Spasms here too and questions
 

I did not want to hijack Bannet's post so I am posting another separate one.

I TOO am having a huge amount of problems with spasms lately. I have had some so severe - just like what Cindi mentioned - I could not even move for a minute or 2 or 3 (seemed like forever). Several weeks ago, I again started with those really, really horrible cramps in my legs - ALWAYS at night - intermittently.

Now - every single night for about a week, I have been waking up with leg cramps - not the horrible severe ones that make me cry (literally), but bad none-the-less. They keep me up for hours sometimes.

If I stretch my legs out - they start cramping - so I try to be very, very still but apparently in my sleep I stretch and they begin to spasm.

I can, however, stretch during the day with no problems whatsoever - it only occurs when I am asleep.

I am taking Zanaflex - 8 mg each night but apparently this has ceased to be effective - or something else is the problem.

I read all the post to Bannet about spasms and my main question here is - and I know I have asked this in the past and I keep questioning myself - IS THIS likely MS related ???

I am still labeled "probable MS" and I have to decide whether to have another LP this summer or not. I keep changing my mind - my first one was done about 8 years ago and I got the headache and had to have a blood patch so I really dread the though of another one and the potential for another headache.

I have had cramps my entire life (that is why I find this confusing for me in terms of a symptom) - but I never had cramps / spasms to the degree that I am having them now.

One last note - I did overheat several weeks ago (as I always do in summer time weather) and the spasms did seem to start really acting up after that, but again - I don't know if I may be making to much of it or if it is just a coincidence.

Just wanted some opinions.... I do apologize ahead of time if you have seen me post about this before - I just seem to go round in circles over this, probably because it causes me SO MUCH PAIN !!!!

Based on comments made to Bannet - I do plan to finally call my Neuro tomorrow and see if she can give me another drug to help combat these things...

Thanks,
Snoods

Snoodles,
Sorry to hear about all the pain you're going through. I can definitely understand not knowing if it's MS related. When I had spasms the last couple weeks of school, I definitely thought they were MS related and I was taking WAY too much Baclofen at the time, I was like a zombie. Now.. I am wondering if I have something else going on, so I do take baclofen 2 times a day and I did start taking potassium because that was low and that is involved with muscle contractions in the body.

I started taking so many vitamins it's not funny... but I'm doing this because I don't know what the heck is going on with me and my Neuro.. well.. he's basically non-existant :) So I will probably ask for more blood work soon, a sleep study..and then I will just wait until next year and see what my MRI shows.. cause I'm thoroughly confused! I wish you the best with whats going on with you currently!

~ Monique

:hug:Snoodles:hug: A call to the neuro wouldn't be a bad idea. Spasms are not fun. Sometimes they are extremely painful and other times they can be mild. I do take 2 Neurontin before bedtime now and that seems to help me sleep better through the night. It helps me with my spasticity.

However, I have experienced those horrible nights where I flop around so much I am like a fish out of water. Its nights like these that keep me taking my Epsom salt baths before bedtime as well as taking the higher dose of Neurontin and 2 Advils. That is my nighttime routine and it has made such a difference in my sleeping.

I do hope you start feeling better soon. Please check back in and let us know how you are doing.

It's an ongoing adventure, that's for sure. Yes, to me, it sounds pretty MSish. Do you keep a daily journal of your symptoms and sensations? It's a great way to help your neuro establish patterns that will help in your treatment and possibly assist him/her in finding a diagnosis.

My hope is that you'll call the neuro and explain this to them. Let them decide what route to take.

It's hardest when it interferes with your sleep, that can quickly turn into a vicious cycle.

Let us know what the neuro says.:)

you might also consider a checkup with your pcp. usually easier to get an appt with pcp than neuro. altho i agree calling the neuro too. maybe another med might need to be tried.

however, not all sx's are MS. that's why seeing your pcp might prove helpful.
like advice to beth, checking mineral and electrolytes may show that you're depleted of something that muscles need to work well.

it's worth a try.
i can appreciate how bad muscle problems are.
please keep us posted. make that appt tomorrow.

oops, ps...oftentimes pcp's will look at the broader picture, whereas neuro's are specialists and tend to have a narrower focus.

That's why I don't think my spasms are MS related but rather low potassium (but that's just me). I am taking the potassium and we'll see how things go. I just booked an appointment with my PCP for next week so I can talk to her. I am definitely worried that when you have a symptom now it's always thought of as MS but I don't think this one is.

Just like with my blurriness when I first wake up, my Neuro didn't think it sounded like Optical Neuritis.. it's hard to figure out which is which and who to see :)

Monique

Nancy, you made a very good point. When I hear people talk about muscle cramps, in general - non illness related, often others will respond with you need more salt, calcium, potassium, etc. By increasing one, which may not be what you need, you may in turn disrupt the exchange of the minerals that occurs during muscle contraction. A blood test is a great way to start.

For me, the spasms and cramps are not related to any mineral/electrolyte deficiency. It is complete nerve related - a misfiring of communication and/or a block in communication. Therefore, increasing certain minerals do me absolutely no good. I generally focus on making sure I get enough minerals/vitamins to help with nerve conduction.

So sorry, Snoods. :( My spasms are always worse at night too, but, unlike you, I find that a few stretches do help me a little. But they can keep you awake and uncomfortable you a long time..:mad:

When I took that spill, recently, my spasms got much worse...ouch!...especially at night. I take a couple of asprins, if the spasms are bad at night and I find that helps to get me to sleep, faster.

I have read that Magneseum supplements are good for spasms. I don't take them but maybe I should. Some people swear by it. :)

Anyway, wanted to let you know, you're not alone and I hope you find relief soon..:hug:

Snoodles:hug: I do know how you are feeling and I wouldn't have felt that you hijacked if you posted in my thread.:)

Doctor gave me Meds yesterday but it didn't help much. I am still suffering today:(

Call you doctor and see if he can help. I know it certainly isn't a pleasant feeling is it?