Am I Experiencing Rhabdomyolysis?
I'm a 19-year-old female and recently engaged in a treadmill session for about 20-25 minutes, set at an incline of 10 and a speed of 3. Afterwards, I reduced both the incline and speed, walking for another 10-15 minutes. Additionally, I completed a brief leg workout without weights, marking my return to exercise after some time away from college. I've been less active at home compared to my usual campus routine. Today, approximately 13 hours ago, I pushed myself more during my workout than I did on Monday. Throughout the day, I've been feeling a noticeable weakness in my thighs. While I can still manage to climb stairs, they do feel less strong than usual. Earlier, I urinated, and although the color wasn’t brown, it was a darker shade of yellow, which suggests I might be a bit dehydrated. I'm feeling quite anxious about the possibility of rhabdomyolysis and am unsure of the best course of action. To remedy the situation, I'm currently consuming plenty of water mixed with liquid IV to replenish my hydration and encourage urination. I'm open to sharing a photo of my urine color through direct messages if needed. To be cautious, I’ve decided to refrain from any workouts for a full week. When I resume exercising, I plan to take it extremely easy to avoid any further issues. 😅
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 3:30:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some muscle fatigue and dehydration after your recent return to exercise, which is quite common after a break. However, your feelings of anxiety about rhabdomyolysis are valid, especially given your symptoms. Let's break this down:
-
Understanding Rhabdomyolysis: This condition occurs when muscle tissue breaks down and releases protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Common symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, swelling, and dark urine. While you're not experiencing brown urine, the darker shade of yellow may indicate some degree of dehydration, which is something you are already addressing by increasing your fluid intake.
-
Your Symptoms: The weakness in your thighs and darker urine could suggest mild exertion-related muscle soreness, particularly after an intense workout following a period of inactivity. This is often referred to as delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Next Steps:
Prioritize Hydration and Recovery:
- Continue Hydrating: Keep drinking water throughout the day. Your use of liquid IV is helpful for electrolyte replenishment.
- Rest: Allow your muscles time to recover by avoiding intense exercise for at least a week, which you already planned. Gentle stretching or light activity like walking may maintain circulation without overexertion.
Monitor Your Symptoms:
- Check Urine Color: Keep an eye on your urine color. If it becomes significantly darker or if you experience new symptoms such as extreme muscle pain, swelling, or decreased urine output, it could indicate a more serious issue.
- Watch for Other Signs: Be alert to symptoms like severe fatigue, nausea, confusion, or swelling in your muscle areas.
Gradually Resume Exercise:
- When you feel ready to return to exercise, start with low-intensity activities and gradually increase the intensity. Aim for shorter sessions and listen to your body’s signals.
Reassurance and Support:
- It's completely normal to feel cautious after pushing your body, especially if you haven't been as active recently. Taking it slow and ensuring proper hydration will help you recover well. If anxiety about your symptoms persists or worsens, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional would be wise, but monitoring yourself with these steps should provide clarity and comfort.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or if your symptoms change!
Related Questions
Strategies for Coping with Severe Mononucleosis Symptoms
Greetings everyone! I recently visited the emergency room and received a diagnosis of Mononucleosis. Unfortunately, each day seems to bring escalating symptoms. I juggle two jobs on a daily basis, yet it appears that mononucleosis is now treated similarly to COVID, meaning my employer does not provide much in the way of time off for recovery. At present, I am restricted to light duties due to an enlarged spleen, but the overwhelming exhaustion and a sore throat are making communication nearly impossible, as I can only manage a faint sound when I try to speak. Furthermore, I've been facing nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. I've been taking Tylenol and Motrin as recommended by the nurse, but honestly, the relief has been minimal, if there is any at all. Additionally, I am on Sprintec for birth control to ensure that any medication I take does not interfere with it. Reflecting back to when my peers contracted mono during high school, I don’t recall anyone experiencing such debilitating illness, so I was unprepared for my current struggle, especially given that I typically handle sickness quite well. In essence, I’m looking for expert recommendations on symptom management so I can endure my work shifts more effectively. Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide!
