Just a comment on the carpal tunnel thing--A friend told me that her carpal tunnel symptoms went away about three years after menopause. Mine did the same thing--just disappeared! And I use a keyboard about four hours a day. No recurrence of it at all. So, there's hope. Hang in there!
Full Version: Internal Shaking, Tremors #1
Chrissy, The facial tremor thing is scary, I know. I've had it for a few years. Not every day, but many days, and like you, I often feel the shaking, feel lightheaded dizzy, off balance when I walk and very weak and tired. It's becoming less of a problem though. The ear ringing I've had for three years, and it doesn't seem to be letting up at all.
Hi Chrissy,I can't believe I've found someone else whose tongue shakes!! I can't stand that feeling! I also have had some facial shaking that drives me crazy. It feels like my whole face is going to cramp up sometimes! I have had tendonitis (tennis elbow) in my right arm for about 6 months. I'm seeing a physical therapist who gave me some exercises to do which are helping alot. It's a long process though he told me, not something that heals overnight. And by the way, don't take Ibuprofen or aspirin for this. The tendons don't have a blood supply flowing to them so these medications will only eat your stomach lining without providing relief to your elbow. I also have been seeing a chiropractor for my neck, low back and joint pain. It also works wonders on headaches. I'm not bashing conventional medicine because it IS a necessity in most situations,but alot of these doctors want to give you a pill or do unnecessary surgery when there are other avenues to take. I swear by my chiropractor and physical therapist!! Just a suggestion! Good luck!
Callie and KathyThank you both for replying. It is fantastic to find others with the same thing. I thought I was the only person in the whole world with tongue shaking, everybody looks at me like I'm looney when I tell them.
Good news about the carpal tunnel. Maybe I will just put the whole b.....y business out of my mind, get on with living and wait it out. I really don't want to ruin my health with anxiety and worry if it really will all pass.
Maybe that is why my 80 year old Mum keeps saying to me "Everything Passes!" I am just too blase about her comments. Maybe I will listen harder.
Thank you all so much. It is such a comfort, you must all know how much.
Chrissy in NSWFEELING BETTER ALREADY..........
Hello Susan,
I tried to send you replies in the message center twice, but it won't let me. It says you are an unregistered user! Go figure. LOL :biggrin: Maybe you will want to email or we can instant message. Let me know. I know what you are going through w/ the nicotine.
Beryl
QUOTE
Quote: from Kathyh on 10:50 pm on May 27, 2001[br]Hi Chrissy,I can't believe I've found someone else whose tongue shakes!! I can't stand that feeling! I also have had some facial shaking that drives me crazy. It feels like my whole face is going to cramp up sometimes! I have had tendonitis (tennis elbow) in my right arm for about 6 months. I'm seeing a physical therapist who gave me some exercises to do which are helping alot. It's a long process though he told me, not something that heals overnight. And by the way, don't take Ibuprofen or aspirin for this. The tendons don't have a blood supply flowing to them so these medications will only eat your stomach lining without providing relief to your elbow. I also have been seeing a chiropractor for my neck, low back and joint pain. It also works wonders on headaches. I'm not bashing conventional medicine because it IS a necessity in most situations,but alot of these doctors want to give you a pill or do unnecessary surgery when there are other avenues to take. I swear by my chiropractor and physical therapist!! Just a suggestion! Good luck!
Hi Kathyn,
My daughter has a year left in Physical Therapy school and she has shown me alot of different techniques to use for different things. As you all know I do yoga and would you believe a lot of the techniques she has shown are the same used in the yoga tape. Slowly stretching the muscles, proper breathing, and meditation. That is what it is all about. Anyway, now my daughter is doing the same yoga as me. Only thing she is a lot more flexible than me and will probably move up to bigger and better things while I stay in the old age thing. LOL :biggrin:
Chrissy - I also get the facial tic you describe! Somebody here described it as being like a lava lamp face!!!! At times I feel like I must look really peculiar, but no-ine else seems to notice it (and even I have stared hard in the mirror and seen nothing!)I have tried to compile a list of menooause symptoms and it reads like - well, like the rantings of a madwoman:Earthquake shakingLava lamp faceFeeling like an explosionCold, but swimming in sweatTrembling tongueRestless eyeballs...etc. etc. Funnily enough, I can't imagine these appearing in a medical textbook but they're TRUE!!!!!
Today has been miserable. I not only have internal shaking but I have been shaking outwardly as well - all day long and it is still continuing. I have taken my Xanax and it eased it up just a little, but hasn't taken it completely away. I could increase my dose but then all I want to do is sleep. This is so uncomfortable - I can hardly stand it.I can't get into my OB-Gyn until 6/19 - I am 53 and I haven't had a period for 2 months. Since I started my period at age 8 I was really looking forward to getting rid of them - but if this is what happens I think I would rather have them my entire life long. Does anyone know of anything safe that is over-the-counter that I might try? I can deal with the hot flashes - but this shaking ---- I am going to go insane. And everyone is saying that they are only shaking on the inside. Does anyone shake on the outside as well? It is mainly my hands that I am noticing this in. Because of stomache problems I don't drink anything but water and I haven't eaten chocolate in ages, so it isn't caffeine doing this. This is so darn frightening.Thanks,Sandi
Hi!Yes, at the height of my anxiety problems last year, my hands shook regularly. I especially noticed it in the morning when I was trying to put my contacts in -- sometimes it was just impossible. Like you, the Xanax helped a lot, but sometimes even the Xanax didn't quiet this symptom.
