Seeking Creatine Advice

[Brownay]

I decided to start creatine two days ago as I have just switched my training cycle back to mass. I've also been toying with the idea of using it for a while and decided to take it up... I've done all the research etc and decided that i'd try it.

I bought 100% creatine monohydrate from Optimum Health brand on DiscountSupps.com and when it arrived the recommended dose was to load for the first 5 days with 4x 5 gram doses per day (so 20grams a day for 5 days) then on to just 5 grams pre and post workout thereafter (so 10grams a day from there on).

I started the loading phase two days ago and the first day went fine.. i went to the gym and felt stronger and a bit heavier (water retention working its magic i guess) then yesterday I took 5 grams in the morning but had to work so i squeezed in the next 5 grams before the gym and an hour later took another 5 grams (so 5 left to go for the day to reach 20g). I then had to go pick my girlfriend up from work about 10 mins later and in the car i got a crampy feeling in my lower back on the right hand side (where i think my kidney is). I've never experienced a feelin like it... wasn't exactly painful just abit uncomfortable...
it lasted for like 20 mins and then went. I decided to not take the last 5 grams yesterday.

I also read that some creatine anecdotle stories indicate kidney cramps and possible damage although there's no proof of this being caused by creatine.

I guess i'm wondering if its affecting me in a bad way (i took a casein shake in the morning with my first dose of crea and then 2 more whey shakes pre and post workout aswell as the next 10 grams of crea so might i of just 'overloaded' my kidneys?)

I also did a hefty oblique excersise yesterday so it may have just been a pulled muscle in my back from that but im not sure? It didn't feel muscular...

Any advice would help...
what do i do now? Just stop taking it? is it the creatine.. are a few minor cramps to be expected? Get a Doctor to check my kidneys out .. or what???

Currently i have taken no more creatine and experienced nomore cramping but i intend on taking the 5 grams pre and post workout later on today before i do legs.. and see how it goes.. e.g. if i get anymore cramps....

Feedback and Help appreciated,

Brownay

[jordansrt]

look the loading phase is false, its been prooven that it doesnt help store more creatine. when you load it makes you run out and buy more quicker. Also the only problem you can have with it is dehydration if you dont drink enough water, also your body can only hold 5grams so unless you just want to u could take 5 before and 5 after workout but its realy not needed. my guess is ur not drinking enough water

[Doug21]

Originally Posted by Brownay

I decided to start creatine two days ago as I have just switched my training cycle back to mass. I've also been toying with the idea of using it for a while and decided to take it up... I've done all the research etc and decided that i'd try it.

I bought 100% creatine monohydrate from Optimum Health brand on DiscountSupps.com and when it arrived the recommended dose was to load for the first 5 days with 4x 5 gram doses per day (so 20grams a day for 5 days) then on to just 5 grams pre and post workout thereafter (so 10grams a day from there on).

I started the loading phase two days ago and the first day went fine.. i went to the gym and felt stronger and a bit heavier (water retention working its magic i guess) then yesterday I took 5 grams in the morning but had to work so i squeezed in the next 5 grams before the gym and an hour later took another 5 grams (so 5 left to go for the day to reach 20g). I then had to go pick my girlfriend up from work about 10 mins later and in the car i got a crampy feeling in my lower back on the right hand side (where i think my kidney is). I've never experienced a feelin like it... wasn't exactly painful just abit uncomfortable...
it lasted for like 20 mins and then went. I decided to not take the last 5 grams yesterday.

I also read that some creatine anecdotle stories indicate kidney cramps and possible damage although there's no proof of this being caused by creatine.

I guess i'm wondering if its affecting me in a bad way (i took a casein shake in the morning with my first dose of crea and then 2 more whey shakes pre and post workout aswell as the next 10 grams of crea so might i of just 'overloaded' my kidneys?)

I also did a hefty oblique excersise yesterday so it may have just been a pulled muscle in my back from that but im not sure? It didn't feel muscular...

Any advice would help...
what do i do now? Just stop taking it? is it the creatine.. are a few minor cramps to be expected? Get a Doctor to check my kidneys out .. or what???

Currently i have taken no more creatine and experienced nomore cramping but i intend on taking the 5 grams pre and post workout later on today before i do legs.. and see how it goes.. e.g. if i get anymore cramps....

Feedback and Help appreciated,

Brownay

Are you drinking around a gallon of water per day while on creatine? Personally the loading phase is unnecessary and this may have been what caused it, it will get into your system whether you are loading or not, loading just seems to put potentially unnecessary (dangerous) amounts of creatine in your system. This is especially true if you're lacking water.

[Brownay]

Originally Posted by Doug21

Are you drinking around a gallon of water per day while on creatine? Personally the loading phase is unnecessary and this may have been what caused it, it will get into your system whether you are loading or not, loading just seems to put potentially unnecessary (dangerous) amounts of creatine in your system. This is especially true if you're lacking water.

Yea i drunk 6 litres of water first day and the same again the second so atleast 1 gallon... I guess i should of just ignored the laoding phase bull****..
What do you recommned now? Just take 5 gram before workout everyday?