Magnesium

Because of kidney damage caused by the Cisplatin I have to take 400mg magnesium every day.  Well, being so forgetful, I let myself run out of the Mag.  I then threw the bottle away and forgot to get the re-fill for 3 days.  What would happen to me if I just never took the Magnesium?  What does it do?  I have sent Tommy to Wal-greens to pick it up now.  Is my low Magnesium level possibly why my body hurts all the time?  I have been done with chemo since November and I keep waiting for the body to feel better.  Thanks,  Marie

[jennerfennerbenner]

Mag is very important in making the body feel good.  Low Mag affects the muscles, may cause cramps, restless leg feeling etc.  It can also affect and weaken the muscles in the heart.  So YES keep taking your Mag its important for healing and feeling better.
Hopes this helps.

Jen

[TrudieC]

Totally agree.  Because I don't have a large bowel I can get low in mag and so take a supplement.  After my surgery I ached so bad until we got it back up again.  This should help to make you feel better.

[marie3B]

I wonder if I need even more than the dose they have me on.  I feel achey (achy) and sore all of the time.  I have my re-fill now, and will not be so scatter-brained (if I can help it!!) and will continue to take it daily.  This past week I have had a worse time concentrating and remembering to do basic things. I have a cold, maybe that is making me worse.  Thanks for the help. Marie

[TrudieC]

Here is a good web site that indicates high magnesium foods as well as the daily requirements of magnesium you require.  
http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/food/magnesium-foods.htm

[marie3B]

Thanks I will check it out now.  I don't know what my mag level is.  They used to check it all the time while I was on chemo, but I don't know if it is okay now on the supplement I take.  I will ask at my next appointment.  Marie

[golfgal911]

I take 1000 mg  magnesium a day, and my levels are still low.  My onc said it may be like that forever.  Try bumping up your dose.  I take 250 at each meal and before bed (or whenever I remember!)  I thought I could stop a few months after my first round of chemo, but got foot cramps at night and heart palpitations.  Needless to say I've become much more faithful.  Good luck!

[marie3B]

I will take your advice.  Even when I take my 400mg/day I have terrible foot cramps and I am always so stiff and sore.  I will also see what the internal med doc recommends.  I see him tomorow.  Thanks, Marie

[flmommyof2]

I have never posted on this board before (usually just on the ovarian cyst board) but I have been following your stories for some time now while i work out my own fears and diagnosis.  I am having surgery next Thursday 8/28 to determine what is going on with me.

Anyway, in the meantime I thought I would offer my two cents on magnesium.  It is a critical supplement for muscle function and health....your heart being the most important one.  And while taking the supplements is very admirable you need to take it in conjunction with clacium and pottasium.  This not only helps aid absorbption but also helps keep the overall electrolytes in your body balance.  I know all of this since i suffer from from heart palpitations and if my magnesium or potasium levels get to low i have to have an IV infusion.  Best of luck and just know that I am praying for you all, always!