twanger
06-24-2004, 11:34 AM
I had an idea. It came about because every morning I wake up and check the boards. I know that this sounds crazy and two years ago I would have said that myself. However, with menopause, my body turned against me and now the only comfort I have is to check in with the members of this board. Soooo, maybe everyone can check in and tell us what new symptom showed up that day or if some of the other symptoms they are having are going away, or what they tried that worked or didn't work in the past 24 hours. Just a thought, I don't know if it would work, but it would work for me. It seems that sometimes this is a daily struggle and maybe we could give each other support at the beginning of the day before we ruin the entire day worrying.
Sponsor
csoar2004
06-24-2004, 11:57 AM
Hiya twanger!
My morning is splendiferous, thanks for asking! It's going to be a hot day (100+ :O ) and I've already got the lawn mowed and the sprinklers going.
I hadda hot flash last night, then remembered I hadn't used my progesterone cream :( have I mentioned that my memory chip is faulty??
Other than that, things are just peachy!!
_________________
203/146/146 on the Fat Flush plan for life :D
50, menopausal and perky. Veddy VEDDY perky! :jester:
My morning is splendiferous, thanks for asking! It's going to be a hot day (100+ :O ) and I've already got the lawn mowed and the sprinklers going.
I hadda hot flash last night, then remembered I hadn't used my progesterone cream :( have I mentioned that my memory chip is faulty??
Other than that, things are just peachy!!
_________________
203/146/146 on the Fat Flush plan for life :D
50, menopausal and perky. Veddy VEDDY perky! :jester:
Ruth6:11
06-24-2004, 12:02 PM
Another "Lightdays" period begins. I've been getting by on a couple days of pantiliners for two years for heaven's sakes!
My face is flushed (a "power surge" rather than a hot flash) and I'm off work today - thereby adding me to the "Splendiferous" list myself!!
My face is flushed (a "power surge" rather than a hot flash) and I'm off work today - thereby adding me to the "Splendiferous" list myself!!
kc1216
06-24-2004, 12:29 PM
Morning Twanger and Ladies!
No sleep last night - had the skin creepy crawlies - not sure if it's me with the first week of the month bc pill or the sunburn healing:) Anway, came to work real sleepy and drank some caffeinated coffee (2 cups) and here I go with chest pressure, paranoia and anxiety. Trying to hold off on the xanax because although I'm ready to climb the walls, I am still sleepy at the same time - weird huh?
Other than that it is gorgoeus out today - about 80 and dry. Just saw a deer run out of our parking lot here at work and run neck and neck with an SUV driving down the road - was pretty cool.
Also to get my mind off this madness, I signed up on some website to adopt a soldier. I think it would be good for me and our boys to get involved - do something POSITIVE for once and maybe I'll feel better emotionally - who knows.
kc
No sleep last night - had the skin creepy crawlies - not sure if it's me with the first week of the month bc pill or the sunburn healing:) Anway, came to work real sleepy and drank some caffeinated coffee (2 cups) and here I go with chest pressure, paranoia and anxiety. Trying to hold off on the xanax because although I'm ready to climb the walls, I am still sleepy at the same time - weird huh?
Other than that it is gorgoeus out today - about 80 and dry. Just saw a deer run out of our parking lot here at work and run neck and neck with an SUV driving down the road - was pretty cool.
Also to get my mind off this madness, I signed up on some website to adopt a soldier. I think it would be good for me and our boys to get involved - do something POSITIVE for once and maybe I'll feel better emotionally - who knows.
kc
ainfante
06-24-2004, 01:40 PM
KC, please stay away from the caffeine until your anxiety is controlled. This will only make the situation worse and also the stomach.
My day is okay, washing clothes, trying to handle my day. The worse part of my day or morning, I should say, is dealing with the equiliberium. Once that is under control, I can pretty much handle the rest of the day. I try to walk through the sweats and hot flushes which are my power surges and the hot flashes. Hope everyone else is having a great day.
Andrea
My day is okay, washing clothes, trying to handle my day. The worse part of my day or morning, I should say, is dealing with the equiliberium. Once that is under control, I can pretty much handle the rest of the day. I try to walk through the sweats and hot flushes which are my power surges and the hot flashes. Hope everyone else is having a great day.
Andrea
kc1216
06-24-2004, 02:35 PM
Hi Andrea! My mom had it bad with the equilibrium during her peri! I remember it very well - she ended up in the hospital and they did every test and couldn't find a thing and back then peri wasn't really discussed. Her hot flashes lasted for years but she swore by this blue sea algae that she could order online. It's either the blue or red but she swore by that for her hotflashes - every heard of it?
I'm trying to be careful - I know, I haven't been behaving at all lately. Like I said above, emotionally I am drained for no reason and then when I get that way, it's almost like I enjoy inflicting pain on myself. I bought a bunch of candy bars and was going through those - they are now hidden out of my site. Coworker did it - they know I'm not supposed to be eating sweets like I do. I just cannot have one either. Last night we had ribs. You think I had any? I had a bite and went straight for the crescent rolls - I crave sweets and carbs. I'm skipping dinner altogether tonight - don't feel like cooking and the kids can fend for themselves on leftovers.
You have your balance back yet?
kc
I'm trying to be careful - I know, I haven't been behaving at all lately. Like I said above, emotionally I am drained for no reason and then when I get that way, it's almost like I enjoy inflicting pain on myself. I bought a bunch of candy bars and was going through those - they are now hidden out of my site. Coworker did it - they know I'm not supposed to be eating sweets like I do. I just cannot have one either. Last night we had ribs. You think I had any? I had a bite and went straight for the crescent rolls - I crave sweets and carbs. I'm skipping dinner altogether tonight - don't feel like cooking and the kids can fend for themselves on leftovers.
You have your balance back yet?
kc
ainfante
06-24-2004, 02:40 PM
Hi Andrea! My mom had it bad with the equilibrium during her peri! I remember it very well - she ended up in the hospital and they did every test and couldn't find a thing and back then peri wasn't really discussed. Her hot flashes lasted for years but she swore by this blue sea algae that she could order online. It's either the blue or red but she swore by that for her hotflashes - every heard of it?
I'm trying to be careful - I know, I haven't been behaving at all lately. Like I said above, emotionally I am drained for no reason and then when I get that way, it's almost like I enjoy inflicting pain on myself. I bought a bunch of candy bars and was going through those - they are now hidden out of my site. Coworker did it - they know I'm not supposed to be eating sweets like I do. I just cannot have one either. Last night we had ribs. You think I had any? I had a bite and went straight for the crescent rolls - I crave sweets and carbs. I'm skipping dinner altogether tonight - don't feel like cooking and the kids can fend for themselves on leftovers.
You have your balance back yet?
kc
I'm still working on the balance. might have totake some Xanax, very close to myperiod and my fingers are trembling pretty good right now, LOL I know about the cravings for carbs and sweets, even though Ihaven't eaten any sweets, I still eat the carbs. Hopefully, but afternoon, Iwill be a little more straight in thehead, LOL Ihaven't taken any aciphex or protonix for two days for the reflex, but I can feelit cookingdown there. You see how all this gets bothersome around my period? I don't know about the equileberium/dizzys, that might be a part of the anxiety and peri. But the IBS bothers me at any slight hormone change.
Andrea
I'm trying to be careful - I know, I haven't been behaving at all lately. Like I said above, emotionally I am drained for no reason and then when I get that way, it's almost like I enjoy inflicting pain on myself. I bought a bunch of candy bars and was going through those - they are now hidden out of my site. Coworker did it - they know I'm not supposed to be eating sweets like I do. I just cannot have one either. Last night we had ribs. You think I had any? I had a bite and went straight for the crescent rolls - I crave sweets and carbs. I'm skipping dinner altogether tonight - don't feel like cooking and the kids can fend for themselves on leftovers.
You have your balance back yet?
kc
I'm still working on the balance. might have totake some Xanax, very close to myperiod and my fingers are trembling pretty good right now, LOL I know about the cravings for carbs and sweets, even though Ihaven't eaten any sweets, I still eat the carbs. Hopefully, but afternoon, Iwill be a little more straight in thehead, LOL Ihaven't taken any aciphex or protonix for two days for the reflex, but I can feelit cookingdown there. You see how all this gets bothersome around my period? I don't know about the equileberium/dizzys, that might be a part of the anxiety and peri. But the IBS bothers me at any slight hormone change.
Andrea
twanger
06-24-2004, 02:46 PM
Thanks all. It seems as if some of us are having a great day and some are having the "good old anxiety" day. I have not had a period for 12 months, but I feel as if one is coming. My breasts are swollen, diarhea, and bloating. Started feeling this way yesterday but now it is full blown. I finally ordered the book " The Pause", hope it helps. Hope your day goes well.
kc1216
06-24-2004, 02:58 PM
I used to get the D the day before my period would start. Then I knew it was on it's way. Breast tenderness too - big time! Plus they would get bigger (wish they'd stay that way but nope).
