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[Lyncola]

I just don't know what to do.
Last year June 2018 I had a hysterectomy, still got my ovaries. From the start of this year premenopausal systems, virginal atrophy, sore eye, brain fog, tingling itchy back, sore breast. But what really bothering me is the sore back the random stabbing pains that move all over my body (from my feet, knees, chest, ovaries, back neck, tailbone, cheeks, bottom and shoulders). They can last seconds and constantly move to different parts. They can last longer, Stabbing pain can take my breath away. Right now sharp stabbing midway up my back right side next to my spine? I feel so sad and tired. I've seen my doctor a lot and waiting to see rheumatologist and about to have another ultrasound on my ovaries. I also on 22 days of sore stomach, my blood test results came back normal, and waiting to hear back on poo test?
My question is to the other beautiful menopausal women is any one out there got these symptoms, and are they menopausal related?

[Bobidy]

Hi, I'd like to try and reassure you. I've also recently had a hysterectomy retaining ovaries. My peri symptoms started a couple of years ago with physical pains being the worst of my symptoms. I had various checks for MS, Arthritis etc which thankfully came back negative. The drs final diagnosis was fibromyalgia. It wasn't and isn't for lots of peri/meno women.

I had numbness, tingling, electric shocks, hotness, muscle aches, joint pains etc. All related to oestrogen receptors around the body conking out and joints not being lubricated.

I finally went private to a meno specialist as my dr would not accept the possibility it was hormonal and wanted to prescribe amitripoline (sp.) which I didn't want. Within 5 mins Dr Newson diagnosed peri and I've been on estrogel for nearly 6 months.

You also really need to look after yourself with exercise (yoga, 1kg hand weights and walking for me), vit d3, Omega3, vit b complex. Lots of water, healthy eating, no smoking/drinking/caffeine. Also try Epsom salt baths/foot baths for magnesium.

It's important to have the checks done to rule out other things but I think oestrogen will really help you. We are both lucky we don't need the progesterone. I've found estrogel really good as you can up and down the dose to suit you. Dr Newson told me to do that.

I initially started half a pump for a couple of weeks, the 1 pump for a couple of weeks then 1.5, then 2 pumps for 3 months. I felt better quite quickly but then dipped again so gradually upped my dose to 2.5, 3, 3.5, which seems to be doing the trick. I had headache, felt a bit sticky and sore boobs when I first started but this quickly went.

My foot arches also randomly collapsed (I think caused by peri muscle problems) which caused lots of back, hip and knee pain. Again the drs didn't spot this and I desperately went to a podiatrist who diagnosed immediately. I have little inserts now which stopped all pain. You might want to get that checked out too.

I still have some muscle stiffness, particularly if I'm in one position for a while, but nothing like it was before. I've recently started Androfemme testosterone (oestrogen levels need to be raised before starting this). I'm hoping this will combat the dreaded brain fog and help with the muscles too.

I'm not sure how old you are but if you are younger you may want to ask for a DEXA scan to check your bone density. I've recently had one as osteoporosis runs in my family. I'm nearly osteopenia so I have a marker for checking where I am now for the future.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is light at the end of the tunnel for you but it might take a while and a bit of tweeking to get there. I don't think any of us ever get back to 'normal' again but it does make you make a lot of healthy lifestyle choices which can only be a good thing. Xx

[Lyncola]

Thanks for your reply. I'm 45 years old had my hysterectomy at 44 years old. At the start of the year when all the back pain started I had blood test and X-ray, cancer was ruled out but they found degenerative disk disease in two places and start of arthritis. She had no idea what was wrong with me about all the random stabbing pains over my body was, it only with me still complaining that she referred me to the rheumatologist. I told her I thought it was premenopausal.
Earlier this year I went on Rimmifemmi herbal tablets for three weeks and all my pains improved. But then I got stomach pains and went off. I asked my doctor for HRT, but she said no when I told her my ovary pain was back again. I'm due to have another ultrasound in three days (this will be number 12 in 3 years). So until they can sort out my ovaries, they won't let me go on HRT. Can I please as you a question, Ive had pain (muscle) everyday this year, but I get days were the pain really bad, especially when I'm active, was that the same for you? I'm eating healthy, and have cut out a lot of sugar. I don't drink alcohol or coffee and I don't smoke. I clean for a living, and I go walking every day and do Pilates very morning to keep my core strong. And I'm still trying to workout why 20 days and counting the sore stomach? I don't think that's premenopausal?

[Bobidy]

Hi

If you aren't on hrt, and even if you were and on a low dose, as we still have our ovaries post hysterectomy we still get all the period cycle symptoms just no bleeds as we don't have the wombs.

So a few days before our period would have been due and the first few days of our phantom period the Oestrogen levels are rock bottom so all the symtoms are worse. Muscle and general pains, mood, tiredness, emotions etc. As we have oestrogen receptors all over our body we get symptoms everywhere. You mentioned eye pain. I had this too. I even went to the opticians to check it out but my eyes were fine. All the mucus membranes dry out with low oestrogen so dry eyes, sinus problems, dry mouth, dry skin etc etc. I don't have this any more.

