ARG! Help please!! Cramping bad!

bigrobbierob

bigrobbierob

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
For about the last 2-3 weeks I've been cramping. Right now my right hamstring is knotted. Last week I was out for 3 days with my back/lats. If I flex a bi or tri it will try to cramp. I've even had an ab knot up like a coke can while I was driving home. Basically if I tense up a muscle, it tries to cramp. I even get more headaches...I guess my scalp even cramps!...nah, it's more like the back of my neck and comes up around my ears.

I take one ADAM twice a day (I figure better absorption if I split the dose). I also take Body Fortress creatine, NOS, BCAA, and whey. Last week I added extra Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium in case my electolytes were off. After a week it hasn't helped.

About a month ago I finished Epistane and Cycle support. I followed with a 2 week pulse of Mdrol. I'm currently on Post-cycle support.

I also take 4 grams fish oil a day. ECA pre-workout, Cybalta for stress and blood pressure medicine.

*whew* yes...I know thats a lot!

A complete blood work in June was normal as normal can be.

I drink water CONSTANTLY. I down a 20 oz no problem. I piss like a mofo! Water is about all I drink other than an occational green tea.

Ideas? Initially was was thinking Mdrol but I went off that 2 weeks ago...the cramping really bad started AFTER I stopped.
 
gibbob2

gibbob2

Member
Awards
1
  • Established
haha, is the cramping in the muscleS??? If so chances are not having the m-drol in the system is taking your muscles longer to recover. I know last time I finished a cycle I was in pain beyond belief! Just wasn't used to it yet.
 
bigrobbierob

bigrobbierob

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
Yeah bro...it's like the muscles tighten and don't want to relax.

I did a full cycle of Mdrol last time and this didn't happen.
 

Highlanda01602

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
Not a clue man, I feel for ya though. If its really starting to hinder your daily lifestyle, check out a doctor IMO... not really because you might be ill or anything, but I'm sure he could run some blood tests (if applicable) and help figure out where to go from there.
 
bigrobbierob

bigrobbierob

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
Thanks for the concern....It hinders me that I can't work out. :(

Last Saturday was back day and I cramped so bad I was contorted like Quasimodo and spent 3 days getting to know my ceiling.

Today I tried to do bodyweight exercises (as to not hurt my back which still feels iffy). When I did dips my tris tried to cramp.

A while ago my hams cramped bad and I'm just sitting here. That was when I said f it and decided to see if you guys had any ideas.
 
RedwolfWV

RedwolfWV

Registered User
Awards
1
  • Established
Take some potassium man. You can pick it up anyplace they sell vitamins, or get yourself some salt substitute and take 1/2 tsp. of that a few times a day. Sounds like your electrolytes are a bit messed up. Then get yourself some Posideon. Take it 3x a day. I'll almost guarantee that your cramping goes away.
 
bigrobbierob

bigrobbierob

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
Take some potassium man. You can pick it up anyplace they sell vitamins, or get yourself some salt substitute and take 1/2 tsp. of that a few times a day. Sounds like your electrolytes are a bit messed up.
That was one of the first things I tried.

Already taking NOW ADAM 2x day (one dose split) and mag, potassium,and calcium. Salted nuts are my snack of choice.

Then get yourself some Posideon. Take it 3x a day. I'll almost guarantee that your cramping goes away.
I have never tried it, though I know you guys dig it a lot....I may try it.
 
bigrobbierob

bigrobbierob

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
Ok ...it's weeks later and I'm still cramping.

I haven't got Posideon (yet).

Last Thursday my gut started acting up. I felt like I had broken glass going through my intestines. I :toilet: about 6-7 times a day...normal poo though, not squirty at all.

This weekend I also has a fever of 100*.

I finally said F it and went to the Dr. My regular Dr is out on Minday so I went to an urgent care place. When I saw the Dr there and said I was having bad cramps, she looked at me and the first thing she asked was if I was on 'roids. :woohoo:

( I feel stereotyped now lol )

Anyway, after bloodwork and x-rays (on my belly) all that was determined was my potassium was high and liver enzymes elevated "slightly". If I get worse go to the ER and if it continues see my regular Dr.

So basically, I'm still cramping and there's no reason why. :aargh:
 
RoadBlocK

RoadBlocK

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
damn dude, drink some gatorade, eat some bananas, eat a salad with lots of lettuce, try some taurine, go to the baby isle of the grocery store and buy a liter of grape Pedialyte, drink that. I cant imagine how annoying and frustrating this must be.
 
bigrobbierob

bigrobbierob

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
damn dude, drink some gatorade, eat some bananas, eat a salad with lots of lettuce, try some taurine, go to the baby isle of the grocery store and buy a liter of grape Pedialyte, drink that. I cant imagine how annoying and frustrating this must be.
I don't drink Gatorade (it has HFCS), my potassium is apparently already high, already eating salads, thought about taurine, never thought about Pedialyte, yes it is annoying.

Odd thing about the cramping/potassium...cramping is usually from LOW potassium, not high...
 

Highlanda01602

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
Are you still cramping up? If it hasn't diminished at all, you need to seek medical attention. Again, no one on here could tell you if you're sick or not, but a doctor will be able to find a better solution for you after seeing you.

