HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Low Potassium Level?

My foot surgery was cancelled because my potassium level was 2.8. After being a potassium cl 20meq ( 3 per day) for 48hrs my level went to 3.1 the next 3 days I was told to take 3 per day and now have a level of 3.1 Doctor now tells me to take 5 pills a day. My question is this- is 5 pills a days too many. Also my I was told to stop taking my water pill as I do take a blood pressure pill , my concern is , this could cause other problems. what do you think
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
Report Abuse
Orthopaedic Surgeon 's  Response
A decrease in Potassium levels is seen when you lose a lot of water from the body.Let it be in the form of Diarrhea,vomiting or excess urine loss by a diuretic (water pill).
A loss of excess potassium would sometimes cause muscle cramps and may provoke arrhythmias in the heart,however, you are improving as 3.1 is not extremely bad.
4 pills a day ought to do the trick and kindly add additional Potassium power to you diet by eating Dates and drinking Coconut water.You would be fine in a week Godwilling and Good Luck with your Surgery.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Low Potassium Level?

A decrease in Potassium levels is seen when you lose a lot of water from the body.Let it be in the form of Diarrhea,vomiting or excess urine loss by a diuretic (water pill). A loss of excess potassium would sometimes cause muscle cramps and may provoke arrhythmias in the heart,however, you are improving as 3.1 is not extremely bad. 4 pills a day ought to do the trick and kindly add additional Potassium power to you diet by eating Dates and drinking Coconut water.You would be fine in a week Godwilling and Good Luck with your Surgery.