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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Muscle Cramping With High Potassium Levels Post Radiation And Chemo

I m a 56 yr old cancer (Hodgkins) survivor. Had radiation and chemo in 1984. Several surgeries. MY spline, thyroid, gall bladder, complete hysterectomy and open heart surgery to repair different damages done by radiation. Now I find myself with my muscles cramping and sticking. If I open a jar my hand will stay curled for a few minutes until it releases, my toes do the same thing when I stretch to put on socks, now I am experiencing it with my hip when I get up, my arms when I put down something I have carried,etc. What would make my muscles do that. My internist seems unconcerned but my last blood work showed a high potassium count which is not normal for me. Any ideas?
Mon, 15 Jun 2015
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  User's Response
Increase potassium level or hyperkalemia may cause muscular and cardiac disorders mainly and also gut dysfunction, general weakness etc. However it causes muscle weakness and palsy. In your case there is muscle cramp. But you should be treated sure for hyperkalemia otherwise it may lead to some cardiac rhythm disorders. May be your muscle cramp will go away after treatment of hyperkalemia.
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Suggest Treatment For Muscle Cramping With High Potassium Levels Post Radiation And Chemo

Increase potassium level or hyperkalemia may cause muscular and cardiac disorders mainly and also gut dysfunction, general weakness etc. However it causes muscle weakness and palsy. In your case there is muscle cramp. But you should be treated sure for hyperkalemia otherwise it may lead to some cardiac rhythm disorders. May be your muscle cramp will go away after treatment of hyperkalemia.