I am on a short wait list for a subtotal colectomy with Ileosigmoid resection for poor transit and other factors. I have collagenous colitis and am 64.
I had a complete hysterectomy 4 years ago for uterine cancer with no further treatment needed. Long story short, my surgeon had advised me to do daily 1 1/2 - 3 litre water enemas on a daily basis for the last 18 months. I have been experiencing worsening severe muscle cramps in my thighs, calves and feet. I take Gastrolyte, calcium, multivitamins, etc regularly.I drink lots of water. I am not on any diurectics or blood pressure meds. My kidney function, etc is fine. I do not have low serum ferritin. I do have spinal stenosis and venous insufficiency, but these conditions never seemed to cause this cramping before. I also take a low dose of Lipitor, but it never caused any issues for the last 15 years.
My blood tests are generally ok. My sleep is extremely impaired due to these cramps. Recently I have tried leg stretches, increased fluid, warm bathes, leg massages, increased gastrolyte, etc without relief. I do have restless leg syndrome, but it is not a big issue. I am doing great on Bipap therapy. I don't want to visit my General Physician at this time as this is flu season and I don't want to be exposed to any germs at his office now. I am prone to bronchitis and if I get sick now, I may have to wait months before I will be ok for surgery. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank-you
Can frequent water enemas cause severe leg muscle cramps
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Can frequent water enemas cause severe leg muscle cramps
allergic to :nuts, all seeds, tomatoes, eggplant, all pepper, nutmeg, most raw fruit, many cooked fruits, peanuts, chestnuts, etc.
Your leg and foot cramps are almost surely caused by magnesium deficiency. If you read very many of the posts on this forum you will notice that virtually all of us have a chronic magnesium deficiency. For one thing, some authorities estimate that approximately 80 % of the general population is magnesium deficient. And IBDs deplete magnesium because of the malabsorption problems that develop with IBDs. Many medications, including the corticosteroids used to treat IBDs deplete magnesium.
Magnesium is mostly absorbed in the terminal ileum and the colon, so daily enemas will surely also deplete magnesium. Leg and foot cramps are classic symptoms of magnesium deficiency. As someone who has had an ileostomy for almost 7 years now, I have to take above normal amounts of magnesium supplements in order to prevent foot and leg cramps. Most members here can prevent magnesium deficiency symptoms by taking magnesium supplements that match or exceed the RDA (320 mg for women and 400 mg for men), but I find it necessary to take 600 mg per day (spaced out during the day, and taken with or after meals) in order to prevent magnesium deficiency symptoms (such as leg and foot cramps). Every time I experiment with trying to lower the amount of my magnesium supplement, the leg and foot cramps return.
If that much oral magnesium causes you to have diarrhea, you can use topical applications of magnesium oil or lotion for part of it (or even all of it if you use enough, often enough). Food soaks in Epsom salts also help, and Epsom salts added to bath water also helps.
If you're not also taking a significant vitamin D supplement, you are also almost surely deficient in vitamin D. Most of us here take around 5,000 IU of vitamin D daily, because IBDs deplete vitamin D, and so do many medications.
You can find more information about magnesium and vitamin D at the link below:
Vit D3 and Magnesium
Most of us take magnesium glycinate, because it is well absorbed and less likely to cause diarrhea in larger amounts. Never take magnesium oxide (unless you need a laxative) because we can only absorb approximately 2 % of magnesium oxide and when the rest mixes with water in the digestive system, it becomes a laxative.
I hope that some of this is helpful.
Tex
Magnesium is mostly absorbed in the terminal ileum and the colon, so daily enemas will surely also deplete magnesium. Leg and foot cramps are classic symptoms of magnesium deficiency. As someone who has had an ileostomy for almost 7 years now, I have to take above normal amounts of magnesium supplements in order to prevent foot and leg cramps. Most members here can prevent magnesium deficiency symptoms by taking magnesium supplements that match or exceed the RDA (320 mg for women and 400 mg for men), but I find it necessary to take 600 mg per day (spaced out during the day, and taken with or after meals) in order to prevent magnesium deficiency symptoms (such as leg and foot cramps). Every time I experiment with trying to lower the amount of my magnesium supplement, the leg and foot cramps return.
