Re: Does this happen to anyone else?

[Guest guest]

I think it has something to do with the way those particular blood vessels, major ones, move blood to that particular side of the body. The left side is usually going to be the worst for most cirulatory disorders. I've begun having these cramps again, for some odd reason. I've been thinking that I may need to up my thyroid again, but haven't tested, so until then, not. Also, I'm working a nursing floor, but haven't been taking my walks lately, over months. I know that I need this, but don't want to fight off big dogs any more. I need to make time to go into town for this, but the engine doesn't want to restart yet. I'm going to have to make myself do it, that's all there is to it. I do take vitamins and minerals, but I do have varicose veins, so it's obvious that I already have a circulatory disorder in motion. I've had those things since I was 21 yrs old, and they've only gotten worse. I always have to watch how I stretch.

Re: Does this happen to anyone else?

I had whole body cramping after my RAI that lasted several years.. it was explained to me that it has something to do with oxygenation of the muscles of the body, as in not enough oxygen.

When you have been still, as in sleeping, you're not moving around and keeping the muscles moving and replenishing the blood within them. The oxygen in the blood that is lingering there is used up. Then you move and the muscles need oxygen to do that but don't have enough... causing the cramp.

They told me that it was because I had been so active, a body builder, and that my muscles were breaking down from lack of activity... that all of those things, combined, were causing the pain and that there was nothing to do about it but wait... Eventually my muscle tone and blood circulation would equalize and I'd get enough blood to the muscles and wouldn't cramp like that anymore.

But it's terrifying... I had RAI 15 years ago.... and it's only been the last couple of years that I've been brave enough to stretch when I wake up and to be able to do it without locking into cramps.

That's just my two cents....

I'm not sure why you are getting it only on one side... unless it has something to do with how you lay....

Topper ()

[Guest guest]

I have to get up and stand up on the feet and legs, for it to go away. My entire extremity, from the toes up have gone into these cramps, and my feet, at the time, would look like monster feet, until the cramps went away. It HAS happened to me in both legs and feet at the same time. I'm thinking really more along the lines of magnesium being out of balance with calcium, espcecially if not much potassium has been lost through sweat, heat, and such. Magnesium is a big factor, but I just can't take that stuff by mouth, it makes me sick for some reason, so I eat nuts to replenish, but not often enough, I think.

Re: Does this happen to anyone else?

I can tell you from having those cramps during pregnancy, that it's often linked to low potassium/calcium. But, as for enduring one.... the minute you feel it, pull your toes up as if you were trying to get them to your knees. This flexes the muscle and helps it to let go of the cramp. Keep your toes pulled back hard until the cramp is well gone. Worked for me.

[Guest guest]

I have been having awful leg cramps too for the past week or so. And I thing that you are right, , my potassium /calcium levels are low.I have had some sweating lately due to my sinus infection, and also I have been craving ice cream and cheese lately.I also had not been drinking as much oj, so my potassium may have gotten low.

Thanks for the tip!

Feisty

Does this happen to anyone else?

Hope I am not being too much of a pain here. OK, this started pretty recently, and it’s now the 3rd or 4th time this has happened to me and it’s not been fun to say the least. While sleeping, (well, half sleeping/waking) during the night I will do this sort of whole body stretch. And then my left calf seizes up and cramps so bad, I want to scream. But I don’t or my husband and dog would fly through the ceiling. Only the left, every time. And there is nothing I can do but endure the pain and wait it out. Any experiences? Am I missing something from my diet? I don’t take vitamins, they upset my stomach. I just hope it is that simple. Thanks!

Carol

[Guest guest]

, do you have problems with lymphedema, also?

Feisty

Re: Does this happen to anyone else?

I had whole body cramping after my RAI that lasted several years.. it was explained to me that it has something to do with oxygenation of the muscles of the body, as in not enough oxygen.

When you have been still, as in sleeping, you're not moving around and keeping the muscles moving and replenishing the blood within them. The oxygen in the blood that is lingering there is used up. Then you move and the muscles need oxygen to do that but don't have enough... causing the cramp.

They told me that it was because I had been so active, a body builder, and that my muscles were breaking down from lack of activity... that all of those things, combined, were causing the pain and that there was nothing to do about it but wait... Eventually my muscle tone and blood circulation would equalize and I'd get enough blood to the muscles and wouldn't cramp like that anymore.

But it's terrifying... I had RAI 15 years ago.... and it's only been the last couple of years that I've been brave enough to stretch when I wake up and to be able to do it without locking into cramps.

That's just my two cents....

I'm not sure why you are getting it only on one side... unless it has something to do with how you lay....

Topper ()

[Guest guest]

I wonder if this is one reason why I am craving peanutbutter lately?

Feisty

Re: Does this happen to anyone else?

I can tell you from having those cramps during pregnancy, that it's often linked to low potassium/calcium. But, as for enduring one.... the minute you feel it, pull your toes up as if you were trying to get them to your knees. This flexes the muscle and helps it to let go of the cramp. Keep your toes pulled back hard until the cramp is well gone. Worked for me.