I Thought she was going to ER today.She's diabetic, hip replacement in Dec, on too many meds to list. Mind is pretty good, mobile with walker and capable of light cooking and house keeping. She drinks a large glass of water with meals And meds, maybe 48 oz per day or more. Diet could be better but not too bad for her age. I am long distance caregiver. Any ideas would be appreciated.
1. Onset: suddenly and rapid or slowly, and whether or not this has occurred before?
2. Duration of cramping: consistent and debilitating, or short and on and off? Can she still move around or are the cramps too intense?
3. I also would have thought about magnesium, calcium and potassium.
4. I agree with the others - going to the ER; blood work would likely be ordered and the complete metabolic panel would offer insight into a lot of the critical values.
5. Meds: someone can take a range of meds for a while and then gradually reach a critical mass level at which a side effect or interaction can occur. This happened to my mother with her BP medicine. Her reaction was different but It wouldn't hurt to google the meds and determine whether cramping is a possible side effect either with other meds or of longer term use.
6. There's a list of other issues that can cause cramping here:
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/nighttime-leg-cramps-topic-overview. I've found WEBMD to offer some basic, not in depth advice, but rather a general overview that can suggest other issues to investigate.
One that strikes me as something that might affect seniors is sitting for long periods of time.
Is there someone in her area who can take her to the ER? If not, I think I would be calling an ambulance. With diabetes, age, lots of meds, who knows what could be happening? Best to get it checked out ASAP.
Please keep us posted.
Should we try to avoid the ER and use the walkin place, get the tests done there, or ordered by the doc there?
Electrolyte imbalance came to mind as soon as I saw the headline. I've had bad cramps like that myself from drinking water only during heavy exercise in hot weather, which depleted my electrolytes. Has there been a recent change in amount of water consumed versus amount & type of food?
Thanks again, you guys ROCK!
If no and yes, I'd go to the ER. Some of the urgent care facilities I this area are just regular doctor's offices that are open beyond the regular hours. They might be able to draw blood but would have to send it out for analysis.
If she's cramping and seizing and in a lot of pain, ER would be the choice.
I think a walk-in clinic tomorrow am would be a good choice, again assuming they can interpret a blood draw. That will give her a chance to get a hopefully restful sleep, rather than going to an ER this late and being up so late waiting for analyses. She's probably already tired.
I am concerned that is could be impeded blood flow from vascular disease. This is something that urgent care wouldn't check. I would go to the regular doctor, instead. The doctor can have electrolyte panels run and check for blood flow in her limbs.
What are her pain meds, ck them for side effects.
With diabetes, peripheral neuropathy is more dangerous.
Finally, is she drinking diet colas, and so much she would not admit it to anyone?
Get the blood tests.
Do you think this will be a wake-up call for them to think about downsizing to a nice continuing care complex? No? Didn't think so. The numerous ER visits with my Dad still haven't convinced either of my parents it is time to move :(
After hip replacement in Dec. A deep vein thrombosis is an emergency.
Myself, I take the nuclear option first in certain cases, certain symptoms, because I am not a doctor. After more research, considering you are a long distance care-giver, I would consider calling 911 (in her area), and sending paramedics to her.
IS SHE ALONE?