I took a blood test and the lab doctor contacted me at home and stated my CPK levels were off the chart, 15000. I thought he was joking. He stated normal range is under 200 and I had rhabdomyolysis. He told me to get to the emergency room, and the doctors there were waiting for me to arrive. That was a 12 day stay. I stopped counting the IV bags after 13 had been given to me. I still have major problems with strength in my arms and legs and severe muscle weakness. I have never been the same. This was caused by a statin drug Lipitor.

I was incredibly dehydrated and CPK (creatine phosphokinase) levels were at 8,000 and above at one point. I was hospitalized for a week and pretty swollen in my upper body (where the muscle was damaged) and could hardly move my arms from my side. They pumped IV fluids in me all week and consistently had lab work done. They didn’t regulate my diet at all which was fine. I was still pretty sore when they released me and I had to continue to follow up with the doctor months after before season started again. I played college softball and did a pretty intense summer workout which ended up giving me the rhabdomyolysis in the first place.

I was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis while being treated for shingles; not your best time to have this diagnosis but with my resistance being somewhat low, I began getting low muscle strength and no energy. After seeing my doctor and referred to an internal medicine, I was hospitalized, and put on IV for 4 days until all my blood tests that were through the roof came down. I was taken off all medicines and after day 4 was told never to take statin drugs again. Muscle weakness was prevalent and still is, but with the help of exercise and magnesium supplement, I am regaining strength in my legs. I hope this might help others that have the same affliction.

I received IV hydration in the hospital for rhabdomyolysis. You shouldn"t expect a lot of sleep once your kidneys start working again. Urination is frequent with large quantities, unless you get a catheter, which I did not need. My CPK levels were 3,000. My potassium was actually low by day 2. I had a general diet but I ordered food with good protein and also fruits to add in adding fluids. My ability to walk slowly improved over 3 days until I was walking normally. After 3 days in the hospital, I went home and drank water, but mostly slept. In 7 days I was feeling pretty normal again. I am 36 years old.

I was offered hospitalization, but chose to hydrate at home, and rest. I am measuring my urine to make sure I'm making enough, and may eventually end up back at the hospital, but I sure hope not.