Medical Advice? "Exercise Sickness"

03/28/2007 03:36:04 AM · #1

Well, that's what I call it anyway, lol. More research on the internet now leads me to think it might be hypoglycemia...but I don't really know.

Example:
*I get on the mat at the karate studio I work at just to practice a couple of moves with the kids before closing up. I ate some tootsie rolls before getting on and feel fine. After a few minutes (literally 3 minutes) of doing some light wrestling, I start to feel very fatigued and I can feel my heart rate rising. I keep going and still feel my heart beat getting faster and I'm sweating a little. After less than 10 minutes, we line up to end class. I try listen to the instructor talking, but I start to feel dizzy and get a sickening and all too familiar feeling. I start seeing spots in front of my eyes, my hearing sounds very muffled, I get tunnel vision, feel nauseaus and like I am going to pass out.
I exuse myself quickly and retreat to the bathroom where I lay down (I know, gross) and concentrate on breathing while my body shakes and sweats uncontrollably and my heart beats loudly in my ear. I feel like I'm going to throw up, but I never do. After a good 10 minutes, I slowly sit up and then stand up while still shaking. I get the emergency gatorade out of the fridge, drink some and have an energy bar. My shaking decreases, but I still feel a little delirious and now tired.*

I have a suspicion that eating that sugar right before caused my insulin to go haywire, but I was barely even exercising, just basically rolling around for 10 minutes at the most. Weird.

My instructor recommended I get my blood tested for glucose levels. So I went home right away (probably shouldn't have driven, but oh well) and had my stepdad, who is diabetic, test my blood sugar. Suprisingly it was high, not low. A normal reading is 100-120, and mine was 146. He said this was probably due to to the fact that I just had the gatorade and energy bar, which makes sense. I asked him to give me the test when I was feeling "normal"...his response was "Are you ever normal?" haha -_-'

Now, keep in mind that I've had this about 5 times before and the gatorade and energy bar always seems to solve it, but not all the way this time. It's been over 5 hours and my mind still feels blurry and I'm a little shakey and cold. I am on the medication isoniazid, but I've had this "exercise sickness" off and on now for a while, so I don't think that's what it is.

What do you all think? I really don't know if it's worth a trip to the doctor if I know how to fix it (except for this last time). I'd appreciate any advice.

edit: spelling

Message edited by author 2007-03-28 04:31:56.

ShutterPug

Canon EOS-6D

03/28/2007 04:42:39 AM · #2

My advice is to not ask for medical answers on a photography site. If you have to question whether or not you have a health issue, you really should see your physician. The human body is far to complicated to self diagnose when it comes to troubles you are describing.

03/28/2007 04:54:06 AM · #3

true, but I am in the general discussion forum and there are doctors on this site with good advice. Besides, you just asked about a medical issue yesterday. But you are probably right in any case...no offense meant.

ShutterPug

Canon EOS-6D

03/28/2007 05:01:45 AM · #4

sorry if my response seemed crass. I work in the hospital though and all too often we see people brought into the ER because they took the advice of their friends instead of seeing their doctor.

Yesterday, I did not ask for advice...if you re-read my post I simply asked what others had experienced with the same type surgery. I was not substituting it for professional medical care. All my concerns were addressed properly with my physician and the anesthesiologist right before I went into the operating room.

03/28/2007 05:09:07 AM · #5

ok, i see what you mean. you're right, i wouldn't live by what someone says on the internet, just curious about people's opinions. not feeling myself so sorry, i didn't mean there to be any misinterpretation.

goc

Apple iPhone 4

03/28/2007 05:09:55 AM · #6

i'm thinking it's a subconscious fear of something ... why do i say this ?
well, i quote : "... off and on now for a while ..." and your genereal health is okay

BTW: what is "soniazid" ?

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120 f/4 S

03/28/2007 05:14:57 AM · #7

Originally posted by goc:

i'm thinking it's a subconscious fear of something ... why do i say this ?
well, i quote : "... off and on now for a while ..." and your genereal health is okay

BTW: what is "soniazid" ?

Do you mean that I fear exercise, lol? By "off and on for a while" I mean that I've had it happen several times over the last few years when I've exercised, but not every time.

Isoniazid is a antibiotic used for the treatment of latent tuberculosis, but the tuberculosis isn't active and therefore not what's making me sick.

Message edited by author 2007-03-28 05:19:22.

ericwoo

Nikon Z7II

03/28/2007 05:21:43 AM · #8

Here is some possible side effects of your drug, Isoniazid. Sounds like this may be your culprit.

Adverse Reactions
Central nervous system: Seizure, stupor, dizziness, agitation, euphoria, psychosis, fever, ataxia

Dermatologic: Skin eruptions, rash, acne

Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, pellagra

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, epigastric distress; diarrhea (associated with administration of syrup formulation)

Hematologic: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, leukopenia

Hepatic: Hepatitis, 3% to 10% of children experience transient elevated liver transaminase levels

Local: Irritation at I.M. injection site

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Peripheral neuropathy

Ocular: Optic neuritis

Otic: Tinnitus

Miscellaneous: Hypersensitivity reaction

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

03/28/2007 05:25:27 AM · #9

Originally posted by ericwoo:

Here is some possible side effects of your drug, Isoniazid. Sounds like this may be your culprit.

Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, pellagra

Ocular: Optic neuritis

Otic: Tinnitus

I suppose it's possible that the meds could have aggrivated whatever problem I have, but I've only been taking isoniazid for a month wheras I've has this issue for years. Very good info though, I'll bring it up with my dr next time I see her, thank you.

