Hi Barbell medicine, I (male/29/191lbs.) had an appt. with a rheumatologists today and he said something interesting and I was wondering if you could help me understand. My blood work was all good except some thyroid hormones I’m seeing a endocrinologists for and my creatine kinase was high–‘CREATINE KINASE, TOTAL 229 H.’ He wanted to keep an eye on it saying the number was ‘pretty bad’ and retest in six months. I chalk the high levels up to lifting three times a week, since I don’t show any symptoms of high creatine kinase levels. He also said not to take ‘any muscle supplements whatsoever’, and deals with people all the time that have terrible kidneys and livers because of them, especially creatine. I don’t take any supplements and wont take any for now, as per his order but this is just some sort of overly protective mechanism, right? Maybe he sees patients and scapegoats symptoms/chronic issues to supplements, and thus NOBODY should take them. Because all the information you review and share is not coming to this conclusion.
What is your medical history? Why are you seeing a rheumatologist and an endocrinologist?
I was diagnosed in 2016 with hypothyroidism but over time the diagnosis has changed to Hashimotos Thyroiditis. A low back ‘injury’ when I was 18 and a few other soft tissue issues here and there but no other physical issues up to that point. I do have depressions and anxiety. It fluxuated a fair amount last year and had lots of the aches and pains associated with the disorder so I was referred by the endocrinologists to the rheumatologists to check for any other autoimmune problems. I currently take unithroid 88mcg. My dosage has had the biggest impact on feeling better and currently feel much better than a year ago.
I see.
Yes, the CK levels are probably related to your recent training prior to the blood test. Rheumatologists usually see elevated CK levels in the setting of autoimmune issues like polymyositis, which I doubt he suspects you have – but if so, there would be other tests to look at in that situation.
Polymyositis sounds like a fun disease to have. Do you have an opionion on why he would say NOBODY should take ‘muscle supplements’? He named a few like creatine, amino acids, pre-workouts.
Because he is completely unfamiliar with the evidence on creatine.
“Amino acids” are just … food.
And “Pre-workout” is not a specific thing. Would need specific ingredients to comment on.
That’s what I was thinking, except without all the evidence base that you have. Thank you. One last question I swear, would taking creatine now possibly affect already high C.K. levels? I’ve read that you generally say it’s safe for all populations, I’m just covering my bases.
No.
Additionally, there is nothing inherently dangerous about CK itself, as it’s just an enzyme. The concern when it’s elevated, is that it may be reflecting some other issues like rhabdomyolysis, myositis, etc.
Thanks very much for all the info.