Whole body Muscle spasms/jerking

[jerk9]

5/5/09 I had left hip resurfacing/replacement. Since the hip surgery I have had occassional mild whole body jerking.  Then on 7/28/09 I had a left knee replacement. Since July knee surgery the jerking/muscle spasms are severe and I can not get into deep sleep.  They happen while I am awake when is rest mode.

Is this something that is caused by my surgeries?  Do I need to see a neurosurgeon?

I have had a lot of blood tests in the past few months and they showed I was low in D, which I started taking supplements for and low red blood count which I have been taking iron for since starting supplements, no further problems with blood counts.

Help please, I do go to my hip/knee surgeon tomorrow afternoon.  I have called him a few days ago but never go a call back. How do I stop this horrible spasms?

[jerk9]

Thank you for your suggestions. I have a 10am apt tomorrow w/primary care Dr.  Today my surgeon said he noticed the severe spasms in surgery and recovery room and suggested blood tests and neurosurgeon visit.

I will ask PCD tomorrow about tests you suggested.  I have a blood work sheet he had given me to have done a few weeks after this surgery. These spasms are just so severe my wife told me that she recorded in a 30 minute period last night 28 jerking episodes while I tried to sleep, always yelling out in pain. Scares me and her both. PS she is the one typing all this cause I have no ability at this time to even think for myself let alone type.   PCDr. has me set 8/10 for sleep study.  Hurray, great Dr. to get things moving for me.  I am lucky there.  

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the forum!
I would suggest you get the blood levels of the following checked if they have not already been checked: potassium, calcium, sodium, vitamin B complex, or vitamins B1, B3, or B6 and Vitamin D. Generally deficiencies of any of the above can cause muscle twitching and spasms in localized or generalized areas of the body. Your Vit D is low and surgery can further affect its level. The supplements that you are taking may not be enough to overcome this deficiency. Get your kidney function, parathyroid gland function and adrenal function tests done because these affect the electrolyte balance in the body. Stress, alcohol, caffeine and fatigue all cause similar symptoms.
Hope this helps. I think you should discuss these possibilities with your doctor. A comprehensive investigation is required keeping all the points in mind. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!