Internal bleeding & high potassium?

[millervanilla]

Hi lovely people, I haven't posted on here yet but reading about all of your experiences has been somewhat reassuring and comforting knowing that none of us are alone in our journeys with liver disease so I thank you for sharing with us.

I lost my partner last month at the age of 46 from ALD (I can only assume), the cause of death was cited as bleeding esophageal varicies. Whilst in A&E the Doctor came to see me and said that it wasn't looking good, he had internal bleeding and his potassium level was very high. On the only two previous occasions he was admitted, he had vomited blood and subsequently had varicies banded. He did not vomit any blood at home this time and his symptoms were different than before; his breathing was shallow although he wasn't in distress initially but then showed signs of paranoia, hearing things that weren't there, hallucinating and had clenched fists and possible muscle cramping.

I am not questioning the cause of death but high potassium levels seemed to be a significant factor from the Doctors perspective and this is something that I have not read about before.

I guess my question is does anyone know what the significance of high potassium levels is? They tried (on his heart I assume) for 1hr 20mins but couldn't save him. He also wasn't having regular medical reviews and assessments so I feel a little in the dark.

I'm sorry for the long post and thank anyone in advance for their input xx

[AyrshireK]

Sorry to hear of your loss.

High potassium levels are often a factor in acute kidney failure, sadly at the end of life with liver disease it tends to occur due to multiple organ failure which would no doubt explain the high potassium.

It sounds as though he also had the signs and symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy which is when there is toxin build up in the blood and thence to the brain (liver is no longer filtering out toxins). This causes mind altering symptoms plus rigors in the hands etc.

Sadly, death from liver disease isn't (as many have witnessed) a nice way to go.

Thoughts with you.

Katie

[millervanilla in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Katie, I had been researching HE also because he had been having some restless nights and was sleep talking a lot more than normal. I agree that some of the symptoms he had before the ambulance came could well have been associated with HE. There didn't seem to be any other symptoms associated with kidney problems prior to his admission to hospital so this has come as a real shock. I understand the process though, it just happened so quickly at the end which I hope meant that he was not in pain for any prolonged time. Thank you again Katie, you seem to be an extremely knowledgeable lady and a wonderful wife, your Husband is so very fortunate to have you and I wish you both well xx

[Yuiop]

So sorry for your loss. My hubby had high potassium and couldn’t speak properly because of it, he was one of the lucky people. Hugs

Agnes

[millervanilla in reply to Yuiop]

Thank you Agnes, I guess it's easier to understand when you are given the information to work with. Take good care of each other xx

[Wass71 in reply to millervanilla]

Hi, I'm very sorry to hear such sad news. If you feel you would like more information about what happened to your partner, you can arrange an appointment with his consultant.

If you explain via the secretary that you feel confused as to exactly what happened they will usually make time to go over the notes and test results with you.

Potassium affects the blood pressure/ heart. So as Katie says as the liver fails it causes other organs to fail. This is how my sister died, bleeding caused further strain on her kidneys, lungs, toxins caused brain issues and finally her heart gave in.

I hope you get a chance to understand what happened, and you feel able to grieve your loss.

Wishing you well for the future.

I hope you have plenty of support.

Best wishes

X

[millervanilla in reply to Wass71]

Thank you Wass71 and I am so sorry for your loss also under similar circumstances. This forum has such great support made possible from people like you. Take care and I will give some thought to contacting the hospital to make an appointment xx

[mncold]

Hi millervanilla,

So very sorry for the loss of your partner.

My husband has ALD, but does get his every 6 month visits with his liver doctor and our GP also does blood work when the hubby has issues that bring him to the GP, not to mention he has me to nag him if I'm worried.

I am sorry your partner was not getting regular medical visits.

We have recently been to 2 different doctors - his liver doctor in January and a VA visit for his annual check up. They pay attention to all his blood work especially potassium and sodium since he has high blood pressure and those meds can mess up potassium & sodium levels and when these go out of whack it can cause the body to shut down.

I know this is something we, whose partners have liver disease, worry about. I woke my husband last nite because we shoveled snow yesterday and when I came to bed he was sleeping deeply [actually good for him], but unusual and I had to wake him to make sure he was ok. Silly of me, but usually he moves more. So yes, we understand why you want to understand better.

I agree with Wass71, a call to the doctor's office to ask them for more information on what happened might help you.

Again, deepest sympathy and best wishes to you in the future.

Mary

[millervanilla in reply to mncold]

Thank you Mary for your time and reply, and yes I totally understand the worry side of things as those we love so very dearly. Take good care of yourselves xx

[mncold in reply to millervanilla]

Please, millervanilla, you take good care of yourself, also!

And thank you for your good wishes.

Mary