Comment from: 1976, 45-54 Male (Patient)Published: August 21
My hypokalemia started with weak legs. I couldn't hold myself upright. I had nerve tests run, an MRI, and CAT scans. Finally, one morning, I woke up and was paralyzed. People would call me, and I couldn't even answer the phone. I lived alone and called out when I heard people, but no one responded. My girlfriend came over when she heard I didn't go to work or answer my phone. That's when I was transported to the hospital, and a complete workup was done on me. That's when I found out that I had low potassium. After oral and IV treatment, I was able to move my arm the next day. At the end of three days, I could move my legs, but I still had no strength. Finally, after 10 days, I could walk but with a walker. It has been four years now, and I can walk but not run or carry heavy stuff. I am taking anti-depressants, and one of the side effects is excessive sweating. Until I get off my anti-depressants, I will have to continue to take potassium pills.
Comment from: teachem, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: June 05
After gaining too much weight with my first pregnancy, I developed high blood pressure (130/90). So I was prescribed a diuretic when I was done breast feeding. My doctor regularly monitors my kidney function, cholesterol and blood sugar (all normal) and noticed at my last blood test that my K was only 3.4 (mildly low). He ordered that I eat a banana a day and a retest in four days.
I had a very bad stomach virus, intractable diarrhea and vomiting at the same time. After two agonizing days and nights, I was so weak; I barely made it to the bathroom. I asked my husband to take me to the ER. There, they ran blood tests, gave me Iv's for major dehydration. The blood result came back with a low potassium level of 2.0. I was admitted to the hospital for five days, where I got IV potassium and saline. I started feeling better after about three days, but was still very, very weak and drained.
I thought I had pulled a groin muscle. After several days of pain, I finally went to my family doctor and he put me on prednisone and a muscle relaxer. By the next morning, I could not move my arms or legs. I could wiggle my fingers and toes, and I could feel anywhere that was touched, but I simply did not have the strength to even lift my arm to scratch my nose. An ambulance had to take me to the hospital. Blood tests proved the diagnosis of low potassium. I was given a bag of potassium and another blood test was done. I was then admitted and spent three days in the hospital getting potassium intravenously and orally. I did not lose the potassium by the usual ways such as diarrhea, vomiting, sweating or diuretics. I still don't know what caused it.
I began having the feeling that there was a frog jumping around in my chest, and I had occasional minor chest pains. I went to the emergency. After about six hours of palpitations, they performed an ECG, EKG, Chest X-ray and blood tests. Everything except the blood tests were normal, which led to a diagnosis of PVC's (Premature Ventricular Contractions) due to hypokalemia.
Comment from: gg, 35-44 Male (Patient)Published: July 15
The first blood test I requested in produced zero results. I went back again later for another test and got the same result. Symptoms persisted so I went back July 7. The result was low potassium in kidneys. The level is unknown. I have just done a retest yesterday. My main symptom is severe tiredness. My father died of acute renal failure. I am in my mid thirties. I have had this condition for over 10 years.
Comment from: tinytiff, 35-44 Female (Patient)Published: July 07
I recently was taken to the emergency room with my heart racing, shortness of breath, sweating and near fainting. My blood pressure was 150/130 and my heart rate was 140 lying down. I thought I was having a heart attack. The hospital did a chest x-ray, blood tests and EKG's and said I was fine except my potassium was slightly low at 3.2. I was given 1 pill and sent on my way. I still feel funny at times. I keep something with potassium with me at all times. I later found out the medication I was on Prednisone probably was the start of all this which caused sweating and frequent urination which is where my potassium was probably lost.
Patient Discussions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified health provider because of something you have read on MedicineNet. The opinions expressed in the comments section are of the author and the author alone. MedicineNet does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Suggested Reading on Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) by Our Doctors
Muscle cramps are involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscles that do not relax. Extremely common, any muscles that have voluntary control, including some organs, are subject to cramp. Since there is such variety in the types of muscle cramps that can occur, many causes and preventative medications are known. Stretching is the most common way to stop or prevent most muscle cramps.
Gastroenteritis (viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu) is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting and/or diarrhea. Even though it is often called the "stomach flu," it is not caused by the influenza viruses. Viruses that can cause gastroenteritis (stomach flu) include: rotaviruses, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, Norwalk virus, and a group of Noroviruses. Gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria. The main symptoms of gastroenteritis include vomiting and watery diarrhea, however, headache, fever, and abdominal cramps (stomach ache) may also be present.
Diarrhea is a change is the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Cramping, abdominal pain, and the sensation of rectal urgency are all symptoms of diarrhea. Absorbents and anti-motility medications are used to treat diarrhea.
Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The best way to treat dehydration is to prevent it from occurring.
Palpitations are unpleasant sensations of irregular and/or forceful beating of the heart. Palpitations can be relieved in many patients by stress reduction, stopping cigarettes, and reduction of caffeine and alcohol.
Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often precedes vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but they are symptoms of many conditions. The causes of vomiting differ according to age, and treatment depends upon the cause of nausea and vomiting.
Hyperkalemia is an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include nausea, fatigue, tingling sensations, or muscle weakness. Hyperkalemia may also cause no symptoms. Slow heartbeat and weak pulse are more serious symptoms. Causes of hyperkalemia include kidney dysfunction, medications, adrenal gland diseases, and potassium shifts. Treatment of hyperkalemia is dependant upon the cause.
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are premature heartbeats originating from the ventricles of the heart. PVCs are premature because they occur before the regular heartbeat. There are many causes of premature ventricular contractions to include: heart attack, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, hypokalemia, hypoxia, medications, excess caffeine, drug abuse, and myocarditis.
Heart rhythm disorders vary from minor palpitations, premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), sinus tachycardia, and sinus brachycardia, to abnormal heart rhythms such as tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular flutter, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), Wolf-White-Parkinson syndrome, brachycardia, or heart blocks. Treatment is dependant upon the type of heart rhythm disorder.
Myofascial pain syndrome is muscle pain in the body's soft tissues due to injury or strain. Symptoms include muscle pain with tender points and fatigue. Treatment usually involves physical therapy, massage therapy, or trigger point injection.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the
My hypokalemia started with weak legs. I couldn't hold myself upright. I had nerve tests run, an MRI, and CAT scans. Finally, one morning, I woke up and was paralyzed. People would call me, and I couldn't even answer the phone. I lived alone and called out when I heard people, but no one responded. My girlfriend came over when she heard I didn't go to work or answer my phone. That's when I was transported to the hospital, and a complete workup was done on me. That's when I found out that I had low potassium. After oral and IV treatment, I was able to move my arm the next day. At the end of three days, I could move my legs, but I still had no strength. Finally, after 10 days, I could walk but with a walker. It has been four years now, and I can walk but not run or carry heavy stuff. I am taking anti-depressants, and one of the side effects is excessive sweating. Until I get off my anti-depressants, I will have to continue to take potassium pills.
Related Reading: MRI