The Strangest Thing Happened Options

[TidalWaves]

I had a huge upset this morning and the strangest thing I have ever experienced immediately followed. It felt as though my entire upper extremities were on fire, literally!!

No sweating at all. It really scared me at first, because it intensified very quickly and then left as quickly as it came. Maybe lasted a total of 15 seconds, but it was VERY intense.

I have never ever experienced anything like this.

Has anyone else had this happen and what was it?

Thanks,

bev

[TidalWaves]

Is there anyone who has experienced this?

I tend to internalize, so it wasn't like I was outwardly upset at all, but it immediately felt as though my skin was burning

and it was VERY intense!

God, I wish I could explain it. All I can say is it was very bad! I panicked and began taking my clothes off.

This was not your typical hot flash or flush or whatever you call it. This was my skin literally BURNING and very suddenly!!

I don't mean to go on and on about this, but I am so perplexed about the whole thing and why my body responded in this way.

[suzpaterson]

(((TW))) - No I haven't but I betcha it is a type of personal summer - Float would know I bet...so would others. I think you are fine!

Peace
Suz

[epdp2]

((((bev)))),

sorry that you had that scary experience. i can tell you that i have gotten the 'skin on fire of my upper extremities' sensations & while i don't know if mine have been quite as intense as what you describe, it has been freaky.

i get many different variations of flashing & most don't involve much sweating. so sometimes they will be intense heat & skin burning. these typically don't last long for me, but i did have one around a year ago that not only seemed to go on forever, but also had me ripping off my clothes & pouring water on my poor self (hard to do in the car).

hope it was a passing not so joy of peri that will not visit you again.

xo,ellen

[frisbee293]

I've had this too, a few times. It's a scary feeling, but it does pass fairly quickly. I've had it when I've been very stressed out. It felt like I was burning from within, a very weird feeling. I remember asking my doctor's office about it and they asked if I had a fever, and I definitely didn't. Fortunately it passed. I've had very intense chills, too, since I started peri. The only other time I had the intense chills was early in one pregnancy. I think our thermostats are just off.

Frisbee

[TidalWaves]

I'm almost positive it was related to the upset I had, but I just don't understand it. I've certainly had many upsets in my life, but this was so beyond anything I have ever experienced. I remained calm, that's pretty much just my nature, but my body sure didn't feel calm.

Thank you, Suz and Ellen for your input.

I'm not worried that something is wrong, there is certainly much that is not right during this time, but I guess I would like to know why, that's all.

[TidalWaves]

I've had this too, a few times. It's a scary feeling, but it does pass fairly quickly. I've had it when I've been very stressed out. It felt like I was burning from within, a very weird feeling. I remember asking my doctor's office about it and they asked if I had a fever, and I definitely didn't. Fortunately it passed. I've had very intense chills, too, since I started peri. The only other time I had the intense chills was early in one pregnancy. I think our thermostats are just off.

Frisbee

Thank you, Frisbee, for your input too.

I appreciate you and everyone very much.

I've had the internal thermostat go off the chart many many times with horrid sweats, but it felt like I had fire all over the outer extremeties. If I didnt know better, I would have thought I was literally on fire.

I'm sure you all understand. I guess I just can't understand why I responded this way.

Don't pay any attention to me, I'm just working through some things, including this.

[Floater]

Ya, right..like we aren't going to pay attention to you!!! Who do you think we are anyways?? Men?? hahahaha!!!!

So your extremities burned like they were on fire, after getting some rather awful news... My guess it was a combination of a hot flash, an adrenaline surge and anxiety all co-mingled to become something completely different. Hot flashes are experienced in many different ways, some more common that others for sure. Just like you to come up with something out of the ordinary!! The burning skin sensation is in there, can be on your face, your neck, your feet, your upper torso...or in your case your arms. hot flashes sometimes cause sweating, and sometimes not. Anxiety can cause an adrenaline surge, which (for me at least) can feel like my upper body is suddenly full of blood, heart beats faster, face gets hot, etc. The same feeling you get when you are intensely embarassed and blush. So mix those different things together at the same time......

I still think the ice cold flashes are the worse thing in the world. They make me feel death. I feel like I can't really stay alive, being cold right to the bone. Glad those ones are few and far between.

[TidalWaves]

Well it WAS just a bit redundant, Kathie, don't you think?

I just could not get over what had happened to me. I was almost in shock.

I suppose the same goes for those who have such severe heart palpitations.

I have had very minor ones, so I really cannot understand what they are like.

Well, now I guess I know what an adrenaline rush is, if that's what it was. This was totally on the

outside of my body though. I was completely calm on the inside, no anxiety at all, but this feeling of being

completely on fire. I think it started on my torso and ran down my arms and started up my neck and face.

Oh well, you get my point.

[janeann]

Hi TW,
I was going to guess the same thing as Floater.

