Low magnesium

[Di16]

Does anyone else have persistently low magnesium, not just when you are on chemo? My oncs are concerned about mine. I'm currently having 3 magnaspartate sachets a day. And they say that if they don't bring it up to near normal levels, they want to refer me to another department for investigations. Di

[Lindaura]

Absolutely normal with Carboplatin and does not need further investigation- just either more Sachets or a top up infusion.

I had several infusions, with a heart monitor durin Chemo and I am still on the Sachets 4 month’s post Chemo.

They say the impact on magneslevels can last up to 6 months.

I get blood tested every few weeks to see how I am doing, and I have tried going without, but my levels simply plummet when I do.

Nothing to worry about, just aclovelt side effect that can make you quite tired also.

Best wishes,

Laura

[Di16 in reply to Lindaura]

Thank you for your reply. My current low magnesium can't be due to chemo, as it's over 18 months since my last chemo. I also had surgery February last year, so I've had time to recover from that. But they have found over the last 5 years it has been persistently low. I've had supplements at times, & an infusion earlier this year, but it still went down. So now they are thinking maybe they should try to find out why. Di

[Neona]

Yes I have persistently low magnesium- it has been as low as 2.8 but usually tests at around 3.3. My original chemo finished in June 17 and the doctors think this caused damage to my kidneys making them excrete the magnesium. I am on a clinical trial trial but they don't tnink it is the new drugs that are causing the problem. They have tried giving me supplements but this has made the dehydration problem worse- so now a have a magnesium and fluids infusion every fortnight. I also have persistently high creatinine.

[Di16 in reply to Neona]

Thank you for your reply. I think the oncs are wondering whether my problem may be with my kidneys too. The pharmacist at our local chemist has also told me that as I'm diabetic, high sugar levels can also sometimes reduce magnesium levels, though I don't think my sugar levels have been too bad recently. I'm not worrying too much about it. Will have to wait &see what they say when I go for my next check. Di

[Katsmum]

I have this problem too and it gives me the most weird cramps especially in the hands and feet. So far I am ok on the sachets but if the current chemo causes the level to drop too low they will consider an infusion. No real cause given though. Hopefully you won’t need that but it might be helpful to find out why in case there is some other fix! Wishing you well xxx

[Di16]

Thank you for your reply. I have had a few weird cramps too at times. I've also had occasional nerve pains in my feet & ankles, though I'd put that down to neuropathy. Di

[mizpurple]

I had some kidney damage both from dehydration before diagnosis and then from the subsequent chemo. Was referred to a nephrologist, who has been concerned about my high creatinine number and my low potassium and magnesium. He has me drinking water as much as I can hold, eating more nuts and seeds high in potassium, and now taking a magnesium supplement. My numbers have started to look better after several months, but more importantly I FEEL better/stronger, especially with addressing the magnesium deficiency. Hope this helps you - feel better!

[Hidden]

Yes... if I didn't supplement . With supplements it gets to just below or bottom of the range.

Was picked up by the clinical trial team and I had an infusion. But the continuing problem was my hair falling out. I'm not sure what it was before all this cancer nonsense, but this problem seems to have developed in hospital with bowel resection and while on carbogem, 2+ years ago.