I won’t be in for long will I, just a few hours until the sando k works? Im otherwise fit and healthy and im sure it’s only low because I’ve been so stressed recently

sorry for all the questions, I’m just a bit of a worrier! x

OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 07/06/2024 13:38

Below 3.0 with symptoms and you have symptoms.

HesterLee · 07/06/2024 13:37

I think this cannot be left. I would say ring 111 for advice and if you feel they are not helpful then attend a&e.

Original poster
Potassium123 · 07/06/2024 13:27

Thanks so much everyone for the advice I’m going to take it all onboard and get some more help with this

i honestly hadn’t even realised until this that low potassium could be so serious or even end up in hospital! How low is it usually before you have to go to hospital or A&E for it?

OP posts:
Springwatch123 · 07/06/2024 12:34

I’d be tempted to ring 111, and get yourself admitted to the acute treatment team in hospital for a potassium infusion. Low potassium can affect your kidneys.

The d and v isn’t helping. Are you dehydrated as well?

TraitorsGate · 07/06/2024 12:33

I would get advice from a doctor, a gp receptionist is just relaying information.

AnnaMagnani · 07/06/2024 12:31

Go now.

And there is a strong chance all the fibre from the bananas is actually making it worse by prolonging your diarrhoea. They aren't that high in potassium and can only make a marginal difference at best.

curlyhairup · 07/06/2024 12:30

Has your magnesium been checked? Your potassium won’t come up if that is low too. Who rang you? I would definitely be sending my relatives to hospital for an ecg straight away if they were in your situation! Hope you feel better soon OP.

Original poster
Potassium123 · 07/06/2024 12:30

Sorry should have said in my original post- it was the GP receptionist I spoke to, they just said they wanted to do another prescription for potassium because it was still low and they wanted to do another kidney function blood test so check the potassium in 1 week. When I asked how low it was she checked the computer and said it was 2.8 x

OP posts: