Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: DaisyB on June 03, 2017, 05:20:52 PM
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hello girls
I posted a new thread in 'private lives' as I'm desperate for some reassurance and advice - if anyone has a minute could you read and leave a kind word of wisdom for me?
DaisyB xx
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:o Meant 'personal experiences'
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I thought that you had responses?
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Just the two CLKD - I'm out of my mind with worry - pins and needles and left hand bit slower as well as thumb jerking. Convincing myself it's not related to peri - my mind is feeling battered. Not sure what's going on - can't being myself to talk about it to anyone. My leg and arm are burning with pins and needles. Am desperately hoping someone with thyroid knowledge or with experience of same will respond.
DaisyB x
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Apologies if I have went about this the wrong way girls!!! I originally posted in the personal section, as I understood it isn't available to the public. I did that because I have started to realise that I am giving a lot of personal info that also involved my family.
CLKD - I hope that explains why I have posted twice?? I got two lovely and helpful replies - but was hoping for someone with same symptoms to reassure me that's it not more serious. My anxiety is telling me it's MS - and I don't say that to offend anyone - it's what I am feeling.
I woke this morning at 4am - pins and needles up and down arm and leg in left side. Forefinger numb. Reflex slower in terms of clumsiness. And thumb jerking like crazy. Anxiety off the scale.
The coil and estrogel seem to have settled other symptoms- but anxiety is dreadful and is focused on the current symptoms.
I'm due to return to work on a week and I don't know how I will manage. mood is very low, anxiety very high, and I'm actually frightened to explain the latest symptoms in depth to GP incase she gives me an'look' and wants tests!!
I am getting chiropractor treatments - and this feeling of weakness on left side has been there since January along with everything else. But now pins and needles are constant and worse and i just wanted to share.
CLKD - please don't be offended by this but all I needed was a little comforting from ladies who have experienced the same ( if there are any) it wasn't helpful to question why I had posted twice -
I make no excuses but perhaps I am using this forum incorrectly - I'm new and on no other forums - and just recently discovered that certain sections are available to the public. That said I worried that my post would be missed by the majority - as I myself usually hop on and just check all things menopause if I'm pushed for time.
Thank you
DaisyB x
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I've added pins and needles and numbness to title - in the hope that it resonates with some women on this forum. I've also searched previous posts and have found some threads of similar vein
Thank You
DaisyB xx
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Yes there are lots of posts about pins and needles as i've looked them up myself!
I started with pins and needles in my hand and fingers then other problems. I thought it was coming from my neck. Got referred to physio who said it was tight muscles caused by my poor posture. He gave me exercises to do which i didn't bother with much then not long after it all disappeared.
When i looked on here it seemed quite a common thing in peri. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also common in peri.
Don't apologise for thinking MS but also don't be scared by it. I know 3 people with MS and they're all leading normal lives. There is a member on here with MS..Smokey?
I would say anxiety is maybe the cause. I have a family member with health anxiety. The mind is a powerful thing and it can make you experience symptoms. You are probably more anxious as you know you need to return to work soon.
Best thing is to go to your GP to seek reassurance.
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Sparkle and megamind thank you so much - crying reading this - am so scared.....
Feeling such a burden to my family so keeping most of it to myself. Felt like throwing myself out a window last night as my mind was in so much turmoil.
Thought the coil and gel had things under control then this raised its head.
Your words are a comfort and reassurance to me. I've PM'd couple of girls who specifically mentioned some of my symptoms- but I think the time has come to acknowledge I need help with the anxiety.....
Just when I felt I'd cracked it - it crept back up and knocked me off my feet. I agree about MS - but having spent 2 weeks with my dad in the neurological ward - out of my mind with worry about him - and seeing the suffering of others. I guess it didn't help xx
I really appreciate your kind and comforting words
DaisyB xx
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I feel for you Daisy but from reading your posts, you have an awful lot going on at the moment and so it's no wonder you feel the way you do.
I always type my latest symptom in to the search box on here and it's always reassuring to know that others are experiencing the same thing. I am amazed at what can happen in Peri.
Two of my friends have had a shoulder problem in peri...I can't remember the name just now (possibly rotator cuff) but their arm started with pins and needles then kept going numb. They have both had operations on their shoulders and are OK now.
