flowergirl2day
07-11-2009, 02:05 AM
I have a few questions regarding maintenance of a good potassium balance. Besides the level of kidney function, the dietary intake of potassium, and the use of potassium-building medication, like an ACE inhibitor, beta blocker or potassium-sparing diuretics, is there anything else, such as other mineral balances, that affects the potassium level? How often should one's K level be tested when using all of the above mentioned medications? How long does it take to develop hyperkalemia, or is it quite rare? Is testing K level every three months sufficient?
My last question is whether or not the potassium level in the body changes from one day to the next - can one show symptoms of high potassium level one day, and then feel better the next day, then worse again...?
Thank you for your input. :)
flowergirl
My last question is whether or not the potassium level in the body changes from one day to the next - can one show symptoms of high potassium level one day, and then feel better the next day, then worse again...?
Thank you for your input. :)
flowergirl
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Divawriter
07-11-2009, 04:25 AM
Hi, I don't have all the answers to your questions, and suggest of course that you consult your nephrologist. However, as someone who has been told that I am "close" to renal failure, and who has an ongoing problem with high potassium levels, (I was awakened out of my sleep (at 2:30 am_ by a doctor at the hospital clinic where I had some blood work done and told to immeidately go to ER as my potassium was dangerously high- 7.2!
I had never had hyperkelemia like that until then and it scared me enough to start taking my Kayexelate Poweder (Kionex) much more consistently every day and try and watch how much high potassium foods I eat. (Chocolate, watermelon, spinach)etc etc.
The problem is that potassium is in practically everlything we eat! And even low potassium foods can become high potassium if we consume too much. Apples are basically the only fruit that they say is low in the fruit category.
It is not easy, but it is vital for your HEARTBEAT. It is very easy, apparently, for your heart to just stop beating (while you sleep, for instance) when your potassium is too high (or too low).
And, it is NOT RARE at all to develop hyperkalemia. Sadly, it is much too often the reason people just drop dead when your kidneys are not functioning properly. You will retain too much potassium just by virtue of your kidneys not functioning right, and then if you are on meds like lisinopril etc., you really retain more potassium. I have been taken off of that med since my hyperkelemic episode.
Good luck and God bless you! It is an upward struggle but I for one have learned a valuable lesson- have your potassium checked at least bi-monthly, depending on what your doctor thinks. But definitely don't let a month go by without getting it checked.
The doctors can be great, but we are the best ones to insure that our health issues are monitored properly.
I had never had hyperkelemia like that until then and it scared me enough to start taking my Kayexelate Poweder (Kionex) much more consistently every day and try and watch how much high potassium foods I eat. (Chocolate, watermelon, spinach)etc etc.
The problem is that potassium is in practically everlything we eat! And even low potassium foods can become high potassium if we consume too much. Apples are basically the only fruit that they say is low in the fruit category.
It is not easy, but it is vital for your HEARTBEAT. It is very easy, apparently, for your heart to just stop beating (while you sleep, for instance) when your potassium is too high (or too low).
And, it is NOT RARE at all to develop hyperkalemia. Sadly, it is much too often the reason people just drop dead when your kidneys are not functioning properly. You will retain too much potassium just by virtue of your kidneys not functioning right, and then if you are on meds like lisinopril etc., you really retain more potassium. I have been taken off of that med since my hyperkelemic episode.
Good luck and God bless you! It is an upward struggle but I for one have learned a valuable lesson- have your potassium checked at least bi-monthly, depending on what your doctor thinks. But definitely don't let a month go by without getting it checked.
The doctors can be great, but we are the best ones to insure that our health issues are monitored properly.
Divawriter
07-11-2009, 04:31 AM
I can't answer the mineral question, (I suggest you ask you doctor that question). However, I do know that YES absolutely your potassium levels can change from day to day depending on what you are consuming/eating, how much of it, and if you are on potassium lowering med like Kayexelate Powder (Kionex). If you are on Kayexelate powder than you should be taking a certain amount daily or however you were instructed, WITHOUT FAIL. Don't make my mistake and become noncompliant, taking it only when you think about it, etc.
Hope this helps a little...
Hope this helps a little...
