recovering from Rhabdomyolysis

Question
QUESTION: I am a male 33 years of age. I was hospitalized and diagnosed with Rhabdo Sept 11/09. Was in care for 7 days on IV fluids. Was released when my levels came down. I was told to keep hydrating or drinking plenty of fluids, which I have. Approx. 2 1/2 - 3 L a day. This has been going on for over a month now. My concern is I still show reddish coloured urine a times and brownish. I admit myself into emerge at the hospital cause of the colour. The hospital does blood work and urine test and they all come back ok. A little history. I trained or worked out for two days, and took one helping of a protien shake cause I was sore. I urinated dark brown coffee and went into emerge. I was 270lbs 6'2". I feel I am over working my kidneys with this fluid consumption, but it appears as soon as lay off the fluids dark urine starts to appear. This condition has caused me great grief and have developed anxiety. Please inform me on this disease and recovery time. The doctors had mentioned that the blood work shows no signs of rhabdo anymore everything is normal, yet the colour of my urine is always in question. I feel like I am just diluting it...worried my kidney are not recovering. How much is to much water for the kidneys. I'll give you some of my current symptoms... I am dizzy most of the time, head aches, weakness, fatigued, acking muscles, urine changes, bowel changes (diarreha, constipation). I was use to just drinking when feeling thirsty and my urine was just fine previous this this rhabdo. Are these expected things to happen or am I going nuts.



I hope to see your reply,



Sincerely,



Tim



ANSWER: Hi Tim,



Thanks for asking my help on "Allexperts".



Your kidneys have recovered from the ill-effects of Rhabdomyolysis. However, the dark urine may continue for more than a month after the actual episode.



Sincerely,



Dr. Shah



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------



QUESTION: I appreciate your response very much Dr. Shah. I do have one other question to ask regarding my recovery. Is it normal to feel fatigue a majority of the time, assited with headaches and dizziness. I have also notice a strange feeling in my mouth, like menthol or something like it as I breath. This has been going on since my discharge. I do have a times troubles catching my breath. Are these associated with my Rahbdo. I just feel bad much of the time.



Thanks again


Answer
Hi Tim,



Thanks for following up with me.



Rhabdomyolysis results from excessive muscle breakdown and it takes some time for the damaged muscle to recover. Feeling fatigued and out of breath may be related to damaged muscle. However, I am unable to comment on the strange taste in your mouth and headaches & dizziness. Please consult your primary care physician to get them sorted out.



Sincerely,



Dr. Shah