Very scared

I have an inflammatory bowel disease. I went for a check up last week and was told I have very high potassium levels. The doctor wasn't too concerned as my kidney function is fine but I am very scared I have another disease which is contributing to it. I am doing a retest tomorrow and am petrified I will be rushed in as an emergency case.
I do have some hand numbness at times.

Anyone had this before?

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ABCDEF7 · M

Often a report of high blood potassium isn't true hyperkalemia. Instead, it may be caused by the rupture of blood cells in the blood sample during or shortly after the blood draw. The ruptured cells leak their potassium into the sample. This falsely raises the amount of potassium in the blood sample, even though the potassium level in your body is actually normal. When this is suspected, a repeat blood sample is done.

Don't worry everything will be alright. 🙂

Jenni855 · 36-40, F

@ABCDEF7 I am scared I have cancer or heart disease which can contribute to it 😢

ABCDEF7 · M

@Jenni855 I hope it would be just wrong reporting, as it usually happens as I told.

Other causes of hyperkalemia include:

Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)
Angiotensin II receptor blockers
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Beta blockers
Dehydration
Destruction of red blood cells due to severe injury or burns
Excessive use of potassium supplements
Type 1 diabetes

Jenni855 · 36-40, F

@ABCDEF7 Do you think it might be a heart condition too?

ABCDEF7 · M

@Jenni855 No I don't think so. There's no possibility of it related to heart problems. Don't worry everything will be alright. Why do you think so?

Jenni855 · 36-40, F

@ABCDEF7 I think because I have tingling in the hands at times and a family history of diabetes. Can't help but worry about tumors too 😢

ABCDEF7 · M

@Jenni855 Diabetes and heart problems are mostly due to life style disorders.

Tumors? Why? Which sort of tumors you are thinking about

Jenni855 · 36-40, F

@ABCDEF7 I know a high potassium reading can cause that.
Tumors came up when I looked at possible reasons for high potassium too.

ABCDEF7 · M

@Jenni855 When cancer tumors are treated with chemotherapy, in some cases the tumor releases potassium in blood, resulting in high potassium in blood.

Do you already have cancerous tumors and been given chemotherapy for that?

Don't just presume every bad possibility for you. Without even knowing facts. Let the investigations complete. Most of problems are easily curable.

Jenni855 · 36-40, F

@ABCDEF7 No, no tumors. I am worried it is either diabetes or addisons disease.😐
The reading was 6.6 which is very concerning

ABCDEF7 · M

@Jenni855 Let the repeated test report came. Don't presume anything before complete investigations. Most of the problems are curable. Everything would be fine.

Jenni855 · 36-40, F

@ABCDEF7 I so hope so. Thank you.

ABCDEF7 · M

@Jenni855 Take care..

ABCDEF7 · M

@ABCDEF7 What does the further reports say

Jenni855 · 36-40, F

@ABCDEF7 Clear this time around

ABCDEF7 · M

@Jenni855 So the first report wasn't true. 🙂

Jenni855 · 36-40, F

@ABCDEF7 Appears not to be.

ABCDEF7 · M

@Jenni855 Why, you said clear this time