I've never posted here - but I'm a IBS LIFER. I was always IBS-C until a massive antibiotic dose years ago - manageable until COVID. then full blown hell on wheels IBS = DDDDDDDDDDDD
COVID wrecked my stomach - I had intense - stomach flu like - diarrhea for 2 years. Some days better than others but never ever a solid poo. Nope. I've REALLY struggled with a myriad of symptoms post COVID - dizziness, histamine issues, etc. So my docs have been hyper focused on that.
I've tried so many meds to remedy MCAS and "long covid" but no doctor has said - 2 years, probably we need to do a full electrolyte panel and stop this diarrhea. And I've been a walking dead person through most of it.
My last two Potassium tests have been on the low end - not sure what the exact numbers were - but docs were never concerned - I've learned not to trust the "normal" ranges.
Two weeks ago I started CAREFULLY upping my potassium dose, then added calcium, then sodium - also magnesium (orotate and threonate are only ones i can tolerate) -- + a new probiotic -- and within 7 days - my symptoms have reduced by 60% and I'm legit back to IBS C -- which I'll take any day of the week.
I was struggling to get through the day 3 weeks ago- would sleep for 24 hours strait every weekend, was having chest pain, severe light headedness, out of breath walking up the stairs, muscle twitches, horrible aches and pains.
I know it sounds severe but when you've been really sick and so foggy for 3 years the alarms just stop going off - but i've been terrified and miserable.
But knock on wood - I am feeling like myself, truly, I'd forgotten. I am actually laughing, having desires for life, food, maybe a beach trip at some point. Anything other than the couch and my weighted blanket is progress.
I see a new doc next week and would love to know if anyone has had a similar experience.
I'm a bit nervous about what severe electrolyte imbalances could've done and want to do my best to understand what's going on and make sure I don't end up there again and do more research before I see the doc and get more testing done. I have nerve damage, eye problems and have felt close to a seizure several times. But I was just so exhausted - I almost stopped caring.
I won't go down doctors are idiots rabbit hole for not checking BASIC nutrients. but I've seen SO MANY who don't even consider it.
I'd love to hear from any of you who know more than I do or have experienced SEVERE DEHYDRATION.
Maybe COVID kicked off the D and most of the symptoms I'm experiencing are really from lack of minerals/nutrients. I also know it's very difficult to get an accurate potassium read from a blood test.
I always research before I see a new doc just in case. I'm always shocked at what they don't know.
TIA brave souls - this has been one big cluster. I live alone 50% - 50% with my son so it's been tough to manage solo. My family checked out years ago and i think most of my friends at this point think I'm a hypochondriac.
I went from being hyper Type A to barely leaving the house. Don't want to get my hopes up but this is the most intense improvement I've had in years. Having a non specific blanket diagnosis with no real treatment has been a repeating purgatory hell scape.
OK!!