Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Support Group
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a progressive, genetic disorder of the kidneys. It occurs in humans and other organisms. PKD is characterised by the presence of multiple cysts (polycystic) in both kidneys. The disease can also damage the liver, pancreas and rarely the heart and brain.
Hi, everybody. It's been a while since I've been here, dealing with an incredibly complicated divorce for five years. I've lost over 20 points in the last six months and am currently at about 30, having symptoms that go along with that. Lately, I've been having the most incredibly painful leg spasms at night about once a week that wake me up and leave my legs sore for a couple of days afterward. The only thing I know to do is try to point my toes toward my head to stretch out the calf but it doesn't really work anymore. I still work full-time and can't afford losing this sleep, too.
My problem is that I have Multiple Sclerosis also, so I don't know if it's from the MS or the PKD. I know electrolyte imbalances can cause these, but I thought it was caused by a low potassium, not high, which is what I have.
I don't take any meds for the MS because of the failing kidneys. But maybe if this isn't related to the PKD, maybe I could ask the neurologist about it. Just thought I'd check here first and see if others with PKD have had this problem. Thanks so much for any input.
My problem is that I have Multiple Sclerosis also, so I don't know if it's from the MS or the PKD. I know electrolyte imbalances can cause these, but I thought it was caused by a low potassium, not high, which is what I have.
I don't take any meds for the MS because of the failing kidneys. But maybe if this isn't related to the PKD, maybe I could ask the neurologist about it. Just thought I'd check here first and see if others with PKD have had this problem. Thanks so much for any input.
leg cramps (charlie horses) can be caused by electrolyte imbalance and that doesn't only mean potassium. too low sodium can do the same thing.
we are all so conscious about keeping sodium low but it can get too low. sometimes the answer to charlie horses is to eat something with salt, a pretzel maybe. I can remember asking for chicken broth when hit with these cramps.
getting up and walking is usually helpful too.
Magnesium (Mg) can also be a contributing cause for cramping muscles. While we all think of potassium and bananas (or peanut butter) to treat cramping muscles, when I had recurrent leg cramps (multiple times every night for at least a week), my doctor did labs and lo and behold, my Mg levels were low. Mg is an independant test that needs to be done in addition to the renal panel.
Magnesium is not something you want to try to supplement on your own. The wrong dose of magnesium can be harmful to the kidneys. However, you can take magnesium, with monitoring, even with a low GFR (mine is 30 and I'm still on a low dose of Mg to ward off the leg cramps; I just seem to run low on magnesium).
BTW, I seem to recall reading some research recently that low magnisium levels are also an issue with some MS patients. So you may end finding it's a benefit for the MS as well if it turns out magnesium versus potassum is the issue.
Lots of hugs,
Ruth
Thanks so much. I'm very happy to hear from you, especially as I read that you are in a lot of pain and yet take the time to respond. I will ask my neph about the magnesium test. You are in my thoughts and prayers for relief from this pain. Bless you for still reaching out to others, even as you deal with your own pain. Thank you, Ruth.
Rebecca