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Avatar universal

Death cramps return

I am now at day 22 of harvoni and tonight was the 1st time since I started treatment that the dreaded "Death Cramps" as I refer to them returned.Those of you with advanced cirrhosis might know these.They are the cramps in your thighs that make you beg God to make them stop while you scream in agony.The ones in the hands are no fun either.They seem to come when I am laying on the couch watching TV.Does the laying down cause these cramps to come on?Is it something to do with a lack of bloodflow?I could barely walk and finally made it to the kitchen counter for a banana which usually helps.After the cramps left I was afraid to lay down again and just sat on the couch.Does the laying down have something to do with bringing these cramps on?
                                                       Glen
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Avatar universal

Oh, OUCH!!
That moment, when you know it's gonna happen while you're peacefully in bed :( MERCY!!
Since Harvoni(& hydration) & Vit D & trying to get Mag from food( mag by cap could interfere w/ harvoni absorption, I was told) Dee? , I'm so so grateful I've only had "the bonecrusher" one time in 10 weeks( start of Tx)
Try suggestions above~ that lyte balance seems hard to achieve, keep trying & wishing & praying your muscles surrender!! Stretch & Epsom are great helpers.
Randy
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Lynn and Dee touched on the hydration issue.  I cannot stress that enough!  My husband is the world's worst about avoiding water.  Since I have been being so careful about hydration while treating, and MY legs cramps went from awful, several times a night and sometimes during the day, to an occasional foot or hand cramp that I am able to stretch out without getting out of bed, he has started drinking more water.  Lo and Behold, HIS cramps are much much better.

Also, you mentioned a banana helped.  That sounds like low potassium.

Just a couple of do-it-yourself possible fixes.  Might try that.  If it doesn't work then talk to your doctor.  Cramps are never any fun!

Pat
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A severe lack of vitamin d can cause horrid cramps. It can cause many bone pain issues too. I would advise getting your vitamin d checked.
Helpful - 0
317787 tn?1473358451
Hi I found an article on muscle cramps, I hope this helps you.
I know how painful it can be.  I am wondering if you take calcium/magnesium before bed with some food, if that might help you.  I am mentioning because one of the suspected causes is that the blood sugar gets too low during sleep.  Another theory is that during sleep we are paralyzed, for some reason in our sleep we try to move the leg, it confuses the body and it cramps.
Sometimes medications can cause it, they are listed in this article.  I had horrible cramps while taking Metformin so I stopped it.

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/leg-cramps
Helpful - 0
683231 tn?1467323017
Wish I knew Glen

Always in bed that is when I get them. I had a bad attack again two days ago but I suspect I hadn't been drinking enough water for the last couple of days that will teach me

Hang in there
Lynn
Helpful - 0
317787 tn?1473358451
Hi, I am so sorry, have you tried increasing your water? Taking magnesium?  I used to say take Calcium, Magnesium, potassium zinc but then I read that calcium contracts the muscles and magnesium relaxes.
I know what it feels like, can you try stretching your muscles before you go to bed.
Take a hot bath in Epsom Salts so your body can absorb more magnesium.  This would be for times of extreme cramps.  Have you called the doctor?

I hope you can find some relief?
Helpful - 0
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