Andrea - why aren't you taking your aciphex daily?! Oh and for the hot flashes, I looked it up - it's called blue-green algae. Since they don't really let you post other sites on here, just do a search and type in hot flashes with it - you'll come up with lots of stuff. I believe Omega Sun and Alpha Sun were the ones I saw.
kc
Andrea - why aren't you taking your aciphex daily?! Oh and for the hot flashes, I looked it up - it's called blue-green algae. Since they don't really let you post other sites on here, just do a search and type in hot flashes with it - you'll come up with lots of stuff. I believe Omega Sun and Alpha Sun were the ones I saw.
kc
Hopefully
06-24-2004, 10:12 PM
I had an idea. It came about because every morning I wake up and check the boards. I know that this sounds crazy and two years ago I would have said that myself. However, with menopause, my body turned against me and now the only comfort I have is to check in with the members of this board. Soooo, maybe everyone can check in and tell us what new symptom showed up that day or if some of the other symptoms they are having are going away, or what they tried that worked or didn't work in the past 24 hours. Just a thought, I don't know if it would work, but it would work for me. It seems that sometimes this is a daily struggle and maybe we could give each other support at the beginning of the day before we ruin the entire day worrying.
Twanger this is a wonderful idea. It's not morning, but I'll post the events of my day. Let's see...I'll start with the symptoms that have subsided or are getting better. The entire week I've been dealing with heart palpitations and anxiety. I tried Estrace yesterday an I didn't have the heart palps. today and the anxiety is much better. Hmmm.......since starting hrt several months ago my nails are stronger, hair getting thicker, acne 100% better, IBS almost non-existent, incontinence gone, no more bladder infections...
I fully understand about the dizziness. That lightheadedness/dizziness spacey feeling is always with me 24/7. There are days/hours that it's hardly noticeable, then there are days that I feel like my eyes are crosssing from the dizziness. This symptoms was one of the first that sent me running to the dr. office, only to be diagnosed with anxiety disorder. After about 6 months without panic attacks and still feeling dizzy the psychiatrist said that there has to be another problem and suggested that I see my internal med. When the other meno/peri symptoms intensified/appeared I knew that my dizziness had to be hormonally related.
I'll try to remember to check back in tomorrow.
God Bless
Twanger this is a wonderful idea. It's not morning, but I'll post the events of my day. Let's see...I'll start with the symptoms that have subsided or are getting better. The entire week I've been dealing with heart palpitations and anxiety. I tried Estrace yesterday an I didn't have the heart palps. today and the anxiety is much better. Hmmm.......since starting hrt several months ago my nails are stronger, hair getting thicker, acne 100% better, IBS almost non-existent, incontinence gone, no more bladder infections...
I fully understand about the dizziness. That lightheadedness/dizziness spacey feeling is always with me 24/7. There are days/hours that it's hardly noticeable, then there are days that I feel like my eyes are crosssing from the dizziness. This symptoms was one of the first that sent me running to the dr. office, only to be diagnosed with anxiety disorder. After about 6 months without panic attacks and still feeling dizzy the psychiatrist said that there has to be another problem and suggested that I see my internal med. When the other meno/peri symptoms intensified/appeared I knew that my dizziness had to be hormonally related.
I'll try to remember to check back in tomorrow.
God Bless
ainfante
06-24-2004, 10:46 PM
Twanger this is a wonderful idea. It's not morning, but I'll post the events of my day. Let's see...I'll start with the symptoms that have subsided or are getting better. The entire week I've been dealing with heart palpitations and anxiety. I tried Estrace yesterday an I didn't have the heart palps. today and the anxiety is much better. Hmmm.......since starting hrt several months ago my nails are stronger, hair getting thicker, acne 100% better, IBS almost non-existent, incontinence gone, no more bladder infections...
I fully understand about the dizziness. That lightheadedness/dizziness spacey feeling is always with me 24/7. There are days/hours that it's hardly noticeable, then there are days that I feel like my eyes are crosssing from the dizziness. This symptoms was one of the first that sent me running to the dr. office, only to be diagnosed with anxiety disorder. After about 6 months without panic attacks and still feeling dizzy the psychiatrist said that there has to be another problem and suggested that I see my internal med. When the other meno/peri symptoms intensified/appeared I knew that my dizziness had to be hormonally related.
I'll try to remember to check back in tomorrow.
God Bless
Hi Hopefully. Yes, the dizziness is hormone related. It can be anxiety related too and can take some time to go away. I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, so I know about those panic attacks. But usually I just space out, but after my brother passed away and then of course ovaries shutting down, gyne diagnosed me perimenopause, Ihad so many tests, etc. so know I'm fine. Yep my Psychiatrist also said that alot of the anxiety is with perimenopause and that the dizziness could be from that also.
Hi KC. I wanted to take a pill break. I'm taking so many vitamins, then the prozac, then aciphex, then this that, this that. I needed a pill break. Took one today. Thanks for looking out for me.
Andrea
I fully understand about the dizziness. That lightheadedness/dizziness spacey feeling is always with me 24/7. There are days/hours that it's hardly noticeable, then there are days that I feel like my eyes are crosssing from the dizziness. This symptoms was one of the first that sent me running to the dr. office, only to be diagnosed with anxiety disorder. After about 6 months without panic attacks and still feeling dizzy the psychiatrist said that there has to be another problem and suggested that I see my internal med. When the other meno/peri symptoms intensified/appeared I knew that my dizziness had to be hormonally related.
I'll try to remember to check back in tomorrow.
God Bless
Hi Hopefully. Yes, the dizziness is hormone related. It can be anxiety related too and can take some time to go away. I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, so I know about those panic attacks. But usually I just space out, but after my brother passed away and then of course ovaries shutting down, gyne diagnosed me perimenopause, Ihad so many tests, etc. so know I'm fine. Yep my Psychiatrist also said that alot of the anxiety is with perimenopause and that the dizziness could be from that also.
Hi KC. I wanted to take a pill break. I'm taking so many vitamins, then the prozac, then aciphex, then this that, this that. I needed a pill break. Took one today. Thanks for looking out for me.
Andrea
kc1216
06-25-2004, 11:15 AM
Take the dr. pills first - before the vitamins! I'll tell you, if I eat right and keep up with my aciphex and zelnorm, I can survive the day. But I know how you feel about taking a pill break!
Morning is okay so far - sticking to no coffee today. Had a bad night last night. Can't stand kids right now, need time to myself, yada yada yada - it's the mean hormone coming out today! Going to work is a vacation - don't want to go home at 5. Told hubby we need some quiet time together - at least an hour - haven't had that since we went to New Hampshire and I am having a very hard time with this.
kc
Morning is okay so far - sticking to no coffee today. Had a bad night last night. Can't stand kids right now, need time to myself, yada yada yada - it's the mean hormone coming out today! Going to work is a vacation - don't want to go home at 5. Told hubby we need some quiet time together - at least an hour - haven't had that since we went to New Hampshire and I am having a very hard time with this.
kc
ainfante
06-25-2004, 11:37 AM
KC: Hang in there. I love my daughter and know how it is, sometimes she's like 3 kids in one. But you have so many more and God Bless You for doing what you do.
Andrea
Andrea
csoar2004
06-25-2004, 12:04 PM
Yo ladies....some of the dizzyness is related to low blood sugar, y'know. This is because our hormonal madness has helped slow down our metabolism :( (dang it! Sure wish someone had mentioned this during health class...mebbe I was outta town or somthing! :jester: )
Try eating something every 2-3 hours (even just snacking on celery/jicama/carrots, etc.) to keep level out your blood sugar.
___________________
203/146/146 on the Fat Flush Plan for life :D
50, menopausal and perky. Veddy VEDDY perky! :jester:
Try eating something every 2-3 hours (even just snacking on celery/jicama/carrots, etc.) to keep level out your blood sugar.
___________________
203/146/146 on the Fat Flush Plan for life :D
50, menopausal and perky. Veddy VEDDY perky! :jester:
ainfante
06-25-2004, 01:13 PM
I agree Csoar. But even when I eat all day, I'm still dizzy, especially in the mornings.
Andrea
Andrea
kc1216
06-25-2004, 04:20 PM
When I eat snacks it's the bad food. Did it again today - can't help myself with the candy bars lately
kc
kc
Hopefully
06-25-2004, 08:12 PM
I agree Csoar. But even when I eat all day, I'm still dizzy, especially in the mornings.
Andrea
Same her Andrea. I've dealt with hypoglycemia almost all my life so I know when my blood sugar is low. This dizziness isn't an inner ear problem (seen several doctors), or related to low blood sugar, this is strictly related to hormones. I've been less dizzy since I began taking hormones, but I'm still a bit lightheaded and spacey. When I don't take my hormones the dizziness is the first symptom to become profound. My NP said that many peri/meno women suffer with this symptom, an it will eventually subside (thank God!).
