01 April 2009

Living with Electrolyte Imbalance

Wednesday, April 01, 2009
You might have noticed that I was off blogging for a couple of days because I was not feeling well. Let me share some notes about electrolyte imbalance. I hope this will help you to prevent or cope with the same situation, although my knowledge about this is also still minim. Any new information would be highly appreciated.

I think my first serious encounter with this medical condition was last year. I had not been well for several days when my mother came over and asked me to help change a printer cartridge. I was about to put the new cartridge in place when my right hand suddenly became numb and I lost the grip. This incident was really terrifying for me since I thought it was a stroke. But medical test results showed that it was an electrolyte imbalance caused by the dropping level of potassium or also known hypokalemia. Permanent hypothyroidism after giving birth has been assumed as one of the main triggers, along with some bad eating habits. I do forget or skip on eating schedules when caught up in tight activities.

Anyway, the effects of this electrolyte imbalance on me lead to fatigue, weakness, cramp/numbness at my hands or legs and constipation. I usually eat chocolate or bananas to upgrade my potassium levels again or in more severe cases like last week depend on an IV supplementation.

5 appreciated note(s):

Huzhar said...

So informative! Glad you get well already..

Anonymous said...

They had to give you an IV? My goodness, Rosidah, you take care of yourself & be careful!!! God Bless!

Suzanne Casamento said...

Yikes! Sounds scary. I hope you're feeling better. : )

Vicky said...

sorry to hear that you have not been well.eat regularly and a balance diet is important to stay healthy. Take care dear!

Lilli & Nevada said...

So glad that you are feeling better, i have not heard of this before.I also have a thyroid problem so i am a little familiar with that.