DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing to inquire about a medical condition that I have had for more than 15 years with no diagnosis determined. I’m a 63-year-old African-American female in good health except for allergies. The older I get, the worse the problem.
I have constant cramping in my legs, thighs, toes, hands, rib cage and arms. Lately, most of my cramping is happening at night when I go to bed. Both legs cramp up, and one of my feet twists to one side. These cramps are painful. I can turn over in the middle of the night and catch a cramp. I have had all types of blood work performed, and when my potassium was a little low, I was told to take a potassium pill. I cramped twice as much.
I have gone to internal-medicine doctors, rheumatologists, orthopedic specialists, family medical practitioners, OB-GYNs and cardiologists with no resolution.
I am currently taking Celebrex and magnesium oxide — specifically for cramping — which has helped, but not completely. I also take Singulair, Diovan, Prevacid, a garlic pill and Zocor at night only. In the past, I have taken some cramping medications, such as clonazepam, quinine tablets and others I can’t even remember the names of. Can you shed some light on my medical problem that might assist me with these awful cramps?
DEAR READER: You indicate you are in good health with the exception of your allergies. Let’s review your other medications. Celebrex is a prescription medication used to control the pain, stiffness and swelling of osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. Magnesium oxide and Prevacid are commonly used to relieve symptoms of acid indigestion. Diovan helps control hypertension and is sometimes prescribed for patients with heart failure who cannot take ACE inhibitor medications. Zocor is a statin drug designed to reduce bad cholesterol while increasing the good. Garlic is believed to help symptoms of arthritis and lower high-cholesterol and blood-pressure readings. And, when added to many foods, it simply tastes good. So it appears that you have arthritis, acid indigestion, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol).
Statins have a bad reputation for causing muscle pain, cramping, fatigue, and muscle tenderness and weakness in some people. You appear to be one of them. I cannot clearly state that this is the cause of your problem, but it’s a good place to start. Speak with your physician to determine whether you can take a different cholesterol-lowering medication that isn’t a statin. Perhaps an over-the-counter such as niacin or an OTC with plant stanols and sterols might be effective. Because of your history, my inclination is to have you refrain from red-yeast-rice products only because they include lovastatin-like substances. Try drinking pickle juice or eating dill pickles for relief from your cramps. Last but not least, place one bar of soap (or more) under your bedsheet near the part of your body that cramps for additional relief.
To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Understanding Cholesterol” and “Compelling Home Remedies.” Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order for each report to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title(s) or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.
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