Electrolytes

I take diuretics & potassium to control my edema due to Congestive Heart Failure. When my potassium & sodium levels are out of balance, I get really bad cramps and have to go to the hospital to get balanced out. Has anyone else experienced this?

3 Comments

Potassium

by scadnama - 2008-04-02 10:04:28

Hello!

I have very low potassium. I get terrible cramps in my legs, but especially in my feet and toes. I take supplements daily, and have my blood tested often. When it does get to low, my doctor will give me potassium through an IV. You are not alone!

Take care,
Amanda

Electrolytes

by Nim Rod - 2008-04-02 10:04:59

I have CHF, take a diuretic and I have been there and done that, although my muscle cramps have never lasted long enough to cause me to have to go to the hospital for help. But they have caused untold misery. I shudder to even think about how bad they must be to make you have to go to the hospital for help.

Diuretics can lower many of our electrolyte levels in addition to potassium. Some of these other electrolytes, in addition to potassium can cause muscle cramps. I have lived with this problem for more than 25 years, (long before I had ever heard of a pacemaker) and at one time I added calcium to my medicine regimen. Also, I have no idea what diuretic you are taking, but there are some so called potassium sparing diuretics available that helped me, although I had to return to Lasix because potassium sparing dyazide (in my case) would no longer do the job for me. The addition of the calcium did wonders. I do not recommend that you start any new medication without the approval of your doctor. Too many things can be impacted by such changes.

I know I have told you exactly nothing except I've had the problem also. I do know that muscle cramps like you must be having can provide us with a true definition of hell. You have my sympathy and I wish you good luck.

Nim Rod

Cramps

by Tessy - 2008-04-02 11:04:43

Have you tried taking a glass of tonic water before going to bed. That works for me

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