Experiencing Issues After Stopping Creatine
At 16 years old, I decided to try creatine for a duration of one and a half weeks. However, after discontinuing its use, I began to experience some discomfort in my muscles, along with additional problems. For the last couple of weeks, I have faced issues such as constipation and a frequent need to urinate. Furthermore, I've noticed a burning sensation whenever I urinate in the morning. I underwent a blood test, which ruled out the possibility of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Interestingly, a week ago, my urine test indicated elevated creatinine levels, leaving me puzzled about the situation.
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 7:50:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
You're experiencing some discomfort and unusual symptoms after stopping creatine, along with elevated creatinine levels and urinary issues, which understandably raises concerns. Let's break this down.
Main Points:
- Discontinuing creatine after a short period usually doesn’t lead to significant physiological changes, but individual reactions can vary.
- Elevated creatinine can indicate kidney function issues, but your prior tests show no UTI, which is reassuring.
- Muscle discomfort and urinary symptoms could relate to hydration status and dietary changes since stopping the supplement.
Explanation: Creatine is a substance that helps to supply energy to your muscles. When you stop taking it, your body may need some time to adjust back to its normal state. However, your symptoms, especially the burning sensation when urinating and constipation, could point to other underlying issues, such as dehydration or dietary changes. Elevated creatinine levels may also suggest that your kidneys are processing waste differently.
Next Steps:
-
Hydrate Well: Ensure you’re drinking enough water daily. Aim for at least 8 cups (64 ounces) or more if you're active. This helps keep your urine diluted and may alleviate burning sensations.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your urinary symptoms and muscle discomfort over the next few days. Note any changes in frequency, intensity, and any new symptoms.
-
Dietary Adjustments: Incorporate fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to help alleviate constipation. Limit processed foods that can contribute to dehydration.
-
Avoid Irritants: Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, as these can lead to more frequent urination and may worsen your symptoms.
-
Follow Up on Blood Tests: Keep your healthcare provider informed about your symptoms and ask if further tests may be warranted, particularly regarding kidney function.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, especially the burning sensation or muscle discomfort, it's important to seek further evaluation. Listening to your body is key, and taking these manageable steps can help you feel better.
Related Questions
Persistent Illness Over the Past Year
A 24-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing approximately 160 pounds, identifies as Caucasian and resides in Canada. She consumes alcohol socially but does not smoke, vape, or use recreational drugs. **Primary Concern: Ongoing illness since October 2024. My friends and family remain healthy, prompting me to question the root cause of my recurring health issues.** **Symptoms:** Experiencing a productive cough with phlegm that is vividly colored (yellow/green), nasal congestion, mild sinus headaches, general fatigue accompanied by muscle soreness, episodes of feeling faint, and a scratchy throat resulting in discomfort when swallowing (around a 2 on a pain scale). Hearing and ear problems are absent. **Medications and Health Background:** I take daily supplements including vitamins C and D, along with Nexplanon and low-dose aspirin. For asthma management, I use a beclometasone inhaler at 200 micrograms, twice each day, along with a salbutamol sulfate inhaler (100 micrograms as needed). In November 2021, I had a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and a paratubal cyst. My vaccination schedule is current, with a mild penicillin allergy noted from childhood. **Health Issues Before 2024:** I previously experienced sporadic bouts of illness including tonsillitis and COVID-19, alongside some episodes that were never diagnosed, typically occurring in late autumn and winter. **Health Issues Since Fall 2024:** I have fallen ill every one to two months, each episode lasting about 1.5 to 2 weeks, with varying symptom intensity. 1. October 30 - November 5 2. November 15 - December 31 (on and off with no testing but was prescribed doxycycline, which proved ineffective) 3. February 1-15 (received another doxycycline prescription without success) 4. April 1-12 5. April 25-30 (submitted a sputum sample to my general practitioner who identified strep G and prescribed clarithromycin due to doxycycline resistance) *There was a reprieve in May and June, coinciding with my move from the UK back to Canada.* 1. July 7-12 2. August 11 - Present **Today, August 14:** I consulted with my GP following a telehealth session yesterday. While the examination returned normal findings, I was referred for a chest X-ray to exclude pneumonia, which came back clear. My GP suggested a saline rinse as a part of my treatment. I have hesitated to share my experience, as it may not seem grave, and I don't wish to detract from those with more pressing needs. However, I am feeling quite frustrated and downcast. This ongoing illness is impacting my work—something I cannot afford to neglect—and affecting my social interactions. I realize that sometimes conditions resolve on their own without intervention, yet I can’t shake the anxiety over the lack of follow-up or additional testing. I find it difficult to accept that I could be suffering for such an extended period due to something benign like a common cold rather than a more significant health issue. If further details are needed, please feel free to ask. I appreciate your time and any guidance you can provide <3
31M, 164cm, 82kg - Concern About Long-Term Effects of Substance Use and Medical Dismissal
