Afraid to exercise- post rhabdomyolysis and constant DOMS

Mythrain1
Mythrain1 Posts: 27 Member
edited June 2022 in Health and Weight Loss
Recently, I joined a gym program and took a personal training session. I’m not fit, rather sedentary when not at work, and have not really exercised recently. The workout was a lot, but I pushed through it. By the time I left, my knees were locked, I felt a huge sense of fear and nausea. I barely made it home. Went to work the next day with obvious soreness. I just figured it was normal because I never work out. One of the drs I work with told me more about rhabdomyolysis and that I should call my dr. I always thought rhabdo was extreme military workouts, CrossFit, marathons, etc. My doctor wanted me to go to the emergency room, but of course I didn’t want to go. I wasn’t really swollen and no dark urine. I was told to set an alarm and drink every hour- and if urine changes to go to hospital. I had blood work to e next day and my liver enzymes were severely elevated and my ck was more than quadrupled. I had definitely been in starting phases of rhabdomyolysis. Luckily, it didn’t progress.
So, now I’m afraid of any exercise. I need to lose weight, especially my abdominal area. I got DOMS from any activity. For example, just being in odd positions while rearranging my closet, bending my thighs in squat like position while at work or doing chores at home- they hurt and are very painful for at least 3-4 days. It’s not even exercise…I’ve also noticed within last few years that my arm strength is horrible. When I brush or blow dry my hair my arms are easily fatigued. Same with my legs. I’m not sure what to do here…
As for me, I’m relatively healthy except for my extra weight- mostly my middle. BMI is 29 . I’m 42, maybe premenopausal so that makes it even more fun. I have no allergies and take no medications except multivitamins. . I eat a mostly whole food diet with no grains or added sugar. However, I’ve been lax on this lately due to just having no motivation or energy- ever. I’m at a loss as to where to start. We dont live in a walking area so I can’t just go do that. I’m not a fan of walking in parks or trails alone either.
Thoughts? Any help/advice is appreciated.

Replies

  • LiveOnceBeHappy
    LiveOnceBeHappy Posts: 448 Member
    edited June 2022
    Most weight loss will happen by changing what and how much you eat. No need to exercise at all to lose weight. I only walk. Sometimes I ride my ebike. Mostly I lost my extra 50 lbs by weighing and tracking all of my food and, for the most part, sticking to a calorie budget. Oh, just saw that you don’t want to walk alone. How about a walk indoor exercise video? I’ve seen other people mention them on here.
  • Mythrain1
    Mythrain1 Posts: 27 Member
    Could you recommend what type of doctor I should reach out to? My primary doesn’t seem to understand any of this…
  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 9,985 Member
    Mythrain1 wrote: »
    Could you recommend what type of doctor I should reach out to? My primary doesn’t seem to understand any of this…

    I think it depends a lot on the country. Here I first have to go to a neurologist, who has then referred me to a university hospital sports medicine department for various exercise tests (had to cancel twice due to being sick now). Genetic testing and muscle biopsy will probably follow. In other countries I'd first need to go to an internal medicine doctor, and then maybe get referred to a neuromuscular center. So.. I guess it's too difficult for a primary, but what's next really depends. Sorry, can't be more precise.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    Overexertion is the common issue. Pare back any exercising to MINIMAL resistance and see how you do. You DON'T have to go to failure to benefit from exercise. I rarely have clients who are just looking to get fit do it that way.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • Sinisterbarbie1
    Sinisterbarbie1 Posts: 711 Member
    @ninerbuff did you notice this person is saying she gets fatigued from brushing her teeth and hair? It doesnt sound like she should be lifting weights at all without a drs advice.
  • JBanx256
    JBanx256 Posts: 1,479 Member
    I would ask your PCP for a referral to a specialist. What you're describing sounds like it needs to be addressed first and foremost. Of course you can tackle some diet/nutrition while all that is in process so you can still be working toward your goal, just personally I'd shy away from exercise until you have some definitive answers and a clean bill of health. I hope everything works out for you soon!
  • Mythrain1
    Mythrain1 Posts: 27 Member
    Sinisterbarbie1 wrote: »
    @ninerbuff did you notice this person is saying she gets fatigued from brushing her teeth and hair? It doesnt sound like she should be lifting weights at all without a drs advice.

    I didn’t say anything about brushing my teeth. It’s brushing my hair and blow drying it. Holding up arms for an extended period of time. I did go to my dr. All my lab work is perfect.

