Muscle spasms/cramps

[anchadian]

Back in 2009, I was prescribed by my doctor prenolol 100mg, simvostan 10mg and aspirin 81mg for high BP due to stress (caring for Father who had dementia).

 

Since then, I have been living in Thailand and my BP (I take daily) has been better than normal.  I am 73 yrs of age and am still taking the same medication.  Furthermore, I haven't visited a doctor since 2009.

 

During the day my feet and legs feel fine (up and down the stairs in the house), it is when I take long walks the pain starts most noticeably on holiday when I was in Seoul recently and also certain nights I wake up with excruciating pain and it takes approx 10 min for my legs and feet to return to normal.

 

What I am concerned about is that if I visit a doctor, he or she will prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which could have an adverse effect on my current medication.  Perhaps it would be sensible for a review of my BP medications.

 

Apart from the above, I have no other problems.

 

Yes, we all get old.  

 

Thoughts please.

[Justfine]

Improve your diet

See a good doctor

 

(Can't imagine it's wise to take meds for 9 years without seeing a doctor for regular checkups)

 

 

 

Edited May 28, 2018 by Justfine

[watcharacters]

 

 

 

"What I am concerned about is that if I visit a doctor, he or she will prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which could have an adverse effect on my current medication.  Perhaps it would be sensible for a review of my BP medications."

 

 

You aren't compelled to take what your doctor prescribes.

[simple1]

As suggested have a review with a specialist doctor. In the meantime I take magnesium tablet once a day for leg cramps / restless legs syndrome causing pain during the night and has resolved the issue.

[Lacessit]

Quinine stops night cramps cold. Can be obtained on prescription. Need to take with food as it irritates the stomach.

I haven't needed quinine for years. Regular 1 hour massages ( 2 - 3 times a week ) are cheap here, and very effective in keeping muscles supple.

I tried magnesium supplements, and they did not work for me. That's not saying they won't work for the OP.

[Sheryl]

There is no reason at all why an NSAID would be prescribed for what you describe.

 

You  need to be assessed to  rule out peripheral arterial disease  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350557

 

If your circulation is OK and these are just nocturnal leg cramps, they could be idiopathic (no obvious cause) OR they could be due to a number of other factors including diabettes, hypothyroidism and an electrolyte disturbance. If the long walks you had before the pain occurred included sweating then electrolyte imbalance is very possible and taking rehydration salts when you have sweated a lot may help.

 

Your medications do indeed need to be reviewed. Prenolol is in any case no longer used for first line treatment of hypertension except in the presence of certain types of heart disease.  Also, it is not clear if you need to be on a statin; where your lipids (LDL, triglycerides) elevated  in the past?

 

The medications aside, at your age you should be getting yearly physical check ups. there are many things that can occur without early symptoms.

 

What I suggest is that you get a general check up including a lipid panel, thyroid panel, CBC, creatnine, AST/ALT, uric acid, fasting glucose of Hb1AC,  and a stress test.  Then, results in hand, see a good internist.

 

Where in Thailand do you live?

[anchadian]

28 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

There is no reason at all why an NSAID would be prescribed for what you describe.

 

You  need to be assessed to  rule out peripheral arterial disease  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350557

 

If your circulation is OK and these are just nocturnal leg cramps, they could be idiopathic (no obvious cause) OR they could be due to a number of other factors including diabettes, hypothyroidism and an electrolyte disturbance. If the long walks you had before the pain occurred included sweating then electrolyte imbalance is very possible and taking rehydration salts when you have sweated a lot may help.

 

Your medications do indeed need to be reviewed. Prenolol is in any case no longer used for first line treatment of hypertension except in the presence of certain types of heart disease.  Also, it is not clear if you need to be on a statin; where your lipids (LDL, triglycerides) elevated  in the past?

 

The medications aside, at your age you should be getting yearly physical check ups. there are many things that can occur without early symptoms.

 

What I suggest is that you get a general check up including a lipid panel, thyroid panel, CBC, creatnine, AST/ALT, uric acid, fasting glucose of Hb1AC,  and a stress test.  Then, results in hand, see a good internist.

 

Where in Thailand do you live?

Thanks for the various responses.

 

I live in Bang Khae.

 

I believe it would be sensible (not having seen a doctor for 9 yrs) to have a doctor review my current medication and then go from there.

 

In the meanwhile. I will take a daily magnesium tablet to see if it has any effect.

