Muscle Spasms

[Tike3]

I had what I thought was a pulled muscle and they xrayed at Christie's, this lasted couple of days it's turned into agony. It starts like a wave that builds up around my shoulders, my neck and tingling, numbness and pain down my left arm. The pain is practically to half of my body back and front, but more the back. It comes in spasms. I rang Christie's and they said to ring doctor for pain killers. He came a said yes it was a spasm, gave me gabapentin, diazapam for muscle relaxant and liquid morphine. My physio says it's coming from upper vertebrae that has small area of cancer in it, and that's why I've got tingling and pain down arms.

Sorry to ramble on but has anyone experience these very painful muscle spasms. I feel so cheated because if not sorted won't be able to have chemo having waited 10 months for the next lot

Thanks for listening

Pam

[Seaspray298]

Oh yes, I know those spasms unfortunately. Very warm showers, stretches and heating pad got me through them. I had my vertebrae biopsied and it was extremely painful to heal. You will get through this!! We are also very tense with all the "unknowns" and that causes these spasms to torture us. Don't let it.....keep moving, stretch, deep breathing and keep your mind busy. You got this Pam!!

[Tike3 in reply to Seaspray298]

Thanks so much Seaspray, I'd never thought of warm showers and heating pad sounds good, physio coming next week to do some exercises, it doesn't help it being immobile does it, and yes I think we are tensing up without knowing it. Deep breathing does really help like you say.

I know my top vertebrae has cancer in it I wonder if I will have it biopsies.

Hopefully if this clears up I have my last 2 chemos

I Hope like you say Seaspray, keep going!

I get the impression you are a very strong determined person but that doesn't mean it's easy does it, but if your mind set is positive it help.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi Tike3.

I'm so sorry to hear you are struggling so much with these spasms and what sounds like neuropathic (nerve) pain. It is good that you have been prescribed the Gabapentin and Diazepam. Has you GP suggested a plan for gradually increasing the dose of Gabapentin if needed? If not, it may be worth speaking with them and enquiring if the dose needs to be reviewed.

I would also suggest speaking with your oncologist and your clinical nurse specialist, if you have one, about your concerns around not being able to have chemotherapy. They will be able to advise about your medications and how best to manage these spasms, and together you can make a plan for future treatments. It is right that your symptoms should be better controlled first though, so you feel more able to cope with any potential side effects that may come with any further chemotherapy.

If you would like to discuss further, please email [e-mail] or call our free Ask the Nurse helpline on 0800 358 7200.

Hope you get some advice and much needed relief soon.

[Tike3 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you so much for your reply.Yes my GP has said I can increase the dose of gabapentin to 3 times a day, was taking 2 before, plus Oramomorph liquid 5ml 3 times a day. My pain has improved so much. I have also purchased a triangle pillow which helps support my shoulder. My Macmillan nurse is calling regularly to check on improvement

I have been in touch with Christie's and let them know. They say if the shoulder issue is resolved I can have my last 2 chemotherapies from 15th June, so I shall keep them informed.

I'd like to thank you again for the support you provide for everyone with cancer, its marvellous.