  • sollyn23l2
    sollyn23l2 Posts: 1,786 Member
    Mythrain1 wrote: »
    Could you recommend what type of doctor I should reach out to? My primary doesn’t seem to understand any of this…

    Ask for a referral... but a kinesiologist might be a good start. Since your muscle mass seems to be being broken down by your body, it could be a good idea to see an endocrinologist, as it can be a variety of hormonal issues that could be doing this. But, at the end of the day, it could be any one of 100 different things, so it's really a guessing game that you play together with your doctor. The key is not to throw up your hands and give up just because your doctor didn't have an immediate answer. The only way to get answers is to keep going back, keep trying, keep searching. Modern medicine still sucks balls when it come to chronic issues, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't keep trying.
  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 9,985 Member
    sollyn23l2 wrote: »
    Mythrain1 wrote: »
    Could you recommend what type of doctor I should reach out to? My primary doesn’t seem to understand any of this…

    Ask for a referral... but a kinesiologist might be a good start. Since your muscle mass seems to be being broken down by your body, it could be a good idea to see an endocrinologist, as it can be a variety of hormonal issues that could be doing this. But, at the end of the day, it could be any one of 100 different things, so it's really a guessing game that you play together with your doctor. The key is not to throw up your hands and give up just because your doctor didn't have an immediate answer. The only way to get answers is to keep going back, keep trying, keep searching. Modern medicine still sucks balls when it come to chronic issues, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't keep trying.

    What is a kinesiologist? Here this is a kind of naturopath without any medical knowledge. I'd say a neurologist that specializes in muscle issues might be the right one.
  • sollyn23l2
    sollyn23l2 Posts: 1,786 Member
    yirara wrote: »
    sollyn23l2 wrote: »
    Mythrain1 wrote: »
    Could you recommend what type of doctor I should reach out to? My primary doesn’t seem to understand any of this…

    Ask for a referral... but a kinesiologist might be a good start. Since your muscle mass seems to be being broken down by your body, it could be a good idea to see an endocrinologist, as it can be a variety of hormonal issues that could be doing this. But, at the end of the day, it could be any one of 100 different things, so it's really a guessing game that you play together with your doctor. The key is not to throw up your hands and give up just because your doctor didn't have an immediate answer. The only way to get answers is to keep going back, keep trying, keep searching. Modern medicine still sucks balls when it come to chronic issues, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't keep trying.

    What is a kinesiologist? Here this is a kind of naturopath without any medical knowledge. I'd say a neurologist that specializes in muscle issues might be the right one.

    kinesiologist
    [kinesiologist]
    DEFINITION
    noun form of kinesiology
    ki·ne·si·ol·o·gy
    [kəˌnēsēˈäləjē, kəˌnēzēˈäləjē]
    NOUN
    the study of the mechanics of body movements.

    It requires a college degree from an accredited university. They often work in sports medicine- but no, they are not medical doctors. Think of them as more in line with a physical therapist/occupational therapist.
  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 9,985 Member
    sollyn23l2 wrote: »
    yirara wrote: »
    sollyn23l2 wrote: »
    Mythrain1 wrote: »
    Could you recommend what type of doctor I should reach out to? My primary doesn’t seem to understand any of this…

    Ask for a referral... but a kinesiologist might be a good start. Since your muscle mass seems to be being broken down by your body, it could be a good idea to see an endocrinologist, as it can be a variety of hormonal issues that could be doing this. But, at the end of the day, it could be any one of 100 different things, so it's really a guessing game that you play together with your doctor. The key is not to throw up your hands and give up just because your doctor didn't have an immediate answer. The only way to get answers is to keep going back, keep trying, keep searching. Modern medicine still sucks balls when it come to chronic issues, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't keep trying.

    What is a kinesiologist? Here this is a kind of naturopath without any medical knowledge. I'd say a neurologist that specializes in muscle issues might be the right one.

    kinesiologist
    [kinesiologist]
    DEFINITION
    noun form of kinesiology
    ki·ne·si·ol·o·gy
    [kəˌnēsēˈäləjē, kəˌnēzēˈäləjē]
    NOUN
    the study of the mechanics of body movements.

    It requires a college degree from an accredited university. They often work in sports medicine- but no, they are not medical doctors. Think of them as more in line with a physical therapist/occupational therapist.

    Yes, I get it. I just mean that if you look for kinesiology in some countries you end up with an utter quack. Considering this is a very international forum it's important to keep in mind.
  • sollyn23l2
    sollyn23l2 Posts: 1,786 Member
    yirara wrote: »
    sollyn23l2 wrote: »
    yirara wrote: »
    sollyn23l2 wrote: »
    Mythrain1 wrote: »
    Could you recommend what type of doctor I should reach out to? My primary doesn’t seem to understand any of this…

    Ask for a referral... but a kinesiologist might be a good start. Since your muscle mass seems to be being broken down by your body, it could be a good idea to see an endocrinologist, as it can be a variety of hormonal issues that could be doing this. But, at the end of the day, it could be any one of 100 different things, so it's really a guessing game that you play together with your doctor. The key is not to throw up your hands and give up just because your doctor didn't have an immediate answer. The only way to get answers is to keep going back, keep trying, keep searching. Modern medicine still sucks balls when it come to chronic issues, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't keep trying.

