I have been having quite a bit of right shoulder and arm pain. I went to the ER on Wednesday and had an EKG to make sure that I didn't have anything going on with my heart. The ER doctor said everything was fine. However, today I went to my PCP to further evaluate the shoulder pain. He told me that my EKG was not normal. There was no sinus rythym to be seen and there were definate interval changes since I had an earlier EKG. So, I am off to the cardiologists on February 22, probably to get a halter monitor. It was also discovered that my potassium is low. Now, I do know that potassium regulates the heart, so a low potassium can cause you to have an abnormal EKG. I had repeat blood work drawn today so we will see what the results say.

I wonder if the low potassium is due to the malabsorbtion properties of the bypass surgery? My PCP didn't know the answer to that question. Also, I am wondering if my not taking my sythroid has anything to do with the arrythmia. My PCP also ordered a TSH test so we will see what those results are. I do have these episodes of heart flutters (that's what they feel like to me). I just thought that maybe it was something that I ate not agreeing with me. I guess I will see what the halter monitor shows.

Has anyone had any experience with anything like this? I am a little more than a bit concerned.

As for my shoulder pain, the doctor doesn't know what that is from either. I have an appointment with the orthopedic doctor on Friday. We will see what comes from that as well. Hugs.

I am sorry I can't be of much help here...but wanted to let you know that we will be praying for you...

Take care of yourself, and post what is going on when you know please.

Sharon,
As you know I have had my share of health issues and yes this has happened to me. In November and December I had to have numerous tests on both my heart and brain. During a ER visit they said my EKG was abnormal and that I needed to followup with a Cardiologist and my neurologist. What I thought was headaches and tingeling feeling in extremities turned out to be small strokes. When they did the lad work they found my all my totals were out of wack and now I have to work on gettinng things back in line.
Because of the malabsorbstion issue we need to watch the types of medicines, vitamins and minerals we take because some counter act with others. Some cause others to be flushed through our system before we get the benifits and even some foods delete the benifits we should be getting.
Anyway The Cardio dr found my potassium and magnesium were low and I need to take 400 mg of mag oxide and eat a bananna in the morning aand take my vits and minerals 1/2 hour apart and eat a good protien rich breakfast. He also suggested B12 shots over any sublig. B12.
I hope this helps.
Pat

Sorry I cant answer your question just wanted to give you my support and let you know that your in my prayers .....sending you million and billion of hugs, prayers and good juju....keep us posted...hugs

Sharon,
I hope everything goes well for you at The Dr's and it is something easily correctable like eating a banana!

First, let me say that I am thinking nothing but positive thoughts for you. Big hugs from me to you.

Now, potassium is something that I always am concerned with, as every now and again, I'll get some major leg cramps. When I was in the hospital after my WLS, my potassium dropped and I had to have it put through my IV. Let me tell you, that was torture. The thing is, I didn't feel crampy at all when I was low. So it makes me wonder just how low I am when I do have the muscle issues. This is why I like to drink the Atkins RTD...there is quite a bit of potassium in that shake. V-8 also has a fair amount.

Again, more love from me!

Sharon, the only experience I have with this goes back to when I was caring for my Dad. That summer I went to Mexico, he got his meds all messed up. He was afraid of potassium for some reason and let it get really low. Really low. He passed out and ended up for 5 days in the ICU. The symptoms were exactly like a stroke.

In your case the blood work should tell the story and you're getting it taken care of before it's too low. I'll be following your story closely, so I hope that you'll post updates when you can.

hugs.

Sharon,

I've said a prayer that the docs will find the problem & prescribe whatever you need to correct it. Also, that God will protect you through this.

Jeanie