Any muscle in one’s body can become paralyzed due to the lack of potassium in the blood. Attacks cause severe weakness as well as severe paralysis, and studies shows that only 3% of the outpatient population deals with it, but the 34 year old teacher, Ramon Macapagal is not an exemption to this.
Total Collapsed
It was nearly dawn when Ramon awakened from his sleep, get up to go to the washroom, when everything suddenly turned black, the next thing he knows, he’s in the hospital paralyzed and could only move his head.
“I was diagnosed with Hypokalemia, connected siya sa low potassium kasi ‘hypo’ means below and ‘kalemia’ naman is term for potassium,” he shared.
“Sabi ng doctor ko if you’re only slightly hypokalemic, walang symptoms. Once your potassium levels fall below a certain level, your body will weaken, you’ll feel the fatigue, may muscle cramps or twitching, and minsan daw my Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms),” Macapagal added.
Potassium Disorder
According to Dr. Jayson Paul Medina, nephrologist of Cainta Municipal Hospital, Hypokalemia is a potassium disorder where inadequate potassium intake and low magnesium levels are the primary causes, one may lose too much potassium through peeing, sweating and through bowel movements.
Dr. Medina also explained that in order for your body to function normally, we have to have enough Potassium for it helps muscles to move, cells to get the nutrients they need, and nerves to send their signals, It also keeps your blood pressure from getting too high.
“The patient must follow a potassium-rich diet to prevent Hypokalemia. Avocados, bananas, figs, kiwi, oranges, spinach, tomatoes, milk, peas and beans are good sources of potassium,” the nephrologist added.
Unparalyzed Dedication
Without wasting any moment, Ramon grabs all the chances and hope he has by following his doctor’s advices. He limits himself drinking harmful beverages and lessened eating salty foods.
“Ito yung pinaka-nagsend sakin ng motivation na ayusin na talaga yung eating habits ko kasi wala naman nang mag-aalaga sakin, kundi ako lang,” he added.
Sometimes, he’s body is betraying him, but that won’t stop him to continue pursuing his passions – To actively serve as a choir member in church and to passionately teach youngsters in Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial National High School.
“Kung minsan man nadadapa ako pag akyat ko ng hagdan pero hindi ako titigil sa pagtuturo at pagkanta para sa Panginoon,” he concluded.
THE ECHOES 