Rude Awakenings!

photo courtesy of: http://ic.steadyhealth.com/leg_cramps_and_potassium.html

muchphoto courtesy of : http://diabetes.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-what-your-feet-say

There is nothing worse than being woken up in the middle of the night with a Charley Horse Leg Cramp.  I'm sure everyone has had a couple of these in their lifetimes right?  Well early this morning I was not woken up by a Charley Horse in my calf, I was woken up with Charley Horses in both calves and the toes of both feet.  Talk about rude awakenings!

For about 2 minutes (though it seemed like a lot longer) I tried to relax my muscles and not tense up.  I have learned from the past that stretching out my muscles only makes the cramps worse, and that the best thing I can do is to try breathing through the pain until the cramp subsides.  This is not always the easiest thing to do, but I always manage.

I have never had both legs cramp up at the same time, and I never in my life had my toes cramp up.  My toes were bent in some very weird positions.  If it hadn't hurt so much I might have found it amusing.  My legs and my toes are sore today, but at least they don't look funny anymore!  I'm guessing that I'm dehydrated and low on potassium, so lots of water and bananas for me today.  Only problem is, I can't eat bananas by themselves (the scent of the banana is too strong for me and makes me gag), so I guess I will have to sacrifice and have a banana split! Oh Darn!

Photo Courtesy of: http://www.baskinrobbinsmea.com/

Gentle Hugs,
Bonnie

Leg Cramps!

Lately I have been getting cramps in my calves at least once a week.  Most of the time it affects my left leg, and on occasion the right one will feel left out and join in on the fun.  Last night it was a regular party for my calves.  I was woken up at 3 different times last night in severe pain from a leg cramp.  First time it was my right leg, and then the second and third time it was my left leg. My calves are extremely sore today, and I'm afraid of stretching them too much in case that sets off another cramp.  I'm sure my students would find it hilarious if I all of sudden began making funny noises to hide the fact that I was in pain.

I don't know if it's part of the fibro, if I'm dehydrated or if I'm lacking some major potassium, but I do know that I didn't get an invitation for the party my legs held last night.  I'm drinking a gallon of water and eating a dozen bananas just in case. 

Gentle Hugs