On 6/28/2013 3:18 PM, James Silverton wrote:

>
> I believe muscle pain on long continued use of statins is a lot more
> common than cardiologists like to think. It took a while to convince my
> cardiologist but my internist knew about it. I worry about the advice to
> prescribe statins for young people.
>
CoQ10 supplements should help with that.

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"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...

> But another thing I sometimes get are weird leg cramps. The exact kind of
> cramps vary. But recently they were ones where my feet would be pointed
> down hard. Painful cramps through my feet, toes and backs of my calves.
> Always while I am sleeping. They wake me. I will have to stand up and
> force my weight onto my feet to lessen them. Then I have to finish it off
> by using my massager on the calves.

I get awful cramps in my feet, especially at night. The doc has given me
Quinine (yes the same thing used for malaria). It helps a bit!

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"Ophelia" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>> But another thing I sometimes get are weird leg cramps. The exact kind
>> of
>> cramps vary. But recently they were ones where my feet would be pointed
>> down hard. Painful cramps through my feet, toes and backs of my calves.
>> Always while I am sleeping. They wake me. I will have to stand up and
>> force my weight onto my feet to lessen them. Then I have to finish it
>> off
>> by using my massager on the calves.
>
> I get awful cramps in my feet, especially at night. The doc has given me
> Quinine (yes the same thing used for malaria). It helps a bit!

I took that years ago. Used to be sold OTC. Called QVel. In those days I
was on my feet sometimes for 12 hours or more. So my legs would sometimes
cramp at night. Then they quit selling it. When I got leg cramps while
pregnant I tried tonic water but it didn't help. Then I found out that they
don't make it like they used to. Used to be quinine. Well it still is but
proportionally very little.

I thought you couldn't get it here any more in pill form but apparently it
is prescription but... WHO no longer recommends it as the first line of
treatment for malaria as of 2006 and the FDA no longer recommends it for leg
cramps. It did work for me but can cause a whole slew of problems.

"
What are the risks of using quinine for leg cramps?
Most of the serious side effects reported from the use of quinine have been
in patients taking it off-label to treat leg cramps or RLS. Some of the more
serious ones that can result in hospitalization, serious illness, and death
include:


a.. thrombocytopenia—decreased blood platelets (cells that help the blood
to clot)
b.. cardiac problems, including an abnormal heart rhythm (too fast, too
slow or irregular)
c.. rashes and other allergic reactions
d.. thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura—a rare, often fatal blood
condition that causes clotting throughout the body
e.. hearing problems
f.. eye problems
g.. electrolyte imbalance (the amount of minerals and fluids in the body)
h.. kidney failure
i.. lung toxicity
Quinine can also interact with other medications, including antiarrhythmics
(e.g. amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, quinidine, sotalol); digoxin;
blood thinners; drugs to control seizures; and neuromuscular-blocking drugs
(used during surgery).

You should not take quinine if you have certain hereditary heart conditions,
such as a prolonged QT interval (a rare problem that may cause fainting or
an irregular heartbeat); an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG; a test that
measures the electrical activity of the heart); or if you have or have ever
had G-6-PD, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, deficiency (an inherited
blood disease). Additionally, you should avoid quinine if you have
myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes weakness of certain muscles), or
optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve that may cause sudden
changes in vision), or if you have had an allergic reaction to quinine or
similar medicines such as mefloquine or quinidine.

Side effect symptoms to watch out for:

Indicating low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

a.. shakiness
b.. dizziness or lightheadedness
c.. sweating
d.. nervousness or irritability
e.. sudden changes in behavior or mood
f.. headaches
g.. numbness or tingling around the mouth
h.. weakness
i.. pale skin
j.. hunger
k.. clumsy or jerky movements

Severe symptoms related to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

a.. confusion
b.. seizures
c.. loss of consciousness
Serious side effects
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:


a.. rash
b.. hives
c.. itching
d.. hoarseness
e.. difficulty breathing or swallowing
f.. swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or
lower legs
g.. fever
h.. blisters
i.. stomach pain
j.. vomiting
k.. diarrhea
l.. blurriness or changes in color vision
m.. inability to hear or see
n.. faintness
o.. easy bruising
p.. unusual bleeding
q.. blood in the urine
r.. dark or tarry stools
s.. nosebleeds
t.. sore throat
u.. changes in heartbeat
v.. chest pain

Other side effects
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


a.. nausea
b.. restlessness
c.. difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears
d.. confusion
e.. nervousness

Bottom line. Quinine is widely prescribed to treat leg cramps (and less
frequently, other cramping disorders) even though the FDA and the drug's
prescribing information specifically caution that it should not be
prescribed for those conditions. CR medical advisers suggest: Talk with your
doctor about all drug and nondrug treatments for leg cramps. The risk of
serious or life-threatening side effects from quinine and the lack of
convincing evidence for its use outweigh the potential benefit of the drug
for any condition except malaria."