Anxiety + Adrenaline rush + Hot flash
All occurring at the same time.

Of course you were overwhelmed.

I'm glad it didn't last too long and sad it happened at all.

Take care,

janeann

[Keystone]

I get the very same thing every morning for the last couple of weeks. It scares me and then I get an anxiety attack. It feels like an over-the-top hot flash which includes the burning skin feeling. I then get a little shaky inside and sometimes feel kind of sick.

I have been to an endo for my low thyroid and he changed my meds and also my gyn who says my blood tests showed low estrogen. As much as I didn't want to start HRT, I can't live like this - always on the edge of fear and anxiety attacks.

Hugs to you because I know what a horrible feeling it is.

Here is praying that we get better soon.

[Lostnut]

HI Bev,
Sorry you experienced this.

Im sending ((((((HUGS)))))) to you.

Take care from Deb

[TidalWaves]

Maybe this was a new kind of hot flash for me as someone suggested. I think that was Floater. I saw the start of one yesterday as one of the ladies on here was sharing

something she is going through. Usually I break out into dripping wet sweats, but this time it began to feel as though my skin was burning. Not quite the way it happened the other

day when I felt an inferno was engulfing me, but I could see how the two related. I felt deep compassion for this person and it immediately turned into a heat wave over me.

Oh the joys! Well, at least I know I still have the capacity to feel, it's just in a much different way.

[peri1961]

Sounds like a hot flash to me! I have had the feeling on my arms on fire before.

I dont put anything past peri!

[LadyNRed1997]

I have experienced this myself a couple of times. I describe it as being a fish in a frying pan. The first time it happened i was sleeping and it woke me up. After the initial "surge" then you get hot and then cold. I was so uneasy. Only felt good if I opened the door and got some cool air (we happened to have a cold front that night). At first i thought it was panic attack, but after i had the 2nd one couple of nights later, i decided leaning towards a surge flash. That's what I'm calling it. The 2nd one i was also sleeping. My fiance got up to go to bathroom and that woke me up. All of sudden had intense heat/burn in my upper body, my head, back of neck and shoulders, face. Almost like the nerves underneath my skin were flames. It's electrical if that makes any sense.

Then it goes to normal hot flash and then cool down. But it is scary. Is this what you felt?

[TidalWaves]

I have experienced this myself a couple of times. I describe it as being a fish in a frying pan. The first time it happened i was sleeping and it woke me up. After the initial "surge" then you get hot and then cold. I was so uneasy. Only felt good if I opened the door and got some cool air (we happened to have a cold front that night). At first i thought it was panic attack, but after i had the 2nd one couple of nights later, i decided leaning towards a surge flash. That's what I'm calling it. The 2nd one i was also sleeping. My fiance got up to go to bathroom and that woke me up. All of sudden had intense heat/burn in my upper body, my head, back of neck and shoulders, face. Almost like the nerves underneath my skin were flames. It's electrical if that makes any sense.

Then it goes to normal hot flash and then cool down. But it is scary. Is this what you felt?

It felt as though my body suddenly became a raging inferno. No sweats like I normally have, but very intense heat on my skin!

I jumped from my chair and began throwing my clothes off just as if they were on fire. This was the first time I had ever experienced

a hot flash of this magnitude. I began running around the house for a few seconds until I could compose myself enough to realize what was happening.

Yes, I knew I wasn't on fire, but it so took me by surprise!

[SandraSmith]

I've experienced several different kinds of hot flashes. The type you describe, the almost instant fire-like rush I had for 9 straight days in early 2007. I have not had them since, fortunately. They are far more disconcerting than the type I'm having lately, night sweats and day sweats, sometimes alternating with chills.

[faithcain]

Good morning everyone,
Well I haven't been here in a while. Lifes been extremely stressful for the past year(or 20 years?) Anyway, once again my husband is moving out (today), and I've had a few other bad exoeriences in the past few months. Anyway, I decidd I would start having a glass of red wine some nights to try and relax me. I have not had a drink in 18 years, (another story). Well, the first two times I had a glass of red wine, I felt very relaxed, and was happy that it had the effect I was hoping for. Then last night I had a glass, and 3/4 of the way through, my face, ears and chest got so hot and red. I felt very out of it, kind of a bit dizzy, that it sent me into a slight panic attack. Has this ever happened to any of you after drinking wine? I am so mad, for crying out loud, I can't even have a freaking glass of wine to help me relax! I also have heard what great health benefits you get from a glass of red wine a day, so thought, why not? Anyway, I was just wondering if this has happened to anyone?

[enough]

Oh yes, and the shakes can go along with this as well. It is so annoying. Just when you are trying to chill, it sends you backwards. I know its good for your heart, etc, but during this phase it can throw off everything else. even Dr. Northrup has discussed this. You are not alone and are normal. I hope you feel better.

