1. < Autoimmune Diseases

Myasthenia Gravis and Muscle Cramping

Posted by Just Me @brighterday, Feb 7, 2024

I'm still new to the myasthenia gravis diagnosis and need some advice, please. I've been taking pyridostigmine for a few months. Over time, I've noticed some muscle cramping, but nothing too severe. This has changed! Last night I woke up with severe leg cramps in my thigh and calf on one leg and my thigh on the other. It was debilitating and scary. I'm wondering if this is a symptoms of MG or if it is a side effect of the pyridostigmine? Either way, are there any home remedies? Last night I drank a bunch of water, walked around the house, and tried some heat. Eventually, things calmed down enough that I was able to get back to bed. However, I still feel twinges of cramping today in both legs and, also, in my flank.

What can I do to 1) prevent this and 2) treat it if it continues? I'm wondering about electrolytes? Gatorade, Pedialyte, or something like that. I know there are so many things I'm not supposed to take with this diagnosis and don't want to get myself in even more trouble by taking something I shouldn't. BTW, I'm between doctors right now or I would be on the phone with my doctor about this. I would gratefully appreciate any and all advice you have to offer.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

leellen | @leellen | Apr 12 6:54pm

I’m shocked that in over a year there are no replies to this. I have the same situation and the same cramping symptoms. I really need some feedback and assistance with this.

REPLY
2 replies
mytreasure110124 | @mytreasure110124 | Apr 13 2:59am

Pickle juice for muscle cramps. I can't do without it. Fibromyalgia caused it when I work in the yard or do lot of housework.

REPLY
1 reply
77smith77 | @77smith77 | Apr 13 6:30am

I have had MG for about 6 years now. Had a lot of leg cramps early on. Could stop them by standing up as soon as they started. Happened many times daily. 6 years in they are very infrequent. I do take pyridostigmine 4 times daily. I have been on many treatments including Rituximab, IVIG, Solaris, Plasma Exchange, Steroids, Pulse Dose Steroids and now efgartigamod. Physical Therapy, Cardiopulmonary Rehab. 9 hospitalizations, 5 in ICU. I have not been in the hospital for over 2 years now. Work 4-6 hours in my Restoration Shop most days. Never give up.

REPLY
1 reply
pm56 | @pm56 | Apr 13 11:33am
In reply to @leellen "I’m shocked that in over a year there are no replies to this. I have the..." + (show)
@leellen

I’m shocked that in over a year there are no replies to this. I have the same situation and the same cramping symptoms. I really need some feedback and assistance with this.

Jump to this post

Home remedies for cramping include drinking pickle juice or a tsp of mustard. I was experiencing terrible cramping (I have RA/AxSpA) and my rheumatologist suggested a nightly supplement of magnesium, but I am also currently being evaluated for MG due to muscle weakness, and I read that magnesium is not recommended for MG patients. I find heat helps to calm the cramping as well.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Apr 13 11:43am
In reply to @leellen "I’m shocked that in over a year there are no replies to this. I have the..." + (show)
@leellen

I’m shocked that in over a year there are no replies to this. I have the same situation and the same cramping symptoms. I really need some feedback and assistance with this.

Jump to this post

@leellen Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you can see, your post spurred a few responses, so that's a win for you.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myasthenia-gravis-9/
Is but one of the myasthenia gravis discussions in the autoimmune support group. If you go to that group, and type in that term in the search bar, you will see all discussion with that condition, plus all comments. Click on the "discussions" link and I bet you will find information that will be useful to you.

How long have you lived with myasthenia gravis?
Ginger

REPLY
2 replies
leellen | @leellen | Apr 13 11:48am
In reply to @mytreasure110124 "Pickle juice for muscle cramps. I can't do without it. Fibromyalgia caused it when I work..." + (show)
@mytreasure110124

Pickle juice for muscle cramps. I can't do without it. Fibromyalgia caused it when I work in the yard or do lot of housework.

Jump to this post

Any particular type of pickles? Dill, sweet, Bubbies or generic

REPLY
leellen | @leellen | Apr 13 11:49am
In reply to @gingerw "@leellen Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you can see, your post spurred a few responses,..." + (show)
@gingerw

@leellen Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you can see, your post spurred a few responses, so that's a win for you.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myasthenia-gravis-9/
Is but one of the myasthenia gravis discussions in the autoimmune support group. If you go to that group, and type in that term in the search bar, you will see all discussion with that condition, plus all comments. Click on the "discussions" link and I bet you will find information that will be useful to you.

How long have you lived with myasthenia gravis?
Ginger

Jump to this post

Diagnosed for a year but I realize that I’ve had MG for more like 15 years without diagnosis.

REPLY
leellen | @leellen | Apr 13 1:05pm
In reply to @gingerw "@leellen Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you can see, your post spurred a few responses,..." + (show)
@gingerw

@leellen Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! As you can see, your post spurred a few responses, so that's a win for you.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myasthenia-gravis-9/
Is but one of the myasthenia gravis discussions in the autoimmune support group. If you go to that group, and type in that term in the search bar, you will see all discussion with that condition, plus all comments. Click on the "discussions" link and I bet you will find information that will be useful to you.

How long have you lived with myasthenia gravis?
Ginger

Jump to this post

Thank you. Diagnosed a year ago but now realize I’ve been struggling much much longer

REPLY
michiganjan | @michiganjan | Apr 14 7:58am

I have ocular Myasthenia gravis had it for three years now. I occasionally get the leg cramps. They wake me up while I'm sleeping. I have not been able to figure out what triggers it, but what helps me is I keep a shaker of salt next to the bed sprinkle a little on a wet part of my hand, lick it, and amazingly the cramp goes away. Easier than running to the refrigerator for pickle juice and it doesn't take much salt.

REPLY
leellen | @leellen | Apr 20 7:32pm
In reply to @pm56 "Home remedies for cramping include drinking pickle juice or a tsp of mustard. I was experiencing..." + (show)
@pm56

Home remedies for cramping include drinking pickle juice or a tsp of mustard. I was experiencing terrible cramping (I have RA/AxSpA) and my rheumatologist suggested a nightly supplement of magnesium, but I am also currently being evaluated for MG due to muscle weakness, and I read that magnesium is not recommended for MG patients. I find heat helps to calm the cramping as well.

Jump to this post

Yes, I’ve noticed when a leg is outside the covers at night I often wake up with a cramp in that leg.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.