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!
