I've never experienced something like this: in the past week with normal muscular contraction of my quadriceps, esp with quick motions like going down steps, I have gotten almost seizure type spasms in the center of my quadriceps on both sides. There has been no injury to the muscle and I believe my magnesium (anti-spasm mineral) are adequate.
Do the spirochetes get in the muscles? Anyone with definite Lyme diagnosis ever have anything like this? I have some neck/shoulder stiffness but no history of any fibromyalgia.
Thanks--
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
How would you know your magnesium levels are ok?
Posted by mtnwoman (Member # 8385) on :
I checked my magnesium level with Doctor's Data red blood cell element test. It's not perfect but better than just a plain blood test that doesn't look at intracellular mineral levels.
Posted by vitch (Member # 8094) on :
IMO You should raise your Mg.
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
mountainwoman -- like your screen name!!!
You are correct that the red blood cell magnesium test is more accurate than the standard magnesium blood test -- however there is one possibility your doc may not have thought of or he may not be aware of --
if you have "leaky cell membranes" your RBC magnesium could be normal or even 2 or 3 times normal as is hubby's, but you could still be deficient in magnesium.
I give hubby IV magnesium at least once a week -- usually 2.5 - 3 grams. Can tell that he probably needs this 2 times weekly but can't seem to fit in that many IV's. IV magnesium sulfate will cause you to become flushed if at too high a dose.
Suggest you try an epsom salts bath with 2 or 3 cups of epsom salts. If this helps with muscle spasms then you are low in magnesium.
According to the late Dr Atkins of diet fame, you will only absorb as much magnesium as you need thru your skin and do not need to worry about overdoing it and causing diarrhea. However, the sulphur could cause a detox reaction if you have never done one of these baths before.
Also, did you test calcium levels as well? Low calcium may also cause muscle spasms.