potassium

OK, I've felt like garbage all day. Tired and just exhausted, wanting to sleep. Then they called and told me my pottasium is very low. What's this all about?? Anyone else battle low potassium? Will it pass with taking the medicine? Just what I need, another complication. jean

Hi Jean! Darn you have had it rough! A low potassium can be caused by the voimiting, or the diarrhea. Also, if you had the G-tube do drain a lot while it was in, there went some potassium also. Depending on how low, oral meds can correct it fairly quickly. If they need, they can give you a boost IV to get it up quicker. My guess is that low potassium is not an uncommon thing with this surgery. Not sure though. For sure, your feeing bad may well be due to the low potassium. Hey - I am almost ashamed to tell you that I have been doing great. I had surgery last Tues. and Dr. Cahalan took the JP drain out today and I am to leave the G-tube plugged all the time. My "egg" lecture is Thurs. and I am sooooooooo ready to add the next 3 foods. Keep your head up!! I know you have it in you! I need a losing buddy around here. Mary

Oh Mary, Don't feel bad that you are doing so wonderfully!!! I want everyone to be doing great like that. Really, I have no ego in this. I am so glad you are feeling so well! I just asked my mom today how people could possibly return to work in two weeks after this surgery when I am doing so poorly & there would be no way I could work, and she reminded me that I am probably having exceptional difficulties and that most people don't. On the potassium, yes, I did have copious amounts of drainage from my g-tube. And I had to leave mine open more than I was supposed to because I had so much leakage from my tube site in the side of my body and if I plugged it, the tube site would leak all over the place constantly. It was a nightmare. Dr. Smolik gave the OK to take it out a week early because it was such a hassle, and because I had developed the terrible infection at the site. I took one dose of the potassium already and I think I already feel a little better. Is that possible? To feel a difference this quickly? I just want all of this to be over and to be well again. Good luck on eating for the first time. I had cottage cheese and man did it ever taste great. jean

Big hugs Jean. Hoping you get to feeling better soon. Can't help you out as far as the potassium is concerned sorry. Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you. And you aren't alone on this, keep posting we'll try to help you through this time. Carolyn

You poor gal Hopefully you will get some relief and soon!!! It seems like complications and those with low potassium go hand and hand....I don't know why......but it seems like low potassium always follows complications! I am sure your doctors will give you potassium to take along with a list of foods to eat to get the most possible! It is natural to feel like crap, you have been trough a lot!!! Just take care of yourself...make sure you are getting that B12 in can help too! We are all here for you when you need to vent! I have a friend from this site, that has also had a lot of complications.....she too struggles with potassium and trying to get in enough food/nutrients/water.....Her name is Pam and I will send you her email....she would be a good one to email and get some advice/tips/or even just knowing someone else that is going through the same stuff......Hope today is a little better for ya Jesi

Jean, Jean, Jean, You have been dealing with wayyyyyyyyyyyy too much!!! I pray that you will get better soon and feel energized. I can't give you any advice about the potasium, but am glad that your surgeon is aware and following through with your care. Hang in there, hon and know that things WILL get better!!! God bless, Andrea