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#20752 - 11/06/05 12:37 AM
Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 2560
Loc: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
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I'm 46 and I was wondering if brain blocks are caused by premenopause. The other morning, I was out on my walk and I always pray some memorized prayers before my more spontaneous ones. I got to the Our Father and I could not get past the first line!! I pray this all the time, but I totally blocked it out. I literally had to keep starting it over "Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name"...blank...I had to do it at least 7 times before I could remember! I was getting frantic. Is this "normal"??
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#20753 - 11/06/05 12:55 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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I don't know if it's "normal", but it's happened to me too. With the Lord's Prayer and the 23rd Psalm which I have loved and used in meditation for most of my life. But some mornings, I can't remember the words to either one of them. So I just make up my own.
I've had some very devastating brainfogs in the past few years, but the worst one was when I went to introduce my hubby to someone and blanked out on HIS (hubby's) name! That was horrible.
A few years ago, and for quite a few years, I played piano in the church choir. I've been playing piano since I was 9 years old and while not a virtuoso by any means, could play fairly complicated pieces with very little problem. But one Sunday morning I was in the middle of playing a piece that I knew well, and all of a sudden blanked out on how to play the piano. I didn't know where the next note was on the keyboard, or the next note, or the next note. It was devastating...I had to play about 1-2 minutes of it using only one finger. The rest of the choir couldn't figure out what was going on, but covered for me. I had to take a deep breath, pray for the Holy Spirit to help, and reminded myself that all of that knowledge was somewhere inside of me still...finally it came back and I was able to play the rest of the music just fine.
It happened a few more times in Church (and at choir practice as well) and I finally had to quit and let someone else take over the keyboards. It was embarrassing, frustrating, bewildering and frightening. And it's gotten worse. But I refuse to give up playing the piano, even though I still blank out about half-way through many of my old, favourite pieces...but I can no longer play in public.
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#20754 - 11/06/05 12:57 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 10/11/05
Posts: 645
Loc: boise
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Well Western,
Are you under some stress? I suppose we all are, but I mean unusual stress?
I remember that when I had Nichole at home, my son, my house, my animals, my huge yard, all the cooking to do, the banking , the grocieries, the cleaning, the the decorating, the holidays , and of course the gardens, PLUS going to graduate school, my sister used to say, "Maybe you should see a doctor, you can't remember the simplest things". Then she went back to college at age 50 or so and pretty soon I was saying , see? You can't remember a darned thing either!!!
Stress will do that. Before you head to the doctor, think about what's going on in your life. But if things are pretty normal, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a professional's advice. But how many times has this happened? If it's just once, oh well, we just have "brain stalls" or even a couple of times...More than 3 and I would evaluate my life, see what's up, and if that doesn't answer the question, then I would go see someone.
Let me know k?
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#20755 - 11/06/05 01:06 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 10/11/05
Posts: 645
Loc: boise
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Eagle,
I am worried about you. If something like this changes your life - you've given up playing in the choir? I think this is more than mere passing...Could it be medication? I would love to hear that you have seen a professional about this. Please keep me advised.
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#20756 - 11/06/05 01:46 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 2560
Loc: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
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Searcher, I guess it has happened several times over the last few years, but that doesn't seem "often" to me. I am really good with phone numbers, I can memorize them instantly and remember than almost forever. A couple of times, when I was trying to call my mom (probably when she had cancer) I got the numbers mixed up and it took me a while to remember it correctly. But then something clicked and I came up with it.
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#20757 - 11/06/05 04:06 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 10/11/05
Posts: 645
Loc: boise
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Well, Western,
If you are not worried, then neither am I. But if this worries you, I suggest that you seek some professional advice. When we "worry" I believe our bodies are telling us something...and we should listen.
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#20758 - 11/06/05 04:16 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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Searcher, thanks for the concern. I've mentioned these blank-outs many times to both the doctor at the time of this choir incident and to my new doctor...both eventually just blamed it on stress and/or perimenopause. We moved to a new province about a year after that choir incident. After being in various church choirs almost continuously since I was 6 years old, I decided when we moved here to take a break and be a listener for a change. And since my breakdown in 2002, the continuing fatigue has made it impossible to do anything that involves regular presence and functionality. I'm very okay with that now and have found good new ways to be who I am now, including being here on an addictive basis. What helps make this a great place for me is that I don't have to worry about blanking out on people's names!