It has been a couple of months since I last used any substances. Currently, I am experiencing several troubling symptoms. When I’m sober, I observe that my right pupil is noticeably larger than the left, particularly in dim lighting. Additionally, I occasionally see flashes of light when I shift my gaze and suffer from persistent floaters and visual disturbances. Balance has become a challenge for me, and there’s a slight tremor in my right hand. Moreover, I often notice that my head and hands feel flush. My anisocoria fluctuates, making it harder to detect in brighter conditions. Furthermore, there’s a perennial slight pinkness in my left eye that suggests some form of inflammation. My eyelid on the same side also appears droopy. Throughout my life, I had never sought medical assistance, but when I finally did, I felt dismissed by healthcare professionals. They often brush off my concerns, possibly because of my young age and seemingly robust health. However, deep down, I sense that something is wrong. I have engaged in risky behaviors involving high doses of stimulants administered intravenously and survived, but I no longer feel like my normal self. It’s concerning that nobody seems to take my situation seriously. I am neither psychotic nor do I possess any background of anxiety disorders. My foremost concern revolves around the possibility of having a brain tumor, an aneurysm, or an arterial issue. Yet, whenever I advocate for imaging tests, I encounter resistance from the medical staff. All I wish for is reassurance that I am not facing immediate health threats or dying as a consequence of my past decisions. My goal is to attain optimal health without the fear of sudden collapse. I have compiled an exhaustive list of my symptoms and worries. Would it be beneficial to present this information to my general practitioner, or might they perceive me as merely paranoid? - Persistent daydreaming or zoning out - Visual disturbances including visual snow - Occasional light flashes in low light environments - Poor nighttime vision - A creaking sound in my neck or ear on the right side during substance use (now resolved) - Numbness and tingling around my right eye that intensifies when lying down - Anisocoria with a potentially dilated right pupil (uncertain if the left isn't dilating adequately) - Eyelid droop - Tremor in my right hand - Gradually worsening clumsiness - Difficulty with word retrieval and trouble performing simple mental arithmetic - Inconsistent diastolic blood pressure readings between arms (a difference of 10-14 mmHg) - Facial flushing; my entire face, palms, and chest turn bright red - Vasoconstriction in my extremities; red fingertips and pale fingers.
Gastrointestinal Concerns
A 31-year-old Hispanic man, in decent physical condition, does not drink alcohol or smoke. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 137 pounds, he began experiencing rectal bleeding while using the restroom back in 2021. Alongside this, he felt an unusual sensation beneath his left rib cage, as if something were present. After consulting with a family physician, he was referred to a gastroenterologist who diagnosed him with proctitis and prescribed suppositories. This treatment proved effective at first. However, after a few years, the symptoms resurfaced, prompting him to reach out for a refill of the medication. Initially, this also alleviated his symptoms, but eventually, they returned once more. Despite efforts to get additional medication, the issue persisted, with continued bleeding and the same discomfort under his left rib. Currently, he is awaiting another referral. What could be the reason behind the ongoing recurrence of these symptoms?
Living with Prostatitis: My Struggle
Greetings, everyone! I’m Max. At just 23 years old, I received a diagnosis of prostatitis. My ordeal began in November when the weather turned chilly. I experienced intense burning sensations and discomfort in my prostate and urethra, along with noticeable prostate enlargement, which led to severe pain and a troubling discomfort in my rectal area—clearly a consequence of the inflammation-related swelling. Every urination and ejaculation was a torment. Seeking relief, my urologist prescribed various medications: Tamsulosin hydrochloride (0.4 mg), Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) fruit extract (320 mg), Prostatic extract (20 mg) in rectal suppository form, and long-acting hyaluronidase (bovhyaluronidase azoximer) (3000 IU) suppositories. Unfortunately, none of these treatments provided any alleviation. I suffered through the harsh winter and spring months, finally seeing some improvement in summer 2024. While the symptoms didn’t fully disappear, they did become less intense. However, in the fall of that same year, the symptoms returned with a vengeance. I managed to endure until the summer of 2025, at which point I sought further treatment. My physician suggested a PCR test from the urethra, which revealed the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma hominis. A culture of my microflora also uncovered Staphylococcus hominis. In response, my doctor prescribed Macmiror and Doxycycline monohydrate (100 mg, two tablets per day), but sadly, these medications did not yield the expected results. My prostatitis seems particularly reactive to temperature changes; as the weather transitioned from a warm 30-35 degrees to a cooler 20 degrees, my symptoms intensified once more. The pain is excruciating, and it feels as if my prostate has swelled significantly again, leaving me with a constricted sensation inside. It’s genuinely tough to witness others enjoying their lives while I’m stuck in this predicament. I’ve forgotten what it feels like to be well. There have been many tears, and I find myself lost, unsure of what to do next. The antibiotics have failed to provide any help, and the healthcare system in my country is both inadequate and costly. With the price of medications soaring, my doctor seems limited to prescribing only antibiotics. I recently completed a round of antibiotics, rendering further bacterial testing pointless for now, yet the burden of my condition is becoming unbearable. After exhausting funds on unreliable healthcare, I’m down to my last 100 dollars. I’m desperate for relief and would be willing to pay anyone who might offer even a modicum of comfort for my suffering.
Understanding Hashimoto’s Encephalitis
Gender: Female Age: 32 years Weight: 150 lbs Is it possible that I might be experiencing Hashimoto’s Encephalitis given that my Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO) levels are at 213, or is this threshold considered significantly lower than necessary for a diagnosis?