I found out a few things that did -- one was to eat fewer carbs and sugars, but eat MORE often. For a few months, I was eating something like nuts, cheese, yogurt, tuna, beef or some similar high protein every couple hours. I didn't eat a lot each time, but ate all day long. Fluctuating hormones can play h@ll with your blood sugar, and I was definitely hypoglycemic (sudden, extreme drops in blood sugar, esp. after eating). Hypoglycemia will also cause your hands to shake.
I also started taking magnesium citrate, 200 mg twice per day (along with calcium, vitamin C, E, B complex and zinc) and drinking LOTS of water. This combination helped a lot to settle me down, especially the magnesium right before going to bed.
Eventually I began using natural progesterone as well as estrogen creams, with good effect, and there's a lot of information on these products in the progesterone thread. Overall, I think the creams PLUS the above have gotten me almost back to normal.
Hope you start feeling better real soon!
Hugs,
I just got up and everything is shaking now, or at least it feels like it. Feels like I am jumping out of my skin. I have been on Celexa for 11 days and am wondering if I have too much in my system, or if this could even be the cause at all. I run my own business and can't afford to sit around shaking all the time, or take so much Xanax that I am falling asleep. But, geez, I can't walk around vibrating either.Sandi
San Marie,
I suppose it is the moon. It seems like we all start shaking or temors or electrical shocks or whatever you call what's going on, all on the same day. Go figure!!!!LOL :biggrin: :confused:
San Marie,
I get external, visible shaking too; especially in my hands. My Gyn says that, while not a common sign of menopause, it does occur. Hormonal imbalnces can effect the nervous system and cause all kinds of strange occurences, including shaking and twitches, I get them both. The twitches occur in my feet and calves, the shaking mostly in my fingers when trying to type, etc. He also said in the absence of other signs, it is not an ominous disease, just my personal version of menopause. It's the price I pay for not having hot flashes, I guess.
Just a thought Ladies! I use to have internal and external tremors, BAD!! I was absolutely embarrassed to write holding a pen or whatever!! I was 'scripted a beta blocker for hypertension.....and Voila....NO more TREMORS!! Externally, that is....there's still some (occational) internally!! Even improved my penmanship!! *Grin* Go figure!! Not my spelling, tho'! :cheesy:HAGO
(((Hugs from a Canadian Chick)))Nancy
Chrissy,
I repeat over and over on the site that any complaints a woman has during menopause should not automatically be attributed to the process of menopause. That's an important dislaimer. In short, before assuming, not that you are, that any of the things you've mentioned in your message are associated with peri or postmenopause, you should be checked by a doctor you respect, trust and admire -- one who listens to you and doesn't just hand you a prescription to resolve your problems.
That having been said, let me tell you that during those "worst" years of perimenopause, I experienced SO MANY strange, inexplicable and, oftentimes, bizarre feelings in my body, I conjured up notions of having a brain tumor, Parkinson's Disease, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Menniere's Disease, a heart condition, paralysis, a potential stroke, glaucoma -- have I left anything out? And I say none of this with humor.
Perimenopause is the singularly most uncomfortable time of a woman's life. I've posted many times about the internal shaking. It's been my nemesis and continues this day to plague me.
I had the facial tremors and buzzing sensations on a daily basis. The feelings were so strange, they almost defy description. No one could see it, but it felt as though I were having a stroke. I'd often experience numbness in my face and on my left side at the same time -- a red flag would go up because I thought I was definitely having a coronary situation or stroke. Facial ticks, facial tremors, an electrical buzzing in the back of my neck and various parts of my body drove me to distraction.
The good part about this story is that most of those symptoms DO go away once you've been without a period for about a year or two. Those feelings, in the majority of cases, are due to the hormonal fluctuations your body is experiencing. Imagine turning the thermostat in your house up and down a dozen or more times a day. Your house wouldn't know whether to turn on the heat or air conditioning.
Our bodies become very sensitized during this process. Feelings are frightening -- we can walk around for days feeling vertigo/dizziness and/or a ringing in the ears (tinnitus). There were days I had to grab onto a bannister or railing for fear that I was going to fall over. My legs still pose a problem -- becoming weak and feeling as if they're not going to support me any longer. Pain in the feet, calves, shoulders, joints aching and paining often to the point of bringing tears to your eyes.
My suggestion to you would be to get yourself a thorough examination by your doctor. Have a blood workup, sugar test, thyroid, hormone levels, total lipid / cholesterol profile. Insist on an Echo cardiogram, not just a cardiogram.
Our bodies are composed of so many different types of hormones -- not just estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Our bodies react to the constant ebb and flow of these hormone levels. Our central nervous system, nerve endings produce electrical impulses. Those electrical impulses are felt differently by every woman. Some women never feel them, while others are fraught with all sorts of strange sensations.
Once you've been given a clean bill of health by your doctor, the singularly most important thing you need to do during perimenopause is do relaxation techniques. Learn breathing exercises. Use the paper bag method I have described in many areas of the Web site and on these boards. Feed yourself affirmations every day that this, too, shall pass -- that you are not dying -- that although you feel as if your body is going to hell in a handbasket and you're never going to survive this transition, you will. That, most importantly, there is nothing to be afraid of even though it feels at times like someone is holding a gun to your head and ready to pull the trigger.
Oh, Lord, would it were so that they'd find a way for women NOT to have to go through menopause. And, further, I am sick of hearing *some* people say that it's all in our minds, or it's our nerves, or if we had better things to do with our time, we wouldn't think about it. I've never stopped being busy during this transition, but that didn't ease the symptoms.