Andrea
Same her Andrea. I've dealt with hypoglycemia almost all my life so I know when my blood sugar is low. This dizziness isn't an inner ear problem (seen several doctors), or related to low blood sugar, this is strictly related to hormones. I've been less dizzy since I began taking hormones, but I'm still a bit lightheaded and spacey. When I don't take my hormones the dizziness is the first symptom to become profound. My NP said that many peri/meno women suffer with this symptom, an it will eventually subside (thank God!).
Hopefully
06-25-2004, 08:16 PM
Okay, how am I feeling today? I'm so-so. I've been able to sleep since my period started. It's a bit heavier than it's been in months. I was going to start back using the patch, but the Estrace seems to be working better today than it was yesterday. Hopefully it will continue to improve to where all my symptoms will be under control. I'm trying to continue with my exercise program, because I'm determined to be like Csoar and drop these pounds :).
ainfante
06-25-2004, 09:07 PM
Same her Andrea. I've dealt with hypoglycemia almost all my life so I know when my blood sugar is low. This dizziness isn't an inner ear problem (seen several doctors), or related to low blood sugar, this is strictly related to hormones. I've been less dizzy since I began taking hormones, but I'm still a bit lightheaded and spacey. When I don't take my hormones the dizziness is the first symptom to become profound. My NP said that many peri/meno women suffer with this symptom, an it will eventually subside (thank God!).
Hi Hopefully. You are a sweetheart. Thank you so much for posting about dizziness. Yes, I heard it was a perimenopause thing too and now that my period is due around the very next corner if running on time, which I can feel it, it has made my week miserable. But I just deal with it and can't wait until it's finally over. I know it's hormone related cause I watch the time, if you know what I mean. I can't get myself to take the hormones my gyne gave me cause I don't want to bleed throughout the month. She won't give me birth control pills cause I smoke and all the better cause when I did take them, they made me feel horrible. And so this is where I'm at. Now how about leg cramps, pain before the period, oh my God, they really hurt this morning from awakening all the way up to this evening. Yuck!
Andrea
Hi Hopefully. You are a sweetheart. Thank you so much for posting about dizziness. Yes, I heard it was a perimenopause thing too and now that my period is due around the very next corner if running on time, which I can feel it, it has made my week miserable. But I just deal with it and can't wait until it's finally over. I know it's hormone related cause I watch the time, if you know what I mean. I can't get myself to take the hormones my gyne gave me cause I don't want to bleed throughout the month. She won't give me birth control pills cause I smoke and all the better cause when I did take them, they made me feel horrible. And so this is where I'm at. Now how about leg cramps, pain before the period, oh my God, they really hurt this morning from awakening all the way up to this evening. Yuck!
Andrea
Laurie2
06-26-2004, 06:02 AM
Went through menopause in my early 40s and had been post menopausal for the past ten years. Has it been that long? Surprise myself with that, being 52 now.
Most of the symptoms I never went through...like the hot flashes, night sweats...maybe being overweight and the estrogen trapped in the fat might have been part of it. Would go through some dizziness/loss of balance but always wondered if this was from being 245lbs at the time or not eating enough. That was one way I used to try controlling my diet with, until I learned better.
Would go through spurts of increased energy and even had my bouts of aggitation. The year before I went through menopause, my husband, had just gotten his glucose levels straightened out/weight down after being diagnosed with type II diabetes. And over HIS bouts of anger over nothing were finally gone. I believe mine were more from held back anger (as much as hormonal) when he went through his bad times....just letting go after having to hold my tongue for so long. For so many years, we did not know why he was going through these unexpected rages. It was scaring him until he finally had a glucose test. Otherwise, he is a very caring husband and loving father.
So my anger at something he did or said, he just took as being my "going through menopause" stage....bless his heart....and would not get angry back. They smoothed out, eventually, as it was all gotten out my system. Well, not entirely....we still have our disagreements. But it was so strange...as I could step back and watch myself "grow" into these outbursts. Empowerment outbursts, I guess you could call them.
Would wake up with more aches and pains than before menopause. Some arthritis, I guess and most of it was just being out of shape for so long. Finally got tired of this and took a college women's lifting class for a year. Lost the pounds and feel better overall now. What aches I get now are from a good workout....not arthritis pain. Have more energy from the exercise and fewer "blues" periods. Although depression was never that much of a problem with me and would get out it quickly.
But I will go through nights where I cant go to sleep. Some foods that never gave me problems in the past....do now. Get a "gut ache" but it is not from ulcers....just not "agreeing with me" anymore. Have to watch how many cups of coffee now....too much and I can feel it. So I only have a couple of cups now a day. Drink more tea now or diet sodas.
When I started lifting, I changed my diet and learned to eat properly now. Got to the point where I feel out of sorts if I dont eat something every three hours or so. A far cry from when I used not eat hardly anything or the wrong things when I did. Sweets, I dont crave anymore...except chocolate. A few Hershey's "kisses" do the trick on "cheat days". My classes have been over six months now and I workout at home to keep down the weight and keep my strength up as long as I can. Can finally fit into premarriage clothes sizes (33 years married)! Like to keep it that way.
I live out in Southwest Arizona desert and drinking enough water is a must. Heat affects me more than it used to and cold too. Always had warm/hot hands...good circulation....but climate changes I feel more than before.
Most of the symptoms I never went through...like the hot flashes, night sweats...maybe being overweight and the estrogen trapped in the fat might have been part of it. Would go through some dizziness/loss of balance but always wondered if this was from being 245lbs at the time or not eating enough. That was one way I used to try controlling my diet with, until I learned better.
Would go through spurts of increased energy and even had my bouts of aggitation. The year before I went through menopause, my husband, had just gotten his glucose levels straightened out/weight down after being diagnosed with type II diabetes. And over HIS bouts of anger over nothing were finally gone. I believe mine were more from held back anger (as much as hormonal) when he went through his bad times....just letting go after having to hold my tongue for so long. For so many years, we did not know why he was going through these unexpected rages. It was scaring him until he finally had a glucose test. Otherwise, he is a very caring husband and loving father.
So my anger at something he did or said, he just took as being my "going through menopause" stage....bless his heart....and would not get angry back. They smoothed out, eventually, as it was all gotten out my system. Well, not entirely....we still have our disagreements. But it was so strange...as I could step back and watch myself "grow" into these outbursts. Empowerment outbursts, I guess you could call them.
Would wake up with more aches and pains than before menopause. Some arthritis, I guess and most of it was just being out of shape for so long. Finally got tired of this and took a college women's lifting class for a year. Lost the pounds and feel better overall now. What aches I get now are from a good workout....not arthritis pain. Have more energy from the exercise and fewer "blues" periods. Although depression was never that much of a problem with me and would get out it quickly.
But I will go through nights where I cant go to sleep. Some foods that never gave me problems in the past....do now. Get a "gut ache" but it is not from ulcers....just not "agreeing with me" anymore. Have to watch how many cups of coffee now....too much and I can feel it. So I only have a couple of cups now a day. Drink more tea now or diet sodas.
When I started lifting, I changed my diet and learned to eat properly now. Got to the point where I feel out of sorts if I dont eat something every three hours or so. A far cry from when I used not eat hardly anything or the wrong things when I did. Sweets, I dont crave anymore...except chocolate. A few Hershey's "kisses" do the trick on "cheat days". My classes have been over six months now and I workout at home to keep down the weight and keep my strength up as long as I can. Can finally fit into premarriage clothes sizes (33 years married)! Like to keep it that way.
I live out in Southwest Arizona desert and drinking enough water is a must. Heat affects me more than it used to and cold too. Always had warm/hot hands...good circulation....but climate changes I feel more than before.
twanger
06-26-2004, 11:34 AM
Thank you for the hopeful post, Laurie. I am 57 and just started going through meno. about 3 years ago. Had hot flashes at first, sleepless nights but my periods were still regular until 2 years ago when they became sporatic and lighter. I haven't had a period for 13 months, but I still have irritable bladder and indigestion as my most common symptoms and yes, depression and anxiety thrown in. I was wondering how long it was after your last period that you started to feel half way normal?
TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN SO KIND TO POST: Thank you. I woke up yesterday with IBS so bad that I couldn't even check in. I had been taking Biaxin for an ear infection and it flared everything up. Had to stop and I hope that this pain slows down. I am really glad to read everyones post. It helps to know I am not in this alone. My friends don't seem to suffer like I do.
TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN SO KIND TO POST: Thank you. I woke up yesterday with IBS so bad that I couldn't even check in. I had been taking Biaxin for an ear infection and it flared everything up. Had to stop and I hope that this pain slows down. I am really glad to read everyones post. It helps to know I am not in this alone. My friends don't seem to suffer like I do.
ainfante
06-26-2004, 11:43 AM
Thank you for the hopeful post, Laurie. I am 57 and just started going through meno. about 3 years ago. Had hot flashes at first, sleepless nights but my periods were still regular until 2 years ago when they became sporatic and lighter. I haven't had a period for 13 months, but I still have irritable bladder and indigestion as my most common symptoms and yes, depression and anxiety thrown in. I was wondering how long it was after your last period that you started to feel half way normal?
TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN SO KIND TO POST: Thank you. I woke up yesterday with IBS so bad that I couldn't even check in. I had been taking Biaxin for an ear infection and it flared everything up. Had to stop and I hope that this pain slows down. I am really glad to read everyones post. It helps to know I am not in this alone. My friends don't seem to suffer like I do.
Hi Twanger. Yes, antibiotics will flare up IBS. I went through that on and off with the bladder infection I had and hope it is gone now. It generally takes two years after bleeding has stopped and your body should go back to normal. You might find good days and bad days, but hang in there, you're not alone. YOu might want to consider vitamins and if you are already taking care of that, then you might want to consider an anti-depressant just to make it through the remaining days of menopause. Back in the old days, they just let women go off the wall, but now they have everything to assist. I felt bad taking an anti-depressant at first, but I'm taking such a low dose and it helps to relieve some of these irritable meno symptoms. Even Xanax at a low dose helps to relieve some of the anxiety which will relieve some of the irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Let me know how you are doing? WE are all concerned about all of us here on the boards.
Blessings,
Andrea
TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN SO KIND TO POST: Thank you. I woke up yesterday with IBS so bad that I couldn't even check in. I had been taking Biaxin for an ear infection and it flared everything up. Had to stop and I hope that this pain slows down. I am really glad to read everyones post. It helps to know I am not in this alone. My friends don't seem to suffer like I do.
Hi Twanger. Yes, antibiotics will flare up IBS. I went through that on and off with the bladder infection I had and hope it is gone now. It generally takes two years after bleeding has stopped and your body should go back to normal. You might find good days and bad days, but hang in there, you're not alone. YOu might want to consider vitamins and if you are already taking care of that, then you might want to consider an anti-depressant just to make it through the remaining days of menopause. Back in the old days, they just let women go off the wall, but now they have everything to assist. I felt bad taking an anti-depressant at first, but I'm taking such a low dose and it helps to relieve some of these irritable meno symptoms. Even Xanax at a low dose helps to relieve some of the anxiety which will relieve some of the irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Let me know how you are doing? WE are all concerned about all of us here on the boards.
Blessings,
Andrea
Laurie2
06-26-2004, 05:34 PM
When I started going through menopause, I had a bunch of questions too. Gail Sheehy's "The Silent Passage" answered several. Others I knew the answers already from my interest/readings in history and culture.
Although our society is so "youth oriented", in others Menopause means empowerment and becoming one of the "Wise Women". Becoming a "crone" does not mean being an old wizened hag. Get out of your head. It means becoming a font of wisdom garnered from past experiences and knowledge the young will come to for help and advice (we generally hope). Support groups like this are quite common as experience/advice is shared as a woman goes through this. We have become rather isolated in this the past few decades and the Internet has helped bridge this gap.
This is a special period in our lives as we are lifted from constraints of past social expectations and we go off onto other journeys of discovery. Despite all the confusion and turmoil our hormones are putting us through right now or have gone through.
One of these for me was finding an exercise I liked and enjoy doing .....despite growing up with old social myths about females and lifting weights. At 50, I looked around and saw so many "snowbirds" hobbling around with age/lack of exercise related injuries and did not want to become one of them. I had been heavy for most of my life and was 245 (and more) during my 33 years of married life. My husband has been supportive with this decision....although he just cannot "wrap" his mind around doing this himself. Gets enough exercise in his blacksmith shop, he figures. When I grew up, a female lifter was looked upon as being very, very "strange" indeed.
But in answer to when you start feeling "normal"? I think it was about two years. My periods went from becoming sparce when I was started in late 1993 when I turned 43 to nil a year later. Thought I was pregnant at first, but nope.... My doc did put me on HRT at first but I hated the feeling it gave.....felt "dumbed down" and did not want to go through the cramps again. So dropped it and never went back.
Although our society is so "youth oriented", in others Menopause means empowerment and becoming one of the "Wise Women". Becoming a "crone" does not mean being an old wizened hag. Get out of your head. It means becoming a font of wisdom garnered from past experiences and knowledge the young will come to for help and advice (we generally hope). Support groups like this are quite common as experience/advice is shared as a woman goes through this. We have become rather isolated in this the past few decades and the Internet has helped bridge this gap.
This is a special period in our lives as we are lifted from constraints of past social expectations and we go off onto other journeys of discovery. Despite all the confusion and turmoil our hormones are putting us through right now or have gone through.
One of these for me was finding an exercise I liked and enjoy doing .....despite growing up with old social myths about females and lifting weights. At 50, I looked around and saw so many "snowbirds" hobbling around with age/lack of exercise related injuries and did not want to become one of them. I had been heavy for most of my life and was 245 (and more) during my 33 years of married life. My husband has been supportive with this decision....although he just cannot "wrap" his mind around doing this himself. Gets enough exercise in his blacksmith shop, he figures. When I grew up, a female lifter was looked upon as being very, very "strange" indeed.
But in answer to when you start feeling "normal"? I think it was about two years. My periods went from becoming sparce when I was started in late 1993 when I turned 43 to nil a year later. Thought I was pregnant at first, but nope.... My doc did put me on HRT at first but I hated the feeling it gave.....felt "dumbed down" and did not want to go through the cramps again. So dropped it and never went back.
Hopefully
06-28-2004, 01:05 AM
Laurie2 forgive me if you've already answered this question; I haven't read all the previous posts. Were you able to improve your health and lose weight by lifting weighs? How much weight have you lost, and what's your regimen?
I wholeheartedly agree that finding a form of exercise that's enjoyable is one of the keys to developing a successful exercise regimen. Right now I'm trying to get to the point where I feel well, not lethargic, without the dizziness and mood swings, then I'll be alot more motivated to exercise. Before I got hit hard with all these peri symptoms I was at the gym doing cardio and weighs. I felt good and was beginning to look great. There was a lady at the gym who truly could motivate anyone to exercise. She was about 55-58 years old and very physically fit. She didn't have a meno belly and looked more physically fit than many of the men and women there who were half her age or less. Ahhh....... one day soon.
I wholeheartedly agree that finding a form of exercise that's enjoyable is one of the keys to developing a successful exercise regimen. Right now I'm trying to get to the point where I feel well, not lethargic, without the dizziness and mood swings, then I'll be alot more motivated to exercise. Before I got hit hard with all these peri symptoms I was at the gym doing cardio and weighs. I felt good and was beginning to look great. There was a lady at the gym who truly could motivate anyone to exercise. She was about 55-58 years old and very physically fit. She didn't have a meno belly and looked more physically fit than many of the men and women there who were half her age or less. Ahhh....... one day soon.
Laurie2
06-28-2004, 09:05 AM
My health has improve immensely with lifting and changing my diet. Not anything special. Just remembering to eat 5-6 smaller meals a day and keep my protein up, cut the overprocessed carbs, eat more veggies and dropped the sugar....well, mostly...still like a teaspoon in my coffee or tea. Also remember to eat breakfast...something I never did in the past. There were days when I used to not eat anything, thinking this would help keep my weight down or got too focused on my work.
Dropped 75lbs overall of bodyfat and gained some muscle too...especially in the upper body where it was needed. I am 5'6"/largeboned, have broadshoulders and carry my weight mostly in my back, shoulders and stomach. Was never hippy or had big thighs or butt. I was never skinny as a kid and was always abit "hefty" (good Scots-Irish Farmstock" as it used to be called). Was 165 in my teens, and kept in shape from riding a 10 speed around San Diego before getting married....when not helping my mother out in the yard. Was something of a tomboy when younger and was pretty strong besides.
Anyway, I gained weight quickly as I could not ride anymore where we lived in Arizona but helped in my husband's shop. His folks raised animals and I would help but it was not enough to keep the weight down. Forget about diet...my husband was a "meat and potatoes" man. I would be 225 to 240lbs depending on the time of year. When we moved to our present place, and after having two kids by ceasarean (21 and 18 years ago) ballooned up to 260 and stayed there for years. Finally went down to 245 after menopause. My health had always been pretty decent, rarely got sick but as time went on....I noticed the difference. Arthritis in my shoulders and lower back, losing flexibility...raising my arms over my head would hurt and could not sleep on my back. Would get short of breath if I walked a long time and feel sore for days if I exerted myself.
The lifting gave me back my flexibility again and strength back. It was getting harder to climb out of the car (have a 79 Cordoba) and one time had to change a blown tire when I was 245 by myself. Could do it .....but was very sore for days afterwards. Had to go through this again a couple of months ago. Boy! What a year and a half to lifting can do to make a huge difference in comparison! I have better upper body strength now that made jacking the car up and switching tires far easier. My shoulders only had a "good workout" feeling afterwards and no soreness the next day. The classes started out to lose bodyfat...what I gained in return certainly came in handy!
I would like to get down to 165 again...that what I was in College. But I could never see myself as being anything lower than 155. Was that as a freshman in high school ....until I found the snackbar and climbed up to 190 at one point. Became more active later and dropped it to 165. Self image is a strange thing to wrap your mind around. According to charts, my weight should be 145....but in my mind I would be too "skinny". If that made any sense.
Muscle is denser than fat. A tangerine size portion of muscle weighs as much as two grapefruit size portions of bodyfat. As it is, I can live with myself as I am. Took along time to get to this point and want to stay this way.
Dropped 75lbs overall of bodyfat and gained some muscle too...especially in the upper body where it was needed. I am 5'6"/largeboned, have broadshoulders and carry my weight mostly in my back, shoulders and stomach. Was never hippy or had big thighs or butt. I was never skinny as a kid and was always abit "hefty" (good Scots-Irish Farmstock" as it used to be called). Was 165 in my teens, and kept in shape from riding a 10 speed around San Diego before getting married....when not helping my mother out in the yard. Was something of a tomboy when younger and was pretty strong besides.
Anyway, I gained weight quickly as I could not ride anymore where we lived in Arizona but helped in my husband's shop. His folks raised animals and I would help but it was not enough to keep the weight down. Forget about diet...my husband was a "meat and potatoes" man. I would be 225 to 240lbs depending on the time of year. When we moved to our present place, and after having two kids by ceasarean (21 and 18 years ago) ballooned up to 260 and stayed there for years. Finally went down to 245 after menopause. My health had always been pretty decent, rarely got sick but as time went on....I noticed the difference. Arthritis in my shoulders and lower back, losing flexibility...raising my arms over my head would hurt and could not sleep on my back. Would get short of breath if I walked a long time and feel sore for days if I exerted myself.
The lifting gave me back my flexibility again and strength back. It was getting harder to climb out of the car (have a 79 Cordoba) and one time had to change a blown tire when I was 245 by myself. Could do it .....but was very sore for days afterwards. Had to go through this again a couple of months ago. Boy! What a year and a half to lifting can do to make a huge difference in comparison! I have better upper body strength now that made jacking the car up and switching tires far easier. My shoulders only had a "good workout" feeling afterwards and no soreness the next day. The classes started out to lose bodyfat...what I gained in return certainly came in handy!
I would like to get down to 165 again...that what I was in College. But I could never see myself as being anything lower than 155. Was that as a freshman in high school ....until I found the snackbar and climbed up to 190 at one point. Became more active later and dropped it to 165. Self image is a strange thing to wrap your mind around. According to charts, my weight should be 145....but in my mind I would be too "skinny". If that made any sense.
Muscle is denser than fat. A tangerine size portion of muscle weighs as much as two grapefruit size portions of bodyfat. As it is, I can live with myself as I am. Took along time to get to this point and want to stay this way.
Laurie2
06-28-2004, 09:40 AM
Forgot.......you asked about lifting regimen.
Three day "split". 90 minutes a session lifting 4 sets of 10-12 reps moderately heavy weights. Rested a minute between each set.
We had access to both freeweights and machines. Started out with 5lbs dumbbells for bi/tri exercises and 10lbs for bentover dumbbell rows. Used machines for chest/shoulder and leg press. After a week and a half, the male instructor had me start with higher dumbbell weights as the 5/10lbs were too light for most. He had me increase to 10 and 20lbs. I found I liked lifting and wanted to see how far I could take it.
By the end of first semester, I lost 28lbs and was beginning to use the Olympic style barbell for the bench press. I was getting frustrated with the machine presses as my left arm was weaker and my stronger right was compensating. Freeweights helped build the support muscles more and now my left arm is nearly as strong as my right.
During the second semester, a new woman instructor took over and I started doing squats instead of leg presses. Dropped the shoulder press and was doing dumbbell presses instead. This increased my strength better.
I used my first semester workout routines as my base. It was centered on building upper body strength which I was looking for anyway.
Day One:
chest press, flyes, bicep curls (sulpinating), tricep pushdowns, overhead extensions
Day two
Leg press, leg extensions/curls, lunges and calf raises
Day three
Shoulder press, lateral rows, upright rows, lat pulldowns to chest, bentover dbl rows
Crunches were done all three days.
At home, this is still my base routine but have included other exercises too.
I do 25lb dbl sulpinating curls for 4 sets of 8 reps. Can do 30lbs for 3 sets of 4 reps.
Bench press 135 (college best) Home: 115-125
Incline press 105
Flyes 30lbs dbl
Squat parallel 225lbs (this is all the plates I have....at college I was doing 250-275).
Can probably go higher but not looking to bodybuild or close to it. Most of my routine/weights are just strength building with some powerlifting....just want to keep my strength up and weight down.
By the second and third semester, I became a fixture in the college women's gym as each new class came in. Some were repeats but I was lifting heavier than any of the women there. I wondered what they thought at first....but found out, they thought it was great seeing an woman being able to do so well. That you found someone similar in your gym to be a positive rollmodel of what an older woman can do/become is great!
Told my 72 year old mother what I was doing and she said..."Go for it". LOL
Three day "split". 90 minutes a session lifting 4 sets of 10-12 reps moderately heavy weights. Rested a minute between each set.
We had access to both freeweights and machines. Started out with 5lbs dumbbells for bi/tri exercises and 10lbs for bentover dumbbell rows. Used machines for chest/shoulder and leg press. After a week and a half, the male instructor had me start with higher dumbbell weights as the 5/10lbs were too light for most. He had me increase to 10 and 20lbs. I found I liked lifting and wanted to see how far I could take it.
By the end of first semester, I lost 28lbs and was beginning to use the Olympic style barbell for the bench press. I was getting frustrated with the machine presses as my left arm was weaker and my stronger right was compensating. Freeweights helped build the support muscles more and now my left arm is nearly as strong as my right.
During the second semester, a new woman instructor took over and I started doing squats instead of leg presses. Dropped the shoulder press and was doing dumbbell presses instead. This increased my strength better.
I used my first semester workout routines as my base. It was centered on building upper body strength which I was looking for anyway.
Day One:
chest press, flyes, bicep curls (sulpinating), tricep pushdowns, overhead extensions
Day two
Leg press, leg extensions/curls, lunges and calf raises
Day three
Shoulder press, lateral rows, upright rows, lat pulldowns to chest, bentover dbl rows
Crunches were done all three days.
At home, this is still my base routine but have included other exercises too.
I do 25lb dbl sulpinating curls for 4 sets of 8 reps. Can do 30lbs for 3 sets of 4 reps.
Bench press 135 (college best) Home: 115-125
Incline press 105
Flyes 30lbs dbl
Squat parallel 225lbs (this is all the plates I have....at college I was doing 250-275).
Can probably go higher but not looking to bodybuild or close to it. Most of my routine/weights are just strength building with some powerlifting....just want to keep my strength up and weight down.
By the second and third semester, I became a fixture in the college women's gym as each new class came in. Some were repeats but I was lifting heavier than any of the women there. I wondered what they thought at first....but found out, they thought it was great seeing an woman being able to do so well. That you found someone similar in your gym to be a positive rollmodel of what an older woman can do/become is great!
Told my 72 year old mother what I was doing and she said..."Go for it". LOL
twanger
06-28-2004, 11:27 AM
Hi. How was everyone's week end. Hope that it was good and that meno let you enjoy yourselves. I started out with IBS - guess that is my next 2 week symptom. Didn't sleep at all Saturday night and I was supposed to go to a swimming party on Sunday. I felt awful Sunday morning, my stomach felt all bloated and painful, belching etc. I thought about canceling but decided to take Immodium and tough it out. All the way there, I was aching. However, as the evening progressed I felt great and not tired at all. Amazing. When I got home it all started again. Don't know how to explain that one.
kc1216
06-28-2004, 12:28 PM
Good Morning,
Weekend was from Hell - ready to pack bags and live elsewhere temporarily over the summer.
Friday night went to an all you can eat seafood buffet - ate lots of raw shellfish and lots of brownies - bit of a no no I guess. Left the place doubled over in pain. Went away once I got home, all clothes off (everything too tight) and in bed. Finally went away after two hours.
Kids all weekend plus babysitting more kids. They trashed the house, got in big trouble for using the phones at 1 am. Didn't go anywhere and I was all set to take off last night - just to get out of there. I'm the mean parent - I do all the yelling - I'm the bad guy since husband can't discipline at all. I won't get into it but I was ready to use and ready to leave. Luckily by 6 my kid went to his fathers, the youngest one went one place and the other stayed home and we took off on the bike for a few hours - NEEDED it. We totally lost our connection this weekend - hubby and I weren't speaking - too busy with the children, between entertainment, watching and disciplining. I've got 5 more weeks of this - I don't know how I am going to last. At least there's a nice couch at my girlfriend's. Seriously thinking about it.
That was my weekend! HOpe everyone else's was better.
kc
Weekend was from Hell - ready to pack bags and live elsewhere temporarily over the summer.
Friday night went to an all you can eat seafood buffet - ate lots of raw shellfish and lots of brownies - bit of a no no I guess. Left the place doubled over in pain. Went away once I got home, all clothes off (everything too tight) and in bed. Finally went away after two hours.
