2nd Eval and Muscle Cramps

I went in last week for my second go round and found I was way less stressed out this time. I thought it went very well. The only problems were that my blood tests showed I was very low on Vitamin D, and that I have L. pylori bacteria in my stomach. I knew I had a problem with acid but this was a surprise! So now I have to take 8 extra pills a day, Prevacid and antibiotics, to get rid of that before surgery. And a beautiful emerald green Vitamin D capsule once a week for eight weeks. Also, I got a diet and lots of very positive support from the nuritionist so I can lose 20 lbs. Low-carb, lowfat and not much protein. Also some sample protein powders to try. The psychologist, Dr. Poole, was great. Now, the problem. I have been having bad leg and foot cramps for several days now. I have a hunch it's something missing in my diet but no idea what! Has anyone else had this problem? I sure do appreciate this board and everybody on it. Thanks, guys. Kath

My guess it's probably potassium. Make sure in your veggies/fruit that you can have that you pick something higher in potassium. I also use the Emergenc-C packets that you get at fred meyer. They have potassium and a lot of b-vitamins and you mix a packet with water and drink it. You can get sugar free and sugar versions.

Thanks, Dana. I was thinking that a banana a day was probably enough, but I guess not. The Emergenc-C packets sound like a good option. I'm having difficulty getting enough servings of fruits and veggies. Thanks for the help.

I am trying to stay pretty low carb and low sugar so I know I am lacking potassium too. The emergenc-c packets really help plus they are full of vitamins and minerals I think you can drink two-three a day but I usually just have one in the morning. I hate taking vitamin pills so these are great for me. I also found a pretty good protein drink by accident. My step dad bought it when he was working out and then stopped using it. It's designer whey protien in vanilla. I scoop has 18g protein, 80 cals and 2g carbs. Plus it's high in vitamins too. I have been drinking two a day with 8-10 oz water 2 scoops of powder and a couple frozen strawberrys or bananas. Very yummy!

Thanks again Dana! Do you know the name of the protein powder? So far I have tried the ones the nutritionist gave me (Unjury) which were not bad but only available online, and one I got at Safeway (in a can, liquid)which is so sweet I can only drink it if I dilute it half and half with milk. I may be in town tomorrow, and if so, I'm going to see what I can find at Fred's.

It's called designer whey. There website is designerwhey.com (www). I'm not sure where he got it I just checked the website and it says they have it at vitamin world, gnc, wall mart etc. I have french vanilla and it's pretty good. Not super sweet so I add a little splenda. It looks like they have lots of flavors so good luck! Also it mixes really easy and is smooth.

Hi Kath, I too was going to guess potassium. I understand those cramps can be quite painful. Hope you get some relief! Isn't it interesting that they now test for the L-pylori? I think of all of those years folks (and my dad) were being told drink milk, no mexican food, your job is too stressful, etc. All along, most of the trouble was being caused by a mean little bug. I think the scientist who discovered this was ridiculed for trying to prove it. Keep up the process, it will be worth it! Patty

Hi Patty, My father-in-law, ex-husband and both my sons have ulcer problems. So, now maybe my kids, at least, can get some relief. The nurse-practitioner I talked with said they think the ulcers may be at least partly stress related. I'll be glad to get rid of my GERD, that's for sure. Will keep working on the leg cramps. Thanks. Kath