Fatigue and high potassium levels

[mjrminor]

I had a ton of blood tests last week alongside my quarterly routine dmard tests, as I've been feeling really unwell lately - loads of fatigue, palpitations and shortness of breath. All the test results just came back normal except for my potassium levels, which are showing as a bit high.

I've made another GP appointment even though the receptionist says no follow up necessary because I'm still experiencing the same symptoms and feeling generally terrible.

I'm really confused what the problem could be as they tested for anaemia, vitamin D, liver function, you name it. I haven't seen the test results myself and am only going by what the GP receptionist told me. I keep wondering if this has been caused by a change in meds, as all through January I had to take non gastro-resistant sulfasalazine instead of my regular gastro-resistant due to a shortage. My symptoms have only grown worse since then. But obviously I'm not a doctor.

Has anyone experienced anything like this before? I can't see a GP until Monday and the fatigue is really getting to me.

[Hidden]

hello , fatigue can be a huge issue with RA and therefore it can be with or without meds for the RA. I had the faitgue before the MTX and it is not getting any better lately. You have to rest, you have to understand that there will be no miracle cure to it. It could be you are in a flare therefore more fatigue.

A lot of us get this and it is a HUGE factor and one that takes time to get your head round- I am still struggling after 6months that it wont go away!

Speak to your rheumy team too as they will understand as people on here do too!

I take lots of minerals and vits etc which my rheumy team know about but so far nothing seems to help even sleep.

I cant speak from the other side ie coming through fatigue and out the other end as not got to that point.

[mjrminor in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Deeb2908. I thought that I was flaring but apparently my inflammation markers are normal. I'm going to call the rheumatology helpline and see if I can talk to someone. It's all a bit overwhelming at the moment.

[helixhelix]

If the rest of your blood results were fine, especially kidney function, then it could just be a botched test. It happens.

But shortness of breath needs attention so good that you are seeing GP. Were your glucose levels included in the test?

[mjrminor in reply to helixhelix]

Hi helixhelix. I'm not sure if glucose was tested this time around. I'm usually tested once a year as there's diabetes on my dad's side of the family, and my levels have always been normal.

[Hidden]

I am a newly diagnosed RA and six weeks into taking hydroxycloroquine - and have just be knocked sideways with your same tsunmai of fatigue, some palpitations and shortness of breath. I think mine is caused by being over active when I feel tired and I am now paying the price. It feels like a bad case of flu that will not go away. This group has been such a help in giving me an insight into how others go through the same symptoms but it still stresses me out that I feel so ill. I wonder if that is your cause also - exhaustion and stress? Also after afterthought have you considered celiac testing? Luckily I'm seeing my Rheumatologist this week and am going to ask for that test. Hope you get some answers. If you do, please share with us.

[mjrminor in reply to Hidden]

Hi Iklebit2. I also take hyrdoxychloroquine along with the sulfasalazine. I've been on that combination for two years now - even went into remission in the first year for about three months before slipping back out again. I felt awful in those first couple of months of taking the drugs but if memory serves correct I started to feel a lot better after around month 3. Hope you're feeling better soon and the drugs kick in.

I've already been tested for celiac and was negaive. As for stress/exhaustion, it's possible. Hopefully the GP will be able to shed some light. I'll definitely share if I get some answers.

[Thingybob]

A bit left field but .... respectfully and kindly .... could it be the stress of coping with RD ? I had the same symptoms a while ago and put it down to RD, but I believe the fatigue , palpitations and breathlessness was also anxiety, stress and panic related. Stress will out physically even when we are not aware that we are stressed. Sending good wishes

[mjrminor in reply to Thingybob]

Hi Thingybob. It's always a possibility. I used to suffer from panic attacks in my twenties but this feels different. Like one minute I'll be working at the computer and the next I don't have the energy to hold up my head and have to lie down. I'll wait to see what the GP says when I see him, but like you say, stress and overwhelm can come out physically.

[Thingybob in reply to mjrminor]

Hope the gp visit goes well. 🙂

[mjrminor in reply to Thingybob]

Thank you.

[nomoreheels]

I'd have done just the same, make an appointment with my GP. The Receptionist can only read blood tests, she can’t do any more than you can & you can't be sure it's a GP who has said no follow up & not her interpretation. The symptoms you described could be caused by hyperkalaemia, so I'd be wanting to have my GP check me over & get his opinion.

Let us know how you get on.

[mjrminor in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks nomoreheels. This is what I'm thinking too. Guess I'll have to take it very easy and wait until Monday when I see him.

[nomoreheels in reply to mjrminor]

Yes, please do.

[Monkeysmum]

Hi there. Just wanted to add that if you haven’t had it tested already it might be worth checking your B12 levels? I was experiencing fatigue so bad last summer/ autumn and after much ‘to’ing and ‘fro’ing with the GP, I eventually discovered I was deficient in both Vit D and Vit B12. I do get fatigue normally anyway with RD and also the meds, but I was convinced this was something different as it felt like complete physical weakness, and the only time I have felt something similar in the past was when I had iron deficiency anaemia. I have been taking supplements since October, and although it is slow going, and I still have fatigue from the disease, I do feel I am growing physically stronger. So just wanted to say, if your instincts are telling you there is something else going on, keep pushing for answers.

[mjrminor in reply to Monkeysmum]

Thanks Monkeysmum. I'm not sure if they tested for B12 in the bunch of tests they did last week. I'll make a note and ask at my GP appointment next week. Great to hear you're growing stronger with the supplements.