dwp512
03-12-2005, 04:40 PM
My doctors are beginning to think that I may have chronic fatique syndrome. I thought that might be right until I started reading this board. I have been very fatiqued for the past 6-8 weeks and the only thing they could find (after extensive testing) was a low estrogen level. No one seems to think it's perimenopause because I'm 45 and still having semi-regular periods. However, I have experienced most, if not all of the symptoms others have written in about...
debilitating fatique
Depression (I'm currently on lexapro although it's not working)
sadness
nasuea and gagging feeling in the am
anxiety
muscle twitches and jerks
leg pain and muscle aches
weight loss
night sweats
dizziness and shakiness..espcially in the am
brain fog
Does this sound familar to anyone?
jp
debilitating fatique
Depression (I'm currently on lexapro although it's not working)
sadness
nasuea and gagging feeling in the am
anxiety
muscle twitches and jerks
leg pain and muscle aches
weight loss
night sweats
dizziness and shakiness..espcially in the am
brain fog
Does this sound familar to anyone?
jp
Sponsor
newbie5
03-12-2005, 04:51 PM
Hello and welcome! :wave: I can totally relate to your post! I am 41 and have had (and still have) some of the same symptoms down to the twitches and jerks. What was your estrogen level? Mine also came back low at 30 and I am currently taking Premarin. I can not imagine that your doctor does not think it could be perimenopause because of your age! I believe perimenopause can last up to 10 years or so before menopause. I am also taking Lexapro 20mgs/day. What dosage are you on and how long have you been taking it? Continue reading through the posts, it sounds like you definately belong here! :)
dwp512
03-12-2005, 05:13 PM
Thanks for the reply! I don't understand either...it seemed like an obvious solution. However, my estogen levels are higher than yours (50) but the FSH levels are out of range for non-menipausal women (34). I am on lexapro, same dose as you, but it isn't doing much for the depression and I think it may be making it worse. I have been prescibed low dose ativan which helps me sleep and make it through the day, but makes me tired. Did any of your symptoms start with the lexapro...I think it may be causing some of my symptoms?
jp
jp
Veronicaberry
03-12-2005, 05:40 PM
You need to get off the anti depressants and have your thyroid checked your adrenals and check your carnitine levels as well as your estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels. You neeed to see an endocrinologist and possibly an gynocologist.
newbie5
03-12-2005, 05:52 PM
I agree to have everything else (thyroid, adrenals, etc.) ruled out. If that all comes back okay, it sounds like a lot of your symptoms may be caused by your lack of estrogen. I don't think that the Lexapro caused any of my symptoms, as a matter of fact I went on the Lexapro because of all of my symptoms (the anxiety and the depression). I, too, had extensive testing done and was always frustrated when I was told "they're perfectly normal". The premarin and the lexapro help me, personally, but I don't think they are a "cure all". Reading all of these posts, especially the "symptoms list" has really helped me. When I start to feel panicky I reread a lot of the posts to remind myself that this isn't fatal and I am not alone! :bouncing:
molly123
03-13-2005, 01:41 PM
Hi JP,
Boy! you're list is very familiar - I've had everything you listed except the nausea/gagging feeling. I am so sorry you are feeling badly. I can totally understand what you're going thru. I too had fatigue and the word 'debilitating' describes it perfectly! I did read that you can get "chronic fatigue syndrome" when you start having fluctuating hormones - another peri-meno symptom! I didn't know this when I was going thru it myself. So, you can have CFS as well as be in peri-meno too.
If the Lexapro isn't working and making you feel worse, try something else!
molly
Boy! you're list is very familiar - I've had everything you listed except the nausea/gagging feeling. I am so sorry you are feeling badly. I can totally understand what you're going thru. I too had fatigue and the word 'debilitating' describes it perfectly! I did read that you can get "chronic fatigue syndrome" when you start having fluctuating hormones - another peri-meno symptom! I didn't know this when I was going thru it myself. So, you can have CFS as well as be in peri-meno too.
If the Lexapro isn't working and making you feel worse, try something else!
molly
Sissypie
03-13-2005, 05:28 PM
Why do medical professionals seem to want to avoid considering perimenopause? That is so frustrating! So many of them will just completely pass up all the symptoms you are having if you tell them that you are still having regular periods. They seem to opt for diagnosising anything BUT menopausal symptoms.
I currently have 22 of the most common 35 symptoms, but because I'm still having regular periods my doctor won't even run a hormone test. He feels it's unnecessary right now to do one. I think just my age would be a good enough reason to run a baseline level check anyway. I'm 49! Sheeesh.
I currently have 22 of the most common 35 symptoms, but because I'm still having regular periods my doctor won't even run a hormone test. He feels it's unnecessary right now to do one. I think just my age would be a good enough reason to run a baseline level check anyway. I'm 49! Sheeesh.
dwp512
03-16-2005, 07:07 PM
Thanks again for the replies. I am really freaked out by the muscle twitches. They are worse at night when I lie down and they make it really hard to sleep. Am wondering if you found any relief. I am off the Lexapro and started Effexor. I have been less teary without the Lexapro, but still exhausted. I usually get some energy in the afternoon, but I haven't felt normal in 8 weeks. The doc also gave me Ativan for the panic. I hate taking all this stuff, but I'm still a mess. How do you stay optimistic? Walking around the block is getting tougher everyday. Ugh! Had more blood test....maybe something will show up.
JP
JP
newbie5
03-16-2005, 07:38 PM
Hi, sorry to hear you are still feeling bad! I agree that the muscle twitches/jerks are the hardest to deal with! I have read that a lot of women in peri get these (that is what I always remind myself of!). Where do you get most of your twitches at? Mine are mostly in my legs-calves and thighs. I do sometimes get them other places, but not as often. I am still taking the Lexapro and the Premarin. I hope you do well with your switch! :)
dwp512
03-16-2005, 09:22 PM
Mine are mostly in my thighs as well, but sometimes it feels like hic-cups all over my body. Thanks for the reassurance...my depressed mind quickly goes to things like Parkinsons, etc. My thighs also ache...do you have that? JP
newbie5
03-16-2005, 11:54 PM
Yes! My thighs have been aching the last couple of days. My mind goes to blood clots from the Premarin (I'm always "looking for the zebra"). I have been fighting a virus and running a low grade fever the last few days and it seems like the muscle twitches are worse. The ache in my thighs is like a "deep bone" ache. Tylenol does seem to help. "Hic-cups" is a good word to describe the twitches. It's hard sometimes to see the twitches because they move from place to place. I think the twitches were the first symptoms that I noticed. I have been having them for 9 months now, and sometimes they bother me as much as they did in the beginning! :)
miller01
03-17-2005, 12:27 AM
Be sure to get your thyroid checked. You must ask for TSH, Free T4, Free T3 as well as thyroid antibodies. Demand these tests. The doc will probably only order TSH and it isn't a reliable test all alone. Good luck! Let us know the results of your testing.
rmc12
03-17-2005, 03:03 AM
Hi DWP512,
I feel for you..it is like a crashing fatique that one feels at times and it is very hard to deal with.
The anxiety and some gastro symptoms have been the worse for me (I am 50) but the anxiety is the worst. When it all first flared up last year off and on over 3 months the gyn gave me Lexapro also. I did not tolerate it at all. It made me nauseated and I stopped it. I was then just given Xanax to take as needed for the anxiety. I did take it during that time when needed. I have recently had some of the symptoms reappear , not as strongly but still as upsetting due to the huge anxiety I sometimes get about it all. The xanax does help. Exercise seems to too, BUT I know that when one is that fatigued it is so hard to even walk around the block...I felt that way last year, and was just not able to do it for awhile.
