Potassium chloride test

[Chrissypoo]

Anyone out there ever get the potassium chloride test? Also, has anyone had their doctor tell them to avaid potassium-rich foods (e.g., banana)?

[MelanieJ]

Chrissy,
I had the potassium sensitivity test done a couple of years ago. I found it much less traumatic than a hydro. I did have pain/discomfort upon instillation of the potassium (not excruciating, though) but they were very careful to rinse me out thoroughly and then instill some lidocaine to help with discomfort. I had several hours of absolutely no symptoms with that lidocaine - it was wonderful! And finally, between my test results and considering all other factors (reaction to meds, symptoms, medical history, etc) I was diagnosed with IC.

Dr. Lowell Parsons, a big wig IC researcher, has discussed avoiding foods high in potassium as they could be potential triggers. I believe Bev Laumann's IC diet book discusses it as well. However, I have found that I don't have problems with potassium-rich foods. I can eat a banana even in my worst flare with no ill effect. We can all be so different in our various symptoms, food sensitivities and reaction to meds. You'll have to try for yourself to see what you can and can't tolerate.

Good luck!
Melanie J.

[Lu P]

Hi,
I had to pass up a Potassium Chloride test cause
I read in my "FOOD ADDITIVES" book that Potassium
Chloride is (crystalline, ordorless powder with a salty taste. A yeast food used in brewing and fermentation in jelling. Small intestinal ulcers may occur with oral administration. Large doses cause gastrointestinal irritation, purging, weakness) etc. I suffer from yeast imbalance so for me it might not be the right thing to use.
I haven't got to the part of Potassium Chloride in
the book so when I know more I will pass it on.
Thanks for listening.
lu

[ICNDonna]

When they do a potassium test, you do not ingest and digest it. It is instilled into the bladder, then washed out. If it is painful, it is considered to be a sign of IC.

Donna

[Lu P]

If I ingest it by mouth or my tube in the urethra
isn't still tender tissue and very susceptible to irritation and or ulceration. Especially that I suffer from yeast imbalance.
All I really wanted was that they put a scope in the urethra to look see if I had a growth or cancer or any thing else, but to blow gas and or air, I will pass for now, or until something else is available.
I have been able to control the condition with vitamins, excercise and my diet.
I fear meds cause if you numb the pain you don't know how it really is and when you try to stop the meds, OH HELL!!!
Don't get me wrong I believe in meds when it is really needed, but I pray to God to give me strength!
Take care all in what every you and your doctor decide.

[Chrissypoo]

Thanks for all the repsonses! I asked about the Potassium Chloride test as my doc mentioned he wanted it done - but then scheduled me to go for DMSO Tx - so I need to talk to him again as I thought he wanted to have the Potassium test BEFORE the DMSO Tx so as to help with pinning down a certain Dx of IC - or at least give an idea of a level of intolerance . . .

I'm not sure if potassium bothers me as I'm newly Dx'd, etc - not really wanting to try something like a banana - but I will try soon so I may not have to miss out!

Have great weekend!

[Briana]

When I mentioned my recurring UTI/PID-like symptoms to my health care provider, but tests came back negative, she scheduled me for a potassium chloride test. She instilled a number of different solutions into my bladder and all I felt like was "I have to pee" [img]rolleyes.gif[/img] until she put that potassium chloride in there -- ouch, ouch, ouch!! <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[cussing]" /> On the other hand, I have no problems with bananas, so go figure. Perhaps because I don't eat them in huge quantities.
If you haven't already had it, good luck with the test. If you have, I hope it went well.

[inpain2]

If I get the potassium test with Cysto, does that mean I'm awake for both of them? I think I might have to contact my uro's office because I am still unclear about what I've been told. I am unclear because I was in the office for a while and I am so frustrated with this problem.

I thought I was getting a cysto and hydro and getting the general anaesthetic. But, now I mailed someone and they think it sounds like I'm getting the potassium test. Therefore, I'm wondering if I'll be awake for that and the cysto. The last time I had a cysto, it was way too painful and I think the last uro who did it was incompetent. I don't how he could have done a thorough examination with me moving around. Anyway, can anyone tell me what I can do about all this? I don't want to be awake for any other cystos and the last one worsened my symptoms.

I also posted this concern to the Canada IC board.

[ICNDonna]

If you're not clear on what procedure is scheduled for you, I recommend a phone call to your uro's office. I'm sure they will be happy to answer your question.

Sending healing thoughts,
Donna

[Dianna Maddison]

I too had the potassium test immediately before a cystoscopy. I was in the operating room and everything was set to give me the general anesthesia. However they instilled the potassium into my bladder and when I felt that sharp pain they immediately put me to sleep. It worked great because I did not have to suffer needlessly yet, we did get a lot of information from the two tests.
Hope this helps [img]wink.gif[/img]

[inpain2]

Thanks for your comments and contribution, Dianna!
It sounds like I'm going to receive the same. I wasn't sure when I left the uro's office so I'm going to have to contact them to make sure. But, it says 'Uro Cysto KCL' (KCL is the potassium test) on my sheet so it sounds like I'm going to get that same sequence (the KCL and then a cysto). I think I'll be put to sleep right after the KCL just like you were. I told the uro that the last cysto I had was excruciatingly painful (why, I don't know) and that I would only do another cysto with general anaesthetic (i.e. be put to sleep).