After a decade of helping people understand rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) and avoid getting it, I've heard a lot of myths about this medical condition. Unfortunately, many people repeat what others have said, without checking the source. This leads to misinformation and pain and suffering by those who develop this medical problem. Previously, I have written about some of these myths but have not addressed it on the podcast. In this episode of the Joe Cannon Health podcast, I answer some of the biggest myths and misunderstandings about this very serious disorder. Leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Podcast Episode: Rhabdo Myths And Facts
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Episode Summary
- Health myth of the week
- What is rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo)?
- Signs and symptoms
- The dehydration myth
- The kidney myth
- The urine color change myth
- Can you have a mild case of rhabdo
- The myth of only intense exercise
- The myth of only strength training
- The myth of rhabdo being a short term problem only
- Rhabdo and PTSD
- Preventing rhabdomyolysis before it starts
- Quote of the day
Also, see the post on rhabdomyolysis myths.
Read My Rhabdo Book – and get it directly from me!
If the kidneys/urine isn’t the only thing to worry about how do we know what else to ask the doctor to check and/or what should we do? I had CBC bloodwork and numbers were normal.
Vanessa, sometimes liver enzymes are elevated. Often people with rhabdo experience muscle pain when they are not moving. This can sometimes help differentiate it from regular muscle soreness which doesn’t hurt until we start moving.
I went to your Supplementclarity.com site looking for more info on Protamdin & also read about Glutathione, all trying to find out what supplements My grandson can safely take to boost his immune system, work synergistically with chemo & radiation & avoid neuropathy & other side effects during & after these treatments for his 2nd bout with Rhabdomyasarcoma cancer in his eyelid.
He was treated at 5 yrs (36 chemo & 40 radiation) & now undergoing even more aggressive chemo/radiation at 8 yrs, same cancer & same location, his eyelid (CHOP Childrens Hosp of Phil). When I saw your Rhabdo book, it made me think (hope?) that maybe you had some insight into safe supplements for this cancer?
Most oncologists don’t believe in supplements but may listen if I can provide a list of supplements that would not be contraindicated with chemo or radiation.
If you possibly know or can point me to any good sources, I would be forever grateful for anything you could provide. I was impressed with your thoroughness. He’s on his 3rd round of chemo already so really kind of desperate, Grandma
Hi Edna, first let me say I am sorry to hear what your grandson is going through. Rhabdosarcoma is a type of cancer that comes from muscle cells. Rhabdo means “rod-like.” The muscle fibers look like rods under the microscope. While rhabdomyolysis can occur in those with rhabdosarcoma, this is different than what I focus on, which is rhabdo caused by exercise.
That said, I think the best for someone going through cancer treatment is fruits and vegetables. These have natural antioxidants -and not too many of them. They work together with each other better than any single one could by itself.
Your grandson may not have an appetite so maybe a smoothie may be better. If it tastes good, he may be more likely to drink it.
Im not a fan of taking antioxidant supplements when going through radiation therapy or chemotherapy. This is because these therapies destroy cancer by forming free radicals. Antioxidants, stop free radicals from causing harm. While in healthy people this may be good, in theory, these supplements may reduce cancer therapies from working to their full potential. I’m sure your grandson’s doctors are aware of this too.
I wish I had a better answer for you. I understand all too well feelings of helplessness when watching a loved one suffer. This is magnified when it is a small child. I will say a prayer for your grandson and your family tonight that you all stay strong and that the medical procedures he is going through are successful.
If you ever have any other questions, feel free to reach out and I will try to help.