[Debbie D]

So as most of you know I've been whining about spasticity in my legs/back for some time. My legs have awakened me several times during each night; once I stretch them a bit they settle down and I'm okay til the next time...

But this weekend I've not even been able to walk on my left leg after just a few minutes of being on it. The pain level is a 10...DH stretches my leg and after a time it calms down.
But as soon as I get up and begin doing things, it starts up again. It's never in the same place either-sometimes the inside of the tibia, sometimes above the ankle, or the hamstring, or the quad.

I was tempted to go to the ER, fearing a DVT. But DH checked and there's nothing wrong with the leg except the crevices where the muscles are spasming.

I have had very painful short-lived spasms, but nothing like this. I see the neuro tomorrow; but I also am scheduled for my pre-op exam/labs before the knee replacement on my other knee.

If my "good" leg looks this bad tomorrow, I'm afraid that the doc will say "nothing doing" regarding the surgery. But right now I'm not sure how much longer I can handle these occasions of severe pain. I'd rather put off the surgery if my neuro recommends IVSM to reduce this.

Any advice? Info? Has anyone had such severe spasms? These are even pulling my leg towards the other leg, which I've never had happen before.

I'm scared that I will not be able to walk soon

[Synnove]

Hi Debbie D

As you know, I am no expert. But I am so so sorry to hear you are having such a time with your legs.
To me it sounds like a MS exaserbation, and I think perhaps the best thing would be to have your MS flare up looked after ASAP and definitely before surgery.
So my advise would be, try to have a good rest tonight( if possible) Can you take a sleeping pill or something? Do you have muscle relaxant that help?
So first thing tomorrow see your neurologist ast sceduled. Is that your MS neurologist?
So then you can have your MS treatment as needed. When is your surgery sceduled?
All the best. I hope you feel better soon

[ewizabeth]

I'm so sorry you are having these pains. Are you taking any meds for spasticity? I used to take baclofen for spasticity but it has been awhile. I get bad leg and foot spasms after I workout, even a very short ten minute round. Are you working out these days? Do you do lots of stretches and a long cool down?

I hope you'll be past this soon.

[NurseNancy]

i don't blame you for being concerned.
as hard as it may be to postpone the surgery, you have to be able to depend on your "good" leg.

talk to both drs. if you're not on any muscle relaxers i would ask about a med like that. but, it may take a wk or two to try it and see if it works.

i've had a lot of muscle pain and what always helps me is heat. moist heat is the best. 20 min on and 20 min off. don't want to dry out the muscle. also what helps me is a professional massage.

please let us know how you are.

[Kitty]

What do you normally take for spasticity?

I take Baclofen and sometimes I have to take two just to get the spasms to calm down enough for me to be able to lie down.

Maybe your Neuro can recommend something else that's stronger. I get the spasms, too, but not the pain that you're experiencing. I hope you can get it under control.

[mrsD]

I would really try the Morton's Epsom Lotion on this leg.

It is only $5.98 at WalMart's and quite miraculous. I get a spasm in my left neck (from strain in my job of 40+yrs holding a phone there)....just a little bit of this lotion stops this spasm within a minute or two!

It takes down my left ankle when I have swelling there, and does other nice things. My son and husband use it for back pain or over exertion problems. It has even lowered my hypertension about by 1/2 so I don't need as much medication anymore.

A little goes a long way...
http://www.mortonsalt.com/for-your-h...-epsom-lotion/

It is also on Amazon and recently someone posted that they saw it newly at Walgreen's. But I don't know the price of it at Walgreen's. I would really try this as it works locally where problems are to open the circulation and to relieve cramping.
Muscle spasms can be from low magnesium. Magnesium is the ion to relax muscles, and it also blocks the NMDA pain receptors as well.

[ewizabeth]

Mrs D,

I got some of that lotion and haven't tried it on my legs yet. Thanks for the tip. I hope it helps Debbie too.

[Kitty]

Debbie, mrsD is right.....this lotion is wonderful. I have some and when my spasms get painful I use a little of it and it does work. Much easier than a trip to the ER or trying to explain the pain to a doctor who doesn't or won't understand.

[mrsD]

I use this everyday now.... It is nothing short of miraculous.

I am always humbled at how something so common, and natural can be so powerful for comfort!

If you desire more systemic absorption (like I do for my hypertension) apply it along the inner wrists and up the inner arms where the skin is the thinnest. If you have prominent veins on the backs of the hands, do it there also. You don't need to slather this on like moisturizers. If you apply it this way, do it at night before bed...and you'll sleep so much better!

Applying on large muscle groups...may result in the magnesium staying there and less getting into the blood stream.

[Debbie D]

I'll go and hunt it down as soon as I'm able.
I read about this before, but got the liquid magnesium (probably a laxative). Did not help at all.

I did go for the pre op appointment this morning and discussed with the examining physician my concerns. He told me that I could have the surgery even if my neuro recommends IVSM treatments, which is exactly the opposite of what the surgeon told me. Made me more confused.

I went through with the blood work up and all that anyway just in case this dissipates.

thanks for the advice...and the hugs. MS is a strange cookie, isn't it?