Hello Sandi.... Sorry you are suffering a bit right now. That was how Istarted my shaking waking up every single morniong with acute alarm as if some one called emergency! And all of me would begin a systematic trembling and I would be scared to death and it made it go into a panic attack. I'd spend the rest of the day trying to shake ity off. Now I have noticed that there is a trace of a hot flash as each trembling begins, thats what makes me think it has to be hormone related. The thing I struggle with is What if it is something worse.....and its being overlooked.  I have started to take Mangesium 4oomg twice a day and today I had a good day but I am trembling now! Have heard somewhere that adrenaline and oestrogen peak and fall at different times in the day and thats when our bodies get flooded with the hormones.  Can anyone give more info on this. I have also started to drink Provamel Soya milk as I was told it mimmicks Oestrogen. I'm longing for the day as you say when My life is not controlled by this damned thing and I can be free. Thanks to dearest for her sound and deep knowledge and support. I think I would have flipped out of my mind if it were not for this board. I'll give you a question or to for your appt. on th 19th. Takecare love and hugs

MAGGIE

There should be a face on here that you can put up that has tears streaming down it.  I have had the shakes continuously for the entire week.  I am so tired from taking Xanax that I have been either sleeping or dragging myself around.  Sometimes they have lessened, but they have never gone away completely - not all week!   Still there today.  They start as soon as I sit up in bed every morning. Has anyone ever had this happen?  Day after day - no stopping?  Geez....this is horrible.   Are you sure it is safe to take 500 mg. of Magnesium?  I haven't yet.  I feel so bad I am scared to take anything.  I am probably making it worse by worrying about it so much.

Sandi

Hi Sandi.... This board has gone very quiet lately.  Sorry you are so down with your shaking. Maybe all the others got cured!  I have started to take Magnesium three times a day "solgar with vitB" which amounts to 4oomg inall and yesterday was a good day. Just the usual shakes on waking and no return in the day. What I would like you to ask your gynae on the 19th is , what effect does the hormone actually have on the nerve endings....what happens.  Does it ever get to a worse stage than trembling inside, or is it the anxiety that will make it worse.  I even wondered if sitting in front of the computer screen is not good for you because yesterday the trembling on waking was accompanied by an image before my closed eyes of the fast scrolling print racing before me.  As you say there is also a dreaded expectation that it WILL happen each morning and so it obliges!  I am thankful that it can't be seen on the outside. Can yours? I am still drinking organic soya milk but am resisting tranquilizers at all costs as quite a few people like you still get the shakes evenwith taking them ... What'd'you do  eh?  How far are you into meno Sandi.  I am 53 and two years post...    Do your family understand?    

LOVE AND HUGS>>>>>>>MAGGIE

Maggie,I am on Xanax (tranquilizer) and have been since 1985 for severe panic disorder.I also am 53, will be 54 in November.  I haven't had a period for a little over 2 months.  I started having my periods when I was 8 years old.I have a slight shaking on the outside, but I probably always had that.  I think that this continuous internal shaking is making me think that the outside shaking is something more than it is.I took 500 mg of Magnesium yesterday and also a Stress Tab - full of Vitamin Bs, and my usual E.  I do not drink caffeine.   I took a little more Xanax than usual and the shaking was lessened a little, but never went away.  And I was so tired that I ended up taking 3 naps.  I took the Magnesium in the morning - all 500 mg at the same time.  Do you think it is better to take it at night?  Space it out?  I  have 250mg capsules.  Is it supposed to work right away?  Or does it take time to build up in your system?I woke up this morning and the shaking wasn't actually there until I got out of bed - which is usually what happens (or at least I don't notice it).  In fact, I didn't get it at first when I got up (like I usually do), but shortly after there is was again.I can't help but believe that I have a brain tumor, or something horrid with my heart that is causing this.  I just can't imagine that meno is causing this constant internal shaking day after day.I am looking forward to the Gyn visit, but then again I am dreading that she is going to tell me I have something horrid and am going to drop dead.Until I found this board, I have never heard anyone ever say that internal shaking was a symptom of meno.I don't think my family understands this all to well.  They are trying to be supportive, but I think they are also worried that I have something really wrong and they just don't want to scare me by saying so.  Or, maybe I am just getting paranoid.This is just plain horrible.Hope you are feeling better Maggie.  (I know - I was disappointed that the board was so quiet as well).Sandi

I don't know how you guys do this.  But I feel like I am jumping out of my skin and this has been constant for the past week.  It is getting to be more than I can handle.Sandi

Sandi...Hi!!So sorry you are having such a time with these tremors......I had them steady for 2 months after my last period....then occationally since!!  That was 8 months ago!!The ONLY thing that helped me was Xanax!  I took .25mg 3 times a day, all during this 2 month time period.  It didn't eliminate the tremors completely but it took the edge off!!  On really....really BAD days I was allowed by my doctor to take 2 tabs twice a day.

Now that I'm past the worst......when the tremors start...1 tab will do.....sometimes 3 times a day....for a day or so!!Addiction was never an issue with me.  Even now, when I still get the occational tremor... all the memories that you are describing comes back!!I actually thought I HAD a brain tumor....or some unknown disease yet to be discovered!!  :oIt's a scary feeling......when your insides are trembling to beat h*ll and ya think you're goin nuts.

