Extremely bad "Charlie Horse" in Both Legs. Am I lacking a vitamin??

Shellysue82
on 12/19/09 2:04 am - Apple Valley, MN

I am just over 2 years out from RNY, and probably once a month for the last 4 or 5 months I get extremely bad charlie horses in both my legs, both in my front ham strings and in my calf's at the same time in both legs, basically to the point where I am unable to move, stand up, walk, or flex my legs to try to stretch out the muscles that are spasming. The cramping is so strong I just cry and cry and I just have to wait for it to pass.

I had a physical last month and completely forgot to ask about this when I was there. They did blood tests and my recommended irons and b12 levels are perfect. I am taking 1200 g of Calcium daily and I take a pre-natal vitamin every night before bed. I take two sublingual b12 a day. I take 10000 mcg of Biotin daily and a birth control pill and celexa (anti-depressant).

I eat bananas regularly (not daily but at least weekly). I don't really drink any milk but I eat a good amount of yogurt and cheese daily and I get enough calcium through supplements.

Does this happen to anyone else? Or does anyone know why this happens and if I can prevent it somehow?

Thank you!

germanswife
on 12/19/09 2:09 am

RNY on 03/09/09

From my understanding it is a potassium defenciency.

I used to play soccer and would get charlie horses and I was told to take potassium.

Hope that helps

Erika

marymazilla
on 12/19/09 2:12 am - GARDEN CITY, MI

RNY on 10/29/09

sounds like you need Potassium.

check out the Vitamin shoppe

"When we stop running away from the situation that is scary - that is the moment we discover how strong we really are. So, acknowledge your strength...rejoice in it...and start breathing in life, as the beautiful, strong soul (being) that you truly are." - Rachna Sirtaj.......Love & Peace

shotseyrudi
on 12/19/09 2:17 am - United Kingdom

Increase your calcium to 1800mg per day split into 2 doseses. The cramps will go awaay in 2 days.

joanie r.

marymazilla
on 12/19/09 2:31 am - GARDEN CITY, MI

RNY on 10/29/09

Calcium should be 1500 mg a day in three doses.

You can not absorb more than that at one time. Also never take iron with in two hours of taking calcium

"When we stop running away from the situation that is scary - that is the moment we discover how strong we really are. So, acknowledge your strength...rejoice in it...and start breathing in life, as the beautiful, strong soul (being) that you truly are." - Rachna Sirtaj.......Love & Peace

Leeci59
on 12/19/09 2:30 am

RNY on 12/15/09

Potassium is sometimes the cause of this, but dehydration is also a major cause of leg cramps. Try drinking more water to see if this helps! It has helped me.
Leeci

God sometimes lets life turn you upside down so you can learn to live
right-side up.

marymazilla
on 12/19/09 2:33 am - GARDEN CITY, MI

RNY on 10/29/09

yes you are correct.

Potassium is an essential mineral needed to regulate water balance, levels of acidity, blood pressure, and neuromuscular function. This mineral also plays a critical role in the transmission of electrical impulses in the heart.

www.vitaminshoppe.com/content/en/healthguide/hncontent.jsp

"When we stop running away from the situation that is scary - that is the moment we discover how strong we really are. So, acknowledge your strength...rejoice in it...and start breathing in life, as the beautiful, strong soul (being) that you truly are." - Rachna Sirtaj.......Love & Peace

Amalia S.
on 12/19/09 3:00 am - Athens, Greece

VSG on 01/26/10

I know some people here answered "potassium" as the cure for your charlie horses, but as someone who has suffered from such problems for years, I know that the correct answer is "magnesium". Ask your doctor, of course, spasms and cramps could result from more serious causes and you should rule them our before trying supplements.

Over 110 lbs lost!! (Finally!)

http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/almost/

Jan W.
on 12/19/09 2:35 pm - Placerville, CA

RNY on 01/05/09

Yep, you are right. I had HORRIBLE cramps in the front and back of my legs for months after surgery, so bad in fact, that I couldn't stand, my foot would ark out sideways, it was so horrible. Mine was magnesium deficiency not potassium as I thought it was. Now I have no problems at all after taking a magnesium supplement (by RX)

(deactivated member)
on 12/19/09 3:01 am

It could be a vitamin deficiency, but it could also be not pushing enough fluids. Dehydration is a major contributor to leg cramps.

Extremely bad "Charlie Horse" in Both Legs. Am I lacking a vitamin??

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Extremely bad "Charlie Horse" in Both Legs. Am I lacking a vitamin??