I WENT TO MY DOCTOR BECAUSE I WAS FEELING A TINGLING/NUMBNESS IN MY HANDS AND FEET AT NIGHT.  I AM NOW TAKING POTASSIUM PILLS BECAUSE MY LEVEL WAS 2.6. I AM SCHEDULED FOR MAJOR SURGERY (HYSTERECTOMY) IN 4 WEEKS.  MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS USUALLY ON THE HIGH SIDE AND I TAKE MEDICATION FOR IT ALTHOUGH SO FAR IT IS NOT PREDICTABLE.  I AM 51 YEARS OLD.  HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY POTASSIUM LEVEL TO NORMAL?  WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE THIS SURGERY?
Hi, Thanks for asking. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.1. Potassium levels will improve with potassium pills. 2. Four weeks are adequate for it to improve. But control of blood pressure is essential. Potassium levels improvement along with medications will be helpful. If you are still on any diuretic, then it needs to be changed with beta blockers or ACE inhibitors.3. Yes, you can have surgery. If potassium level still falls, then slow potassium infusion can be taken. Also get calcium levels checked. It B12 supplements will also be necessary for tingling and numbness. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.