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Increased Glivec cramps

At the moment I have a cold - definitely not flu, and not even a very bad cold - but I have noticed that the leg cramps that I get regularly have been much more frequent and painful over the last two or three days, and I have also had a couple of hand cramps (most unusual, I've only had two in the previous year).  Could this be related to having a cold, or is it possible that something else is going on?  I haven't taken anything for the cold, just kept warm and had plenty of hot drinks, and otherwise feel completely "normal".  Has anyone else noticed something similar?

I used to get these when I was on Glivec,drinking some tonic water (Quinine) did the trick,or Quinine sulphate tablets from the GP did the trick.

Thanks Michael - yes, I know about quinine, and agree that it does make a bit of difference, but my question really was to do with the increased number of cramps and whether they were affected by my having a cold. I won't be seeing my doctor for another couple of months, so I thought I'd see whether anyone here has any similar experience.

I am on Glivec 400mg and get leg and hand cramps. I do find that tonic water really helps, but I do mix it with Gin and Ice just to help it down.

Tony

 

Dear Olivia,

your increased experience of cramps might well be because you have a cold and therefore needing a much higher fluid intake than normal. Plain water is preferable as an addition to hot drinks such as tea/coffee etc.

Cramps also might be caused by the very cold weather affecting your muscles- i.e they get stiff and therefore cramp easily. I always found that direct application of heat (hot baths/water bottles/heat packs etc) really did help....as did stretching exercises- particularly the hamstring stretch as in Pilates exercises for example.

extra magnesium (in the form of magnesium oil massaged into the skin) over time will help a lot, not only with cramps but with aches and pains in general. I have been using this for around 6 months now and have found it to be really beneficial. no more joint pains and lots more energy. Correct magnesium levels are crucial to overall health-

hope this is helpful,

Sandy

Thanks Sandy, you always have the answer!  I will try the magnesium oil, that's a new one on me.

Olivia

Dear Olivia,

you will have to try this for some months before you see the benefits... the skin is a very efficient way of getting it into the blood. It also might cause some tingling/stinging effect on the skin. This is either because your levels are very low and/or your skin is sensitive. If this happens then the best way of lessening the stinging is to rub the oil on wet skin (after a bath or shower) or wash it off the skin after around 20 minutes when most of the magnesium will have been absorbed. 

Do a google search on 'Ancient Minerals' for further info. You can get a spray form of the oil in most good health shops or order online.

Along with Pilates stretching exercises it has more or less cured all my aches and pains in my muscles and joints! 

Sandy

Hi, I have had the same issues off an on. As Sandy mentioned as well, I also increased the magnesium intake and  took up yoga. The cold has something to add to the frequency at least for myself. I have found the yoga and magnesium in general have helped greatly and as the doctor told me "with these tablets you need to become a lover of water" . Days I don't take in enough water I can feel the difference. I agree, the hand cramps are the most bizarre and my hands end up with a mind of their own, something out of a Stephen King novel.

Stay Well

Bill

Hi Bill... you are so right, you need to love water. I have always mix tap water with either fresh lemon juice or I drink a naturally carbonated water like Badoit or Pelegrino (I like the salty taste of both)... but these are more expensive of course. 

I recognise your description of the hand cramps... the 'Stephen King hand'.... this is a bizarre and quite painful experience. I have also just once or twice when I was treated with imatinib experience and very painful cramp in my tongue! not something I would wish on anyone.. luckily it didn't last too long. maybe I talk too much ;o)

glad the yoga has helped... magnesium seems like a pretty essential mineral for general good health.

Sandy