To those people, I say ... until you've walked a mile in another person's shoes, you can't know what they are going through. Women in menopause aren't hypochondriacs. I have to be dragged and feeling as if I'm not long for the world before I go to the doctor. Why? Because during perimenopause, I have learned... doctors don't have answers to most of our questions other than to prescribe tranquilizers or anti-depressants or hormones.... and although some of these medications may help in the short term and to get you over the "hump" of perimenopause, most of them don't work in the long term -- or through the duration of perimenopause and it concerns me that there are no real long-term studies on these SSRI's (anti-depressants).
If you feel you need to take something to get through this process, absolutely take it. Don't make a martyr or yourself. However, remember, these medications only temporarily mask the symptoms. Learning ways to relax and cope with the changes you're undergoing works far better over the long haul than anything else.
I will provide you with various relaxation and breathing techniques that can be tremendously helpful.
It has been my experience and I believe that of many other women who've passed through Power Surge over the seven years it's been online that once you are in the throes of perimenopause, for about one or two years -- perhaps a third (but not often), you will experience every conceivable symptom on the list of 34 symptoms (I posted somewhere this morning, but can't remember). I went through severe migraines and was *never* a headache person in my life. They lasted about a year or two - on and off, not every day, but they eventually stopped. I went through the facial tremors, buzzing experience as though I'd had my finger in an electrical socket. The migraines and severe palpitations, hot flashes, night sweats, crying and severe mood swings, horrific depression so much so that at times I would put my head on the pillow at night and whisper to God, "Please, if I have to feel this way tomorrow, let me not wake up."
Those feelings -- horrible as they are -- don't generally last for the full transitional period. They usually occur during the worst phase of perimenopause and only last about a year or two. That doesn't mean you won't ever experience them again in some milder form, but the severity and frequency will certainly decrease -- and hormone therapy isn't the magical answer. Many women using hormones still experience many of these symptoms.
Just remember that as long as you've been given the okay regarding your health by your health care provider, these are symptoms of menopause and, yes, I say symptoms. People have said to me, "Why do you call them symptoms? Menopause isn't an illness."
I tell them that I know menopause isn't technically an illness, but seeing as how I have never felt worse in my life, I will not say that I am well.
I get very passionate about this subject and one of the reasons I've kept Power Surge an independent entity is because it allows me the opportunity to express myself without wondering who's going to pay the bills if I tell the truth about the medical profession and some of the techniques of the pharmaceutical companies.
I will never get rich from Power Surge, but knowing that this community has helped so many women understand what they're going through without just dumping medical abstracts at them and pushing pills on them has been the most gratifying and "freeing" experience of my life.
Become your own best friend. Learn the situations and people to avoid. Stay away from toxic people, toxic foods. Turn off the news. Don't listen to all the stresses and tragedies in the world. Try to surround yourself with as much peace and quiet as you can.
Be good to your body and I promise your body will return the favor in spades.
Hugs,
Snowbird, it's wonderful that the beta blocker has helped your internal shaking. I've been on a beta blocker, Tenormin, for many years and it has had no impact whatsoever on the internal shaking I started experiencing during perimenopause.
I believe those internal tremors are due either to estrogen loss and/or menopause-induced anxiety. I am almost sure about it in my case because I see what happens the moment I take some naturally compounded estrogen for a few days while I'm having those horrible tremors.
Linda says,"I get external, visible shaking too; especially in my hands. My Gyn says that, while not a common sign of menopause, it does occur."
I hate to burst your gynecologist's bubble, but shaking, internal or external is a very common sign of menopause. It's one of the body's most obvious ways of reacting to the hormonal fluctuations and loss of hormones it was so accustomed to living with for years. If he doesn't believe me, you can tell him that I'd be glad to send him all the messages from the message boards, the chat transcripts and my E.mail to prove it. But, tell him to buy a VERY large hard drive first :biggrin:
Dearest.....Once again.....I can't thank you enough for jumping in here with your input to this issue!!!I mentioned the beta blocker....because of an other problem I had (hypertention)....and yes it did help although tht internal shaking still persists. But as you so elegantly put it.....it is a very common sign of menopause (actually both) and we MUST rule out other serious problems with a good check-up with our physician!!
Your post was perfectly timed.....and a reminder to me that I must never forget that many factors are involved during this time in our lives.
We tend to go on and on with certain symptoms (if you will) comparing, trying to figure out this and that....the what's what of it all......which can be so frustrating and defeating when we don't step back and look at the big picture!! The one thing.....and MOST important lesson, I have learnt here on this site is to learn to "LOVE" yourself.....that it's NOT a sin.....it's a DUTY!!
