Potassium level and renal insufficiency - Kidney Disorders Message Board

flowergirl2day · 07-10-2009, 11:05 PM

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

Divawriter · 07-11-2009, 01:25 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.

Divawriter · 07-11-2009, 01:31 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...

Cora1003 · 07-11-2009, 06:57 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

flowergirl2day · 07-11-2009, 10:12 AM

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