High potassium levels.

[Maggiemae58]

I take Methotrexate 25mg per week. Does this affect anyone’s potassium levels?

[Wobbies]

Sorry no answer to it but I am interested in your post as I have high potassium levels and am on methotrexate. They are always at the top of normal and sometimes over.

[Doughnut61]

I had this twice, ask nurse to loosen the tourniquet once needle in vein, since doing this mine have been normal 👏🏻 Apparently you can get false readings if tourniquet is to tight 🙏🏻

[Maggiemae58 in reply to Doughnut61]

This is interesting because the tourniquet is always so tight I can hardly stand it. So yes I will mention that next time I get my blood drawn. Thank you

[Marionfromhappydays]

Kidney function is a big part of potassium regulation, when you take methatrexate your kidney function is closely monitored because it can irritate them sometimes.

There are so many reasons why someone might get a high potassium, and not all of them are because of the person (if your blood sample has been sat around too long it can cause a false high potassium for example).

A true high potassium is a medical emergency and they would be doing something about it (there's a distinct cut off on reference range where potassium is considered high) if it was significant.

Does it worry you ? If so defo chat to your Dr, but GPs would be really hot on high potassium plus they would be phoned by the labs if it was a high one (I use to work in lab and make these calls to GPs), so your GP would be getting in contact if they thought you were hyperkalemic.

[Wobbies in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Yes I have been phoned and sent to A & E by GP because of potassium level once. Mind you told me to drive there even though he told me I was at risk of a heart attack. 🤣🤣

[Marionfromhappydays in reply to Wobbies]

🥺

Hope they gave you an explanation of why it was raised, all very stressful I bet x

[Wobbies in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Oddly I did not find it stressful as I never believed the GP. When I got to the hospital, they took another blood sample and it was OK at the top of the range. The original phlebotomist had made me squeeze a ball which I think ruined the test. Only my theory but I have avoided that phlebotomist ever since. The most annoying thing was it was a dark wet Friday evening and I live 25 miles from A & E so not a great way to spend a Friday evening. However, I should be grateful he was on the ball. x

[Marionfromhappydays in reply to Wobbies]

Well glad it turned out ok, 25 miles though 🥺

[Maggiemae58 in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Thank you Marion for your information and time . My kidney functions are always normal and I’ve cut out potassium rich foods. The last 4 times my blood was drawn it’s above the normal range. A bit frustrating as my Doctor doesn’t seem concerned.