Loving ourselves....to me....means TAKING care.....to learn and educate what is going on......to find out that there IS NO SHAME in what we are going through!! THERE IS NO SHAME in asking the doctors the difficult questions and to not accept the, "it's all in your head," response!!WE MUST TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES FIRST.....then we can heal and go on to better things!! Self-pity is one area that must be avoided....it's OK to identify with each other.....to know we're not alone.....to comfort and express compassion....but growth and learning must be be the GOLDEN goal!! I don't believe we can do it alone.....we need each other and a sound foundation like you have so graciously provided for us here on the Power-surge Site.Thank you again, Dearest!! You're a God-sent!!(((Hugs)))Nancy
Just a quick "Foot-Note," to my previous post on tremors......the beta blocker I'm taking really didn't help (much, if at all) the INTERNAL shaking....ONLY the EXTERNAL tremors!! It was just a unexpectant blessing I didn't expect when I was 'scripted it for hypertension!! :)Huggers to all))) Nancy
Dearest,Thanks so much for your synopsis of periomenopause and menopause. I've been the Dr. route and have found it is useless to try to explain to them my symptoms. Number one they're so numerous and number two, they're so hard to describe. I too have facial neuralgia, facial tics, and some speech impairment, but after dozens of specialists and dozens of tests a couple years ago, nobody could find a reason, just said I had neuralgia related nerve damage. I get so many "weird sensations" that I never know if it's from the facial paralysis or the hormones fluctuating and I've just given up on trying to pin it down and conclude, okay, I'm feeling weird today, maybe tomorrow I'll feel better. At this point just walking into a Dr.'s office will send me into a panic attack because in the past I've been so disappointed in their patronizing attitudes. Luckily, I've found a low key, common sense, general practitioner and he's better at handling the complaints, testing for possible causes, making sure other things aren't the problem and then logically telling me about hormonal symptoms, (Maybe because his wife is going through the same thing right now he's more understanding.)Your post was sooooo encouraging because it confirmed to me that all the "strange" things that are happening are just part of the big picture. Thank you.
Hi DearestThank you for your post. I have lived and relived all of your symptoms. It all started a month after my ovaries were removed. It is memopause this I know for sure I found the right doctor who argees with all of this and we try to work together. Some days are so hard. Some days now I feel like my old self again. I use relaxation, I took the mind and body course and now I help teach it. It does help. I also take estrogen, beta blocker, and sometimes klonopin to help. I was a no drug women who did not believe in pharmacy drugs for me. But I resigned to help. I just ordered Revival and plan to start that this week.I also use vitamins and exercise . Even with all this some days symptoms come and go. Thank you for power surge. It has helped me tremenously. Love, Sheree
Dearest, like I told you in a personal email, I don't even know you, but I love you for putting up this site. It is like a safe haven to go when no one else understands. I am seriously considering telling Oprah about you, so she can feature what a wonderful thing that you are doing for all women.
I stopped my Celexa the day before yesterday. When I woke up yesterday my shaking was lessened, but not gone. I took my Xanax and it almost totally went away. I actually got myself out and ran errands that I couldn't do before because I was afraid to drive in that condition. I could feel it just occassionally, but it was slight. Today I have gotten up and it is just barely there, but it is still there. I don't know if I should resume the Celexa in a decreased doseage and see what happens. I really don't want to go back to that "flat feeling where I can't feel any emotion". Xanax does not help me with the depression. I have been on that since 1985 for panic disorder.
When are you considered in perimenopause and when are you in menopause? I started my periods when I was 8 and am 53. About 5 months ago I skipped a period and then last month skipped again. This is going on the 2nd month that I have not had a period. So I am wondering if they have stopped. And, of course, I have the thoughts in my head that I probably have something wrong and that is why the periods have stopped - even though I am at an age where they should stop.
I too have experienced a weird sensation and almost numbness in my face on the left side. Thought for sure it was a stroke, but it has been going on for almost a year. I have gone the route of actually having an angiogram for my heart, but that was 5 years ago, and although it was normal then, I keep thinking it probably all went downhill after the test. My cardiologist said that I am the most nervous person that he has ever seen. I am my own worst enemy.
I am wondering if some of my symptoms are not thyroid related - but my doctor wants me to see my OB-Gyn first before he runs others tests. I have an appointment with her for 6/19. I have concerns about taking HRT's. My Dad's side has big time heart problems (almost everyone has passed away because of it, including my Dad) which the HRT's are supposed to help. But my Mom's side has cancer - almost everyone passed away because of that, including my Mom). Her's was lung (from smoking) but she had a sister with stomache and another with breast - which is something that they say HRT's can increase your chances of.). I am in a dilemma about seeing the doctor and having her prescribe HRT's. You hear all the time about people going to doctors who think they are right at the time they do something and then down the road the medical community finds out it wasn't such a good thing.
Sandi
Ladies,
I know where everyone is coming from. I got so tired of people telling me how I should feel and that it was all in my head. Once again let me clarify that I quit my job, I quit smoking, and had all or most of the symptoms of menopause. All hell broke loose. One of my best friends just would not leave me alone. I tried to explain to her that I needed time to myself, but she persisted anyway. Finally I sent her an email with an attachment that explained about menopause. That sometimes we need a pause from mankind in a way. Get it! Men - o- pause. PAUSE FROM MAN. I told her to stop pushing that I needed time to heal and I would get back to her. Well, I tried the other day to phone her, and she said she would have to call back. She didn't. It did not upset me, b/c if she couldn't understand what I was going through in the beginning then she was no friend then. Right!!!!????? We all need to heal and we don't need anyone pushing into believing what they want us to believe.
Dearest - just to say thank you for this site, and thank you for your words of wisdom. You deserve all the good things that life can bring you, just for being so prepared to help women in this way.A massibe bouquet of mixed blooms for you...
As grateful as I am for all your kind words, in all honesty, I wish none of us had to post on this topic -- if you get my drift. However, it's good that we can share our experiences and know we aren't alone.
Jools, thanks so much, but.. errr... what's a "massibe" bouquet? :biggrin:
QUOTE
Quote: from Jools on 4:06 pm on June 2, 2001[br]Dearest - just to say thank you for this site, and thank you for your words of wisdom. You deserve all the good things that life can bring you, just for being so prepared to help women in this way.