 

I eat plenty of bananas, sweet potatoes, coconut water, marmite, wholewheat bread, although my main meals are rice based.

 

Attached is my report with a cardiologist.

 

 

[Sheryl]

I assume that is from years ago?

 

As explained, prenolol is no longer recommended for this. It is also possible you do not need any medication at all for your blood pressure but you should not stop prenolol abruptly in your own.

 

You do need some basic lab work at a minimum given how long it has been and your age.  It will be cheaper to get this as part of a basic check up package, but up to you.

 

From  Ban Khae I suggest Thonburi Hospital. Depending on where in Ban Khae exactly you are, will be an hour or an hour and a half drive.

http://thonburihospital.com/2015_new/

 

 

 

[anchadian]

7 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

I assume that is from years ago?

 

As explained, prenolol is no longer recommended for this. It is also possible you do not need any medication at all for your blood pressure but you should not stop prenolol abruptly in your own.

 

You do need some basic lab work at a minimum given how long it has been and your age.  It will be cheaper to get this as part of a basic check up package, but up to you.

 

From  Ban Khae I suggest Thonburi Hospital. Depending on where in Ban Khae exactly you are, will be an hour or an hour and a half drive.

http://thonburihospital.com/2015_new/

 

 

 

 assume that is from years ago?

 

Yes,  9 yrs ago.

 

I will arrange a basic check up.

 

Many thanks for your help and advice Ms Sheryl

 

 

[Speedo1968]

I have had night leg cramps in the past, possibly related to the TIA's or strokes I have had and perhaps too much soy milk in my diet ( I am vegan for many years ).

I did find diet and not eating cold foods at night helped and agree with Sheryl that electrolyte imbalance could be a cause.      Too many bananas or Marmite etc., not rehydrating after walks, or not drinking water before walking.

 

When a cramp starts to occur in my legs I have found that deep breathing stops the cramp in less than a minute.   

It took a bit of practice to quickly start deep breathing, now my body seems to do it automatically when cramp occurs.

Also the after pain / discomfort from the cramp subsides very quickly.

Restless syndrome if that is what is causing the cramps - try managing the movement of the leg ( mind over body ), that is don't allow the leg to stretch quickly or as far as it is trying to do.

 

Take care.

[catman20]

20 hours ago, Justfine said:

Improve your diet

See a good doctor

 

(Can't imagine it's wise to take meds for 9 years without seeing a doctor for regular checkups)

 

 

 

drink more water during the day time, wear long socks/ tights in bed make sure air con or fan is not hitting your legs and feet when you sleep. i have similar problem im ok now.

[John_Betong]

When cramp starts, immediately grab hold of your big toe and pull back as hard as you possibly can. Severe pain will be quickly relieved although I still feel the muscle tension for most of the day.  This solution is effective and was suggested by an Iranian doctor.

[alfalfa19]

19 hours ago, simple1 said:

As suggested have a review with a specialist doctor. In the meantime I take magnesium tablet once a day for leg cramps / restless legs syndrome causing pain during the night and has resolved the issue.

I'm going to try that, I suffer from the same problem, hamstrings and calves at night while sleeping, and feet in the days. 

[Suradit69]

20 hours ago, anchadian said:

What I am concerned about is that if I visit a doctor, he or she will prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which could have an adverse effect on my current medication. 

Sounds like you've been seeing Dr. Google (and now Dr. Thai Visa). Better to see a real doctor, tell him/her what medications you're on and share your concerns. 

 

As someone else said, if you disagree with what the real doctor prescribes,  you aren't forced to comply with it. You can even get a second opinion. 

[OmarZaid]

I use Blackmores Bio Magnesium, which also supplements Vits B &D -- in addition, I take geriatric pharmaton daily -- together they cover just about all that's important -- another supplement (food really) is oil -- I take 1-2 tablespoons daily of mixed olive, coconut, grapeseed, flaxseed daily, plus eat a fair amount of fish --- altogether, my leg cramps have ceased --- they were made worse due to Multiple Sclerosis which had crippled me 3 years ago, but seems to be in near complete remission these past two years after diet change and the oills.

 

One more thing --- I make sure I get a good dose of sunshine, palms-up, about 45-60 minutes weekly to assure utilization of Vit D = bio-photon therapy https://zaidpub.com/2017/06/23/how-sunlight-can-save-your-life-part-1/

 

All the best ...

