My hospital story....

FYI, A little random rant is included- I just couldn't leave it out!!!

On Friday's blog I touched on a few thoughts regarding the football players from the University of Iowa that were hospitalized after extremely strenuous conditioning sessions.   The more I look into the situation, I almost drove myself to that point of fatigue after pushing myself to near exhaustion during one of my own workouts.  Obviously I wasn't  training for the upcoming Football season, or any season for that matter, I was just trying to get stronger and in better physical condition.

Last year, around this time I was admitted to the ER after a pretty brutal workout. I was dizzy, disoriented, and felt like I was going to collapse.  I just finished an intense lower body workout followed by sled pulls/pushes and I realized something was wrong. I couldn't see clearly, everything was blurry, and I could put together a complete sentence.

After some time had passed and I didn't start feeling any better, I realized it was probably a smart idea to go to the hospital.  My fiance drove me to the ER and once I was admitted I went through a series of tests including blood work and a CAT scan. All of my vitals (blood pressure, heart rate,etc.) were fine.  When I had my urine tested my BUN levels were extremely high, and I was told there was a possibility of  kidney failure.  I eat healthy, I'm in good shape. What could have caused this?

When I look back at that day, I realize I take full responsibility for being stoopid!  I had around 3 cups of coffee, a diet coke, and maybe 32oz of water- throughout the entire day!!!  I was outside most of the day, sweating and being active with my students, then I hit the gym.  I did Box Jumps, Hang Cleans, Squats, and basically destroyed my lower body with assistance work.  I  went hard, and then with the sled work I went even harder.  I could have made it through the workout and just felt exhausted, no hospital visit needed, but I didn't hydrate properly- it's plain and simple.

Now the interesting part of the story, the advice from the Doctor and Nurse.  I was asked if I took any supplements and I said, "Protein Powder".   I was then informed, Protein shakes will kill me!!!  The conclusion from the "medical experts" was that Protein Powder was the reason that I was dehydrated and could cause my kidneys to EXPLODE. Okay - they didn't say explode, but that's pretty much what the meant.

The best part of it all, the Dr. was about 6 feet tall and maybe 145lbs, had a belly, and looked like he never touched a weight in his life. The nurse looked like Jabba The Hut, smelled like cigarettes, and was extremely arrogant when it came time to give me nutritional guidance.  About this point, the IV's were kicking in and I felt back to normal.  I thought to myself, "Just the two people I want to take advice from when it comes to health and well-being, they both look like crap and probably don't exercise and eat a horrible diet". I get it, I was the one in the ER, and they are the experts. 

The aftermath.  I was told to have more blood work done to insure there were no other health issues.  A couple weeks later the day after another strenuous workout, I got the blood work done.  Everything was fine except my CPK levels.  Once again, it was believed my kidney's were the cause of yet another health issue.  My doctor couldn't understand why everything was fine except that one particular number that was a little high.

As it turns out, I went to see a specialist that determined that my kidney's were fine.  One thing the specialist informed me could have saved me some time and money,  CPK levels can be elevated by strenuous exercise.  If my Doctor would have been a little more knowledgeable and asked me some questions about my exercise regimen , a lot could have explained a lot without additional medical test or appointments.

It's pretty crazy that this whole ordeal occurred, but I like to think it happened for a reason.  I should have hydrated better, and I definitely should have controlled the volume a little bit in that particular training session.  Every time I look back at the Doctor and Nurse in the ER I can't help but laugh a little bit, I mean lead by example, Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Maybe read a little current research when it comes to nutrition and supplements.

Another thing that I learned is that I need to be conscientious of how my clients and athletes are handling the workouts.  When I deal with athletes I encourage HARD work, but I want a kid to be honest with me on how they are feeling during the workout and how they felt post workout. Feedback is one of the most important factors in regards to proper programming.  Over the years I have learned that how I respond and how the people I train respond from workouts directly relates to the intensity and volume which is prescribed in each program. 

Work hard and push yourself to exceed expectations, just make sure that what you or your clients/athletes are doing serves a purpose and the rewards outweigh the risks.