High Potassium - Off Spiro

[Dana_W]

So... I got my latest blood test from my doctor. My actual appointment isn't until this Friday, but she had her office call me this morning and tell me my potassium levels are elevated, so I need to stop taking Spiro immediately. That means 4-5 days of no T-blockers. I'm still on my full dose of estrogen, but, umm...

I've been on spiro for about 1 1/2 years by now. I haven't had T within me going about unmolested since then. I don't WANT any T running around all free range inside me ever again. Heck, I'd be happy to have the nasty T-generating appendages lopped off, but I'm trying to be a good patient and follow the proper steps.

I have these nasty visions of hair sprouting up all over my body within the next few days. I know this is not a rational fear but... it's not pretend just because I'm making it sound funny. Anyone care to talk me down from this current panic?

[Janet_Girl]

Breath Diana, In thru the nose, out thru the mouth.  And again.  And again.

There is a residual effect from any medication.  And it would take a while for the twins to begin re-manufacturing the dread T again.  You should be fine till Friday.  Maybe she will order something else that does not raise the potassium.

[Flan]

sucks but beats having a CV event
stay groovy

[rejennyrated]

Time for Androcur then... (AKA Cyproterone-Acetate) It's an alternative T blocker.

The only thing is, from what I've read, most people can only take androcur for about two or three years before it starts to wreck your liver. So I would start saving for that SRS pretty darn quick.

I am so glad that I never had to use T blockers. 

[Hannah]

Ya know, circulating levels of stuff goes up and down pretty quickly. You could have been mildly dehydrated, have eaten some candy, maybe had some dark greens days before that would explain the elevated levels. I hate the way doctors so casually throw around the d/c instructions, sometimes it doesn't seem like they realize what they are telling us to do. I'd keep taking it and get retested.

[Suzy]

So sorry to hear that.  I have been told that is one of the dangers of Spiro but have not had that problem with it myself.  Please let us know what they say on Thursday.

Hugs,

Kristi

[vanna]

dont worry diana

once down T is very well regulated by Estrogen, well depending on the deliverly method ofcourse but a few days are a drop in the ocean for you so dont let the fear get to you..."hug"

Androcur isnt available in the US jenny, it is a euro blocker, the FDA have never passed it.

[Dana_W]

Thanks for the encouragement, all. I'm a little calmer now. Day 2. No extra hair sprouting up yet. 

There's no way I can afford SRS any time soon. I am planning to ask my doctor about getting an orchi, however. If there's long term risks to the hormone medication, I want to go after the source.

[girl_ashley]

Androcur isnt available in the US jenny, it is a euro blocker, the FDA have never passed it.

Which really sucks since Cyproterone Acetate is a much better anti-androgen than Spironolactone.  Taking Cyproterone Acetate long enough can induce chemical castration (though, I do not know how long they say it would take for chemical castration to begin, but am sure it would be different for every body).