If that much oral magnesium causes you to have diarrhea, you can use topical applications of magnesium oil or lotion for part of it (or even all of it if you use enough, often enough). Food soaks in Epsom salts also help, and Epsom salts added to bath water also helps.
If you're not also taking a significant vitamin D supplement, you are also almost surely deficient in vitamin D. Most of us here take around 5,000 IU of vitamin D daily, because IBDs deplete vitamin D, and so do many medications.
You can find more information about magnesium and vitamin D at the link below:
Vit D3 and Magnesium
Most of us take magnesium glycinate, because it is well absorbed and less likely to cause diarrhea in larger amounts. Never take magnesium oxide (unless you need a laxative) because we can only absorb approximately 2 % of magnesium oxide and when the rest mixes with water in the digestive system, it becomes a laxative.
I hope that some of this is helpful.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Thank-you so much. Once again, you have given me incredibly valuable information.I do supplement with magnesium gluconate. However, I probably wasn't taking enough.The epsom salts idea is great. I will do it today. How much epsom salts should I add to a full bathtub of water or to a foot bath? Is there any problem soaking in it in a bath? I take 10,000 IU Vit.D per week in one pill (prescribed by doc). I thought that was enough. After I have the subtotal colectomy, what diet should I follow. I imagine that I will be even more depleted of electrolytes. How about potassium? Do I need to take that too?
Your advice, frankly, is far superior to that of my surgeon. Best wishes
Your advice, frankly, is far superior to that of my surgeon. Best wishes
allergic to :nuts, all seeds, tomatoes, eggplant, all pepper, nutmeg, most raw fruit, many cooked fruits, peanuts, chestnuts, etc.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
in line with Tex's reply, because you are supplementing with calcium
to optimise magnesium intake with no risk to your digestion, using topical magnesium oil is a very good way to get high dose magnesium. Ancient minerals is one brand that people use.
so far as the Vit D3, a tablet once a week is ok - but not as effective as daily supplementation. when there is inflammation in the body we suggest taking at least 3000-5000iu per day. If you live in a cold climate minimal sun in the winter, then this may need to be increased to 6000-7000iu per day. importantly - good levels of magnesium are crucial to absorbing and optimising Vit D3 use.
so far as what diet to follow, low inflammation, easy to digest eating plan. very similar to the MC eating plans.
you will need to ensure you are taking high intake of magnesium, (calcium depletes magnesium). 1/2 cup to 1 cup of epsom salts is a good start for foot bath or 2 cups for bathI take Gastrolyte, calcium, multivitamins, etc regularly.I drink lots of water.
to optimise magnesium intake with no risk to your digestion, using topical magnesium oil is a very good way to get high dose magnesium. Ancient minerals is one brand that people use.
so far as the Vit D3, a tablet once a week is ok - but not as effective as daily supplementation. when there is inflammation in the body we suggest taking at least 3000-5000iu per day. If you live in a cold climate minimal sun in the winter, then this may need to be increased to 6000-7000iu per day. importantly - good levels of magnesium are crucial to absorbing and optimising Vit D3 use.
so far as what diet to follow, low inflammation, easy to digest eating plan. very similar to the MC eating plans.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Thank-you! I appreciate your response. I doubt that my doctor will change my prescription from 10,000 iu/week to the dosage you suggest. I can only try. I take 500 mg/day calcium. If the ratio of Ca:Mg is :1 , then do I need only 250 mg elemental magnesium/day in divided doses?
allergic to :nuts, all seeds, tomatoes, eggplant, all pepper, nutmeg, most raw fruit, many cooked fruits, peanuts, chestnuts, etc.
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
if you are taking 500mg per day of calcium then you need AT LEAST 600mg of elemental magnesium for the daily RDA. (250mg for the calcium and 350mg for daily RDA)
if you are deficient in magnesium then you would need to increase this a bit more to give the body what it needs.
to optimise absorption to that level, i would suggest using topical application and/or using the Dr Dean ReMag product that is highly absorbable.
rather than rely on the doctor to change Vit D prescription, you could take it via good quality supplement available online.
this post explains why daily dosing is important
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ight=daily
if you are deficient in magnesium then you would need to increase this a bit more to give the body what it needs.
to optimise absorption to that level, i would suggest using topical application and/or using the Dr Dean ReMag product that is highly absorbable.
rather than rely on the doctor to change Vit D prescription, you could take it via good quality supplement available online.
this post explains why daily dosing is important
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ight=daily
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
-
Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
are you taking the calcium for osteopenia / osteoporisis??
you may be interested in these discussions
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ht=calcium
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ht=calcium
calcium does not fix bone issues, Vit D3 and magnesium do
you may be interested in these discussions
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ht=calcium
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ht=calcium
calcium does not fix bone issues, Vit D3 and magnesium do
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
1:1 calcium to magnesium is the current recommendation by authorities who actually keep up with this sort of research. I eat eggs and bacon for breakfast, and meat (usually pork) and potatoes for dinner, and for snacks, I use almond or cashew milk on Corn Chex or Rice chex, or cashew butter or almond butter on a banana. I see you're allergic to nuts though, so the snacks I use won't work for you. I get more than enough calcium and potassium in my diet, so I don't take any supplements for them.
As far as I'm aware, the only risk from soaking in magnesium-rich water is better health. When I was a kid, many people who had various ailments would go to a small town nearby that had mineral water that was naturally rich in magnesium. After soaking in it for a few hours they usually absorbed enough magnesium to help them to get through the next week or so until they could get back for another "treatment".
These days most people just go to their doctor to treat the symptoms with powerful drugs, but mineral springs are still popular in many areas:
12 hot springs worth traveling for
You can get vitamin D in just about any dose you want without a prescription. In fact, many doctors still prescribe vitamin D in the form of vitamin D2, which is poorly absorbed and has been shown shown by published medical research to be inferior to vitamin D3. All of the over-the-counter brands of vitamin D is in the form of vitamin D3. If the vitamin D you are taking is D2, you would be better off switching to D3. But you're only getting an average of about 1,400 IU per day now, anyway. You really need at least 3 times that amount. The extra vitamin D is needed to help your immune system work correctly, so that you won't be nearly as likely to have problems such as bronchitis.
You're very welcome,
Tex
As far as I'm aware, the only risk from soaking in magnesium-rich water is better health. When I was a kid, many people who had various ailments would go to a small town nearby that had mineral water that was naturally rich in magnesium. After soaking in it for a few hours they usually absorbed enough magnesium to help them to get through the next week or so until they could get back for another "treatment".
These days most people just go to their doctor to treat the symptoms with powerful drugs, but mineral springs are still popular in many areas:
12 hot springs worth traveling for
You can get vitamin D in just about any dose you want without a prescription. In fact, many doctors still prescribe vitamin D in the form of vitamin D2, which is poorly absorbed and has been shown shown by published medical research to be inferior to vitamin D3. All of the over-the-counter brands of vitamin D is in the form of vitamin D3. If the vitamin D you are taking is D2, you would be better off switching to D3. But you're only getting an average of about 1,400 IU per day now, anyway. You really need at least 3 times that amount. The extra vitamin D is needed to help your immune system work correctly, so that you won't be nearly as likely to have problems such as bronchitis.
You're very welcome,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi...I take 10,000 VitD3 daily....plus 500-700 mg Elemental Magnesium broken into external and internal amounts....
Vitacost has a great selection of VitD3 supplements and also the Drs Best Magnesium...I also recommend ReMag by Dr. Carolyn Dean that has helped me too.
Vitacost has a great selection of VitD3 supplements and also the Drs Best Magnesium...I also recommend ReMag by Dr. Carolyn Dean that has helped me too.
To Succeed you have to Believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a Reality - Anita Roddick
Dx LC April 2012 had symptoms since Aug 2007
Dx LC April 2012 had symptoms since Aug 2007
Yes I am: 500mg/day.Gabes-Apg wrote:are you taking the calcium for osteopenia / osteoporisis??
you may be interested in these discussions
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ht=calcium
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ht=calcium
calcium does not fix bone issues, Vit D3 and magnesium do
Thank-you
allergic to :nuts, all seeds, tomatoes, eggplant, all pepper, nutmeg, most raw fruit, many cooked fruits, peanuts, chestnuts, etc.
tex wrote:1:1 calcium to magnesium is the current recommendation by authorities who actually keep up with this sort of research. I eat eggs and bacon for breakfast, and meat (usually pork) and potatoes for dinner, and for snacks, I use almond or cashew milk on Corn Chex or Rice chex, or cashew butter or almond butter on a banana. I see you're allergic to nuts though, so the snacks I use won't work for you. I get more than enough calcium and potassium in my diet, so I don't take any supplements for them.
As far as I'm aware, the only risk from soaking in magnesium-rich water is better health. When I was a kid, many people who had various ailments would go to a small town nearby that had mineral water that was naturally rich in magnesium. After soaking in it for a few hours they usually absorbed enough magnesium to help them to get through the next week or so until they could get back for another "treatment".
These days most people just go to their doctor to treat the symptoms with powerful drugs, but mineral springs are still popular in many areas:
12 hot springs worth traveling for
You can get vitamin D in just about any dose you want without a prescription. In fact, many doctors still prescribe vitamin D in the form of vitamin D2, which is poorly absorbed and has been shown shown by published medical research to be inferior to vitamin D3. All of the over-the-counter brands of vitamin D is in the form of vitamin D3. If the vitamin D you are taking is D2, you would be better off switching to D3. But you're only getting an average of about 1,400 IU per day now, anyway. You really need at least 3 times that amount. The extra vitamin D is needed to help your immune system work correctly, so that you won't be nearly as likely to have problems such as bronchitis.
You're very welcome,
Tex
Thank-you once more.
I am kosher, so bacon is out. Eggs for breakfast make me sick.I am allergic to bananas. I am intolerant to all fresh and most cooked fruits. I tried to have some cooked fruit this week. It didn't get digested and made me really ill. I seem to be ok with some commercial baby food.I try to avoid potatoes now because they can worsen the blockage. I try to live on chicken soup with some soft mush in it. I soaked my legs in epsom salts today. Hope I can get some sleep tonight.
allergic to :nuts, all seeds, tomatoes, eggplant, all pepper, nutmeg, most raw fruit, many cooked fruits, peanuts, chestnuts, etc.
Thank-you so much. I will ask my pharmacist about the Bit D3. I'm in Canada so I don't think I've seen those products here. There is Trophic Magnesium Glycinate Chelate here. I'll try to buy that tomorrow.Erica P-G wrote:Hi...I take 10,000 VitD3 daily....plus 500-700 mg Elemental Magnesium broken into external and internal amounts....
Vitacost has a great selection of VitD3 supplements and also the Drs Best Magnesium...I also recommend ReMag by Dr. Carolyn Dean that has helped me too.
allergic to :nuts, all seeds, tomatoes, eggplant, all pepper, nutmeg, most raw fruit, many cooked fruits, peanuts, chestnuts, etc.
I ate a lot of chicken soup when I was recovering because I had a lot more food intolerances at the time. Some days it was the only thing that I could keep down.
If you have a partial blockage, you're wise to eat with that in mind. In 2000 my GI doc didn't bother to tell me that I had a stenosis in my sigmoid colon. 5 years later I had to have emergency surgery to remove part of my sigmoid colon because of a blockage there.
Tex
If you have a partial blockage, you're wise to eat with that in mind. In 2000 my GI doc didn't bother to tell me that I had a stenosis in my sigmoid colon. 5 years later I had to have emergency surgery to remove part of my sigmoid colon because of a blockage there.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.