Potassium results

[RickHow]

I get my blood tested every 3 weeks by my oncologist before treatment. (had kidney cancer which was removed, including kidney, but it came back in my pelvis). Thankfully everything remains constant. The Creatinine has remained at 1.6 (not bad for one kidney) for months. Sometimes an odd drop to 1.5, but right back to 1.6. But I got a surprise this last time. My Potassium jumped up to 5.2 (.2 above "normal"). The oncologist did not even mention it, I read the results myself when I got home. I do get a fluctuation in potassium readings usually. One week 4.4, then 4.9, then back to 4.3, etc. All other kidney "markers" remain in good normal range. due to the cancer treatments I have to take stool softeners and Miralax daily. I wonder if this is the cause of the Potassium results as they route "water" to your colon and via kidney. Any thoughts?

[Bassetmommer]

Geeze Rick, Everything I read, and I read Evidence based journals, say it can cause hypokalemia, low potassium. My potassium fluctuates as well. It was as high as 5.7 ( before I saw a nephrologist) and as low as 4.1, again long ago and it was due to a drug I was on. It normally is higher (5.2 or .2) in the summer when I eat a lot of fresh salad but runs now pretty close to 5. or 4.9

[RickHow in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks. A bit reassuring that you too experience 5.2. I will see what it is next test in 2 weeks. I'll let you know.

[Nikjik]

ACE inhibitors blood pressure medicine raises potassium levels in blood.