Cramps

[Grizly]

Lately I have been getting a lot of cramp in my hands and feet and don’t talk about the cramp in my calf. Shooting out of bed in agony like a bat out of hell. Only for my wife to shout at me to can you be in agony a little quieter…..I’ve no hope there lol. I have primary MF I wonder if this is down to my blood levels going south and if so, any ideas on how to combat this. I suspect that like most we tend to blame our MPN on all our ailments when in fact it could be old age, lol

[Mostew]

What are your magnesium levels like ?

[Grizly in reply to Mostew]

I haven’t a clue but before I try and make an appointment with my GP I wondered if there was any over the counter remedies people have tried that seems to be effective

[Mostew in reply to Grizly]

If you know magnesium level you would have a better idea of how much you need . Or indeed if at all. Might not be correct suppliment . Saying that won’t do any harm to try.

There are so many different remedies to take . You don’t want to take something for no reason..

I would recommend flexing toes and holding for a few seconds . Do this severel times. If you can raise your legs whist doing it

[hunter5582]

Agree with Mostew. I had the same issue and was magnesium deficient. Magnesium Supplementation fixed the problem.

[Grizly]

Thanks guys. I’ll certainly find out if I have a deficiency if only for my wife sake. Lol

[ET500]

Feel for you .. I have to take a hot water bottle to bed, even in summer . This seems to relieve the cramps as my feet circulation not good. But will look into the magnesium levels , thanks to other’s suggestions. Have ET +jak2

[Helpatlast]

Sympathise with you the cramps not nice and seem to go with MPNs especially that severe sudden leg cramp in the middle of the night that makes you shout out loud! I have found having almonds and walnuts each day along with oat flakes has greatly improved it, only get once in a while now - so along the magnesium line again as they are rich in that - hope you get it sorted

[Conneryfan]

I was only discussing this with my specialist yesterday! My magnesium levels are fine (i take a supplement) and the cramps are worrying as they can happen anytime so I am very cautious around hot drinks etc. She has ordered blood test for neurothapy problems to rule out other possible causes. I am 58 taking hydroxycarbamide with platelets at reasonable level. Good luck.

[Grizly in reply to Conneryfan]

Thanks for the reply currently I am medication free though my blood levels are quite low. It’s bad enough coping with low energy levels and fatigue so anything to help with cramp is much appreciated.

[C2Cnext]

Hi GrizlyIf you want to (an are bendy enough to) try an exercise that might address those calf muscles cramping here’s one I do everyday (I was formerly self appointed queen of sore calves but the problem was tight shin muscles)

Lie on your back on the floor

Hands under your butt

Legs up at 90 degrees (works your abs as well) then straighten them

Flex and point your feet 10 times (this is stretching that shin muscle)

Bring your legs down through bent knees.

Repeat three more times.

It will also help circulation in your legs.

With regard to Magnesium deficiency, get yourself in a bath with Epsom salts, your body can absorb magnesium through the skin and a hot or warm bath will help those cramping muscles.

Of course if this is caused by misbehaving blood, it may not help. On the good side, I don’t think it will harm you.

Good luck.

[Stephen399b]

Dear Grizly

I get exactly the same. I have ET and recently also Prostate cancer.

I have tried everything including taking and spraying magnesium to no effect.

The only thing that helps is to take reasonable exercise and keep the muscles flexible with stretching exercises. Even then I only have to get my feet caught in the duvet and back it comes! Then I have to walk around for a bit on a cold floor and it goes.

I don't know if it is related to the condition? I've always been a bit prone to cramp and probably another age related condition.

Anyway try whatever you can. My Grandma always swore by putting a potato under the mattress - so hey ho!

Stephen

[Chemo01]

I had a problem with terrible cramp a few years ago my GP put me on quinine bisulphate for night cramps stopped them within a few days, I still take it and have been free of cramps ever since

[nightshadow]

Hi Grizly,

I have the same issue, as does my brother. He recommended a topical ointment, Theraworx relief. I have no idea why or how, but it has worked for me. The cramp eases up in a few minutes after application.

[grannieblue]

Hi Grizly, I have cramp sometimes, it seems to happen after particular foods eg fish and chips ?? I rub in Comfrey Oil, seems to warm the muscles so can go back to sleep. The one I use is by Potter's herbal.I'm ET JAC+ on Hydroxy.

Hope your cramps improve they can be exhausting.

[dancingelephant]

Hi Grizly

I have the same trouble with cramp, I even get it in my upper arms on occasions. Why at night it is so awful? I just have to get up no matter how asleep I am and walk it off. I told my Haemo who said I must not take tonic water - my usual tried remedy, as it has quinine, and will affect the metabolism of my ruxilanib. So has not proffered any alternative, as my magnesium and calcium levels are ok. Just sits looking at me!!! so frustrating. I am at Guys next week and will post if I get any answers. It is obviously part of the MF process - lucky us.

I do think that when my HB is low is may be worse - but who knows.

Keep 'dancing'

Dancingelephant