Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: libby1 on December 22, 2011, 12:58:30 PM
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I have started this thread because we all seem to be getting odd symptoms and worrying about them.
So I suggest we post them on here instead of googling them and frightening ourselves :o
It doesn't matter how silly they sound, if they cause you any worry - post!!!
I will start the ball rolling. For the past couple of weeks I have had odd aches in my right outer labia, no lumps, bumps or anything different. Very weird! And yes I have googled it, stupid woman!
Hugs to all fellow worriers ;)
Libby
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Googling is definitely the fast-track way to anxiety and paranoia ::)
Libby, could you have a slight infection of some kind?
As for me.... I'm terrified that my recent inability to have a smear done (turns out I had a bacterial infection) means I will never, ever be able to have a smear ever again. I'll heal over. It'll put paid to any sex life.
And I have a rescheduled smear appointment in mid Jan. Eek. Don't want to think about it! :-\
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Googling is definitely the fast-track way to anxiety and paranoia
The internet has been my 'downfall' even when being directed to it by a doctor - who as it turned out gave me a wrong diagnosis.
Some GPs point you at the internet - my daughter has been told by her GP ' go and look this/these up and come back and say what you want' .
ghiro x
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Can't believe a gp would ask you to check the internet! That's awful!
Grumpy, how does an infection stop you having a smear?
Libby
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Slightly off topic. I think the leaflet that comes with medication, listing the side effects scares you to death. They leaflets have started saying 'one in ten will get one of these symptoms, '4 in every 100 people will get one or more of these symptoms'.etc. I know they have to inform you about the possible side effects, but it doesn't half put you off.
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I had this weird feeling in my head this morning.
It felt like a tightness round my forehead,I felt wobbly and my vision seemed blurry.
Now it feels like I'm getting a headache
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Grumpy I read that as though you had already healed over :o ........ didn't you get a followup appt.?
As for googling, one has to see who is funding the 'topic pages' as in any 'advice' which is 'out there', be it the daily media or on the internet.
Me - I'm weird anyway :whist:
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Libby
Just to ask will this thread will turn into something similar to googling if you give someone an answer ? - maybe not directly but by quoting your own experience.
I could give you another possible reason for labia ache which may then worry you.
No offence to anyone meant.
Ghiro x
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I ache in different places on a regular basis, so much so that I googled MS last week :( but nothing fits my symptoms so it must be something much worse ......... hey ho! not enough symptoms to go to the GP but enough to have me make a list 'cos I'll forget otherwise ::) ......... I trip and fall sometimes, I forget words or peoples' names :-X perhaps it's all 'within normal limits'?
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CLKD- me too! I feel like I'm going to trip and fall over.
Also forgetting things too.
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Yep - no longer weird but 'usual' ::)
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I have actually thrown medication away after reading the side effects on the leaflet, but they have to cover themselves for fear of litigation.
Spot on! It's worth glancing at the leaflet, but keep in mind that the side effects (or the worst of them) are rare.
Regarding the labial ache, I had that a couple of years ago and I went on to develop a sebaceous cyst
I had one of those a long time ago - very uncomfortable but thankfully quite harmless :)
Libby & CLKD - haha, well it did panic me a bit! I couldn't have the smear (despite a rather ham-fisted attempt by the nurse, THREE times!) because I was sore and swollen. Plus, she couldn't find my cervix because it is apparently 'tilted'... something I didn't know despite having been through childbirth :o. Anyway, I haven't 'healed up', but it's funny what you panic about in such a situation. I've had antibiotics, CLKD, and have a new appt for the smear in Jan. Bit miffed that I wasn't given a proper follow up though.
This thread is definitely less anxiety-inducing than Google - remember that the worst case scenarios always come up first on Google because those are ones everyone clicks on first! Google just isn't very supportive ;)
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Girls, it's just a thread to share worries not diagnose or worry anyone. That is absolutely the last thought in my mind.
