Question:
3 weeks post-op can't sleep - charlie horses waking me up

I am 3 weeks post-op and charlie horses in my legs have been waking me up the last two nights. Anyone else having that problem and is a cause for real concern?    — Connie W. (posted on August 3, 2003)

August 3, 2003
You're probably dehydrated and YES this is cause for concern. Call your doctor and see what he recommends. When I am feeling dehydrated I go for the Propel fitness water, it has more potassium than Gatorade (made by the same company) and has only 3 carbs and 2g of sugar per serving. Dehydration is common but very dangerous if let go for even a day or two!
   — Carol S.

August 3, 2003
You probably do need more liquid. Your legs are not swelling are they? You are probably low on potassium. I drink the Isopure in the glass bottle. It has lots of protein and potassium. I don't remember my legs hurting. I did keep those ted hose on for about a month after my surgery. I was so afraid of getting a blood clost after surgery. Since I had already had one 9 years ago from a prior surgery. I would also suggest that if you keep having paing call your dr. Take care, Barbara Brewer, WLS 5/20/03 Dr McCarty 5/20/03 weight 278/50 8/1/03 weight 237.00
   — babrewer

August 3, 2003
I started getting bad cramps in my feet after surgery--bad enough to wake me in tears. Someone suggessted it might be low potassium, since we lose a lot of it by drinking so much. I started taking a potassium supplement every morning, and I rarely get the cramping now, and even when I do, it's not as painful as before.
   — Vespa R.

August 3, 2003
Good answers from everyone. Also, for a quick fix, I found drinking a little can of V-8 or tomato juice gets potassium in, too-- if you are not inclined toward a sport drink.
   — Susan R.