I wonder if anyone else has tried bathing in magnesium salts?

[calibriel]

I’m not claiming it as a miracle cure - in fact, I don’t think it’s a cure at all - but it seems to help soothe some of the symptoms in my creaky old body. I don’t think it’s a good idea to do it too often, and anyhow we’re supposed to be saving water and the flakes are quite expensive, but once a week (I shower in between!) it’s a treat I look forward to - like going to the spa, at home.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

It will definitely help any low magnesium issues causing cramps. Lots of people take magnesium supplements or use sprays/oils for that - and Epsom salts in the bath or as foot baths also works wer=ll.

On the other hand - loads of us may dream of having a bath but the reality may be a nightmare! I couldn't get out of a bath even if I'd got in without breaking my neck!

[Koalajane in reply to PMRpro]

We had our bath taken out as I struggled to get out and now have a walk in shower

[Nextoneplease in reply to Koalajane]

Oh, I’d love a walk in shower🚿

Currently I have a seat over the bath which enables me to use it as a shower. Haven’t been able to have a bath for years but would definitely have a magnesium soak if I could x

[Koalajane in reply to Nextoneplease]

I had a bath when we were at a hotel in the Blue Mountains in Australia. It was a spa bath so plenty of handles and large. I left the door open in case I couldn’t get out but managed it. That was 4 years ago!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Koalajane]

I wanted a big walk-in shower instead of the bath when we did this flat but was outvoted. It was more than 15 years ago so the concept of houses with just showers was still very new. I have a shower in the tiny en-suite but the shower is a bit small too! No room to put a chair in - could probably manage a seat on the wall but they aren't as safe as a proper chair.

[123-go in reply to Koalajane]

We're having one installed this week 😀.

[Kiwisufferer2019 in reply to PMRpro]

I'm afraid to try, I couldn't get out!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Kiwisufferer2019]

Me too!

[Kiwisufferer2019 in reply to PMRpro]

I used to enjoy a bath.

[Longtimer in reply to Kiwisufferer2019]

Same here, have big walk in shower....perhaps soaking feet in a bowl with Epsom salts might help....

[Viv54 in reply to PMRpro]

We are currently on holiday, there is a wonderful large oval bath in our room. Sadly I can only stare longingly at it !Good job there's a great shower.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Viv54]

What a shame! Personally I don't like the idea of the bath in the room - OH wouldn't have either,

[Kendrew]

Hi calibriel,

Yes, I usually have 2 magnesium (Epsom salts) baths a week if I can and as you say...not a cure but definitely soothing and relaxing to soak in.

I purchase mine from local Tesco's and much cheaper than Boots or other health shops.

[calibriel]

We recently moved house, and level access and accessible bathing were our two unshiftable criteria - mainly for my partner, who is generally frail rather than suffering from any diagnosed condition, but it’s become increasingly important for me too. On one memorable occasion, a couple of years ago, before my PMR was diagnosed, we each had to pull the other out of the bath on successive days!That was when we realised something had to change …

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to calibriel]

Accessibility was a primary criterion for us - but this was 18 years ago and the flat was for holiday use - mainly skiing! Skiers like baths! But it is on one level and there is a lift in the block! Has all the other attributes - level walk to the village, shops and all other services (banks, PO, pharmacy, doctor, restaurants). Train and bus to the local hospital. What else do you want?

[Kiwisufferer2019 in reply to PMRpro]

Sounds great!

[456again]

I have used the magnesium bath salts for a long time, even b4 pre polymyalgia, I still use them now but only enough water to low down for 10 mins or so! I wanted a walk in shower and bath so 6 yrs ago I had the bath with door installed. But when i was hit with PMG this year I still couldn't get out of bath s couldn't put pressure ln arms to stand up but now on the upload with medication I can. I love my bath and walk in shower. Yes, always look for the offers for the salt.

[Louisa1840]

Yes, indeed it's a very relaxing and therapeutic thing to do. I purchase my Epsom Salts in bulk from a supplier we have in Australia and mix them with Himalayan Pink Salt and Magnesium Chloride flakes (supposedly from the Dead Sea). Then I add an essential oil. It's very relaxing.

[Mazxstitch]

You don't have to have a bath, a footbath is sufficient. A plastic kitchen wash basin, Epsom Salt crystals dissolved in hot water does the job. A KG bag of the crystals is about £3. Soak your feet 20 minutes.

[marionofnorwich in reply to Mazxstitch]

Good idea as I actually don't like baths but before PMR diagnosis bought 10KG of epsom salts in desperation. A footbath on the other hand....

[Bedwell]

Yes have used EpsomSalts in bath and foot bath for years. Buy in bulk on line.

[196_]

I enjoy bathing in salts as well. Ideally with water as hot as possible. It definitely does appear to help

[xdbx]

Occasionally yes but don’t really enjoy baths anymore and over the years I’ve found the simplest and most effective way to maintain a good balance is to massage magnesium cream into my feet at night. I’ve tried oils but find them unpleasantly chalky. I’ve also taken two different triple magnesium supplements on the advice of a functional medicine doctor after blood tests.

Magnesium is such an important and essential mineral and it astounds me that it’s not measured at the outset and regularly as part of a general health check along with the other usual suspects. I’ve heard from several sources that most people live with an undiagnosed deficiency and unpleasant symptoms which could be so easily remedied.

There are many books and studies now about the important role of magnesium for anyone interested to know more.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to xdbx]

Measuring the blood level is a bit uninformative. Magnesium is mostly stored in the cells and released into the bloodstream to keep a fairly stable level. The blood level can look fine even when there are no cell reserves - the cells are already depleted badly but the blood shows no sign.

[Artnmusiclover]

Couldn't do without my magnesium flake baths!! Pure luxury and time out!... and good 1hr before bed 😊

[Missus835]

Well folks, I am blessed. I'm able to bathe every morning. I do love salts baths, but not too often. The only time when I was unable to get in and out of the tub was when PMR was at its nastiest and had to start showering which I don't enjoy because I always freeze my arse off. Water pressure in this little building is not good.

On another note and as a follow up of sorts, I decreased Sept. 1 to 11 mg Pred and then yesterday bumped it back up to 11.5. Down from 12. Best I can do at this time. A lot of neck and back of arm pain and this morning so very weak and shaky. I'm going to try to stick at 11.5 for awhile. Does anyone have T-spine type of pain and by that I mean between the shoulder blades?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Missus835]

Yes - due to tight muscles from myofascial pain syndrome which can affect local nerves too

[Missus835 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you PMRpro. Haven't felt this crappy in a bit. Maybe just the .5 mg. drop. I do find that even .5 makes a huge difference.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Missus835]

It can, yes!

[Viv54]

I soak my feet in it,bliss 😊

[Viv54]

Plus I have the spray ,good for muscles 😊

[HeronNS]

Yes. I enjoyed them more when I lived in my old house, with a more comfortable tub, but still have a good soak once in a while, I actually dislike showers so on the occasions when because of injuries I've been unable to get in and out of the tub (usually getting out is harder for me) I've worked very hard to be able to bath again asap! I do like epsom salts and always add a few drops of pure essential oil, like lavender.

[Jemsea]

Can't face the day without my Epsom salt bath, together with frankincense, peppermint and lavender essential oils. Very relaxing for muscles and makes me feel alive.

[HeartMe]

I tried this yesterday after reading this. I think it helped some and slept without much notable pain last night. Lying down with feet raised helps a lot. When I woke up and tried to walk, my extreme pain was back. I will try it again to see if it helps.

[calibriel]

Like I said, it’s not a cure: but I find it makes me more comfortable, even for a short while. Hope you find some relief