I think the fact you wake up with pins and needles etc has probably occurred from your sleeping position but then I would say the feeling triggers your anxiety and you 'feel' the sensations throughout the day but I would think this is your anxiey. I quite often wake up with pins and needles but once I shake my hand or hang it over side of bed it disappears. I also have had lots of odd tingling and sensations in peri. I did monitor it for a while and it always seemed to coincide with when my period was due.
I would go back to your GP and just explain how you are feeling and how you think it is effecting your family. Maybe just talking to the GP and getting reassurance about your pins and needles will help but if they offer you some tests then please don't be afraid of them. It will be much better to find out what is wrong but I really do think it's your anxiety creating it.
Keep posting and hopefully we can all support you x
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Just googled 'twitching thumb'.
Twitches not caused by disease or disorders (benign twitches), often affecting the eyelids, calf, or thumb. These twitches are normal and quite common, and are often triggered by stress or anxiety. These twitches can come and go, and usually do not last for more than a few days.
Now I don't get a twitching thumb but I have had the twitching eyelid many a time and it's always when I'm stressed or over tired. I also get twitching calf muscles.
Regarding muscles twitches. It is one of the 34 symptoms of Peri Menopause. Have you seen this list before?
http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com/
Look at No.31 and 33 x
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Sparkle, I think we have spoken about this before but I also work at a keyboard and am terrible for leaning on my elbows and the hand hovering over the mouse seems to get effected either tingling in my palm or fingers. At home I use a laptop and tend to lean on my left elbow. I quite often get a numb feeling in my little finger plus the tingling or pain in the elbow or down the forearm. It does come and go though but I do put a lot of it down to my poor posture and the fact I do not sit correctly at my desk etc.
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Thank you sparkle and megamind. I've read the 33 symptoms - wondering if that explains my partial loss of taste and smell!! And a strange metalic smell?? Pins and needles are constant - a feeling like I've hit nettles only on one side - but I do feel a bit reassured by this info
Thank you kindly
DaisyB x
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Hi sparkle- just a quick update - pins and needles easing off - just not as pronounced or strong as they were all night. Thumb stopped jerking and finger returned to normal. Still a feeling of clumsiness but def improved. Hopefully will keep heading in that direction. More importantly anxiety has eased and I wanted to say how grateful I am to all of you who responded because without a shadow of a doubt I would not be lying here in my own bed tonight if it wasn't for your help
DaisyB xxx
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Thank you sparkle - even just admitting to parents was a huge step as I have mostly been covering up most of the story by generalising. I've just used lavender on my tummy. I've pins and needles around wrists and in feet - but am telling myself that it's a big improvement and yes the deep breathing got me through last night - the panic was wakening me up - like a bolt of electricity running through me. I'll say it again - you guys are Genuinely worth your weight in gold. Will keep you posted.
DaisyB Xx
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Just felt good to be more open - off course they all know I'm unwell as I've been off work - and I talk about the forum and menopause etc. But I normally don't speak about anxiety and specific symptoms- yesterday I told them all I felt so bad with it on Saturday evening I could have jumped out my window. My nature is to not bother and play down and often joke about it. That's because I feel like I am always sick and don't want them to think I'm a hypochondriac- but I've realised this week that it's ok to be unwell - and so what if I've been unwell for last few years! It's not my fault!
Pins and needles almost gone this morning - a jittery feeling lingering in my hand - and a feeling back to its slightly slower than my left hand - if that make sense?
Is there a technique to your calm breathing sparkle?? I've been doing 4-7-8 into my belly - Dr Weil is on Internet says it's great for panic etc
Thank you for the contact over the weekend - kept me sane :thankyou:
DaisyB xx
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You to sparkle :) I'm starting back to yoga this week - have been off since I stopped work - my sis advised me to make a plan of action yesterday to start being active again. So that's my goal for today :) as well as typing dad's list of medications into an easy to understand format :-\
Take it easy
DaisyB Xx
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Hi megamind thank you for this. Weekend was horrendous. Have taken action today as I am in a much better place. Exhausted and no appetite to speak of but anxiety greatly reduced as symptoms eased. Firstly I cancelled chiropractor as I didn't want to aggravate any problems. He suggested skipping sessions this week anyway and placing ice packs on neck as it sounded more like nerve irritation.
I contacted my manager and came clean in a rambling text about how bad things have been (inc my mental health). I then rang for appt tomorrow with private GP - I want b12 checked and referral to local menopause clinic as waiting 6 mths to see private gynae for check up is no use to me!
