Re: Re: Cramps from working out?

[Guest guest]

No I'm not working out after eating. Maybe only after a piece of fruit. I eat plenty of bananas. Maybe I've just gotten really out of shape since starting the diet.Maybe so =) I know I did, but I was really sick for a month and am just recovering. Maybe your body's just a little stressed trying to do away with your bad bacteria or something. Pour Dieu, pour terre,Alyssa =D

[Guest guest]

Bruce

Since I developed an upper GI dysfunction called Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, I have learned that I can't do any stretches or exercises that involve the upper abdomen. My upper abdominal muscles immediately start cramping painfully and within a minute or two I'm hit with severe nausea on top of the spasming muscles. This actually is common response for people with upper GI disorders like gastroparesis and pancreatitis and Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction; everyone in my other support groups for upper GI disorders discuss this problem.

I'm not sure what triggers this kind of muscle response. I also have problems with muscle cramps in my legs and feet and arms, so have to boost my electrolytes regularly and take extra magnesium and calcium. While this supplementation has been a huge help to my chronic leg, feet, arm and hand cramps, it doesn't do much to help with the upper abdominal responses. I have discussed the abdominal cramping with my physical therapist; he has helped me with my "faulty gait mechanics" and gave me some excellent advice in boosting my calcium levels to help with muscular response in my legs. But he couldn't think of any particular reason for the more extreme and rapid upper abdominal muscle cramping even after simple stretches. However he saw me turn green and nearly faint enough times during a therapy session that he recognized I did have upper abdominal muscle issues....

From what I've learned in my research into muscles and neurology, and interesting discussions with my neurologist who likes to explain the whys of nerve conduction studies and EMGs, it seems likely that our abdominal muscles cramp because of an abnormal nerve/muscle response, lack of neurotransmitters, or a disruption in blood flow.

Don't know if that helps any [grin]. I just live with the problem. It is frustrating, though. As I do mild stretches and strengthening exercises I try not to involve my abdominal muscles too much since that triggers severe cramps and nausea and throws off my digestion for days. Since my digestive disorders are functional, and I have a deteriorating nervous system on top of that, it is likely this won't improve.

Your situation may just be temporary, though. If you are dealing with a digestive disease in an active state, as it heals you should be able to do more exercising with less muscle cramping. Certainly ask your doctor about this symptom as well.

Generally speaking, it is best to stick to a mild exercise like walking while you're healing.

Kim M.

SCD 5 years

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Does anyone on SCD get cramps for example from doing crunches? I > never used to have this problem before SCD, but ever since, I get > these unbearable cramps in my muscles where after 20 crunches only,