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[greysky]

I went to the doctors to review my meds. I told him all my joints and tendons hurt. He suggested more of the gel.
Which has turned me into a hormonal crying monster.
I took an assessment the week after upping them and was so slow and awful I failed. I feel awful because I failed and because I'm like a hormonal monster. I don't feel in control of my emotions, I sleep worse than I did before HRT and I still get the odd hot flush.
So I'm going to do less gel and see how I feel. Or stop it altogether. I don't know.
I've had a mini meltdown this afternoon because my phone won't connect to USB.

[Dorothy Gale]

I know its not much help to you...
But I read your post and wanted to offer a huge hug and that you're not alone.
Wish I could do more...but just felt I wanted to reach out and offer much love on another difficult day x

[Ermin2trude]

This is a tricky one. On the one hand, too much oestrogen bloats us up and causes joints etc to swell and become really painful. Progesterone is a diuretic that keeps this in check. On the other hand, not enough oestrogen causes painful joints too as we need it for lubrication.

So all I can suggest is that you experiment with more gel, less gel or zero gel to see how you feel.  It’s not you that’s failed, it’s medical science failing us. Getting our hormone’s balanced is incredibly difficult.

Have a hug.
Ermin x

[SarahT]

I am so sorry you are feeling so awful right now. Sadly many of us know just how you feel. You yourself are not a failure, you are struggling with a huge hormonal upheavel.
It can take a lot of tweaking of hrt for many symptoms to feel better. Has your dr taken blood tests to eliminate arthritis? Sometimes gentle exercise can help with stuff joints, but it is a balance not to overdo things and make things worse.

I too send you a hug

[Katherine]

Greysky, you're not a failure at all, you are just upset and struggling and this is all complicated by hormones and lack of sleep. It could be progesterone affecting your sleep. If you're going to quit HRT  I would do it gradually because it can be too much just quitting suddenly. I hope you feel better soon. xxx

[CLKD]

U R not a failure!  Hormonal upheavals isn't our fault.  It's The Change, does what it says on the tin!

As oestrogen levels fall muscles may become lax = aches and pains.  The body may become dry: inside and out.  Oestrogen is the elasticity of the body .......

Stop the extra gel.  Sometimes the body can become overwhelmed if HRT is increases too quickly.  Go back to where you felt more comfortable.  Little steps.  The body doesn't get where it is suddenly unless there is surgical intervention.

I would also ask for a referral to a dedicated menopause clinic as there are waiting lists. NOT a gynae .......

[greysky]

Thank you all. I'll try less gel tonight!

I've got a physio appointment coming up as my knee is definitely not right on top of everything else hurting.

Blood test for arthritis is a good shout. I will go through my notes to see what I've had tested a few months ago.

Ps: your kindnesses made me cry but thank you all! 😁

[CLKD]

Blood tests for Rheumatoid arthritis may be worth asking for: osteo arthritis - wear and tear - can be confirmed by X-ray.  Because we walk upright the lower bones are impacted from the head downwards.  Apparently we are taller first thing?

I have ignored my quadriceps muscles [thighs] which can become lazy = weaknesses.  Cycling can help as can swimming - or quads exercises.  Note to self ;-).

Let us know how you get on. 

[greysky]

I've looked at my blood test results via the app on computer. 

From 2010
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 12mm/h (Normal range 3-9)
Serum C reactive protein level 4.3mg/l

[Kathleen]

Hello greysky and welcome to the forum.

Some years ago  I  was diagnosed with an auto immune disease  and I have been having blood tests twice yearly ever since. For this reason I know that the two results you have posted are markers of inflammation.

Your ESR rate is over the normal range which suggests that you have some systemic inflammation some where in your body. You haven't included the normal range for your CRP rate but my lab considers 6 - 12 normal so 4. 3 would be okay in those circumstances.

You state that these blood tests were done in 2010 is that correct? If so that is thirteen years ago and I suggest that you ask to be tested again.
If you do have some inflammation this may explain your aches and pains and you can be given the appropriate treatment.

I hope this helps in some way and please keep us updated.

Take care.

K.

[CLKD]

ESR - something that I wrote many times as a medical secretary without knowing what it stood for  . Years ago it was used as a pregnancy test ;-).

Having up2date blood tests may be the way to go, initially for RA.  That will give a base line as will an X-ray of the appropriate painful area.

[SarahT]

That's interesting Kathleen,

Indeed to get home of my own recent blood tests to look at the results myself. My g.p ( and my physio who has been overseeing my osteoarthritis) are both looking at auto immune problems for myself. Just had a cortisol blood test this morning, then next step would be a referral to  a rheumatologist,or, as my physio suggested fibromyalgia.

I think I need to keep an eye on my results myself rather than just take the g.ps answer. Many of my results always seem to be on the low side of acceptable ranges.
Thanks

[CLKD]

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease characterised by clawing of the fingers in particular due to pain and inflammation.