    What is a kinesiologist? Here this is a kind of naturopath without any medical knowledge. I'd say a neurologist that specializes in muscle issues might be the right one.

    kinesiologist
    [kinesiologist]
    DEFINITION
    noun form of kinesiology
    ki·ne·si·ol·o·gy
    [kəˌnēsēˈäləjē, kəˌnēzēˈäləjē]
    NOUN
    the study of the mechanics of body movements.

    It requires a college degree from an accredited university. They often work in sports medicine- but no, they are not medical doctors. Think of them as more in line with a physical therapist/occupational therapist.

    Yes, I get it. I just mean that if you look for kinesiology in some countries you end up with an utter quack. Considering this is a very international forum it's important to keep in mind.

    Yep, every country is different for all kinds of things, that's why they're suggestions.
  • clairesimpson4
    clairesimpson4 Posts: 15 Member
    Go see a neurologist, please. Rhabdo can be life threatening. You need to find out what is happening before any significant kidney or muscle damage.
  • peggy_polenta
    peggy_polenta Posts: 325 Member
    are you eating low carb? there have been studies that low carb is worse for doms (its been while so i cant source the studies...but i can say antidotally this is truth. blowdrying your hair with out getting fatigue is a bit alarming. fibromyalgia? thats really hard to diagnose.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Mythrain1 wrote: »
    Recently, I joined a gym program and took a personal training session. I’m not fit, rather sedentary when not at work, and have not really exercised recently. The workout was a lot, but I pushed through it. By the time I left, my knees were locked, I felt a huge sense of fear and nausea. I barely made it home. Went to work the next day with obvious soreness. I just figured it was normal because I never work out. One of the drs I work with told me more about rhabdomyolysis and that I should call my dr. I always thought rhabdo was extreme military workouts, CrossFit, marathons, etc. My doctor wanted me to go to the emergency room, but of course I didn’t want to go. I wasn’t really swollen and no dark urine. I was told to set an alarm and drink every hour- and if urine changes to go to hospital. I had blood work to e next day and my liver enzymes were severely elevated and my ck was more than quadrupled. I had definitely been in starting phases of rhabdomyolysis. Luckily, it didn’t progress.
    So, now I’m afraid of any exercise. I need to lose weight, especially my abdominal area. I got DOMS from any activity. For example, just being in odd positions while rearranging my closet, bending my thighs in squat like position while at work or doing chores at home- they hurt and are very painful for at least 3-4 days. It’s not even exercise…I’ve also noticed within last few years that my arm strength is horrible. When I brush or blow dry my hair my arms are easily fatigued. Same with my legs. I’m not sure what to do here…
    As for me, I’m relatively healthy except for my extra weight    - mostly my middle. BMI is 29 . I’m 42, maybe premenopausal so that makes it even more fun. I have no allergies and take no medications except multivitamins. . I eat a mostly whole food diet with no grains or added sugar. However, I’ve been lax on this lately due to just having no motivation or energy- ever. I’m at a loss as to where to start. We dont live in a walking area so I can’t just go do that. I’m not a fan of walking in parks or trails alone either.
    Thoughts? Any help/advice is appreciated.

    Given that your arms get fatigued from brushing your hair, I disagree that you are "relatively healthy except for my extra weight." While it's true that one can lose weight without exercise, it sounds like you are very, very weak, and should regain strength ASAP, preferably before you go through menopause with the potential bone density loss that can entail.

    I'd ask for a referral for a physical therapist. Over the years, I've seen close to a dozen through the VA and they were all very gentle. My 84 yo mother has no complaints about her private practice physical therapists.
  • Mythrain1
    Mythrain1 Posts: 27 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    Mythrain1 wrote: »
    Recently, I joined a gym program and took a personal training session. I’m not fit, rather sedentary when not at work, and have not really exercised recently. The workout was a lot, but I pushed through it. By the time I left, my knees were locked, I felt a huge sense of fear and nausea. I barely made it home. Went to work the next day with obvious soreness. I just figured it was normal because I never work out. One of the drs I work with told me more about rhabdomyolysis and that I should call my dr. I always thought rhabdo was extreme military workouts, CrossFit, marathons, etc. My doctor wanted me to go to the emergency room, but of course I didn’t want to go. I wasn’t really swollen and no dark urine. I was told to set an alarm and drink every hour- and if urine changes to go to hospital. I had blood work to e next day and my liver enzymes were severely elevated and my ck was more than quadrupled. I had definitely been in starting phases of rhabdomyolysis. Luckily, it didn’t progress.
    So, now I’m afraid of any exercise. I need to lose weight, especially my abdominal area. I got DOMS from any activity. For example, just being in odd positions while rearranging my closet, bending my thighs in squat like position while at work or doing chores at home- they hurt and are very painful for at least 3-4 days. It’s not even exercise…I’ve also noticed within last few years that my arm strength is horrible. When I brush or blow dry my hair my arms are easily fatigued. Same with my legs. I’m not sure what to do here…
    As for me, I’m relatively healthy except for my extra weight    - mostly my middle. BMI is 29 . I’m 42, maybe premenopausal so that makes it even more fun. I have no allergies and take no medications except multivitamins. . I eat a mostly whole food diet with no grains or added sugar. However, I’ve been lax on this lately due to just having no motivation or energy- ever. I’m at a loss as to where to start. We dont live in a walking area so I can’t just go do that. I’m not a fan of walking in parks or trails alone either.
    Thoughts? Any help/advice is appreciated.

