I'm definitely more of a lurker but I really need some advice.
So, I've talked to my GP about transitioning and she referred me to a doctor. The problem is he's booked out for almost two and a half months. So I went to Planned Parenthood. I knew they were an informed consent provider of HRT. I've been seeing a therapist and all that, I just didn't want to wait that long to get started. So I went in a little over a week ago. We went over everything and they did blood work to test my levels and stuff.
So they call me a couple days ago and told me there were abnormalities in my results. My potassium was at 5.5, should be lower than 5, and my fasting blood sugar was 114, should be lower than 100. I don't have any symptoms of high potassium or blood sugars.
I have another appointment with my GP in a little over a week so I'll definitely discuss that with her. But I was wondering if anyone here had ever dealt with high potassium and the best way to lower it. I've read a little online but I was just wanting to get some feedback from you lovely people.
I hope I posted this in the right place!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hi Gloria,
Your blood sugar is only a little higher than they would like to see. A normal person will have a fasting BS of between 70 and 120. They may consider you to be pre-diabetic and that can usually be fairly easily controlled by watching your diet a little. Cut back a little on carbs cutting back on sweets. Losing weight can help if you have some to lose and getting a little more exercise. I am a diabetic and anything below 140 is considered okay for me. I consider 110 to be good for me. I check mine 3 times a day and it can vary widely depending what I've eaten and how long it's been since I last ate.
Potassium is a concern if you are going to be on Spironolactone because it is a potassium sparing diuretic. Meaning that it helps retain potassium.
Here is what the Mayo Clinic says about potassium
QuotePotassium is a chemical that is critical to the function of nerve and muscle cells, including those in your heart. Your blood potassium level is normally 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Having a blood potassium level higher than 6.0 mmol/L can be dangerous and usually requires immediate treatment.
Of course you do want to consult with your doctor and make them aware of these test results so they can decide it anything needs to be addressed with them.
I hope this helped you.
Hugs,
Laurie
Do you use a salt substitute (like "No Salt")? If you do that could be your problem. Most people that have high blood pressure are told to quit adding salt (sodium chloride) or use a salt substitute. Salt substitutes still taste like salt because of the chloride part. They are typically potassium chloride. Just a thought, not sure if this applies.
Please be very careful with high potassium , I just went thru something with spironolactone the doctor immediately did blood tests for the potassium level and did an EKG. My levels were lucky for me still good at 4.5 .
She told me that when potassium gets to 6 they hospitalize you immediately . When it gets to 7 your heart stops and can be lower than that depending on age and health.
Im not trying to scare you just want you to be fully aware of the risk with high potassium levels
Paige
You need to verify that you aren't eating something high in Potassium. In the normal diet, Bananas, Orange juice and potatoes are the primary source. Sports drinks and anything that says low sodium are also possible. Get a food value book or an app for your phone so you can check anything you regularly consume. After you do this for a while you will know what you have to watch your intake on and what you can eat freely.
Quote from: Dena on February 04, 2018, 10:20:05 AM
You need to verify that you aren't eating something high in Potassium. In the normal diet, Bananas, Orange juice and potatoes are the primary source. Sports drinks and anything that says low sodium are also possible. Get a food value book or an app for your phone so you can check anything you regularly consume. After you do this for a while you will know what you have to watch your intake on and what you can eat freely.
I do eat a lot of bananas, oranges (not so much orange juice) and I eat a lot of potatoes. I'm gonna try cutting down/off those foods and have my GP recheck my levels.
It worries me about the potassium because I know the dangers. Plus, I'm so ready to start HRT and this is really bothering me. I was so excited to start and now this. I feel like I'll never get started.
Are there other drugs besides Spiro that doesn't raise potassium?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
There are other drugs however they have other side effect or are very expensive. Spiro even with it's side effects may have fewer serious issues that other blocker medications.
Injectable bio-identical estrogen alone has been know to replace spiro satisfactorily for many members of this site, myself included.
It might be worth giving it a try just to see how you feel on this HRT regimen.
And yes, there are other anti-androgens discussed at length in other threads on Susans. As well as the surgical option of orchietomy which is a simple surgery and provides total and permanant androgen suppression completely naturally. It wouldn't hurt to ask your care providers at PP about this option.
There is also finasteride which suppresses DHT a form of testosterone and suppresses male libido among some cisgender men who take it. It also promotes scalp hair growth and reduces male pattern baldness. It's also dirt cheap.
Congratulations on getting started on HRT. You're going to love it.
The Potassium is a little high and your diet may not help. I would just check your fluid intake.
I would make sure you drink water, cut out the sugar drinks or fruit juices. Basically water and cut out processed drinks.
Quote from: Janes Groove on February 05, 2018, 11:26:01 PM
Injectable bio-identical estrogen alone has been know to replace spiro satisfactorily for many members of this site, myself included.
It might be worth giving it a try just to see how you feel on this HRT regimen.
And yes, there are other anti-androgens discussed at length in other threads on Susans. As well as the surgical option of orchietomy which is a simple surgery and provides total and permanant androgen suppression completely naturally. It wouldn't hurt to ask your care providers at PP about this option.
There is also finasteride which suppresses DHT a form of testosterone and suppresses male libido among some cisgender men who take it. It also promotes scalp hair growth and reduces male pattern baldness. It's also dirt cheap.
Congratulations on getting started on HRT. You're going to love it.
Thank you so much for this info. I'm gonna take it to my dr and see what she thinks.
I have actually been thinking about an orchiectomy. My insurance will pay for it. So that may be the way I go.
Thanks again!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
don't trust your potato chips, if you eat any. My wife had high potassium and got all worried. Just to find out that her favorite snack had like 10 times the daily allowance :P
Quote from: Cindy on February 06, 2018, 02:06:31 AM
The Potassium is a little high and your diet may not help. I would just check your fluid intake.
I would make sure you drink water, cut out the sugar drinks or fruit juices. Basically water and cut out processed drinks.
I am guilty of not drinking as much water as I should. I also drink more sodas than water. So I'm gonna try to just drink water and see if that helps.
I'm just so ready to get started and this damn potassium is causing me problems with that.
Thank you!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: Faith on February 06, 2018, 10:14:41 AM
don't trust your potato chips, if you eat any. My wife had high potassium and got all worried. Just to find out that her favorite snack had like 10 times the daily allowance :P
Hmmm, I do love my chips. I need to check the bag and see how much is in them!
Thank you for that!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk