[Liz Mann]

Hi Guys,~~has anybody here heard of PN being caused by the lack of potassium,its just something im looking into before I seek Neuro no.3.So if you can help me it would be great thanks in advance.~~~.Liz.M.from.Oz.

[dahlek]

I can only suggest that you do a 'web' of 'potassium deficiency' and read what's out there to determine if things 'click'.
Problem with this all is that there are a lot, LOT of well, less than reputable sites there when I did a search. While some have merit? Many propose that 'doing it a certain way', meaning: following my 'recipe' will cure you. That is usually not the case?
Have you had, recently a blood test called a 'full metabolic profile'? That is the test that tells ME at least, that I've not, or, enough calcium, thiamine, B-vites, and magnesium, plus the slew of other things we need to exist, and ideally properly.
I also suggest that you read this article:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/980215ap/poncelet.html
I have found it to be the best, most clearly put, outline of how a doctor decides what else to test for. Essentially why they decide to go so far, and no further. Sad but true it is that many docs do not go that extra mile to find out further-or, rule out further other causes. But, lots of those 'others' are presented/put out in this article.
Yes, it IS like learning a different language! Essentially because it IS! Keep in mind, tho, when dealing with the squirrelley variables we all have in PN issues, and all the variables that can and do come into play-that it IS up to us to learn this language? I know I'm not language proficient, nor have an ability to deal with it. But I've wrestled with that and the chemistry aspects simply because I means getting treated and getting a life or not! That's great motivation in my book.
Hugs and hope! Don't be afraid to ask questions tho...none are too silly or stupid. I for one, have had far more than my share of "HUH?" moments, we all do, at times others here can put things in more simple words that make sense than I can.
Have faith - j
's

[daniella]

I am not sure but agree with dahlek. You have to ask sometimes for certain things tested in your blood work. I found that out a few times. Do you have a gp or other doc you see reg that could order this even if you call and ask over the phone if you were just there? If you do this then you may want to look at some other possibilites too for blood work.Like I had a doc also do some auto immune issues the b vitamin level so on. Good luck on your choice. I also wonder do you have cramping?This is going to sound stupid but I either had an iron issue or pottasium. This was 10 years ago and 19 so can't remember but anyhow I felt like I got hit by a bus and they gave me meds and it really helped for that issue but a blood work should tell. Good luck I know how the neuro and many doc opinions can get. Its hard to know what to do.

[shiney sue]

I would think with eating disorder ,you would be having cramping from
lost of Potassium...hugs Sue

[glenntaj]

--for optimal nerve and muscle function. Potassium is needed to "re-polarize" the nerve cells after action potentials travel down them--it functions to restore the neuron's resting state after the nerve cell "fires"--so an absence of potassium--in medical terms, hypokelemia--can result in abnormal nerve function and random, erratic nerve firing.

Most people with true hypokalemia, though, report more muscle symptoms than neural ones--not that the two aren't related, but muscle weakness and cramping, including of the gastrointentinal tract, are more likely to result than pain or tingling. (What sort of neuropathy symptoms do you have?)

Take a look at:

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic273.htm

[RLuckyL]

Not sure this applies here or not but sometimes we over look the fact that it is a balance of things that can be the problem where one thing is normal but it's counterpart is high or low as in L-lysine and L-arginine.

Potassium's counterpart is sodium but also Calcium is said to have the potential to help regulate body's use of Potassium and Sodium.

Ron

[mrsD]

Causes:

kidney malfunctions--loss from the kidney

excess diarrhea/loose stools

poor diet

improper testing (many potassium tests are done wrong--give false test results)

genetic conditions (familial paralysis)

Use of herbs/drugs that deplete potassium. Specifically most diuretics, steroids, hormones, some long term antibiotics

Normally the body conserves and handles potassium well. Any consistent low readings in testings, reflect something serious.