For the past month or so, I have been feeling like I'm 100.
My body aches and every so often my ankle gives out and is painful.

My wrists to touch hurt. Basically I feel like I have been run over by a truck. I'm wondering if this is part of menopause.

The only symptoms I've experienced are heavier periods and a few hot flasher per month.

Also, about a week before my period my underarms hurt, weird.

Anyone else experienced these symptoms?

Kate

Kate I haven't had like you describe but every now and then I get an ache in my hip or my shoulder but it leaves after a day or two. I heard that the body needs more magnesium....don't know. We have a nutritionist that just joined. Maybe she can shed some light on this for us.

Long since done with menopause and still have minor aches and pains especially after days and days of sitting at the computer and not getting enough exercise.

Magnesium is something our bodies 'need' and it is also good for the heart muscle. Take 1000 mg. calcium with 500 mg. magnesium. They work together wonderfully but not well when taken alone.

Thanks, I will try that. Years ago when I was experiencing major PMS symptoms it was suggested to me that I needed both magnesium and calcium.
Advice from a nutritionist would be great.

Kate

Hi Kate

Another thing that I've researched, in combination with my doctor's advice, is whether I'm a vitamin D deficient. After after a blood test done, we found I was seriously deficient! From the research I've done, liquid D3 is best and you shouldn't take over 2,000 IUs/day. One of the sources I reviewed indicated over 85% of menopausal and perimenopausal women are Vitamin D deficient. I have felt a TON better since I started taking adrenal supplements, thyroid supplements, and D3...when my doc saw my numbers (he is a holistic MD by the way), he was surprised I was even functioning.

Just a thought (oh, and I take the combo chatty mentions too!).

Yes, I keep forgetting to take the Vitamin "D"

I take a multi, fish oil, etc. etc.

It is not so bad today. I have had my blood tested and all is fine at least it was three months ago.

I have to see my Doc soon so will mention my symptoms to her.

thanks,
Kate

Kate, sometimes the best thing for achy body is exercise. It may sound odd, but I've found it to be true. We really need to stretch and exercise.

I've also learned the lack of VItamind D. Some say it's because we're outside less, and when we are in the sun, we're wearing sun block.

When I started working with my holistic MD, he did a saliva test as one of the first items on the list. One of my biggest "complaints" was that I felt I had been run over by a big truck...when the results came in, he said "no surprise!". My testosterone was way to high, my progesterone too low, my thyroid whacked (although at least 5 other doctors didn't think so), my adrenal pattern was off the charts.

Then he checked the Vitamin D...and it was whacked too. Guess there were a few good reasons that I was exhausted and in chronic pain, eh?

What bugs the bejeebers out of me is that I've been going to doctors for years and they've said "no, we can't find anything". Then this guy looks at my tests and says why haven't you been on thyroid supplementation for the last 20 years!

There are times when I really struggle to remind myself that all things happen in the right time. I would have "preferred" to spend the last 20+ years in less pain, I'll admit it!

And yes, Dotsie, that is what I'm seeing on Vitamin D too. In addition, my doc says most women in our age group are low, or borderline on it and almost all Midwesterners are low on iodine too.

Such a complex "machine" our bodies!

Well MamaRed the average person in medical school gets three monthe of training on 'natural supplements,' and thats it! They're aren't even any questions on the medical exams on supplements, vitamins, minerals, so that shows you how important it is to a medical communitry, constantly looking to subscribe pills, pills, pills for diseases and/or conditions that could be and would be, and ARE helped by natural vitamin and supplements.
Unless someone concentrates on Holistic Remedies, they will not be exposed to any.

Great point chatty. I'm finding that younger doctors are more willing to listen to alternative medicine options. It's a welcoming change.

Chatty

Yup, you're absolutely right and it is one of the reasons I'm soooooooooo thrilled to have found a holistic MD!!!!!!!! The funny thing is that my brother is a traditionally trained MD (orthopedic surgeon) and his wife uses almost all natural stuff, wanted home births, had two water births and there is my precious brother...it is hysterical, especially because he is so big (6'4") and she is so tiny (5'0") and she definitely rules the roost when it comes to this stuff. I'm thrilled because I know it rubs off on him! Now my brother who is a nurse? That's a whole other ball of wax all together. I'm wondering if he would even take a multi-vitamin, let alone a homeopathic or holistic remedy! Makes for interesting conversations!

Kate,

I have experienced these exact symptoms (even the ankle pain)to the point that I was considering medication (which I detest). A friend of mine turned me onto a new pajama on the market called "Goodnighties" that is made with an ionization process in the fabric that takes away muscle pain and night sweats etc. It was the ticket for me. I sleep perfectly again and it has made all the difference in my life. I now am trying to spread the word to those who suffer because only those who haven't slept know how debilitating it can be. I think they are only available online- hope you get some sleep!

Hi Megchat....
I couldn't believe you were talking about Goodnighties! we are definately on to something my cousin just sent me a pair and I just love them! they are so soft and comfortable and the best part... I sleep like a new person! no more #$%^&* night sweats and wild dreams.... there's something in that fabric that really works!! I just bought 2 more pairs! sweet dreams to you too!
Lisa

I had major blood work done. I was told to take iron and tested positive for the Lupus antibody. My Doctor sent me to get more blood tests and the were fine. I continue to suffer from body aches and pain (daily) work out 4 to 5 times per week through the pain.

My hands are sore and I drop things, have problems opening things etc.

I do use the computer quite a bit, work from home and sit all day. I take the dog for a walk three times a day but still sit too much.

I am thinking of changing jobs. I have worked from home for 2 years now and am sooooo bored and depressed. Depression can also cause stress pain etc.

I'm stuck wondering what to do. Staying home when the kids were younger was great as I was there for them after school. But, they are almost grown up, don't need me anymore and I am turning into a hermit.

Many things could be causing this body pain but the depression about my stay at home job situation is not helping.
Kate

(I was just reading some other posts and looking at all the paintings. I really need to take a painting class as I love to paint. Need to find a passion real quick)

Do you like to write?

I'm not sure if your daughter is living with you, but since she does have a digital camera (I think) and has an artistic eye. She could take photos here and there if she doesn't have a bunch of pretty photos.

You could learn to blog. With a purpose in mind. (You seem like a goal-oriented person who might like a passion/hobby with a purpose tucked at the back of your head. :)) Blog abit and figure out things for awhile. Use some of your daughter's photos.

Looking back, I am glad I got myself blogging abit. So wishing you cherry blossom greetings from vancouver in http://cyclewriteblog.wordpess.com

Orchid, I just love the cherry blossoms. They are so beautiful. There are a few streets here that are lined more than others. When they come out I walk down them. It's heaven. Pink snow.

In answer to your question, I love to write, and paint actually. But am blocked. For some reason I just can't seem to get into it. I can easily fall into depression and get all caught up in awful news items. I think it would be better if I got rid of the TV. I don't watch it too much but tend to watch negative stuff.
This kills my creativity and I know it.

My daughter loves to take photos and got the painting bug from me. Now she uses all my canvases and paints. I watch her paint and wish I could just do it. Keep saying I will but don't. Not a very good message to send her :-(

Blogging. I have not thought of that. Great suggestion and I will try it. Sounds like it could release some creative juices.

thanks,
Kate

(and yes, sorry we could not get together when you were over, another time for sure)

Kate,general achiness could have many sources including allergies and depression or arthritis. I know how hard it is to get moving when you just don't feel like it. Have you tried meditation? I find meditating just 5 minutes every morning helps get me in a different frame of mind for the rest of the day. I try to focus on what I want for the day and imagine what it would feel like if I accomplish that. Most days, I'm able to focus and then have a good day. Once in a while, my brain has other ideas and the focus isn't there, but I keep doing it.

Orchid's idea of blogging is a good one. Another way to get the creative juices flowing is free-writing. Just write. Even if you have a whole page of "I don't know what to write" that's okay. It's the act of actually writing that can free the blocks.

Thank you. I am getting wonderful ideas here as usual. I have always meant to meditate in the mornings so should just do it.
I do automatic writing but not enough of it. I find this helps with troubles I am dealing with.

So, note for self, buy a journal and some more paints and canvases. (my daughter has used up all mine)
Kate

It is so easy, Kate, to know what we should be doing, but so hard to actually do it! I find myself falling by the wayside sometimes and have to force myself to do what I know I should be doing. I feel so much better when I do. Why do we do that??