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Original poster

Severe DOMS

32 replies

Feckinlego · 15/01/2025 20:27

Went to the gym yesterday for the first time in 6 weeks. I did a very easy workout, mainly upper body with a few lunges and squats. I went very easy. Last night I was exhausted, fell asleep at 8pm. Today I can hardly walk, sitting on the loo is agony and it took me 10 minutes to get down the stairs. I didn't pee all day then this evening I had a hypoglycemia attack (not diabetic). Im 51 years old and quite fit. What to do? Anyone ever experience anything so severe? Any way to recover quickly? I took ibuprofen with no effect whatsoever. Help!

OP posts:
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PlopSofa · 16/01/2025 21:13

OpalMaker · 16/01/2025 20:51

Those checks are for screening rather than investigation/diagnosis. Not an appropriate way to exclude rhabdo, not fast enough.

Show quote history

well i agree but it seems like OP is not going to the GP for this from her latest update... so at least this less overt testing might get her to consider taking care of herself better... you can take a horse to water and all that...

OpalMaker · 16/01/2025 20:51

PlopSofa · 16/01/2025 20:48

I would drink electrolytes before a workout and perhaps just start with gentle walking over the next few days. Build up slowly and keep an eye on things.

NHS offers a well person check up which I think checks kidney function, liver function etc. You don't even need to see a GP I don't think to get it done. Just call receptionist and say you want to do it. Then they print out the blood test forms, you book a blood test appointment and off you go.

Results come back on the NHS app - well they did for me. It's been brilliant and overall reassuring. Free to everyone over the age of 40, every 5 years.

It will check blood cells and cholesterol too.

I'd get it done now in the coming week and not return to the gym until you've had these results.

Those checks are for screening rather than investigation/diagnosis. Not an appropriate way to exclude rhabdo, not fast enough.

PlopSofa · 16/01/2025 20:48

I would drink electrolytes before a workout and perhaps just start with gentle walking over the next few days. Build up slowly and keep an eye on things.

NHS offers a well person check up which I think checks kidney function, liver function etc. You don't even need to see a GP I don't think to get it done. Just call receptionist and say you want to do it. Then they print out the blood test forms, you book a blood test appointment and off you go.

Results come back on the NHS app - well they did for me. It's been brilliant and overall reassuring. Free to everyone over the age of 40, every 5 years.

It will check blood cells and cholesterol too.

I'd get it done now in the coming week and not return to the gym until you've had these results.

Wasvular · 16/01/2025 20:41

You need sufficient protein intake to reduce DOMS. 60-80 grams a day and 10-20g within an hour of resistance training.

Autumndayz77 · 16/01/2025 19:33

ibuprofen gel is great for terrible doms

Hydration sachet to replace salts etc. bath with Epsom salts, protein.

LittleBigHead · 16/01/2025 19:23

Congratulations! DOMS means you've worked hard. It means your muscles are responding to the stress.

Although it doesn't feel like a good thing ... 😅

A good long walk, or a very gentle run, or a swim is what works for me. Active recovery - movement, rather than responding by not moving. The first 5 minutes of active recovery can be painful, but it does release.

StormingNorman · 16/01/2025 17:27

A physio once recommended a quick routine: jump in your normal temperature shower after exercising. It will soften the muscles and allow for gentle stretching. Then stand under a blast of cold water for a few seconds. It seems to help a bit.

yforwankylol · 16/01/2025 17:19

Feckinlego · 15/01/2025 20:46

Thank you both. @yforwankylol you've scared me now. I'm well enough other than the above symptoms so I'm really hoping and praying you're wrong! I'll phone the doctor tomorrow though if still not right.

Didn't mean to scare you! Only learned about rhabdo recently but the not being able to pee thing made it sound potentially serious - I'm sure you are fine and it's just DOMS x

LionRumpus · 16/01/2025 14:47

It's pretty common to have very bad DOMS after starting an exercise programme. I find the first three times I exercise when I haven't in a while are really challenging, but by the fourth or fifth, it's settled down significantly.