Mine was/is caused by hormonal fluctuation.....I think I said that somewhere already....maybe here on this thread??? Anyhoo....my friend....*it will pass*......but...yep, I know the feeling!! It's awful!!   It was the worst for me than alllll the other menopause symptoms!! :angry:If you get whipped out and tired....it could be a combo of the tremors....anxiety and just your body telling you it needs rest!!  I never found the Xanax to put me to sleep.....but I do know that when you're trembling a lot....the body just naturally gets tired of it all!!

I had to slow down with all my chores and duties.....and just go with the flow!!  When they call this the "CHANGE,"  they MEAN it!!  Even how you do things....how you live CHANGES and it's like starting over!  It can be a drag....but it's like finding yourself again and getting to know who you are.....even  your skills and talents can take on new avenues!!  :)Has for  me........but......first I had to accept what was happening.....and really......really.......LISTEN to my body!! * AN EASY DOES IT* mode!!

Hang in there hon....it will pass!!  You're not alone...take care and Godspeed!!

(((Hugs from Snowy)))Nancy

Thanks Snowbird,I really appreciate your post.  I have been checking back constantly all day to see if someone posted. You are right.  When this is happening you can't  help but imagine that this has to be from something bad.  I am terrified that when I go on Tuesday the doctor  is going to tell me it is a brain tumor.I have taken Xanax since 1985.  For a while on a regular basis for panic disorder.  And then when I got it under control I only had to take it when I needed it.  About 3 months ago the panic attacks started up all over again, right when my periods stopped, and depression set in.  I started taking the Xanax every day.  They put me on Prozac and then changed it to Celexa because I became manic from the Prozac.  I took that for 4 days and it made me feel so bad I stopped.  Maybe I need to increase my Xanax.  This is my second day of taking 500mg of Magnesium.  I was just at the store and found a couple of books on meno but not one mentioned shaking.  That scared me even more - like maybe this isn't really from meno.This has just really worn me out.  I can't see years and years of this shaking.  I don't think I can bear it.Does anyone know if it matters when you take the magnesium?Sandi

Sandi........when my periods stopped I was put on Paxil, (a cousin to Prozac)!!  Within 2-3 days I was drunk....manic....didn't know who I was or where I was!! I was hallucinating....all my senses just shot up to the point I could hear a dog bark several blocks away.....if and when I could EVEN tell it was a dog barking!! *SHEESH*  Talk about terrified!!!  I stopped the Paxil....it took about a week,  or so,  for that to get out of my system.....went to another doctor......he said, "What you need is Xanax, 'till this all passes."  He said, "don't worry about addition, 'cause Xanax has it's purpose. You NEED SETTLING DOWN!!"

That was my regular family doctor.  He was the one who told me the nerve ending actually quiver or tremble inside the body, from the hormonal fluctuations!!  He said it's more of a physical problem not mental....'cause the nerve ending are physically vibrating!!  This is why the Xanax works for situations like this.  It acts on the nerve endings.....calming them!!

It is a menopause symptom.......and quite common!! I don't think it is talked about much as it is wierd and some people just have a hard time accepting it.I have talked to some woman at church.....who have gone through this....kept it to themselves......afraid to say anything for fear someone would think they were crazy!!  They we're so relieved when I brought the subject up....they literally started to cry!!

Problem is.......not all the symptoms are out of the closet (if you will) yet!!  Thanks to sites like this....it's becoming more known!! Good Grief!!  I use to be a very solid, secure person......then suddenly....WHAM!!   I'd jump at the drop of a hat, or worse!!!  What a RUDE awaking!! :angry:Like I said, I had to change my outlook on live........AND  thank God I found this web site!!

I know magnesium helps some gals.....but I didn't notice a difference.  Although I do take it with calcium for my bones........just a health thing!!

I wish I could reach in and take this all away from you....'cause I've been where you are and I KNOW what you're going thro!!There is a good change the worst may be over for you....soon!!  It took 2 months for me.......then as I said.....it's now only occational!!  *Phew*  That I can handle!!You might try and increase your Xanax.....one time and see what happens!!  Then judge from that  as to how to continue.......after all you know what it's like.......you've taken it off and on since '85!!  Trust your instincts.....but be careful......use common sense!!  Let your doctor know what you're doing and what has happened!!You'll be OK!! Keep close to this site.......it's medicine in itself!!(((luv ya)))Nancy

Sandi:  Hi.  I'm sorry you're having such a bad time.  I know; I've been there.  Talk to your gyn.  You may be one that benefits from HRT--natural or not--explore the options.  You can't keep going on like this.  When I felt like you, Revival, vitamins, exercise, and relaxation helped me the most.  Dr. Susan Love has a great book out on hormones.  I referred to it often.  E-mail me if you want.

I am ONE who has TRIED it ALL!! HRT synthetic...natural....soy ( Revival)....herbs, etc.,etc.....none of this worked for me!!  Even relaxation and breathing techniques.....just caused me to become more edgy!!  Herbs and soy gave me hives.....HRT...caused me to have a complete emotional, physical , and mental meltdown!!

I have read Dr. Susan Love's book.......*Loved it*.....found it fascinating.......BUT......it wasn't for me!!  My testimony is a nightmare!!  I've tried everything legal in Canada........nothing worked!!

This is why I strongly remind anyone who is having difficulties that EVERYONE is DIFFERENT and what may work for one.....may not work for another!!