It's just that I know many of us get weird aches and pains and it's good to share, isn't it? Because everyone else thinks we're all mad anyway ;D
Libby
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I think its a great idea... googling can be frightening.. sharing on here is different, kind of comforting i think, to realise weird symptoms being experienced are not just peculiar to yourself !!!!
Dyan i too have the tightening feeling in my head that you described, it petrified me the first time it happened and i waited all day for something dreadful to follow... needless to say it didnt ;) I actually had it myself today, its a really strange sensation isnt it.
I get aches and pains in places i never thought possible sometimes the whole of my body aches down to my fingers and toes, I can hardly move, all my muscles feel bruised and sore.... there are very few days when i feel what i class as "me"
To be fair the list of "weirdys" is endless !! and all very scarey and confusing ::) thank goodness for this forum.
love to you all ..... and a merry and symptom free Christmas :-* :-*
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Exactly Mrs P. Pour me a drink please.
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Well for the past couple of months I have had pains in my upper back at night in bed and when I first get up. Its not backache though - just pains around the back ribs.
I read an article in the paper yesterday about a doctor who noticed that his dressing gown had become tight around his expanding midriff along with vague pains in his upper back plus a bit of indigestion and nausea. He had pancreatic cancer so now of course thats what I must have because of my back pains and expanding midriff.(http://penguinforum.miniclip.com/images/smilies/rolleyes_animT2.gif) (I don't have the other problems though)
It did say that pains in the upper back are not normal and should be investigated but I so hate going to the doctors with non specific problems.
ariadne xx
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Ariadne, I had pains in my upper back for about 3 months and thought it was all sorts of nasty things :(
It ended up being a problem in my neck causing pain in my back ;)
I was very stressed about it for a long time and did go to my gp but like you, I had no other symptoms. I eventually went to an osteopath who treated me.
It's definately the hormones causing all this stress and worry. I used to be quite normal - I think ;)
Libby
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For the record, I've also had pain under my right ribs, in my chest, heartburn, underarm pain, weird facial numbness, pins and needles in my arms and legs, finger and thumb pain. All of which didn't last but terrified me at the time :o
Libby
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Neck tension can cause all sorts of referred pain. Check that you're using the right sort of pillow and that your mattress isn't too hard/soft. I've had lots of neck, shoulder and back problems over the years (mostly work related) but did find that they got worse with peri. Chiropractors and physios have helped a bit, Alexander Technique a lot and also having a goose down pillow (bliss!) and a good mattress with a microfibre topper.
Bette x
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Why goose down Bette?
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It moulds to your shape and then reverts back once fluffed up. Think it's meant to give better support - I just know that it feels gorgeous! :wub:
Bette x
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I might have a look at those then in the new year. Can you wash them?
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Possibly not - must admit that I've never washed a pillow! :oops: They're expensive but I got mine in the John Lewis sale after a friend waxed lyrical about hers.
Bette x
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We've got feather pillows and they wash really well!
Libby
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Oh Libby, you've reassured me no end even though I'm sorry to hear about all your pains. I don't have any neck pain though - did you? I did wonder if it could be an arthritis type pain. This time last year I had a persistent nagging pain in the left ovary area which lasted several months then just disappeared. I'm hoping this pain will do the same.
What is the differnce between a chiropractor and an osteopath?
ariadne xx
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Ok, Dyan, Jules, Ariadne, et al I'm typing on my wireless ipad2 keyboard and you cannot know what a deal that is for this old broad. Dyan and Jules, try TMJ - you can bet on it if the scalp feels tight or pains in almost anywhere from back of head to shoulders, neck, jaw, blurry vision, different teeth aching, and on and on. And Ariadne I have pain across the mid back all the time - ended up getting a cardiac catherization for it once - and mid back pain is OFTEN caused by computer posture - the leaning forward shortens the abdominals and raises havoc - can mimic gall bladder disease, cause mild nausea, gas, a fake reflux (squeezes the tummy) and on and on. My computer has ruined me!!!!
