One of my most painful return symptoms has been muscle cramping of the feet, legs and hands. Yesterday... I was yawning and my neck/throat went into spasm- a new one for me.
Anyway... I was told a few months ago that an old rememdy was to take a shooter of baking soda during the cramps. Well, of course, I have been offered many suggestions over the years, so I didn't take that one too seriously.
However, last night, I awoke with the most horrid series of cramps yet. It was a full 5-10 minutes of trying to walk them off with tears streaming down my face. (I think I really scared my poor kitty)
Toward the end of that episode, I remembered the baking soda remedy and hobbled into the kitchen for a shot. Within seconds... the cramps subsided!!!
After things had calmed down somewhat, I did a little research and decided that I have been extremely dehydrated recently due to working out in the heat. Even though I have been drinking water constantly- I learned that I am also losing those trace minerals that are so important- like sodium, magnesium and potassium.
So, while I am not really wanting to gulp down Gatorade all day... I am hoping that by supplimenting my diet with those trace minerals in food, the issue will lessen.
And I am wondering if anyone else experienced releif from cramping by taking this route?
[ 08-11-2012, 07:36 AM: Message edited by: Melanie Reber ]
Posted by Summer3 (Member # 35286) on :
I'm not sure why, but baking soda is one of the ingredients in alka seltzer gold which a lot of LLMD's suggest for herxing. It seems to work for me, but is short-lived.
It's good that it's working for muscle cramps too. Maybe I should try it for my twitching.
Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
Another good cheap thing to try -- if you would rather not swallow pills then get a shaker of salt substitute. It is potassium and will help with muscle cramps sometimes when either calcium or magnesium will not.
Hubby's favorite bath is epsom salts, baking soda, potassium salt substitute (used to use 1 teaspoon I think) and powdered mustard. Right now I am sitting here waiting for the repair man to come and fix our hot water heater (have been waiting a week for him to come back after the initial assessment) and hubby is hoping to take a hot soak tonight. After 2 ER visits yesterday he is in bed and totally wiped out.
Bea Seibert
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
On runner websites they have a homemade eletrolyte recipe you can make and take with you during the day, to replace minerals that are lost in sweat. Cheaper than gatorade and is better than waiting until the end of day when you are low in everything and suffering the consequences.
Here is a recipe from another website, but it is similar to the one runners use:
I don't know the science but the sucess makes sense to me.
Posted by annxyzz (Member # 20404) on :
Magnesium helps me most .
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Interesting. Maybe it's because it's alkalinizing?
Earlier this summer when it was over 100 every day for so long, I could not stay hydrated. I ended up in the hospital with a kidney infection and on IV fluids/abx for about four days. They had to do a push on the fluids I was so dehydrated.
For a month after that, Gatorade (I drank G2 because it doesn't have bromated vegetable oil) was the only thing that would keep me hydrated.
After some time, I could switch to coconut water.
It took a few months before I could drink plain water again for hydration.
Sometimes you just need the Gatorade. Posted by surprise (Member # 34987) on :
Smart Water (brand name)
has electrolytes in it without the dyes, etc. that Gatorade has-
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
quote:Originally posted by surprise: Smart Water (brand name)
has electrolytes in it without the dyes, etc. that Gatorade has-
This is from Livestrong-
quote:Gatorade Gatorade is a sports drink specifically designed for athletes to replace fluids and electrolytes. It also contains carbohydrates to provide energy. An 8 oz. serving of Gatorade contains 50 calories, 14 g of carbohydrates -- all in the form of sugar -- 110 mg of sodium and 30 mg of potassium. If you're concerned about calories and carbohydrates, but still need to replace electrolytes lost through exercise, Gatorade also offers a low-calorie version that contains 20 calories, 5 g of carbohydrates -- all sugar -- 110 mg of sodium and 30 mg of potassium.
Smartwater Smartwater is not a sports drink but water that contains electrolytes. The electrolytes in Smartwater are added to enhance flavor, according to Lauren Hayward at IowaStateDaily.com, not to act as a source of electrolyte replacement like Gatorade. Smartwater also contains a different mix of electrolytes. An 8 oz. serving of Smartwater contains 0 calories, 0 carbohydrates, 2.5 mg of potassium, 2.5 mg of calcium and 3.75 mg of magnesium.
