Hi,

I think that is the techincal term for these insane muscle twitches. Can anyone explain them to me and how they relate to PN? I've had them in my lower legs since the onset of my PN. 24 hours a day, my leg muscles twitch. It doesn't hurt, it's just annoying. My nerve conduction test result indicated small fiber axonal neuropathy...is this consistant ith that. Or is the fasiculations more like motor neuropathy? I also have horrible nightime cramps for which I take baclofen. But this is not Restless Leg Syndrome...I don't have the classic symptoms of needing to stand and getting relief by standing.

They recently have started in my upper legs so I am concerned about it spreading. Any insight you can give me, I would appreciate....

Ann

Adequate magnesium levels are essential for muscle relaxation. A shortage of magnesium manifests itself by muscle cramping and fasciculations. My fasciculations stopped when I started supplementing with high quality magnesium. Many in the old BrainTalk forum had the same experience.

If you do start taking magnesium, be aware that supplemental magnesium interferes with absorption of calcium, and supplemental calcium interferes with absorption of magnesium. You can avoid the absorption interference by taking them separately, or taking a big dose together.

The recommended ratio of elemental calcium to elemental magnesium in supplements is 2 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium. Cheap and common calcium carbonate (chalk) is the form in most inexpensive pills, oyster shells, or coral calcium. Most just passes through without being absorbed. Better absorbed forms are chelated calcium (bound to amino acids) or even better are acid salts of calcium such as calcium acetate. Magnesium oxide absorbs pretty good, but chelated magnesium or acid salts of magnesium is much better. Magnesium in supplement quantities is slightly laxative.

Here are some links to good quality supplemental calcium/magnesium:

http://www.affordablecountrylife.com...magnesium.html (I take formula 2491) - Excellent quality and price but delivery is a bit slow.

http://www.iherb.com/cmcomplex.html - Many choices. Look at the formulas and avoid calcium carbonate. iHerb is great for fast delivery, excellent service if you call, excellent return policy for unopened supplements, top quality and low prices. Check out the health encyclopedia link on the home page.

I wouldn't recommend any of the Costco options. Either they don't have magnesium, or they do but the calcium is calcium carbonate.

Vitamin D is absolutely necessary for calcium and magnesium utilization and immune system function. Sunlight exposure (without sunscreen) allows us to create our own vitamin D. Most of us are deficient. As part of your daily regimine, you should supplement with 400 - 800 iu daily.

Good luck.

A while back I was having a terrible time with calf cramps every night, David [Wings42] told me about Magnesium and Calcium, he really knows what he's talking about, i haven't had one cramp since taking the mag & cal supplements.
Brian

your other thread... I had some suggestions for you there.
Since the magnesium you are taking is not fixing the problem, there
are other things to consider.