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Constant excruciating leg cramps
I was “diagnosed” with Fibro in 2009. I had a false pos for Lupus and so this is what they decided I have.
My symptoms increased and decreased in severity for years. About 11 years ago I started getting leg cramps in my sleep. Sure, everyone gets them, but mine would be calf and shin simultaneously. I couldn’t stretch one or the other, because the opposite would spasm more and cause terrible pain. I’d have it for a couple weeks and then it’d disappear.
I went through times were I was very active, in the gym all the time, hiking, etc. but then I’d get, say, tendinitis somewhere and have to lay off.
In august 2021 I fell. I’d been exercising and walking—up to 4 miles a day— for a couple months. I didn’t fall because of pain or disability, I just tripped in a normal way. But I landed in my face requiring stitches in three places, and got whiplash.
Since then, I’ve been downhill. But the cramps! I started getting them in both legs at night. Both shins, both calves, the feet. It decreases in intensity, but hasn’t gone away. Then it increases again. It used to stop when I was up and around, but now both legs are pretty much in spasm all day. It spread to my hamstrings (never as bad), and now I have it in my forearms.
The rheumatologist found “nothing wrong”. The neurologist found “nothing wrong”. He put me on gabapentin, but anything more than 300mg once a day turns me into an a$$h*le. And doesn’t help.
The doctors literally wipe their hands and say, “that’s just your Fibro.”
Is it? I’ve never read about that with Fibro. 🙁
56 yo. Used to bodybuild. Played women’s pro football 20 years ago. Used to cycle, swim, etc.
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@daxel79 I have a friend who had PMR. This occurred maybe around 2013 or a little earlier. She was in acute pain all the time. The Dr put her on a massive dose of Prednisone. I do forget how long she was on it , but when the treatment was over, she no longer suffered from it.
Perhaps you can investigate this procedure. All the best to you.
What is PMR? I cannot take prednisone as it makes my heart race and I have AFIB so it’s not good for me to take. But thank you for the suggestion🩷
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3 ReactionsSorry you're experiencing such nasty pain. Being told by Dr.'s over and over again 'nothing wrong' sure doesn't help. Saying 'we don't know' / Current tests aren't detecting a problem, '
I hope meds that meet your pain needs are in your hands soon.
Looks like you've been getting back to more movement whenever possible which is really good. The activities you've chosen in your life are certainly in the high performance group. Well done.
Luv your attitude as indicated in this hard No, to too much medication: comment "turns me into an a$$h*le. And doesn’t help".
Omg , good one, had me literally lol'ing. And totally gotcha on that. Really hope some really helpful changes come your way. All the best. Air hug.
To help desk, my comment looks like its to myself & trying to fix that looks like its two times now. Can you recommend which vid or 'how to info page' i should be studying? Omg. Duh moi....'sending while covering my eyes kinda sideways'. Yikes my bad, sorry, peeps.. !!!
, @ellesea01
Hi this is Jerry Rusk and I have leg cramps but I found pickle juice gets rid of them immediately just about an ounce will do it and it has to be dill pickle juice. good day and I hope this helps somebody
When I had excruciating leg cramps at age 49 and during pregnancies (age 34 and 34), it was because of low progesterone. I would expect at age 81 you would have very little progesterone left in your body. By the way, even men utilize progesterone, though not as much as women. Progesterone cream can be bought over the counter. I thought I would mention this as it is something else to try. Susan Smith
@susanmaria Sorry, I got your age wrong. I would guess that you might be menopausal at age 56 if female. Please try the progesterone. It made a world of difference. I was also getting a severe arthritis feeling in my wrists/hands at age 49. The progesterone (topical at approximately 40 mg dosage once a day) got rid of my pains. Sincerely, Susan
I have a disease called CRPS. It is in my feet and ankles and one of the problems is muscle spasms . My doctor has prescribed Baclofin. I have found over the counter items that might help : Theraworx Foam, or Amazon has a chewable pill called Zapcramp. Gentle hugs
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1 ReactionI use Jigsaw hydration packets the berry flavor. Can’t live wit them. I’ve suffered with cramps also. God bless.