I, myself experienced this paralysis several times. You will experience muscle pains before the actual attack will happen. You cannot move your arms, legs and body even you can’t stand for a wee unless someone will help and carry you.
Idiopathic Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis is when the level of potassium in your blood is low. I often experienced this paralysis when I take too much of Carbohydrates and fatigue. They said it triggers when you take high sodium content meals or even being excited which I am always like.
It was dinner time and my mum cooked mixed veggies, I ate lots of rice cos I skipped lunch. It was okay after the meal but when I woke up the next morning I am completely paralysed. I cannot stand, lift a spoon, fix my hair or even wipe my tears cos of too much nervousness if I will die or be paralysed forever. I woke up the next day much better but pains on my muscles remained with lots of questions playing on my mind why I experienced that kind of paralysis. It then happened all over again ’till I finally figure the reasons why after I went to see a specialist last Oct 2010.
Few questions were asked and answered till he said I maybe having this kind of paralysis. To make it sure he then subjected me into sodium-potassium laboratory test. When the result came out, my potassium is low 2.82mmol/L (normal value is from 3.5-5.1mmol/L) while my sodium is 142.7mmol/L (normal value is from 136-145mmol/L) which is normal. The doctor confirmed that I have IDIOPATHIC HYPOKALEMIC PARALYSIS and explained to me why it happens to me and can cause life threatening problems like CARDIAC ARREST or even death. He prescribed KALIUM DURULE for 4 days and 2 bananas that I will take after each meal. After the 4 days of taking the prescribed medicine and following the experts advice, I underwent another laboratory test again on potassium and it came back to normal value of 3.59mmol/L.
I still experience some signs of IHKP sometimes but I am much aware now that this kind of illness needs attention. This can threaten life and can lead to death if it gets too bad so take actions as much as I can to prevent me from getting down again.
We must be so aware about our health because we only live once so lets make it perfect and memorable. As much as possible take the opportunity to live healthy and safe from diseases and illnesses. It’s always been said PREVENTION is better than CURE.
LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST PEOPLE!
indeed right!! we only lived once so make it to the fullest and at least eat healthy and exercise!! regular full body check ups as well really help a lot!! never mind spending a lot for a good health and long life rather than not knowing that your in a serious health problem. good luck to you dear!! keep safe and healthy! xx god bless!
that’s scary! eto na ba ang message for me to continue eating healthy?!! lapse time today – ate junk! namiss ko e hehe – bad!
take care!!!
Thank you, Gemma. Yeah scary nga so watch out sa mga potassium nyo. Tnx for the visit!
scary ha. i agree, prevention is better than cure. good thing that we love banana.
Seeing a doctor once in a while really helps…Hope you’ll get over it soon. Just take extra precautions in what you eat next time.
too much can really do bad on our health, get well and be better
Yes, this is indeed scary. Everyone should be aware of this. Eating a banana a day could solve the problem. Thanks for this informative medical bulletin.
omg that’s real scary, but thank you for letting us know about this. we need to be always careful with our health.
thanks for sharing this post Novie! Glad to know I won’t be suffering or there is a slight chance I will experience the paralysis because I have too much potassium in my body. but of course, i have a different set of health to dos!
I only live with 1 rule in my life when it comes to my health. Everything sobra and everything kulang is bad. But still, I’m stubborn and I always touch the boundaries.
My sister went through the same exact condition once before and it really scared us all to death. After that incident just like you she became more watchful now of what she eats.
when that happens to me, i eat bananas and drink gatorade and double my dosage of vitamin b complex. =)
naku this is a bit scary. I would always want to have a healthier lifestyle so I won’t be having the risk of these kind of diseases. I still love life and an active me
we usually advise patients to never omit banana in their meals..it is rich in potassium..
..but in worse condition, potassium supplements are prescribed.
I have my maintenance and every time I feel the symptoms then I immediately take one tablet.
I had a hard time standing up and walking last year. Nowadays minsan na lang, so I just take my meds na lang kapag umaatake.
You also experiencing this? Nakaka takot girl no?
yes, we should definitely be careful. i am glad you are better now.