CALF CRAMPS

Heartbroken, for me taking magnesium helped my leg cramps to the point I haven't had a cramp for nearly a year. I'm on Arimidex.

Peace, strength, love n hugs. chrissyb

I have been told not only magnesium but calcium and potassium. Dehydration will also cause cramps and definitely neuropathy. Soaking in Epsom salts does help the neuropathy. I use a heated mattress pad because I also have chills even in the summertime. I suppose an electric blanket would be the same thing.

I know this may sound silly, but Gatorade???  I had leg cramps before any BC treatment, usually caused by electrolyte problems.  You get them if you do things like endurance sports.

One time, I couldn't get out of the bathtub.  I had trashed my left shoulder falling backwards onto ice in the parking lot, and I got a leg cramp on top of it.  Eventually, I figured out how to roll out of the tub.

Someone else drinks tonic water.  Anyway, I would go the simple route prior to major meds.  Good luck.

p.s. I was slugging down the electrolyte shots (blech!!!) and Powerade today doing a major ride to avoid this problem.

Bananas are a staple at cycling events for a reason.

I didn't get any cramps last night so must have had enough electrolytes.  My butt hurts big time today though.  I have never done a ride with 4000' in total elevation gain before.

Hopefully, you are done with your five years of Tamoxifen.  From what I have read, there is some benefit of taking Arimidex afterward, but really needs to be weighed against the risks.

Another alternative to Gatorade is a product called Cliff Shots.  They are electrolyte gels, and really work.  They taste a lot better than the ones I was eating yesterday which had a nasty, evil flavor.  They are at sporting goods stores.  One time, I got cramps cycling a few days after a major events.  One leg, then both legs.  I hobbled with my bicycle across a major intersection, and must have been quite a sight.  Two of those babies, and I was able to continue cycling and all was fine.

So I keep those with me in my stash of anti-bonk potions.

You get the cramps from Arimidex also.  I also get what I call them, Charly Horses under my left breast were I had radiation.  I hate it when that happens.

I am ER/PR-HER+, on no tx... cramps everynight and daily elsewhere.... got a perscription for a muscle relaxant-which is on back order at most pharmacies due to overdemand at the makers... but drink 4oz quinine each nite which hasn't helped but... My doc did blood work to see if there is a electrolyte imbalance.. no result yet. Can't wait to try the muscle relaxant cuz it's everynight with the leg/toe cramps... chemo aftereffects?? Sounds like it might be.... My fingertips are peeling like there are salts left in them. Can you have Herceptin withdrawal????Never had cramps during tx... something doc's may never think of. I think it's possible.