Sandi...if you haven't tried,  HRT, soy, and (or)  herbs,  it would be something to consider...and I know it HAS helped SOME women.... But, If  it DOESN'T, don't get discouraged!! Like I said, "everyone is different!!" HOWEVER, I am not a fan of Premarin!! Most women I know have had problems with it....making already existing panic attacks worse!! Did with me!!  I do not recommend it!!  I would be very cautious with any synthetic hormones!!  It may be fine for you, and for some other gals.....BUT.... speaking only for myself,  I had tons of trouble!!Godspeed and good luck!!

(((Hugs)))Nancy

 

Sandi, I would be cautious about increasing Xanax. My gut feeling is if, as you say, you've been on Xanax since 1985, it may not be helping much anymore. I don't believe the answer lies in upping the dosage. What's more, with a drug like Xanax, it's imperative that you alter the dosage with your doctor's knowledge. Xanax is addictive and one could end up taking more and more of something that's doing less and less.

After using Xanax (and some other drugs as well) for a period of years, the drug has been known in some to cause the opposite reaction -- in the case of Xanax,  rather than causing a calming effect, it can make someone on it for a long period of time more wired.

Suggesting larger doses might make the anxiety and/or internal shaking even more severe.  

You might need to try a different  medication. Someone had posted that she had good results with the internal shaking when she used Klonopin. It may be time for you to change to another drug.

All women definitely are different and react differently to every type of treatment. I have lived with a great deal of anxiety, but I have also learned self-hypnosis, meditation, learning to "flow with the feelings" -- that doesn't mean it worked every time, but it worked much of the time. I'm also a great believer in simple approaches like using a small paper bag for breathing when you're very anxious or having a panic attack. I'm not talking about mild anxiety either, but severe anxiety. The more we fight what we're feeling, the worse it becomes. Medication isn't always the answer, or isn't always the only answer for some.

I've also seen going into an exercise workout immediately helpful for anxiety, panic and/or depression.

I believe we should stop at nothing and learn every way humanly possible to control our anxiety in whatever way we can.

Let me add that I had never heard anyone, anywhere, EVER talk about internal shaking until I brought it up in Power Surge years ago. Even then, most people didn't seem to discuss it -- or maybe just suffered in silence, but it's certainly been proven by all the women who've posted about it in Power Surge that it's a very serious and common side effect of peri and postmenopause.

Dearest,My prescribed dosage of Xanax is 1mg 4x a day.  I was taking that in 1985 when the panic disorder was first diagnosed and severe.  I weaned myself, extremely slowly , down to only taking it when necessary up until a few months ago.  There were long periods of time when I didn't take any.  And then times when I would break the pill up and take 1/4mg.  Then all heck broke loose and the panic disorder came back and I was experiencing 4 severe attacks each day.  I increased my dosage to 1/4 mg. 2 x per day.  With the internal shaking I started taking it 1/4mg 3 x per day.  My physician is fully aware of what I am taking.  But I will discuss your suggestion with the GYN - WHO I AM FINALLY SEEING TOMORROW.

And.....God blessed me with only slight shakes this morning and then absolutely NONE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY!!!!!!!!  :biggrin:   This was my 2nd day of taking 500 mg. of magnesium.  I don't know if that is what helped or not.  But I am extremely grateful for having today with no shakes.

As soon as I told my primary physician about the internal shaking - the very first thing he mentioned was menopause, so there is no doubt in my mind that this truly is a symptom of meno.  It is just scary when it lasts for so long.

Thank you everyone for your help through the past week.  This is the first time I have ever been looking forward to seeing my GYN.

Sandi

Sandi... hello again. Goods luck at your gynae appt. You asking for all of us! You're great and you don't have the symptoms of a brain tumour.  Post some news as soon as you can. I think Dearest is marvellous with all the sup[port she gives. You can tell she's been there herself. I'm in a bit of a rush right now but I shall be thinking of you today and praying for the peace you (and Me) seek.............HUGS and   love MAGGIExxxxxxx

Sandi...Hi!!You seem to know what you are doing concerning Xanax.....the dosages....and weaning, etc., Clonazepam is another option....when the Xanax doesn't work for me....I have that to fall back on, (if you will).....it's a cousin to Valium!!Anyhow....I just want to wish you lots of luck on your visit to the gyn!!  ;)Let us know how things turn out!!  I do understand what you are going through. Keep your chin up.....glad to hear things (tremors) are better today! :)Not everyone experiences panic attacks with menopause!!  Panic attacks with tremors is no fun...I can relate....but it does get better!!

(((((((((Hugs)))))))))Nancy

Hi Sandi:  Good luck at the gyn.  I'm very happy to hear that the symptoms have lessened.  It really would be good to get back off of Xanax.  I know Xanax helped with my symptoms, but it made me feel like a zoombie.  I really learned how to control the panic attacks and anxiety without Xanax.  Exercise was a big factor, and I feel the magnesium and other vitamins helped tremendously.  I got the magnesium tip from Dearest--bless her heart.  You will get a handle on this, and you will feel better.  

Hugs,

I am almost afraid to post this ------ I woke up this morning and I am up and functioning ---- AND NO SHAKES!!!!!    I am not foolish enough to think that this is forever, but I am grateful for the break.   I am having a hot flash - but right now I can deal with those.

Thanks everyone.  I love all of you.  I am going to go take my magnesium now, and get ready for my appointment.