The only other thing that stands out is the ECA.. have you tried dropping that? Regardless, if it's truely still holding you back from anything physical, see a doctor.
 
RedwolfWV

RedwolfWV

Registered User
Awards
1
  • Established
Yea I agree... Doctor time. That really sucks man. Good luck to you.
 
RoadBlocK

RoadBlocK

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
If bathing in gatorade would cure your cramps, I would think by now you would be all over it, so dont get hung up on the cornsyrup, unless your cramps arent that serious.

Im still gonna help ya, because I missed the part about the bp meds, does this med have a diuretic property? This may be contributing not causing your problem. Here is more information than you ever wanted to know about cramps-


the types and causes of muscle cramps:

Skeletal muscle cramps can be categorized into four major types. These include "true" cramps, tetany, contractures, and dystonic cramps. Cramps are categorized according to their different causes and the muscle groups they affect.

"True" cramps

"True" cramps involve part or all of a single muscle or a group of muscles that generally act together, such as the muscles that flex several adjacent fingers. Most authorities agree that "true" cramps are caused by hyperexcitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles. They are overwhelmingly the most common type of skeletal muscle cramps. "True" cramps can occur in a variety of circumstances as follows:

Injury: Persistent muscle spasm may occur as a protective mechanism following an injury, such as a broken bone. In this instance, the spasm tends to minimize movement and stabilize the area of injury. Injury of the muscle alone may cause the muscle to spasm.

Vigorous activity: "True" cramps are commonly associated with the vigorous use of muscles and muscle fatigue (in sports or with unaccustomed activities). Such cramps may come during the activity or later, sometimes many hours later. Likewise, muscle fatigue from sitting or lying for an extended period in an awkward position, or any repetitive use can cause cramps. Older adults are at risk for cramps when performing vigorous or strenuous physical activities.

Rest cramps: Cramps at rest are very common, especially in older adults, but may be experienced at any age, including childhood. Rest cramps often occur during the night. While not life-threatening, night cramps (commonly known as nocturnal cramps) can be painful, disruptive of sleep, and they can recur frequently (that is, many times a night, and/or many nights each week). The actual cause of night cramps is unknown. Sometimes, such cramps are initiated by making a movement that shortens the muscle. An example is pointing the toe down while lying in bed, which shortens the calf muscle, a common site of cramps.

Dehydration: Sports and other vigorous activities can cause excessive fluid loss from perspiration. This kind of dehydration increases the likelihood of "true" cramps. These cramps are more likely in warm weather and can be an early sign of heat stroke. Chronic volume depletion of body fluids from diuretics (medicine that promote urination) and poor fluid intake may act similarly to predispose to cramps in seniors. Sodium depletion has also been associated with cramps. Loss of sodium, the most abundant chemical constituent of body fluids outside the cell, is usually a function of dehydration.

Body fluid shifts: "True" cramps also may be experienced in other conditions that feature an unusual distribution of body fluids. An example is cirrhosis of the liver, with fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites). Similarly, cramps are a relatively frequent complication of the rapid body fluid changes that occur during artificial kidney treatment (hemodialysis).

Low blood calcium, magnesium: Low blood levels of either calcium or magnesium directly increase the excitability of both the nerve endings and the muscles they stimulate. This may be a predisposing factor for the spontaneous "true" cramps experienced by many older adults, as well as for those that are commonly noted during pregnancy. Low levels of calcium and magnesium are common in a normal pregnancy unless these minerals are supplemented to the diet. Cramps are seen in any circumstance that decreases the availability of calcium or magnesium in body fluids, such as from diuretics, hyperventilation (overbreathing), excessive vomiting, inadequate calcium and/or magnesium in the diet, inadequate calcium absorption due to vitamin D deficiency, poor function of the parathyroid gland (a tiny gland in the neck that regulates calcium balance), and other conditions.

Low potassium: Low potassium levels occasionally cause muscle cramps, although it is more common for low potassium to be associated with muscle weakness.

Tetany

In tetany, all of the nerve cells in the body are activated, which then stimulate the muscles. This reaction causes spasms or cramps throughout the body. The name tetany is derived from the effect of the tetanus toxin on the nerves. However, the name is now commonly applied to muscle cramping from other conditions, such as low blood levels of calcium and magnesium. Low calcium and low magnesium, which increase the activity of nerve tissue nonspecifically, also can produce tetanic cramps. Often, such cramps are accompanied by evidence of hyperactivity of other nerve functions in addition to muscle stimulation. For instance, low blood calcium not only causes spasm of the muscles of the hands and wrists, but it can also cause a sensation of numbness and tingling around the mouth and other areas.

Sometimes, tetanic cramps are indistinguishable from "true" cramps. The accompanying changes of sensation or other nerve functions that occurs with tetany may not be apparent because the cramp pain is masking or distracting from it.

