Visit to my PA, and finally, some answer

[draperygoddess]

Went to see my PA for a routine checkup, and she told me we were going to get me well. She ran all sorts of tests: EKG, food allergy panel, celiac test. Today she called with the results. Surprise, surprise! I'm allergic to eggs. All this time I thought eggs weren't the problem, because I tested negative at Enterolab. I realize that there's a big difference between allergy and intolerance, I just assumed I would test negative. She also said my potassium is high,
Probably due to the D. So it's not the answer I was expecting, but at least it's something!

[Lesley]

Well, congratulations! Your PCP sounds lovely - Willing to work with you.
So maybe, once you cut out eggs and bring down your potassium you will be FINE!
Here's holding thumbs!!!!

[draperygoddess]

Okay, so how do you lower your potassium? Doc has put me on Bentyl, which is not stopping the D but has gotten me down to only 2-3 BMs each day. I hesitate to take the Immodium because I don't like the way it makes me feel, but it is always my backup if things get out of hand.

[JFR]

I once tested allergic to eggs but ignored the test results. My enterolab tests also showed antibodies to eggs so I eliminated them 8 months ago. Eggs often made me slightly nauseous but somehow until the Enterolab results I never totally eliminated them. Along with other things I am sure it has helped. I hope this is the answer for you.

I don't know anything about high potassium levels but I found this info:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency ... 001179.htm

Jean

[tex]

Cynthia,

The EnteroLab test only tests for antibodies to the primary protein in egg whites, since that's the most common problem. You may be sensitive to the protein in the yolks, or one of the minor proteins in egg whites.

A hi potassium level is not a common issue. Normally, with D, your potassium level should be on the low side. As Jean suggested, if I were in that situation I would ask my doctor to check out my kidney function markers, to make sure that my kidneys were working properly.

Tex

[gluten]

Hi, Years ago when I was taking a thiazide and inderal for hypertension ny potassium dropped way below the reference range. They called in a script for a potassium supplement because of possible damage to the heart. No, wonder I would cramp up so bad I could not walk. The heart would compromise the muscles to take the potassium it needed to keep beating. Two months after taking trace minerals the meds were dropped. The question I have is how long was it low and what kind of permanent damage did it cause to my muscles. Jon

[Gayle]

First thing I would do regarding that elevated Potassium would be to request they re-check the level that they reported out. --IOW, check for lab error. If a second report comes back still elevated, recommend going back to Doc quickly for them to look at kidney function. An elevated Potassium level = Not to mess around with.

Gayle

[Gabes-Apg]

i totally agree with Gayle, retest to ensure the results are correct, and if there is an issue have some blood /urine checks to look at your kidney function.

i know that you are waiting for health coverage to kick in, but have the retest as soon as you can.

[draperygoddess]

I'm supposed to go back to retest in two weeks. They did take a urine sample--wouldn't they have known if there was blood in it?

[Gabes-Apg]

blood in the urine is only one indicator for poor kidney function.

[Gayle]

Our kidneys are very busy organs. They filter waste products from the blood, produce urine maintaining normal fluid balance, maintain electrolyte levels, as well as regulate blood pressure. Abnormal values found in the blood panel are indicative of something amiss in the kidney’s filtration system and say something about the filtration function capabilities. Blood in the urine would usually be a result of a kidney infection -- or trauma, – rather than a problem with the filtration system.

Also, different labs can have slightly different value parameters for Potassium. I'm assuming that your elevated potassium report was measured against that labs normal parameters?

IMHO, an abnormal electrolyte report merits a second look, and a little more consideration.

Stay cool,
Gayle

[mbeezie]

Cynthia,

Glad you finally figure out culprit. Hopefully that will translate into some improvement for you.

Hopefully this is the cause of the high potassium

Sometimes, a high potassium count is the result of falsely elevated laboratory test, most frequently due to the rupture of red blood cells (called hemolysis) in the test sample either during or immediately after taking the blood. Hemolysis may occur due to rough handling during the blood draw or of the tube of blood before it is analyzed and does not accurately reflect the level of potassium in the body. Simply repeating the blood draw will most likely show a normal result.

If you are concerned about the potassium you could stay away from high potassium sources in the meantime:

Tomatoes and tomato products, such as tomato juice, tomato soup, and tomato sauce; Nuts and seeds; Raisins, prunes, and other dried fruits; Potatoes; Legumes, including peas, lima beans, baked beans, pinto beans, soybeans, and lentils; Plantains; Spinach; Papayas ; Bananas; Milk and many dairy products, including milk shakes, cheese, and yogurt; Brussels sprouts; Orange juice; Broccoli; Oranges; Melons; Squash and other deep yellow vegetables. Fish, many fortified breakfast cereals (especially bran cereals), and other products made with 100% whole grain wheat flour (such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, or oatmeal) are also good sources of potassium.

Take care,

Mary Beth