Mother-in-law with EDS has very low Potassium readings

[liverish]

We thought Mum had dementia and the EDS (diagnosed) means she lives with pain and is unsteady. It just transpired that she has had a long term kidney infection and really low Potassium and has been hospitalised and put on a drip for this twice this week, its possible that this and not just the EDS has caused her symptoms, including the memory issues/confusion. Any experiences with EDS and its effects on Potassium levels, or sensitivity to these levels would be great. I also read that some say that the symptoms of EDS can be treated as a nutritional deficiency and supplements like Vitamin K, Vitamin C and D should be taken - can anyone suggest a regime that would help? I'm new to this forum for EDS but use HU for my own health issues and have always found the information and support of the community phenomenal, any help will be gratefully received!

[Blearyeyed]

Vitamin and mineral supplementation and good hydration are key parts of the Self Care for EDS.A combination of age and the kidney infection will be the primary causes for your Mother's potassium deficiency.

But there is research and discussion about how EDS sufferers commonly have low or deficient levels of vitamins and minerals , particularly Vitamin B12 , Vitamin D , Iron , Folates , Magnesium and can often have salt imbalances ( sodium or potassium) that add to symptoms like dizziness , brain fog , memory loss , loss of balance and coordination and thinking skills.

They also contribute more to the pain and Fatigue, slower healing and low immunity , numbness and nerve issues.

Part of the reason people with EDS can have lower vitamin levels than the general population is because of the EDS effect on our connective tissue. It can cause digestive problems and lower absorption of nutrients from food and supplements.

Another reason is the amount of stress and injuries our bodies endure. When the mind and body is injured or feels under attack the defense system washes the body with the nutrients that are needed for protection and repair. This can happen many times a day for a person with EDS. It's a double whammy on our nutrient levels and general health.

Many EDS sufferers also suffer from P.O.T.S which often requires an increase in salt intake and water because of the way it effects the autonomic nervous system. Others can have chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and chronic migraines as a comorbidity.

Again, these conditions have been researched to show that they are made worse by low nutrient levels and sufferers often have vitamin and mineral deficiencies despite a good diet making researchers consider that there are possible metabolic dysfunction issues linked to them , similar to those that can occur with a connective tissue disorder like EDS.

Improving nutrition and hydration is vital then to reduce our symptoms and prevent severe issues , especially as we get older. But EDS is a life condition , there isn't a cure , so any sort of treatment , either medical or through good self care , including gentle exercise , CBT or relaxation , is there to help manage our conditions and help reduce injuries rather than something that will reverse our EDS or treat it for good.

Getting your Mother's vitamin and mineral levels and full blood count checked regularly will help you keep vitamin related symptoms from getting worse for any condition she has.

Vitamin B 12 and Folate tests are particularly important. If you Mother has not had these for sometime as these nutrients can cause severe mental and physical symptoms on their own if you are low or deficient in them , similar to those of salt imbalance , and they can reduce how much we absorb from food and medications.

Most tests can be repeated every three to six months. Although, vitamin D can only be tested on the NHS once a year. Some nutrients can't be tested for as standard like vitamin K2 , selenium, Vitamin C and Omega 3 but they are also beneficial.

Your Mother should get kidney panel tests done every month at first until the GP is sure the potassium and sodium levels remain balanced then every three months afterwards.

In fact better vitamin and mineral intake is a good preventative care decision for people without chronic health problems too.

It is better to take the majority of your vitamins , folate and iron after the fattiest meals of the day with some vitamin C to improve how much you absorb.

Vitamin B12 is better taken separately with plenty of water after a snack or meal containing no vitamin C.

Although a combined vitamin and mineral is a good start , many of the vitamins listed above are improved by taking an additional dose each day separately.

Better you does a spray of vitamin D and K2 , and a Magnesium spray with a subtle minty taste that is recommended and would be easier for you mother to take.

She may find an occasional Electrolyte drink helpful too , which she may be offered after her hospital treatment or the sachets can be purchased and drank once a week.

If you Mother needs extra B 12 she may receive injections but if her levels are in range you can get liquid forms of Folates and B vitamins which are easier to take.

I hope she feels better very soon and take care of yourself too, Bee