Cramps

[Nof1nidea123]

I have recently been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. I am experiencing very severe cramps in my hands arms feet both lower and upper legs and stomach has anyone else experienced this or have any ideas for how this can be helped

[AyrshireK]

This is often a sign of a mineral deficiency (common with cirrhosis) and you might need a blood test to check what you might be lacking. My hubby was getting cramps quite regular and found a banana a day helped. A small drink of tonic water can often help too.

Katie

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Kate I will try it as the cramps are so painful. I'm new to this there is so much I don't no. It is really scary as there seems to be so much going wrong with me. I'm very grateful for your advice

[Fastkat]

Before diagnosis with stage 4 cirrhosis I used to get cramps in hands feet and legs. These could be pretty severe and go on for a while. Now I just cramp in my left hand so it has pretty well stopped with no treatment. My feet still cause me a throbbing type pain which can be 24/7.

I’m at hospital nxt week and will ask about treatment as I’m not allowed pain killers.

Do you have edeema in your legs?

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to Fastkat]

Yes my legs are very swollen. I sympathise with you not having pain medication I'm in the same boat I have a cold at the moment and they wouldn't allow me paracetamol. It's just so frustrating

[Hidden]

I kept having severe foot cramps when suffering from cirrhosis too, especially during the last few months leading up to the transplant.

Since the transplant over a year ago, I might have had 2-3 cramps but they've been relatively mild, nothing compared to before really.

For me the transplant sorted out the cramps and all other issues. Not sure what can be done about them if a transplant is not an option I'm afraid.

All the best, Klodian

[jojokarak]

I tried tonic water for a time and it worked for a bit and then I was prescribed some medication called questran powder just go to your GP and see if it's suitable for you and for times I had nothing a cold or hot compress helped depending on where I had it x

[jojokarak in reply to jojokarak]

Sorry it's not questran predictive text you can be prescribed quinine medication x

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to jojokarak]

Thank you

[Bermuda1]

I take a supplement of Calcium , Magnesium and Zinc , its worked for me , no cramps for years now or arthritic like pains in hands , ankles and knees which I used to get . My consultants are happy for me to take this , I take what is the normal RDA . Those minerals , and potassium are the ones which when you have cirrhosis are often depleted , some people do not absorb them as well from diet alone. Blood tests, unless very specific rarely show a magnesium deficiency . My blood tests have never shown any deficiency in those areas , bit I am evidence that it works . If I stop taking within 10 days they will return , tried it to test out it once.

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to Bermuda1]

Thank you I will Pursue this with doctor.

[missunites]

I found Tonic water and magnesium tablets helped but not entirely as i was getting exceptionally painful cramps around knee and ankle joints. I now take Quinine as well.

Irene

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to missunites]

Thank u irene

[Wendy57]

Yep. Every night. Agonising. Reduced me to tears. I feel for you as, sorry, nothing would stop them. Had my transplant 8 weeks ago and not a twinge since. Good luck and keep posting to offload. Always someone listening.

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to Wendy57]

I'm not any where needing a liver transplant so I feel like a bit of a wuss. I am glad your doing well now. Thank-you for your supportive words

[Wendy57 in reply to Nof1nidea123]

OK. If that's the case then I feel there must be something to help. How you presented your problem to your GP?

[Nof1nidea123 in reply to Wendy57]

Yes I told my gp but as I have a lot of things going on right now I don't think she thought it was a priority

[Litimag]

I really sympathise with you, pre-transplant the cramps were bad for me too. Used to wake me up during the night, truly agony. I never tried tonic water though I wish I had, however on a side note I find that it helped me with the Prograf shakes after my op.

[Hidden in reply to Litimag]

Hi I've got Nash and have terrible pain and cramps. I'm having an mrcp on 28th January then I see consultant on 1st Feb when he will tell me what's next. I really hope you feel better son

. Lots of love Lynne xxxx

PS my Dr also referred me to a podiatrist for my feet though I don't think it will help but I will try!!