[mauras]

It sounds like what you are describing is an adrenaline surge and a hot flash together. These are the only type of flashes I ever got. I never sweat, just get the surge of heat that comes out of nowhere. Now that I am used to it, it does not induce the horrible fear it used to.

Maura

[joyceveronica]

Good morning everyone,
Well I haven't been here in a while. Lifes been extremely stressful for the past year(or 20 years?) Anyway, once again my husband is moving out (today), and I've had a few other bad exoeriences in the past few months. Anyway, I decidd I would start having a glass of red wine some nights to try and relax me. I have not had a drink in 18 years, (another story). Well, the first two times I had a glass of red wine, I felt very relaxed, and was happy that it had the effect I was hoping for. Then last night I had a glass, and 3/4 of the way through, my face, ears and chest got so hot and red. I felt very out of it, kind of a bit dizzy, that it sent me into a slight panic attack. Has this ever happened to any of you after drinking wine? I am so mad, for crying out loud, I can't even have a freaking glass of wine to help me relax! I also have heard what great health benefits you get from a glass of red wine a day, so thought, why not? Anyway, I was just wondering if this has happened to anyone?

Dear 'faithcain'

I am sorry for all the stress you are going through.I do hope life settles down for you and better times to come.

Unfortunately,I cannot tolerate alcohol either ever since I was Menopausal.It makes me feel sick,flushed and light headed.It is a pity as a glass of wine can be relaxing.Am afraid it is Herbal Teas for me.Not very exciting.

Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

[sylvia1970]

I h ad a friend, who experienced the same thing whilst being upset one day, but she was so upset she was screaming and she felt this intense heat rise in her back, which made her back stiff. Hers lasted for an hour. She told me she thought it was her kundalini that had risen. This is a hindu based belief that kundalini is hot energy that rises etc. I dont want to go into to much as I have a certain phobia with This spiritual subject, hense I also have anxiety and ocd, depression. I get these hot flushes as well, not as intense as yours, someone once told me that is what it was, I guess it is just another explanation which comes from the eastern side of the world. Non the less I was frightened by this kundalini stuff, because i had read some scarey stories. Sorry this is my anxiety speaking now. I would prefer to think, that in western medicine, it is adrenline rushing and in my friends case, it could have been the rage she was feeling.

She only experienced this twice in her life, perhaps you were also feeling enraged inside and anger can be quite a hot energy.

sylvia

[bchgrl65]

Good morning everyone,
Well I haven't been here in a while. Lifes been extremely stressful for the past year(or 20 years?) Anyway, once again my husband is moving out (today), and I've had a few other bad exoeriences in the past few months. Anyway, I decidd I would start having a glass of red wine some nights to try and relax me. I have not had a drink in 18 years, (another story). Well, the first two times I had a glass of red wine, I felt very relaxed, and was happy that it had the effect I was hoping for. Then last night I had a glass, and 3/4 of the way through, my face, ears and chest got so hot and red. I felt very out of it, kind of a bit dizzy, that it sent me into a slight panic attack. Has this ever happened to any of you after drinking wine? I am so mad, for crying out loud, I can't even have a freaking glass of wine to help me relax! I also have heard what great health benefits you get from a glass of red wine a day, so thought, why not? Anyway, I was just wondering if this has happened to anyone?

I often get flushed and hot when I drink wine. It does not freak me out though, I know it is because of the wine.

[faithcain]

Well, I have since found out it was probably a reaction to the sulfites in wine. Red has more sulfites tha white and some people are allergic. I found a few brands with less sulfites and they also make sulfite free and organic wine.
I've still been having alot of the hot face stuff, but am sure it must have to do with stress too. My husband moved out and I found out Monday he's been with another woman. It has been the most devastating thing I have ever been through. I didn't know there was pain like this. Anyway, sure not helping the hot flashes.

[joyceveronica]

Well, I have since found out it was probably a reaction to the sulfites in wine. Red has more sulfites tha white and some people are allergic. I found a few brands with less sulfites and they also make sulfite free and organic wine.
I've still been having alot of the hot face stuff, but am sure it must have to do with stress too. My husband moved out and I found out Monday he's been with another woman. It has been the most devastating thing I have ever been through. I didn't know there was pain like this. Anyway, sure not helping the hot flashes.

Dear'faithcain'

The stress you are going through is very intense.Am very sorry that your husband has treated you so badly honey.Yes,it hurts and stress has a way of making all Menopausal Symptoms more intense.

Please keep coming back here to visit and chat
Enjoy your glass of Organic Wine.

Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

[summertimeallthe...]