A massibe bouquet of mixed blooms for you...
A massibe bouquet of mixed blooms for you...
Amen, Jools!
Dearest, a massibe is short for a Mass of Incredible Blooms, Everywhere!
Brilliant MaryO!!! But I have to confess, 'massibe' is 'massive' written with a mouth full of chocolate LOL!!I love those flowers MaryO - how did you DO that???????
Dearest: Thanks for that wonderful post. I printed it out so that I can hand it out to my friends when they start telling me of the symptoms they are having. You mentioned that you will never get rich from Power Surge, but that's not true. You are very rich in compassion, kindness, and the willingness to help others. No price tag can be put on that, but if we could it would certainly exceed the wealth of the monetary rich. You have given peace of mind to all of us who enter this board; I always say that you and this board saved my sanity. There was a time when I felt worse than I ever had in my life, and I really didn't think I would make it through the day. I was besides myself until I found Power Surge. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hi everyone: Can someone verify if they experience the same thing I do? I get tremors that feel like a ripple and wave going through my chest, which in turn causes me to visibly jerk or "shiver" on the outside. I really think this is a lesser form of the anxiety/panic attacks I used to get. Any ideas?
Carol,YES!!!!!! I get that same thing. It used to happen once in awhile, but now it happens more frequently. It like a milder form of the "earthquake" tremors I sometimes get. I don't know when you get yours, but mine seem to come most often when I'm relaxed and reading or watching television. I never associated it with the anxiety attacks before, but now that you mention it, the anxiety and panic have been less frequent since the "ripples" started.I'm certainly looking forward to the day when we can all be "still" inside and out 
Love and hugs :cheesy: Ann
Dear Carol & Ann...I also experience that "jerky" or "shiver" feeling fairly often. I do believe it is caused by anxiety and edgy nerve endings. I'm not so sure they are the same thing as a panic attack only less severe. I also believe it is the on-going stress that leads to high anxiety & panic however. Most importantly we need to do things to lower our anxiety levels overall. Relaxation therapies of many varieties are available,,,we need to research and try what we feel intuitively will work for us as individuals. Good luck and my empathy is with you both.
Hi everyone,
Well I didn't have a great weekend. I pulled a muscles in my leg either from Yoga or walking, I don't know which. I was miserable. Tremors came back and palps. Finally, today I started walking again and doing yoga. I did do them a little slower. LOL :smile: :confused:
Anyway, I guess I really need to continue to exercise so the symptoms are not so strong.
And Dearest, thank you from the bottom of my heart for starting this site. It has helped me sleep at night and take on a new me. I have my friends in this site and they definitely help me through the day. I gave you a ten in the cool site of the day. Your terrific and sooo is everyone else here. Thanks everyone!!!!! :smile: :biggrin:
Thanks, again, for all your kind words. I know i tend to sometimes be long-winded (stop laughing!), but not as often as I used to be. The wind isn't as strong against my sails any longer. I'm tired, but when I feel up to it, you'll always be able to tell by my messages -- like that one up there ^^^
You know, of all the boards here, this has to be where I feel the most comfortable because this internal shaking thing has been my nemesis since perimenopause begain. I know there are so many other menopausal complaints that give women so much grief and discomfort, but when you have those days of constant internal shaking -- those tremor-like feelings for hours at a time, lord, I can't think of anything that's like it.
I sometimes think I would sell my soul to the devil if I knew that shaking would just go away and stay away!
All we can do is hang in there ... shouldn't be too difficult since many of are quickly becoming familiar with "hanging" anyway :biggrin:
Dear AnnS and Irene: I strongly believe that exercising, meditating, and deep breathing helps. I've posted this before, but I'll say it again. There's a great book, The Anxiety and Phobia Handbook by Edmund J. Bourne, that has helped me a lot. The worse part of all of this is that I allow my mind to think there is something terribly wrong with me. I need to read books like the one above and get on this board to stay focused. After I do that, I can handle the symptoms much better and at least be able to function. I start my day at work reading the new posts. Believe it or not, it continues to help me throughout the day. I just have to keep telling myself that it's not life-threatening and it too will pass!?!?!?????
Hi there,
I am the one who posted who is not in menopause (33 years old). I have the shaking too (very bad with PMS/ovulation). I am wondering how many of us suffer anxiety/depression? If so, is the shaking exclusive to those who suffer anxiety/depression? Just wondering. I am desperately trying to get to the bottom of this. It is very disturbing. Best wishes
Denise - I have the internal shaking and clinical depression.
Didn't have too good of a day yesterday. Had a root canal. Try to stay away from the dentist unless it is an absolute emergency. Not the smartest thing to do. On top of all these wonderful things/sensations that have been happening to me lately - they started the procedure and I guess they use something to numb you now that includes epinephrine. Well I had an instant bad reaction :shocked: :shocked: Chest tightened up, both legs and arms went numb, throat felt like it was closing, and got an instant headache. Thought I was dropping dead. The dentist sat there calmly and held my hand while she told me I would be fine in about 5-10 minutes, just to keep talking to her - not the easiest thing to do when your throat is closing up. It did go away - but scared the heck out of me. She said in the future to tell people I "react" to epinephrine, but not to say that I am allergic to it. She finished the root canal using something else. She was so gentle that I actually was falling asleep (took lots of Xanax just to go there - lol). But man when that stuff wore off - I am in big time pain right now!!!! And they gave me Vicodin, which is making me feel even weirder than I usually do. I think I am going to bed and sleep all day.Sandi
O HELP! I have just plucked up courage to make an appointment to have my teeth done (after a year of not daring to, following a panic attack...) and now you say one can react to a local anaesthetic!! Is that common? Was it an ordinary local? I'm more alarmed than ever, now!!And in reply to the previous post - yes, I get the tremors and shaking and yes, I also get anxiety and panic. I have often wondered about a connection...
