Hi Everyone

I am feeling so rough today and no one around me understands - I know you girls will! I tried to do some housework today but everytime I got hot I suffered from palpitations and some weird skipped beats which didn't last too long but made me feel odd. I gave up with the housework and rested but haven't been able to stop worrying about it all. I last had an ECG (EKG) at the end of July which was all normal as was my blood pressure. I never seem to feel 'normal' or well anymore as there is always something rearing its ugly head. My doctor finally examined me regarding the recurring chest pain and told me I had inflamed rib cartilege but the Diclofenac she gave me makes my stomach hurt so I stopped taking them. I feel like my rib cage is being squeezed all the time almost like Braxton Hicks contractions. I get so scared and cry at the drop of a hat. I feel like I am going mad half the time. I went out with friends the other evening and burst out crying on the escalators in the tube station because it was going too fast! (I use a crutch to walk so it wasn't easy getting on them but I've done it before!)

My doctor is of no use despite being a woman (older than me) but she refuses to acknowledge peri and is only prepared to hand out anti depressants and I'm NOT depressed! I don't know where to find a doctor that specialises in women's problems. I don't know what to do to snap myself out of this - in theory I know why I feel like this, why won't my brains accept it?!! It's stopping me doing anything. I have a fair bit of weight to lose and in the last two months or so have managed to lose 16lbs (a drop in the ocean really I have tons to go!) I am very determined this time I am going to shed it and pray it will help with the way I feel - I don't feel better up to now! My eyesight fluctuates on a daily basis too - I feel like a hypochondriac, I'd be at the doctors every day if she would listen to what I'm saying but to be fair I don't know what symptoms to mention as the list is too long for anyone to make sense of!

Sorry for the ramble - I don't know what to do or where to turn. I'm 46 and these symptoms really started to hit me in April this year. I take a few supplements although I can't say I've noticed any improvements in anything.

Venus

Hi Venus,

First of all, a big (((HUG))).

So many women could have written your post. I've been on Power-Surge since '03, and have seen a GAZILLION posts like yours! It's such an intense and strange time - we, who managed quite well to do what needed to be done each day in the past, thank you - suddenly feel like strangers in our own bodies. It's VERY disconcerting.

To a large degree, it helps when we can get to a point of not fearing what is happening, just "riding" the symptoms as much as possible.

Have you read the books of Claire Weekes? Her most well-known is Hope and Help for Your Nerves. That book was my BIBLE during the worst of my perimenopause issues. Many, many women here at P-S have been heartened by her words. She is no longer alive - she was writing these books during the 1960's and 70's, and they are still utterly relevant!

I pray you'll feel better soon. You're wise to just push against the feelings as you can - do a little housework, then sit and rest, then get up and do a little more. It will become easier in time, Venus.. Take heart. A day at a time, knowing it won't go on forever.

Luv,
JJ

Venus.....I could have written what you just wrote!!....I know just what you are going through......mine also started in April........I have been to every type of doctor,had every test done from head to toe, all blood work done.....the abnormal things were my hormone levels which were all low!......my female doc also tried to put me on Anti depressants,and or mood stablizers.......which I will not take because of bad side effects 7yrs ago when I was going through a divorce...she said then there was nothing she could do for me.......I did find a new doc!........I now take xanax which helps for the anxiety.......Im sorry that I can be more helpful to you but just wanted to let you know I understand what you are going through.......and am here to talk too if you need.......on the plus side I am starting to feel a wee bit better lately.......I just try and keep myself busy......valerie

What comes to me when reading your post is that you feel overwhelmed by the most normal of chorse,daily duties, like taking care of the house. I have been struggling with this for years. The best thing to do is to take it a day at a time - easier said that done, but with practice, you will get better at it. Also, get super organized to a riduclous point. This helps too, if only temprorarily.

I'm waiting for the day when I have a whole lot of projects in front of me an I can't wait to dive in and take care if it all, because I know I can when my hormones permit. good luck to you.