[Dario]

21 hours ago, simple1 said:

As suggested have a review with a specialist doctor. In the meantime I take magnesium tablet once a day for leg cramps / restless legs syndrome causing pain during the night and has resolved the issue.

Yes, magnesium tablets help me with cramps in my legs I have occasionally during my sleep.

[shaurene]

I am 76 had the same problems. I read up a lot and the main problem pointed at lack of Magnisium. I started taking Mag vitamins and eating more Bannanas. The cramps were significantly much less.

[giddyup]

22 hours ago, simple1 said:

As suggested have a review with a specialist doctor. In the meantime I take magnesium tablet once a day for leg cramps / restless legs syndrome causing pain during the night and has resolved the issue.

The magnesium never worked for me, my RLS still continues unabated.

[newatthis]

2 hours ago, alfalfa19 said:

I'm going to try that, I suffer from the same problem, hamstrings and calves at night while sleeping, and feet in the days. 

Mine have eased off since drinking one bottle of coconut water every day.

[Aussieroaming]

11 minutes ago, giddyup said:

The magnesium never worked for me, my RLS still continues unabated.

I have had RSL for more than 30 years. Absolute nightmare for both me and my wife. I take sifrol to "control" it, but hate the sifrol nearly as much. Cant seem to find any natural cure, though staying as cold as possible at night sometimes helps, as does avoiding sugar and alcohol.

[giddyup]

2 minutes ago, Aussieroaming said:

I have had RSL for more than 30 years. Absolute nightmare for both me and my wife. I take sifrol to "control" it, but hate the sifrol nearly as much. Cant seem to find any natural cure, though staying as cold as possible at night sometimes helps, as does avoiding sugar and alcohol.

I've had to resort to separate beds when it's time for sleeping. Worrying about disturbing my partner with my legs jumping only adds to the problem.

[SpeakeasyThai]

You need to ask an expert regarding this matter.

 

 

A Doctor.

[soistalker]

Your greatest worry should be the multiple drug interactions. There are websites that you can go to that will help you avoid this major problem.

Also, have you considered losing weight? Don't know if this is an issue for You, but guessing it is.

[HHTel]

I'm the same age (73) and had exactly the same problems until someone suggested drinking sports drinks (electrolyte).  Since drinking a couple of bottles a day, I've not had a problem.  There are times when I go a few days without the electrolyte and the cramps come back so it's back on the drinks which really work.

My mother who is 94 and comes here for 3 months every year also got rid of her cramps in the same way.  She now drinks electrolyte in the UK.  She swears by them.

[superal]

2 minutes ago, HHTel said:

I'm the same age (73) and had exactly the same problems until someone suggested drinking sports drinks (electrolyte).  Since drinking a couple of bottles a day, I've not had a problem.  There are times when I go a few days without the electrolyte and the cramps come back so it's back on the drinks which really work.

My mother who is 94 and comes here for 3 months every year also got rid of her cramps in the same way.  She now drinks electrolyte in the UK.  She swears by them.

I have also read that drinking water in excess can drain away vital minerals / salts from your body .  Also that regular sips of sports drinks as you do can alleviate problems caused by the loss of body fluids through sweating . There are two arguments regarding the use of salt with your food . Living in a hot climate  and sweating by doing nothing surely qualifies a sprinkle of salt on your food ?  Different story in a cold country .

[somtamgaiyang]

23 hours ago, watcharacters said:

 

 

 

"What I am concerned about is that if I visit a doctor, he or she will prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which could have an adverse effect on my current medication.  Perhaps it would be sensible for a review of my BP medications."

 

 

You aren't compelled to take what your doctor prescribes.

And a good doctor is going to ask for a list of your current medications and be sure not to prescribe medications that interact with them poorly.

[anchadian]

Appointment made for tomorrow with Camillian hospital Thonglor.

 

http://www.camillianhospital.org/en/program-executive-plus/

[connda]

Have your doctor (or a willing doctor) check your electrolyte levels.  Low potassium or magnesium can cause cramping.

Also have your kidney function checked.  Aspirin is toxic to your kidneys and has the potential to cause renal failure over time.  One symptom of kidney failure is cramping.  Just saying.....

Edited May 29, 2018 by connda

[PoorSucker]

Switch from drinking water to mineral water. 

Reverse Osmosis takes out the minerals you need. 

[simple1]

1 hour ago, giddyup said:

The magnesium never worked for me, my RLS still continues unabated.

We're all different, I took up a recommendation by my GP, worked for me.

Edited May 29, 2018 by simple1