You probably notice that everything is much worse for 1 week a month. The trouble is post hysterectomy it is difficult to judge when this time would be. I started trying to predict but this went out of the window. Now I'm on hrt I barely notice it now, and it used to floor me.

I don't get the muscle pain when active, in fact the opposite, it's when I'm inactive. But I certainly did when my arches collapsed. Take a look at your feet when you are stood up. Do they maintain a natural arch or are they flat. Ask somebody to watch as you walk barefooted in a straight line. Are you overpronating, by that I mean are your ankles rolling in as you walk. If so this pulls all your posture out, your knees and hips will go in and your back will be under a lot of strain.

I think the pains may be some nerve pains. I had this for ages and they can start to get really over sensitive and so painful. Did you have an MRI to check your discs weren't trapping a nerve? Mine did go eventually. Nerves are great at regenerating themselves.

Your lifestyle sounds really healthy so nothing to work on there.

I have a hiatus hernia so acid reflux is another joy I have to contend with. I've had this years so can't blame the peri but I know a lot of ladies on here have started with it at this time. I was on the tablets for it a while back but they are bad news so try to keep it under control naturally now with good success. Cut out alcohol, fizzy drinks, caffeine, spicy food, citrus fruit, tomatoes, anything with citrus acid, chocolate, greasy food, sugary food (it's easy after a while honest ). Don't eat huge meals, don't eat late, sit upright 2 hours after eating, have supplements and medication with/after food. Avoid NSAIDs if possible. I find kefir yogurt helps. It could be those supplements you took have irritated your stomach a bit.

I wonder what the ovary pain is? Is it a cycle thing? Does it just happen a couple of days a month? Did you have your Fallopian tubes removed during hysterectomy?

I wonder if, after your ultrasound, it might be worth going to see a meno specialist? It is expensive, but you have these other things to take into consideration. If you have atrophy starting that definitely needs addressing and local hrt (Vagifem) should not effect your ovaries I don't think. You may only need to go a couple of times, they can write to your doctor and then they can take over.

I see Dr Newson, who is a goddess! But she has 12 other specialist doctors and some specialist nurses at her practice. If you haven't already done so check out her website Menopause Doctor, there is loads of info on there and useful podcasts etc.

We are a similar age and you are too young to be going through this without the doctors considering hrt for your current and future health. Hopefully your ovaries are fine and they can just be monitored with ultrasound and you can start hrt. Do try vitamin D3 and Omega 3 supplements though as I found these helped with aches and pains before I started my hrt.

You might want to try full body massages too. These helped me loads and I'm desperate to go back now I've waited ages post surgery. Swedish massage tends to be a good allrounder. Failing this you can self massage with any oil (almond is quite good or boots will probably have something) or rope in your other half. Using palms not pokey fingers!! Also try the Epsom salt baths, hot water bottles etc. X

[AgathaC]

For what it's worth, I've got most of this including the feet problems!!!

[CLKD]

Hi!  sit down.  Get a cuppa to hand.  Rest!

As oestrogen levels naturally drop off muscles may become lax = aches and pains.  Over the Counter pain relief can help.  As for stabbing pains I get those, enough to make me go oh! and it's gone.  The body may become dry too, inside and out - do read the threads on vaginal atrophy ;-).  Make notes.   For me it's itchy insteps and back of my shoulders.  Not all the while thanks goodness.  Enough to have a back scratcher to hand 

Gentle regular exercise.  Keep well hydrated.  Eat little and often.  A little of what you fancy  as well as plenty of fresh fruits and veg., tinned veg to add to soups etc.; it's The Change, does what it says on the tin   

Some ladies find that keeping a mood/food/symptom diary of use.   

[Lyncola]

Many thanks for the reply's.
For virginal atrophy from about March this year I have been using Ovestin two nights a week and Vagisil two times a day. It helps, when I started having my sore virgina, it went all day and I was very uncomfortable. But I still get some problems, I would say I'm about 75% better. I offend wonder because my doctor only got me to take it full time (Ovestin) for one week. Were on the information it says to take every night for three weeks?

For my ovaries and why my doctor didn't but me on HRT. I can have a month off ovaries pain everyday? It why she sent me to do another ultrasound and I'm about to do my 3 month follow up. My ovaries can get so painful at times, it wakes me up I can barely walk, and have to take medicine that takes 30-45 minutes to kick in. A couple off times the pain was so bad that if the medicine didn't kick in, I would woken my husband up and had him take me to emergency, but it hasn't come to that yet. My worst day this year when I was Remmifemmi went for 36 hours straight with high pain.  My bad days comes about 36 days apart and was really bad when I was on Remmifemmi.  At the moment I'm over 3 weeks off ovary pain that comes and go through the day, about medium pain for me. I really wish they took my ovaries then I had my hysterectomy. The gynaecologist said I was better off to keep them. After my hysterectomy I complain about my ovaries pain and the gynaecologist told me this was a good thing, that they are working. And to expect pain with what would normally be my cycle. Which was fine until 4 months ago.  It's been three years off pain now and two operations on them.

