Raised potassium

[Wendykim58]

Just wondering if anyone has had problems with raised potassium? Is it connected to having an MPN?

[Hidden]

HI Wendy, how high is your potassium? One test I had my potassium was a couple of points high, but hadn't been since. My sodium was slightly high a couple of tests ago. Was told I could be slightly dehydrated. So before my last blood test I drank a couple of bottle's of h20, and what do you know all good.

"my GFR had actually improved as well! My hematologist did tell me our potassium can be up in the blood sample. Mine is due to my large platelet's. I have ET.

Regards Lyn

[JSKly]

Raised potassium can be related to your MPN. I've had a few occasions when blood tests have shown high readings and worried technicians. In my case it was the way the bloods were read. If I remember rightly the counts needed to be read by hand. I e think this false spike happens when platelets are high. Talk to your hem and don't have treatment for it until a specialist has seen you. Many GPS don't know this false reading occurs.

[Wendykim58 in reply to JSKly]

Hi Lyn, thanks for your reply, this time last year I was feeling poorly and had blood tests, potassium was 5.2, a week ago had routine cholesterol and diabetes blood test which were fine but was told my posstasium was raised 5.4, have an appointment next week to see GP, I was just curious to see if it was anything to do with my MPN, diagnosed in January this year!

[Wendykim58 in reply to JSKly]

Thank you jSKly for your reply, very interesting and informative, seeing GP and have questions to ask as it was raised last year and a bit higher this year, I don't like to blame everything on my MPN, but was curious to see if anyone else had this problem.

[nivana]

Yes I had it for the first time 3 years ago - nearly ended up in hospital, but managed to get it down. I am careful not to eat too many things that are high in potassium. I am sure it is to do with our illness/medication. One of the men in this group also had the same problem and I am sure he ended up in hospital. Take care and hope your level comes down quickly.

[Wendykim58 in reply to nivana]

Thank you for your reply navana, I to try not to eat food which is high in potassium, I have a few questions to ask my GP next week at my appointment, I will mention it to my haematologist in January.

[TrickyDicky]

Hi Wendy

I recently had a high potassium level and the haem said it was likely to be related to the condition. My bloods were retested and the level came down again. Your haem or doctor will want to recheck your bloods if above a certain level just to make sure that it does come down.

[Wendykim58 in reply to TrickyDicky]

Thank you TrickyDicky for your comment, will speak to my GP/consultant! It's good to have input from others and is much appreciated!

[Beartime]

Hi

Yes, I was diagnosed as having ET following spiralling potassium levels. My GP had taken repeated bloods & after 3 tests within one week I was admitted into MAU & discharged with medication to lower potassium levels. I quickly saw a Haematologist who diagnosed ET & straight away took me off the treatment. My bloods were retaken using a specific syringe. The haematologist explained that they were false readings due to my high platelet levels.

I hope this helps.

[Wendykim58 in reply to Beartime]

Hello Beartime, thank you, yes your comment has helped, I first had raised potassium a month before my diagnoses in January this year, very interesting and thanks once again !

[fernie]

Hi Wendykim58, I've also got raised potassium 5.8 and also sodium is high. It's been like that for the last two set of blood tests. I have raised platelets at 900, but haven't been diagnosed with an MPN as such. I just take aspirin. I'm feeling fine.