Muscle Cramps?

I'm hoping someone can give me good advice. I've been experiencing more frequent muscle cramps (Charlie-horses here in Indiana) in my legs in the early mornings and I literally have to jump out of bed and put weight on my feet to get the cramp to release. I've upped my calcium (because I had to do that for the same problem with I was pregnant) but it doesn't seem to be helping. This morning when I did my early morning stretch in bed (like a cat) both legs went into cramps so badly that I could hardly GET out of bed to get any weight on my feet. It took a couple seconds (felt like minutes) and it kind of scared me. Help? (I've already called and left the same question with my doctor's staff). Julie

Julie, Low Potassium? That is the "Ususal Suspect" When it comes to "Charlie Horses." Best Wishes- Dx

That's what it usually is. Low Potassium like Dx said. I use to get them so frequently before WLS. Now I rarely have an attack. Maybe your dr.will order some bloodwork and give you some Potassium pills. Fell better soon Julia. Jeannie

Low potasium... same problem so I take a pill like maybe once a week. With all the fluid we drink.....

Julia, You may already know this, but banana's have lots of potassium. When I used to get charlie horses (OUCH!), eating a banana always helped. Wanda

I agree with everyone else that said potassium.

Oh boy--can I relate! Up your potassium, and more fluid--water!. I know we already do alot- but dehydration can cause muscle cramps too. Watch bananas for their sugar content and calories -depending on which one you keep track of. I never streach until I get out of bed. My weight helps eliminate cramping, otherwise I'd be falling out of bed and crawling. Bek

Julie . Thank goodness you posted this .. I have had the same thing now for about 3 months . @ 3 am I wake up with the worst charlie horse in my left leg . SO bad sometimes it aches the next day . I do drink my fluids .. so I am guessing as well it is my potassium . I am going to see if there is a suppliment out there I can get as I do not eat bannanas.. as I am way to intolerant to carbs and natural sugars . Let me know if you find out anything else . Hugs, Natalie

I also been having this problem. My leg cramps get so bad. I have several test done. My potassium is great. My iron is good. My water intake is great. My doctor sent me for leg test. Ultrasounds of my veins and checked my pulse in my veins No blood clots. Could not find anything. It is getting very fustrating. I have had every test possible and they still can not find anything. At least I know I am not the only one having this problem. Thanks for posting this. Tina Heffner Surgery 2/13/04 285/150