This is a daily and nightly occurrance for me. I get so hot I feel like spontaneous combustion will make me burn up to a pile of ashes. I get completely drenched, hair soaked, sweat running down my chest and face, my legs, arms, hands all get clammy and my fingers swell, then BAM the big freeze is on. Have not had a solid night sleep in a long time. I have tried so many different products, to no avail. I do think that when I am stressed the hot flashes are more intense.
I don't remember exactly when they started, and were not this intense in the beginning, but its been at least 2 years and probably closer to 3 . Once in awhile I'll notice that they have lessened and I think Oh good, maybe they are going away......haha then they come back with a vengence.
The worst in dealing with it is when I'm in public, ( I'm in sales) there is no hiding the sweat running and my hair getting wet, looks like someone poured a bucket of water on me. Outside of ripping my clothes off, then piling them back on, I don't have any answers. I've talked to many women, and nobody I know describes theirs as
intensely, so I guess not everyones are this bad. My Mother never had them, she did the mood swing thing
instead.
Where is the reddend smiley face with steam coming out? that best describes this message

[joyceveronica]

This is a daily and nightly occurrance for me. I get so hot I feel like spontaneous combustion will make me burn up to a pile of ashes. I get completely drenched, hair soaked, sweat running down my chest and face, my legs, arms, hands all get clammy and my fingers swell, then BAM the big freeze is on. Have not had a solid night sleep in a long time. I have tried so many different products, to no avail. I do think that when I am stressed the hot flashes are more intense.
I don't remember exactly when they started, and were not this intense in the beginning, but its been at least 2 years and probably closer to 3 . Once in awhile I'll notice that they have lessened and I think Oh good, maybe they are going away......haha then they come back with a vengence.
The worst in dealing with it is when I'm in public, ( I'm in sales) there is no hiding the sweat running and my hair getting wet, looks like someone poured a bucket of water on me. Outside of ripping my clothes off, then piling them back on, I don't have any answers. I've talked to many women, and nobody I know describes theirs as
intensely, so I guess not everyones are this bad. My Mother never had them, she did the mood swing thing
instead.
Where is the reddend smiley face with steam coming out? that best describes this message

Dear'summeralthetime'

Well your username sure makes sense after reading your post.At the start of Menopause,before I went on HRT I would have the sweats but not nearly as severe as the ones you are describing.However,my friend Pat did. The sweat would literally pour off her face.

She never did take anything for them but still continues to have sweats five years on but not nearly so severe.I have heard that Primrose Oil maybe helpful.

Warm Wishes
Elizabeth

[mental pause]

I get the very same thing every morning for the last couple of weeks. It scares me and then I get an anxiety attack. It feels like an over-the-top hot flash which includes the burning skin feeling. I then get a little shaky inside and sometimes feel kind of sick.

I have been to an endo for my low thyroid and he changed my meds and also my gyn who says my blood tests showed low estrogen. As much as I didn't want to start HRT, I can't live like this - always on the edge of fear and anxiety attacks.

Hugs to you because I know what a horrible feeling it is.

Here is praying that we get better soon.

I know how you feel I wake up with it I have been to a nueroligist and had test done I am scared of a blood clot or somthing. now that I have found this site I feel a lot less alone because the dr. act like Im crazy.

[antique]

This is a daily and nightly occurrance for me. I get so hot I feel like spontaneous combustion will make me burn up to a pile of ashes. I get completely drenched, hair soaked, sweat running down my chest and face, my legs, arms, hands all get clammy and my fingers swell, then BAM the big freeze is on. Have not had a solid night sleep in a long time. I have tried so many different products, to no avail. I do think that when I am stressed the hot flashes are more intense.
I don't remember exactly when they started, and were not this intense in the beginning, but its been at least 2 years and probably closer to 3 . Once in awhile I'll notice that they have lessened and I think Oh good, maybe they are going away......haha then they come back with a vengence.
The worst in dealing with it is when I'm in public, ( I'm in sales) there is no hiding the sweat running and my hair getting wet, looks like someone poured a bucket of water on me. Outside of ripping my clothes off, then piling them back on, I don't have any answers. I've talked to many women, and nobody I know describes theirs as
intensely, so I guess not everyones are this bad. My Mother never had them, she did the mood swing thing
instead.
Where is the reddend smiley face with steam coming out? that best describes this message

Hi summerallthe time..mine were as bad as that and for a long time too.I'm much better now,but still get hot flushes and slight night sweats.I SO sympathise.Hugs Antique

[justjane04]

This is a new topic for me to explore. I'm 50 years old and in the throes of the strangeness that is perimenopause. Now that I've resigned myself to the uncertainties of what my periods may be like from month to month, I'm wondering about another symptom. I've been reading about everyone else's experiences with hot flashes. I definitely don't experience anything like that but I do have spells throughout the course of some days where I feel like my face is on fire and people at work will ask me why my cheeks are so red. Could this be my body's version of a hot flash? I don't feel "hot" anywhere else....always just my face and never any sweats involved.