Question:
I am 11 months postop - have been getting leg cramps 2-3 times a week
I am 11 months postop - have been getting leg cramps 2-3 times a week (between foot and kneee/front and back soemtimes). I have been exercising for the past 3-4 months so that isn't new - and not doing anything else that I think would cause these. I do take 2 flintstones a day plus 2 calcium pills - and a folic acid daily. Should I call my surgeon to ask about these pains - or what are someone else's experience with them? They hurt so bad - oh, and it only happens at night when I am sleeping. Thanks Kristie — Kristie M. (posted on November 25, 2003)
November 24, 2003
I'm 2 months post op and just started experiencing the same thing. My
mother used to have major problems with that and the doctor always
increased her potassium. I do keep records of my food and liquid intake so
I checked that and saw that I was VERY low in potassium intake. I started
making sure I had enough potassium and have had no more problems. You
might want to give that a try for a couple of days(you can find lists of
potassium rich foods on the web) and see if it clears up. If it doesn't,
I'd definitely call the doctor. I know it hurts so good luck in finding
the answer.
— SCbabe B.
November 24, 2003
I recently had the same problem. Surgeon told me to make sure that I was
getting my calcium citrate and had me add diluted gatorade to my liquid
intake for about a week. Cramps went away. I also began eating a few
bananas for the added potassium.
— [Deactivated Member]
November 24, 2003
I am not a doctor but maybe those children's mutivitiam are for children
and do not have the iron, folic acid or potassiam a grown adult needs. I
was given the flintstone vits in the hospital, but they were way to sweet,
I am now taking Adult Chewable Centrums daily with 100% of the daily needs
listed above. Also, you did not say anything about taking a B-12
supplement, I know that lack of B-12 can lower your energy and make your
fingers and toes tingle. I take a B-12, b-6 and folic acid sub-lingual that
you put under your tongue daily, I get mine at a local store called Trader
Joe's, but I think you can get them at GNC. The Centrum Chewable
Multivitiam can be purchased at Walmart or most food stores, and they also
have the potassiam you need daily.
— cindy
November 24, 2003
I had the same problem - severe, painful cramps at night. I started eating
bananas - at least one per day. That stopped the cramps but I got tired of
the bananas so now I take a potassium supplement.
— Etta M.
November 25, 2003
Hi Kristy....you're probaly having "charlie horses" etc....It's
mostly due to lack of potassium in your diet. You should definitely
contact your PCP or surgeon. You can also drink gatorade which has a lot
of potassium or bananas. If you were to take a potassium supplement,
sometimes it makes your stool "weird" looking or have possible
diarrhea.
— Heather D.
November 25, 2003
Hello, I would suggest that it might be potassium or not enough water
daily. Give it a try and let us know. 280/153/140 Best Wishes~
— Heather S.
November 25, 2003
My first thought was also a low potassium, but my mother also had leg
cramps and her doctor told her to drink a glass of diet tonic water each
day. You might give it a try if the bananas don't work. Best of luck.
Carolyn
— Carolyn B.
November 25, 2003
Thanks everyone so much for the responses. I will try and drink more water
before I go to bed and see about eating more potassium. Anything is worth
a try.
Kristie
— Kristie M.
November 25, 2003
I started drinking a Propel every day and my leg cramps stopped right away.
Dang those things hurt!!! Good luck.
— Carol S.
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