Leg Cramp - Alternative Medications ?

BaliRob

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Those that have followed my posts on this subject will know that I am a victim of the worst possible leg cramp, i.e., total immobility and on one occasion falling unconscious with the pain.

Over eight years ago I was prescribed Quinine Sulphate and, until a few months ago, never had even one twinge of cramp of any kind. However, that 'honeymoon' was ended when my specialist said that such prolonged use had irrevocably damaged my kidneys and that I am now CKD at Stage 3 and very likely to progress to Stage 4/5.

I had always thought until now that when the cramps returned, which they have with a vengeance, I could always look to Magnesium Citrate, Sulphate or Chloride to help me. BUT have just been told that the kidneys cannot excrete Magnesium when at Stage 4 or 5.

Last two nights have been almost as bad as when first 'attacked' all those years ago (which were obviously a precursor or sign that I was an undiagnosed Diabetic then) so, I reluctantly took a Lyrica capsule which calmed matters down over the next two hours.

Lyrica is not a preventative, with many side effects, but a palliative - QS and Mag are proactive. The most severe leg cramps not only hurt like hell for perhaps two or more hours but damage muscles and tendons in the affected leg(s) for perhaps two days and affecting walking afterwards.

My Question is - does anyone know an alternative to QS, Mag or Lyrica that can help me because going to bed is becoming a nightmare ha ha ha? This condition can sometimes come on while I am riding my motorcycle and I have to stand up on the pedals or stick my leg out at right angles - imagine the thoughts of those driving behind me lol? Please do not suggested Sodium Chloride because have tried that and it did not help one iota.

Thankyou for your patience,

Rob
 

BaliRob

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Please do not let my post disappear in the mist of time - surely there is a fourth alternative for me out there?
 

hanadr

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QA cardiologist friend of my family advised taking a little salt for cramp. It certainly works for me
Hana
 

carty

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Though you cant take magnesium as an alternative med could you up your intake of natural mag such as dark chocolate ,almonds, broccollii (not all together) Sorry I cant help you any more but I really feel for you because when I have had cramp it has been agony
CAROL
 

jollyrambler

Member
Messages
12
Hi Rob i also had to stop taking quinine for leg cramps.I now drink diet iron bru that has quinine in,also low calorie bitter lemon & tonic water, both have quinine in.I just drink a can or bottle twice a week & that is enough for me.I hope this is some help to you.John :)
 

Indy51

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Maybe you could research CoQ10 as it's involved in muscle health?

Are there no alternative medicine practitioners in Bali that you could consult? I think most of us would be nervous about suggesting anything to someone having issues with their kidneys.
 

Osidge

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Rob

I have done some research and on another forum someone was on Requip (ropinirole) which helped them. It is a drug usually given to people with Parkinson's Disease or Restless Legs Syndrome. I also found this info on Requip:

"Population Subgroups: Renal and Hepatic Impairment: Based on population pharmacokinetics, no clinically significant differences were observed in the pharmacokinetics of ropinirole in Parkinsonian patients with moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance between 30 to 50 mL/min; n=18, mean age 74 years) compared to age-matched patients with creatinine clearance above 50 mL/min (n=44, mean age 70 years). Therefore, no dosage adjustment is necessary in Parkinsonian patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (see Precautions and Dosage).

The use of ropinirole in patients with severe renal impairment or hepatic impairment has not been studied. Administration of ropinirole to such patients is not recommended (see Precautions and Dosage). "

It may be something that you want to talk to your specialist about.

Take care

Doug
 

BaliRob

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I knew I could rely on you - thankyou, Hana, Carol, John, Indy51 and Doug.

I now have something to get my teeth into.

Hana - as I am desperate I will give in and keep a jar of salt by the bed. Carol, what a way to die - on dark chocolate ha ha ha, I will go back to it but not the almonds - the broc I have daily usually. John - I will go hunting for the diet Iron Bru but am not too optimistic - Indonesia is one of the worst countries in the world for choice of alcohol; but the tonic water must be here. Indy51 - CoQ10 is a mystery to me but I will definitely look that up but, as for alternative medical practitioners - forget it, they prefer black magic here.

Doug - Requip (Ropinirole) used for Parkinson's and RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME really got my interest because RLS is almost always connected with leg cramp. Being aged 73 myself, the research viz; "Population Subgroups: Renal and Hepatic Impairment........." I fall directly within the parameters shown. Is there a chance you could give me the origin of this partcular research please or send the above info to me by pm so that I can print it out for my specialist - his English is not 100% but the written word is understood?

Thank you all again so much,

Rob
 

BaliRob

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Messages
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Type of diabetes
Type 2
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Other
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Noisy dogs and loud music especially low-note drumming
Dear Indy,

Thankyou so much for the link - did not know about it before.

I see that it also covers CKD but, as I do not eat red meat, may not apply to me.

Have bookmarked and will read at my leisure tomorrow.

May make contact and ask about Magnesium and Stage 3 CKD leading to 4/5 in
his opinion

What would I do without you all?

Rob
 

BaliRob

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Messages
596
Type of diabetes
Type 2
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Other
Dislikes
Noisy dogs and loud music especially low-note drumming
Thankyou hophead - but I may be unable to take Magnesium soon because I have Stage 3 CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) which my specialist feels is progressing towards Stages 4/5 a condition which the kidneys cannot process/excrete Magnesium but thankyou.