Leg , hand cramping and Tonic Water

[Walter Wolynsky]

Hello fellow Wegger's. Hoping that I'm not reposting something here. I was diagnosed with WG after confirmation from VA Thoracic Surgery. I began a protocol which I have been on for 2 months...(daily Prednisone being tapered, Septra, Cyclophosphamide 100 mg. / day, calcium supplements...and other support stuff). In addition to some other pretty crappy side effects I experience cramping/soreness in both my calves...and sometimes while driving when my hand is clenched around the steering wheel my hand will spasm, almost palsy-like where some of the fingers "seize" and are unresponsive for up to several hours. The calf cramps last a long time. My question is...."Has anyone experience with "Tonic Water" ingested as a relief or therapy for such cramping benefitting from the "Quinine" in the beverage. Any other Quinine sources prove useful? Does it really work? I have not seen results yet.

Walter...in Surrey, BC

[Jack]

I used to get cramps which turned out to be due to a lack of salt. I used to make a point of using none at all and don't eat much processed food, but now I just use a little in cooking.

I recommend Gin with the Tonic water. Not sure what effect it has on cramps though!

[Kimbangu]

I get that arm condition whilst driving, exactly as you describe. In fact at one time I was frightened to drive in case I got the spasm at a junction or something. I found that regularly wriggling my fingers stopped this from happening. I 'd love to know if there was any "straightforward" thing I could drink, to stop this from happening. From my experiences in malarial countries, most people say the amount of quinine in tonic water is absolutely miniscule, in fat there may not be any at all nowadays.

How much pred are you on? - I tend to associate the cramping with pred, because as I reduced the pred, so the cramping reduced too.

[Sangye]

Walter, I don't know about using tonic water (but had to giggle at Jack's suggestion nevertheless). But that cramping is a typical side effect of pred. Taking extra magnesium and adding a little sea salt to your food will usually relieve it. Pred depletes both. Don't go crazy with the salt. If you can get celtic sea salt, that's the best.

I have a funny story about pred muscle cramps: Last December in the middle of a blizzard, I had to turn in some paperwork and a fee. On the way there I got stuck in a huge traffic jam. By the time I arrived at the building, I had barely enough time to race across the icy parking lot and turn in the paperwork on time. I can barely walk 100ft and this was way longer. I was still using a crutch. I hurried out of the car and immediately got several muscle cramps in my feet and legs. I couldn't stop, though, and every few feet I got more and more. By the time I arrived I was all contorted and in a world of hurt. The clerk mumbled that I hadn't brought exact change so he couldn't accept the paperwork. I think I actually growled at him. I gave him a death stare and he dug up some change....

[TBulger]

Sangye,

Loved the growl! We've all been there but rarely actually follow through. Thanks for the tip. I've been having all of this and an intense craving for salt. With my high blood pressure I try to avoid salt as much as possible so I guess I have just been making it worse. I'll look for celtic salt. I'm wondering if I should add tequila and lemon.

[Sangye]

Adrenal weakness causes salt cravings. The difficulty is that when the adrenal weakness is due to pred, salt makes you swell more (and certainly raises the bp). If you eliminate processed foods and just use a bit of Celtic sea salt, you'll help your adrenals without upsetting the apple cart.

I'll leave it to the others to advise your choice of drinks!

[jola57]

I try to use sea salt now on everything. Sangye I laughed at the growl, boy how I can relate to that. When you are in a world of hurt and just want to be back on your way any thing like an obstacle and I am fit to chew whoever is in my way. This relates. Couple of days ago I was in a Polish supermarket, they have a special checkout with a priority for pregnant women and disabled persons. Wellll, it was packed, and nobody was letting me in. Granted I was not in a wheelchair, but I had my cane and was red like a beet and sweating buckets. On my third try to see if someone would let me pass I moved sideways to the cashier and in my growly voice asked if this is the handicapped checkout and how can I get thru. She let me in by having me go to the exit. There were a lot of angry stares but nobody voiced any objections.

[marta]

I recommend Gin with the Tonic water. Not sure what effect it has on cramps though!

You're a funny man Jack.

[pberggren1]

whiskey worked not to bad for me!

[Walter Wolynsky]

Incidentally...don't know about the Gin or Whiskey...but the cramps have all but disappeared...(on my good doctor's advice)..from drinking tonic water occassionally!