View Full Version : What the heck is this?
BumpJumper
11-01-2008, 20:01
Bluegill and I started out today to do what we thought was just a five mile hike. It turns out it was a 8 mile jaunt. At mile 5 I started cramping really bad in my hips and lower back. At mile 7 Chris had to hike the last mile to go get my car and come get me. I literally shook and my legs were gel. I drank all kinds of water and the temps were only about 75 or so. I thought I had an electolite problem but could it have been some heat stroke going on? My stomach was even sick.
Even tonight after we ate and I had my warm bath, I still feel shaky.
Who else has had this and what the hell is it?
Blissful
11-01-2008, 21:17
Sounds like fluid and electrolyte problem. Potassium (like a banana) I found helps with cramping.
Sorry for the intrusion. I believe you have an electrolyte problem, but you should seek a doctor's opinion if the problem persists. It should not be overheating with a high temp in the mid 70s.
Ditto on the dehydration and electrolyte problem. Drinking alot is very subjective--and dehydration starts way before you jump on the trail and is dependent on a number of other factors. But I'm not a physician and would recommend, as others, to see yours if this persists.
nitewalker
11-02-2008, 08:07
how often do you hike? it could just be a conditioning problem. when i first get back into the gym and overexert myself i sometimes get shaky with a nausea feeling but it goes away after the 1st few sesions.. not saying this is your problem for sure. your fluid/electrolyte balance could have been out of whack along with a touch of heat exhaustion....all these factors together could be to blame. the early stages of diabetes could be at work...if your not used to being in the harsh sun and you do a hike ,the sun could really do a number on you because your body just isnt used to it..that happened to my friend over the summer after a long day in the sun, he just wasnt used to the strong sun. i ride a mower that keeps me in the sun for 4 to 6 hrs a day 5 days a week allowing my body to absorb the sun with no problem when hiking.. hopefully it doesnt hapen to you again. remember to regulate your body previous to your hike.....
WalkingStick75
11-02-2008, 08:38
Dehydration, electrolyte problems, conditioning? How fast are you hiking? Five miles sounded like you were at your limits for the day and had to go a few more. If you are really out of shape or overweight see your doctor otherwise keep your hikes short, under that 5 miles if the problem continues see your doctor.
BumpJumper
11-02-2008, 09:44
I feel better today. After my bath, I lost almost all use of my legs. I layed on the couch and fell asleep then got up to go to bed and had to CRAWL. I am fine today.
I never hike that many miles. And yes, overweight does not help that. But I am an active person. Not sedate. So excersise was not the issue. I must agree that it was an electrolite problem. From now on, a banana is hiking with me!:banana
littlelaurel59
11-02-2008, 11:05
Glad you are better.
Electrolyte disturbance is a likely culprit. Depletion of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium can all cuase muscle weakness and cramping.
Another possible culprit no one has mentioned is "the wall." All endurance athletes have experienced it, but it doesn't take a marathon; just pushing beyond one's physical boundaries. With prolonged exercise, the body uses up its supply of glycogen, its major form of stored energy, and has to shift to other sources - protein and fat. If this process has been described as the feeling of "running into a wall." If one suffers enough protein (that is, muscle) breakdown, it can take several days to recover. Snacking on complex carbs and protein during prolonged activity can help.
Like everyone else said. Electrolytes, potassium, and how in shape you are is vital. As you probably know, hiking 5 miles is not the same as doing it on a treadmill or in your neighborhood. Taking an electrolyte drink mix and a banana can make a HUGE difference. Some people also suffer from low blood sugar when hiking. It can cause the shakes and sick feeling also. I make sure to have a snack(Clif bars work well) every few hours so my sugar doesn't go crazy on me.
Good luck and glad you are feeling better.
It would probably not be a bad idea to go to a doctor and get a physical.
Panzer
Gray Blazer
11-02-2008, 12:09
Have you ruled out pregnancy?
You know I'm kidding.
BumpJumper
11-02-2008, 13:39
GRAY...the next time I see you. You will get a spankin!!
You kwow, I had some snacks. No banana though. We stopped and took two 15 minute breaks. We stopped for several short breathers too. I walk several times a week 2.2 miles so it wasnt like walking was new to me.
Bluegill was telling me about these little packets you can put on your tongue that is electrolites followed by some water. Any kind better than any others?:-?
Gray Blazer
11-02-2008, 13:57
GRAY...the next time I see you. You will get a spankin!!
:-?
Promises, promises!!
BumpJumper
11-02-2008, 15:01
:D
I did some more researching on WB and found some interesting things. From now on, I am taking some extra potassium with me. I feel confident that this is what happened.
What have some of yall tried that seems to work?
Gray Blazer
11-02-2008, 15:25
I always take some gator-aide with me on all day hikes.
I've been using the NUUN tablets in my water for electrolyte replacement. Easy to carry and they do the job for me.
http://www.rei.com/product/761714
BumpJumper
11-02-2008, 16:37
I did research that product J....but I would like to get something like a powder in a little single serving thing that I can just pour on my tongue or something like that.
I did research that product J....but I would like to get something like a powder in a little single serving thing that I can just pour on my tongue or something like that.
ahh, don't know of anything like that, let us know what you find
Gray Blazer
11-02-2008, 21:23
I did research that product J....but I would like to get something like a powder in a little single serving thing that I can just pour on my tongue or something like that.
Gator-aide comes in powder form.
