DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 18, athletic, healthy and confused about what happened to me. A few of my friends and I got into a competition of sit-ups and squats. We wanted to see who could do the most without taking a break. I won. I also lost. The next day my stomach and leg muscles were so sore I could hardly get out of bed. The day after that, my urine turned dark brown and I had to stay in bed. I said I had the flu. By the fourth day, I was feeling better and could move. What happened? It was the exercise, wasn’t it? — P.L.
A: I’d say so. I believe you had rhabdomyolysis (RAB-doemy-OWL-uh-siss). The nonstop exercise caused death of many muscle cells that released their contents into the blood. The change in urine color was evidence that the cells released myoglobin, a material inside the cells that transports oxygen. Muscle soreness is expected with death of muscle cells.
This condition is dangerous. The kidneys can shut down when they’re confronted with having to deal with all those inner products of muscle cells.
I don’t want to sound overly dramatic, but this rhabdomyolysis is an emergency. Most of the time, it has to be treated in the hospital with intravenous fluids and with a close watch on kidney function. Not only do muscle cells release their inner structures, they release large amounts of potassium. High blood potassium weakens the heart and can lead to the production of dangerous heart rhythms.
Rhabdomyolysis occurs in conditions other than exercise. It happens, for example, when there are crushing muscle injuries.
I’m sure you’ve learned a lesson and won’t participate in another exercise contest like this.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I would like your opinion on which is better — a rowing machine or a stationary bike. I made a New Year’s resolution to get in shape, and I’m just getting around to fulfilling it. I can get either one of these machines free. Which do you thing I’d benefit more from? — K.O.
A: They’re both excellent equipment for improving your heart function and for losing some weight.
You better try them before you make a choice. A rowing machine requires exhausting exercise. You’ll know you’re up to it only if you try it out. If you can manage sustained rowing, then the choice is a matter of your personal preference.
c. North America Syndicate
