I'm in my first cycle of ISA-VRD and - having encountered no significant side effects after a few days - decided to try some light exercise on the treadmill at the gym, which I was previously doing regularly. I very quickly developed tightness in both calf muscles, and I'm still a bit stiff 24 hours or so later.
I've seen that muscle cramps can be a side effect of some of the meds but wondered if this is something others have experienced, whether there's anything I can do to mitigate it (maybe using a cross-trainer rather than treadmill?), and whether it's something that might ease over time? I do already stretch in the mornings and before exercise.
Hopefully this is something that can be overcome as I'm keen to keep up my exercise regime as far as possible.
Hello Gee, Welcome to the forum. it sounds familiar, although I did went with the DRD so I did not have bortezomic that I think is one of the 4 used on ISA VRD. I heard that bortezomic has some possible neuropathies as side effect (irs different for everyone) but the ones related to muscle stiffness I think are the dexamethasone. How many grams are you having per week?
Hi Carlos
I'm having 20mg of dexamethazone on days 1 and 2 each week. The leaflet I have on it does say that muscle cramps are a possibility for a short time after taking it, but this was three days after my second dose.
In my case I'm sure it was triggered by exercise so it may just be a case of finding the right level and type of activity to be doing.
Wow, 40gr a week! you must be a young lad! In the beginning of my treatment I used to take 20mg per week and I was jumping all day for three days and crumps on my calf’s appeared from time to time. Now I am in maintenance and they have been tapering to only 2mg this month and 0 next month. The effect seems to be cumulative and addictive. Have to confess reminds me of taking speed in my younger age for uni exams.
I'm 72 :-).
I was quite cheerful on the days I took it, not so much now!
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