Gator-aide comes in powder form.
and in single serving packs too
BumpJumper
11-02-2008, 22:37
Naw, I dont like gatoraid. Thanks Gray:p
Big Dawg
11-03-2008, 17:01
What have some of yall tried that seems to work?
Emergen-C (dry powder packets)
like gatorade w/o all the sugar.
BumpJumper
11-03-2008, 18:34
So far, that is what I have found to try. I am going to try the GNC and see what they may have.
Big Dawg
11-03-2008, 20:04
Good luck!
After having a similar "bonking" situation a few years back, I don't hike w/o having some type of electrolyte replacement in my pack.
Blissful
11-03-2008, 20:37
It would probably not be a bad idea to go to a doctor and get a physical.
Panzer
Agreed. Esp at our nice ripe ages. :)
BumpJumper
11-03-2008, 22:11
Doctors are overrated!:D:D
volleypc
11-17-2008, 17:01
Cramps have always bothered me on long days, usually after playing beach volleyball or doing triathlons. I have been using a product that I was introduced to by my old tri coach that I highly recommend. Accelerade. I just carry a small amount and if I feel like I am getting low on electrolytes I add some to my water. I do not use it all the time because of the extra calories, etc, but when I need it I always have it with me. I also don't mix it with large amounts of water because it starts to go old. I keep it to 12-16 oz containers.
BumpJumper
11-17-2008, 17:28
Thanks. I will check that out.
Anghiker
11-21-2008, 10:56
I've had that problem as well. My Dr thinks it's probably something to do with sodium, potassium etc.
Someone told me once that you can drink all the water you can get down but if you are low on sodium it won't help.
I have since been carrying salt tablets. They really work for me. Also, for the potassium you can carry banana chips. They pack better.
My Dr has also said that I have become sensitive to the heat even sometimes when it's only in the 70's. He also thought my thyroid was out of wack cause that can cause your body's temperature regulation to falter. My was ok. So I just have to be careful and really watch the weather and don't push to hard.
That old saying "Hike your Hike" not someone else's.
It's good your feeling better.
BumpJumper
11-21-2008, 11:08
Ang,
My last hike I did not have the problem. I did take a snicker bar and that may have helped. It was cool out so I did not sweat that hike either. Than I am sure made a difference.
We only did about 6 miles but I didnt have the first cramp.
Naw, I dont like gatoraid. Thanks Gray:p
Have you tried gatorade when you are hot and thirsty? I ask because it tastes different when you are not thirsty than it does when you are thirsty. I never drink the stuff unless I'm exercising, hiking or working out in the yard or something.
Good luck :)
BumpJumper
11-21-2008, 18:27
No. I guess I havent. Next time I am suckin sand...I will down one just for you girl.:banana
buckwheat
11-21-2008, 19:04
BJ,
This is my first post. I've been lurking here for several weeks, but your question caused me to go ahead and register so that I could respond to your question.
I too occasionally get those exact same symptoms. Some background: I smoked since I was 13 (quit last January) and have put on a few pounds since I quit. I've never hiked any part of the AppTrail, but am considering it and have been hiking on different trails near my home.
One of the things I have tried to be acutely aware of is my lack of excellent physical conditioning. That has caused me to do a couple of things before every hike.
First, right before my hike, I eat a peanut health bar (about 200 calories). Gives me a boost of energy that will kick in about 20 minutes into my hike. I also eat a banana for the potassium, and camel up on water. I drink a tall glass of water to fill my gut before I leave. There is a few minutes of general discomfort, but within 5 minutes of starting my hike, I don't notice the water any longer.
Secondly, I have been very careful about pushing myself, and I'd recommend the same for anyone who is on the beginning part of their conditioning. If you usually hike 3 miles, but are planning a 5-mile hike to up your stamina training ... there's nothing wrong with that at all, however you have to pay much better attention to anything that your body tries to tell you when extending your normal range.
The moment you feel not right, that's the moment to stop and assess where you are relative to a) where you started, b) how far you have to hike back out and c) medical assistance should that become necessary. Continuing feels to me like it's almost never a good idea when I suddenly feel like my conditioning isn't supporting my chosen distance.
These are just a few of the things I'm keeping in mind as I try to turn my body from a chimney into a muscle.
Happy Trails!
Blissful
11-21-2008, 20:01
BJ,
This is my first post. I've been lurking here for several weeks, but your question caused me to go ahead and register so that I could respond to your question.
Happy Trails!
:welcome to White Blaze. We have friends in Billerica - the Knights.
Some good comments.
BumpJumper
11-21-2008, 21:59
Three things Buckwheat....Number one.....your screen name is my favorite thing to call people...like, "Hey Buckwheat"
anyways...the second thing is WELCOME and dont be a lurker. Glad "my" goofy topic got you going on here..
Three, since this hike, I have estabished that in the heat, 5 miles is all I can max until I condition myself and find my happy medium with the electrolytes.
Bigglesworth
11-21-2008, 22:19
I feel better today. After my bath, I lost almost all use of my legs. I layed on the couch and fell asleep then got up to go to bed and had to CRAWL. I am fine today.
I never hike that many miles. And yes, overweight does not help that. But I am an active person. Not sedate. So excersise was not the issue. I must agree that it was an electrolite problem. From now on, a banana is hiking with me!:banana
Don't be afraid of a little extra salt, too, assuming no health problems related to sodium intake. Water before and during (don't underestimate what you need, especially in cool weather), and some sport drink during and especially after. Also, get some decent food back into your body soon after your hike, including "good" carbs - complex carbs, not sugary stuff.