For getting massage, I would love too, but money is tight, and trying to pay the mortgage off, so I can stop working. But I do have a wonderful husband who will give me a massage with Tiger Balm on me.

So I hoping to get the all clear from my doctor, which I don't think I will. So hopefully will be referred back to gynaecologist so I can bitch to them. Another option my doctor is considering (the ultrasound might show it) with the bad stomach and ovaries pain, is that my internal operation 15 months ago is leaking pus and instead of my stomach acid eating it up. It's become stringing and attaching it self to my ovaries and holding them in place? She said the only way they would know for sure is to do a keyhole surgery again or the ultrasound might show it. At the moment I not interested in being cut open again, unless they take my ovaries. She said it could also be endometriosis again?

[CLKD]

Ahhhh - if you had endometriosis maybe ask for a referral to the Consultant who did your Surgery.  Take a list of symptoms with you and discuss.  "Pain" is a warning not a sign that the ovaries 'are working'.  Aching over the area for me would be more acceptable but pain !?!

There will be a reason for this pain around the ovaries - if the GP suspects endo. why hasn't she referred you immediately  - obviously not a sufferer herself!

You can use the 'ovestin' for 2/3 weeks to get symptoms under control.  If your symptoms are bothersome then use it for 5 nights with pain relief to ease feelings.  I also spread a little 'ovestin' in and around the labia area to keep it moist.  Let us know how you get on!

[Lyncola]

Well I had my ultrasound a couple of days ago and nothing change. My doctor said she can't put me on HRT. And if she sends me to gynaecologist my ovaries aren't bad enough for them to do anything. I have to wait another 3 months and do another ultrasound. She said we can then consider say to the gynaecologist that I want to go on HRT and see what they think of my ovaries.

I'm getting sick off having sore stomach 30 days now, poo test came back normal as well as my urine and blood test. Still haven't had a poo test for blood in my poo. My doctor doesn't see concern about that. I've started a dairy free diet two days ago that I have to do for two weeks. Hopefully that will help. Lucky I've got vegan daughters, so that hasn't been too hard.

Does anyone get sore tail bone too? Only started about a month ago. Comes and goes. Plus dizziness like that feeling you get after you been on a plane?

Got to love menopausal 

[Sammas]

cola I've had a sore tailbone for a few weeks now.  Have a post on here.  It comes and goes in terms of aching intensity x

[Lyncola]

Hi Sammas, the tailbone thing is strange, I had it two weeks ago for about a week on and off. And I also get it at night, it wakes me up with how sore it is. I get up walk to the toilet and about time I get back  too bed it's getting better. Im finding tiger balm and stretches help.

[Sammas]

Lyncola I have been doing yoga stretches to help.  This menopause melarrchy Is crazyx

[Jeepers]

Hi Lyncola

How are you feeling today?

I just wanted to say that I have wondered if fibromyialgia was a possibility for me, just because I get so many aches and pains.  Sometimes sharp stabbing, sometimes burning, and sometimes a deep gnawing ache.

Bobidy has given some great advise and insight (thank you)  I'm now wondering if I should get checked out by a podiatrist, I get aching in my left hip, doen my calves and ankles.  Although I also get shoulder pain, and electric shock type pains at the base of my neck, so not even sure about this.

Sammas., what type of yoga do you do?  I'm just starting Pilates, and have a provate appointment for the initiall assessment.  I really hope I can improve things.

I've been taking green lipped muscle, which seems to help, but now I have something like eczema on myy forehead, and I'm a little worried that the supplements might be to blame (I never had eczema before menopause). 

Take care

Jeepers xx

[Lyncola]

Hi Jeepers

Feeling the same today, menopausal wow what can I say, I didn't think you could get so many different problems. I'm even wondering now if my stomach issues are being made worse with menopause.

This whole pain in the body is just strange, and can be in so many different
parts of the body, but mainly from bum to neck. Can be a long dull ache like under my ribs, or a short, sharp stabbing pain and can move and change places though out the day. Go to get of the toilet in the morning and my hip just goes on me? Lucky I don't seem to get pain at night so sleeping okay.

I'm just eating healthy (stop dairy to see if that helps with my stomach) and doing 15 minutes off Pilates. I've  been doing Pilates everyday for six years now, which really helps my back and gives me a strong core, and 30 minutes of walking. In three weeks I see a rheumatologist, but I wonder even if she tells me I got fibromyalgia, would I believe her. I will question her could it be menopausal.

I will keep everyone updated. But feeling much better for being on menopause matters and I'm not the only one getting strange menopausal symptoms.

[Lyncola]

Hi it's me again,
I went to see the rheumatologist this morning and she was wonderful, I have been given the all clear on fibromyalgia, which is great.
But looks like my back will course me more problems in the future. I've got start of osteoporosis in my spine and degenerate disk disease (which I all ready knew about) she would like me to get MRI on my back (which I will book in start of next year so I can save up). And do more Pilates (I do 15 minutes very day) but working on building the top of my back muscles.
As for the other weird body pains she doesn't know why, so I think probably menopausal related.
Thanks to all the beautiful menopausal ladies for replying to me