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[Autumnlady]

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and am adding my unusual symptoms to your list. I am 57 and last period was when I was 53. During pre meno and post meno these are some symptoms I have had.
 The dizziness has been horrendous. Ranging from  so bad I can't go out. When I get this it can go on for 8 weeks before I feel 'normal' again.

Off balance to some degree most days.
Tingling in face. First started lip area and nose. Sometimes one cheek or both and chin and even front of neck. This began 4 years ago, post meno. I saw the doc and had x ray and blood tests for thyroid. The x ray was fine. Thyroid was fine but I have since had blood checks again for this and twice it has been slightly out of range, but the last one was normal.  Doc said I have a form of neuralgia.
This comes and goes. I can have this everyday to some degree and then go months without it only for it to make a return. The strange thing is that when it goes I get a different symptom. For instance I will have hot flushes. These are really best described as warm flushes as they are not like some of my friends who suffer terrible hot flushes. So far not had those. Just watch now, I will start getting them!

I have wondered if the tingling is a type of hot flush or in place of them.

3 years ago I had my first aura migraine which terrified me to the point I was in danger of agoraphobia and ended up seeing a councillor for CBT. I have had the aura migraine episodes twice since and it still terrifies me. Especially as my vision is affected when it starts. Typically lasts around 20 to 30 mins. Scares me so much I have to rush to the loo afterwards. Right now I am feeling edgy after the one I had a few weeks ago. I went to get my eyes checked - a good check and they are healthy, although I have had incidents when I have thought something was moving when it wasn't and eyes have felt bleary or patches of blotchy light, as though I have been looking at the sun (possibly has caught my vision) but now if I get a flash from sunlight in my eyes I feel panicky it's the aura starting. My eyes are sensitive to light and changing light and have been for some considerable time. Though I only need glasses for reading.

I have had bouts of panic attacks for some 20 years but they have been worse as I have gotten older.

Reflux -really bad for some 12 years.
Lichen Sclerosis for 3 years.

I have the memory blocks too so am sure I will be back here adding more.

Hoping I can bring along some reassurance here in other threads for those still going through the period stage.

[Autumnlady]

Hi Sparkle and thank you for your welcome. I am on omezaperole for the reflux (Sure I have spelt that wrong)  I have been on them for around 12 years. 20mg each night. I have tried all sorts to help and some have but not to the degree I can come off the tabs. I am trying sauerkraut at the moment so I will let you know how it goes.
I had not suffered with headaches or migraines until these silent auras appeared 2013 and they truly are scary. Especially with it affecting my eyes when it starts up. Hoping Elizabeth rose will be able to calm me about them. It has made me scared of going out alone in case one comes as it came from nowhere. Mind you, I had got up, rushing about and going to the shops without even a drink so am wondering if that didn't help me. I also recently lost my dad and he went blind before he died and I know it had a psychological affect on me and it is making me worry more. Can't seem to get my head around it all.

[Annie0710]

Hi Autumnlady seeing as though you've been on omeprazole (I've probs spelt it wrong too) for so long has your doc tested your B12 levels ?

That medication I'm sure can massively reduce your absorption of b12 and a symptom of b12d is tingling/numbness x

[Michelle46]

Hi Autumnlady
What you wrote about the tingling over your face and nose is exactly what I'm having now and have been for 6 months. I've seen a neurologist and he wanted me to go on a epilepsy drug but I haven't yet. My jaw, cheeks and face tingles all the time. I've also been having excruciating head pressure for 10 months,I've learnt to live with it now. I had a mri scan and all was ok. A year ago I had anxiety and panic like never ever before. I couldn't go to my doctors,take kids places but that has eased quite a bit due to Hrt. I had the acid reflux and burning mouth syndrome which was awful.
I would never ever have believed these feelings were possible with menopause. I wasn't prepared for this. Did you say you were post menopause?