Sandi

Back from the GYN a little disappointed. She never heard of the internal shaking as a meno symptom, so couldn't really address it.  She did say that it could be - but because I was the first ever to mention it to her - she didn't know what to tell me about it.  So she couldn't really answer any of our questions about it. She is going to test my thyroid and glucose.  Other than that - she basically asked if I wanted to do nothing for the symptoms, use prescription hormones, or go natural. I opted for natural at the present.  She recommended Estroven, Promenal, and Healthy Women.  Has anyone ever heard of any of these things?  She said sometimes they help women and sometimes they do nothing and that I shouldn't hesitate to call her for prescription hormones if I needed them. She also gave me a menopause guidebook, which I haven't been able to read very thoroughly yet.  It does not mention internal shaking.  It did explain peri, post, and menopause though.  Peri and post are pretty self-explanatory.  I found it interesting when it said that you are actually only in menopause for one day of your life.  That day is when you have been without a period for exactly 12 months.

I did tell her about this site.  Gave her the URL and told her she would find a lot of women here who have this internal shaking, some of whom have been told by their physicians that it is a menopausal symptom.

She agreed with the use of magnesium, Vitamin E, Vitamin B's, and calcium.  And exercise.  Really stressed that part.

She cautioned me about taking unknown remedies offered online and over-the-counter without checking with a physician first.  

Shook a very little this morning.  Took 1/4mg of Xanax and it went away and never came back.  Haven't taken any since.

I guess I am going to go out and buy the books that have been recommended here.  Also, I am going to talk with my regular physician as well, since he is the first one that told me the internal shaking could be a meno symptom.  Maybe he has seen more patients with this symptom.  My new GYN is very young and admits that it may be because she hasn't seen anyone that has come to her with this symptom before.  So we are starting out with the other tests to rule that out.  And we will go from there.

Sandi

Good morning Sandi! Yep its so disappointing when docs are hearing the quivers as afirst time symptom. But at least she is willing to look into it further and not brushing you aside as a neurotic. There are so many of us with identical symptoms that it HAS to be a menopause issue. At least you know that you don't have a brain tumour.  I thought it was lovely that so many of us here on the board were  "with" you and wishing you well.        

Does anyone else have this?   It concerns anxiety really. When I wake in the morning I am left with a big feeling of anxiety that comes over me in surges during the day andI feel so ill at ease and unsure of myself as if something terrible is about to happen. And thoughts that I would normally dismiss seem to linger and I can't move on. Then all of a sudden things clear and  I seem absolutely normal. Its the ebbing and flowing of thoughts and emotions that is so hard to control and the living in dread that things might get right out of control. I was always thought of as avery passive calm person before and I cannot understand why  A year on from meno that there has been a sudden bottoming out with the hormones.  I am now going to try chanting to bring the peace and calm back into my life . I'll keep you posted.Certainly the caffeine free tea and coffee have not helped me..I am also going to see a homeopathic doctor on Friday.  Has anyone else tried homeopathic remedies?    

Love and hugs to all my sister shakersxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxMAGGIE

Hi Sandi:  It doesn't surprise me that your gyn is not familiar with the quivers.  I loved my doctor while I was of child-bearing years.  He was a great baby doctor.  However, although he is always willing to listen to my concerns, he can not identify with the symptoms I was having.  Even when I tell him I'm still having symptoms 2 yrs. after meno, he seems surprised.  The majority of his practice focuses on OB, and I don't think much focus is put on meno/symptoms when they're in med school.  I may be totally wrong, but that's how I feel.  I had 4 D&C's during peri, and never once did he tell me that the heavy and nonstop bleeding was a condition of peri.  It wasn't until I found this board that I found piece of mind and answers to everything that was going on with me.  

I haven't tried the meds your doctor suggested, so I can't comment on them.  I have tried the magnesium, vitamins, and exercise, and they have all helped me tremendously.  I still do all of these today.  The two other things that worked Revival soy and deep breathing/meditation.  They may or may not work for you.  These are harmless experiments--neither one will have any side effects, unless you are alergic to soy.  Most people are not.  I'm glad you're getting a break in the symptoms.  You're on the right track, and you will find the combination of remedies to give you relief.  It may not be complete relief of symptoms, but it will be enough to allow you to function and enjoy life.  Have faith.

Hugs

Good Morning --

I can't believe this, but I forgot my magnesium yesterday, and - guess what - the shakes are back this morning.  Not as severe as usual - so that is good.  Had some palpitations upon waking up.  I hate those things.  And am flashing, even as I type this.

Yes, I was very disappointed yesterday - but thankful that I had this board to come back to.  It took me back to 1985 when I started to experience the severe panic disorder.  At that time it wasn't as recognized by doctors as it is now.  I was actually hospitalized for 45 days for treatment in the mental ward of the hospital, until the doctors finally figured it out.  By the time I was hospitalized, I was completely depressed as well.  I am so thankful that it is more recognized now, so that people are getting faster treatment than I did.

