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monicafaye
Hi Ladies,

I am 53 years old and 2 years post meno. I had a DXA bone scan which showed osteopenia in my hips and of course my MD wanted to put me on one of the biphosphonates like Actonel. My mother is on that and has terrible muscle and joint pain, so I declined his kind offer. I had started using an elliptical machine 3-4 days a week as well religiously taking my calcium, magnesium, boron, and k2 supplements. However, the exercise has caused me to develop a mild case of sciatica, so don't know how much of it I'm going to be able to do. I thought the exercise would also help me feel better physically and mentally, but I haven't seen a difference. I feel like I'm about 90. I have no energy or desire to do much of anything but read and eat, of course. My hot flashes have improved somewhat but heat and humidity really sets them off. I am trying to be as positive as I can, but I am really discouraged. There is nothing bad happening in my life to connect this to. I guess I was thinking I would be feeling much better after going through five years of perimenopause. Thanks for letting me whine.
suzpaterson
Hugs to you! You know of course that there is good hope for you, if you take necessary precautions, to not let this progress any further. Make sure that you take the right calcium - which I believe is Citrate?? Better check. You can whine here; it is a safe place for you to do that! Hang in there and take good care of yourself!

Sincerely,
Suz wub.gif
sybilleruth
It is really not the calcium one needs as the magnesium. This keeps your bones healthy. We are calcium rich but very magnesium poor. I think that is why we feel the way we do.
dmar
QUOTE (monicafaye @ Apr 4 2008, 10:46 PM) *
Hi Ladies,

I am 53 years old and 2 years post meno. I had a DXA bone scan which showed osteopenia in my hips and of course my MD wanted to put me on one of the biphosphonates like Actonel. My mother is on that and has terrible muscle and joint pain, so I declined his kind offer. I had started using an elliptical machine 3-4 days a week as well religiously taking my calcium, magnesium, boron, and k2 supplements. However, the exercise has caused me to develop a mild case of sciatica, so don't know how much of it I'm going to be able to do. I thought the exercise would also help me feel better physically and mentally, but I haven't seen a difference. I feel like I'm about 90. I have no energy or desire to do much of anything but read and eat, of course. My hot flashes have improved somewhat but heat and humidity really sets them off. I am trying to be as positive as I can, but I am really discouraged. There is nothing bad happening in my life to connect this to. I guess I was thinking I would be feeling much better after going through five years of perimenopause. Thanks for letting me whine.


Monica,

I can sure sympathize with you about the sciatica. I've been through that myself very recently. I keep on exercising and making the hip and leg work and it helps. It's when I sit for long periods of time that it feels worse, or if I have to stand in place for more than a few minutes. Even then, if I start walking, the pain goes away. I actually felt much worse when the weather was colder, too. Since it's starting to warm up, I am feeling much better.

Hot baths and heat rub are also very helpful to me, not to mention massage. I tried the chiro for a series of six visits and thought I wasn't getting any relief, but as I look back now, it did help. The relief wasn't immediate, but I feel so much better now.

I don't know if I've been any help, but I do hope you can find what works for you,
Deb
malkachava
Dear Monica,

Welcome to Power Surge. I am so happy to meet you.

I have had or have every one of the symptoms you have described, except for low bone density. I can especially relate to sciatica. I had a horrible case when I was pregnant with my first child (a hundred years ago...). It became so bad that I actually spent the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy in the hospital because I could not move. I still have twinges now and again. I also find that exercise exacerbates the pain, so when it comes on, I rest, do lower back exercies more vigilantly, and take ibuprofen. So far, I have never had an episode like I did that first time.

I really understand feeling like you are 90 (only I feel like I am at least a hundred). I try to push myself to do just one thing in a day, so that I can look back at night time and tell myself that I was productive in at least one way. Sometimes, that one thing is taking a shower and washing my hair. Other days, I am able to take on more. With the help of a great psychiatrist I have become my best friend and most ardent supporter. I give myself all the slack I would give to others--not always easy but I refuse to beat myself up for something that is not within my control.

Finally, as for the hot flashes--I have been awakening once or twice a night drenched in sweat and feeling sticky all over. I get up and try to cool down, then I can't go back to sleep. So I nap during the day. I am sleep-deprived, out of sorts, and generally feel like a mess.

What helps me the most is reminding myself that the bad days do not cancel out the good ones. I rejoice in the good days and try to take the bad ones with a huge grain of salt.

I hope you find relief and peace of mind very soon. Please come around often. This is a wonderful community of intelligent, caring, and resourceful women.

Very best,
Marcy smile.gif
Armadillo
According to the latest studies on bone remodelling in post menopausal women, Vitamin D3, also called cholecalciferol, has been found to increase bone density as well as the bisphosphonate compounds, like Actonel after one year of treatment. The women took 1,000mg of cholecalciferol, along with 1500mg of calcium supplementation every day. D3 is necessary for complete calcium and magnesium absorption in your bones. Megadoses of D3, up tp 4,000mg a day, have so far, been found safe to take over time.

I take 1,000mg of D3 every day, along with my other supplements. So far, so good. But you really need to do weight bearing exercise, such as weight lifting or resistance training, if you want strong bones. Walking, running, and other aerobic exercise are wonderful for your heart, but unfortunately, do absolutely nothing to strengthen your bones, especially in post menopausal women.
monicafaye
Thanks for your replies and suggestions. I guess I need to change my mindset and celebrate each good day that I do have. Everything in life is relative and things could be a lot worse. I know I have many blessings to be thankful for. smile.gif
chocolatewoman99
Monica, I can sure relate to a lot of what you posted. Have you considered working with a personal trainer? See what your local recreation center has to offer. They might charge less than a private gym. Making sure your form is correct is the best way to keep yourself from getting injured and to make sure you get the most from each exercise session. Good luck and hang in there!
breann
QUOTE (monicafaye @ Apr 4 2008, 11:46 PM) *
Hi Ladies,

I am 53 years old and 2 years post meno. I had a DXA bone scan which showed osteopenia in my hips and of course my MD wanted to put me on one of the biphosphonates like Actonel. My mother is on that and has terrible muscle and joint pain, so I declined his kind offer. I had started using an elliptical machine 3-4 days a week as well religiously taking my calcium, magnesium, boron, and k2 supplements. However, the exercise has caused me to develop a mild case of sciatica, so don't know how much of it I'm going to be able to do. I thought the exercise would also help me feel better physically and mentally, but I haven't seen a difference. I feel like I'm about 90. I have no energy or desire to do much of anything but read and eat, of course. My hot flashes have improved somewhat but heat and humidity really sets them off. I am trying to be as positive as I can, but I am really discouraged. There is nothing bad happening in my life to connect this to. I guess I was thinking I would be feeling much better after going through five years of perimenopause. Thanks for letting me whine.


hi monicafaye, i am sorry for your pain. its been 7 yrs. now that i have been in peri-menopause. hell, i'm 54 and must be in full blown menopause by now but it feels the same as before. so i am hoping that post-menopause will change things, but when will that be? maybe u should talk to your dr. about lifting weights. i did for many yrs. and i am just starting again. but i know a lot of people with different physical problems where lifting weights really helped. HUGS, breann
agingracefully
QUOTE (monicafaye @ Apr 4 2008, 10:46 PM) *
Hi Ladies,

I am 53 years old and 2 years post meno. I had a DXA bone scan which showed osteopenia in my hips and of course my MD wanted to put me on one of the biphosphonates like Actonel. My mother is on that and has terrible muscle and joint pain, so I declined his kind offer. I had started using an elliptical machine 3-4 days a week as well religiously taking my calcium, magnesium, boron, and k2 supplements. However, the exercise has caused me to develop a mild case of sciatica, so don't know how much of it I'm going to be able to do. I thought the exercise would also help me feel better physically and mentally, but I haven't seen a difference. I feel like I'm about 90. I have no energy or desire to do much of anything but read and eat, of course. My hot flashes have improved somewhat but heat and humidity really sets them off. I am trying to be as positive as I can, but I am really discouraged. There is nothing bad happening in my life to connect this to. I guess I was thinking I would be feeling much better after going through five years of perimenopause. Thanks for letting me whine.


Hi, Monicafaye, welcome to Power Surge; I am 54 and two years post meno and this site has saved my sanity some days. I think you were wise to decline the Actonel. I have read that there is not enough conclusive evidence that these kinds of medications help women under age 65, and that if you take them too early, they may not help you in your later years, when you really need them. My doc wanted me on it, too, as I already have osteopenia, but I refused and have decided to make sure I exercise and take calcium and try to eat calcium-rich foods.

I would not quit exercising. Our bodies are meant to move, so I really believe that your sciatica could get worse if you quit moving altogether. I would take the advice of some other posters here and go to your local Y and talk to a knowlegeable trainer, who can work out a plan for you of mild to moderate exercise. We probably shouldn't be going as hard at exercise as we did in our 20's and 30's, but we're not dead, either, so we need to do something to stay strong. And if you decide to do weight training (which is a very good idea...I've been doing it for 7 years), remember to start with very light weights and go slowly. I don't know how long you've been trying the exercise, but hang with it and get advice from a reliable trainer so you don't burnout.

I am having other post-meno issues and still have the hot flashes, but I really think the exercise is keeping me from feeling worse. Especially on my "high anxiety" days, even a small amount of exercise clears my head.

Good luck to you; I'm pulling for you, because I know how you feel and many days it is frustrating, worrisome, and wearisome. But it helps to be able to "vent" here, so vent away!
agingracefully
QUOTE (monicafaye @ Apr 4 2008, 10:46 PM) *
Hi Ladies,

I am 53 years old and 2 years post meno. I had a DXA bone scan which showed osteopenia in my hips and of course my MD wanted to put me on one of the biphosphonates like Actonel. My mother is on that and has terrible muscle and joint pain, so I declined his kind offer. I had started using an elliptical machine 3-4 days a week as well religiously taking my calcium, magnesium, boron, and k2 supplements. However, the exercise has caused me to develop a mild case of sciatica, so don't know how much of it I'm going to be able to do. I thought the exercise would also help me feel better physically and mentally, but I haven't seen a difference. I feel like I'm about 90. I have no energy or desire to do much of anything but read and eat, of course. My hot flashes have improved somewhat but heat and humidity really sets them off. I am trying to be as positive as I can, but I am really discouraged. There is nothing bad happening in my life to connect this to. I guess I was thinking I would be feeling much better after going through five years of perimenopause. Thanks for letting me whine.


Oh, and I forgot to mention, there is a very good book I would recommend to you called, "Is it Hot in Here, or is it Me?" I can't remember the two authors' names right now, but I'm sure you can find the book on Amazon or you can Google it.
agingracefully
QUOTE (malkachava @ Apr 6 2008, 09:14 AM) *
Dear Monica,

Welcome to Power Surge. I am so happy to meet you.

I have had or have every one of the symptoms you have described, except for low bone density. I can especially relate to sciatica. I had a horrible case when I was pregnant with my first child (a hundred years ago...). It became so bad that I actually spent the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy in the hospital because I could not move. I still have twinges now and again. I also find that exercise exacerbates the pain, so when it comes on, I rest, do lower back exercies more vigilantly, and take ibuprofen. So far, I have never had an episode like I did that first time.

I really understand feeling like you are 90 (only I feel like I am at least a hundred). I try to push myself to do just one thing in a day, so that I can look back at night time and tell myself that I was productive in at least one way. Sometimes, that one thing is taking a shower and washing my hair. Other days, I am able to take on more. With the help of a great psychiatrist I have become my best friend and most ardent supporter. I give myself all the slack I would give to others--not always easy but I refuse to beat myself up for something that is not within my control.

Finally, as for the hot flashes--I have been awakening once or twice a night drenched in sweat and feeling sticky all over. I get up and try to cool down, then I can't go back to sleep. So I nap during the day. I am sleep-deprived, out of sorts, and generally feel like a mess.

What helps me the most is reminding myself that the bad days do not cancel out the good ones. I rejoice in the good days and try to take the bad ones with a huge grain of salt.

I hope you find relief and peace of mind very soon. Please come around often. This is a wonderful community of intelligent, caring, and resourceful women.

Very best,
Marcy smile.gif


Marcy, I just read your post and these words you wrote: "I really understand feeling like you are 90 (only I feel like I am at least a hundred). I try to push myself to do just one thing in a day, so that I can look back at night time and tell myself that I was productive in at least one way. Sometimes, that one thing is taking a shower and washing my hair. Other days, I am able to take on more. With the help of a great psychiatrist I have become my best friend and most ardent supporter. I give myself all the slack I would give to others--not always easy but I refuse to beat myself up for something that is not within my control. What helps me the most is reminding myself that the bad days do not cancel out the good ones. I rejoice in the good days and try to take the bad ones with a huge grain of salt." are REALLY a help for me to hear. Good attitude. Thank you!
LynnAZ
QUOTE (monicafaye @ Apr 4 2008, 07:46 PM) *
Hi Ladies,

I am 53 years old and 2 years post meno. I had a DXA bone scan which showed osteopenia in my hips and of course my MD wanted to put me on one of the biphosphonates like Actonel. My mother is on that and has terrible muscle and joint pain, so I declined his kind offer. I had started using an elliptical machine 3-4 days a week as well religiously taking my calcium, magnesium, boron, and k2 supplements. However, the exercise has caused me to develop a mild case of sciatica, so don't know how much of it I'm going to be able to do. I thought the exercise would also help me feel better physically and mentally, but I haven't seen a difference. I feel like I'm about 90. I have no energy or desire to do much of anything but read and eat, of course. My hot flashes have improved somewhat but heat and humidity really sets them off. I am trying to be as positive as I can, but I am really discouraged. There is nothing bad happening in my life to connect this to. I guess I was thinking I would be feeling much better after going through five years of perimenopause. Thanks for letting me whine.


Hello! I am 55 ,Monicafaye, and I have not felt great for more than one day of my life here and there. I am weepy, plagued by PVC's, anxious most of the time. I don't even feel like the "wise woman" I wanted to grow up to be. In fact, I feel like a helpless girl who can't figure out how to climb out of this deep canyon. I'm new here and I can tell you that my evenings will include looking to you Mello-pausers who may have figured out how to manage this stage of life. I am also discouraged. There is so much info here, is magnesium and calcium coupled with calm thinking the first things to try? I'm at my wit's end......how can I feel alive again - my husband says he's tired of living his golden years with a weepy drag.
monicafaye
QUOTE (LynnAZ @ Oct 18 2009, 02:33 AM) *
Hello! I am 55 ,Monicafaye, and I have not felt great for more than one day of my life here and there. I am weepy, plagued by PVC's, anxious most of the time. I don't even feel like the "wise woman" I wanted to grow up to be. In fact, I feel like a helpless girl who can't figure out how to climb out of this deep canyon. I'm new here and I can tell you that my evenings will include looking to you Mello-pausers who may have figured out how to manage this stage of life. I am also discouraged. There is so much info here, is magnesium and calcium coupled with calm thinking the first things to try? I'm at my wit's end......how can I feel alive again - my husband says he's tired of living his golden years with a weepy drag.



LynnAZ,

I have found quite a bit of relief from two things since I last posted. I bought a biofeedback thingy called StressEraser. If I use it daily it really makes a difference in how I feel and it only takes a few minutes to use. It has scientific backing and has also helped lower my blood pressure.

The other thing I started using is Rhodiola rosea, which is a herb. Most capsules come in 500 mg doses, but that was too strong for me, so I take the capsules and divide them using empty gel caps so that I take approx. 125 mg before breakfast and another 125 mg before lunch. It has made a big difference in all aspects of how I feel both mentally and physically. I also take Prozac at night, but I have had no problems also taking the Rhodiola. I still have good and bad days, but the bad days are SO MUCH better since I started these two things. Just thought I would share my experience. Hang in there!
joyceveronica
QUOTE (LynnAZ @ Oct 18 2009, 05:33 AM) *
Hello! I am 55 ,Monicafaye, and I have not felt great for more than one day of my life here and there. I am weepy, plagued by PVC's, anxious most of the time. I don't even feel like the "wise woman" I wanted to grow up to be. In fact, I feel like a helpless girl who can't figure out how to climb out of this deep canyon. I'm new here and I can tell you that my evenings will include looking to you Mello-pausers who may have figured out how to manage this stage of life. I am also discouraged. There is so much info here, is magnesium and calcium coupled with calm thinking the first things to try? I'm at my wit's end......how can I feel alive again - my husband says he's tired of living his golden years with a weepy drag.

Dear Friend
I am 58 and have been Post Menopausal since age 39.The only reason that I am reasonably mellow is because I have stayed on HRT,which is my personal choice,and take an AD for depression.
Yoga with its stretching and breathing exercises also is very good.
I rarely drink coffee and never alcohol as it makes me very jittery with a strange detached feeling.
You are not a weepy drag only a woman trying to survive as best you can.Have you ever thought of the Bios. as these might help.A lot of ladies do report feeling much better on them
Also get your Thyroid checked out as this little gland can play havoc at this time in many of our lives.
Do not give up until you find something that may help you.

Wishing you lots of luck and better days
Elizabeth
mrsbuff
QUOTE (LynnAZ @ Oct 17 2009, 09:33 PM) *
Hello! I am 55 ,Monicafaye, and I have not felt great for more than one day of my life here and there. I am weepy, plagued by PVC's, anxious most of the time. I don't even feel like the "wise woman" I wanted to grow up to be. In fact, I feel like a helpless girl who can't figure out how to climb out of this deep canyon. I'm new here and I can tell you that my evenings will include looking to you Mello-pausers who may have figured out how to manage this stage of life. I am also discouraged. There is so much info here, is magnesium and calcium coupled with calm thinking the first things to try? I'm at my wit's end......how can I feel alive again - my husband says he's tired of living his golden years with a weepy drag.

hello MonicaFaye,
I can totatlly relate to what you are writing. Where to start and when are you going to wake up one day starting to feel good. I finally lost it last Friday at my doctor's office and they had to keep me for 2 hours to help me recover from a panick attack. It is so discouraging trying to get up in the morning and to try to decipher through all this information. But you know the old expression : one day at a time and one info at a time. You have started with magnesium and it is great. Maybe you need to go to your doctor and have a complete blood work done. if you have done so, have you as well considered some anxiety medications. I was totally against it but started last friday and I can tell you that I finally slept like I have not slept in YEARS!. I don't drink alcohol nor coffee and find that yoga helps. Today, I went for a run, which I have not been able to do in many weeks. I still feel lousy thinking about having to wait for my mammogram results following more diagnostic views but i have to learn that I cannot control everything in my life. MY anxiety is super hight and my comfort is in reading those lines from many women who are a different stages of this process. Right now, I tried to hide my feeling from my husband as he cannot tolerate what he calls my wimpiness and weakness and even refused to go with me to my repeat mammogram. I sleep now in a separate bedroom and just find comfort in reading ps site and believe me, the first few times, it was hard to figure out what info would be the most helpful. I went to buy so many supplements, until I realized that one day a time, one info at a time chosen accordling to what was the most aggravating symptoms and for me, it was the not sleeping so I looked for info about natural supplement and ended up with more powerful medication. Klonopin, is an anxiety med that right away help me to sleep. it may not apply to you but keep looking through this site and I am sure you will find the guidance that you need.
take care
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