The only way to get rid of DOMS is to move and stretch and shake your arms and limbs. It'll feel awful when you first move after you've been resting for a while, but you can walk it off.

A hot bath is perfect for it.

Original poster
Feckinlego · 16/01/2025 14:42

Thank you all. I'm a bit better today. I did not know about the ibuprofen thing. Took one dose yesterday, won't do that again. I'm heeding your warnings about rhabdo but i would feel a bit silly today (or66months timecwhen I get an appointment trying to get a GP appointment. I'm peeing normally today. I've learned a hard lesson though. How to start exercise without this happening again though?? I mean I hardly did a thing on Tuesday! I can't really go much gentler. I will be sure to drink plenty and make sure to eat regularly after my next gym session.

OP posts:
SomethingDifferentBloomed · 16/01/2025 08:52

If you’re not weeing definitely don’t take the advice to take ibuprofen, unless you are really trying to punish your kidneys. If you’re not passing urine or passing very dark urine you need to see a doctor today.

OpalMaker · 16/01/2025 08:44

I think I would speak to your GP, to see if you need your renal function checked to exclude Rhabdomyolysis. It’s very rapid for DOMS.

Localres · 16/01/2025 08:43

12purplepencils · 15/01/2025 20:48

I don’t really understand why it has a proper name now? Surely it has always been so that if you use a muscle in a different way for the first time, or do a more strenuous workout when you’re not used to it then you’re really achey and stiff for a couple of days after? Then it goes,
and if you do the same exercise again it’s not quite as bad next time and so on

DOMS has been in use for decades. It is not new.

ItsBulkingSeason · 16/01/2025 08:41

I find moving is the best thing to help, go for a walk and stretch your legs.

I always get worse DOMS the day after the next day, so second day from the exercise.

Do some stretching and get some protein in.

2025herewecome · 16/01/2025 08:30

Wasvular · 16/01/2025 08:23

Please look up sympotoms for rhabdo and get yourself to hospital if you think it's a possibility. You can die from it.

Also be aware of Myositis - this was my first inclination that something was wrong, when after my usual workouts I started to experience DOMS.

Spanielsaremad · 16/01/2025 08:26

Wasvular · 16/01/2025 08:23

Please look up sympotoms for rhabdo and get yourself to hospital if you think it's a possibility. You can die from it.

I was going to say this.

Wasvular · 16/01/2025 08:23

Please look up sympotoms for rhabdo and get yourself to hospital if you think it's a possibility. You can die from it.

User37482 · 16/01/2025 08:01

I found the best thing for DOMS are those morning yoga stretch videos on youtube

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FcXEZF6y5WQ

I actually used them as cool down for a while and found them more helpful than more traditional stretch routines.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FcXEZF6y5WQ

EveInEden · 16/01/2025 07:27

I get severe DOMs after trying something new and I am fit. Its as you describe. But mine comes on after 24 hours post exercise. I try to foam roll but no idea if that's a good or bad thing.

Pleaseletmegohome · 16/01/2025 07:26

Epsom salt baths are very good for DOMS. And as others have said, keep moving (gently!). DOMS are good; a sign that muscles have worked and are repairing.

Talesfromtheriverbank · 16/01/2025 07:23

DOMS is surely delayed onset muscle soreness???

WellsAndThistles · 16/01/2025 00:04

Talesfromtheriverbank · 15/01/2025 22:05

I love a hot bath if I have muscle soreness. 🤷‍♀️

Muscle soreness isn't the same as DOMS though, with DOMS just sitting on the toilet makes you yelp and getting back off the toilet makes you scream!

Talesfromtheriverbank · 15/01/2025 22:05

I love a hot bath if I have muscle soreness. 🤷‍♀️

Goldpanther · 15/01/2025 21:37

Second the stretch and keep moving.

No ibuprofen and definitely not a hot bath!

Talesfromtheriverbank · 15/01/2025 21:04

I think ice baths are for immediately after exercise to reduce potential inflammation.

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