I do drink Smart Water when I buy bottled water, but it wasn't enough when I was dehydrated.
Posted by trubeee (Member # 34030) on :
OMG Melanie, I could have written this post!!! In fact I was just at my doctor's today for the very same thing! This has been going on for the past few mths with no respite, arms/legs, hands/feet, even my neck along my windpipe cramping like mad, painful to the point that you want to end it all (kidding) - it's that horrid!!
My labs were all clear - no electrolyte imblalance, etc. and I do find that I have been thirstier this hotter summer though unlike you the most activity I can do is to waddle from bed to couch..
While I'm glad the baking soda helped you, I wonder what is at the root of the problem?? My heart checked out fine too btw. Definitely alkanalizing effect, what about Alka Seltzer Gold? My LLMD uses it for herxes though I don't think it can be taken daily. Woops someone already mentioned it.
Other home remedies on the 'net were tonic water. I'm at my wits' end with this 'tetany' too, I even have the painful cramping on my chest and back... yuck. Hang in there, this thread came at the right time!!
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
THANK YOU so much everyone! I really do appreciate the added thoughts, support and suggestions!
This has been slowly coming on for a long time now, but I usually tend to ignore things untill it gets bad (sort of what got me in this mess in the first place)and I know that is a foolish act of procrastination, but oh well...
It has been a horribly hot summer here, as it looks to be in many places and just doing little things around home has kept me sweating pretty constantly (read no A/C). I didn't put the two together untill this event when I pushed myself way over the limit on a new landscape installation the other day.
In previous years I have NOT been able to tolerate magnesium in any form, so I have avoided supplementing with that. However, I did try to increase a little mag and potassium in food choices. I suppose I just didn't realize the sodium connection to muscle cramps untill now.
So thank you all so much for the information on other products and ideas... I will have to try a few and see if they help! Also, the AS Gold link is very interesting... I wonder if I can't simply ward off night time cramps by taking a half of a tab now and then?
Yes, unfortunately I do think the underlying cause is connected to a relapse of something, so I am hoping that by addressing the disease, the symptoms will subside as well.
Again... THANK YOU! Lymenet is the best!!!
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
What about pedio=lite sp?//
I wonder now if part of my issue is not consistant with mag/potas/cal..
It's in my treatment supps, but maybe not enough..
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
forgot..Vita Coco, pure coconut water..I get flavored mango... best cold.
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
forgot..Vita Coco, pure coconut water..I get flavored mango... best cold.
Posted by lightfoot (Member # 2536) on :
If it get down to sports drinks....you can make your own....just google it.
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
Melanie, offer ,not question on last send...
I I guess pedio-lite is less natural than Gatorade??/
Got that lecture today.
I'm constantly feeling thirsty lately, and cramping more...
I wonder...
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Miss Lightfoot! I have missed you... how are things down south?
Nonna, I don't think trying these things would hurt you any...and it might just help! Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Nonna, Pedialyte is marketed for children (though adults can still take it too). I think it is less concentrated than Gatorade but it is still a rehydration formula.
Well, I made a gatorade coctail yesterday and sipped on it all day long... no cramping in the night, but I did still experience cramping in my hands during the day.
I wonder how one can tell what the amount of trace nutrients is that you really need? I'm not too keen on drinking 2 or more of these a day if it isn't really needed.
Do any of you know how to break down the amount needed vs. the amount delivered in each bottle? Is there a chart somewhwere that describes what we need in trace minerals daily that I can access?
Posted by AuntyLynn (Member # 35938) on :
Magnesium for muscle cramps! Been using it for YEARS! I like magnesium citrate, which absorbs really quickly, and just nibble on a 400 mg tab as I sip a glass of water. Usually 200 mg will do the trick - in minutes!
I recommend Green Coconut Water for natural hydration - it's so much more natural than sweaty tasting, artifically colored Gatorade!
I like Zico and Koh brands as opposed to Vita Coco - which someone here complained they got headaches from, probably from the flavorings? I prefer mine straight.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I agree with AuntyLynn on brands of coconut water. I like the Zico. Also the Blue Monkey. Vita Coco only in a pinch ... they even sell it at gas stations, so what does that tell you about quality? I do buy it if we're on the road and I'm at a gas station.
A few months ago, I needed the Gatorade though. I hated needing it .... look at your symptoms to decide how much. As soon as I stopped drinking enough, I had bladder pressure, so knew I needed more. Eventually I could change over to coconut water. Go by symptoms. Even if there were a chart, everyone is different.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Thank you Aunty and Six!
As I stated above, I have not been able to tolerate Mag in any form. Not pills, powders, sprays, baths, etc. I don't know why... for some reason, my body just rejects it... and not in a good way. Also, I hate the taste and smell of coconut- but I DO appreciate the suggestions!
I agree that everyone is different in the amount needed- I was just hoping for some sort of baseline guide to compare with.
Yesterday, I only drank half a bottle of gatorade and could still feel the cramping start to build at night and my hands were still cramping during the day... so I guess half isn't enough.
I think I will stick with the gatorade for a good week to give it a fair trial and then go from there with other formulas.
Thanks again!
Posted by trubeee (Member # 34030) on :
My own update: cramping reeeally bad today - thirst has been a constant too all summer long. Been checked for diabetes - negative. I still feel it must be some kind of deficiency but every blood test comes up negative.
My sleep has continued to be very poor, some depression for sure, (unusual for me), horrific fatigue, all that - in total - much worse... and no end in sight.
A quick search of the internet isn't good- no answers unfortunately...
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
So, a week of Gatorade didn't really help. So I started to supplement with Calcium/ D and am now on home remedy #4- a sugar free electrolite powder.
I'm about at my wit's end with this and can't wait to get back to the doc for some relief!
I'm desparate for any other suggestions in the meantime!?!
Posted by tickled1 (Member # 14257) on :
Maybe go get some IV fluids?
Posted by tickled1 (Member # 14257) on :
Could you have SIBO? This causes D Lactate acidosis for me due to suspected lactobacillus overgrowth. Symptoms can be similar to dehydration.
[ 09-20-2012, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: tickled1 ]
Posted by AuntyLynn (Member # 35938) on :
You haven't tried magnesium or coconut water?
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
I was able to make an LLMD apt this morning but... can't get in for 3 months! So, I made one with my PCP too for Monday morning. Perhaps they can throw a few band-aides on the situation while I wait...
in the meantime, I am trying some trazadone tonight.
Posted by Ellen101 (Member # 35432) on :
My number one lyme symptom has been horrific muscle cramps around my hips and thighs. It has improved with treatment, but its been up and down when herxing.
Along with my abx I use mag tabs Sr twice a day with another combo of mag/potassium. I also use flexeril at night. This has definitely helped my symptoms.
Posted by Maryinvt2 (Member # 37822) on :
My grandfather and the farm help use to take a gallon of "switchel" with them when they went out to do the haying.
You could try colloidal silver while you wait. You can get it at a health food store.
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
I do that if I forget to take my thyroid med.
Posted by DeniseNM (Member # 11182) on :
I find that Magnesium Calm (with the calcium) mixed in flavored coconut water works wonders for my cramping and twitching. Too bad I forget half the time! :)
Posted by AuntyLynn (Member # 35938) on :
MaryinVt -
Thanks so much for telling us about switchel! Never heard of it before, and it makes perfect sense.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Popping this back up because... well... I am currently experiencing pretty severe muscle cramping in my legs, feet and hands. I had hoped to find something in this old thread that I haven't tried yet, but no luck it seems.
One of my closest friends is an RN and mentioned a specific electrolyte powder that she uses when necessary and I have that on order (link below)
However, I just have to get through this week while awaiting my special delivery. Soooo, any and all suggestions would be more than welcome!!!
(it is rather pricey, but at the moment, I would pay just about anything for some relief)
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I have to use metaxalone for muscle cramps. There are two other muscle relaxants I am sensitive to.
I hope you find something that helps.
Posted by MannaMe (Member # 33330) on :
I just read somewhere that peppermint essential oil is an antispasmodic. Maybe that could be tried. I'd probably dilute in a carrier oil before rubbing on the tight muscles.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Thank you Miss Toots. I am so sorry that you are dealing with cramps also, as I know how debilitating they can be. I'm glad though, that you have found a drug you can tolerate.
Hi MannaMe, thank you so much for that suggestion, it wouldn't hurt to try and may actually help!
I have been drinking Gatorade zero pretty constantly for the last week, while awaiting the electrolyte powder. Not sure it has made much of a difference because things are about the same. I have also been doing a few Epsom salt baths to try and absorb some minerals while relaxing the muscles prior to bedtime.
Driving has become a somewhat precarious endeavor as my right foot tends to cramp while flexing on the gas/ brake pedals. So, I am now having to limit myself to just short trips on roads that I can easily pull over on if needed.
Posted by Rumigirl (Member # 15091) on :
Hmm, that doesn't sound good; it could be dangerous to get a cramp while driving, if there is no place to pull over----duh!
I wonder if you don't need a neurologist. But without having a LL neuro, it could be a wild goose chase. And they are extremely rare.
Otherwise, let's hope your LLMD or LLND can help.
I was saying this because I am also having weird cramping in my feet,and hands. It's not like a normal cramp; it seems more neurological. I need to seed a neuro, also. But finding one who can deal with us TBD kiddos is hard.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Rumigirl- OMGosh, I am so sorry to know you are experiencing this also as I understand fully the annoyance, pain, and just damn craziness involved when there seems to be no rhyme or reason for it.
I was sent to a very good neuro when all this began lots of years ago. At the time, I was having great difficulty walking, kept dropping and breaking things, and bumping into things because of the extensive nephropathy and pain.
He ordered an MRI which only revealed arthritis in my lower back and then did the muscle testing and nerve conduction studies with needles an such (OUCH). About 75% through the nerve tests, he began to look very confused, kept checking his billion dollar machines, and finally said that we were stopping because he didn't want to put me through any more. (?!?) Have you ever heard those words from a doctor's mouth?
So, anyway, the testing revealed that my nerves and muscles were just not responding appropriately. He really had no idea as to why, had never seen results like that before and therefore just stopped the testing.
He was very skeptical about my Lyme diagnosis prior to working with me, but after this, he wrote in his report that he certainly could not rule it out.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Oh yes, the cramping continues. Even with my special elixir of electrolyte powder and Gatorade while soaking in Epsom salts AND popping magnesium Calm gummies
I am hoping to pick up a muscle relaxer Rx today. Let's hope that is the magic ingredient to push me over the 'NO Cramping Here' line!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
It's bad .. have you tried curcumin? I take it three times a day too.
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Oh, Miss Toots- you are SUCH a love! Actually, no, I have not been introduced to curcumin. Should I suppose it is a cumin derivative? I LOVE cumin, I always load up any bean or chili dish with cumin and assorted spicy goodness. I will look it up, thank you!!!
So, I was FINALLY able to fill the (2) Rx for Quentiapine SR (slow release) and Baclofen (muscle relaxer) yesterday, and OMGoodness, I actually slept about 6 hours last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I did wake a few times, but was able to go right back to sleep. I even turned the *#%&ing television off because it was bothering me. Now, I never turn the TV off, because it has always helped me to disengage my mind just enough to fall back to sleep. So THERE! NO cramps last night, and none so far this morning either, so I have great hope in this combination Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
The dreaded spasms did return after the second night, however, I grabbed some Alka Seltzer Gold (as described above) and that did seem to help immediately! Did the very same thing the following night, with the same results.
So, I am now keeping a little cup with the tabs already broken up next to a bottle of water... for the quickest possible solution when this happens at night (still trying to figure out a quick solution for daytime when I am not near a water source). But Yippee anyway... I will take any progress at this point!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Curcumin is derived from turmeric, but turmeric is way too rough on my stomach.
I have used the NOW brand for at least 20 years. Just recently, they changed their bottle to say "Turmeric Curcumin" instead of just curcumin.
It freaked me out!! HOWEVER, it seems that the formula is the same. I think turmeric is such a big deal now (have no idea why), so I guess they changed it for that reason.
Anyway, I take it 3 times a day for pain and inflammation.
Does the Alka Seltzer Gold contain potassium too?? Glad it helps!!
Posted by grandmother (Member # 19908) on :
For body-wide cramping, I take a lot of Doctors Best High Absorption Magnesium. I take it until ALL cramping stops. IF I eat carbs, I need more Mg. I take it all day long, taking, many, many, every day. IF I take less, cramping comes back. Reducing carbs helps.
You can get it at Walmarts, LuckyVitamin.com, and more.
Posted by grandmother (Member # 19908) on :
IF you're living in a moldy house, that can give you Stachybotrys symptoms.
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