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#20759 - 11/06/05 04:28 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 10/11/05
Posts: 645
Loc: boise
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Eagle,
I am glad to know that you have discussed this with others...I'm ok if you're ok. And maybe you NEEDED a break - I can't imagine doing anything since I was 6 years old....No wonder you had your breakdown - and really, I'm thinking your body was saying "I've had enough" and just refused to let you remember. Convenient. And smart.
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#20760 - 11/06/05 04:50 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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Searcher, what you say makes sense except that I LOVED being in the choir. Choir, and especially that particular choir, would have been one of my favourite passions back then. And it wasn't the same choir experience all those years. Junior choir, handbell choir, adult choir, folk choir (with guitars, bongo drums and maracas - hippie Mass), etc.
The choir I was in when this piano incident occurred was one of my favourites...the practices were such fun...we'd practice the Sunday stuff for about 30 minutes and spend the next couple of hours jamming or practising for other events we often sang at. We had acoustic and base guitars, flutes, synthesizer (that's what I played), pipe organ, small percussion, and even a trumpet or trombone at special events.
The blank-out happened several years before my breakdown, so I don't think they were related. The breakdown came after several years of enduring an impossibly heavy workload involving extensive overtime (all day, many late nights, weekends and even call-backs from vacation) at my last job...the deaths of Dad and Mom so close together being the final straw. Now THAT breakdown was definitely my body and mind saying "I can't do this anymore".
Those choir days - and friendships - were some of my happiest years of my life. It was a painful decision to quit, although I usually sat right beside the choir at church after quitting, and still got invited to the ceilidhs and Christmas parties. That choir even made a CD a few years ago...it's one of my favourites.
Ahhhh, nice memories.
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#20761 - 11/06/05 05:07 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/26/04
Posts: 3910
Loc: Alabama
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Searcher, you're such a kind soul. Eagle, I am hoping that the brain blocks, delays or in my case, re-routes(is that a word?)are indeed peri-menopausal symptoms.
Westernbluebird, When I made an appt with my Dr.last week, I gave the receptionist my old phone number...from 7 years ago!! When she questioned it, I said "see, that's what I mean...confusion, alot of confusion...can you get me in earlier." You know, she didn't question it and my Dr. didn't call to see if I was ok...Geez. Eagle I think and hope with us it is pausler symptoms. I'll let you know what the Doc tells me on the 22nd. Wish I could hear you play...got any way to upload?
chick
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#20762 - 11/06/05 11:31 PM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 07/08/05
Posts: 245
Loc: Ocala Florida
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Bluebird It's a good thing we don't live in colonial times as inability to recite the Our father was one sign of a witch- But seriously I think doctor's are much too quick to blame all our symptoms on menopause or peri-meno. When I was all upset because my toes were numb and crying in the dr's office because my one year older brother just had a stroke and I thought this was mine he put me on Zoloft , took a blood test and told me to come back in a month to check my medication- dumb me listened- a month later I was a zonked out zombie still with no feeling in my toes and "cured" as only menopausal- so I suffered 9 months til I could hardly walk because I was mad and stubborn and ended up with spinal decompression surgery. So please get a checkup but I know I get foggy too- Eagle I once called my husband by my Ex's name as I was mad and couldn't find words-not good
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#20763 - 11/07/05 08:45 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 194
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Heaven knows I get what I call "Brain Lock" fairly often and always at the most embarrasing times - I definitely believe menopause has something to do with it; however, stress and tension play a large part in it, too. And I find the more I worry about it, the worse it gets. If I am fully focused I rarely experience a memory glitch, but if there is a lot on my mind and my attention wanders (I am terrible about this!) it happens a lot!
I personally feel there is so much information for us to process every day from so many sources, and we try to do so many things in a day that we are often on mental/intellectual overload and this is a natural response! It's annoying, but everyone I know seems to experience the same thing from time to time!