Message edited by author 2007-03-28 05:43:03.

dacrazyrn

Nikon D300

03/28/2007 09:17:21 AM · #10

Weel, maybe take your stepdad with you next time with his glucometer. Check it if ya get that way again. Better to see the doc though and get a glucose tolerance test.

Jacko

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/28/2007 09:24:38 AM · #11

he. I bet the doctors on this site will tell you to go see a doctor.

David.C

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

03/28/2007 09:50:01 AM · #12

Have you offended your doctor?

David

Apple iPhone

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Nikon

03/28/2007 09:51:58 AM · #13

Originally posted by Jacko:

he. I bet the doctors on this site will tell you to go see a doctor.

and i bet all the non-doctors will too

Beagleboy

Canon EOS-30D

Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX

03/28/2007 10:07:28 AM · #14

How's your blood pressure? Mine is slightly lower than normal and I have experienced what you described a few times at the gym, but not to the extent you described.

I find I usually have some of the symptoms you describe if I work my legs really hard at the gym (squats or leg presses where you're reclining at 45 degrees, with your legs slightly higher than your torso/head). Working other muscle groups doesn't cause me to feel this way. My doctor told me that the ickly feeling I get sometimes (coolish sweat, slight dizziness, accelerated heart beat, burping and slight nausea) could be caused by my leg muscles screaming for more blood while my heart is doing its best to keep everything else supplied.

I also have issues if I have too much dairy before a workout. A yogurt is fine, but a protein shake makes me wanna puke. I never train on an empty stomach either.

It's a crummy feeling and I hate it when it happens.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

03/28/2007 10:21:20 AM · #15

I feel that way sometimes (though not to the same extent) when exercising if I'm not hydrated or I'm hungry.

In any event, I'd follow up with your Dr. and if he's not taking you seriously, seek another opinion. That's almost never a bad idea anyway.

Jacko

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/28/2007 10:44:46 AM · #16

Hey brother, I think you're just popping wood at the gym while looking at the hotties. That's why your blood pressure goes all wacky.

It's hard to believe how lifting weights can make your heart race. I did some lunges with weights the first time last year. Then I ran to the bathroom to blew chunks. The ladies found that pretty hot. I think.

Originally posted by Beagleboy:

I find I usually have some of the symptoms you describe if I work my legs really hard at the gym (squats or leg presses where you're reclining at 45 degrees, with your legs slightly higher than your torso/head). Working other muscle groups doesn't cause me to feel this way. My doctor told me that the ickly feeling I get sometimes (coolish sweat, slight dizziness, accelerated heart beat, burping and slight nausea) could be caused by my leg muscles screaming for more blood while my heart is doing its best to keep everything else supplied.

levyj413

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

03/28/2007 10:55:38 AM · #17

Go to the doctor. Now. Don't wait until you pass out and end up in the ER. You could be diabetic, you could need more sleep, you could be naturally a little hypoglycemic if you haven't eaten in a while. Or you could have something wrong with your heart. I have no idea; I'm not a doctor.

But after seeing the doctor, you'll know and be able to take action. :)

bigalpha

Sony DSC-S60

03/28/2007 11:04:17 AM · #18

Blue Moon -

It does sound like a sugar problem. Had you been eating food with high sugar content at all that day? i.e. coke, candy, canned fruit, etc? Don't forget that Fructose Corn Syrup counts as sugar.

I am not a doctor, but I'll give you the biggest piece of advice that I know. Make sure that you are hydrated. This means at least 2L of water if you don't do anything but sit on the couch all day long. More activity = more water. If you drink tea or coke or anything, you have to drink water to balance that stuff out. Could be that you are just dehydrated.

my .02

Beagleboy

Canon EOS-30D

Tokina AF 12-24mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX

03/28/2007 11:06:36 AM · #19

Originally posted by Jacko:

It's hard to believe how lifting weights can make your heart race. I did some lunges with weights the first time last year. Then I ran to the bathroom to blew chunks. The ladies found that pretty hot. I think.

Yeah, nothing like puke breath to get the girls hot and bothered...

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

03/28/2007 01:15:45 PM · #20

Ya, I hate to say it, but this is potentially significant enough I'd just say head to your doctor.

It may be nothing. It may be hypoglycemia. It may be anxiety. It may be your heart. The differential is far too long to offer practical advice here.

03/28/2007 04:21:55 PM · #21

oookkkkkaaaaayyy, i'll make an appointment, ugh.

to bigalpha- while I do enjoy sweets, I don't have them very often, usually only for dessert. I eat regularly and I stay pretty well hydrated (I'm always carrying a water bottle w/ me), but I really should exercise more. It could just be that I don't get enough of a cardio workout.

to beagleboy-actually, yes my blood pressure is lower than average, usually around 105/69, but my bpm is pretty fast, 80-100 sitting still and much faster when I'm exercising. Also my temperature is a bit lower than average: 96.7F...maybe I'm just a low person :P

Message edited by author 2007-03-28 16:34:23.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

03/28/2007 04:36:45 PM · #22

I'll add anemia to the list. I don't know what your body habitus is like, but if you are a small, teen girl who eat very little meat and has regular or heavy cycles, you could easily be low on iron and that could easily lead to these symptoms.

My guess, and this is really just playing the horses here, is leaning away from diabetes. A sugar of 146 sounds too "normal" (not super high or super low) too close to the incident.