Leg Cramps

Has anyone else experienced extremely BAD leg cramps during the night since their surgery?  The past week or so I have been waking up in such pain from them & I can't take it anymore.  I really don't think it's because I'm dehydrated because I have been getting all my fluids in and then some.  If anyone has any advice I'd greatly appreciate it.  Thanks!

I got this from the mayo clinc web site.   I wonder if it a mixture of not moving as much as you normally did and potassium.   Good Luck!

A muscle cramp is an involuntary, sustained tightening (contraction) of one or more of your muscles. It can result in intense pain and an inability to use the affected muscles. Night leg cramps are contractions of the leg muscles, usually in the back of the lower leg (calf). They often occur just as you're falling asleep or just as you're waking up.

The exact cause of night leg cramps isn't known. Some experts believe they may be due to abnormal processing of electrolytes — essential elements and chemical substances your body needs for basic functions — by muscles. Almost everyone has occasional leg cramps. But they occur most often in older adults. Common causes of night leg cramps include:

• Muscle overexertion
• Prolonged sitting
• Dehydration
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Decreased potassium levels
• Neuromuscular disorders, such as Parkinson's disease
• Certain medications, such as albuterol, niacin, diuretics, and some calcium channel blockers and antipsychotic medications
• Alcohol use

If you do get a leg cramp, you may be able to make it go away by:

• Walking on the affected leg
• Massaging the affected muscle
• Straightening your leg and flexing your foot toward your knee until you feel the calf muscles stretch
• Applying a cold pack to the affected muscle
• Taking a hot bath

To help prevent night leg cramps:

• Drink plenty of fluids during the day.
• Stretch your leg muscles before bedtime.
• Get adequate potassium in your diet.

If you have frequent and severe leg cramps at night, talk to your doctor. Treatment results vary. But the most effective treatments based on current research are:

• Vitamin B-12
• Gabapentin

Night leg cramps should be distinguished from another common cause of night leg discomfort called restless legs syndrome, a condition in which your legs have a creepy, crawly or fidgety sensation unless you move them. The sensation often worsens as night approaches. Restless legs syndrome is a neurologic condition that requires different treatment from that of night leg cramps.

I really hope you find some relief from your leg cramps! Ouch!

Danielle!

Thanks for the information!

I read somewhere there is actually more potassium in potatoes than bananas too.

Jules

Hi Regal2, Yes, I have had very severe leg cramps over the past 2 years since my RNY. So bad, that I didn't know what to do with myself.  The pain was the worst I had ever encountered in my life.  Worst then being in labor.  I found that trying to get up out of  bed as soon as you feel it coming on and start to walk it off and drink water.  The water stops it.  It takes a few minutes to stop it but it does work. Yes bananas do help, but drinking the water when you get the cramping will stop it.   Hope this helps. Carol B

Thank you all for your help with this problem.  Here's to hoping I don't get any tonight!!

Leg cramps can be caused by a lack of vitamin B 12.  This is a frequent vitamin deficiency for RNYers caused by malabsorption.  You can buy tablets.  Your Dr. can also give you shots.   I suggest you tell your Dr.  It's an easy blood test to see if you are deficient.  One blood test showed me severely deficient  compared to pre-op & the surgeon gave me a shot.  I also started a B12 vitamin tablet every few days. My most recent blood work was okay, so it's working.  Lack of this vitamin can also make you sleepy. 

Hi, after surgery when I will still in the liquids stage I was getting terrible leg cramps.  I called Dr G and she said I could blend a banana in with a shake.  It actually was pretty good.  I mixed some vanilla extract with the Atkins Advantage vanilla.  I'd check with your doc, first, though.  I know some people say to ice the area but I find as it's happening, very hot moist heat relieves the cramp. I then take a few Advil.  I hope you're doing better.  I tried replying to this post earlier but my (bad word!) computer kept freezing up.  Jules