I have been doing a lot of research on how to fix cramping. Let me first say, no pickle juice does not work. I also do not have fluid taken off during dialysis. I add 400ml of saline each treatment. I also have no fluid restrictions and so I do drink a lot of water. And none of my mineral labs indicate any highs or low.
However,the cramping is not during dialysis. It is later at night, early in the morning and latel, any time. They are coming whenever and where ever. I stretch, I do 5000 steps daily.... and nothing works to stop them.
I did find L Carnitine is a supplement that is given in dialysis centers for cramping. It also helps with metabolism, is renal protective as well as good for cardiovascular and the liver. SO.....what's not to like.
Let me know if you are taking this and how much and when. I am starting on 500mg in the morning on an empty stomach like the bottle says. It is L-Carnitine-tartrate. There is another type called Acetyl L-carnitine. If you take it, what kind?
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Bassetmommer
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Hi Bassetmommer, very sorry to hear that. Cramps can be excrutiatingly painful. I am afraid I do not have anything for root cause. However if they are leg cramps I find I can symptom relief by flexing my toes (like making a fist with your toes) continuously until the cramp disappears
Thanks for the reply. Trust me, that does not work. I have done all the physical things like walking, stretching and try to move the cramp out and make is worse.
I have found Magnesium Oil and spray or rub on the cramp for relief. You can find it at health food stores. One store is Vitacoast.com and the name of the Life-Flo Pure Magnesium Oil. I hope it will work for you as well as it has for me and my friends and family. ☺️
First time in a couple years got severe cramping in shins and ankles 4-5 hours after dialysis. I think I went below dry weight for first time in months. Cramps are the most evil and pernicious!
Hate the late night, early morning cramps. For me, no amount of exercise worked, but a light spray of Magnesium oil and rubbing lightly works for me. I also use a Hemp cream that I order from Amazon. Works for cramps and muscle pain after the cramp is over. An old time cure for night cramps is to put a bar of soap under the fitted sheet, near the foot of your bed. Don't know if it works, but the soap smell makes for a nice smell when you are sleeping. Stay strong everyone. It's one day at a time for me on this dialysis road.
I take two calcium magnesium tablets at bedtime and the cramps in my legs and feet are rare now. My hands cramp up sometimes from knitting too long…..that’s tendons or something and for some people requires surgery. The leg, thigh and foot cramps were awful…..at night mostly, but as long as I take the cal mag, it seems to be much better
After speaking with my Neph, she knew about L-carnitine and she blessed me taking it. I have to say that I have taken the L-carnitine capsules four days in a row...no charlies and I am sleeping better. So, we will see how it goes. If this keeps working and there is no major side effect.... it will be a miracle for me.
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