I booked a gentle massage :) for midweek and I stayed in bed most of yesterday. I am asking for meds for anxiety as I now realise that it blows everything out of proportion and I lose all ability to rationalise.
I also want to ask her why the HRT hasn't resolved the anxiety and pains and the feeling of lack of coordination- which frightens the hell out of me.
I am not returning to work until I feel able - and am openly talking about anxiety and other uncommon symptoms with my mum and dad - which has it's funny side - my dad is now keeping newspaper clippings of anything menopause related!!
I am also experimenting with CBD oil(legal) as of today - read quite a bit around it relieving anxiety and also influencing estrogen receptors positively. I will start a separate thread to keep others posted on progress (if any). Thank you sincerely - I got through this weekend with the help of you guys reassuring me
DaisyB xx
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Will do sparkle- off to GP this morning. New symptom popped up started feeling very nauseous first thing in morn last couple days. Ate a banana and seems to have helped ;) anxiety rolled over me as soon as I opened my eyes, and I told it to keep on rolling!! I could see it far enough but sticking to my plan this week
DaisyB xx
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Hi girls - sickness leaves immediately if I eat a banana - weird but good. GP has given me Valium for emergency- said to take and do breathing for 20 mins until it works. Also said that symptoms I described wouldn't just appear with severe anxiety if it was something other than hormone related. Referral to menopause counsellor, as well as menopause clinic. B12 to be tested this week and a sick line for 4 weeks to be reviewed end of month. Said I was complex case and she admired the way I was fighting back. I refused anti anxiety but agreed short term if this plan doesn't work. Also didn't oppose CBD oil!
Will keep you posted
DaisyB Xx
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Yes girls happy with her response - she was concerned and discussed fully the complexity - admitted she's learning from me and that she is happy to let me tackle my way for next month but stressed there is no shame in taking meds. She also explained that anti anxiety meds can be really effective in short term use. Told me the latest drugs do not leave you feeling emotionless and can be weaned off after 6 months - by then i should hopefully have found the right recipe on hrt. All in all a good appt.
I noticed I was shaky all day with poor appetite. However this evening appetite returned, i ate well (even though IBS is going crazy) and whole body now feels calmer.
So either there is something in the CBD oil working already OR there is a correlation between estrogen being lower in evening as gel starts to wear off. This part I am no expert on so I will keep a record of symptoms see if I can recognise a pattern.
Will keep you posted
DaisyB x
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Glad to hear you've been referred to a menopause clinic. Of course there is no shame in taking meds if the are necessary but you say you refused the ADs but have been given Valium anyway - I thought this was one such drug :-\? I only ask as I expect you know that this can be come addictive when used too often, judging by the experiences of some women on here (I won't reveal their identities). There is a whole forum dedicated to benzos!
Anyway I do hope you continue to feel better and do keep us updated....
Hurdity x
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Yes Hurdity - should have explained ??? I refused long term daily AD's - accepted a dozen 5mg diazepam for emergencies over next month and agreed to reconsider if my approach doesn't work. Discussed my concerns about addiction - GP advised if I needed to use more than 3 times in 7 days I need to return to her. I hate long term meds of any kind. My parents are in concoctions of some that are life saving and some that they won't come off now for fear of something going wrong. My motto is avoid unless absolutely necessary. That said I have accepted the anxiety needs to be controlled. Hence the trialling of CBD oil in the first instance. I also tried rhodiola which was really good but more for everyday medium level anxiety. I need to control the panic etc so I'll keep everyone posted. Have started a separate thread about it xx
DaisyB x
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Hi - you probably did explain but I can't remember all the threads as v busy and away a lot, also too much gardening! Thanks for explaining again anyway! I presume you've had a look at "nomorepanic" website too? I'm with you on the meds - I only ever take Ibuprofen, Aspirin or Paracetamol and very occasionally antibiotics - HRT doesn't count as meds! I have several times been prescribed and given stuff that I then haven't taken eg stomach meds over the years! However I am lucky because my health is good at the moment. Do hope you manage to control the panic and feel better...
Hurdity x
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Hi hurdity- prob have checked nomorepanic - but have been trying so many things in last few months I can't remember to be honest. I'll go have a look now as pins and needles again in foot and arm and anxiety loitering in background. Will be interesting to see if it explodes into panic - as it did at weekend.....