Maggie, I have experienced what you are feeling many, many times.   I used to get extremely scared when that happened, because a feeling of impending doom is also a symptom of a heart attack.  Of course, that is what  I always thought that was what was about to happen to me.  The doctor told me it is a combined symptom of both anxiety and depression.  That is why they started me on Prozac.  The Prozac helped the symptom, but I became manic from the medication.  So they switched it to Celexa.  Again, the medication made me feel bad - so I stopped taking it.  I was only on it for 4 days - and I told the doctor I wanted to stop.  It had already helped that symptom greatly.  I have found that taking Stress Tabs (mainly a combination of the B vitamins helps me a lot.  But it takes a while for them to work.)   When it gets really bad, I have to resort to going back on meds from the doctor for depression.  I suffer from clinical depression - so that is the only thing that can help when the symptoms get severe.  I also try to find funny things to watch on television, listen to calming meditation tapes, etc.  Exercise helps as well.  It is hard because the feeling follows you everywhere and creeps into places where it shouldn't.  My daughter just recently had a baby and I got to experience the delivery with her.  I was having those feelings during that period of time and it was ruining an otherwise wonderful experience of getting a brand new grandchild.  I couldn't take it anymore, so that is when I dragged myself over to my physician and he gave me the anti-depressants.  I hope that knowing that I have that as well, helps you a little.

Sandi

Hi,When I read Maggie's thoughts regarding the "ebb and flow" of frightening thoughts, anxiety, emotions, and then sudden returns to "normal" I couldn't help but think that these ebbs and flows are mirror images of the surge and fall-back of hormones in our bodies.

I suspect that what makes early menopause (and even post menopause) such a b*tch to treat is the fact that so many of us don't experience an even, gradual decline of hormonal activity.  In theory, every week and month our bodies should produce a *tiny bit* less estrogen and progesterone and we should gradually adjust.

Instead, many of us have these wild dips and swings and it's like throwing water balloons at a grass fire -- when the balloon breaks in the right place, the fire goes out, but it keeps creeping in every other direction until the next balloon is thrown.  And some ballons, I think, miss the fire altogether and do nothing.

And how can we tell when we need more water balloons, fewer water balloons, or none at all because the fire is all but out for the moment?

I've learned to listen to my body *very* closely, and apply both estrogen and progesterone creams in dabs and dashes as needed to address symptoms (never exceeding, of course, the maximum total daily dose my doctor prescribed -- I can always use less, but never more).  For example, if I start shaking inside, I first consider if I need food, ESPECIALLY protein...no?  well, the next question is when did I last take my magnesium?  If it was more than 12 or 15 hours ago, I will try taking 200 mg.  If that doesn't help the problem, when was my last estrogen dose -- yesterday?  the day before?  If not recent, I rub in a tiny dab.  Most often that will take care of it.  If not, when did I last use some Xanax?  Last night?  Well, if the shaking is progressing, time to roll out a 1/3 or 1/2 of a .25 mg Xanax.  And if all of the above haven't solved the problem, time to take another 1/3 Xanax and GO TO BED FOR A FEW HOURS!!  (I use the progesterone cream several times during the day in small amounts, so usually won't add more progesterone.  I suspect that *sometimes* my body takes progesterone and turns it into adrenal hormones which make the anxiety worse.  Most of the time, however, my progesterone, scattered in very small amounts across my day, definitely helps.)

Nowadays, since I have these creams and knowledge in my hormonal "tool kit" I can usually stop or substantially reduce the internal shakes and anxiety.  Once in a great while (maybe 2 or 3 times per month) I can't, and just live with the resulting panic, etc.  I now know that it will pass -- my hormones will settle again, either on their own or as a result of what I'm doing, and within hours, or a day at the most, I'll feel normal -- or almost normal again.

It's just SO HARD trying to read what's going on in our bodies at any given moment -- estrogen bottomed out?  too MUCH estrogen?  progesterone in the basement?  too much progesterone?  hypoglycemia?  too much sugar/chocolate/caffeine?  Not enough sugar?  Not enough protein?  Too much food (feeling too full and thereby triggering anxiety, maybe shortness of breath)?  Not enough exercise?  Too much exercise too quickly?

ARGHHHH!  No wonder we're all in such an emotional state!!!

Many hugs,      

(Edited by JennaN at 1:51 pm on June 20, 2001)

Hi Meno Sisters,

Just to report that I am still amongst the living and have not been commited . Have not had the energy to post.  Since my last post I was given paxil by my doctors and I have experienced a horrible internal shaking  and insomnia worst than before. I was only on the paxil for 4 days. Since then you can actual seek my face twiching.  Since you got to die with something  I  decided to go back on the HRT. I took my first pill today and hope to be on it for a short while. I am willing to do anything to feel better again. Everybody thinks that I am going nuts. One of my coworkers told me that I look like I was about to fall apart. My doctor seems frustrated with me and says the only thing he knows for me to go to a shrink. I will be glad to go because I am tired of him experimenting on me with meds that he does not specialize in.  So I still have some of the Xanax left and it does help when I take it. All I wish now is that I could sleep and the shanking would stop.  Today I came back to the boards and read the postings and Lord it made me feel better that I am not in this thing by myself.  I  am going on a cross country trip on Sunday Morning so I am just going to pack my bags and shake across Americia. So if you should see me on the Price is Right just shaking you will know that's Denise. I am tired trying to fight it and just getting myself more stressed out. and anxious.  I hope and pray that the trip will help me to relax because I have face been going through for several months now. I would not wish this on my worst enemy.

From someone that has a whole lot of shanking going on.

I am reading everyones descriptions and find I don't tremble from the inside like an earthquake, rather the left side of my face feels like it is trembling and shaking it happens quite often along with my arm and leg. The first time I had this happened it scared me, so went to a neurologist and had a cat scan done. Everything was fine. Along with the feeling of trembling in my face I get little needle-like pricks in and about my chest area, like mild electrical shocks.:angry:What is going on here? Most of the time my head feels numb like I am in a dazed-state. This is very frustrating as it clouds your perception of things. I am only on blood pressure meds, and my Climara patch. It seems that every day something else pops up, I just say it must have something to do with the Big M. (as Oprah would say) It is comforting to know that you are not alone on this journey.. thanks to all my meno pals...:smile:

I hate to read all these posts and see us all suffering so much.  Maybe we should start some type of organization that makes doctors sit up and take notice of exactly what we are going thru, and to get educated!

When I went to the GYN yesterday I wrote down this URL and told her to come here and see exactly what women are experiencing.  I hope that she will do that.I am also going to fax this URL to every GYN in my area, and include family practitioners as well.  I am darn mad...and I am not going to take it anymore :biggrin:  I have also gone to the Oprah site and emailed information about this site to her.

Not too bad on the shaking today.  But had a lot of flashes, tired all day, energy level pretty low.   Jenna - I love how you have figured things out for yourself.  I am going to try to do the same thing for me.

Sandi

Hello everyone ....I am soooo disappointed . Yesterday I really thought I was turning the corner because although the inner trembling was still happening I was not getting severely panicked like before and I was"managing" it with breathing..etc.. Went to bed tired and while I was reading boy! did I start quivering. For the first time it felt like a big pulsation right round the back of my head and inside my head while the trembles played havoc with th e upper half of my body. I  got up and came to the board and cried and felt so desolate. A feeling that I was slipping fast into a deep madness...though I don't actually feel depressed at all. God knows I should be.  But I think its important to distinguish between feeling very anxious and afraid and being depressed.  Anyhow I couldnt sleep and I was back at the board at 2.15 a.m.I so wanted someone who knew what it was to hold me and tell me I was going to be o.k. Anyway for the rest of the horrid night I had the shakes on and off and now it is 7.30.a.m. here and I have to prepare for work. Don't know how I'll get through today. I'm so afraid of letting go at work and pannicking out!   Someone please help.. All this really took off when I stopped hrt abruptly...Is this the cause and should I go back on my hrt? I didn't really have side effects with it?My thanks to all of you..........MAGGIExxxxxxxxxxxx

Jenna:  Very insightful thoughts of what we're going through.  This should be a classic post that everyone reads, because it puts some sense, in layman's terms, of what is happening to us.  I liked it.

Sandi:  I agree that more doctors should use this sight.  However, I really don't think too many care about the extreme symptoms we experience, since so many of them are men.  I really believe that if you are to expect a doctor to really help you through meno, the doctor better be female and going/gone through meno herself.  Great idea for Oprah.  I've seen where she has done shows on meno.  I think Dearest would be great on it.

Maggie:  Hang in there.  You will have days when you feeling decent, only to come crashing down again.  If possible, take work days off when you've had such a bad night.  It's not going to help to push yourself.  Sometimes I took two days off in a row because my nights were so bad.  Now is the time to pamper yourself.  Take care.  Sending you a big hug and hope you have better days and nights.

Maggie,I am so sorry you had such a bad night.  I have been that exact place so many times before, so I know what you are feeling and what you went thru last night.  You are welcome to call me, even in the middle of the night, if you ever need to, although it would be expensive for you since I am in the US.Does your doctor know that you stopped your HRT abruptly?  If not, you need to contact him and tell him what you have done and what is happening.  If you don't want to take HRT, maybe you need to wean off of it slowly.  I have never taken HRT, so I don't know what to tell you about that.  But what happened to you last night, sounds like my panic attacks.  When you are absolutely alone having them, you have to tell yourself that you aren't going to die from them, or go crazy, and that it will pass.  Are you still taking the magnesium for the shaking?  I don't know if this had anything to do with why mine has lessened, but I am eating a lot of protein.  The day I stopped I had gone out to dinner and purposely ordered a steak.  I don't usually do that, but I thought it would help.  And since then I have added more protein to my diet - chicken, fish, etc. and it is seems to be helping, not taking it away, but making it more bearable.I was an executive secretary for a long time and had these attacks while I was working - many times during very important meetings.  Never once did anyone ever suspect what was happening to me.  And Carol gave you good advice - take time off if you have to and you can.Remember when this is happening to you - that it is also probably happening to someone else on this board as well.  It is comforting to me to know that this is a common symptom and that I am not the only one having it.  I keep telling myself that and I eventually have calmed down.  Have you tried Dearest's remedy of breathing into the paper bag yet?   Something else I have found that helps me is to chew on ice cubes when this is happening.  It distracts me from the symptoms until my Xanax kicks in.Take care sweet Maggie.  We are all here for you.Sandi

Hi Everyone,Gosh, my heart and prayers go out to all of you who are experiencing the throes of panic/shaking/anxiety.  I KNOW how it feels and how terrifying it is -- and it's particularly vicious in that not only does it visit us, but the visit itself makes us more and more frightened.

BEGONE, DAMN SHAKING!!!!  (think that will help?  :)

With regard to abruptly quitting HRT, yes, I DO think that can provoke or make the shaking/panic worse.  Perhaps going back on it, getting stabilized again, and then VERY gradually stopping it would help, if that's what's wanted.  A year or so ago, I was on it for several months and abruptly quit.  Although I had already been having panic/anxiety on and off for a year, it definitely became immediately worse after quitting the HRT.

(the sound you now hear is JennaN dragging her rickety, well-worn soapbox to stage center and leaping on top of it)......Ahem.IMHO, the reasons that so many doctors have no clue about menopause are:

1)  It's not a "glamorous," high visibility, highly paid illness.  Who was the last menopause specialist you saw interviewed or quoted (other than maybe Northrup or Lee)?2)  No one dies, at least not directly, from menopause.3)  It's solely a "woman's condition" which means, by male definition, probably inconsequential and all in our minds anyway.4)  There's no real "cure" for it -- therefore, a doctor has very little chance to be the hero who saves the day. He can spend many visits with a patient, tinkering with hormones, supplements, etc. and still not "cure" her -- only time can effect a true cure.5)  The drug companies and medical schools have convinced him that all he has to do is write an HRT prescription, smile, pat your hand, and tell you he'll see you in six months or a year.  What could possibly be easier????6)  Many women downplay their symptoms when talking with the doctor (shame on them!) and therefore the doctor may not even be aware of anything other than some night sweats and hot flashes.  The woman may be embarrassed, or, the habit of NON-complaint has been engraved in her soul since childhood.  And who taught her this self-effacing, non-complaining attitude?  Her mother, of course, but that's a whole other topic...7)  And last but not least, doctors, in truth, have far more critical cases to deal with -- this doesn't excuse their lack of knowledge or interest in our problems, but it would seem that someone with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer, or ovarian cancer or whatever would certainly (and legitimately) command more of their attention.

THEREFORE:  I'm suggesting that there should be the menopause equivalent of a trained, licensed mid-wife.  Why not?  If the doctors are unsympathetic, why not a woman who is trained and licensed in menopause, working in a practice with a doctor who can be consulted if and when more sophisticated problems occur?  This "Mid-Life" specialist would know not only the standard HRT treatments, but also all of the supplements, herbs, combinations, possibilities, and know how and when to apply them.

WOW!  What a concept!  If male doctors (or young female doctors) don't want to be bothered, then give me a Mid-Life Specialist.  

(now, if I could just twitch my nose and make this happen.....JennaN drags soap box off of stage)

Many hugs,

JennaN,What a fantastic concept.  I am including that in my faxes to the doctors.   I tell you, I am on a quest to get things changed.  Maybe we will all end up on Oprah.Sandi

Hi Sandi,Gosh, now the wheels are turning in my brain, too.  I wonder if this concept could be introduced and grown into something like the Visiting Nurse group -- not that menopause requires visits, but an organization that stands on its own, while at the same time working closely with traditional medicine when required.  I would envision that the Mid-Life Specialist might already be at least an LPN, if not an RN, at least in the beginning.

Of course, there would be some resistance by doctors, until they realized what an asset a good Mid-Life Specialist would be in their office, or associated with their office.  I read where some 40+ million American women are, or will be, menopausal in the next ten years as the baby boom generation continues to mature.  What a need...what an opportunity!

Yep yep -- we're goin' to the Oprah show....I can see it now...Dearest and 500+ Power-Surge members!!!  :)  :)  :)

Take care,  

JennaN....What you are proposing in terms of a "Mid Life Specialist" is exactly what I offer at my Wellness Center. I work with many Meno Gals and use a combination of therapies to help them through this transition.  The most important piece is self empowerment in my opinion and that is where I start with all the gals.  Rather than being told what they should do I ask what they feel needs to happen for them to feel better and then together we develop a plan for healing.  Reiki, massage, reflexology, meditation, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements are all wonderful natural therapies that offer so much comfort during this difficult transition.   As a Holistic Nurse I always suggest that they discuss their plan with their Gyn or PCP and I work as an adjunct therapist with whatever their physician is also prescribing.  Working natural therapies with conventional medicine is the best way to reach optimum results for all folks.  Complimentary Medicine (herbs, relaxation techniques, nutritional supplements, etc.) is exactly what the word complimentary means. It is not instead of traditional care but in addition to traditional care.  That is why I always refer to what I do as Complimentary rather than Alternative as it is not an aternative at all.  Natural Therapies are very effective but sometimes we need prescription medications, traditional treatments and even invasive surgery because that is what is appropriate, however we can do so much to avoid those things if we get and keep ourselves well with less invasive therapies.  I agree that if doctors would be more receptive to this blending of knowledge and energies we could collectively do great things however I think we're a ways from that happening.  Its starting to happen but we still have a journey ahead of us...we enlightened Power Surge "Surgettes" will be the driving force behind the movement. LOL

You're good Jenna.  I loved your speech.  I feel the same way.  

Irene:  Your center is too far away.  We don't have anything like that in NE PA.  How about branching out?

Hi Irene & Carol,Yep, your center's too far away, Irene (how about opening branches???  After thoroughly (and I do mean THOROUGHLY) searching my metropolitan area of some 2-1/2 million people, I came up with only two GYN's that specialize in menopause -- one isn't taking new patients, and the other is booked more than four months in advance.  I found no other menopausal support other than the occasional seminar or  evening course, etc.  One seminar I attended was excellent, but if an attendee wanted to follow up with the various alternatives, there was no list of participating and available physicians.  And even if there had been a list, with HMO's the way they are now, it would be a sheer stroke of dumb luck if a participating doctor would be in my health plan.

I'm not sure, at our level, what we can do to help this situation so that women come into the change armed with information, support, and viable possibilities.  I imagine there are thousands (millions?) of women out there who don't have access to the internet, or who are not good library or book store visitors, and what the heck are they doing if they're having a difficult menopause?  God bless 'em.

At any rate, I think I've vented long enough -- hugs to all!  

This just plain s*cks!  I was gone for the weekend - I was in a hotel babysitting my new grandbaby while my daughter, her hubby, and my grandaughter stood up in a wedding.  No shaking at all, except once when I didn't eat for a while and a hamburger took care of it right away.   Got home Sunday and was so tired out I slept most of the day into the evening.  Ate, but not very well.  Also, forgot my magnesium and so I didn't take it all weekend.  Well......here I am shaking like a leaf.  Have eaten, taken Xanax, taken the magnesium, and nothing is working.   I HATE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I can't take this anymore.

Sandi

Hi Sandi,

    I'm sorry to hear about your shaking symptoms.  I was experiencing them too, about a year ago, and was really frightened by them.  I could only guess that it must be a symptom of menapause because I was missing my period and also had hot flashes with them.  My doctor knew nothing about these tremors and gave me a pregnancy test (ridiculous) and told me I might have the flu!  I could not find any information in books about menapause and women that I asked had never experienced the shaking.  One told me I might be psychic!  (oh, what a comforting reassurance!   I thought I was going insane!)       Thank you all for this message board.  I found it about 2 weeks ago and it wasn't until then that I finally learned that I really was experiencing a menapause symptom.  You are all a real blessing.  Thank you for sharing your experiences.       Sandi, I wish you well with overcoming this.  I can't really recommend anything, but I hope that you get over it as quick, if not quicker, than I did.  It really only lasted for about 2 months, but they were very long months.  Good luck and God bless you.      

 I have been reading your posts with interest in regards to the internal shaking.  I had this a long time.....long before being perimeno and FINALLY linked it to the aspartame (nutrasweet type stuff) that is in all sorts of things.  My doctor thought I was nuts when I told her, but she was a great doctor and took the time to have me come in, drink a diet coke and about an hour later felt like my whole inside was about to explode from the shaking.  Was so bad my hands even started shaking.  This may be very unusual but in my opinion, aspartame is not the safest stuff in the world and I totally stay away from it.  I definitely am very sensitive to it.     Also anyway taking any kind of herbs..... watch the ephedra (MaHuang).  This can also cause all sorts of internal shaking and make you feel like your blood pressure is sky rocketing.  This herb is a nervous system stimulant so you need to be careful.Stephanie

Please read the message I just posted in the venting about palpitations topic

Hello everyone, finally I have the internet and can read this site for myself.  I have been asking my Mum (who found your site) to print out pages for me to read so I knew I was not the only one in the world with these symptoms.  I have had the shaky thing as I call it for nearly two years. I am 41 now.  It is more in my stomach than heart tho I do get palpitations and have a racing heart.   In the early days I also lost part vision and I thought I was going mad.  I was tested for a lot of things and given many medications to try. None worked and nothing horrible was found so the doctor finally pronounced that it was stress and abdominal migraine.  It came and went with my cycle and I knew it was hormonal. Finding your site confirmed it.  After naturopaths and trial and error I have found that when its really bad I take Stemetil (Australian name) and I am trying to treat it with a herb called Maca that helps the endocrine system.  It is working and I am much better today.  The panic attacks came as a result of being frightened of the symptoms and I have mostly overcome this.  Now I have the net I will be visiting and checking to see if anyone else has tried the Maca or has any other good ideas.  Thank you for being there.Fiona

Hi Everyone,

I posted on the 25th that the shaking was back and I had missed taking my magnesium.  Well I have been taking it again and plus I added more protein to my diet and I have been shake-free for 3 days now.  :-)

I have noticed though that when I am shaking I don't have any hot flashes.  But when I am not shaking - I do.  I'd rather have the flashes any day than the shaking.  Just thought this was kind of interesting.

Sandi

When I have this internal shaking or palpitations, I get a funny feeling in my left arm.  I guess it is like a burning sensation, for lack of a better term, and travels all the way to my finger tips.  Sometime this goes on for hours.  I've had all the test for my heart, so I know that is okay.  Anyone else ecperience this?  Thanks, Jackie

Jackie,I get that sometimes as well, and other times pain.  And sometimes numbness  or tingling on the left part of my chin and cheek. I sometimes think my mind it putting it there because I am worried that there is something wrong with my heart.  I used to have terrible chest pains and they did an angiogram on me and when I found out my heart was fine, the pains went away.  Your mind can be very powerful.  My doctor thinks it is caused by stress and when you panic you hyperventilate and cause your body to experience strange sensations.  But I am glad you had tests done, it is always best to have yourself checked by your physician first before assuming that it is only stress or hormone related.SandiPS - I woke up the other morning in a haze and I couldn't raise my left arm.  I was sure I had had a stroke during the night.  Then my hand and arm began to tingle and I realized I had just rolled over from laying on it and it had fallen asleep.  It was fine within seconds.  What a nut case I have become.  :biggrin: