Nancy,

I have battled leg aches and pains for many years. Doctors have theorized that side-effects of hepatitis could have been the cause. Net of all the doctors I have been to and through, lactic acid buildup is very often a source. There are a few simple things you can do. First, make sure you drink lots of water. This is by far the best possible thing for you and especially after the stress, chemo/rad, surgery, etc. As often as you can think of it, try to stretch the muscles that ache. Much of the sitting and laying around after all the surgery and treatment tends to diminish the muscle fiber and walking constantly or even standing would benefit by stretching and massage. If you are not on a regular multivitamin, you should be anyway, regardless of all the things you have been through but especially after the toxic effects of chemo and radiation. Vitamin B-6 and B-12, calcium and magnesium would help the muscle aches, too. If you have a Whole Foods around where you live they have a great magnesium bath salt that is great for muscle aches and pains. I have to warn you, though, it will leave your towels with a strong odor for longer than you can imagine! You should have your doctor tell you exactly how much B-6, B-12, calcium and/or magnesium to take because he would be more knowledgable based on your treatments and your present condition, labs, etc.

In addition to all of the above, try ice on the precise area that is sore. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. It will burn at first but resist the temptation to take it off. It will go more numb and then start benefitting the inflamed muscle tissue.

All of these are pretty simple straightforward things but your doctor should guide you on the vitamins and minerals. I hope this helps your muscles calm down some.

Ed