We need to learn to 'chill' a little, relax and try not to put so much pressure on ourselves - far easier said than done.
The wonderful thing is we have each other to talk to about this, and so much more - I am so very thankful to have found all of you. Thank you, Dotsie.
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#20765 - 11/08/05 08:28 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 194
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#20767 - 11/08/05 08:27 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 10/11/05
Posts: 645
Loc: boise
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Ok, It's my turn to admit.
Here's the problem. I used to be such a good speller. I just somehow "knew" how to spell words. I think I just read so much that the words were stamped on my memory.
It's a different story now. Some of you know that I was whining so much about my spelling that Danita SENT me a dictionary....Yep. It came in the mail. Said, "Searcher, I found your dictionary....It was looking for you also!!!". Pitiful. And now I have to use a magnifying glass to see the entries!!?@#$@#!@@!!! Woe is me.
A little seriously tho', I LOOK at the words I write, and they just don't look right. I think, that's not how you spell that word, is it? I swear. And that's just not right.........
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#20768 - 11/08/05 09:18 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 01/24/05
Posts: 1550
Loc: Colorado
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Searcher,
I'm with you! What blows my mind is that even my fingers have forgotten how to spell words. I look at something I have written and my fingers have written the wrong form of a word. Come hear. NOOOOOOO! Come here!
wat is rong with me????
hugs to ya sista!
d.
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#20769 - 11/08/05 11:14 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 10/11/05
Posts: 645
Loc: boise
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OMG Danita,
How funny ARE you? And I have no idea what's wrong with you 'cause I don't know what's wrong with me!!!!! Didn't I tell you I left my phone in the CAR????
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#20771 - 11/09/05 10:49 PM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/26/04
Posts: 3910
Loc: Alabama
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Posting here so not to cover up posts.The results are in...the Doc says I am definitely menopausal...like I didn't know. I have the brain freeze plus I broke out in sores...yes, I went ballistic yesterday and zipped over to her office. I couldn't wait for my appointment on the 22nd. I imagined everything in the world and when checked, my BP and heart rate were way up there(first time for that too). Turns out, I have eczema. Eczema? Anyone have this happen in menopause? skritch, skritch. chick
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#20773 - 11/10/05 12:03 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/26/04
Posts: 3910
Loc: Alabama
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Eagle...ahhh...I forgot to ask. Geesh...I will on the 22nd. I'll write that down,hah. She gave me Elidel to mix with hydrocortozoneyweweug(spell, lol) and Ambien CR to help me sleep(at night). The Ambien did as much good as a tootsie roll. I have the Eczema on my face, neck and Boobs, of all places. I really think it is a reaction to hot flashes and sweating in those areas (not to be gross). I can't shower after every hot flash cause I'd have to stand in the shower all day. Chatty mentioned having a positive attitude while going thru menopause. I do. I am positive, I am going crazy. I am positive I have every medical condition known. I am positive I...gee I forgot. Hang in ther pausler. I'm wih ya! We'll get thru this even if it kills us...or someone else. A note...I feel like I am multiple personality and talk to myselves...Menopause is a strange friend! chick(s)
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#20774 - 11/10/05 12:08 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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quote: Originally posted by chickadee: Hang in ther pausler. I'm wih ya! We'll get thru this even if it kills us...or someone else.
A note...I feel like I am multiple personality and talk to myselves...Menopause is a strange friend!
Uh, Chick, who's "pausler"...is she/he one of your "selves"?
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#20775 - 11/10/05 12:11 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 2560
Loc: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
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Talk to myselves!!!LOL Good one!!
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#20777 - 11/10/05 08:47 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 10/11/05
Posts: 645
Loc: boise
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Ok. Now I know I'm nuts.
'cause I'm agreeing with everything you people are saying (I was gonna say guys but I am feelling this is a politically incorrect term in these forums) and I'm sure you're nuts. At least one of me thinks so.
Eczema has been a foe of mine for ummmmm - well, I had it BAD when I was a kid - used to "skritch" (what a GREAT word Chick) (no, the P EERFECT word) (and kinda sounds like a Chick) my arms to bleeding. Then it went away for ohhhh, 30 years. Now it's back. I have on boobs, on face, on well, everywhere. I notice it has to do with stress. I personally just ignore it the best I can. One thing I've found that works is just too stupid. I am the QUEEN of the Dollar Store and I found and anti-itch cream for G knows what, but I thought it would be a good thing to have around, so I bought it. Tried it one night on my eczema, and lo and behold, it worked! Now whenever I have the slightest "skritch" I run for the anti-itch stuff and it stops it in it's tracks, Go figure...But for a buck, go give it a try.
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#20783 - 11/11/05 04:18 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 2560
Loc: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
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Well I think that flew right over my head!! I do have a bird brain, ya know!!
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#20784 - 11/11/05 07:07 PM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/26/04
Posts: 3910
Loc: Alabama
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Chatty 'youse' is crazy, tee hee. Bluebird, I have a bird brain too. Searcher, what's the name of that cream hun? I'm skritched to pieces here. chick
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#20785 - 11/11/05 07:30 PM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 10/11/05
Posts: 645
Loc: boise
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Chick,
I posted this wherever we were talking about it before - but it's Anti-itch Cream. Comes in a white tube with red lettering. Also was one called Stop Itch. But I got several different kinds and they all worked. I ususally go to ONLY A DOLLAR, but I know others have them too. Try a few! My ears are skritching right now - gotta go find that stuff.....
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#20787 - 11/12/05 12:06 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 194
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Benadryl Gel works really fast and does a great job, too!
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#20788 - 11/12/05 10:04 PM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/26/04
Posts: 3910
Loc: Alabama
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Thanks ladies. I'm going to try all of them until I get something that works for me. I have a definition for "my" menopause - Stressed to death...when I don't have a darn thing to worry about! chick
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#20789 - 11/15/05 06:00 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 1402
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Bluebird, tonite while I was doing my walk I started reciting the Our Father and forgot it!!!!!!!! I've done that with the Hail Mary too. I just think it's a pretty normal thing and nothing to worry about.
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#20791 - 11/15/05 10:04 PM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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quote: Originally posted by chickadee: I have a definition for "my" menopause -
Stressed to death...when I don't have a darn thing to worry about!
Chick, I missed this one! I'd have to call that the perfect description for me too! It boggles me that I could be so anxious and stressed when there's absolutely nothing going on to be worried about! Where does it come from????
Dotsie's suggestion for the "Gratitude Journal" is working wonders for me. It really is making a dent in my anxiety and negativity. Hasn't done anything for my brain block yet, but...
...I forgot what I was going to say.
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#20794 - 11/16/05 07:10 PM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/22/05
Posts: 1402
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Bluebird, when you finally get into "mental pause" you'll feel like you ARE burning at the stake. LOL!!!!!!!!!
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#20795 - 11/17/05 08:37 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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In the course of my readings, can't remember where (sound familiar) that menopause comes on pretty suddenly, and when it leaves it leaves the same way. Any one here know this to be true?
Worst ever symptom for me is insomnia. Think if I could get the rest I needed, the other symptoms would be manageable. Stress and anxiety are lined up behind insomnia.
So far I tried Sleeptime tea, warm milk, warm bath, Tylenol p.m., occasional xanax, saw a doctor near my home for a UTI a few weeks ago he recommended trazodone...would need to check with my regular GP before taking. Any one heard of this for sleep? If so did it work for you? Also, if you have any insight for a good night's sleep....please share.
Was UTI a problem for any of you during memo?...this is my second within 2 months.
Is it really true that menopause could last for up to 15 years for some women? If, you are beyond menopause...please share the amount of time it took for menopause to move on.
As for memory loss... Called the vet the other day...poor Bridgett itching with allergies. No kidding, they answer the phone...all the sudden I forgot what I had even called for. Had to ask for them to hold for a moment, until it came to me.
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#20796 - 11/16/05 09:14 PM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 03/22/05
Posts: 4876
Loc: Canada
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Brenda, I had a bad stretch of insomnia for about 2 years, but I don't think it was menopause-related. It was debilitating, and affected everything else. I didn't want to resort to meds except as a last resort. The one thing I discovered could ALWAYS put me to sleep was praying the rosary. No kidding! I've never been able to make it all the way through the rosary if I say it in bed. The other thing I did that didn't put me to sleep, but helped me to see the insomnia differently, was I started praying for everyone I could think of (I didn't get out of bed, I prayed while still lying awake in bed). I'd pray for each family member, friend, people I'd read about in the paper or heard about on the news. I got to the point where I was praying about 2-3 hours a night. The amazing thing is that after awhile I began to really look forward to that time. Instead of tossing and turning and fretting about not being able to sleep, I began to cherish those hours as a chance to be a "voice in God's ear" for a lot of people who don't have a voice or don't know how to use their voice. It ended up becoming a very intimate, spiritually-refreshing time, and eventually I'd fall asleep and wake up feeling as refreshed as a person with CFS can feel.
It might not work for everyone, and might not alleviate the frustration. But I figure that it turns a negative stress into a positive blessing.
I don't have too much insomnia anymore, and I kind of miss that extra prayer time! But whenever I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep, I start going through my list of people to pray for and next thing I know, I've fallen asleep! So it works like a charm for me now. I know you love to pray for people, so even if it doesn't ease your frustration at not getting enough sleep, it would at least turn those toss-n-turn hours into prayer time...there's lots of us here who need (or have loved ones who need) those extra prayers! [ November 16, 2005, 01:16 PM: Message edited by: Eagle Heart ]
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#20798 - 11/16/05 11:57 PM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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Each night before turning the lights out, I read from my bible. Read on and on until my eyes are so tired they are slamming shut. Soon as that light goes out...BAM, my eyes are wide open.
Thanks, for sharing what worked for you. Will try bending God's ear a bit more. I'm all for turning a negative stress into a blessing.
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#20801 - 11/17/05 01:43 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 2560
Loc: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
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I used to try praying the rosary in bed, too. Always made me fall asleep. I used to feel guilty but then I realized, you pray the rosary for peace, so of course it makes you so peaceful you sleep! I've heard people say that if you fall asleep praying it, Mary finishes it for you. I like that. Who could pray better than the Mother of Jesus?
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#20802 - 11/17/05 06:06 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 11/07/05
Posts: 1096
Loc: West Chester ,PA
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Bluebird... My first grade nun told me that the Blessed Mother finishes your rosary for you if you fall asleep..that has always been such a great comfort to me as I drift off to sleep..as a little girl I used to imagine Mary sitting on my bedside just waiting for me to drift off...now..maybe it's menopause...but i can get in 6 or 7 rosaries and I am still wide awake!!! What's the deal with that??? Anyway...you are the first person I have heard of to say that. besides me...
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#20803 - 11/17/05 07:01 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 09/20/05
Posts: 2560
Loc: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
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Avalon, we were having this discussion at my Bible fellowship last week and someone said it. I had remembered hearing it years ago. It is a beautiful picture, isn't it? I used to also feel bad if I prayed the rosary and was so distracted that I didn't think I was focusing on the mysteries. I had also remembered someone saying praying it was like handing Mary a bouquet of roses. Then I realized that when your child hands you a bunch of half dead dandelions, it's just as precious as red roses. So I figured even if my rosary looked like the dandelions, Our Mother would still treasure it.
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#20807 - 11/18/05 08:41 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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You know Dotsie, last year I had a whirlpool tub placed in my bathroom. Pure heaven and I just love filling the tub with smelly goods and relaxing. Here lately I have had my share of UTI's, so my tub use has been non-existant lately.
As for the middle of the night praying...tried it last night. Found myself praying then all of a sudden I'm asleep again. Didn't even take a sleep pill...
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#20809 - 11/18/05 01:23 AM
Re: Brain blocks
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Member
Registered: 08/08/05
Posts: 816
Loc: Fredericksburg, Va.
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Never drink Coke anymore but when I did anything after 3 p.m. kept me up. Oh...and I so loved coke.
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