cramps in legs

[BRANDY]

Im pre-dialysis , but would like to know what about cramps when you get home.? Do you  have them after you are off  your dialysis machine? I have been reading they will rub them out for you while in treatment. The reason Im so concerned is I get them pretty bad now, I may have one  for 10 minutes. That is a long time to have one go on and on and on . If Im doing it now , will it be worse when I am on dialysis? Thanks in advance for any help on this matter.

[YLGuy]

I had them more often before I started dialysis.  If they take too much fluid off, I get them now.

[iketchum]

Once you start dialysis your blood levels will come back in line and you should have some relief from cramps. I have cramps when they challenge my dry weight and they take too much fluid off. I have started to drink tonic water with quinine in it to help, it seems to help some. Also use the 'toes to nose', that is point your toes towards your head, that stops the cramps most of the time for me. If I point the toes down I get severe cramps very quickly. I also rest my ankles on a chair when doing dialysis instead of resting my legs on the recliner, that seems to keep my feet pointing up. Good luck. Oh by the way, I am doing hemo dialysis.

[calypso]

How is your potassium? Low potassium can cause cramps as well.

[BRANDY]

My potassium seems to be fine at last  test. Im not sure but it seems to go up higher if I eat potatoes without leaching them or eat tomatoes .   I havent been told it will cause leg cramps but it seems to be the case.  I know dehidrating is also a problem .

[Plip]

I get the leg cramps during the last 45-60 minutes of treatment. They add some saline and help me stretch them out...normally passes within 10 mins. The soreness stays with me for a bit later though. One bad cramp had me hobbled for and limping for a day. Ibuprofen and a short decent dose of liquid right after treatment helps. And from riding bikes I found the above hint at tonic water helps...just can't drink enough to make them disappear instantly. Like everything else it requires patience and a mild tolerance for pain. The longer I'm on the less certain issues like this seem to arise, I think it's due to  chemical levels returning to near normal levels. Hang in there !