    Given that your arms get fatigued from brushing your hair, I disagree that you are "relatively healthy except for my extra weight." While it's true that one can lose weight without exercise, it sounds like you are very, very weak, and should regain strength ASAP, preferably before you go through menopause with the potential bone density loss that can entail.

    I'd ask for a referral for a physical therapist. Over the years, I've seen close to a dozen through the VA and they were all very gentle. My 84 yo mother has no complaints about her private practice physical therapists.

    Thank you for this. I totally agree. Although I will see whatever specialist needed, I feel that as I’ve aged, I’ve become extremely weak. The problem now is how to work on building/strengthening some muscle without severe complications. Especially before menopause.
  • nooshi713
    nooshi713 Posts: 4,877 Member
    See your primary doctor for basic labs first and a few extra like CK level. Do not exercise until you have been cleared to do so.
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    This is an interesting thread and I pull out a few encouraging things

    - Labs are "perfect"
    - PCP isn't worried

    So, you've seen your doctor and had normal labs. That checks the first box.

    I don't think getting super sore from a (too hard) workout is at all unusual. I don't think it's unusual for people to get sore from various exercises when they haven't been doing them previously. I also don't think it's unusual that you find it hard to hold a hair drier over your head or for you to get sore from standing in awkward positions. These are all just wake up calls that you might want to be more active.

    You just need to work up very slowly. Consult a PT and tell them your problem areas. Pay out of pocket for a few sessions, if you have to. Focus on getting ADVICE over TREATMENT. (I personally have limited interest in paying huge dollars for "therapeutic massage," but maybe that's just me. You can massage all your problem areas yourself using a "ball against the wall" for free. Most "adjustments" are also of pretty limited value, although they may feel good. Licensed PTs learn an incredible amount about the human body and can give very good advice about various issues.)

    Try doing beginner exercise videos on YouTube (Popsugar fitness channel) with bodyweight only. If you think you will use it, you could get an exercise bike, which is the cheapest in-house piece of cardio equipment out there. Look on Facebook Marketplace. Get it serviced by a professional so it operates smoothly. Crank away on it while you watch TV.

    Best of luck!
  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 9,985 Member
    Something not mentioned here: Did you have covid? I just stumbled on this on Twitter, and apparently it's being seen and discussed since 2020 already.
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,399 Member
    Yes, I agree with everyone on trying to find the source of your problem.

    Walking--even 15 min to start, is good for your body and circulation. You say you have nowhere to walk outside. I guess I'd make a route around the house, and start there. An exercise bike could be an idea if you start on the lowest setting possible for 5 or 10 min a day to start. Be very careful when you begin. It's no failure to even do just a minute or two.

    I wish you the best of luck.
  • Mythrain1
    Mythrain1 Posts: 27 Member
    yirara wrote: »
    Something not mentioned here: Did you have covid? I just stumbled on this on Twitter, and apparently it's being seen and discussed since 2020 already.
    No, I have not had covid, unless it was mild and went undetected…

  • Countandsubtract
    Countandsubtract Posts: 276 Member
    edited July 2022
    Even in my best health brushing my hair has given me an arm workout. I suspect I'm using different muscles than at work.
    My hair is...high-maintanance. So that might not be completely unusual.


    It does seem difficult to find good guidelines on how to avoid rhabdo. Some people say to never workout for more than a half-hour, which seems like a pretty strange comment. I'd imagine active people go past that limit frequently.

    Had you been working out for hours straight with weights you could barely move? It sounded like it hadn't been that extreme. That does seem like a good question to get a second opinion on. If the doctor did little investigation into a life-threatening condition, maybe he/she wasn't as fresh on that diagnosis and was thinking of something less serious. Certainly doctors make mistakes sometimes.

    Also sometimes doctors (like other people, I guess) fake that they know everything.

    Relatedly: I know the show's a button-pusher and involves some deception, but how did people on the Biggest Loser not all die from Rhabdo if they were working out hard 4-8 hours a day supposedly? There's got to be some sort of way to monitor for it/avoid it.

    Hope things got better.

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