GOOD GRIEF!!! I'm with you Jools!!!I'm TERRIFIED of the dentist.....finally went last month....popped some Xanax before goin!!The epinephrine didn't do anything like what Sandi said it did to her!! THANK GOD!!!
NOW!! I'm worried about my next appointment.....in 5 months!! *Snif* I'll be thinkin of this post today, fer sure!! Hope it's a very....very.....rare occurance to have a reaction like Sandi did!:oSandi....please tell us it's rare.....PLEASE!!!We'll hafta find a way to go togther or............maybe not!! Can ya see all of us there having panic attacks at the same time!! :biggrin:Nope....Nada.....I don't think so!!!!
(((Hugs from a Canadian Chick)))Nancy
Sorry --- I don't know if it is rare of not. I had been given epinephrine years ago at an immediate care facility and it made my hands claw up. Ever since then I was telling people I was allergic to it. But when I went to the ER once they told me not to tell people that. Epinephrine is the stuff they use when you have cardiac arrests. So, I stopped telling people that. I never, ever, thought that epinephrine was used by a dentist. I have gone to other dentists recently and they did not use it. This was a specialist in root canals only and she said the epinephrine causes the tooth to stay numb for a longer period of time, because her procedures take longer to accomplish. She did my entire root canal in about an hour and fifteen. She did say that she has had other people react to it, not often, but occassionally, and it is not life threatening. It did reverse in 5-10 minutes on it's own. Just frightening.
As far as being afraid of the dentist. I am probably the world's biggest chicken when it comes to this. I actually began to have chest pains I was holding myself so tight "before" they even called me in. But I have to tell you. Other than the epinephrine problem, I was actually falling asleep during the procedure. There was no pain at all. When she was done I was trying to get her to do another one of my teeth. My daughter couldn't believe it. There are good dentists and bad ones. For a root canal I would suggest a specialist who only does them.
Also, she gives you sunglasses to wear. I can't tell you how calming that is. So, bring a pair of dark sunglasses to your next visit. It really does help. Also, a walkman with soothing music helps. But for this doctor you really wouldn't need it. The equipment they have now is so much better than before. You just need to find a doctor that keeps up-to-date with their equipment and procedures. If I had always had dentists like this one, I wouldn't have all the bad teeth problems I have now because I wouldn't be afraid to go. If you have a dentist now that hurts you, find a different one, because there are good ones out there that know how to do all this work without hurting you.
My regular dentist gives you a pill that you take at home that makes you fall asleep. You have someone drive you there and by the time you get there you are starting to feel it and then they put you in the chair and you fall asleep. You never know he is working on your teeth. Personally, being put to sleep - like during an operation - scares me more - so I have not opted for this. My sister, however, wants to take the pill and fall asleep "before" she even gets driven to the dentist - lol.
My tooth is pretty sore today, but at least I didn't lose it and now it is taken care of. I wouldn't hesitate to schedule another visit with this dentist. Unfortunately, my next step is to have 4 implants put in and this is with another specialist. They actually drill a post into your jaw bone. I am trying not to think about that!
Sandi
I worked in a dentist office for years. Some people react to epinephrine and some don't. If you've ever noticed your heart start to speed up after a xylocaine shot, it's not anxiety, it's the epinephrine. Some people don't notice it at all, but others notice it much more.
My sister's leg's go numb everytime she has a local anesthetic. I don't seem to respond to it, other than a little racy pulse.
You can ask your dentist for a shot without epinephrine, but they don't like to give them. The epinephrine in the xylocaine helps to control bleeding during the dental procedure.
Oh great - I go to the dentist on the 18th, and now I have to worry about all this too...anxiety I can just about cope with, but numbness and heart rate from the jab....what a thought! Although - what's the worst that can happen (do I really want to know..?)
Hi Jools and "dentalphobes" (most of us),
I notice that my heart rate goes up a little when they inject the "stuff" to deaden my mouth. It does not trigger anxiety that is extreme but it definitely makes me feel hyper.
I think it was Lori (forgive me if it was not you) that told me on a post a while back to get them to use Carbocaine. It does not affect the heart rate and I think she said it is a little slower acting. I put this in my address book with my dentist's name and address. Hard enought to remember that. :) I know I do not like any drug that has a stimulant effect and maybe that is one reason people are "nervous" at the dentist.
My dentist is so nice and laughs and jokes with me and his personnel are so helpful that I truly don't mind as much as I used to. I even had a root canal a couple of years ago and did ok (relatively). (How do these teeth look? :biggrin:
Hope this is helpful...so maybe you don't have to worry and call ahead to see if they have this type of anesthetic....
Thanks NancyV - I will ask my dentist. When I went a year ago, in the middle of the most stressful period, he gace me THREE injections and they failed to numb the area. When he started to mutter about trying another type of jab, my nerve broke and I had a mega panic attack and legged it! I have since convinced myself that it was a reaction to the jabs, although the dentist said that was not possible at all. He is now going to try something faster acting, so perhaps I'd better check that it's not epinephrine. I wish I'd never read that post about reacting to the anaesthetic; it has really worried me, and I was so determined that I would overcome this dentist phobia!!!My internal shaking is so bad I look like a pneumatic drill!! In fact, if I hold a sharp instrument against my tooth, I will probably be able to drill it all by myself!Tee hee
Jools,I feel so bad that I posted that about the epinephrine. But I had a reaction previously to the stuff. If you never did before, it will be okay. The dentist was injecting the epinephrine with the carbocaine and when I reacted, she just used the carbocaine and it was fine. I didn't even feel the shots being given and there was no reaction, the numbness lasted thru the entire procedure, and I felt no pain what-so-ever while I was getting the root canal. I looked up epinephrine on the internet last night (because I was worrying that I had the reaction because there is something wrong with my heart) and they say it is actually adrenaline and it mentioned that if the dose is given too fast it can cause a reaction, which might be what happened to me. It also is something that is used to save your life in cardiac emergencies, so it isn't going to kill you. My heart didn't race at all Jools. It was just a tightening up kind of feeling. It started to reverse as soon as I told her it felt weird. It took about 5 minutes to totally go away, but after a few seconds I could feel it reversing.
Talk to your dentist about it ahead of time and I am sure it will be fine. I swear to God, Jools, no one could have been more afraid of a dentist than me. It would be an utter impossibility. And right now, after this last visit, even with the reaction, I am not at all afraid to go. I have a lot of dental work ahead of me and I intend to get my teeth taken care of. Now that I am informed about epinephrine I will just be sure to talk to anyone giving me anything again, so if they do use it, they use it in a lesser dose and inject it more slowly.
Tell us the time and date you are going and we will think good thoughts for you and you will be fine. Take Xanax or something before you go so that you are more relaxed, but be sure to tell the dentist that you did. I didn't tell her and maybe that is why this all happened too.
Sandi
hello all of you. I found your website last night before bed and it was an answer to prayer. So so soothing to know others with the same symptoms. Why don't doctors know about trembling and skaking internally? Anyway I am53 with last period about a year ago. I went on combined continuous hrt about three weeks ago and I have started to wake up with a dreadful start and straight into trmbling, I'd say a gentle, general almost whirring sensation all over with no evidence of tremors visible on the outside even my lips i can feel a sort of buzz in those too. It makes me very very frightened and my hands go all clammy and I get mild diarrhoea and it subsides some what and generally gets better as the morning goes on. I can,t help but wonder if there is some thing seriously wrong with me but dr. says nothing wrong with cardio-vasc system. I really don,t want tranquilizers but what can I do? I,ve called in sick at work today because I feel so unsure of myself. Oh and when the shakes are happening I can almost feel it behind my eyes too and my vision seems a bit dizzy . Please some one talk to me about this even if it is middle of the night with you. Thank you all so much for being there.
Maggie - don't be afraid! Lots and lots of people here will tell you they have been through this and are maybe still going through it. The trouble with menopause is that the sensations can be so bizarre - like nothing you've ever felt before - that fright and panic soon follow and add to the whole thing. Try to tell yourself it is 'only' menopause, and will pass, and trawl through this site for reassurance (if you read this topic, you will see that Dearest posted a long letter all about her internal shaking - very reassuring!).Why are you on HRT at all? Just curious.
Sandi - please don't feel bad about your post re the dentist! You weren't to know that I am a prize wimp with a vivid imagination!! I also looked up epinephrine on the web and discovered it is adrenaline, which explains a lot (I have enough adrenaline in my body as it is - in fact, I ought to go into business selling the stuff!).My appointment is the 18th, and I have a couple of fillings to be done. Once I have got through this fear barrier, I am convinced I will be more prepared to take other risks.Thank you for your reassuring post - if you were as scared as me and can now cope, then so can I........................................probably...............................
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Hi Jools. Thanx for your reply. I was put on HRT because I had mild muscular pain and soreness, and it was generally felt by the GP that I would benefit in the long term. I was not expecting any side effects as all had gone smoothly the first week or so. THEN the shakiness started on waking. At first it was like being very hungry and you feel weak and trembly and then it just escalated into these full blown trembling attacks. What suprises me is that though everything seems to be on the shake inside, there's nothing to be seen outside and my hands are as steady as a rock. Like someone else said, you can't help but get very anxious and worry about the cause. Do you know what actually makes the body behave like this at a set time in the day? Also, if I embark on relaxation and breathing techniques and perhaps Yoga, how long does it take for them to go? I drink about 6 mugs of tea a day and 1 coffee and usually a bar of chocolate, would this be enough to affect the tremors? One other thing, do any of your members on this page come from England? Your Doctors over there seem to be familiar with this as a hormone imbalance symtom. P L E A S E get back to me soon and thank you for everything you do.Maggie((HUGS))
Jools,
I know that since starting progesterone, I really don't get anxious even before period time or the phantom one now It has lowered the level of arousal to stimuli in general and I hope this will be the case with you when you go to the dentist. You may be surprised that is is NOTHING like last time since you have done so much since then to improve things for yourself.
Expect that you will be fine--that is half of it as I am learning. It would be nice to listen to some kind of quieting meditation or music during this with headphones or something...? Wonder if you could take your own... Would be cool :cool: 
Anyway, just thinking out loud....
QUOTE
Quote: from maggie on 6:29 am on June 8, 2001[br]Hi Jools. Thanx for your reply. I was put on HRT because I had mild muscular pain and soreness, and it was generally felt by the GP that I would benefit in the long term. I was not expecting any side effects as all had gone smoothly the first week or so. THEN the shakiness started on waking. At first it was like being very hungry and you feel weak and trembly and then it just escalated into these full blown trembling attacks. What suprises me is that though everything seems to be on the shake inside, there's nothing to be seen outside and my hands are as steady as a rock. Like someone else said, you can't help but get very anxious and worry about the cause. Do you know what actually makes the body behave like this at a set time in the day? Also, if I embark on relaxation and breathing techniques and perhaps Yoga, how long does it take for them to go? I drink about 6 mugs of tea a day and 1 coffee and usually a bar of chocolate, would this be enough to affect the tremors? One other thing, do any of your members on this page come from England? Your Doctors over there seem to be familiar with this as a hormone imbalance symtom. P L E A S E get back to me soon and thank you for everything you do.Maggie((HUGS))
Maggie...Hi!If Jools doesn't mind....I'd like to jump in here for a minute! Maggie......you have described the internal tremors exactly the way I have them.....still do.....but not nearly as often!IMHO....yours sound like a combo of hormone fluctuations and what you are eating!! Mine were like that! Too much caffeine and possibly a blood sugar drop added! Especially if you are craving foods when it's about to strick.....hunger pangs!!
I had to make adjustments to my eating habits! I dropped the coffee....cut back.....way back on sugar, chocolate, etc. That was hard.....I love my deserts!! :biggrin:Anyhoo....doing that helped!! However the doc gave me HRT to control the tremors/palps! This worked for awhile......then in time got worse.....MUCH!! :confused:
My doctor told me, (his words), " Nancy, your internal tremors are caused by the nerve ending in your body VIBRATING, due to hormones fluctuating." He tried to make adjustments with the dosage of my HRT....but it didn't help.....made it worse!!I later found out.....I was estrogen dominant, (too much estorgen in my body for the balance of progesterone).Many woman are like that.....and as a result ......the normal HRT given could cause tremors to be worse.
Some woman find different types, e.i. hormone creams, etc., natural estrogens, etc. to be more helpful. I think Jools can add some input on that!! It might be something for you to consider?!?!
I can't take any of these.....my body is tooooooo sensitive! What I do now.....(and don't be afraid to consider it) is, I take Xanax or Clonazapam, ONLY as needed!! I works for me....especially first thing in the morning!
Taking HRT for muscle pain.....doesn't work!! I have muscle pain.....lots of it.....believe me it doesn't work!In fact that's the first time I've heard of that reason for giving HRT.....unless I've missed something along the way.....with all my brain fog..:biggrin: 'cause boy....wouldn't that be great if it worked!! WOW!
You can also try breathing and relaxation techniques.....it helps some woman!!I'm sure others will add to what I just posted.....as there are different strokes for different folks.....and it's good to consider all your options.
Bottom Line: Yep....It looks like the HRT the doctor gave you definitly started all this plus your diet does/can contribute. I'm no doctor....but when I read your post I saw my story!!
You'll be OK, my friend.....keep reading.....keep posting.....and keep asking those questions!!You're among friends.....take care!!!
(((Hugs)))Nancy
Nancy - sure you can take your own headset. I do it all the time. The dentist is up for anything that calms you down. They are very aware that people are terrified of them. Did you know that among doctors, dentists have the highest rate of suicide?
Jools - believe me when I say that you couldn't possibly be more terrified than I was of dentists. I am sure that I will get anxious when I go again, but I don't think it will ever be on the level I had before. You just need to shop around and find a good one. There are so many out there that are so much better now.
Maggie - I just started going thru what you are about a month ago. I am 53 and my periods just stopped 2 months ago. Xanax helps my internal tremors a lot, but doesn't make them go away completely sometimes. My doctor has assured me that they are not life threatening. I was also taking Prozac and then changed to Celexa (for depression). I was on them for about 10 days and then stopped taking them. A lot of the shaking went away, but the depression has returned. I took one last night and now the shaking is back. I guess I get to choose between internal shaking and depression. I am really bummed out this morning. Something that I have found that helps me when I start to get panicky over these symptoms is to distract myself in some way. I have a massager and I use it on my back to help relax me, or I wet my face and neck down with cold water and sit in front of fan. I will probably get pneumonia, but it makes the feelings less intense. Sometimes I have to wake my husband up and he rubs my back gently until the Xanax kicks in and I fall asleep. But he works until 3 a.m., and these wonderful, scarey things usually happen when no one is home. I read a post on the board somewhere that said the shaking is actually happening inside to your nerve endings because of the hormone imbalance. Since I started getting this, I have talked to other people and they also got this during menopause. Hang in there! Remember when it is happening, that we are all probably in bed shaking right along with you.
Here's to better days ahead!Sandi
Here here to what Sandi and Snowbird said!! Caffeine certainly made my shaking worse....have cut out all caffeine and it is so much better. Also, I use progesterone cream and that has turned me right around! Brilliant stuff!NancyV - yes, I am taking music (the dentist suggested it!) I would like to take the England Rugby Team male choir because it would certainly take my mind off the work being done tee hee! I am sure I'll be fine...I want to get over this first hurdle so that I can start looking at other avoidance areas in my life and tackle those. I am being positive, and as usual the support I get from this site is worth ££££££££££££ to me!! (Or should I say $$$$$$$$$) (Or should I just say it's worth my sanity, which is priceless!)Hugs to you all!
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