Coravh
07-11-2009, 09:57 AM
What is your potassium level right now? Has the doctors office told you to restrict potassium? It is neither good, nor pleasant to limit it when you don't have to yet. Typically what happened to me as my ckd progressed was that the docs office would call with a highre potassium level, ask me what I was eataing, and then suggest I stop or limit it. Citrus fruit and tomatoes are notorious for raising your K.
I don't believe other minerals willl affect your K level. It is important to remember too that you do need some, you can't eliminate it from your diet entirely. So you have to go by the blood work and what your docs office says.
Cora
I don't believe other minerals willl affect your K level. It is important to remember too that you do need some, you can't eliminate it from your diet entirely. So you have to go by the blood work and what your docs office says.
Cora
flowergirl2day
07-11-2009, 01:12 PM
Thank you so much for your replies! You guys are great! :)
For over two years my potassium level remained too low and, in spite of K-sparing/building medication, would not rise. When it finally reached a normal level, it remained stable for a while before starting to fluctuate again. I am not sure what causes this - hormonal issues, medication or some disorder.
I am well aware of what low or high potassium levels can do to us. I also know all the neuromuscular and cardiovascular symptoms of high or low potassium levels. I have lived in fear of becoming hyperkalemic or hypokalemic for quite some time now. I think about it often. Maintaining such a delicate balance is not easy. As Diva pointed out, potassium is in just about everything. I eat tomatoes every day (the dietitian reluctantly allowed two cherry tomatoes daily since I can't stop myself from eating them), likewise, I use spinach in hopes of helping with my low iron issues, knowing very well that I should not. And, I eat fruit with higher K content daily, knowing I shouldn't. Then I feel guilty!
When last tested in mid-April, my potassium level was a picture perfect 4.5. My nephrologist wants it very tightly controled, so I know some concerns exist in that area. We cannot depend on what the labs show as far as the level of kidney function. I don't think the K level will be tested again before my next batch of renal labwork in October, that is why I was wondering about the recommended frequency of K testing. The literature says that K testing in renal insufficiency must be frequent, especially if there is a concurrent use of K-sparing or K-building medication. I use at least three such drugs on daily basis. I think I will ask my GP to order some labwork. I have been experiencing some of the symptoms though I could be wrong and they might be unrelated. Thanks for the information! :)
flowergirl
For over two years my potassium level remained too low and, in spite of K-sparing/building medication, would not rise. When it finally reached a normal level, it remained stable for a while before starting to fluctuate again. I am not sure what causes this - hormonal issues, medication or some disorder.
I am well aware of what low or high potassium levels can do to us. I also know all the neuromuscular and cardiovascular symptoms of high or low potassium levels. I have lived in fear of becoming hyperkalemic or hypokalemic for quite some time now. I think about it often. Maintaining such a delicate balance is not easy. As Diva pointed out, potassium is in just about everything. I eat tomatoes every day (the dietitian reluctantly allowed two cherry tomatoes daily since I can't stop myself from eating them), likewise, I use spinach in hopes of helping with my low iron issues, knowing very well that I should not. And, I eat fruit with higher K content daily, knowing I shouldn't. Then I feel guilty!
When last tested in mid-April, my potassium level was a picture perfect 4.5. My nephrologist wants it very tightly controled, so I know some concerns exist in that area. We cannot depend on what the labs show as far as the level of kidney function. I don't think the K level will be tested again before my next batch of renal labwork in October, that is why I was wondering about the recommended frequency of K testing. The literature says that K testing in renal insufficiency must be frequent, especially if there is a concurrent use of K-sparing or K-building medication. I use at least three such drugs on daily basis. I think I will ask my GP to order some labwork. I have been experiencing some of the symptoms though I could be wrong and they might be unrelated. Thanks for the information! :)
flowergirl
flowergirl2day
11-03-2009, 03:39 AM
Does anyone know how to bring one's potassium level down, without stopping or reducing the potassium-retaining/sparing medication, an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic Spironolactone? In keeping with the renal diet recommendations, my intake of fruit and veggies is minimal. Any ideas on how I might be able to reduce my out of range potassium level? At what K level should one start being really concerned? Your comments would be much appreciated. Thank you. :)
flowergirl
flowergirl
Machaon
11-03-2009, 03:53 AM
Does anyone know how to bring one's potassium level down, without stopping or reducing the potassium-retaining/sparing medication, an ACE inhibitor and a diuretic Spironolactone?
flowergirl
Hi Flowers! :wave:
You're running into the same type of problem that I used to have, except mine was caused by eating tons of salads and fruits. I finally decided to stop my Ace Inhibitor, a decision that I have never regretted. Coreg has completely taken it's place and does a marvelous job.