Today and yesterday Don's computers got trojans, virus, and this am I spent five long hours on with a tech who could not fix it - usually they can take over remote and because we could not get on the net, we could not go remote so five hours of computer hell.
Ok that's my non-google outpouring for today. Hope you are all in bed sleeping soundly - whatever that means - haven't slept right in years.
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Ariadne, no I didn't have any pain in my neck either but Trey is right, poor posture can cause all sorts of problems, mine was a combination of both, that and stress which made me sit or stand with my shoulders hunched up.
I think an osteopath treats the whole body and a chiro just the problamatic bit? I stand to be corrected ;)
Trey, I'm not sleeping well either, keep feeling hot but not sweaty. Bit of a pain because I like cuddling my hubbie at night ;)
Libby
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Trey, I've sat at a computer for 36 years during my working life so common sense tells me you are right about posture. I've found it very difficult to change my posture over the years, starting off with good intentions then finding myself in the usual slumped position within minutes!
It can be one of my New Year's resolutions perhaps ;D
ariadne xx
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DO NOT let ANYONE manipulate your spine or pelvis unless they have seen a recent x-ray! :cuss: ......... you could end up wheel-chair bound >:(
I ache all over these last few days, not all the while but I keep going 'oh' :o
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OH OH!!! TOO LATE!!
:o
I literally just came out of Google and a symptom checker and on to here to see if anyone else could offer me some support when I saw this thread!!
You ladies must be mind readers!! ::) ;D
Anyway - my symptoms today are (and have been for a while): Lower back ache, a soreness in my 'ovaries' (had this before and they said it was IBS).....lots of anxiety over it........plus, I havent had a period since the middle of October but have had a few weeks of 'spotting' then last week i had some yukky stuff after sex ??? which has kind of freaked me out!!......
*sigh....
Hope you are all set for crimbo tho ladies and not allowing all this horrible stuff to freak you out as much as i am at the mo!
Jemima x
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Aches and pains in my arms. Of course its my heart ::)
Bloated stomach and slight queasiness of course is cancer.
My mind goes into over drive and then I get ratty with everyone. I try not to moan because I would be a right pain in the a**e. It would be a new moan every day and I just dont want to ask my OH to listen. He is not a particularly sympathetic man anyway and this would drive him mad.
Although I would listen to him .... :-\
Honeyb
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We're here to listen Honeybun ;)
Libby
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Iv'e got to have steroid injections into my lower back, well I googled it
and it's scared me, seems it's really painful to have done !!!
Anyone had it done ? Hoping it's not so bad as Iv'e read. :-\
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Hi catlady
I did a search as I thought that I remembered a thread on this and I did - yours!
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,13339.msg227924.html#msg227924
Maybe you didn't see all the replies? They sound encouraging. :great:
Bette x
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Catlady, no googling >:(
I have let the side down too :(
New Years Resolution, no googling of any ache or pain. Chat on here and/or go to the gp if worried.
Libby
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If in doubt about any information you see on GOOGLE go then to Bad Science web-site ;) - it's surprising how your mind can be relieved by reading correct and substantiated information :-X
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I have just downloaded the "Bad Science" book to my Kindle for £1.99p, looking forward to reading it :)
silverlady x
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The point I try to make is that reading the source of funding for each article is important ;) - i.e. sugar is good for you, of course it is: according to the British Sugar Corporation [this was in the 1970s ::)]. Drink 2 litres of water, according to the bottled water companies ;)
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My grown up children bought me a Kindle for Crimbo with wifi connection haven't got a clue on how to use it my excuse is the meno has pickled my brain my son said read the instruction manual told him he could as i couldn't be a***d have enough probs with a computer.
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That's sad Leony - and also that your son didn't offer to set it up for you ::)
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He has set it up now and downloaded a couple of free books on it i wanted but i suppose i really should make the effort and read the manual although i don't think i will have much use for the wifi
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what's wifi? I would never buy a Kindle, preferring the smell and feel [nearly said taste :-X] of books old or new.
