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Suggest Treatment For Severe Body Cramps

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Posted on Mon, 22 Aug 2016
Question: I have severe body cramps intermittenly. Hands fold, toes curl, cramping under my breast, etc. This is happening quite frequently and I have told several doctors that when I take the water pill Furosemide that this issue gets worse Please help me find some answers to this increasing and painful problem
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Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It is due to electrolytes and calcium loss

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through. Based on the history you have shared, you seem to be a pretty brave add as you are coping with so many illnesses with such nice control and compliance. The current problem you have mentioned is due to potassium and calcium loss due to furasemide which leads to cramps in muscles as you have been experiencing. Their are two solutions. One you can test there levels monthly basis and keep replacing both through injectable duriny your GP visits or follow ups. Other is to replace orally with calcium supplements and potassium tablets or taking bananas, citrus and tomatoes which are rich in potassium. If you have to use the diuretics, use one potassium sparing diuretic like spironolactone alongwith furasemide so that both can counter each others side effects and work in adjunction too. Wishing you a great health. Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Answered by
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Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3941 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Body Cramps

Brief Answer: It is due to electrolytes and calcium loss Detailed Answer: Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through. Based on the history you have shared, you seem to be a pretty brave add as you are coping with so many illnesses with such nice control and compliance. The current problem you have mentioned is due to potassium and calcium loss due to furasemide which leads to cramps in muscles as you have been experiencing. Their are two solutions. One you can test there levels monthly basis and keep replacing both through injectable duriny your GP visits or follow ups. Other is to replace orally with calcium supplements and potassium tablets or taking bananas, citrus and tomatoes which are rich in potassium. If you have to use the diuretics, use one potassium sparing diuretic like spironolactone alongwith furasemide so that both can counter each others side effects and work in adjunction too. Wishing you a great health. Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.