Spasms

[Joecool1983]

Does anyone else, who has late stage/end cancer, experience frequent spasms from the legs or body? I think it's caused by long-term, high doses of pain meds.

[CRguy]

Hey homie
do you mean muscle twitches / spasms
OR
muscle cramps ?

either could be caused by electrolyte issues ( calcium / magnesium especially )
any recent bloods with electrolytes ????

Opioids ?? yes there can be issues with doses weaning on / off

TALK WITH YOUR DOCS and make sure they hear your questions and concerns !!!!

WORD

Best wishes
CRguy

[MissMolly]

Joe:
Certainly opiate/narcotic withdraw is uncomfortable with leg cramps/spasms among the symptoms.

Long-term use of opiates leads to a physiological dependency. The body becomes used to a certain amount of narcotic in its system - and will complain bitterly when dosage is reduced or withdrawn.

I am on a narcotic “cocktail” which includes the Fentanyl patch and oral dilaudid. I have experienced withdrawal symptoms and the experience was not fun. Opiates are powerful medications.

But I would urge you to discuss your spasms with your treating physician/medical team. I would not rush to a self-diagnosis of opiate dosing. Other possibilities on the radar, as CRGuy mentions: Metabolic and electrolyte imbalance, especially of magnesium, sodium, and potassium; peripheral nerve or central nervous system (brain or spinal cord) irritation, inflammation, or pressure.

Talk to your physician/medical team.
Karen

[bitchslapped]

DH used to get lower leg cramping in calves of legs. Sporadic, then stopped. We did use good compression stockings when he developed edema, but can't say that helped specifically for cramping only b/c I don't remember as was long time ago. He did have peripheral neuropathy, was on several meds, pain & otherwise. Not sure that he ever mentioned to doc. Probably should have had electrolytes checked. Certainly speak w/your doc & if nothing definitive there, maybe try suggestions above (CR, Karen) + compression stockings.

Best Wishes
BS