Heat Cramps

Lately I've been working out so intensely and it is so hot that after exercise I get heat cramps. I didn't realize it had an actual name until last night when I looked it up in my Merck manual for dummies. That's not really the name- it's really a Merck manual written in layperson's language. I love looking up random stuff in that thing! I knew that an electrolyte imbalance was the cause. Because of my kidney disease, my kidneys tend to kick out all my potassium. This is not good. I even had to get potassium via an IV when I was in the hospital years ago and they noticed how low my levels were. That stuff is like fire when it goes into your arm! I started screaming and they turned down the amount and I was fine after that.

I get wicked cramps in my calves and feet and occasionally my stomach if I do crunches. Exercise and changes in the temperature really sets me off. I get especially mad when I get into the pool after Zumba and want to dog paddle and tread water for a while. It's a great cool down! That's usually when the fun begins. I end up having to hobble out of the pool way earlier than I would like. Of course I'm swearing like a sailor in front of the teenager too and making her very concerned. I started taking potassium and a cal/mag/zinc combo pill once a day, plus bananas. Even the diuretic I take is "potassium sparing". Because of this they warn you not to overdo potassium rich foods and not to take supplements with it. Well they haven't met me yet! You would think I wouldn't have a problem at all. I even use a salt substitute that is potassium. I love it! I'm gonna have to report this to my doctor soon. I could just cut back on the workouts too but that's not gonna happen.