Challenges with Ulnar Nerve and Tendon Recovery
I am a 25-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 185 pounds, without any notable prior health problems. For the last two years, I’ve encountered difficulties related to the ulnar nerve and tendon in my left arm. Seven months back, I opted for decompression surgery due to persistent swelling at my elbow and consistent setbacks in physical therapy prior to the procedure. Following surgery, I attended physical therapy for approximately three months and experienced substantial improvement. Eventually, I was discharged and resumed weightlifting. However, I may have overexerted myself, leading to a flare-up. While lifting weights, I noticed twitching in my hand along with swelling and pain in my elbow. Fast forward to now, and my elbow has yet to recuperate from that episode. It becomes irritable whenever I attempt to use it. Additionally, I've been feeling strange sensations, occasional discomfort, and weakness in my ring and pinky fingers. Intriguingly, although I can perform exercises without immediate issues, symptoms often appear hours later. I am currently engaging in nerve glide exercises, alternating between light tricep and forearm workouts, and ensuring I take rest days. However, I can't shake the feeling that my recovery should be progressing more swiftly, especially in comparison to the initial phase of my physical therapy. Weightlifting has always been central to my sense of self and fulfillment, and being sidelined for such a lengthy period has taken a toll on my mental and emotional well-being. I’m now at a crossroads, unsure if my approach to recovery is too intense or too lax, and feeling somewhat trapped in this situation. I’d appreciate any advice from those who have faced similar challenges or any professionals who can offer guidance on how I might proceed next.
Seeking Answers for Unexplained Health Issues
At 21 years old, I find myself caught in a swirl of health problems that range from strange pains to episodes of fainting and nausea. My family often chuckles that I must have a unique illness—"(my name) disease"—because each day seems to bring a new, bizarre ailment. It's become a part of my routine to wake up and be in some sort of discomfort. Throughout my life, I've undergone several tests for rheumatoid arthritis, all of which yielded negative results. Recently, I visited a doctor due to ear discomfort and muffled hearing, where I was diagnosed with eustachian tube dysfunction after being told my eardrums were bulging. Shortly thereafter, I experienced severe pain in my right ankle that led me to believe I might have fractured it. I consulted another doctor who performed a blood test, revealing no signs of inflammation or RA markers. An X-ray also came back normal, and I was informed there was nothing wrong with my foot, despite how visibly pained I was when I left her office. A few nights later, I noticed my right foot had become numb and was cold to the touch, taking on a pale, bluish hue that was alarming. After elevating it and eventually falling asleep, I woke up to find it back to normal but still in pain. This discomfort soon spread to my left foot and upwards along my leg. I tried resting, icing my feet, and various self-care methods, all without relief. A week ago, I found myself in A&E after three weeks of being unable to walk, and my symptoms were intensifying. It felt as though the soles of my feet had been burned, my ankles were in agony, and my lower back was aching severely. I also started experiencing debilitating headaches, vision issues, and noticeable swelling in my right leg. Fearing sepsis due to the swelling, I contacted emergency services and was advised to go to A&E. While waiting at the hospital, I began to have sharp pains radiating through my spine and neck, along with chest pain on both sides. I was unable to bear weight on my feet and repeatedly asked for pain relief, but nothing they provided seemed to alleviate my suffering. Despite being administered five different strong medications, my pain remained unchanged. Waiting for ten hours was grueling; I found myself in tears for the first time in my life due to pain. A blood test was conducted, which came back mostly normal, showing only minor deficiencies in vitamins and iron without any inflammatory indicators, despite my leg swelling. Eventually, a doctor examined me but offered no diagnosis, apologizing for her inability to identify the issue. She suggested I might need to wait for an appointment with my regular doctor, which did little to quell my anxiety. I pressed her to rule out serious conditions, which she did before sending me home. Before leaving, I tried to grab a bite to eat at the hospital café but ended up violently throwing up right there. Afterward, I felt disoriented, cold, and extremely fatigued. I called my dad for a ride and went straight to bed upon arriving home. Upon waking, I booked an appointment for my foot and ankle pain, only to have my wrists suddenly begin to ache significantly the following day, resulting in difficulty using my hands. The pain seems to mirror on both sides of my body, affecting two areas simultaneously. While securing support bandages for my wrists, I observed a peculiar white patch in a rectangular shape on my left wrist. Despite my pale complexion, this area stood out, and somewhat astonishingly, a second similar patch has now appeared on my right wrist, resembling a Wi-Fi symbol. For a month now, I have been grappling with numerous debilitating symptoms that have rendered me virtually disabled. I’ve not even touched on all the issues I’ve experienced due to being overwhelmed by the situation. It has been over three weeks since I last worked, and my outings have been limited to those necessary for medical care. I am deeply troubled about what could be happening to my body. The unusual markings on my skin have left me puzzled, as every search yields no relevant information. Furthermore, I've come to a grim realization that local doctors often lack the willingness to take my concerns seriously. It took eight years to finally receive a diagnosis for my endometriosis due to their disregard for my symptoms. Tragedies in my family regarding medical negligence, including a relative’s mishap with meningitis, haunt my thoughts, leaving me skeptical about the likelihood of receiving accurate answers during my upcoming appointment. The constant nausea and severe pain are too much to bear. I had to pause this narrative midway just to deal with vomiting once more. All I seek is some guidance regarding the nature of my condition. I am anxious to understand if this might be a serious health issue demanding immediate attention. My intuition screams that something isn't right. What is causing these painful sensations, strange patches, and constant discomfort? Help me make sense of this confusion; I feel utterly lost in this situation.
