Since the removal of my bowel I've always been told that the absorption of nutrients and essential minerals etc, is by the small intestine, hence why my weight increases after a UC flare up or Surgery.
So why is my potassium low ?
Last time, it was my iron, then folic acid both tablets were prescribed.
My diet hasn't changed, I eat absolutely anything and everything.
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My potassium is so chronically and dangerously low with my pouch, despite a potassium-rich diet, that my GI eventually sent me to a nephrologist to make sure nothing else was going on. The nephrologist ran some tests and concluded it's a function of rapid transit time and diarrhea. Are either of those ongoing problems for you?
I have to mix several potassium packets into drinks every day to maintain an acceptable level. It's annoying, but a lot less annoying than trips to the hospital for fluids.
I wouldn't say I have a fast transit time, few hours between BM, on average 3 to 4, sometimes 5 BM per, not every day it varies so much, output is loose but not what I consider diarrhoea.
I consume as much fluids as possible and also, maybe twice per week, I make a rehydration solution, which is meant to replenish lost electrolytes.
Other than the odd banana here and there and a baked potatoe, I don't consume a potassium enriched diet, maybe I should.
What is your recipe for the rehydration solution?
Some of us probably overhydrate, and (like diarrhea) that can wash potassium out of the body, at least if it exits through the pouch. It’s better to drink too much fluid than too little, but a few more bananas now and then would probably clear it up.
During my recovery I drank a lot of homemade soup, bone broth, and miso soup. You can buy powdered miso in small packets or miso paste from any health food store or any Asian grocery store (probably less expensive). Miso has a high sodium content so it might help with any dehydration problems. Added some cooked rice and chicken, wilted spinach, and that was a good soft meal.
Other than the rehydration solution I can't be bothered making special meals, too much hassle, I just eat anything and everything, always have done, although now I"m aware of the symptoms of low potassium and how similar such symptoms are to dehydration or lacking iron, then I'll remember to eat a banana every day
I don't ever recall low potassium or folic acid during my 20 odd years with UC, even during flare ups; nor with the ileostomy.
Such issues have occurred since the creation of my J pouch, the j pouch is somehow causing such deficiencies ?
I was never advised to consume more fluids, even though I complained of fatigue, I wasn't even aware that fluids are absorbed within the colon.
All of which only became apparent due to many episodes of dehydration and admission into hospital, whilst awaiting takedown.
Despite what fluids I drink, I wasn't absorbing enough due to what remained of small intestine, I guess similar must be occuring now but this time, it's potassium.
Other than consuming more fluids, I'm still toild it's still not enough, my diet remains pretty much the same as always.
strange posted:Point I was attempting to make: I don't ever recall being diagnosed with low potassium or folic acid during my 20 odd years with UC, even during flare ups; nor during the 9 years I had the ileostomy, only such issues have occurred during the last 4 years, since the creation of my J pouch, therefore, the j pouch is somehow causing such deficiencies ?
Potassium deficiency is quite common with IBD (and with ileostomy, as well); going 20 years without encountering it, even during flareups, is impressive. Is it possible you had these deficiencies at other times in the past and either the proper tests weren't run or you weren't informed of the results? It's concerning that you were left in the dark for so many years about these basic fluid issues even as you suffered symptoms that could've been directly related to them. Do you currently have a doctor you trust, who you can discuss this with? There might be things about your case that make it unique from the rest of us, that only a clinician can put into perspective for you.
