sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site

Warning-sign checks

Type V glycogen storage disease: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Go to an emergency department or call emergency services if dark urine occurs with very little urine, severe or worsening muscle pain, major swelling, profound weakness, fainting, confusion, persistent vomiting, or an irregular or racing heartbeat.

    These features may indicate severe muscle breakdown, kidney injury, dehydration, or abnormal body salts.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent same-day medical care for dark brown or red urine after exercise.

    This may be myoglobin from muscle breakdown, even if the muscles no longer feel painful.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you have repeated exercise-related muscle pain, cramps, or unusual fatigue, particularly if symptoms improve after briefly slowing down.

    These symptoms have several possible causes and need proper assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

    If you already have the condition, arrange follow-up when:

    • Symptoms are becoming more frequent or limiting daily activities
    • You develop new, lasting weakness
    • Your usual exercise plan is no longer manageable
    • You have repeated mild episodes of dark urine
    • You are planning pregnancy, surgery, or a major change in training

The article also says

While waiting for help, stop exercising.

Do not try to “work through” severe pain.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Type V glycogen storage disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.