The gyn and dr. suggested Estroven, an over the counter herbal/vitamin supplement and so I am taking that too in addition to other vitamins. Some times I just do not feel myself at all and other times are better. It fluctuates which i know is the hormones bouncing all over!! but my anxiety takes me elsewhere and makes me think that it is something more serious even though I have had blood work done in my last appt in late autumn, etc. It is the anxiety of peri that makes us jump to all that so you are not alone.
It is hard as you said to be optimistic but keep reading and posting and that helps as you will see so many others either in the same situation or that have been thru it and somehow that helps...to know that they got thru it or others are coping with similar situations.
As far as the twitchces I do get them at times with my legs but not badly but they are mostly or have come mostly at night. The muscle aches I can really relate too!!
Hang in there and hope that tomorrow is better for you.
rmc
I feel for you..it is like a crashing fatique that one feels at times and it is very hard to deal with.
The anxiety and some gastro symptoms have been the worse for me (I am 50) but the anxiety is the worst. When it all first flared up last year off and on over 3 months the gyn gave me Lexapro also. I did not tolerate it at all. It made me nauseated and I stopped it. I was then just given Xanax to take as needed for the anxiety. I did take it during that time when needed. I have recently had some of the symptoms reappear , not as strongly but still as upsetting due to the huge anxiety I sometimes get about it all. The xanax does help. Exercise seems to too, BUT I know that when one is that fatigued it is so hard to even walk around the block...I felt that way last year, and was just not able to do it for awhile.
The gyn and dr. suggested Estroven, an over the counter herbal/vitamin supplement and so I am taking that too in addition to other vitamins. Some times I just do not feel myself at all and other times are better. It fluctuates which i know is the hormones bouncing all over!! but my anxiety takes me elsewhere and makes me think that it is something more serious even though I have had blood work done in my last appt in late autumn, etc. It is the anxiety of peri that makes us jump to all that so you are not alone.
It is hard as you said to be optimistic but keep reading and posting and that helps as you will see so many others either in the same situation or that have been thru it and somehow that helps...to know that they got thru it or others are coping with similar situations.
As far as the twitchces I do get them at times with my legs but not badly but they are mostly or have come mostly at night. The muscle aches I can really relate too!!
Hang in there and hope that tomorrow is better for you.
rmc
dwp512
03-17-2005, 12:48 PM
What is normal for the Thyroid? Also, when you stopped the Lexapro, did your depression get worse? And...do your symptoms come and go? Mine are pretty constant...haven't had a normal day in a very long time. I'm just too weak. Did you have appetite loss as well? Thanks!
miller01
03-20-2005, 11:32 PM
TSH levels should be normal for what is "normal" for you. Labs SHOULD say .5 to 3.0, but some labs are still at the old standard of .5 to 5.0. Go and post at the thyroid board. Like here, helpful people in the same boat, are waiting to help. Good luck!
rmc12
03-21-2005, 02:38 PM
DWP,
I did not take the Lexapro long, it was only a week and it was reallly nauseating me so I stopped and had no ill effect from stopping (this was last year).
My anxiety that I had seemed to be helped with taking xanax when I needed to at the period of time last year but did not have to take it much at all. Then went for about 8 to 9 months as I said of feeling stable, just having pms near my period as usual , harder symptoms but nothing like I had in late Feb/all of March and on and off in april last year.
Then things started to reappear as far as more difficult PMS this year again. and more anxiety but not to the point I was. I guess now i know what it is so I can handle it (sometimes!!) better.
Last month I got my period at day 49, this month got it today at day 27!! I felt so so so fatigued all weekend with it and since my period had come so late last time I just didn't know what was happening. Now I know!! I guess I can just take this as a lesson as it is all hormonal when this is going on no matter if I am getting it at day 49 or day 27. For me I can deal with it better when it comes earlier as when it takes so long to get here I am still feeling badly a lot of the month and it all seems to be so intensified. My anxiety is better today but I don't know how long that will last!!
I did have my thyroid checked and all was fine there.
My cramps were very bad this morning. My Gyn last year prescribed Ponstel an antinflammatory for cramps and i took those this morning and it helped. I was just relieved to get it as I know I will have some relief of symptoms for a bit, I HOPE!!
I also had palpitations in the night and a bit of a sweat, so I understand believe me how you are feeilng and how frustrating it is.
rmc
I did not take the Lexapro long, it was only a week and it was reallly nauseating me so I stopped and had no ill effect from stopping (this was last year).
My anxiety that I had seemed to be helped with taking xanax when I needed to at the period of time last year but did not have to take it much at all. Then went for about 8 to 9 months as I said of feeling stable, just having pms near my period as usual , harder symptoms but nothing like I had in late Feb/all of March and on and off in april last year.
Then things started to reappear as far as more difficult PMS this year again. and more anxiety but not to the point I was. I guess now i know what it is so I can handle it (sometimes!!) better.
Last month I got my period at day 49, this month got it today at day 27!! I felt so so so fatigued all weekend with it and since my period had come so late last time I just didn't know what was happening. Now I know!! I guess I can just take this as a lesson as it is all hormonal when this is going on no matter if I am getting it at day 49 or day 27. For me I can deal with it better when it comes earlier as when it takes so long to get here I am still feeling badly a lot of the month and it all seems to be so intensified. My anxiety is better today but I don't know how long that will last!!
I did have my thyroid checked and all was fine there.
My cramps were very bad this morning. My Gyn last year prescribed Ponstel an antinflammatory for cramps and i took those this morning and it helped. I was just relieved to get it as I know I will have some relief of symptoms for a bit, I HOPE!!
I also had palpitations in the night and a bit of a sweat, so I understand believe me how you are feeilng and how frustrating it is.
rmc
JudeNZ
03-21-2005, 08:30 PM
DWP those muscle twitches are terrible. I never knew I wasn't alone until I started reading these boards. I virtually alwasy get mine at night, I wake early hours of the morning, go to the loo, then can't go back to sleep, as my legs twitch. Usually in my calves, but also my thighs ache. I've found 2 things that help, one is I get up straight away and take a panadol/paracetamol (I assume you call painkillers that in other parts of the world as well), I find that relaxes me, and then I lie on my back and do deep breathing and relax my whole body. I usually can drop off to sleep within 15 - 30 mins no problem. The other thing i tried is taking my magnesium before I go to bed, as that is a muscle relaxant.
As for CFS, my husband suffers from that. I do know he gets very gray and sweaty, and has no energy at all. The back of his eyes hurt, and they get bloodshot. He gets very short tempered and shakes and has to lie down, if that is of any help to you.
The estrogen levels are a 'beach' for sure. My Dr told me not even worth doing a test till you've gone 3 mths without a period - I got to 2, then had heaviest one ever this month. Oh to feel normal again.
Jude
As for CFS, my husband suffers from that. I do know he gets very gray and sweaty, and has no energy at all. The back of his eyes hurt, and they get bloodshot. He gets very short tempered and shakes and has to lie down, if that is of any help to you.
The estrogen levels are a 'beach' for sure. My Dr told me not even worth doing a test till you've gone 3 mths without a period - I got to 2, then had heaviest one ever this month. Oh to feel normal again.
Jude
dwp512
03-21-2005, 10:50 PM
Thanks for the replies...it is so helpful! I had muscle testing done with a neurologist today and he says my muscles and nerves are fine. So, that feels pretty good. I actually had a semi normal day after that, so maybe the twitching will be less tonight. I'm also seeing a counselor to help me deal with the worrying... I've got to stop driving myself crazy. My doc gave me ponstel several years ago to help with heavy bleeding.(interesting) It stopped working after awhile. I'm heading to a gyno this week who will hopefully have had lots of experience with woman going through this stuff....we'll see. Oh yeah, the neuro also said the muscle twitching could be caused by anxiety and stress...go figure. DWP
:p
:p
newbie5
03-22-2005, 12:47 AM
Dwp, you sound so much like me!!! I went to a neurologist when all this started and had an EEG and nerve conduction testing done because of the twitching. Mine, too, came out fine (thank goodness). I've also had an MRI, lower back x-ray, lyme disease testing, etc.! I have come to the conclusion that it is all peri related. I could be wrong, but when I found this board it all seemed to fit. I have had a couple of different doctors lose patience with me because I kept insisting something was wrong with me and asking for more tests. I know they thought I had a form of Munchausen. All of these "symptoms" drove my anxiety sky high! My doctor put me on Lexapro and thought I could benefit from talking to a psychiatrist. I never did make it to the psychiatrist, but if I ever need to I will. I have always suffered a little "health anxiety", but this all really blindsighted me! Anyway, I have some good days and some bad, but it could always be worse. Hope you continue to feel better! :wave:
dwp512
03-22-2005, 06:35 PM
Newbie,
I can so totally relate to you! I keep focusing on what it could be instead of being happy about what it isn't. I went to biofeedback today and he helped me realize that the muscle twitches are probably related to holding my body so tight because of the stress. Our nerves apparently fire because they are trying to relax...He said at night to try to get out of bed and stretch... I'll try just about anything at this point. My next most obnoxious symptom is this naseua, gaggy feeling in the morning. Anybody else have that one? It makes me feel shakey, but I think that could be from the Effexor.Yikes! So many variables!
I think I have enough energy to do the dishes, so I'm off before that changes!
DWP
:bouncing:
I can so totally relate to you! I keep focusing on what it could be instead of being happy about what it isn't. I went to biofeedback today and he helped me realize that the muscle twitches are probably related to holding my body so tight because of the stress. Our nerves apparently fire because they are trying to relax...He said at night to try to get out of bed and stretch... I'll try just about anything at this point. My next most obnoxious symptom is this naseua, gaggy feeling in the morning. Anybody else have that one? It makes me feel shakey, but I think that could be from the Effexor.Yikes! So many variables!
I think I have enough energy to do the dishes, so I'm off before that changes!
DWP
:bouncing:
browneyedsusie
03-23-2005, 11:27 AM
Hi DWP...and all the other twitchies!
I too have the nauseau gaggy feeling in the morning. The first few minutes up are ok but as soon as I cough or feel a sensation in my throat I start to gag and have to the point of throwing up. It seems to pass and the rest of the day it is not there. As for twitching...count me in too. I even get it along my ribcage on my back, sometimes feels like a shuddering. I have not had testing but after finding this board it has to peari. I too have health anxiety but I just check in here whenever the symptoms are getting the best of me and reaffirm to myself this is ok( well really it's not) but I will get through it. I am 42 in May and I guess this is the beginning. I also have muscle or bone pain in my arms and thighs... anyone else? Take care all....Les
I too have the nauseau gaggy feeling in the morning. The first few minutes up are ok but as soon as I cough or feel a sensation in my throat I start to gag and have to the point of throwing up. It seems to pass and the rest of the day it is not there. As for twitching...count me in too. I even get it along my ribcage on my back, sometimes feels like a shuddering. I have not had testing but after finding this board it has to peari. I too have health anxiety but I just check in here whenever the symptoms are getting the best of me and reaffirm to myself this is ok( well really it's not) but I will get through it. I am 42 in May and I guess this is the beginning. I also have muscle or bone pain in my arms and thighs... anyone else? Take care all....Les
chillijava
03-24-2005, 05:41 AM
i want to join the club, i have constant leg pains you can almost touch and i to have the twitches now and again, this is a real nightmare to go through hopefully it will all stop one day.
i have now been diagnosed with rosacea, anyone else? :eek:
i have now been diagnosed with rosacea, anyone else? :eek: