Hi, my name is clarehb21!

clarehb21

I am 37  i have mild cp which I originally thought was just in both my legs and worse on my left side but after a recent appointment with my consultant I was told it was mild in my arms too I have also got mild osteoarthritis in my left hip ..as I've gotten older i have realised when I'm ill or on my period I get really bad spasms in my legs its starts off as a burning sensation down my leg then a full blown spasm in my leg is there anything i can do to ease this or is this something i have to live with? 

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @clarehb21 I've moved your post into the cerebral palsy category. 

I'll tag our Specialist Information Officer for CP in here, as I'm sure he'll be happy to try and help @Richard_Scope.

Have you spoken to a doctor? Are you currently having any physiotherapy, or on any medications? 

janer1967

Hi and welcome I hope you get some advice from our other CP members 

clarehb21

Hi Janer1967 thank you 

Richard_Scope

Hi @clarehb21
Good to meet you. Some women living with CP do experience an increase in muscle stiffness and spasms during their periods or when feeling under the weather. I would have a conversation with your GP and consultant about trying Baclofen to ease the spasms. I would also mention the burning sensation that you experience as this could be sciatica. 

WestHam06

Hi @clarehb21, 
                         How are you? Firstly, welcome to the community and thank you for joining us. I can empathise with what you are describing and agree with @Richard_Scope that it is definitely worth having a conversation with your GP about trying Baclofen as this may help to ease the spasms. Also, please may I ask, have you tried a hot water bottle as I know this is something that I find useful, though given the burning sensation you feel it may not be appropriate. Please do keep us updated and please do ask any questions you may have, there are many lovely people here on the community and we all support one another. Thank you

clarehb21

Thank you both for your comments it's much appreciated...I will get an appointment with my gp the burning sensation comes in my muscles just before the spasm is about to happen..I also have uncontrollable tiredness too which the GP prescribed folic acid which had no effect at all so it's all trial and error at the moment.

Thanks again 
Clare

Richard_Scope

@clarehb21, lots of people experience increased tiredness alongside their CP, We have information about CP and Fatigue that might be useful for you to discuss with your GP. 

WestHam06

No problem @clarehb21, please do keep us up to date with how things progress. Thank you

Eve53

Hello! I also experience increased spasms during my periods. I have done a lot of searching but I have failed to find another women with CP who gets bad periods due to spasms. I was wondering if Richard could tell us more about women and CP?

Richard_Scope

Hi @Eve53
Anecdotally, there is lots of evidence to show that the hormonal changes in the body during menstruation can have a negative effect on spasms and general muscle tightness. 
Cerebral palsy itself isn't thought to be a direct cause of heavy or painful periods but there is not enough research currently for us to be certain of that fact. 
Scope is currently involved in a research project with the University of Birmingham called Eternal:: healthcare for girls and women with CP across the life cycle. Take a look.

  

clarehb21

Eve53 I have always suffered when unwell and on my period & I have also struggled to find anyone else with this problem too