[bbkidz]

Intense arm pain---not a fracture

by bbkidz on Sun Aug 14, 2011 11:22 pm

Hi all, I have been having intense arm pain multiple times a day lately. I am taking Revlimid and dexamethasone for maintenance of multiple myeloma now, and when I am on the dexamethasone, it seems to intensify the pain episodes. Does anyone else have this type of pain, similar to a muscle cramp? Anyone know what may be causing it? Thanks!

[shadow]

Re: Intense arm pain---not a fracture

by shadow on Mon Aug 15, 2011 8:42 pm

Not sure if this will help, but I called the hot line about some other things and did mention I was low in potasium and eating bananas plus pills because I didn't do well with a potasium infusion after my zometa infusion. She told me to drink tonic water. Whether it helps or not I don't know, just called today, and will try it tonight. Muscle cramps in legs at night.

[bbkidz]

Re: Intense arm pain---not a fracture

by bbkidz on Mon Aug 15, 2011 8:45 pm

Thanks for the comment, but I already drink about 16 oz. of orange juice each day to help with potassium. I think it may be connected to the steroids, but I don't really know. Please continue to post if anyone thinks of anything related.

[rumnting]

Re: Intense arm pain---not a fracture

by rumnting on Mon Aug 15, 2011 9:45 pm

My husband has intense leg cramps, but he says his is worse when he is OFF the Dex.

[martyd]

Re: Intense arm pain---not a fracture

by martyd on Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:37 pm

In case this is of any use, my doc and nurses just told me to try tonic water for intense pains, assumed to be muscle cramps, after my Velcade infusions + dex. They said that the quinine in tonic water helps with muscle cramps. So, even though you're getting plenty of potassium, maybe the tonic water would still help. Seems so simple, almost TOO simple, but well worth a try!
Good luck. I hope you find something that helps.

[Pamela Lussier]

Re: Intense arm pain---not a fracture

by Pamela Lussier on Thu Aug 18, 2011 10:08 pm

That's the treatment for leg cramps caused by not enough dialysis too. Lactic acid in the muscles I think.. I never know if I am getting something because of the Myeloma or the kidney failure. I know cramps happen when you don't get zometa often enough. Dehydration can also do this.
I get cramps in my hands sometimes that cause weakness. I have been getting this since before the kidney failure and when my myeloma wasn't diagnosed yet. I think that is caused by dehydration but I am not sure.

Pam

[NStewart]

Re: Intense arm pain---not a fracture

by NStewart on Tue Aug 30, 2011 9:39 am

I get horrendous leg cramps at night that can occur anywhere in my legs and last up to 15 minutes some times. Quinine doesn't work for me. The only thing that has helped so far is a tonic I make up of 2T cider vinegar, 1T honey mixed in a glass of water. I try to drink it some time in the evening. I use a straw and brush my teeth afterwards to avoid too much acid staying in my mouth on my teeth.
Nancy