COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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deleted_user 10/26/2007

Can anyone tell me if muscle cramps are normal? I was told by a friend that it was due to low oxygen in the blood, but I am not sure. I woke up this morning with a severe cramp in my right thigh, it woke me up. I need to know if it is something that I need to see the doctor for. Any help or advice will be appreciated.
Thank You

deleted_user 10/26/2007

Hi...

Might be a good idea to check with your doctor. I don't know what medications you are on, but I do know that medications I have been on have had an impact on my potassium levels requiring supplemental potassium. Muscle cramping was a sympthom and low potassium is not a good thing.

Then, too, it could be just a muscle cramp. :O) At any rate, hope you're feeling better!

deleted_user 10/26/2007

I have COPD and sometimes get horrible muscle cramps in my feet, legs, hands, neck, etc. My doctor had me use 8 oz. of tonic water a day, one banana and a serving of dried apricots. I found that prescription to be extremely helpful. The cramps have all but disappeared. Hope this is helpful to you folks as well.

deleted_user 10/26/2007

a friend told me about the tonic water. but you have to make sure it has quinine in it. that's what they use to treat muscle cramps.

deleted_user 10/26/2007

In response to Mamamarge, the tonic water needs to have quinine in it. It's very bitter and hard to get down but if you make sure it's cold, pour out 8 oz in a glass and drink it down first thing in the morning, you get used to it. That's what my doctor's nurse told me. However, it does seem to be doing the trick. Also, don't forget the dried apricots. Delicious!!

deleted_user 10/27/2007

I've had a lot of cramping going on too.My potassium level is fine.I was told to try vitamin B-1 and vitamin B-50.Worked!

deleted_user 10/28/2007

I want to thank everyone for their replies. I will try the tonic water. It can't hurt to try it. I am going to talk to the doctor about the cramps. I realoly do appreciate all of you on this site. You are all really helpful.

deleted_user 07/17/2008

Thank you for asking this question. I too have been having cramp since I came home from the hospital a month ago. Leg,feet, back, hands, toes etc. I was wondering if the med. have anything to do with these cramps? Hope you feel better. Sandi B.

Sue825 07/17/2008

Tonic water is just great with a little lemon or lime juice added. Also, everything everyone has said is true, but I've also heard that leg cramps, especially nighttime, can be caused by low calcium. You need to make sure you're getting all your minerals, anyway, because of the meds we are on. But potassium, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D to help you absorb it all are critical. Good luck!

deleted_user 07/20/2008

looks like this has popped back up. i notice all the reference to the potassium...you have to be very careful taking it. and overdose can be bad! so, check with a doctor before you take it.

deleted_user 07/20/2008

my dad gets muscle cramps every night ... i will mention the tonic water to him

deleted_user 07/21/2008

You might want to check to make sure the quinine in tonic water (which is also found in grapefruit rinds) does not interact with any of your meds. If you take Buspirone, for example, you are advised not to eat grapefruit. Other medicines it interacts with: blood thinners, cholesterol meds, and some types of penicillin.

Additionally, quinine is not recommended for leg cramps. See the NIH MedlinePlus site for more info: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682322.html

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