low potassium levels

[saggyjuju]

hi i have just had almost 4hrs being poked and prodded for an op nxt week,then today the drs surgery have rung they need me to have an ecg and more blood tests done because i have low potassium in my blood....how worried should i be?

As far as I know, not really, I had low potssium after an operation, an emergency one for a ruptured cyst, so not prodded b4hand, they just hung a bag of the stuff on a drip for a couple of days and then I was good to go!

Its fine. They are able (at least in OZ so imagine it would be similar here) to give supplements. They taste horrid, but are fine!

Not worried, it is not that uncommon and often occurs if on 'water' tablets. However a low potassium can interfere with some of the drugs used in operations and also makes you prone to temporary rhythm changes - both of which can cause your anaesthetist to age 10 years. Depending on the level you might find your operation is postponed. Bananas, Oranges and Lo-salt will all help and the oral supplements do indeed taste vile but unfortunately the level does not increase overnight.
Best of luck