Kids all weekend plus babysitting more kids. They trashed the house, got in big trouble for using the phones at 1 am. Didn't go anywhere and I was all set to take off last night - just to get out of there. I'm the mean parent - I do all the yelling - I'm the bad guy since husband can't discipline at all. I won't get into it but I was ready to use and ready to leave. Luckily by 6 my kid went to his fathers, the youngest one went one place and the other stayed home and we took off on the bike for a few hours - NEEDED it. We totally lost our connection this weekend - hubby and I weren't speaking - too busy with the children, between entertainment, watching and disciplining. I've got 5 more weeks of this - I don't know how I am going to last. At least there's a nice couch at my girlfriend's. Seriously thinking about it.
That was my weekend! HOpe everyone else's was better.
kc
Hopefully
06-28-2004, 01:51 PM
Laurie2 thanks for taking the time to reply. You have provided me with valuable information. My neighbor and her daughter both lost about 70 pounds running and using weighs. Equally important is that they've kept the weigh off for several years.
Now about my morning...Though my period had stopped, but it started again. Dealing with that lightheaded/dizzy/spacey feeling right now, but I'm still pressing on. I've been sleeping very well lately since I started using Estrace along with Prometrium.
I pray that we will all begin to start feeling better.
Now about my morning...Though my period had stopped, but it started again. Dealing with that lightheaded/dizzy/spacey feeling right now, but I'm still pressing on. I've been sleeping very well lately since I started using Estrace along with Prometrium.
I pray that we will all begin to start feeling better.
ainfante
06-28-2004, 02:14 PM
Hi Hopefully. What is Estrace? Glad to hear you are feeling better. Yes, I'm kicking around the dizzy's/space/fog, etc. My period was due on Sat and no show yet.
Hi KC: Wow, what you are dealing with perimenopause and how selfish of everyone else not understanding and giving you some peace here and there. Well, if you want a place to go that's much farther, you can come to Chicago and stay with me, LOL
Yes, my IBS and bladder started to bother me over the weekend and then I tried not to pay attention to it, didn't take any Xanax or aciphex. Dizzy as usual, went to take a bladder urine test, came back great except a trace of blood still. No period yet, was due on Sat. no show yet.
Andrea
Hi KC: Wow, what you are dealing with perimenopause and how selfish of everyone else not understanding and giving you some peace here and there. Well, if you want a place to go that's much farther, you can come to Chicago and stay with me, LOL
Yes, my IBS and bladder started to bother me over the weekend and then I tried not to pay attention to it, didn't take any Xanax or aciphex. Dizzy as usual, went to take a bladder urine test, came back great except a trace of blood still. No period yet, was due on Sat. no show yet.
Andrea
rmc12
06-28-2004, 03:35 PM
Hi to all,
This is a wonderful idea....to post how we are doing ...and it does help to know that we are all going thru similiar things. Also very helpful to hear from those of you who have been thru this.
I just turned 50 and I think that my peri symptoms whether I realized it or not started mid 40s....periods coming earlier, shorter duration, some heart palpitations, some night sweats. Last year and now it is a longer PMS and sometimes feeling like my period is always going to come. Got my period on June 14th and I swear this weekend felt like I was ovulating...that pressure feeling...but I have been getting them every 31 days the last two months so I would think it would be too soon for ovulating. But the one thing that is constant is that things are not the same each month it seems and so who knows I may get it earlier this month as I normally do..25 days. it is very short when it does come.
Just had a feeling this weekend that my hormones were out of whack ...like I was going to just jump out of my skin!! that kind of feeling which I know we all know. I tried to work thru it, and had a busy weekend with things we were doing and entertaning guests who were visiting so I was pretty happy it did not get worse.
As far as what I am taking, right now just my multi vitamin and a Vitamin e, a B complex and Estroven. Is anyone taking that (estroven?) it is an over the counter vitamin for this period of life and is a vitamin and herbal supplement the gyn and doctor recommended. A friend of mine was taking it and said after awhile her "uterous felt like it was in a vice"!! she did not know if it was that or not but she stopped it. She is doing ok so far with not having that feeling. I have not had that but have to admit that I was scared hearing that and then I felt, everyone is different and everyone's hormone levels are different so one thing that helps one person may not another. As I said so far I have been fine with it.
I have found as someone else mentioned that exercise helps immensely. I have an ankle problem that sidelined me from Jazzercize in autumn of last year and am just starting to get back to it, once a week. Have to rely on the gym for other times during the week...the bike mostly and then Pilates at home which I think has done more than anything with helping me in the exercise dept. Just makes me feel good when I do it. Sometimes I am not disciplined though and need to get more into a routine that is for sure.
Hope all of you are doing well this morning and thanks for listening.
rmc
This is a wonderful idea....to post how we are doing ...and it does help to know that we are all going thru similiar things. Also very helpful to hear from those of you who have been thru this.
I just turned 50 and I think that my peri symptoms whether I realized it or not started mid 40s....periods coming earlier, shorter duration, some heart palpitations, some night sweats. Last year and now it is a longer PMS and sometimes feeling like my period is always going to come. Got my period on June 14th and I swear this weekend felt like I was ovulating...that pressure feeling...but I have been getting them every 31 days the last two months so I would think it would be too soon for ovulating. But the one thing that is constant is that things are not the same each month it seems and so who knows I may get it earlier this month as I normally do..25 days. it is very short when it does come.
Just had a feeling this weekend that my hormones were out of whack ...like I was going to just jump out of my skin!! that kind of feeling which I know we all know. I tried to work thru it, and had a busy weekend with things we were doing and entertaning guests who were visiting so I was pretty happy it did not get worse.
As far as what I am taking, right now just my multi vitamin and a Vitamin e, a B complex and Estroven. Is anyone taking that (estroven?) it is an over the counter vitamin for this period of life and is a vitamin and herbal supplement the gyn and doctor recommended. A friend of mine was taking it and said after awhile her "uterous felt like it was in a vice"!! she did not know if it was that or not but she stopped it. She is doing ok so far with not having that feeling. I have not had that but have to admit that I was scared hearing that and then I felt, everyone is different and everyone's hormone levels are different so one thing that helps one person may not another. As I said so far I have been fine with it.
I have found as someone else mentioned that exercise helps immensely. I have an ankle problem that sidelined me from Jazzercize in autumn of last year and am just starting to get back to it, once a week. Have to rely on the gym for other times during the week...the bike mostly and then Pilates at home which I think has done more than anything with helping me in the exercise dept. Just makes me feel good when I do it. Sometimes I am not disciplined though and need to get more into a routine that is for sure.
Hope all of you are doing well this morning and thanks for listening.
rmc
Hopefully
06-28-2004, 09:30 PM
I really like this...it's like journaling...It's 7:23 an it's been a rather lazy day for me. I just lacked pep to get up and go. Did make it to a department store earlier. When I entered the store I felt okay, after about 20 minutes I felt dizzy, hot, spacey, and just ill. This lightheaded dizziness just seems to come and go, or sometimes its mild while other times quite intense. I wonder at those times what exactly is occurring hormonally in my body. It lasted for a couple of hours then subsided, but hasn't totally left.
Andrea, you asked about Estrace...it's a bio-identical hormone that my endocrinologist prescribed last week. Within a couple hours of taking the Estrace I stopped itching, heart palpitations stopped, and I haven't had a really bad hot flash. I had read where other women experienced that persistent itching sensation, but it wasn't until last week that I fully understood how annoying that symptom can become. Someone watching me scratch would have thought I had fleas LOL.
Andrea, you asked about Estrace...it's a bio-identical hormone that my endocrinologist prescribed last week. Within a couple hours of taking the Estrace I stopped itching, heart palpitations stopped, and I haven't had a really bad hot flash. I had read where other women experienced that persistent itching sensation, but it wasn't until last week that I fully understood how annoying that symptom can become. Someone watching me scratch would have thought I had fleas LOL.
ainfante
06-28-2004, 09:56 PM
Hi Hopefully. What is the Estrace made of? Progesterone? Estrogen? Testerone? YOu know what I mean? I need to ask my gyne about that, never heard of it. She gave me prempro or premerin and I'm not going to take it cause it can cause on and off bleeding, no thanks. The dizzy's are probably your hormones. I know they are mine mixed with a bit of anxiety. I just keep going with it and it will subside here and there. Also, how long have you been taking Estrace?
RMC: So glad you are doing great. Good for you. STay in touch with us and give us some encouragement here and there. Thanks
Andrea
RMC: So glad you are doing great. Good for you. STay in touch with us and give us some encouragement here and there. Thanks
Andrea
Hopefully
06-28-2004, 11:28 PM
Hi Hopefully. What is the Estrace made of? Progesterone? Estrogen? Testerone? YOu know what I mean? I need to ask my gyne about that, never heard of it. She gave me prempro or premerin and I'm not going to take it cause it can cause on and off bleeding, no thanks. The dizzy's are probably your hormones. I know they are mine mixed with a bit of anxiety. I just keep going with it and it will subside here and there. Also, how long have you been taking Estrace?
