Chemo and cramps

Freida
Freida Member Posts: 182
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Did anyone have problems with cramps during chemo? Bill has been doing remarkably well with the chemo as far as nausea etc, but has been suffering severe cramps in his legs and around his abdomen. He mentioned it in passing to the PA last week but I think he kind of understated it enough to where the PA did not think much of it. This morning he said he could not sleep last night because the cramps were so bad - it's the first time he has really mentioned it other than the brief comment to the PA. Anyone else have the same problem - have a solution? (FWIW his pre chemo blood tests have been coming back good)

Comments

  • dodger21
    dodger21 Member Posts: 85 Member
    #2
    Yes
    Hi Frieda,
    my friend, who has ongoing chemo for another type of cancer has exactly what Bill is going thru'. I've had to stop the car on the freeway once cause her leg cramps were that bad. Let me speak to her and I'll get back to you in about a day or so.
    Danielle
  • Freida
    Freida Member Posts: 182
    #3
    dodger21 said:

    Yes
    Hi Frieda,
    my friend, who has ongoing chemo for another type of cancer has exactly what Bill is going thru'. I've had to stop the car on the freeway once cause her leg cramps were that bad. Let me speak to her and I'll get back to you in about a day or so.
    Danielle

    Thank you. It would be
    Thank you. It would be really useful to hear her experience. I have been looking online for ideas and so far have read suggestions for bananas, a pill you can buy at walmart for leg cramps, Gatorade, and tonic water. Of course then there is the concern whether something should be taken if it interferes with the chemo drugs (I know some high dose of certain vitamins should not be taken). He already takes a potassium pill because of another medication he is on, so I'm not sure the bananas would help.
  • Kenem
    Kenem Member Posts: 21
    #4
    Freida said:

    Thank you. It would be
    Thank you. It would be really useful to hear her experience. I have been looking online for ideas and so far have read suggestions for bananas, a pill you can buy at walmart for leg cramps, Gatorade, and tonic water. Of course then there is the concern whether something should be taken if it interferes with the chemo drugs (I know some high dose of certain vitamins should not be taken). He already takes a potassium pill because of another medication he is on, so I'm not sure the bananas would help.

    Magnesium
    The next time you have a blood test done, ask if they will check your magnesium. Low magnesium will also contribute to leg cramps.

    Magnesium pills are available over-the-counter or by RX.
  • Freida
    Freida Member Posts: 182
    #5
    Kenem said:

    Magnesium
    The next time you have a blood test done, ask if they will check your magnesium. Low magnesium will also contribute to leg cramps.

    Magnesium pills are available over-the-counter or by RX.

    Thank you. I'll make sure to
    Thank you. I'll make sure to do that.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #6
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Ericalynn
    Ericalynn Member Posts: 200
    #7
    Leg Cramps
    John would get them when he got dehydrated. We started asking for an IV bag of fluids ( Sherry/William suggestion) on Friday's after 5-FU was removed for the weekend. The fluid made a world of difference in how John felt.
    Let us know what the doctor says
    Erica
  • Freida
    Freida Member Posts: 182
    #8
    Ericalynn said:

    Leg Cramps
    John would get them when he got dehydrated. We started asking for an IV bag of fluids ( Sherry/William suggestion) on Friday's after 5-FU was removed for the weekend. The fluid made a world of difference in how John felt.
    Let us know what the doctor says
    Erica

    Thanks William and EricaHe
    Thanks William and Erica
    He is pretty good about drinking lots of water(at MDA they said at least 3 liters a day of non caffeinated non carbonated fluids a day), which the nurse said is probably what has helped keep other side effects at bay. Yesterday he started drinking gatorade instead of (or in addition to)just plain water to see if that replaces whatever is missing in his system. He says the cramps seemed better last night and he did sleep better. So fingers crossed. We will ask the doc when we see him (or before if it continues to be a problem).
    Freida
  • Gatoraid
    Gatoraid Member Posts: 66
    #9
    Leg Cramps
    These are often created by lack of hydration that is a common problem during chemo. Two things that have worked for me is Calcium and potassium. A banana a day seems to work for the potassium and chewable calcium tablets. These along with proper hydration hopefully will give you some relief. I truly hope that this helps.

    Jim aka gatoraid
  • dodger21
    dodger21 Member Posts: 85 Member
    #10
    Gatoraid said:

    Leg Cramps
    These are often created by lack of hydration that is a common problem during chemo. Two things that have worked for me is Calcium and potassium. A banana a day seems to work for the potassium and chewable calcium tablets. These along with proper hydration hopefully will give you some relief. I truly hope that this helps.

    Jim aka gatoraid

    Cramps solution
    Hi Frieda,
    Sorry I was a bit late getting back to you.
    My friend has eased her leg cramps by trying the following:
    1. She takes magnesium tablets which help
    2. She makes sure she stretches thru out the day
    3. Cramps can be due to a low cell count which is usual during chemo and anaemia
    4. Quinine in tonic water can also help some people

    Hope he is going alright.
    Danielle

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