Raised potassium

[Mitziecat]

Hi.

Hope you are all doing ok. I have just had my monthly blood tests and know that my cholesterol has increased since my pmr diagnosis. However was told today that my potassium was raised and sent for an urgent retest at the hospital. I was told that it could just be that the previous sample was left too long before it was analysed. I am hoping that the repeat is ok. Has anyone come across this and what was the outcome?

I have also have very cold feet. Have always had poor circulation but noticed my feet are colder than usual, plus a return of hot flushes.

Trying not to stress about it but not easy.

[Hidden]

Hi

Yes I had the same and it had been left too long or something. Apparently happens quite a lot. Hope yours is the same.

[Mitziecat in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Thank you for your reply. The phlebotomist explained all the possible reasons and I had most of them. Also had some trouble getting the sample. Not had the result of second test yet but hoping all ok

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Yes, if the blood was left a bit too long or in too warm temperatures the potassium leaks from the red blood cells into the plasma (the clear fluid when blood is spun in a centrifuge).

Pred tends to raise cholesterol. Hot flushes aren't unusual. Strange your feet are cold - or are you also on BP medication?

[Mitziecat in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro

I have always had cold hands and feet but have really felt it lately. I know the weather has been cold but I wear thermal socks. I am on BP medication and also eye droos for glaucoma but have been on those for some time. I have mentioned it to my GP and will again when I get the result of my blood test. My feet was warm when I was on a higher dose of pred.

[GinnyMa]

This is familiar as it happened to me also. And as Poopadoop and PMRpro have said...the sample can't be left too long before analyzed or even given a bumpy ride to the lab. I had to be retested twice as my doctor was panicking. I read that it helps if you don't close your fist while the blood is being drawn.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to GinnyMa]

Even the phlebotomist mixing it too hard can do it!!!!

[Mitziecat in reply to PMRpro]

Sound like I shouldn’t worry. i don’t have any alarming symptoms but GP wanted it retested as it was in the high zone. Will let you know the result when I get it.

[Mitziecat in reply to GinnyMa]

Hi and thanks for your reply. Yes I think all of those things were done. I had the first test at my GP surgery but was sent to the hospital for the retest.