Posted , 11 users are following.
The past couple days, I've been experiencing an inordinate amount of Very Painful cramping/"Charlie horses" in my calves, feet, and now, today, my abdomen!
it seems to happen at the slightest shift in my positions and is Excruciating for a few seconds!
I'm in the process of a taper ( from 15 to 13 over the past 4 days ( is this too quick?)
has anyone else experienced this and if so, what did you do.
thanks Lynda
0 likes, 29 replies
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EileenH lynda62707
Posted
You know I will tell you it is probably too much at one time - 1mg more often is easier and gets you to the same place. And try magnesium foot baths (Epsom salts) or supplements for a start.
lynda62707 EileenH
Posted
Eileen...are you recommending I should go to 14mg?
are the magnesium supplements specifically recommended for cramping?
EileenH lynda62707
Posted
Cramps are often due to low magnesium levels. Pred makes us lose more magnesium than normal through the kidneys so we easily get low. Here in central Europe if you go to the doctor complaining of cramps the first thing they will ask is if you have tried magnesium supplements - every supermarket sells them. If that doesn't work they will investigate further. It all depends on your diet - if you don't eat the right sort of food you need it as supplements. And you can't overdose on magnesium - it acts as a laxative. If you try to take too much you will know!
And yes - don't try to do 2mg at a time since you know you are sensitive to reducing. Go back to 14mg - and hopefully that is enough. If not, 15mg and start over again.
mary19068 lynda62707
Posted
Hi lynda62707
Eileen is correct...i take magnesium supplements now and have not had any cramping for a very long time. Start taking it.....it's good for your health overall (google).....
lynda62707 EileenH
Posted
thanks Eileen...I did go back to 14 today, so we'll see how that works for awhile.
thanks for the "heads up" in too much magnesium!
Being that I've got Crohns, I certainly DON'T need any intestinal upsets!😜😖
EileenH lynda62707
Posted
Having Crohns increases the likelihood it is magnesium:
"Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon among the general population and can be even more common among people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) - Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and microscopic colitis."
Possibly you were just about OK before but the exess loss of magnesium due to pred has tipped you over the edge.
peggy_56092 lynda62707
Posted
I soak in epsom salt bath ( two cups added to water) once or twice a week. I also wear knee socks to bed. Warmth helps.
lynda62707 peggy_56092
Posted
hi Peg....only problem with the knee socks (and warmth overall), is I'm SO hot all the time, I'm always looking for a way to cool off!😖 lol
mary19068 lynda62707
Posted
Hi lynda62707
Yes, i had dreadful cramping mostly in my calves the pain was excrutiating! I couldn't get my legs normal for quite sometime, the cramps happened mostly in bed...OUCH!! Had to get out and try and move around put my feet in warm to hot water it would eventually subside. Had cramping a lot whilst taking pred.
Yes, i think your tapering a bit too quickly hun, 15mg - 13mg over 4 days is pushing the boat out. Go back up by 1mg and stay there for 2 weeks and see how you go. Then try again. Take it slow lynda. I now your desperate to get off the pred, as was i, but more haste less speed. Be patient and you will get there......😊👍
freda07782 lynda62707
Posted
HI Lynda 62707
I too have problems with leg, foot, and ankle cramping, mostly at night when I've been in bed a few hours. What I've found to be extremely helpful is to drink tonic water. the Fever Tree ( UK) is excellent. the shop brand ones tend to be more dilute and i seem to have to drink more to get the same effect. the good thing about sipping tonic water when you go out is that at least you don't feel like a whimp!!! A you have gathered its the quinine in the drink that helps to alleviate the cramps.
Elijo freda07782
Posted
Hi Freda, That's because tonic water has some quinine in it.; quinine has been banned in US because someone once had some side effects! Although tonic water does have some. Also, drinking a lot of fluids during the day can help prevent cramps.
lynda62707 freda07782
Posted
hmmmm.....interesting freda.
I'll try the tonic water. ..that seems fairly benign and I'm willing to try just about anything at this point!
Anhaga lynda62707
Posted
Please read the Healthline article about quinine. It can have some unpleasant side effects although I don't know if you'd ever get enough from a soft drink.
Anhaga
Posted
https://www.healthline.com/health/quinine-in-tonic-water#side-effects-and-risks
EileenH lynda62707
Posted
Check it doesn't clash with any meds you are on - even the small amount in tonic (and it IS very small) matters.
peggy_56092 lynda62707
Posted
Some tonic water has lots of sugar. Check the contents!