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muscle cramps and HE

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Posted 6/3/2012 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
One of those doctor columns in our newspaper said to try a teaspoon of yellow mustard right out of the jar.
Posted 6/3/2012 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
When you get bloodwork done, ask for a copy of it. Sodium/Na anything under 130, and Mike is becoming dehydrated, that will cause cramping for sure. Magnesium is also another item that if it is low will cause cramping. Even though you are on a supplement, if it is not given with an IV it has to be processed by your organs that are not operating properly. Bloodwork tells the story . . dehydration and kidney production all of it. If you don't understand it, ask the doctor to explain it to you. It will help you understand whats going on or not going on with Mikes body.

Good Luck!!
Posted 6/4/2012 7:06 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the mustard tip we'll try that one next time he gets cramps. For right now he's been suffering from a major head ache the past 4 days. He obviously cant take pills, so any advive would help. It's getting worse every day.  Has anyone else had this problem? Not sure if it's a normal symptom, or a drug interaction, from his new meds.  Help please...
Posted 6/4/2012 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
I have read all the post and one of the post said that the cramps are from muscle wasting and not eating. I am the opposite gaining muscle mass and a good appetite although still cramping lately. Has anyone tried A to B Calm freeze dried instant calcium magnesium drink to help with the cramps or is it just a bunch of baloney? The other question is Medicare will not pay for Quinalone or quinine anymore even after my hepatologist appealed. The appeal worked before when Medicaid was primary, but since the 1st of this year medicare is prime. Does anyone know if it matters who you pick for Medicare Part D? I picked First Health because it was the cheapest. Or is it just Medicare itself? My hepatologist keeps saying that it is an imbalance in my electrolytes. Whatever that means! We are all looking for the majic bullet. I took Quinalone for 2 years and still sometimes cramped but maybe not as much. Sometimes I wonder if it works or even helps! 
Posted 6/4/2012 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Mike, YES, IT MATTERS which Part D plan you have. Different ones will not pay for some meds. I switched plans this year as the premium went up on what I had. I get Extra Help with my premiums...meaning I want one with a lower premium that completely covers my meds. What I discovered with my new plan is that they do not cover Aciphex. I changed to omeprezole. Neither my old nor new plan cover magnesium oxide, which I must take...so I pay out of pocket for that.

My post-transplant meds (except for the mag. oxide) are covered by Medicare. I use a company that bills Medicare (specialty pharmacy.)

Next time there is open enrollment, call each company that has a low premium and give them your list of meds to see if they will cover most or all before enrolling.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 6/4/2012 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Mike,
There are people at MGH that will go through your meds and find the cheapest and best plan for you. My local hospital has a social worker that did it for me. He sat down and ran all my meds to get me the best rates. Prograf is the only problem. It's expensive no matter what insurance company you use. Not a problem for you, as you haven't had a transplant, yet.
Posted 6/4/2012 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Mustard has a lot of salt. I looked at a jar, just now and it contains 120 mg. per teaspoon.
Posted 6/4/2012 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
I assumed that the changing of Part D was the same as other plans. I pay nearly $7 for 60 tabs of mag. ozide. I have Medicaid as a secondary insurance, also. I never considered that they might pay for my drugs, but I doubt it. Not for someone with Part D. It kicks in when I have about $1000 a mo. in bills. This is usually when I'm in the hospital or having lots of scans done.

ML, my aunt told me years ago to stop hiccups right away, take a tablespoon of wine vinegar. It works immediately!

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 6/4/2012 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Mary for posting. I almost started to cry when I read it.  I know it must be hard to deal with, but people really do need to know about this, and all the symptoms that go along with it. I had no idea what to expect, but I'm finding out fast.

  I was also wanting to know if headaches were common, and if so, what can he take to relieve them. He's had a headache for 4 days now, and scared to take anything.  So any suggestions would help a lot. Thanks so much for your help.  jedajo

Posted 6/10/2012 7:09 AM (GMT 0)
Mary, you've been on my mind since i read your reply. There must be something special about your husband and mikes symptoms. I'm not crazy, that's just how i feel. There's a film crew. Coming to my houre on thursdajy to interview us about HE. it's for a documentary. if there's anything you would like to point out, just let me know. i'm new at this and dont know what the dangerous symptoms are. thank you jedajo
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