Charleyhorse?

[leebick 448]

I am 3 days post-op for VGS. I followed full liquid, high-Protein shake diet for 2 weeks before surgery and am on the same diet for 2 weeks post-op. Before surgery I was taking 2 children's chewable Vitamins and 2 viactiv a day; now it's just the Vitamins. Although I walked and did well while in the hospital on Friday and Saturday (surgery ws Thursday but it's a lost day to me), now that I am home I am having trouble with my calf muscles. When I walk, I can feel them start to "flutter" which is my body's sign that I'm about to have a full-blown charleyhorse in that muscle. I'm currently sipping 0 calorie gatorade diluted 1:1 with Water in between my Protein shakes. If this keeps up, I'll call the BWLS program tomorrow. Has anyone else has had this problem and, if so, what did you do for it?

[KristenLe 5,979]

Could be dehydration, low potassium or low magnesium. Try some broth - the sodium may help. Drink as many fluids as you can. Congrats on being on the Loser's Bench!

[leebick 448]

Could be dehydration, low potassium or low magnesium. Try some broth - the sodium may help. Drink as many fluids as you can. Congrats on being on the Loser's Bench!

I was thinking maybe magnesium, but never thought about dehydration. Sigh. So much drinking, and none of it exciting! Yuppers, I'm here on the loser's bench. It only took 3 tries, but as they say, three's a charm!!

[HopeandAgony 566]

Lack of potassium causes Charlie horses.

[Keisha04 1]

Do you have any banana cream Protein shakes? banana is a huge help with Charlie horses, it's the lack of potassium. It was my life savor when I was in a wheelchair for 3 years.

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[ridgerunner 115]

Could be dehydration, low potassium or low magnesium. Try some broth - the sodium may help. Drink as many fluids as you can. Congrats on being on the Loser's Bench!

I was thinking maybe magnesium, but never thought about dehydration. Sigh. So much drinking, and none of it exciting! Yuppers, I'm here on the loser's bench. It only took 3 tries, but as they say, three's a charm!!

Leebick, it's lack of magnesium. I had the exact issue. If you can tolerate it pop a 250mg magnesium every day. Felt relief after first day and problem gone by day three.

[Keisha04 1]

Relief is usually given by either massaging or stretching the foot, ankle or knee in the opposite direction of the spasm.

Colloquial advice suggests that dietary deficiency of potassium, found richly in bananas and many vegetables,is a common cause of these spasms. It can be Calcium, magnesium or potassium but majority of people lack potassium when sedentary or lack of movement or after a surgery. This is what Wikipedia had for a solution. It's still best to give your Dr. a call, too.

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[jess9395 5,448]

Electrolytes in general--potassium, sodium, magnesium... Pretty sure banana Protein Shakes are artificially flavored and have no real potassium. Try a low sugar electrolyte replacement like power ade zero, g2 from Gatorade or Nuun. Pickle Juice or mustard will provide quick relief if they are on your plan (it's what I use when I run to stop them).

[leebick 448]

Electrolytes in general--potassium, sodium, magnesium... Pretty sure banana Protein shakes are artificially flavored and have no real potassium. Try a low sugar electrolyte replacement like power ade zero, g2 from Gatorade or Nuun. Pickle juice or mustard will provide quick relief if they are on your plan (it's what I use when I run to stop them).

All the banana shakes are artificially flavored, no real banana at all! (but there sure is a lot of "stuff" in the premier porting shakes ). I had my husband pick up some Powerade Zero today, and tried to get in as much Water as I'm supposed to have, but that was difficult. Also, when I made broth I was careful to avoid salt, but put a little in tonight for the sodium. I am only 3 days post-op so I'm going to hold off on the Pickle Juice and mustard for now! I'm going to call a doctor tomorrow (have to figure out who to call- surgeon's office? PCP... who has no idea of stuff related to VGS? Nut?) and see if I can take some kind of electrolyte supplement.

[KristenLe 5,979]

My Mom was very sick last year and I found Electrolyte gummies at the pharmacy. I'm not sure if those are something you could take.

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[leebick 448]

My Mom was very sick last year and I found Electrolyte gummies at the pharmacy. I'm not sure if those are something you could take.

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Nope, no gummies. Thanks for the suggestion, though. Hmm.. maybe I could dissolve them in some Water.

[higher 966]

I've actually had these a few times since surgery. They suck. I try to drink smart Water or other mineral waters that have electrolytes as much as possible but some days I forget.

[Keisha04 1]

I suggested the Protein shake based on the stage post op, as it has 310 grams of potassium. I wish you luck and hopefully your Dr or NUT was able to give you suggestions to help with your charley-horse. I'm not more inclined to be be about whose right, just wanted to offer what helped me. Hope your feeling better.

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[mlgoode 1]

The make spray magnesium that you spray directly on your calves bottoms of your feet or arm pits to absorb. It's less harsh on your digestive system that way.

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[jilani 16]

I get that from time to time. 2 weeks out. I am using a lot of broth and using salt substitute that has potassium. keep up the Multivitamins and drink drink drink.