Question:
What to do for muscle weakness?

I had surgery Tuesday, and did great by the way, but when I do my walking I am having muscle weakness. This began the day after I got home, so I don't feel that it is dehydration. However, in the hospital I had to have 2 bags of potassium. I am eating 1/2 to 1 banana daily and wondered if the potassium would have dropped so quickly, or is my body just adjusting to so much less food/calorie intake? The weakness stops me from walking before tiring out does. I am going to call my doctor, but I wanted all your opinions. By the way, as of yesterday, I've lost 8 pounds!    — Denise B. (posted on August 25, 2003)

August 25, 2003
My surgery was 5-8-01. I had a terrible time that summer with potassium. I had some really squirley "feelings" that thank God I listened to my body and went to the ER. It is my understanding that low potassium can lead to a heart attack. Anyway, my experience is in my profile. Anyway, a banana is good. However you can also try the salt substitute... I believe several companies make it. It tastes like sh##, but it is potassium. Usually I put it in things such as chili/soups where the taste is hidden. Also, I was put on several kinds of potassium. Liquid I would almost vomit from. Then there were several large horse pills.... plus they were time release. The pills I finally took that helped, I think was called K Kor... or something like that. They are NOT time release. Believe me, don't waste your money, time or health on potassium that is time release. Mine kept bottoming out even though I was taking it! Keep on top of it! Get those regular blood tests. In my case, after summer and fall pasted (heat related the first year post op?) my potassium leveled out. However if my hands, fingers, feet, head, face or chest starts tingling I'm out of here fast and to the ER. I'll waste no time!
   — Danmark