Intermittent pneumatic compression devices for leg cramps from Evista?

Posted by elsie37 @elsie37, Apr 2, 2019

An intermittent pneumatic compression device is used in hospitals to prevent blood clots after surgery. There are a variety of these "calf massagers" spanning a wide range of prices for sale online. I have tried to research if this would help leg cramps, particularly at night, caused by Evista/Raloxifene--an endocrine drug to reduce breast cancer risk--and have found nothing. This device might even help with blood clots, which are also a side effect of Evista.

A lot of the cancer sites advise patients to talk to their oncologist about side effects from the cancer drugs. So far, the oncologist's solution has been to just try a different drug because there is nothing they can do besides suggest a $50 weekly+ acupuncture session for the next 5-10 years, which is not covered by insurance. Not realistic.

Because I have run through the 5 major chemoprevention drugs and experienced severe and surprisingly unique side effects for each, I am looking for an innovative approach to deal with the side effects of Drug #5, my last hope, Evista/Raloxifene.

So what about an intermittent pneumatic compression device for drug-induced leg cramps? Anyone know whether this might be effective? If I buy one, I will certainly report back here about my experiment.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

Thank you for this interesting bit of news, @elsie37.

I have been a long time user of Evista/Raloxifene but have not had the blood clot problems, nor any muscle cramping. I'm guessing that this intermittent pneumatic compression device, is similar to what hospitals use after surgery when you have to be in bed for a prolonged period of time?

Here is some information from John Hopkins' website regarding this, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/cardiovascular/dvt_prevention_intermittent_pneumatic_compression_devices_135,328. Here is some more information from the University of Rochester (in New York) https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=135&contentid=328.

Like you, @elsie37, I look forward to hearing from Members who have used this device.

REPLY

@hopeful33250 I do see "cancer treatment" as one of the reasons listed for using an IPC.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.