Confused by bloodwork?

Hi all!  Last week I posted about muscle cramps, fatigue,   muscle weakness, etc. three months post op.  Today I went for the blood work my surgeon ordered and saw that he didn't order a check on potassium... does that seem surprising?  He ordered calcium, albumin, B1, and folic acid.  Worth a call to ask tomorrow? My energy levels are like pre-surgery low!  I've lost 70 lb. so far, and I'd been feeling super energetic and alive until a few weeks ago... I'm so frustrated by that!! (Meanwhile, the weight has literally melted in the last couple weeks.  Not complaining, but it seems counterintuitive!)

Sorry you're feeling so bad!  I would say definitely call back and ask him to check for potassium and B12.  I hope you feel better soon!

Low potassium, while it does cause cramping, doesn't really cause fatigue.  Do you drink lots of fluids?  Or are you dehydrated?  Either one can cause potassium issues (too much water can dilute potassium).  It's never a bad idea to call if you are concerned, though.  

Signed,

(ICU Nurse) Stephanie :)   

At three months postop, weakness and fatigue are almost certainly not vitamin related. If your levels were fine before surgery, it would take longer than three months to become seriously deficient. But cramps are likely either dehydration or electrolyte deficiency, which would include potassium.

Many docs don't test for a lot of things because they don't think it's necessary. Particularly when you are only a few months post-surgery. Since you have not been bypassed, the chance of vitamin deficiency is even more rare.

You have been on a very low calorie diet for a while, and your body has been recovering from major surgery. Weakness and fatigue are part of the price you pay. It gets better.

Low iron can cause fatigue and is commonly low for many of us-