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Diarrhea, Low Potassium, Took 10 MEq Along With Banana And Baked Potato. Chances Of Bad Reaction?

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Posted on Sun, 10 Jun 2012
Question: I have been dealing with diarrhea and i had some low potassium. my potassium was at 3.7 last time i checked but the doctor wanted me to stay on the klor-con m 10 meq for awhile.

I took it tonight and i didn't think about it but i had eaten several bananas and a baked potato today and was worried i may get to much at one time? My blood pressure is ok... it doesnt say extended release so does that mean it goes in all at once? what are the chances of a really bad reaction? i dont have renal failure but have been sick for a long time and dont want anything else to happen. I am 34 years old, feamale, 165 pounds, and my diahrea slowed this morning, i had an almost formed stool this morning, but had a bad bout of diarrhea again tonight.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Tauseef (28 minutes later)
Hello XXXXXXX

Thank you for the Query.

I Would like to know few more things which would help me in suggesting you better:

1.) Do you have fever?
2.) Did you have any episodes of vomiting?

Your History seems to be fine except Anxiety. The Normal Potassium Levels is between 3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L and the cause for low potassium in your case is Diarrohea.

Your can take the Potassium medicine as directed by your Doctor and go for regular follow up. There are no chances of any really bad reaction. Until you complete the medicine stop taking Baked Potatoes and Bananas, you can start taking potassium diet after you are done with the medicine. Just relax and stop worrying.

If Diarrhea is not subsiding, speak to your doctor and get a stool culture done to rule out a infection and you will require antibiotics then.

Follow these lifestyle modifications,

1.) Eat healthy nutritious balanced diet which should include fresh fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables.
2.) Drink plenty of water.
3.) Get adequate rest, avoid stress, practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
4.) Avoid smoking and alcohol.
5.) Stick to your treatment plan and go for regular follow up.


Hope I have answered your Query, I will be available to answer your follow up Queries.

Wish you Good Health.

Take Care.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Tauseef.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Tauseef (35 minutes later)
I did have a slight fever some occasonal vomiting and an elevated whote blood cell count.. they could not find the reson for the bleed or for the diarrhea.. stool cultures were good.. just inflamation and alot of diarrhea. I had a colonoscopy too. Yes I admit i am very anxious because I have been sick for so long and I just want it to stop. Honestley I think the nexium might be causing the diarrhea after looking at the side effects. I have been on it for 3 years and believe it is causing absorbson problems and diarrhea..

So I should just go to sleep and not worry that I just blasted my body with to much potassium?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mohammed Tauseef (28 minutes later)
Hello XXXXXXX

Thank you for Writing back to me.

Neksium is known to cause Diarrhea but it may not be the cause in your case and your History suggests it to be Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

What does your Colonoscopy report suggest and what was your Doctor advice on that?

Kindly get yourself examined by a Gastroenterologist so that he/she may examine you and suggest few tests like,

1.) Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.
2.) Repeat colonoscopy
3.) CT Scan
4.) Blood Work.

to rule out the cause for your symptoms so that necessary treatment could be initiated at the earliest. Once confirmed, the treatment involves, IBS medications, Antibiotics, eliminating high gas foods and fiber XXXXXXX foods and anti diarrheals. Your treating Doctor will know better.

Regarding High potassium diet, kindly don't worry about that, just follow the advice given by me earlier, and see your doctor if you happen to experience Nausea, weakness, irregular heart beats or palpitation.

Wish you Good Health.

Take Care.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Tauseef.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika
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Answered by
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Dr. Mohammed Tauseef

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 1337 Questions

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Diarrhea, Low Potassium, Took 10 MEq Along With Banana And Baked Potato. Chances Of Bad Reaction?

Hello XXXXXXX

Thank you for the Query.

I Would like to know few more things which would help me in suggesting you better:

1.) Do you have fever?
2.) Did you have any episodes of vomiting?

Your History seems to be fine except Anxiety. The Normal Potassium Levels is between 3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L and the cause for low potassium in your case is Diarrohea.

Your can take the Potassium medicine as directed by your Doctor and go for regular follow up. There are no chances of any really bad reaction. Until you complete the medicine stop taking Baked Potatoes and Bananas, you can start taking potassium diet after you are done with the medicine. Just relax and stop worrying.

If Diarrhea is not subsiding, speak to your doctor and get a stool culture done to rule out a infection and you will require antibiotics then.

Follow these lifestyle modifications,

1.) Eat healthy nutritious balanced diet which should include fresh fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables.
2.) Drink plenty of water.
3.) Get adequate rest, avoid stress, practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
4.) Avoid smoking and alcohol.
5.) Stick to your treatment plan and go for regular follow up.


Hope I have answered your Query, I will be available to answer your follow up Queries.

Wish you Good Health.

Take Care.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Tauseef.