[Michelle46]

Yes Sparkle that's one thing it did help with

[Autumnlady]

Hi Sparkle, Annie and Michelle, thank you for your replies which are really helpful.

I have had had a range of several blood tests but I don't think the B12 was amongst them - not unless it comes in with 'full blood count'. So I will ask about this at my next visit - also the vitamin D check. It seems I am hearing more and more people with the low vitamin D.

My doctor told me to take 40mg omezaparole last month but I haven't. I told her at the time I am worried about being on it for so long because I have read that because it is lowering acid it is making it harder for my food to digest. She said it isn't doing that but is taking the acid to a normal level. I don't believe that tbh and I am trying to get my digestive system in a better condition with the sauerkraut. Fermented veg is supposed to be very good for it by quickening digestion. I have only been on it a week and take a fork full before a meal two or three times per day. I will see how it goes and have another chat with the doctor if it doesn't improve over the next two weeks. I have always found I need to watch what I eat even with the meds. My doctor is lovely but I don't always agree with her.

Michelle - I am 4 years post menopause and it was just after this that the tingling started. Actually, before this tingling went into my lips/face I had the burning tongue symptoms on and off for some time - maybe a year or two just before other side of meno. Dr said I could take an anti depressant for it but I have not asked for any. It comes and goes. I can have it for months and then not have it for months. This is why I think it is changing hormones as I seem to then get a different symptom to replace it. It's reassuring all your tests came back ok, thanks for that. Incidently I have suffered the head pressure feeling on and off for many years. I know it sounds daft but when I get this I put a thin headband on and it often takes the feeling away. Maybe this is because I actually have a reason to feel some pressure on my head and it makes me relax, not sure, but it does often help. It's awful when how we feel knocks our confidence and stops us doing what we normally would. I have had this happen three times in three years. I have had two lots of CBT and also put myself on a Mindfulness course, which was helpful and I often find myself doing the tapping routines. It's better than nothing for some distraction when the panic rises.
 

[Annie0710]

You would need:

B12
Folate
Ferritin
Fbc

And PLEASE investigate each result, your ranges will tell you you're fine but you may not be, always get a print out of the results

Burning tongue can be b12d too x

[Autumnlady]

Thanks for the info Annie - much appreciated. I need to make an appointment for in a few weeks time

[Michelle46]

Sparkle I don't get on with the patches so I use the gel. 2 pumps rubbed in my arms each night. The patches didn't do much for me and left really sticky black marks. It is all very confusing and the doctors around here are not much help!

[Machair]

I think my most unusual symptom has been days and days of ovulation type fertile looking mucus that used to only appear mid cycle. Also days and days of what feels like PMT like a period is about to start, sometimes does, but often these feelings build to a peak and have even on occasion disappeared overnight. 

[Janice68]

Sparkle when I was trying hrt months ago the tablet form caused me alot of stomach problems to the point I couldn't eat and abdominal pain it was horrible it caused alot of digestive problems for me. Even though I am not on hrt patches or gel  the gel route is  better even though it never helped me. But we are all different. If you are very sensitive like I am try and avoid the tablet form for a later date and if you decide the hrt route try the estrogel route maybe.

Take care
Jan x

[Janice68]

Hi Jan and thank you!  Yours and Michelle's posts have confirmed for me that if I do go down the hrt route I definitely won't be using tablets and will probably ask for the gel, it seems more controllable.

S x



Very much so you are avoiding the digestive tract all together that way. Tablet form is very harsh on sensitive stomachs. As I've said we are all different!!
Jan x

[Machair]

Sparkle how long did that mucus pattern go on for can you remember? Also when did you skip your first period was that a few years ago? Mine was when I was 53 so not that long ago I suppose. Full of PMT today or whatever that is! Hope you are doing well.x

[Autumnlady]

Hi everyone - hope you are having a good day!

