Question:
Should I go to the emer. room for symptoms of low potassium?

I need help determining whether I should go to the ER or wait until I can get an appointment with my WLS doctor. For the past several weeks I've had terrible headaches daily so I made an appt with my primary care doctor. The day before my appointment I passed out after working out on the treadmill. This was one week ago. I was dizzy with a fast heartbeat. My usual pulse is 40-60 (bradycardia) and since I passed out it has been consistently 90+. When I saw my PCP he gave me Motrin for the headaches (which I know I cannot take) and told me to eat before I exercise (which I do and did that day). He didn't order any bloodwork or spend more than five minutes examining me. Since I saw him I have been keeping track of my symptoms: I am constantly dizzy and feeling as though I am going to pass out. I have to stop what I am doing, sit down and put my head down for the dizziness to subside. My pulse rate has remained higher than usual and my blood pressure has dropped from my usual 120/70 to 95/65. I continue to have headaches and difficulty seeing because there are bright specks of light in front of my eyes. This morning I passed out again. I haven't exercised since last week, the first time I passed out, so I don't know what could have spurred this episode. Suffice it to say that I just don't feel right. Today is a holiday so I can't get in to see my WLS surgeon or my PCP (not that I want to see him again). After doing some research on this site and WebMD, some of my symptoms seem to be in line with low potassium levels. I bought potassium gluconate yesterday and took one yesterday and one this morning, but as I've said I'm not sure that is the problem and I don't want to do the wrong thing and possibly elevate my potassium if it is already normal. I am scheduled to go for bloodwork tomorrow, but I'm not sure when I or the WLS doctor will get the results. Basically I'd like to know someone's opinion of this. Should I go to the emergency room today or go for my bloodwork tomorrow and try to get a same-day appt? It is possible for me to get a same-day appt. My husband is in the military and if I can't get an appt at the military facility they will refer me out to a walk-in clinic for an immediate appt. Is this an emergency or can it wait 24 hours? Thanks for your help. I'm really uncertain what I should do.    — Nikki L. (posted on September 1, 2003)

September 1, 2003
As I E mailed the poster when approvuing this post call your surgeon or go to the ER immediately. Low potassium can be life threatening. My wife jen had it. Better sagfe than sorry.
   — bob-haller

September 1, 2003
If you think your potassium is low, drink some Low Sodium V-8. It will get into your system faster than the gluconate. If you read my profile you will see that I have had potassium issues, and that's what my cardiologist recommended.
   — M B.

September 1, 2003
Nikki: I think your situation is serious enough for you to call your WLS and ask him or her what s/he thinks you should do. I think I'd be real concern about passing out as who knows if you'll hit your head or something next time it happens. I'm not sure it's potassium levels, I had a problem with that and your symptoms are different than mine. I had my hands and legs go numb, but no headaches or dizziness. You should certainly have your blood levels checked tomorrow and if you don't go to the ER today definitely try to get in to see someone tomorrow. I wish you well. Sherry
   — sherry hedgecock

September 1, 2003
She is on the way to the eR right now, and I asked her to update us on what occured. If in doubt its always best to get it checked out. My surgeon has someone on call 24 / 7 for just such questions.
   — bob-haller

September 2, 2003
Low potassium can cause a heart attack. I would NEVER wait! I ended up in the ER twice (probally should have gone a third time) for low potassium. I had to have a couple bags IV ed. It was'nt pleasent, but I'm sure it is better than a heart attack. DON'T WAIT!!!!!
   — Danmark

September 2, 2003
I wouldn't wait. I would go right now. Your probably not getting enough vitamins.
   — spring A.