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You need a WIFI connection to download books from Amazon, you can also surf the Net with Kindle. once you have downloaded any book, you can go to the Menu and you have the option to turn "wireless off" its a good idea to do this because then you don't have to charge your Kindle up so often.
silverlady x
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OH has got a tab rather than a Kindle but downloads books in the same way. He can also "borrow" books from the library - they appear on his tab for a limited amount of time.
Bette x
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Here is a good UK ebook forum. http://www.ebookforum.info/which-is-the-best-ebook-reader/
silverlady x
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wifi is connection to the Internet without a wire going into the device you are using. You need to know your Internet servers password. Once you have gone through the instructions to connect the device by entering this at some point that's it.
My Kindle is wifi and 3G. The 3G is a different way of connceting to the devices server so I can download a book where ever I am.
YouTube is a good way of learning how to do things. They often have people demonstrating things. I've found it helpful when I haven't understood instruction manuals.
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What's wrong with a real book :o
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I also got a Kindle for Christmas from my son. There is not an instruction manual as such....its all on the Kindle. I have just sort of played around with it and have discovered all sorts. I have to say I think its great.
I did feel like CLKD but after all the library cutbacks I am finding it difficult to get any of the latest books.....so Kindle here I come. Its very different but I like it a lot. I am looking forward to down loading loads of books.
My son bought one for himself for his last year in Uni. His book list was huge and came to around £800. He managed to download all the books he needed for a fraction of that and his bag was not stuffed and so heavy. Its was great for him. I think my OH wants to download some books he cant get from the library.
I think I am a convert. ;D
Honeyb
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Hadn't thought of that aspect, i.e. the student needing lots of reading material.
I am selling books at our local market on a Friday, all those we have read over the years. I buy as many as I can 2nd hand and once read they either get passed on or go for sale. At least the loft space is cleared now!
As for Googling ............. wonder what 'constant runny nose' would show?
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Dusty Book Syndrome perhaps :o :o
Honeyb
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Our flat isn't large and storing books is a problem so my Kindle is great as I don't have to worry about it. Also less to dust ;)
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Jan 1st and I've already googled :o Now stressed and worrying. I'm off to the gp on tuesday to discuss my worries (again!)
I'm so fed up with worrying that everything is something awful :'( It all started 18months ago when I hit peri, will this worrying get better? Does it go away? I'm not depressed, just a mega hypochondriac.
Libby
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It does get better and we do stop worrying as much. We go for years without symptoms and then every twinge becomes the possibility of being the biggest problem ever :(. :foryou:
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Thanks CLKD
Libby
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Wondering all afternoon [can hardly be all day as I didn't wake until 9.40 :o ] what it was you Googled exactly :whist: :kick:
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Vaginal polyps/skin tags :( I went to the gp about them in November but I need reassurance. Why have they suddenly appeared? Is it another meno thing?
How do they treat health anxiety? Don't really want to take anything but I'm fed up with feeling like this. It's not all the time, just every so often.
Libby
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I think that the best thing for health anxiety is CBT. Why not ask your gp about it - he may be able to refer you. I would have thought that it would be particularly useful if your anxiety isn't constant - better than being on meds permanently.
Bette x
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Hi libby1
I went to doctors earlier this yr. told wasgoing through peri. Noticed lumps at entrance of vagina. Doctor looked and said they were vaginal skin tags. Like you, my anxiety is hell!! But they been getting bigger and more coming. They can really irritate certain times of month. I'm forever feeling them to check which makes them more irritated. I'm gonna see if I can get them removed. But your not alone and I'm glad I have found someone who gets the same as internet says about them on outside but not inside. Have you seen doctor since this post ?
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I absolutely agree! Googling makes our fears bigger and creates obsessions! When I diagnosed with early menopause at 41 I was convinced that my life was over.
Googling made me feel in panic and that taking hrt is a very very dangerous decision.
The only benefit was that I found the forum!!!😘