One of the side effects of dialysis is muscle cramps. I believe by removing fluids during dialysis, you either become dehydrated, or your electrolyte levels get messed. One of the results can be massive muscle cramps, usually in the lower leg. I’ve had this many times during the first two years of hemodialysis. Once my leg cramped and would not let go for 30 minutes. I was limping for a week. More recently, probably because I stopped peeing, there hasn’t been much cramping because there’s probably too much water in my cells.
Last night however, my left ankle started cramping pretty hard. I had to get up, stand, and stretch to try and stop the cramping. I’m not sure why it started again so suddenly? Maybe I’m not drinking enough and I’m getting dehydrated by the new kidney? Body still adjusting to new levels of chemicals? I know my phosphorus is now on the low side. Does that cause cramping?
Along with the plushie, my coworkers also bought me a 32 oz. Hydro Flask. I have to drink enough water daily to fill the water bottle twice. I don’t think I’m drinking that much yet, but I’m still running to the bathroom every ~90 nevertheless.
Life with chronic diseases 