I really feel for you! First let me say that I agree about the antidepressants,you need help with your problem.do you take any hormones?I take a low dose birth control pill and it really helps.Palps used to affect me so badly but I now take 500mg of magnesium daily and no longer suffer with them like I did.Take some time for you today,just take some deep breaths and remember you will be ok.GOD-bless

Thank you JJ and Valerie for taking the time to reply to me. It's so hard to imagine that the pains and odd feelings are normal and there is nothing wrong with me. I'm glad nothing is wrong and that I am healthy, I just wish it would feel like it! I keep looking in the mirror to see any changes and there are none - I still look like me!! I read these boards every day pretty much and I know we are all suffering its just some days, like today I feel on my own. I have just been told by a nurse that this is all down to anxiety and my symptoms are not hormone related... I'm so glad I found this site!

Venus

Me too! I have different symptoms - but it all started with a bang in late August. I last had a period in June. I've always been an active, fun loving person who doesn't worry much. Suddenly I have anxiety, depression, horrible insomnia, crying jags especially in morning, hot flashes, headaches, muscle tension, numbness in hands & feet. I have no energy except between noon & 8 pm. I have also been tested for a number of things I don't have. I just did a saliva hormone test for my naturopath so I'm waiting results. She told me to go ahead & start a small amount of progesterone cream while we're waiting. I did the first application last night but don't feel different so far - still had insomnia, & feel horrible this morning. I know it will get better in afternoon though. My pcp tried to put me on prozac but I don't want to take it. I would rather have xanax or valium for sleep - but so far she won't give me that! Why?! I'm going to try some natural things but it's hard waiting for things to work. This is the worst feeling ever....I haven't had this very long but I can't wait for it to be over! for all who are going through this - let's hope we all feel better soon!

Happy Owl..........the progest. cream takes awhile to make you feel better........I did feel better in a week from it but some say it takes longer....remember if your progest levels are low it will take a while to build it back up........why do all these doc want us on ADs!!!....

I don't take any hormones - my doctor won't even discuss it. I take two Chelated Calcium Magnesium and Zinc combined tablet - the magnesium is 133mg per tablet - do you think it would be better to just take the magnesium separately. I've been on them for two months now along with Evening Primrose Oil 2 x 1300mg, B100 complex 1 x, Red Clover x 2 430mg, Black Cohosh 2 x 40mg and Vitamin E. I just read last night in a book that Vitamin E should be 800 iu and my tablets say 1 x 100 iu per day. In fact, most of the dosages are not at a level stated in the books I've read but on the bottles it says not to increase the dose! I am confused to say the least!

My doctor doesn't seem to like me asking questions as she never answers me. She won't send me for tests or referrals either. No one has been able to recommend a good doctor as everyone I know seems to be unhappy with the ones they have. I'm seriously thinking of going private.

Although I feel like I have swallowed a rock that's got stuck in my gullet I am starting to feel a bit better - lets hope it lasts!

Thanks girls!

These unsympathetic female doctors make me so, so angry...

The male ones do, too.

JJ

Hi Venus,
I can so relate with you! I get the heart palps and have alot of muscle pain in my chest. Do you have any compound pharmacies in your area? When we moved to a new area and I needed to find a doctor that would work with peri I called some compounding pharmacies and asked them for doctors in the area that worked with women with bio-identical hormones. This saved me alot of time dealing with doctors like yours! My family practioner says the same thing....it's just anxiety...not hormones. Panic attacks and anxiety were my main symptoms when all this started (we are the same age by the way) and it has taken me alot of work and research and just plain patience to get my body balanced. Be patient.....get educated on peri......SLOW DOWN.....rest. I get the palps too.....watch your caffeine intake...including chocolate. Take mag supplements and don't freak. If you've been checked out then you can just figure it's your fluctuating hormones causing the heart palps. I had my heart doctor just tell me that some people are just more in tune to their body and pay more attention to the heart beating (this is SO me!)
Take one thing at a time....don't try to tackle every symptom.....I take prog and test. The progestone was my main thing I needed. My compound pharm does saliva test on me to determine what I need.
Keep coming back here....you understood.....
Oars

I'm in the UK - we're quite backward with all this from the looks of things. To be honest, I haven't got a clue where to start looking for a doctor that might specialise in our problems. I do take things easy at the moment mainly because I was made redundant in April. I was looking forward to not working after 21 years and then this all hit me! I can't believe that now I have finally decided to get fit and exercise that it makes me feel ill - how crazy is that?! I've booked myself for a heart scan in November as I am so worried about all this - it's costing an arm and a leg but hopefully I'll get some real answers and mainly peace of mind as I really can't cope at the moment. I'm even scared to have alchohol and won't eat anything I don't know how it was prepared or what's in it. I seem to have gone off eating chocolate - not sure if that's a good thing! I've turned into a complete fruit loop! I know a lot of us are suffering which in a perverse kind of way helps - I never suffered with my periods or PMS since they started at 13 - sure am making up for it now! It's hard telling yourself it's 'nothing' when it feels so bad. I'm quite glad I am not working at the moment as I don't know how I would cope with this. I still can't believe how this is trivialised by doctors - especially female ones!

Dear Venus,

I feel so bad that you are having such a rough time.

I never had any PMS-type symptoms either. Then meno (the first round) hit me like a ton of bricks, and I really thought I was down for good. Now meno has hit a second time, and things are much better. I have a really great female GYN. I do encourage you to try to find a doctor who can empathize with what you are going through. I know the expense of going private is quite a burden, but if you can swing it--even for a consult--it may be worth its weight in gold. I would start with the nearest teaching hospital and ask who in the OB-GYN Department has particular expertise in menopause.

One thing I can assure you of for certain: You are not going crazy. You are not alone. And you are certainly not without people who understand. There is an entire community of women here ready and waiting to support and care for you.

Please come around often. We all want to help.

Warmest regards,
Marcy

Hi Venus:

I am terribly sorry that you are having such a hard time. ((((((((((Venus))))))))))))))

I have been having som symptoms for 10 years but since Dec 2007 they have overwhelmed me. My GYN is a nice lady but kind of irritating because she wont do anything since "my numbers" are in a normal range. My question is - who's normal range?

I pray that you will feel better quickly.

Hi Venus,

I am also 46 and have a huge amount of weight to lose, i get heart palpitations and have been feeling quite dizzy for sometime. I know by my symptoms that i'm in perimenopause because my cycle has gone out of whack.

Being large makes everything harder too, i don't know how much you weigh but i weigh about twice as much as i should, thats my only vice really as i don't smoke,drink or take drugs.

I've noticed since turning 40 i have felt a lot worse as the years go on, getting old stinks hey?

As for those doctors who won't listen to us when we are going through such a hard time, they should be struck off! they infuriate me and a lot of them have couldn't care less attitudes!

I'm starting back with weight watchers next week because i recently tore the cartilage in my knee and packed on 12 pounds through inactivity, so here's hoping i can stick it out, but i say to people you can't go cold turkey, pardon the pun when it comes to eating! you have to eat to live.

I have found that since eating two bananas a day i feel quite a bit better, i shall add some "Banana" facts to this post
Good luck and i hope you feel better soon


Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit.

It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.



Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.



Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.



Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.



Overweight
and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.



Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD suffer ers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic ra te rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels.. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hol d the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!



So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'

Thanks for the support everyone - truly appreciated!

I have about 140 lbs left to lose - it's hard because I have congenital hip dysplasia and have arthritis so moving about hurts but I can cope with that pain better than the palps! Hopefully peri is the kick up the behind I need to shift it once and for all. I'd like to think despite being heavy I haven't eaten rubbish food. I have always cooked fresh foods and only have takeaways now and again - having six kids it's too expensive and I've never been a fan of convenience foods so all I've done is increase the amount of fruit and vegetables and reduced the carbs. It seems to be working so I am quite pleased.

I eat two bananas a day on average as they are my favourite fruit - I didn't know they were so useful!

Let's hope we all have a good day today!