i lost alot of muscle during the last 6 years of being sick with UC and im trying to get it back. Between losing drastic pounds and then gaining all water weight from prednisone my body is all messed up. I've looking into taking creatine to help build muscle faster, think this would hurt my surgery that was done last feb 07. Any pro or cons?

I am not sure it would have any effect at all. However, most studies indicate it is safe as long as you are aware of any potential drug/supplement interactions. The evidence seems to point to creatine only being useful for short burst athletics, not for long term benefits.

But, that said, I doubt it would hurt and if you did suffer side effects that you did not like, they would most likely resolve when you stopped it. Mostly, it will just take time to rebuild your muscle mass and strength. You cannot undo the effects of a prolonged illness and surgery in a short period of time.

Here is a good link with information:

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/3140...64.html?d=dmtContent

Jan

Are you on any medications that might affect your appetite? What is your diet like, do you get enough protein? Are you doing intense strength training and have you made little progress over the last 6 months?

I am not an expert but I think this stuff can cause bowel problems for some.... just dont over do it. Creatine is hard on your kidneys too...

I have looked into taking it too. Basically it doesn't help you build muscle in it self. What it does is increase your stamina and ability to have longer workouts. So by not feeling as worn out after a couple sets it allows you to push yourself a little harder and longer which in turn gives you more muscle from lifting longer. I bought a book on all this and they kind of showed the myths of many body building supplements. What they said was there have been multiple test done and it's proven to help the way I said but it's not like testesterone it won't build muscle in itself. Anyways I did take it a few weeks ago but I noticed the days I did take it on I got really bad butt irritation both kind of the inside and the outside. But I also mixed it with a big calorie shake with strawberries, honey, milk, and orange juice so that could have been something to do with it too. Anyways I'm right there with you I'm 6'0 126 pounds and am 23 year olds so I feel kind of skinny, but I'm just waiting for someone to say something about it so I can ask them how big they would be after 9 surgeries on there bowels in two years.

ive actually been thinking about taking creatine for some time now but i was scared it would have some sort of effect on my bowel movements.

if jan thinks its safe, i really want to try it.

has anyone here taken creatine?

I have no clue if it will affect your bowel movements or not. But it is safe.

What I am wondering is what you really expect from this? If you are not a serious athlete where microseconds need to be shaved from time trials, it is unclear to me what purpose you expect it to serve.

Jan

to bulk up. i lift weights.

I've read that creatine only adds water to your muscles which doesn't add to you strength. Also once you stop taking in, most of the size gained from the creatine itself diminishes. I think there are probably better supplements that you could take that would be more effective. I've also talked to my doctor about him prescribing physical therapy once I start to feel better to help me regain strength before I go back to work.

i eat upto 80 grams of protein a day and lift for 2 hours a day four days a week. I'm 5'9 150 and trying to put some muscle back on as well as some weight. i really appreciate all of your responses!

Maybe try 4 meals a day with ~ 25g protein each = 100g/day, and see if that helps. It sounds like you are in pretty good shape already. Like my elder sister once told me -- enjoy being thin while you can!

Hi, Ive taken a supplement with creatine in it. im not sure if i was taking to much of it but i was ill off it!
If you want to gain weight you need to try and eat up to 6 meals a day, intake a lot of protein (loads of fish and chicken). Obviously u need to train 3-4 days a week as well. I have just started to try protein bars, its to early to notice any results but they dont give me wind only make me a bit loose which i dont mind.
I think its probs worth you givin it a try as every1 is different, u might take it fine, it might of been a case that i was taken to much of it! wots the worse thats guna happen if u take it - u might be loose or windy? if theres any undesirable side effects you know to stop taken it. hope that is of some help?

I doubt it'd cause your pouch problems - but what a waste of money!! Keep your carbs low - have 20gr or so of protein every 3 hours, lift weights and your body should respond nicely. Just don't do the same excercises every day - if you want to grow you need minimum 2 to 3 days rest before working the same bodyparts again. This is what I do:
Monday - Light legs, abs, and lower back.
Tuesday - Heavy triceps, shoulder (and less importantly chest)
Wednesday - Upper back and biceps.
Thursday - Heavy legs abs, and lower back.
Friday - Light triceps, shoulders and chest.
Saturday - Upper back and biceps.
Sunday - Eat and sleep.
Trust me - this works well. If you're eating and sleeping enough you'll grow. Also - don't spend hours in the gym - hit it hard then go chill and eat. Lastly - if you really want to put on muscle and strength - you should limit or cut out cardio. I'm not saying this is the healthiest prescription for long life - but the fact is that cardio burns muscle and is counter-productive to putting on mass.

Good luck!