Hepatic Encephalopathy

[jonbell]

I am prescribed Lactolos, does anyone taking this get horrendous sudden pain in their calf muscles?

[TT-2018]

The muscle cramps are related to cirrhosis and are prevalent with no significant predictors. I used to get them particularly in my calf’s and frequently at night. It is unlikely to be linked with the lactulose prescription or the HE, just another condition you have to cope with.

Best of luck, I would try and straighten my legs and try and walk around. I am sure that others will have some tips that you could try.

[jonbell in reply to TT-2018]

Many thanks for your reply, I thought it may be because of Lactulose but glad its not as that does help with the HE.

[AyrshireK]

Get some blood tests done, sometimes cramp in relation to cirrhosis is due to a deficiency in some of your minerals often magnesium or potassium. My hubby eats at least one banana a day to help with potassium levels and cramps. A glass of tonic water may also help.

Best to get bloods done and see if you have a deficiency.

Katie

[jonbell in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks for the reply, I am due my 3 monthly blood test next week so I will mention this too my consultant!

[AyrshireK in reply to jonbell]

Cramps are very common in cirrhosis.

[-JDN-]

So this will sound bizarre but I will share it anyway because it worked for me. My wife is a nurse and came home from the hospital one day and put a bar of soap under the fitted sheet on our bed just about where my knees go. When I asked her about it she told me that she has now had two patients with severe leg cramps tell her that they swear by this as a way to stop them. Since she's done that, my leg cramps have reduced in frequency and severity. I have no explanation for it and if I were reading this I wouldn't believe it but it worked for me so I'm sharing. Good luck!

[Richard-Allen in reply to -JDN-]

I have heard of this too, but it never worked for me. I still suffer when night cramp and if it gets really bad, I take a paracetamol, and stand on a cold tiled floor for a while. This always works for me.

[Kji378]

Hello 😊

The dreaded cramps! They chuffing hurt and I tend to sing in a very high pitched but quietly as it's usually at night time. I do swear a bit too 😳 it's usually in my feet, toes, sometimes hands.

I try to breathe through it, telling myself it won't be forever, it will go.

*Also the gel packs you can get for sports, either heat or cold I always take one from the freezer, tea towel it and pop it in a pillow case at the end of the bed. That helps.

I have never experienced it because of Lactulose though, not sure what that's about, probably nothing to do with it.

Take care, try to breathe and tell yourself it won't last. 🙂

[jonbell in reply to Kji378]

I am thinking now that its nothing to do with Lactulose its just a coincidence that it happened at the time I started on Lactulose.

[Kji378]

It's worth having a talk with GP, your Consultant or The Trust Helpline.

I'm sure they will put your mind at ease

You're not on your own, so take care and sing high! I do a lot of 🎶 Tra La LaaaaAarghhhhs! 🎶 😊

[Puggypip]

Trust me, I feel your pain! My cramps would last so long and where very intense,so much so that I would weep and my calf muscles became sore because of it. I spoke with my doctor who prescribed quinine tablets and they have been a God send,my cramps are now few and far between. Speak with your doctor,good luck I know it's agony!

[DpJ1]

Lactalose can dehydrate you quite a bit and empty your bowl quicker which can mess around with mineral and vit levels and intake, cause cramp and pains. Make sure your drinking plenty of water and eating well, if already doing so please disregard just a thought.All the best.

[Coco513]

I have it prescribed to counteract opiods - be prepared for gale force wind!

[ABD58]

I have severe muscle cramps that I blame on the Lactulose and diuretics. I have found that pickle juice helps mild cramps and eating a teaspoon of yellow mustard will stop the severe cramps.

[Hidden]

Hi, Please do report to your own medical team who are best placed to assess any medical concerns.

[jazzjam]

I have used lactulose now for 3 and a half years without side effects. Yes I do get cramp, in my legs and feet. Someone on here about a year ago said she swore by magnesium spray. I take magnesium anyway but I also bought this spray. When I get the cramp I spray it on the area, I personally try and stretch it out too but it doesn’t say to do that and within a minute or two it has gone. The other day my husband had cramp in the night, he sprayed it on and the cramp dispersed. He is not on tablets and has no health issues. Obviously do check with your doctor first before you try it, if you try it.

[jonbell in reply to jazzjam]

Many thanks - I will give it a try!

[hun64_D0chIk]

Hi, I was prescribed Quinine Sulphate 200mg p/d by my Hepatology Consultant. It’s to be taken before bed. No more cramps. Marvellous!

[jonbell in reply to hun64_D0chIk]

Thanks for that, it may be a good idea to mention this to my consultant.

[Meteocal1]

It’s the loss of electrolytes one looses from the loose stools. I used to get them when I used to take it for HEP