Link:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2...nded/index.htm

Ophelia wrote:
>

> I have chronic asthma and don't have an easy remedy for that. I take
> inhalers/nebuliser, antihistamines etc daily and steroids fairly often. I
> would be dead long since if I didn't.

I have asthma in a milder form, imo. I do take OTC Bronkaid tablets (and
very low dose) and that controls it fair enough. I do fine (no problems)
during the day but sleeping brings it on a bit. It's the lying still for
hours I guess. I get up and as soon as I cough up a little phlegm I'm good
for another day. My asthma has actually gotten much better rather than
worse.

> I have a couple of candles and a
> clock on the mantelpiece and nothing in the way of ornaments elsewhere. It
> is much easier and quicker to wipe down everywhere with a damp cloth.

Remember, asthma is nothing more than a severe reaction to some allergy. If
you keep your house dust free and still have problems, the dust (or dust
mites) might not be your problem at all. It could even be something that you
eat on a regular basis....or smoking if you do that, or cat dander. You can
pay a doctor a fortune to test you for allergies or you can do it yourself
by eliminating one regular thing at a time.

G.

PS - is there an asthma group? I'd like to join that one to read and learn
from others

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Ophelia" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>>
>> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>>> But another thing I sometimes get are weird leg cramps. The exact kind
>>> of
>>> cramps vary. But recently they were ones where my feet would be pointed
>>> down hard. Painful cramps through my feet, toes and backs of my calves.
>>> Always while I am sleeping. They wake me. I will have to stand up and
>>> force my weight onto my feet to lessen them. Then I have to finish it
>>> off
>>> by using my massager on the calves.
>>
>> I get awful cramps in my feet, especially at night. The doc has given me
>> Quinine (yes the same thing used for malaria). It helps a bit!
>
> I took that years ago. Used to be sold OTC. Called QVel. In those days
> I was on my feet sometimes for 12 hours or more. So my legs would
> sometimes cramp at night. Then they quit selling it. When I got leg
> cramps while pregnant I tried tonic water but it didn't help. Then I
> found out that they don't make it like they used to. Used to be quinine.
> Well it still is but proportionally very little.
>
> I thought you couldn't get it here any more in pill form but apparently it
> is prescription but... WHO no longer recommends it as the first line of
> treatment for malaria as of 2006 and the FDA no longer recommends it for
> leg cramps. It did work for me but can cause a whole slew of problems.
>
> "
> What are the risks of using quinine for leg cramps?
> Most of the serious side effects reported from the use of quinine have
> been in patients taking it off-label to treat leg cramps or RLS. Some of
> the more serious ones that can result in hospitalization, serious illness,
> and death include:
>
>
> a.. thrombocytopenia—decreased blood platelets (cells that help the blood
> to clot)
> b.. cardiac problems, including an abnormal heart rhythm (too fast, too
> slow or irregular)
> c.. rashes and other allergic reactions
> d.. thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura—a rare, often fatal blood
> condition that causes clotting throughout the body
> e.. hearing problems
> f.. eye problems
> g.. electrolyte imbalance (the amount of minerals and fluids in the body)
> h.. kidney failure
> i.. lung toxicity
> Quinine can also interact with other medications, including
> antiarrhythmics (e.g. amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, quinidine,
> sotalol); digoxin; blood thinners; drugs to control seizures; and
> neuromuscular-blocking drugs (used during surgery).
>
> You should not take quinine if you have certain hereditary heart
> conditions, such as a prolonged QT interval (a rare problem that may cause
> fainting or an irregular heartbeat); an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG; a
> test that measures the electrical activity of the heart); or if you have
> or have ever had G-6-PD, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, deficiency
> (an inherited blood disease). Additionally, you should avoid quinine if
> you have myasthenia gravis (a condition that causes weakness of certain
> muscles), or optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve that may
> cause sudden changes in vision), or if you have had an allergic reaction
> to quinine or similar medicines such as mefloquine or quinidine.
>
> Side effect symptoms to watch out for:
>
> Indicating low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
>
> a.. shakiness
> b.. dizziness or lightheadedness
> c.. sweating
> d.. nervousness or irritability
> e.. sudden changes in behavior or mood
> f.. headaches
> g.. numbness or tingling around the mouth
> h.. weakness
> i.. pale skin
> j.. hunger
> k.. clumsy or jerky movements
>
> Severe symptoms related to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
>
> a.. confusion
> b.. seizures
> c.. loss of consciousness
> Serious side effects
> Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
>
>
> a.. rash
> b.. hives
> c.. itching
> d.. hoarseness
> e.. difficulty breathing or swallowing
> f.. swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or
> lower legs
> g.. fever
> h.. blisters
> i.. stomach pain
> j.. vomiting
> k.. diarrhea
> l.. blurriness or changes in color vision
> m.. inability to hear or see
> n.. faintness
> o.. easy bruising
> p.. unusual bleeding
> q.. blood in the urine
> r.. dark or tarry stools
> s.. nosebleeds
> t.. sore throat
> u.. changes in heartbeat
> v.. chest pain
>
> Other side effects
> Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
>
>
> a.. nausea
> b.. restlessness
> c.. difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears
> d.. confusion
> e.. nervousness
>
> Bottom line. Quinine is widely prescribed to treat leg cramps (and less
> frequently, other cramping disorders) even though the FDA and the drug's
> prescribing information specifically caution that it should not be
> prescribed for those conditions. CR medical advisers suggest: Talk with
> your doctor about all drug and nondrug treatments for leg cramps. The risk
> of serious or life-threatening side effects from quinine and the lack of
> convincing evidence for its use outweigh the potential benefit of the drug
> for any condition except malaria."
>
> Link:
> http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2...nded/index.htm