Contractures

Contractures result when the muscles are unable to relax. The constant spasms are caused by a depletion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy chemical within the cell. This prevents muscle fiber relaxation. The nerves are inactive in this form of muscle spasm.

http://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_cramps/article.htm

borrowed info from mednet
 

Highlanda01602

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
See post #8...saw Dr today...a lot of good it did though.
Darn, missed it, my bad. She didn't offer any insight on what to do? And how did the stomach problems pan out?

If the cramping has yet to decline at the slightest since you stopped the cycle, I'd say do go to the ER - or at least check a new doctor. We can't tell how bad it is over the internet, but I'll tell ya, it sounds like something that needs to be addressed ASAP. I have no intentions on scaring you, nor do I think I am... it's just what I would do if I were in the situation.

So has the cramping subsided at least slightly? Or has nothing changed since you first experienced it? If it has started to subside, even slightly, it could just be your body's response to the steroid flushing itself out of the system. Only speculating here however.
 
bigrobbierob

bigrobbierob

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
If bathing in gatorade would cure your cramps, I would think by now you would be all over it, so dont get hung up on the cornsyrup, unless your cramps arent that serious.

Im still gonna help ya, because I missed the part about the bp meds, does this med have a diuretic property? This may be contributing not causing your problem. Here is more information than you ever wanted to know about cramps-
I wasn't trying to be rude bro, I appeciate any ideas I can get on this, I'm just strict on some things on my diet. Plus Gatorade would be for electrolytes right? I tested OK other than potassium being slightly HIGH. So I don't think the cramping is electrolyte related.

The cramp is when I put a muscle in a contracted position, sometimes it just wont let go. Most commonly it's my lower back and abs (my new belly problem feels more internal as opposed to muscular), even though my hips have begun hurting as well as my inner thigh of my left leg feels like it want's to cramp. I wonder if my headaches are actually head/neck cramps. My hands have cramped messaging my wife feet. Bi's and tri's have cramped during workouts.

Darn, missed it, my bad. She didn't offer any insight on what to do? And how did the stomach problems pan out?

If the cramping has yet to decline at the slightest since you stopped the cycle, I'd say do go to the ER - or at least check a new doctor. We can't tell how bad it is over the internet, but I'll tell ya, it sounds like something that needs to be addressed ASAP. I have no intentions on scaring you, nor do I think I am... it's just what I would do if I were in the situation.

So has the cramping subsided at least slightly? Or has nothing changed since you first experienced it? If it has started to subside, even slightly, it could just be your body's response to the steroid flushing itself out of the system. Only speculating here however.
If I listed my pains right this second I'd say my gut, my back, and my left hip. Just an hour or so ago I was laying on my belly reading and my lower back spasmed and I had to shift position real quick because I knew it was about to cramp up. My workouts and training have suffered because I'm always afraid I'm going to cramp. As soon as I begin to feel it tighten, I stop and try to stretch it out/ shake it off. The Dr I saw today offered no insight at all other than to quit taking supplements. I think that was her way of saying she had no idea. Since I've stopped working out as much all I take is Body Fortress protein and creatine, NOW ADAM, and Post Cycle Support. I do still take ECA as my morning pick me up.

I'm thinking about trying to see my reguar Dr later this week.
 
RoadBlocK

RoadBlocK

Well-known member
Awards
1
  • Established
No, I know you werent being rude, Im just saying if it would help I would do whatever it takes. I understand the results you were given, but the lack of diagnosis or guidance leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Honestly, if it were me, and this has been on going so long, I would stop everything, all supplements, and force feed myself water, the pedialyte, and yes the gatorade, until I couldnt choke down anymore. The gatorade has sodium in it, along with a little potassium, and sugar. Im not trying to sell you on gatorade, I dont even drink it myself, but Im just suggesting things that will rehydrate your body. You probably are well aware, but dehydration causes cramps, headaches, nasuea and a rise in core temperature.
Some of the exact symptoms you have been describing, your stomach issues could be nasuea related, your high fever, etc. Stop all caffeine intake, no tea or cola, etc. Its your life, but again, if it was me, I would want this to stop, so again, I would make some changes for a day or two and see what happens. Keep us posted, I would like to hear how you are making out.
 
RedwolfWV

RedwolfWV

Registered User
Awards
1
  • Established
See post #8...saw Dr today...a lot of good it did though.

Yea I know ya did... Was talking about this part
If I get worse go to the ER and if it continues see my regular Dr.
Sounds like maybe time to see your regular doc. Those doc in a box are great for setting a broken finger or stiching you up, but they suck at making any kind of complicated diagnoses. Your doc may send you to a specialist.
 
bigrobbierob

bigrobbierob

Active member
Awards
1
  • Established
I'm actually going to try something...

I mentioned this on another board I frequent and one of the guys mention he has a similar problem and it ended up being his back was out of alignment. He saw a chiropractor for a while and his problems went away.

I did compress my L3 and L4 about 3 years ago, and it did start acting up about the time the cramps started. It went out early on when the cramping started about a month ago), and I thought it was because of the cramping, when really maybe it CAUSED the cramping. Maybe my bach is causing cramping, headaches, my intestinal issues, maybe even my sleep apnea problem.

I'm seeing a chiropractor tomorrow for evaluation. I'll keep you guys updated.
 

Similar threads


Top