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Ache legs, Magnesium and Basophils

Hi been on Glivec for 12 days and top of my legs ache, cramps somewhat yesterday and today, feels like after you have exercised to much, and then the following day feeling. Otherwise no side effects so feel I have been lucky.

Read on here Magnesium is good will give it a go, also went to see my CML doctor yesterday, out of interest for others said tonic water is good as has Quinne in which helps.

Had CML 6 weeks since Dx, Doctor said blood counts now normal which is great. Basophils are 0.27 are these the same as blasts which is often made reference to ?   Been moved now to a review in 4 weeks, so seems to be going well.

Hi Nigel.... well done on normalisation of blood counts- HR (Haematological Response). within 4 weeks from starting with imatinib therapy is the first goal.

Don't worry- basophils are not blast cells. but you should not see a high proportion of them in peripheral blood. See FAQ page for normal levels of the different types of blood cells.

You can try tonic water but the level of quinine is not high- it might or might not help. Magnesium (oil or tablet form or both) can and does help some.... but it will take some time to raise your levels- weeks or even months. I have found it  very helpful for muscle aches/joint pain in general- it is also good for cardiac health.

You will find this side effect- cramp/pain- will disappear at around 12 weeks. It can be quite troublesome and I found that the only relief was by applying heat packs and keeping muscles stretched and warm (never let yourself get too cold).

best... Sandy