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Neurogenic Muscle Tetany (contractions)

Posted by sunnyflower @sunnyflower, Nov 20, 2020

Hello. Once again I was up the entire night fighting to "undo" severe painful muscle contractions. These do not stretch out easily. They are not in the usual places; arches and calves rather on top of my feet and shins with fingers often involved as well. I do all the right things as far as staying well hydrated and my electrolytes and other labs are always in the mid-normal range. This happens far too often and I was wondering is any of you experience this and if so, have some tips? These muscles feel bruised for several and more days after. I also get them in the giant thigh muscles as well. Thanks so much, Sunnyflower

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sunnyflower | @sunnyflower | Nov 30, 2020

Hello strikeanerve, thanks for the good info. This pain is what I would call severe. I had it 12 hours beginning 11pm Saturday night until 11AM Sunday. Ug! stretching before bed doesn't seem to help. One has to be a contortionist to stretch these muscles and when stretching, it caused the synergistic/agonist/antagonistic muscles to contract too! And, the position I have to get into to stretch these, also caused the opposite legs muscles to contract!!! I am well hydrated and making certain I'm taking the correct amount of potassium and magnesium as well. I've asked my Endocrinologist and Neurologist (the two most likely specialties to find the cause), to have a consult. This isn't bearable! This happened AFTER I got off the 50mg of B6 in my daily multivitamin/mineral and had the two abnormal twice the value lab test results that diagnosed me w/ B6 toxicity. I never knew I shouldn't be on so much and was for years! Learn something new everyday, especially being on Connect! Warmest wishes, Sunnyflower

REPLY
strikeanerve | @strikeanerve | Dec 1, 2020

I totally get the opposite leg/arm thing. I was face down, a Dr pushed on my left leg and the right spazzed out made the leg tremor in up&downward motion really fast .Try using the electric blanket/rub down before stretch to warm up the muscles. You don't have to stretch fully, just little bit everyday goes a long way...to the degree that you can tolerate. When I stretch I do both at the same time...sit in a chair using a light band for the arms pulling apart at the same time....above the head, chest level, side to side and like you are drawing an archery bow. Legs I stand away from the wall and lean forward/push for some resistance. I do push ups against the wall too. I do squats holding onto the kitchen sink with both arms and pull to stretch both arms equally, while at the same time giving the legs some light exercise. Everything I do is modified and only 1-5 reps. I try to walk around more. As time goes by you will see less bruising. It's taken about a year for my muscles to mellow out some with my routine. Now I get a bruise here and there, not consistently like I used to. I avoid supplements all together that have b6 overload and just trying to include more veges with each meal and having a variety of meats and fish.

REPLY
1 reply
sunnyflower | @sunnyflower | Dec 1, 2020
In reply to @strikeanerve "I totally get the opposite leg/arm thing. I was face down, a Dr pushed on my..." + (show)
@strikeanerve

I totally get the opposite leg/arm thing. I was face down, a Dr pushed on my left leg and the right spazzed out made the leg tremor in up&downward motion really fast .Try using the electric blanket/rub down before stretch to warm up the muscles. You don't have to stretch fully, just little bit everyday goes a long way...to the degree that you can tolerate. When I stretch I do both at the same time...sit in a chair using a light band for the arms pulling apart at the same time....above the head, chest level, side to side and like you are drawing an archery bow. Legs I stand away from the wall and lean forward/push for some resistance. I do push ups against the wall too. I do squats holding onto the kitchen sink with both arms and pull to stretch both arms equally, while at the same time giving the legs some light exercise. Everything I do is modified and only 1-5 reps. I try to walk around more. As time goes by you will see less bruising. It's taken about a year for my muscles to mellow out some with my routine. Now I get a bruise here and there, not consistently like I used to. I avoid supplements all together that have b6 overload and just trying to include more veges with each meal and having a variety of meats and fish.

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Sounds like you're on a good plan. So glad it's working for you! Warmest wishes, Sunnyflower

REPLY
mojosteve1961 | @mojosteve1961 | Dec 16, 2020

Do you take a Potassium supplement for these contractions? I do, and it seems to help lessen my muscle contractions and cramps.

REPLY
1 reply
sunnyflower | @sunnyflower | Dec 16, 2020
In reply to @mojosteve1961 "Do you take a Potassium supplement for these contractions? I do, and it seems to help..." + (show)
@mojosteve1961

Do you take a Potassium supplement for these contractions? I do, and it seems to help lessen my muscle contractions and cramps.

Jump to this post

Hello mojosteve1961, I am Sunnyflower. I'm not clear who this message is intended for? If for me, then yes, I take 40mEq, twice daily w/ diuretics aka blood pressure and CHF meds. When I have to take a little more of those, I take more Potassium. And, more Magnesium. Even a Valium. NOTHING works. Brutal! I hope you're doing well and am so glad the Potassium works for you! Warmest regards, Sunnyflower

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