I love my fruits and salads. I eat at least seven times per day. I have no other vices. If I couldn't eat like that, because of increased potassium levels, it would literally kill me! :(
How well is the Ace working for you? How effective is it?
What do your doctors tell you to do? How do they say to correct this problem? What is their advice?
Take care......... ! :wave:
flowergirl
Hi Flowers! :wave:
You're running into the same type of problem that I used to have, except mine was caused by eating tons of salads and fruits. I finally decided to stop my Ace Inhibitor, a decision that I have never regretted. Coreg has completely taken it's place and does a marvelous job.
I love my fruits and salads. I eat at least seven times per day. I have no other vices. If I couldn't eat like that, because of increased potassium levels, it would literally kill me! :(
How well is the Ace working for you? How effective is it?
What do your doctors tell you to do? How do they say to correct this problem? What is their advice?
Take care......... ! :wave:
montesflus
11-03-2009, 04:46 PM
DIVAWRITER :
My husband has stage 3 kidney disease. His potassium has been running in the range of 4.4 - 4.9. He was told to try and keep it below 5.
Could you please tell me what Kayexelate Powder (Kionex) is? How long have you been on it? When were you first told to use it (and why)?, where do you purchase it and how and in what quantity is it taken?
TIA.
Monte:wave:
My husband has stage 3 kidney disease. His potassium has been running in the range of 4.4 - 4.9. He was told to try and keep it below 5.
Could you please tell me what Kayexelate Powder (Kionex) is? How long have you been on it? When were you first told to use it (and why)?, where do you purchase it and how and in what quantity is it taken?
TIA.
Monte:wave:
Coravh
11-03-2009, 05:35 PM
DIVAWRITER :
My husband has stage 3 kidney disease. His potassium has been running in the range of 4.4 - 4.9. He was told to try and keep it below 5.
Could you please tell me what Kayexelate Powder (Kionex) is? How long have you been on it? When were you first told to use it (and why)?, where do you purchase it and how and in what quantity is it taken?
TIA.
Monte:wave:
Hi Monte. It is a prescription substance (I got it in a liquid form) that is a potassium binder, kind of like tums are for phosphorus. It is prescribed when there are significant problems with high potassium and is used to help bring it down quickly. I'm not sure what the other side effects are, but I know that it is not used long term. It is a short term solution to help bring potassium down from dangerous levels.
I did a bit of a search and found that some of the side effects are:
Side effects can include electrolyte disturbances such as low potassium levels, low calcium levels, and sodium retention. Intestinal disturbances are also common, including constipation, nausea and vomiting, and lack of appetite.
So it can cause other electrolyte problems during use, so you have to be careful.
My husband has stage 3 kidney disease. His potassium has been running in the range of 4.4 - 4.9. He was told to try and keep it below 5.
Could you please tell me what Kayexelate Powder (Kionex) is? How long have you been on it? When were you first told to use it (and why)?, where do you purchase it and how and in what quantity is it taken?
TIA.
Monte:wave:
Hi Monte. It is a prescription substance (I got it in a liquid form) that is a potassium binder, kind of like tums are for phosphorus. It is prescribed when there are significant problems with high potassium and is used to help bring it down quickly. I'm not sure what the other side effects are, but I know that it is not used long term. It is a short term solution to help bring potassium down from dangerous levels.
I did a bit of a search and found that some of the side effects are:
Side effects can include electrolyte disturbances such as low potassium levels, low calcium levels, and sodium retention. Intestinal disturbances are also common, including constipation, nausea and vomiting, and lack of appetite.
So it can cause other electrolyte problems during use, so you have to be careful.
montesflus
11-04-2009, 01:54 AM
Hi Cora,
Thank you so much for your answer.
Monte:angel:
Thank you so much for your answer.
Monte:angel:
flowergirl2day
11-04-2009, 03:21 AM
Hi Machaon! :)
You're running into the same type of problem that I used to have, except mine was caused by eating tons of salads and fruits. I finally decided to stop my Ace Inhibitor, a decision that I have never regretted. Coreg has completely taken it's place and does a marvelous job.
