potassium problem

I have had my colon removed, and I do not absorb potassium. I take 120kgs per day by mouth. I am ofter in atrial fibrilation due to the imbalance of potassium. I have had 2 ablations. The first one worked for 2 years, and the second, not at all. My doctor is recommending a pacemaker. I know I need potassium whenever I go into a-fib. Their isn't a home test for potassium. I am very nervous about getting the pm, but I hardly leave my house in fear of going into a-fib. The doctor suggest that the a-fib would stop, and I could get potassium tested weekly. Any comments on this would be appreciated.

3 Comments

perhaps wrong abbreviation

by kathykat11 - 2011-09-13 08:09:50

120 kgs is 264.pounds of potassium, perhaps you meant meq or milli equivalents. I take 40 meq because I take 80 mg lasix. If I have to take more lasix then I take 1 meq for every 2 mg. I have been taking some form of diuretic since I was 18 so my doctor just keeps my prescriptions up to date since it is on an as needed basis. I hope that you had the abbreviation wrong i wouldn't even want to think about taking that amount of anything and Potassium is probably the last supplement I waould want o do in that amount.
Best,
Kathykat11

Potassium

by Roys - 2011-09-13 09:09:57

Hi
Do you mean 120mg or 120g. I have a PM for A- fib, the Dr said it had a 30% chance of it stopping A-Fib. It has worked for me so far, now one year. i also take 500mg of Magnesium and 1200mg of Potassium each day. Hope this is some help, but i don't have the problem you have. Best of luck
Cheers
Roy

potassium problem

by watersl - 2011-09-14 01:09:06

I did mean 120 MEQ of Potassium Chlor ER tabs. If I don't take at least that amount I go into A-Fib. I am on Diltiazem and Multaq to help with the irregular and fast heartbeat. My blood pressure is all over the place, depending on my A-Fib. I am dissapointed in one of the comments by Roy saying his doctor said it was a 30% chance of success. What happens if it isn't successful? Once you have a pm, you can't go back. I am so nervous about the procedure not working. At least now, I have some periods of regular heartrate. Several doctors are saying pacemaker, but I am still nervous about not really knowing what will happen based on my inability to absorb potassium. I am confused!!!

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