High potassium / flare up

[Pink75928]

Hello. I think I have my GP and rheumy nurse a heart attack this week. On Friday I had about 7 missed calls from my GP. I couldn’t get back through to speak to someone so called the rheumy nurses. She said after my recent blood test I had high potassium and my CRP and ESR were practically double the highest they’d ever been. I said I’d had my booster that week, and she said although it might cause some levels to spike she wouldn’t expect that much. Plus, I am walking with a stick at the moment as my feet and ankles are the worst they’ve ever been. So all seems like a huge flare to me. Not sure where the high potassium comes into it, but the nurse has asked for a repeat blood tests and has advised it might be a hospital stay if it doesn’t come down. Should I be worried?

[Stats12]

Oh bless you pet, I don’t have a clue about your blood results but I’d say you need to rest and get your bloods done again asap.

Sending hugs 🤗🤗🥰 xx

[Pink75928 in reply to Stats12]

Thank you. I really struggle with resting. I’m a single mum with two daughters. They’re 20 and 15 so pretty self sufficient but I still get the mum guilt. Plus my dad died recently and I’ve done a lot of running around for that. I think today needs to be a sofa day. One more week at work and then I’m off for Christmas thank goodness xx

[Stats12 in reply to Pink75928]

I know what you mean, my kids are 36 and 31 and I still do stuff for them 🤪 and do lots for my grandchildren. Sorry about your Dad, all the running around and stress of losing him may have brought on your flare 🤗😢 have you had your bloods done again yet or do you have to wait til Monday?

I’ve got 2 more weeks at work then off for a week 👏🏼👏🏼 Working from home at the mo though 🙄

Take care Pink and hope you get sorted soon xx

[Pink75928 in reply to Stats12]

Thank you. I’m working from home too. I work in accounts and we’re not collecting from now until the new year so should be an easy week!

[Marionfromhappydays]

Alot of the time a high potassium can be due to analytical things (ie if sample has been hanging around for a while before it reached the lab, or if the red cells break open in blood sample potassium leaks out and you get a fake high potassium).

It's important to get a repeat done ASAP because if it is a true high potassium you will need medical attention quickly.

I use to work in a lab doing these tests and a high potassium always needs a repeat to rule out a false high x

Great they are looking after you, hope everything turn out OK x

[Pink75928 in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Thank you for that. It has reassured me. I have a blood test tomorrow and then again Saturday if needed. Keeping everything crossed it is a false positive.

[medway-lady in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Yes I was called into trauma but was feeling great and the blood vial was not shaken I think it was. But my GP did sound relived when I answered the phone and not dead. xx

[Stats12 in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Excellent update, useful to know thanks Huney xx

[medway-lady]

I had a panic call a few years ago pack a bag and report to so and so ward for a repeat blood test. In fact I remember when the GP rang his first question was are you alright ?. He then said according to my blood test I was dead! or it might be that the blood vial had not be shaken and so had clotted in the tube. So off I trotted and a few hours later yes the blood was fine and so was I. So don't panic these things do happen but also be careful too and take it easy for the day. If it was really awful I'd have thought you'd have been found a bed. So try not to worry too much although that is easier said than done. x Its the potassium that was the problem in my case as I did not have RA back then. But no idea why it causes issues.

[Pink75928 in reply to medway-lady]

I have to admit. I do feel pretty ill but I think that’s probably more the arthritis flare. Hopefully this is just a coincidence. The rheumy nurse has brought forward my next appointment with the consultant. I’m guess the MTX probably isn’t working as well as they hoped as there’s been no reduction in my inflammation markers. Going to watch some rubbish channel 5 Christmas films xxx

[nomoreheels in reply to Pink75928]

The Grinch is on this afternoon. Tree decorated so that's me sorted, choc & hot choc. 😜

[Pink75928 in reply to nomoreheels]

That sounds perfect. My daughter has asked to pop to B&M so I’m going to take her and sit in Starbucks while she shops and then she’s going to cook dinner for us all.

[nomoreheels in reply to Pink75928]

Sounds ideal. Enjoy the break from cooking & enjoy your meal. What is she planning?

[Pink75928 in reply to nomoreheels]

Chicken pie and vegetables x

[nomoreheels in reply to Pink75928]

Lovely. I'm sure it will be yum.

[medway-lady in reply to Pink75928]

There was one on yesterday on BBC with David Tennant in it is so funny. I also have been enjoying Lost in Space on Netflix.

[Wobbies]

I got sent to A & E with a high potassium level. However, when they repeated the test, it was within normal limits, Apparently a very temperamental test. Mine was due to the phlebotomist asking me to make a fist, they thought, so I now only go to one that I know does not ask you to do that and gets it first time, every time. However, it is really scary, but try not to panic. x

[Pink75928 in reply to Wobbies]

I’m reassured they didn’t send me to A&E. Although the GP called at 7pm on Friday night but I missed the call. I will phone them tomorrow as I am worried. You’ve all reassured me though xx

[Kags1068]

Hi there!

I'm sorry to hear you are in this worrying situation.

This has happened to me several times over the years now, most recently a couple of weeks ago. On one occasion it happened on a blood test for a pre-op and the pre-op nurse was going to cancel the op until I contacted the surgeon who realised it was most likely a false high reading and thankfully gave the go ahead.

Every time it's happened I've hadto have the repeat test and so far, thankfully, every time it's been ok. Like others I have also been told it's a blood test that can easily be spoilt/contaminated so a false high reading can happen quite often. I can't remember if I've read it, or was told, that it's also more common in people with RA.

Fingers crossed that's what's happened in your case. I hope your repeat blood test will be completely normal xx

[Pink75928 in reply to Kags1068]

Thank you. This is really reassuring xx

[Kags1068 in reply to Pink75928]

I'm glad you feel re-assurred. These things can give you a hell of a scare!Take care xx