Exercise and Chronic Fatique and Pain
I have been going to physical therapy force weeks now after loosing excessive weight. I had severe protein malnourishment and severe muscle waste. My question is how to tone the muscle spasms down after a light workout. I workout lightly for 45 minutes and it takes 7 days to stop hurting and get the fatigue lowered. They know about my conditions and actually back me off to once a week. I have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and just had my surgery for Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome eight months ago. Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Soaking in a tub is not an option due to a g tube.
Hi,
!
First off, congratulations on your weight loss and your continuing efforts to get and stay as healthy as possible. Building your muscle strength is a GREAT way to protect your health!
With your medical complexities, I hesitate to offer any advice that may not be right for your situation. There's the obvious stuff, like staying hydrated during workouts. Have you tried electrolyte drinks, like Gatorade, or are those not an option due to your digestive issues? Keeping the right balance of hydration and electrolytes can help with muscle cramps and spasms following a workout, but, again, your situation is unique. Proper stretching after workouts can help, too, though I know you need to be careful to not overdo it and risk injury. Also, while soaking in a hot tub is not an option (and those public tubs can be kinda gross to begin with), can you soak your legs up to the knee? Is massage an option? Massage tools that can be purchased at, say Walmart or Amazon?
If you haven't done so already, I would definitely bring this up with your doctor and perhaps a PT with strong knowledge of a situation like yours. I think the textbook advice might not be overly helpful, but I could be wrong.
Again, kudos for working out and taking care of yourself and I hope your efforts continue to pay off and that you can get to the bottom of the muscle spasms and fatigue.
Best, Erin, Team Member.wonderful advice! Thank you so much.
Hi
, check with your doctor on any possible interactions of topical creams/ointments. I use Voltaren for my degenerative disc disease, and it is fairly effective. There is also arnice, which is a plant-based topical. I hope you find something that brings relief. - armly, Donna (Team Member) thank you! Getting a doctor involved is tricky. As we all know, doctors try to help with rare diseases but their lack of knowledge stands in the way and I have been hurt, unintentionally, from bad advice. My specialists tell me to talk to my primary and he just does not understand. I am his first patient in his 30 year career that has come to him with MCTD and MALS. I am now trying a pace app and braclet to see if I can pace myself better and not flare. , I hear you. It is hard when providers don't have the experience, and if lucky, a passing mention in med school. I'd be interested how you find the pace app, and if it helps! Please keep us posted! - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)