Andrea
The Estrace is a plant derived estrogen, and it comes from the soybean plant. They isolate out the Sterol Grouping in the Soy plant and then do different processes to end up with the bio-identical hormone called estradiol.
I've been taking Estrace for 7 days. I also take Prometrium along with the Estrace.
Andrea
The Estrace is a plant derived estrogen, and it comes from the soybean plant. They isolate out the Sterol Grouping in the Soy plant and then do different processes to end up with the bio-identical hormone called estradiol.
I've been taking Estrace for 7 days. I also take Prometrium along with the Estrace.
ainfante
06-29-2004, 10:41 AM
Hopefully, I have to check this out. I will recommend it eventually to my gyne and see if she'll work with me on this. If not, maybe I will find a ND or DO who will. Thanks
Andrea
Andrea
twanger
06-29-2004, 11:04 AM
How are you all doing? I woke up this morning nauseated again. Did any of you have this for a period of time? It has been going on for about three weeks now. I know that I have had it in the past but it never lasted this long. Don't know if it is anxiety or what. Other than that, I have pretty much energy and not much of the dizzies. Had those off and on about three weeks ago before this started. Hope you all are having a wonderful day and you have absolutely no symptoms. Maybe some day we will be able to say that.
kc1216
06-29-2004, 12:00 PM
Good morning. I'm off my meds now so I can do the endo tomorrow afternoon. Feels like a little man with a match is running around inside my stomach.
Better today - hit a meeting last night and got some support from some of my women friends in there. Will be making a point of seeing them MORE OFTEN.
Andrea - I still get trace of blood found in my urine too - not sure why. I still feel it with my bladder - not sure if it's tied in w/ my stomach or not though. HOpe they find something tomorrow - feels like I have ulcers or something - just lots of burning, burps and hiccups.
Trying to take it easy today. Can't wait for the valium drip tomorrow!
You all have a good day.
kc
Better today - hit a meeting last night and got some support from some of my women friends in there. Will be making a point of seeing them MORE OFTEN.
Andrea - I still get trace of blood found in my urine too - not sure why. I still feel it with my bladder - not sure if it's tied in w/ my stomach or not though. HOpe they find something tomorrow - feels like I have ulcers or something - just lots of burning, burps and hiccups.
Trying to take it easy today. Can't wait for the valium drip tomorrow!
You all have a good day.
kc
ainfante
06-29-2004, 12:02 PM
How are you all doing? I woke up this morning nauseated again. Did any of you have this for a period of time? It has been going on for about three weeks now. I know that I have had it in the past but it never lasted this long. Don't know if it is anxiety or what. Other than that, I have pretty much energy and not much of the dizzies. Had those off and on about three weeks ago before this started. Hope you all are having a wonderful day and you have absolutely no symptoms. Maybe some day we will be able to say that.
Hi Twanger. Yep had both at the same time then had just the nasea, then that left and had the dizzy's and that's still going on, on and off. Yep, part of our hormone cycle and little part of anxiety too that comes with the program, LOL
Andrea
Hi Twanger. Yep had both at the same time then had just the nasea, then that left and had the dizzy's and that's still going on, on and off. Yep, part of our hormone cycle and little part of anxiety too that comes with the program, LOL
Andrea
twanger
06-29-2004, 02:37 PM
Thanks Andrea, it always helps to realize that this is just part of meno and nothing else. My mind always goes to that place. I hope this clears up soon. The anxiety is awful. No matter how much I try to settle down, it still remains a problem.
ainfante
06-29-2004, 03:40 PM
Thanks Andrea, it always helps to realize that this is just part of meno and nothing else. My mind always goes to that place. I hope this clears up soon. The anxiety is awful. No matter how much I try to settle down, it still remains a problem.
Yes, doesn't it though. The anxiety is the roughest of the meno! I think I might just take a pinch of Xanax today, then maybe my period will come down instead of ramming it to me! LOL
Andrea
Yes, doesn't it though. The anxiety is the roughest of the meno! I think I might just take a pinch of Xanax today, then maybe my period will come down instead of ramming it to me! LOL
Andrea
kc1216
06-29-2004, 03:41 PM
The chest pains have seemed to settle down with me - those were actual "stabbing" pains. Now it's just the burning in my chest/stomach I have left. Bladder is still there but not as bad. This month seems a little (only a wee bit) easier than the last few months painwise- maybe it's going away or I'm just getting used to it? Not sure.
I also noticed once thing - my skin on my face is so greasy right now - I'm normally the exact opposite at all times. Very strange.
Hope all is well with everyone.
kc
I also noticed once thing - my skin on my face is so greasy right now - I'm normally the exact opposite at all times. Very strange.
Hope all is well with everyone.
kc
rmc12
06-29-2004, 04:11 PM
Hi Everyone,
Twanger : read your post about the nausea and I can ditto what Andrea said as I have had that too on and off thru all this. I too get where my mind goes to other places thinking it is all sorts of things. I think when I started reading that book The Pause, it helped to sort out what the symptoms were and why it was happening and when I read what others are going thru it also helps to know one is not alone.
Andrea : yes I am doing better than in March and early April when I was an absolute basketcase as you know!! But I do get worried about it not lasting...like when is the other shoe going to drop. I try not to think like that though and just enjoy what I am now feeling which is being more like me. I did get anxiety this weekend over feeling like I was ovulating and then I tried to tell myself, wait a minute, it is normal and really my gyn said I may not even be ovulating some months but we feel that way. You are the one that suggested the book, The Pause , so thanks for that and all your encouragement continually thru this all. This weekend I really thought I was going to take a xanax as I felt myself getting all worked up and as I said like feeling like I was going to jump out of my skin so to speak, but I just tried to work thru it and this time it worked. Doesn't always happen!! LOL!!
KC : I was reading about your experience after going to the seafood place and the discomfort you were in. On Sat we went out to breakfast and had more than I usually would and I had the familiar intestinal woes that I have had with a lot of D. Started to get worked up over it and then had to stop myself and remember what you and andrea have said on this board , that this can happen during peri even without the food interactions and sometimes flare up with certain foods. But it sometimes is hard to feel calm about it for sure.
Hope you are all having a better day today and that it continues.
rmc
Twanger : read your post about the nausea and I can ditto what Andrea said as I have had that too on and off thru all this. I too get where my mind goes to other places thinking it is all sorts of things. I think when I started reading that book The Pause, it helped to sort out what the symptoms were and why it was happening and when I read what others are going thru it also helps to know one is not alone.
Andrea : yes I am doing better than in March and early April when I was an absolute basketcase as you know!! But I do get worried about it not lasting...like when is the other shoe going to drop. I try not to think like that though and just enjoy what I am now feeling which is being more like me. I did get anxiety this weekend over feeling like I was ovulating and then I tried to tell myself, wait a minute, it is normal and really my gyn said I may not even be ovulating some months but we feel that way. You are the one that suggested the book, The Pause , so thanks for that and all your encouragement continually thru this all. This weekend I really thought I was going to take a xanax as I felt myself getting all worked up and as I said like feeling like I was going to jump out of my skin so to speak, but I just tried to work thru it and this time it worked. Doesn't always happen!! LOL!!
KC : I was reading about your experience after going to the seafood place and the discomfort you were in. On Sat we went out to breakfast and had more than I usually would and I had the familiar intestinal woes that I have had with a lot of D. Started to get worked up over it and then had to stop myself and remember what you and andrea have said on this board , that this can happen during peri even without the food interactions and sometimes flare up with certain foods. But it sometimes is hard to feel calm about it for sure.
Hope you are all having a better day today and that it continues.
rmc
kc1216
06-29-2004, 04:33 PM
Hi rmc! Wish I'd listen more to everyone's advice, including my own these days!
Glad you're thinking it through
kc
Glad you're thinking it through
kc
twanger
06-30-2004, 10:56 AM
Good Morning. Report for the day. The indigestion seems to have calmed down a bit. Now, the bladder is starting to act up. Yesterday, after everyone's input, I decided that I would ignore the indigestion and just enjoy my day. That seemed to work. Last evening, the bladder started tingling, felt I had to go and when I did, very little came out. Sent me into a tail spin because I haven't delt with this for about six weeks. Tried to ignore that, but it seems impossible. I am just going to tell myself that this is meno related and hope it goes away. Hope everyone else is doing okay.
csoar2004
06-30-2004, 11:05 AM
twanger, drink cranberry juice throughout the day (and LOTS of water, for that matter) it won't hurt you and if you DO have a slight UTI, the cranberry and water may just flush it on out. ;)
My day is shaping up HOT followed by SCORCHING with chances of thunderstorms for relief. :jester: Lovely day in the desert. I'm going to mow the lawn (have a push mower for aerobic workout. heh heh) and then spend some quality hammock time (sigh...the life of a self-employed consultant is tough. Veddy, VEDDY tough)
Hope y'all have a lovely day and spend some of it laughing out loud :jester:
__________________
203/146/146 on the Fat Flush Plan for life :D
50, menopausal and perky. Veddy VEDDY perky! :jester:
My day is shaping up HOT followed by SCORCHING with chances of thunderstorms for relief. :jester: Lovely day in the desert. I'm going to mow the lawn (have a push mower for aerobic workout. heh heh) and then spend some quality hammock time (sigh...the life of a self-employed consultant is tough. Veddy, VEDDY tough)
Hope y'all have a lovely day and spend some of it laughing out loud :jester:
__________________
203/146/146 on the Fat Flush Plan for life :D
50, menopausal and perky. Veddy VEDDY perky! :jester:
rmc12
06-30-2004, 01:40 PM
Hi everyone,
Today is a nice warm day in the Pacific NW and due to be in the low 80s...very beautiful outside.
