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This is a very helpful conversation. After lots of tests and specialists, the working diagnoses have been something like long Covid, small fiber polyneuropathy or fibromyalgia. No definitive diagnosis. However, part of what’s been going on is muscle contractures. I wouldn’t call it a spasm because it is not sudden, but when I wake up my thigh muscles and arm muscles are so tight that it’s hard to walk. It’s like the muscles engaged overnight and never relaxed. I really appreciate these conversations because it helps me know that perhaps this is related to fibromyalgia and I am not crazy. 99% of my doctors have been great - very respectful and believe what’s going on for me. However, just a few days ago I had an episode of difficulty breathing, a weird new lisp, elevated blood pressure and dizziness- and you guessed it, the ER could find nothing wrong with me. They suggested I follow up with my PCP who was irritated that I took up her time. She basically asked me if I was depressed since retirement, as if I am malingering and seeking attention. I definitely am not. Who would choose to have symptoms and for two years post retirement and intermittently not be able to do all the fun things that I love to do like kayaking, dancing and hiking! I am changing PCPs !
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I think it is an "easy out" for the doctors to play the old "it must be a mental health problem" game. It is because they don't know what to do and it makes them feel better to give it a label (diagnosis). That leaves us with seeking help wherever we can find it. The Theraworx has worked well for the last two months with the exception of one awful morning. Right leg seizing and begging God to make it stop.
I have found that when I start the mild cramping (hands, back, under the ribcage) during the day, it is time to drink a tall glass of Gatorlyte (Rapid Rehydration) Electrolyte Beverage (higher electrolytes than Gatorade). I really think it is the replenishment of Potassium that is helping. This is sweetened with Stevia (which should be safe). It is only 60 calories for the 20 fl oz bottle. It has 10% Calcium, 8% Potassium, 25% Magnesium, and 45% Chloride. The reason I think it is the potassium is because when I went to the ER for the tight chest, they only found low potassium. I have been taking daily magnesium so I feel that rules out that one. This product can be found at some Walmart Stores as a 4 bottle purchase. It is expensive. I have usually seen it for sale in single bottles which is pretty expensive.
I do feel that the muscles are more relaxed after this drink.