27 Years Old – A Life Without Erections
At 27 years of age, I've never experienced an erection. My health profile includes several factors that often lead to erectile difficulties. These are: - Depression - Overweight - High Blood Pressure - Diabetes I’ve never encountered instances of ‘morning glory’ or had any nocturnal emissions. I’ve attempted to gauge whether I experience erections during sleep, but the tests consistently indicate otherwise. While I can achieve some level of blood flow to the penis, it is merely an increase in size rather than a firm erection. Ejaculation is still possible for me, although I’ve never experienced the sensation of orgasm. I don’t believe any of my existing health conditions directly contribute to this absence of erections, as I didn’t always have these health issues but still faced this challenge. In my research, I haven’t stumbled upon any other men who’ve shared a similar experience of never having an erection, only those who mention having them sporadically. I am keen to understand what sets me apart from others and what the potential long-term effects of this situation might be.
Experiencing Complications After Corticosteroid Infiltration
Hello everyone, my name is M, and I’m a 21-year-old sharing my story about complications I faced after a corticosteroid infiltration that took place over a year ago on May 28, 2025. Due to persistent discomfort stemming from a pinched disc at levels L4 and L5, I underwent this procedure after experiencing pain during activities like walking, sitting, and certain sports, as well as ongoing digestive issues. After discussing my situation with my physician, I opted for an MRI which revealed a minor herniation alongside degenerative disc issues. Unaware of potential complications, I went ahead with the infiltration, which at first seemed uneventful. However, within days, I began to experience alarming symptoms such as balance loss, position-dependent headaches, and an overwhelming sense of faintness. Physical sensations felt unusual, and overall bodily weakness became pronounced, particularly in my lower limbs. As time passed, it felt like my physical strength was rapidly diminishing; I went from weighing 70 kg of lean muscle to just 60 kg, essentially losing all of my physical strength. My masculine traits have notably faded—my broad shoulders shrank, and I noticed changes in my libido and physical appearance. Additionally, I began experiencing muscle spasms in various areas and discomfort in my hands and arms, even impacting my previously unaffected right leg. Currently, I weigh 59 kg and find it increasingly difficult to walk or maintain a posture without feeling significant pain. I spend most of my time lying down, where discomfort persists. Disturbingly, I’ve developed noticeable scoliosis, and my legs tremble from weakness. Nerve pain has become intolerable, stemming from what seems to be issues with the sciatic nerve. I feel utterly overwhelmed and let down, as my condition deteriorates week by week. Before undergoing the infiltration, my testosterone levels were tested at 15.46 nmol/l at 9 a.m., which was within the normal range and gave me assurance. However, my recent tests show a drastic decrease to 11.23 nmol/l, with my free testosterone dropping below normal at 22.1 pmol/l. Despite several visits to the emergency room where I detailed these symptoms, I was frequently sent home due to unremarkable blood test results. Medical staff suggested that I may have psychological concerns, emphasizing that it might all be in my head. Now, with the recent hormonal test results, I finally have solid evidence to reflect the significant decline in my testosterone levels. I apologize for the lengthy message, but I felt it necessary to share my experiences. If anyone is facing a similar situation or would like to discuss this further, please reach out. Thank you all for your understanding and support.