As far as per symptoms...yesterday I had a bit of light tan or brownish discharge and since I got my period on the 14th of June, yesterday was day 16. I have had this happen before and did call the gyn when it occurred the first time, which I think was the year before last when it happened to me for the first time. She said it is old blood and can happen. I had no discomfort or anything but since over the weekend I felt like I had that ovulating feeling, I am wondering if it has something to do with that. It is not a lot and doesn't warrant wearing anything although I did use a tampon when it happened just in case. SO we will see if this month it comes earlier than the 31 days that has been the norm these past two months. Have to admit when I saw it was anxious about it as it has not happened in awhile. None this morning so that is good.
Hope you all have a good day.
rmc
Today is a nice warm day in the Pacific NW and due to be in the low 80s...very beautiful outside.
As far as per symptoms...yesterday I had a bit of light tan or brownish discharge and since I got my period on the 14th of June, yesterday was day 16. I have had this happen before and did call the gyn when it occurred the first time, which I think was the year before last when it happened to me for the first time. She said it is old blood and can happen. I had no discomfort or anything but since over the weekend I felt like I had that ovulating feeling, I am wondering if it has something to do with that. It is not a lot and doesn't warrant wearing anything although I did use a tampon when it happened just in case. SO we will see if this month it comes earlier than the 31 days that has been the norm these past two months. Have to admit when I saw it was anxious about it as it has not happened in awhile. None this morning so that is good.
Hope you all have a good day.
rmc
ainfante
06-30-2004, 01:45 PM
Hi everyone,
Today is a nice warm day in the Pacific NW and due to be in the low 80s...very beautiful outside.
As far as per symptoms...yesterday I had a bit of light tan or brownish discharge and since I got my period on the 14th of June, yesterday was day 16. I have had this happen before and did call the gyn when it occurred the first time, which I think was the year before last when it happened to me for the first time. She said it is old blood and can happen. I had no discomfort or anything but since over the weekend I felt like I had that ovulating feeling, I am wondering if it has something to do with that. It is not a lot and doesn't warrant wearing anything although I did use a tampon when it happened just in case. SO we will see if this month it comes earlier than the 31 days that has been the norm these past two months. Have to admit when I saw it was anxious about it as it has not happened in awhile. None this morning so that is good.
Hope you all have a good day.
rmc
I had this before and also during the month I was spotting so much. I would watch it and I wouldnt' get anxious about it. Our hormones are strange female cats, LOL
Andrea
Today is a nice warm day in the Pacific NW and due to be in the low 80s...very beautiful outside.
As far as per symptoms...yesterday I had a bit of light tan or brownish discharge and since I got my period on the 14th of June, yesterday was day 16. I have had this happen before and did call the gyn when it occurred the first time, which I think was the year before last when it happened to me for the first time. She said it is old blood and can happen. I had no discomfort or anything but since over the weekend I felt like I had that ovulating feeling, I am wondering if it has something to do with that. It is not a lot and doesn't warrant wearing anything although I did use a tampon when it happened just in case. SO we will see if this month it comes earlier than the 31 days that has been the norm these past two months. Have to admit when I saw it was anxious about it as it has not happened in awhile. None this morning so that is good.
Hope you all have a good day.
rmc
I had this before and also during the month I was spotting so much. I would watch it and I wouldnt' get anxious about it. Our hormones are strange female cats, LOL
Andrea
rmc12
06-30-2004, 02:06 PM
Thanks Andrea...you said :
"Our hormones are strange female cats" LOL
yes, they truly are!! LOL!! and a lot of times they seem to have their claws out!! LOL!!
"Our hormones are strange female cats" LOL
yes, they truly are!! LOL!! and a lot of times they seem to have their claws out!! LOL!!
ainfante
06-30-2004, 03:13 PM
Thanks Andrea...you said :
"Our hormones are strange female cats" LOL
yes, they truly are!! LOL!! and a lot of times they seem to have their claws out!! LOL!!
I wonder if there is a way to declaw our cat hormones, LOL!!!!!!!!!!
Andrea
"Our hormones are strange female cats" LOL
yes, they truly are!! LOL!! and a lot of times they seem to have their claws out!! LOL!!
I wonder if there is a way to declaw our cat hormones, LOL!!!!!!!!!!
Andrea
rmc12
06-30-2004, 04:08 PM
Andrea,
If you find a way let me know!! : )
If you find a way let me know!! : )
kc1216
07-01-2004, 09:36 AM
Hi,
I used to get that in between my periods. It didn't hurt, smell foul or anything but it annoyed the heck out of me. Got so used to wearing those panty liners and then once that happened I had a reaction to them - gyn said I wasn't able to "breathe" down there so I had to stop using them.
So far morning is good - everyone is on vacation at work. I'm meeting the girlfriends for lunch and hoping to skip out early for an mc ride before we get our thunderstorms.
kc
I used to get that in between my periods. It didn't hurt, smell foul or anything but it annoyed the heck out of me. Got so used to wearing those panty liners and then once that happened I had a reaction to them - gyn said I wasn't able to "breathe" down there so I had to stop using them.
So far morning is good - everyone is on vacation at work. I'm meeting the girlfriends for lunch and hoping to skip out early for an mc ride before we get our thunderstorms.
kc
rmc12
07-01-2004, 03:00 PM
Hi KC,
First of all, how did things go with your procedure the other day? Hope all is well with you.
Thanks for your response that you used to get the same thing in between periods. Like you said it is annoying more than anything plus making me think that I am going to get it real early (it is day 18). I did have it last year and have gone to the doctors for my yearly last year and told her and she said it was typical of peri. but of course it does give one a startle when it happens and I don't want to start getting anxious again about it all.
I know what you mean about the it panty liners. I am using a tampon today just in case.
Feeling low though, like it is going to come so guess things are out of whack which I know is a hallmark in peri!!
Have a good motorcycle ride!!
rmc
First of all, how did things go with your procedure the other day? Hope all is well with you.
Thanks for your response that you used to get the same thing in between periods. Like you said it is annoying more than anything plus making me think that I am going to get it real early (it is day 18). I did have it last year and have gone to the doctors for my yearly last year and told her and she said it was typical of peri. but of course it does give one a startle when it happens and I don't want to start getting anxious again about it all.
I know what you mean about the it panty liners. I am using a tampon today just in case.
Feeling low though, like it is going to come so guess things are out of whack which I know is a hallmark in peri!!
Have a good motorcycle ride!!
rmc
rmc12
07-01-2004, 03:04 PM
Hi again KC...sorry I did not see your post about the endo. I will read it now. I just am spacey today!!
rmc
rmc
kc1216
07-01-2004, 03:33 PM
Hi RMC! Are you feeling any better? Be careful with wearing tampons if you aren't really bleeding - they are good for trapping bacteria inside and if no blood is coming out, it's easier to get an infection. At least that is what my gyn told me - I'd do the same thing - wear a tampon even if I was only discharging - just hated the pantyliner thing and hate ruining my underwear!
I know that low feeling - i'm not even due and it's an every day occurance for me.
Hang in there!
kc
I know that low feeling - i'm not even due and it's an every day occurance for me.
Hang in there!
kc
rmc12
07-01-2004, 04:04 PM
Hi KC,
Thanks for your response. I am trying to drink lots of water today which for some reason always makes me feel a bit better when I am in that low energy mode. I know what you mean about wearing the tampon if one is not bleeding. I try not too for those reasons yet hate wearnig the liners too , or being surprised. The gyn told me when I had brought this issue up that anything brown is old blood and so I am thinking it didn't all make its way out last time, I don't know!! I do know it can happen in between periods and also at this time during peri so am trying not to fret about it. I had a good couple months and for the most part continue to but I always am worried it will be like it was in March and early April. Have to stop that thinking, I know!! :)
Hope your day is going well.
rmc
Thanks for your response. I am trying to drink lots of water today which for some reason always makes me feel a bit better when I am in that low energy mode. I know what you mean about wearing the tampon if one is not bleeding. I try not too for those reasons yet hate wearnig the liners too , or being surprised. The gyn told me when I had brought this issue up that anything brown is old blood and so I am thinking it didn't all make its way out last time, I don't know!! I do know it can happen in between periods and also at this time during peri so am trying not to fret about it. I had a good couple months and for the most part continue to but I always am worried it will be like it was in March and early April. Have to stop that thinking, I know!! :)
Hope your day is going well.
rmc