Lab results back... might have to cancel?

wannabethin · August 5, 2010

Deb - Just a little bump in the road.....take your prescription and you'll be okay. Keep a positive attitude - that always helps. I've been thing about you and knew you were probably starting on the clear liquid diet. Hang in there and check with Dr. Hoehn's office to see if a couple bananas would be okay at this early point in your pre op diet. Hang in there.

Renee

Dansha · August 5, 2010

I would like to give a big "THANK YOU" to everyone who responded in my time of understanding. I'll be alright. It helps to know people care.

I'm going to look upon this as at least there wasn't anything seriously wrong with me. This can be easily fixed.

I am now taking my prescription of potassium. 1 pill twice a day for fourteen days. I don't know if anyone knows the answer, but WHY ARE THE pills SOOOOO FREAKING BIG. LOL.

Again thanks for the kind and encouraging words. Best wishes to everyone. You guys are AWESOME!!!!!!

Deb

Maddie · August 5, 2010

I'm so glad to see that you are handling this in stride. It's tough just hanging in the balance, not knowing what will happen.

In the hospital I had to take liquid potassium and it was the nastiest stuff EVER. Those pills may be big but at least it's a pill, lol. You hand tough gf. hugs

pcindy · August 6, 2010

This is weird. I'm an ICU RN, and we replace potassium left and right. 3.3 isn't very low (3.5 - 5 is normal). If you were my patient, we'd correct it in about 2 hours with an IV infusion. By mouth, we'd give you 40-60 mEq (and yes, as the previous poster said, the liquid is NASTY! Potassium is a salt, afterall. The pills are getting smaller, thank god). We run labs every morning and oral replacement works just fine and corrects it quickly.

They're right, it should be corrected before surgery (low potassium can make the cardiac muscle irritable), but it should be very easy to correct. The question is: why is it low? Also, what is your health history that makes it such a concern (rhetorically; I'm not asing you to state your medical history in a forum)? Anyway, take the pills, prescription or OTC. You should be fine. Hang in there.

PS- take them AS PRESCRIBED. Do NOT overdo it. Too high of a potassium level can make your heart irritable as well. You don't have anything to worry about if you take them as recommended. Ask your bariatric practice to repeat your potassium level in one week to see how it's coming along. Tell them you have NO intention of waiting until the DAY of your surgery to find out if it's happening or not. That is unreasonable. You have a life, plans etc, as does your significant other who will be driving you, caring for you, etc... It is the easiest (and cheapest) lab to send out. You need to know that you're on the right track and not have to drive yourself insane with the uncertainty for 2 weeks. I'm indignant on your behalf. You should be too. This is GROSSLY insensitive of them. Your time is valuable, as is your emotional health. Be firm with them. Good luck.

PPS- My surgery was cancelled at the last second, so I KNOW where you're coming from! My new surgery date? August 17th! I hope we both have simultaneous successful surgeries. Go get 'em!

Edited August 6, 2010 by pcindy

MissSparkle · August 6, 2010

Hi

I am so sorry that this has happened to you.... Definately get the potasium tablets going and maybe you own Doctor could recheck in a few days to see that your levels are rasing. If you can add bananas to your pre-op diet....

My thoughts are with you and I hope that you are able to sort out this problem

Take care and lots of hugs,

Sue

thinoneday · August 6, 2010

Today I went to the hospital for my lab workup, chest x-ray, and EKG. That was 7:30 this morning. I just received a call from my surgeon's office and the nurse stated my potassium levels are to low and they might have to cancel my surgery if I can not bring them up. They are calling in a script as I am writing this. I NEED to start taking this medication immediately. I have waited and waited for this and now......:thumbup1: My emotions have been up and down lately and this seems like a crushing blow to me.... I feel like crying.
My level is at 3.3 and they want at least 3.6. My surgery is in two weeks. The nurse said they will take lab work again the day of surgery. If still to low, they will have to cancel.

Peeps I need some words of encouragement.

Thanks for listening.

Deb

I'm so sorry this happened to you! I suffer big time from low potassium too. . my levels have gone to 2.1 and I needed to have potassium given via IV in the ER. . .but this is what I did. . . i am sure your prescription is for potassium supplements. . . I do potassium supplements 25mcg x 6 per day. That is alot but that is what the doc has me on. . .anyhow i would start your supplement today along with eating high potassium foods too, bananas, cantalopes, Protein shakes, gatoraid, etc anything with lots of potassium in it. . . . you CAN get the potassium up within the next two weeks. . . be determined in a big way. . . don't take any diruretics or weight loss supplements. . . you can do this and you will have your surgery in a couple of weeks! Keep your hopes up and work hard at this one girl!!!!!