critically low potassium?

My PCP called today and said my recent bloodwork showed my potassium level is critically low. Has anyone else had this problem? She started talking about chest pain and palpitations and getting to the ER if I seemed to have these symptoms, and scared the literal fire out of me. She prescribed potassium pills for me that are huge, and the directions say to take with food and a full glass of water. Now I have been told not to drink for 30 minutes before I eat, and vice versa, so what the heck am I supposed to do?

this is not an all the time deal, only when you need to take your pill. you need to take it with a little food. you can also eat bananas & other potassium rich foods. good luck, bonnie

Oh Janet! Give your surgeon or nutritionist a call and they can advise you best. I'm so sorry you're going through this!

I take potassium on occasion (when I need to take lasix), and my PCP gave me potassium powder that can be mixed into water. It's not the tastiest stuff around, but it beats swallowing horse-sized pills. It's called KlorCon, and each packet is 20 mEq.

I'm sorry that your having this problem. I would talk to my surgeon or nutritionist to make sure on how to take the medicine. Good luck with everything and let us know how you are doing. ~ Christal/dionysus_star

Oh My Gosh! You MUST contact your bypass doc and ask them how to combat this. I was taking potasium pills and gave myself an ulcer. Potasium is very harsh on your tiny little stomach!!! My doc advised eating foods high in potasium before taking supplements. You can get powdered potasium and take it in small amounts with flavored drinks thru the course of the day, but be VERY VERY careful about taking the pills! Go see your bypass doctor about this before you get an ulcer. Laura