Blimey! Thanks, I will read through those properly!
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http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...

> I hope you don't light the candles.

No, they are just decorative.

I used to really be into candles and
> incense. And when I was a smoker, they didn't seem to bother me. But
> once I quit smoking, I realized just how badly both pollute the air. Now
> if I have to use them, I use them only briefly then put them out. I can't
> stand to go into a building where candles are lit. My dentist's office
> has them seemingly all the time. The worst for me are the pumpkin
> scented. I begin gagging and choking when I am near them.


--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"Gary" > wrote in message ...
> Ophelia wrote:
>>
>
>> I have chronic asthma and don't have an easy remedy for that. I take
>> inhalers/nebuliser, antihistamines etc daily and steroids fairly often.
>> I
>> would be dead long since if I didn't.
>
> I have asthma in a milder form, imo. I do take OTC Bronkaid tablets (and
> very low dose) and that controls it fair enough. I do fine (no problems)
> during the day but sleeping brings it on a bit. It's the lying still for
> hours I guess. I get up and as soon as I cough up a little phlegm I'm good
> for another day. My asthma has actually gotten much better rather than
> worse.

I'm very pleased to hear it!


> PS - is there an asthma group? I'd like to join that one to read and
> learn
> from others

I have no idea! I've never looked!

--
--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"Gary" > wrote in message ...
> Ophelia wrote:
>>
>
>> I have chronic asthma and don't have an easy remedy for that. I take
>> inhalers/nebuliser, antihistamines etc daily and steroids fairly often.
>> I
>> would be dead long since if I didn't.
>
> I have asthma in a milder form, imo. I do take OTC Bronkaid tablets (and
> very low dose) and that controls it fair enough. I do fine (no problems)
> during the day but sleeping brings it on a bit. It's the lying still for
> hours I guess. I get up and as soon as I cough up a little phlegm I'm good
> for another day. My asthma has actually gotten much better rather than
> worse.
>
>> I have a couple of candles and a
>> clock on the mantelpiece and nothing in the way of ornaments elsewhere.
>> It
>> is much easier and quicker to wipe down everywhere with a damp cloth.
>
> Remember, asthma is nothing more than a severe reaction to some allergy.
> If
> you keep your house dust free and still have problems, the dust (or dust
> mites) might not be your problem at all. It could even be something that
> you
> eat on a regular basis....or smoking if you do that, or cat dander. You
> can
> pay a doctor a fortune to test you for allergies or you can do it yourself
> by eliminating one regular thing at a time.
>
> G.
>
> PS - is there an asthma group? I'd like to join that one to read and
> learn
> from others

Exercise and temperature can cause it too. Although I have been told this
is more common in kids. The odd thing is, I have met some kids who get it
when overheated. Their parents will run them outside in the winter and soon
they'll be fine. But others? Can't take the cold! Send them out in it and
they'll have to come in and warm up to start breathing better.

My mom's asthma was set off by chlorine. I am bothered by it too but I
don't think mine is asthma. I get a burning pain in my chest and for about
two days after will smell what smells like a campfire to me. But we have
noticed that it is not just the chlorine. It only happens when it is
combined with heat. My dad was doing something with bleach and hot water
and set us both off!

But I used to make sprouts and the sprouters needed to be cleaned with
bleach. I worried about that but as long as I used cold water to soak them
with the bleach, I was fine.

