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Does magnesium help with PMR?

Posted , 10 users are following.

Kassiebeetle
Kassiebeetle

Just wondering. I did do a very brief search but thought the forum might have some people who have tried or are taking magnesium. Had an absolute doozy of a leg cramp 2 nights ago, literally flew out of bed to get my foot on the floor to stretch my leg. It was so bad I had calf pain the next day. Now resolved. I appear to be having a flare have had an incredibly busy week so upped the pred dose from 11 to 15. Will see if I need do the same tomorrow.

Temp in Nanango. QLD. 31C

0 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH Kassiebeetle

    Posted

    Magnesium doesn't help the PMR itself - but being on pred can lead to our bodies losing too much magnesium and calcium. Low levels of either can lead to cramps - magnesium supplements help. 

    • Kassiebeetle
      Kassiebeetle EileenH

      Posted

      Sorry I should have clarified my comment. I meant help with muscle cramps from PMR not PMR itself. How are things in Italy? How is hubby going?
    • EileenH
      EileenH Kassiebeetle

      Posted

      Good I think - PSA has halved already, it should continue to fall for up to 2 years, all the side effects from the r/t seem to have resolved - although the cheery urology bunny said they can still appear! R/t have signed him off unless anything amkes him feel he needs to speak to them, just call.
  • 757gal
    757gal Kassiebeetle

    Posted

    My Holistic MD has had me on Magnesium for years (pre-GCA).  It assists many functions  in your body and you do not want to be lacking! 
    • Kassiebeetle
      Kassiebeetle 757gal

      Posted

      Thank you. I think I shall take some. I am feeling a bit better so think the higher dose of pred I took earlier is taking effect.

  • rocketman42
    rocketman42 Kassiebeetle

    Posted

    There are various forms of magnesium that are available on the market.

    Anyone care to suggest which form they feel is "best" ?

    • rusty49
      rusty49 rocketman42

      Posted

      Yes, my initial PMR treatment included a number of supplements including 250 mg Magnesium citrate daily at NIGHT.  My GP (also Autoimmune specialist) also included calcium and vitamin D supplements.  These were added to help prevent bone loss from prolonged corticosteroid treatment (ref Mayo Clinic).  Hope this helps and Good luck!
    • Kassiebeetle
      Kassiebeetle rusty49

      Posted

      Thanks Rusty. I am taking 4 calcium tabs and rocaltrol (VitaminD) as I don't have any Thyroid or Parathyroid glands. The last bone density showed improved results from previous scan. Happy about that. I am so hyped up from pred. It is 1.30am and I am watching cooking shows. I may do some cooking.!!!

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy Kassiebeetle

    Posted

    My GP prescribed quinine sulphate for leg cramps which seems to act virtually immediately if I get one. It seems they are not so keen on people taking quinine nowadays but it works brilliantly for me. 
    • Kassiebeetle
      Kassiebeetle ptolemy

      Posted

      Thanks Ptolemy. Yes, somewhere in my nursing days I remember something about Quinine being out of favour. Take care.
    • Elizamc
      Elizamc ptolemy

      Posted

      I have quinine too, tonic water does nothing for me (even with the gin!). Apparently it can affect white blood cells so Dr’s aren’t so keen to prescribe it.
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