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Original poster

Low potassium

9 replies

Potassium1 · 31/05/2024 20:15

Hi,

just wondered if anyone knows anything about potassium on here. I’ve read it before and always been given 3 days of sando k, but this time I’ve been given 7 days of it (2 tablets 3x a day for a week)

the receptionist said on the phone that the potassium level was 2.3 when it should be 2.5 which according to google is ridiculously low… I’m assuming she meant 3.3 and that it should be 3.5, but if that’s the case does anyone know why I’ve been given it for 1 week now when i only ever needed it for 3 days before?

I tried to call back to ask but couldn’t get through and unfortunately had to go back to work so couldn’t keep trying again

thanks for the help in advance!

OP posts:
nocoolnamesleft · 31/05/2024 20:17

Do you have online access to your GP? When I log in to order meds, I can also see my various blood results.

Original poster
Potassium1 · 31/05/2024 20:23

nocoolnamesleft · 31/05/2024 20:17

Do you have online access to your GP? When I log in to order meds, I can also see my various blood results.

Hey, ah that would be so handy if we had that! Unfortunately not though, I’m not sure if it’s a healthboard thing as I’ve never heard of it before at our doctors x

OP posts:
EffieeBriest · 31/05/2024 20:33

I’d actually be quite concerned about a k+ of < 2.5. I’d be monitoring someone’s ECG if it was that low. Also want to know why it was that low. Are you vomiting, have diarrhoea, on big doses of diuretics ?

nocoolnamesleft · 31/05/2024 20:46

EffieeBriest · 31/05/2024 20:33

I’d actually be quite concerned about a k+ of < 2.5. I’d be monitoring someone’s ECG if it was that low. Also want to know why it was that low. Are you vomiting, have diarrhoea, on big doses of diuretics ?

Agreed. 2.3 would be worryingly low, 3.3 would be no big deal...

Original poster
Potassium1 · 31/05/2024 20:48

I feel like the receptionist surely must have misread the numbers then and it must be 3.3 not 2.3… or if they just read out what they see on the screen then it must be written down wrongly or something? Either way sounds like it’s been a mistake and it’s 3.3 not 2.3! Does anyone know why I’ve been given 7 days instead of 3 days this time? Is 7 days a usual dose for 3.3? X

OP posts:
EffieeBriest · 31/05/2024 21:23

When K+ is given as a supplement in hospital we can check your electrolytes and stop it as nec. Obviously it’s more difficult when you’re getting them off your GP and 7 days TDS sounds a lot for a K+ slightly under the normal (>3.5 is regarded as ok, I’d like it a bit higher than that but I work in ICU and we’re a bit anal about it !).
Maybe ring NHS 111 and get their advice tomorrow. They might have access to your results or ask you to have it rechecked.

Original poster
Potassium1 · 01/06/2024 23:00

EffieeBriest · 31/05/2024 21:23

When K+ is given as a supplement in hospital we can check your electrolytes and stop it as nec. Obviously it’s more difficult when you’re getting them off your GP and 7 days TDS sounds a lot for a K+ slightly under the normal (>3.5 is regarded as ok, I’d like it a bit higher than that but I work in ICU and we’re a bit anal about it !).
Maybe ring NHS 111 and get their advice tomorrow. They might have access to your results or ask you to have it rechecked.

Edited

Thank you for the help!

I called nhs24 but they said they couldn’t access the results and I could go to A&e if I felt unwell but I feel fine, I’ll just need to call the GP first thing on Monday to clarify it.

yeah it felt like I was taking a lot more potassium than usual so that’s why I was wondering if maybe it is 2.3 not 3.3, but everything I read online said that 2.3 is extremely low whereas the receptionist said it’s just slightly lower than normal which is apparently 2.5 - which makes me think she was getting mixed up and it’s actually 3.3 and 3.5 is normal IYSWIM. And in terms of the 7 days higher dose - I’m not sure if that’s maybe because I’ve had low potassium for a few weeks and I’ve tried 2 doses for 3 days each which hasn’t helped so maybe that’s why they’ve gone to 7 days? But I’ve never had 7 days before when it was low so I’m not sure

Ah, just need to wait until Monday I suppose but it’s a bit stressful x

OP posts:
Original poster
Potassium1 · 02/06/2024 19:51

Sorry, just bumping this in case anyone else is around who can help!

OP posts:
Original poster
Potassium1 · 03/06/2024 21:05

Just a quick update (and another bump!) I called over 100 times today and couldn’t get through because the phone lines were so busy so no further forward unfortunately, I’m sure it’s fine but I definitely want it clarified so will try again tomorrow x

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