Lactic acid 'rushes' in muscles

You are the first person I have heard discuss this lactic acid rush though I am sure lots of people get it.  I get it all the time - though it worsens as my overall illness worsens.  I have no confirmed knowledge on this though my guess is that it is to do with malfunction in our cells at the mitochondrial level.  The mitochondria are our cell powerhouses which provide the energy we need for our bodies to work properly.  In CFS/ME our energy supply malfunctions/is depleted so when we exercise our muscles walking or climbing stairs, unlike healthy people, it takes very little to deplete the mitochondria and produce lactic acid. Basically we climb a few stairs and reach "the burn" very quickly. I don't know if this is actually correct but it makes complete sense to me.  The only thing I can suggest is to try and improve the energy output - what little energy we actually have -  and one way to do this is using Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10).  This is supposed to help at the mitochondrial level to release the energy we have.  There are some poor souls who are born with the rare mitochondrial disease where the mitochondria die off and organs gradually malfunction.  For us, I think the problem is the release of energy at the mitochondrial level and the ability to replenish our energy supply at that level too.  It is a fascinating subject but that doesn't help with the lactic acid rushes we get.  Like any athlete who gets the burn we have to just rest and allow our muscles to replenish so yes, you need to stop for a few seconds when it happens.  I have tried pushing through for example to keep up with people if I am out but I have suffered for it with really bad post exertion malaise which has taken longer to subside than if I don't push through.  There is so much unknown about our illness so we just have to do what we can to live with it, unfortunately.  If I get the rushes I just take short rest when walking or whatever it is I am doing.  I also know if I am particularly bothered by this I have reached my limit for that day and try to wind down and do very little if I can.  Like now - I have been prattling on a lot on this site today!  If anyone else has any advice or information about this particular symptom I would be very glad to hear it.  I hope you feel better.

Linda

Sorry to hear of your troubles. I too have the LActic acid problem and I started using MAgnesium spray after I have a shower, there is a recipe for making it and I have to admit that it has helped.  It's a great way of getting a large hit of magnesium as your skin is a large organ.....  Do remember that as with evverything ME/CFS start small and increase dose etc slowly and surely.   As for the Breathing, I was firstly told I have hyperventilation syndome!!!!  I use yoga, tummy breathing, long pacticed now, to calm my breathing and take it back down from my chest to my tummy, this really does help.  I understand that this all sounds like a lot to ahve to do, but it is worth it, they make coping a little easier. However  I always knew that I have this ghastly illness it jsut took the medical professiona  while to catch up....  I have learned many many coping strategies through the 23years of this nasty illness and the most important thing is to start and practice daily, relaxation ... I know this sounds impossible when you are overwhelmed with symptoms but I promise you it will work if you stick at it.  I see it as my treatment time, I downloaded a 20 min relxation mp3 player, from Andrew Johnson, it only cost a few pounds, and I chose his for his voice..    I know have a OC who advocates using this 3 times a day.. and she also says that we must NOT over extend at any time....  The fallout is too great.  I am on 10 mins in every hour however I am still unable to have any energy in the afternoons, so I close my curtains get myself as comfy as is possible, not very, and listen to CD talking books that are from the library and if I am very lucky I might lose myself for a short time in a story, have a second or two without the constant pain and various others, that come with this illness.  I can only say to you that the very best thing you can do for yourself.  I have learned this from bitter experience and much misery.  I am currently house and mainly bedbound but I will not be beaten and in those short times I have energy I use it doing something that I love.  I have also found that any positive input, mainly mp3 cd's from Louise Hay etc, that in the beginning I would leave looping all night so the message would inbed quicker, I now have my audiobooks looping so that I don't end up in the middle of the night with just my own thoughts..!!  Not a good idea with this illness.  I am done for now, and I hope that this is legible..  Good luck... Lily

Maybe look into Manual Lymphatic Drainage. It's a type of gentle massage. I don't know if this may help you.