An Ace inhibitor, besides being a cardiovascular drug, is said to have renoprotective properties. It has been shown to slow the progression of an existing kidney disease. It is also used to help prevent or delay damage to the kidneys in diabetics. These attributes make it an important drug to use in many people with kidney problems. However, the ACE inhibitor stops being very efficient once the kidney function has reached a certain level.
How well is the Ace working for you? How effective is it?
As you know, Machaon, it is an excellent drug for reducing high blood pressure, so in that respect, it works very well for me. :) Since I have been taking my ACE inhibitor for three years, I started to wonder if it could still be protecting the kidneys after all this time. This is why I have asked my nephrologist whether all of the (potential) renal benefits have been realized; the answer was yes. So, perhaps it is not essential for me to take this drug for renal protection. I asked about trying Coreg instead of my existing beta blocker. I was told my existing medication was fine. I plan to discuss this with my family physican in the near future. I have heard so many good things about Coreg, I'd love to give it a try!!! :)
I love my fruits and salads. I eat at least seven times per day. I have no other vices. If I couldn't eat like that, because of increased potassium levels, it would literally kill me! What do your doctors tell you to do? How do they say to correct this problem? What is their advice?
I also love fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, too many of them have a high potassium content, and it all quickly adds up. I have been very careful to keep my fruit and vegetable consumption reasonable. When recently tested, my potassium level was at 5.5. I have only talked to one doctor since. His advice was to be more careful about my consumption of produce. I plan to ask my family doctor about it at some point. I have returned to work and bring fruit to eat on my breaks, which may not be helping. I have developed some thyroid issues, and wonder if there could be a correlation between an increase in a potassium level and an excessive thyroid hormone production.
Thank you very much for your suggestion!
flowergirl
You're running into the same type of problem that I used to have, except mine was caused by eating tons of salads and fruits. I finally decided to stop my Ace Inhibitor, a decision that I have never regretted. Coreg has completely taken it's place and does a marvelous job.
An Ace inhibitor, besides being a cardiovascular drug, is said to have renoprotective properties. It has been shown to slow the progression of an existing kidney disease. It is also used to help prevent or delay damage to the kidneys in diabetics. These attributes make it an important drug to use in many people with kidney problems. However, the ACE inhibitor stops being very efficient once the kidney function has reached a certain level.
How well is the Ace working for you? How effective is it?
As you know, Machaon, it is an excellent drug for reducing high blood pressure, so in that respect, it works very well for me. :) Since I have been taking my ACE inhibitor for three years, I started to wonder if it could still be protecting the kidneys after all this time. This is why I have asked my nephrologist whether all of the (potential) renal benefits have been realized; the answer was yes. So, perhaps it is not essential for me to take this drug for renal protection. I asked about trying Coreg instead of my existing beta blocker. I was told my existing medication was fine. I plan to discuss this with my family physican in the near future. I have heard so many good things about Coreg, I'd love to give it a try!!! :)
I love my fruits and salads. I eat at least seven times per day. I have no other vices. If I couldn't eat like that, because of increased potassium levels, it would literally kill me! What do your doctors tell you to do? How do they say to correct this problem? What is their advice?
I also love fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, too many of them have a high potassium content, and it all quickly adds up. I have been very careful to keep my fruit and vegetable consumption reasonable. When recently tested, my potassium level was at 5.5. I have only talked to one doctor since. His advice was to be more careful about my consumption of produce. I plan to ask my family doctor about it at some point. I have returned to work and bring fruit to eat on my breaks, which may not be helping. I have developed some thyroid issues, and wonder if there could be a correlation between an increase in a potassium level and an excessive thyroid hormone production.
Thank you very much for your suggestion!
flowergirl
flowergirl2day
11-04-2009, 03:42 AM
Cora,
thanks for sharing! Your information is very helpful. :)
FG
thanks for sharing! Your information is very helpful. :)
FG
Fenian
11-16-2009, 09:32 PM
Hi there, to do with your potassium question, yes it can change from day-to-day.I have had a kideny transplantmyself, and a high potassium level could have killed me while i was on dialysis, and they had given me this horrid liquid that reduces it very quickly, makes buckley's taste like champagneto tell you the truth. Goodluck