Chronic leg cramps after tx.

[MissMiss]

I hope I am posting this in the right place.  I'm about 8 months post tx and SVR!  But, the leg cramps are starting to really interfere with my life.  I'm hydrated, I think.  I do have myopathy or peripheral neuropathy, depending on which doctor you talk to.  But the cramps come on about every 45 minutes and so very strong!  Not just one muscle either.  I can put my hand on my legs and there must be a hundred muscles twitching.  No way can I walk it out, pressing and holding does nothing.  They are so strong I can't hold my toes down when they start if it is that muscle, which it usually isn't.  I get them in my thighs too.  Places I didn't think had a muscle, lol. They might last five or ten minutes too.  

They were bad when my thyroid numbers were high but seemed to lower with the numbers, now just over 5 at last test.  But here they are back with a vengance.

Anyone with any suggestions would be really appreciated.  I mean, all the tx meds are gone so what could be happening?  Thank you for any comments or suggestions.

miss

[IMstacie]

Prior to tx, I have always suffered with severe leg cramps and restless leg syndrom (rls hereditary in our family). The muscle cramps were not just in my legs.  I was low in potassium.  For some reason my body was not retaining potassium.  Lot of speculation, most of it was thought to be what I was eating & drinking, i.e., too much or not enough salt/sodium, too much licorace, natural diuretics like tea.  Anyway, I bought over the counter potassium pills, and took 1000 mg only when I had cramps.  It worked in 20 mins, like taking a pain reliever. I also would soak in hot water for immediate relief.   I started eating food rich in potassium - better way to go.  Although, potassium worked, it can be harmful as in anything else when you take too much.  - good luck I know how miserable muscle cramps can be.

[Rockerforlife]

tx means treatment

[MsKathi]

I was diagnosed with HEP C almost 4 years ago.  My Dr. stated that I had the disease for over 30 years without knowing.  I took the treatment of Pegysus and Ribavirin,  After a year on the treatment and the virus totally disappearing (during the treatment), once I stopped it returned with a vengeance.  I had terrible leg cramps that honestly made me scream.  I found something at Walgreen's drugstore that honestly relieves them.  It is called "Leg Cramps: by Hylands and is 100% natural.  I take 2-3 tablets daily and I have found that the only time I have them is when I forget to take my daily dosage.  It has truly been a lifesaver.  I also have a question....what is tx...?

[rosebud57]

i am glad that you are not having problems with these nerve/cramps.  i wonder if it was an ongoing problem if that is something you would want to see a neurologist about.

take care

[MissMiss]

Helper drugs:  I was on 120 weekly of Procrit and also had to take two Neumega injections and Neupogen.  I tapered off the Procrit against doctors orders and he was happy I did.  That was 7 months ago so I'm sure it has nothing to do with this.  No benzo's and the ad's are accounted for.  Thanks for thinking of it tho.

Lady:  I tell ya.  I jump in the thread about pain below and look what happens to me.  I had one of the kids at work on my knee another on the other knee.  One rather large kid decides to scoot back and Bamn, I'm on the floor.  Strained a muscle in my neck/shoulder.  Anyway, time heals all wounds, right?  My son with the Bells took about two weeks before he started getting control back and another month or more to regain it all.  It was a very scary thing.  Patches on his eyes to keep it shut at night, etc.  But, no residual sides at all!  The quick prednisone dose had its place that time!  Thanks.

I'm leary of DHEA and quinine.  And wouldn't you know it!  I haven't had any leg cramps since I posted.  It seems that sometimes all we have to do is complain out loud and the problem resolves!  lol  Well, it sounds good anyway.

Have yourself a very good day and thanks again.

miss

[ladybug52]

That sounds horrible. I have leg pain, but only in one leg. I was looking up stuff about leg pain on the internet this am, and an old Forum post said try DHEA and another place said quinine worked. Now quinine is no longer available because of the possible complications, but there are small amounts in tonic water. Looks like tonic and ice for me tonight. Read all this stuff this morning cause I couldn't sleep because of my darn leg (but it's only one leg so I should count my blessings)
Bug

[nitramog]

Lots of people get vitamin imbalance from bad liver our TX  mine would make me hit the floor and holler.  I get full blood tests every month for vitamins and minerals my doctor tells me how much of what vitamins to take for balance and my cramps are gone   my tests can change every month by large numbers I work hard to stay on top of them good luck!

[MissMiss]

Thank you for your kindness.  I knew I would feel better just coming here again.

miss

[rosebud57]

you treated a long time! congrats that you also cleared. you mentioned taking helper drugs. did you go off those slowly?  there would be withdrawl sx from them. benzo's and antidepressants.

[rosebud57]

how long did you tx?
have you talked to your dr?

i get leg cramps (like a restless leg syndrome) a lot (since age 20), but i don't know if they are the same that you get. I found that lotioning my feet legs before sleep helps. never a problem anymore,

have you gone to a chiropractor, might be a nerve being pressed.
my other thought was to try vitamins, i quickly looked and saw vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, potassium as std. for cramps.

hope you find a solution to your problem.
congrats on your svr
rose

[MissMiss]

Potassium, now that's one I had forgotten about.  All my other blood levels were good, the B's, calcium, potassium, etc.  I'll try the banana routine since I have neglected them for a few months.  I do have a pinched nerve, no disc in the low back pretty constant now but honestly don't think this is connected.  That pain is pretty clear and noticable, lol.  And I am drinking enough water, I think.  

Thank you all for your responses.  I tx'd 48 weeks and have cleared.  I had such a hard time at the end and was on so many extra helper drugs in high doses too.  This forum has saved me from quitting so many times.  Thanks again and to all a very good day!

miss

[goldyn]

Oh honey thats just way to many cramps to have and they are painfull...the only thing that helps mine that i only get once in a while is eating banannas, i think my potassium gets to low ..but you are experiencing way to many..have they checked your potassium?

[Pdilly]

Everytime I cramp or get charlie horses it is because of low water intake.  I try and make sure I get a minimum of 8 glasses a day.   I try and drink that first before I allow myself anything else (except my glass of milk with my pills in the morning).  I too am post tx and somehow your mind gets off the water thing (at least  now I have to remind myself).  Try it and see if that helps.