On 7/1/2013 11:38 AM, Susan wrote:

> Have you tried privat Pilates sessions with a certified instructor?
>
I would have to work up to Pilates. I tried yoga and even that was too
hard on my back. I'm sticking with aqua exercises for now. There's one
class I take where I can really feel the abdominals being worked so for
now, that's what I'm doing. I like the idea of Pilates and I can hire a
personal trainer at the gym I joined just for the water classes.

> Folks I know, one with fusion surgery/stenosis and one with disc
> compression, got incredibly long lasting relief and improved MRIs from it.
>
Excellent!

> If your spasms are due to high insulin and/or blood sugar or other
> causes of electrolyte imbalance (any number of drugs), it could help.
> If you have no contraindications, why not try? If you need it, it helps
> within minutes, less than 15 for me. You'll know it pretty much right
> away if it's helping. The sodium opens the channels to let the K do its
> job; that's probably why mortality is higher in folks who do strict salt
> restriction.

Thanks for the idea.

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On 7/1/2013 5:50 PM, Cheryl wrote:

> I think my nerve damage created a problem for starting right away. For
> the longest time even walking was too hard because I would trip over my
> foot. I still have the drop foot and after this amount of time I
> imagine it isn't going to go away.
>
> I did find that walking on the treadmill in PT helped somewhat to
> re-learn how to lift my foot when walking. I have one right here in my
> living room and get too lazy to even do 10 minutes. I read that and
> wonder WTF is wrong with me. LOL

Woo hoo! i just did 20 mins on the treadmill. This thread has been good
for me to remember to do this. It isn't like it takes up all that much
time and it helps to remind me to lift my foot when walking.

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CAPSLOCK–Preventing Login Since 1980.

Janet wrote:
>
> IOW this post-surgery year is your ONLY window of opportunity to
> repair your damaged nerves, and if you miss it there won't be another
> opportunity to catch up later. You WILL regret that later, when you
> won't be able to kick yourself for not doing your excercises...

This is so very true after many operations. The physical therapy is not fun
but often can be so important to a good recovery. If you can't force
yourself to do this, you should hire a reputable PT who will push you to
your limits, yet know when when to quit. They will often push you longer
than you would do yourself.

G.

On 7/2/2013 11:44 AM, Janet Bostwick wrote:

> Not necessarily nerve damage but rather muscle shortening from being
> in bed and confined. Think about the position of your foot when you
> are lying in bed. In the relaxed position, the heel is up and the toe
> pointed. The muscles in the heel and back of leg begin to get lazy
> and atrophy. It is difficult to re-learn how to walk because it is
> such an unconscious activity. I'm still working on it. I've been out
> of therapy since January. Remembering to put your heel down first,
> use the whole foot and roll over the arch onto spread toes easily
> becomes lost when I'm not concentrating. Hope you see improvement
> that pleases you soon.

I understand exactly what you mean about muscle shortening. My PT
called it muscle wasting about my foot. I tried to understand what you
meant about the relaxed position of the foot but mine is like a dead
fish. If I move my leg one way, the foot flops that way. Move again,
it flops the other way. It's much better than almost a year ago when
this all started though.

I hope you are also seeing some improvement!

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CAPSLOCK–Preventing Login Since 1980.

On Tue, 02 Jul 2013 19:44:02 -0400, Cheryl >
wrote:

>On 7/2/2013 11:44 AM, Janet Bostwick wrote:
>
>> Not necessarily nerve damage but rather muscle shortening from being
>> in bed and confined. Think about the position of your foot when you
>> are lying in bed. In the relaxed position, the heel is up and the toe
>> pointed. The muscles in the heel and back of leg begin to get lazy
>> and atrophy. It is difficult to re-learn how to walk because it is
>> such an unconscious activity. I'm still working on it. I've been out
>> of therapy since January. Remembering to put your heel down first,
>> use the whole foot and roll over the arch onto spread toes easily
>> becomes lost when I'm not concentrating. Hope you see improvement
>> that pleases you soon.
>
>I understand exactly what you mean about muscle shortening. My PT
>called it muscle wasting about my foot. I tried to understand what you
>meant about the relaxed position of the foot but mine is like a dead
>fish. If I move my leg one way, the foot flops that way. Move again,
>it flops the other way. It's much better than almost a year ago when
>this all started though.
>
>I hope you are also seeing some improvement!

At one time when I was mostly bed-ridden, I felt as though my legs had
melted into the mattress. I understand why exercise is so important
because the everyday things are hard work to re-capture. I park out
as far as I can at the grocery store and at Costco and always return
my cart to the cart corral. By measuring against those activities, I
can see that I am better. I no longer stagger left and right and legs
don't tire as easily. But I'm sure you know that it is disheartening
to try to see progress in the short term. You have the right idea --
check back and compare to a year ago. Progress is there but hard to
see day-by-day. Keep up the good work (and keep your chin up too)
Janet US