Thank you ALL for your prayers and kind words!! Fortunately my pulse slowly decreased to my normal resting rate of 52 beat per minute, which is set by my pacemaker. They didn’t find any reason to keep me and (based on my strongly expressed preference NOT to stay overnight for observation) they discharged me. I just got home. I have no idea what caused the symptoms while at mass tonight but it made me examine my conscience, get to confession and get anointed. That’s never a bad thing! And I realized I really am at peace. I have literally been faced with death several times now due to serious health problems. Just a couple years ago, I would have been a mental basket case full of anxiety over this episode. Now I am … not. I have no fear of living longer or of dying, I just want whatever is God’s Will, and I offer it all up daily that all my family may be saved.
I totally understand this. But we can't spare you. I am praying hard that it is nothing. This is the best and safest place to be--in the will of God.
Praying all is resolved and healed! Your attitude is great and what we all should have regarding being ready to go.
Praying for you today Brian. I would assume that they tested your potassium level, yes? We need all the prayer warriors we can get right now.
Yes, it was right in the middle of the normal potassium range, thankfully. In fact all my tests were normal, except some slightly elevated kidney function tests and some chronic lung problems on chest X-ray, which I already knew about.
In spite of your problems, I love hearing how you keep yourself busy. Dear Lady, wrap Brian in your Mantle of Maternal Protection!
John, I’m not in health care but I know that high potassium can increase the pulse rate, too low is not good either. It’s best to talk to your GP.
The most common side effect of low potassium is leg cramps. Decent summary article: https://www.verywellhealth.com/low-potassium-symptoms-5271580
Thanks Brian Ive been a long term sufferer of horrendous leg cramps which I've mentioned before.. Thanks Carol Ive a review appointment on the 10th with my GP
I know magnesium can help with leg cramping. It has helped me. But I am glad you are getting your potassium levels checked.
Ask them to check all your electrolytes. The most common cause of electrolyte related leg cramps is low calcium but low potassium and magnesium can do it too. Years ago my father in law was having trouble with chronic leg cramps and when he finally mentioned it I got him some chocolate/ caramel calcium chews and they literally went away overnight. Plus they were like eating candy on the advice of a doctor. Win/win! Until you see your GP, take a bottle of Gatorade or an over the counter potassium supplement each day to see if the cramps improve. Gatorade has a very low dose of potassium. Or eat potassium rich foods like spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, bananas, and avocado. It can’t hurt you and it might help.
