Low Potassium - General Health Message Board

tiff-cher · 01-01-2009, 10:05 AM

I'm wondering what all occurs when your potassium is low...
I went to the ER with chest pains and numbness
ALL over, even in my mouth for 2 days. Among other symptoms...(dizziness, nausea, extreme headache), to name a few!! But they ran all kinds of tests and found my potassium is low. I have Fibromyalgia, I guess I'm just wondering if my symptoms all these years could have been this. All the other labs were normal, the chest X-ray and the EKG and CT scan of my head were all normal. This might need to be on the Fibro board, but any help would be great!!!

Misty800 · 01-01-2009, 12:11 PM

How low was your potassium, do you know the test result number? Some labs use the reference range of 3-5 as being normal. It is best to be in the mid-range.

Did they give you potassium medication to take?

If not, you can raise your potassium level by drinking Low-Sodium V8 Juice, 2 small cans or the larger single serving can each day (regular V8 is o.k. but has too much sodium). I was able to raise my potassium from 3.8 to 5 in a few weeks.

Too low potassium is not good and too much potassium is not good. After drinking V8 Juice for about 2 months or a little longer, have your potassium checked again.

tiff-cher · 01-01-2009, 06:43 PM

It was 2.something. I know it's not extremely low. He did put me on a medication, but silly me dropped off the script and got busy at work and forgot to pick it up before the pharm closed. I will get it tomorrow. Yeah I do know about v-8 and stuff which I will try....thanks!!

Misty800 · 01-01-2009, 07:06 PM

You are very low in potassium and need to get the script and start taking it. Anything below a 3 is way too low.

Be sure and not take the potassium med on an empty stomach, it can be very hard on the tunny. Best to take after a meal.

tiff-cher · 01-02-2009, 07:47 AM

Thank you... I did hear back from my doctor and he does want me to start it, I also have an appt with him next week!! Still feeling pretty weird but I feel like I might be on the mend...don't want to speak too soon!!