Sparkle, yes I have a hiatus hernia. I started with symptoms in 2002. I kept having a sore throat down one side but not other symptoms. The docs kept saying it was a virus and this went on for the best part of two years! They wouldn't give me antibiotics even though it had gone on for dsso long and I ended up with an abscess on my tonsil. One night it swelled and burst, so next morning I phoned the GP. Needless to say I got the antibiotics straight away! It was several months after this that my doctor realised  I had reflux. And that was because I had blood tests which showed I was anaemic. He thought I was bleeding from my stomach but I knew straight away it was because of heavy periods and I had a history of this. However, this is when he sent me to see a consultant about my sore throat problem. By this time I was also having problems swallowing some foods and was pretty scared. Sometimes it felt like there was a lump in my throat. Also each night when I fell to sleep would be woken with liquid coming up my throat. It didn't feel like it was burning at the time but my throat would be sore the next day.

I refused a camera down - which is wrong, I know. But can't stand the thought of it. The consultant told me I had a hiatus hernia and put me on Omezaprole which I have been on since 2005 (Think I said 2002 in my earlier post but it was 2005). I cannot do without the meds. I have tried and went down to 10mg which worked for a while and then I got the symptoms back so bad I was losing my voice so went back to 20mg and also changed what I ate.

I have found that I need to do other things to help myself beside just use the meds. If I go wild and eat whatever I want I am ok for a while then it comes back bad and I have to start all over again with some sort of self help.

Here are things which have worked for me over time but which I become complacent about for a few months and end up back at square one.

Manuka Honey - 10 to 16 strength. I bought from Holland and Barrett. I used a 12 certified strength.  Take one spoonful on a bite of bread before meals and one before bed at night as this coats the throat and helps protect and heal it from any reflux during the night.
I also cut back on sugars and eating junk foods whilst on this. It definitely helped and I did this for several years. Before I used this my throat was raw and it hurt me to talk. A couple of weeks doing this and my voice was normal again. The downside is it is very expensive to keep paying out for real manuka honey. I have just remembered I got a better deal and a better honey from a Manuka Honey producer on the net, so if anyone wants to buy this let me know and I will look if up for you. It is years since I used this as it became too expensive. I still used the meds but they were not enough on their own.

Another idea I used was a diet  I found on the net and bought the books which cost around £30.00. Again this worked well but it is something you need to stick with and it isn't always practical. This is the basic idea of the diet:
Do not eat meat or fish protein with carbs. ( Don't eat meat or fish with potatoes or bread)
Eat meat with loads of veg or salad.
Eat fish with veg or salad.
This can be boring! I used to leave meat out for a Sunday dinner but had buttered and roast potatoes, loads of veg, a Yorkshire pud, stuffing and vegetable gravy. If I had had meat I could not have had Yorkshire pud and stuffing.
Eat fruit on an empty stomach first thing of a morning and don't eat anything else for 30 mins. Or only have fruit a full 3 hours after eating a meal.
A good thing is you can enjoy a chip buttie!
Again this did work with the symptoms but I still stayed on the 20mg Omez.

Another thing which was really good was Silicol Gel. I had a table spoon before each meal and last thing at night before bed. It sticks to inside of the throat and digestive track and heals. It is really good and said to be without any side affect so long as you don't have kidney problems. It is expensive but not so much as the manuka honey. There were no restrictions on length of time to use this product and it informed to use continually for best results. I used it for a round a year and then when I went to buy another bottle the Medical Association had claimed it as a medical product and put their own restrictions on it! Saying don't use it for more than three days and take an hour after other medications. I think it is produced in Germany so I found it impossible to get to the bottom of this. The Herbalist said nothing had changed in the ingredients but the medical association had changed the instructions for use.

Ginger Tea made with fresh ginger. Simply slice around five thin slices from the ginger and place in a pan of water, bring to boil for 15 mins. Take a cup twice a day after meals.  I let remainder cool in a jug and put in the fridge to warm up in the microwave for last meal. I found this to be excellent in conjuction of cutting down on sugary products.  It can give some people a rumbly tum and a bit loose. This happened only a few times to me.

