I've been lurking here for a while and am impressed with the kindness and knowledge of the people here. I've been trying to figure out some moderate neuro symptoms I've been having. My doctor's been mostly unhelpful, except to run blood tests over and over again... the only thing notable was that my blood potassium and magnesium were slightly below normal range. 6 months of potassium and mag supplements and the numbers have come up but the symptoms haven't changed much. I don't want to write a long discourse of all my symptoms, but I have three sort of unrelated questions maybe someone could give input on...

Could low potassium levels over many years (like 8 or 9...) cause permanent nervous system damage?

Would the muscle weakness or atrophy found in ALS or similar conditions be resistant to exercise? Would a person continue to grow weaker even if they're working out? I'm taking some comfort in the fact that despite occasional perceptions of weakness, I've been doing push-ups and other exercises the past few months and am regularly increasing the number I can do.

Could Sjogrens exist despite normal salivary output? It's been suggested I might have Sjogrens...

Thanks so much!
Dave

Welcome to NT! You've found a wonderful place for support, understanding and valuable information.

I'm sorry for the reason which brings you here tho.
Here's the link to get you to the ALS forum. I noticed it isn't very active as of late, but at the top of the page there is some good info in the 'Sticky' section.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum6.html

Or, better yet, check out our very active peripheral neuropathy forum
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=20

It is FULL of good info, especially at the top where it centers in on supplements, etc. MrsD, who knows alot about supplements will see your inquiry re: potassium & magnesium and give you some good insite. You'd be amazed at how many neuro issues have a direct connection with supplements

I hope you begin to get answers soon
It's great to have you!

Caring,
Rae

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

I think if you suspect low potassium for a long period of time, and you eat normally... I'd look to the kidneys. There are conditions of the kidney that waste potassium thru the urine. You can get tested for this.

Another loss can occur from the bowel. Frequent loose stools or diarrhea will cause potassium to be lost. This is because in the upper colon potassium is pumped into the bowel, and then slowly reabsorbed, as the body needs it. This mechanism levels out the blood levels, when dietary excess occurs. (not that common).
So increased loose stools will waste your potassium.

I can't really respond to the ALS question, as I am not trained in its symptomatology.

You could ask the Sjogren's question on our PN forum. Some posters there are very up on the testing etc. I do know from reading their posts that Sjogren's is very difficult to diagnose and because of this complete diagnosis is sometimes fugitive.

Our PN forum:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=20

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help.

There are great number and caring fellow members here to assist you. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene