Re: Spasms

AZMAINIAC (AZMAINIAC(AT)prodigy.net)
Thu, 11 Mar 1999 16:07:56 -0800

Marianne,
I would have spasms in my left leg about every 20 seconds when I was
relaxed. I was on baclofen, but that didn't help. I got a baclofen pump in
July of '89. It greatly reduced the spasms, but I still had some.
In July '95 I was diagnosed manic-depressive. As I was learning about
depression I found that sleep apnea could possibility be a cause. My ex had
told me that at times when I was sleeping, I would stop breathing.
I started checking it out and found Restless Leg Syndrome(RLS) and Periodic
Limb Movement Disorder(PLMD). When I saw what occurred, I saw my PCP and he
referred me to a sleep specialist. I had the sleep study done and found out
that I had PLMD.
I tried couple of meds, but they did not do much. I now take Permax(for
Parkinson's) at bedtime. I have no trouble falling asleep. Once in a while,
I forget to take it and when I get to the point of being really relaxed and
just about to fall asleep, my leg starts to spasm. I go take my medicine and
I m able to fall asleep within a half hour.
Check out this site: http://www.rls.org/
John

-----Original Message-----
From: Marianne Goddard <MarianneGoddard(AT)webtv.net>
To: tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com <tmic-list(AT)eskimo.com>
Date: Thursday, March 11, 1999 11:54 AM
Subject: Spasms

I was wondering if anyone else suffers from bad spasms ... especially at
night or when laying down. I suffer from it badly but don't like to
take Baclofen because it has nasty effects on the liver and it relaxes
my muscles to the point that its hard for me to walk. I have some
helpful hints for anyone with this problem. Caffiene in any form
whether it be soda, coffee, tea or even chocolate increases spasms. If
you are a caffiene drinker and suffer from spasms try going 2 or 3 days
with no caffiene, you should see a dfference. Also ibuprofen or any
nsaids ( non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) may help. Since they are
anti-inflammatories and TM is inflammation they do help without the side
effects of some of the prescription meds. You just have to watch how
much you take...toomuch of anything is no good. I found out the hard
way.. after years of taking ibuprofen to control spasms I got ulcerative
colitis. There is something we can do to alieviate some of our symptoms
with out the doctors help. I hope maybe this helps some of you. Let me
know. feedback is always a good thing.
You are all in my thoughts, Marianne