Another thing is to cut out as much processed food as possible. Bread, grain and sugars are bad for me. Even tea, coffee and chocolate drinks make my throat sore if I have them every day. At the moment I am only drinking water and green tea.

As I said in an earlier post I am now trying the sauerkraut as it seems obvious it is what we are eating is not suiting us. In my case anyway.  The meds are to treat the symptoms but are not getting to the root cause. The sauerkraut puts back into the stomach good bacteria, which I think is what is needed.

All the above worked along side my meds. My med alone does not stop the symptoms of sore throat and refluxing during the night. It is what I eat that stops that. Maybe I need to stop permanently on one of the above to stop the meds? I will also add that when there is something special to celebrate I do have a treat and eat what I want for one meal. This works fine so long as I am 'good' the majority of the time. I also go out every Saturday night and eat what I want and have the biggest dessert I can find on the menu! Again I can get away with this so long as I stick to a plan. The longer I stick to a plan the less breaking it for one meal will have an impact.

Hope this helps someone. If I think of anything else I will let you know.

[Elizabethrose]

Hi Autumnlady, welcome to the forum!

I've just read through your posts: poor you what a nightmare peri and meno can be! It never rains but it pours!

I can't help with the acid reflux etc. though Sparkle has a wealth of experience with that as have a number of other ladies but it does seem that you are exceptionally switched on and are trying lots of things to self help anyway. I had heard about kimchee, which is a Korean fermented vegetable dish in some ways similar to sauerkraut, being useful for the health of gut bacteria. I love it, but can't say whether it helps, as it's not a problem I suffer with.

Your tingling and migraine symptoms rang a lot of bells though. Only about a third of migraine sufferers experience an aura and even those, don't experience it with every migraine. It is also possible, as you've found, to have an aura without the headache that more commonly follows. MaryG was another sufferer of this.

It's not widely known but auras aren't just a visual disturbance they can manifest themselves in lots of ways; aphasia, a difficulty speaking, finding the words and also comprehending; hypersensitivity to touch, the scalp and hair can feel bruised and painful; dizziness; confusion; pins and needles and tingling; phantom smells, to be honest the list is long! What causes further confusion is that the migraine prodrome (the period of time before a migraine starts) also has a very long list of possible symptoms too, often similar to those of the aura.

I have never had an aura without a headache following.  I have many different symptoms of aura but every migraine will vary as to what I will experience. I've only had about six visual auras and I do understand how they could freak you out. My first one happened on a morning commute into Waterloo Station and the man in front of me lost his head: his body was there but his head was missing. I truly didn't know what the heck was going on until the scintillating scotoma kicked in. I had to get off of the train and sit on a platform bench for about half an hour waiting for it to calm. Since then if things start to happen, I sit or stop the car and wait it out. They are scary but I've learnt to take control, recognise what is happening and just wait for it to end. I do however completely understand why they would upset you especially as your poor dad lost his sight.

I regularly get pins and needles on my face with aura, most usually around the left side of my lips and chin, (normally the migraine headaches I get following this are severe ones),interestingly I also get this with hot flushes and it creeps up my face with the heat. However, my flushes build in intensity over time and when they become fierce the build up pins and needles disappears. I wonder if this is happening with you but as you don't get the headache it's difficult to identify what is going on. Silent migraines are tricky because the symptoms often mimic other conditions. I have a phantom smell aura, which is a most unpleasant car fume smell that even feels as if it is burning my nostrils! There are some pretty outlandish symptoms that are not recognised by GPs who don't have a comprehensive migraine experience. My first consultation with Anne MacGregor was the most reassuring two and a half hours of my life! I came away feeling normal!

Autumnlady if you would like to PM me for any more info or to ask any questions, please do, I'd be very happy to help in anyway I can.

I wish you well. x