Well, well, well, will wonders never cease:shocked:????  I had my first episode of internal shaking yesterday, when I was home with a bad headache!!!  At first I thought something was terribly wrong....and then I remembered reading about this on the boards, and figured out what it was before I made ANOTHER trip to Urgent Care.  It really is the strangest feeling, and very hard to describe.  Thanks to all of you who have written about your experiences with this.  It certainly helped save my sanity yesterday afternoon :cheesy:

Hi Everyone,

When I first started  w/ the internal shaking or tremors I thought that I was losing my mind.  It is comforting to know that there are others who are like me.  Not only am I beginning menopause but I also quit smoking and got off caffeine.  I really nearly lost my mind.

Any way, w/perseverance and a lot of prayers I made it this far.  LOL.  I walk a mile everyday  and  it does help tremendously.  And yes, I am taking up yoga.  I love chocolate, but  it makes me feel worse when I eat it.

So day by day I pray that I do make it through this part of my life.  IT AIN'T A BED OF ROSES.

I am trying to figure out if what I am experiencing is internal shaking....this is a new symptom for me and it seems nothing is descriptive enough. I wake up about 4:00AM and it feels like my insides are jerking around and shaking...sort of like butterflies in your stomach but worse....it usually resolves after I go to the bathroom and get up but it is quite an odd sensation....sort of nerve-wracking. And I don't seem to experience it in the second half of my cycle...after ovulation. It only happens after my period up to mid-cycle....it is the oddest feeling....I really didn't need another weird thing to feel going on in my body...the palps, hot flashes, and anxiety are quite enough....Any ideas, anyone?

Tina...my Meno-bud!!!I experience the same thing.....just last night, in fact!!It sure isn't pleasant......ta say the least!!!  This may sound wierd......then what else is new!! *GRIN*  I keep a ice pack by my bed for when this happens.....fer some reason.....when the shaking begins.....I'll grab the pack....stick it on my belly or whatever......and in a few minutes.....all gone!!  Dunno why it is....but it's probably the bod adjusting to hormonal stuff during the night......which will also cause the bowels to shake and shiver.....quiver and quake!! Aaaah!!  Sounds Yucko....but....that's what I think it is, fer me anyhoo.....and the ice pack works!! *Sigh*:wink:

(((Huggers my friend)))

I also have a problem with my face shaking and my left eyelid twitches. I have reduce my sugar intake and I think that I am getting a little better, but I don't like that crawly feeling in my face. Anyone else every had this problem.

Hello Denise,

Face shaking? No.  Eye twitching, ah yes.  Did not know that this one of MENO'S S Y M P T O M S.  LOL.:cool:

Hey Snowbird????

Tremors.  Your stomach shakes?  That is not what my tremors do.  I feel a rushing tremors in my body but not particular my stomach shaking.  I don't know how to explain it.  It is like it starts from the top and goes through my body.  LOL.  Oh well, hard to explain it.  :smile:

Hey thanks everyone for bringing up the topic of internal tremors.

My first recollection of this experience was right after my first child was born 36 years ago. The nurses wrapped me in warm blankets and the tremors stopped. Three more deliveries brought on the same symptoms. I was told at the time that in spite of very easy birthing (?? is that a word?) my body was in shock. To me, the sensation is the same as when I get very cold. I do live in a cold climate but this is being cold from the inside out.

When I mention this, others just get that vague look in their eyes and it's apparent they have no clue as to what I am talking about.

It does not happen in times of emotional stress or too much coffee but I notice that if eating is put off too long, I feel the onset.

Up until now, I just thought I was an oddball with my own personal earthquakes.

The good news is that since I started taking Calcium on a regular daily basis, ( 2 months now) it has vanished. It consists of Calcium, Magnesium & Vitamin D. No preservatives, colour, dairy, wheat nor yeast.

Feels great to be free from the tremors, but even greater to know I'm not the only one.

Thanks,

Laura

Aunt B.....G'Morning!!!

Good Golly....you too!!  You described me exactly!!  When I answered Tina concerning her butterflies in the tummy......believe me....that's only one area!!  *Sigh*

The best way I can describe my internal tremors is......"it feels like a freight train  rumbling through my body.....head ta toe!!"  It's sometimes worse in the stomach area or bowels....depending.....but none the less it's everywhere.....but not always at the same time!!  For some reason.......if I catch it quick enough.....grab that ol' ice pack.....stick it somewhere! *Grin* It helps!!  Dunno why....but it does!!  I don't believe my tummy actually shakes....sheesh......I hope not.....then again....if it's accompanied with a hot flash......nausea will be the result!  Then you can call me..."Shake 'n Bake!" LOL!

It's not noticable on the outside....but it sure feels like an earthquake going on in the inside!! )

(((Hugs)))

Hi Everyone:  I just wanted to share my experience with internal shaking for anyone new who is experiencing it for the first time.  Mine is a little different than what has been described.  I only get it in my chest area.  It comes out of the blue.  It feels like a ripple going through my chest.  It is noticeable to others because I either jerk or my shoulders shudder (like when you're very cold) when it first happens.  Usually I could recover quite quickly from it, but sometimes as Dearest has mentioned, it goes into anxiety.  Then I end of with chest pain.  I'm just guessing on this one, but I think the chest pain is really from the chest muscels tensing up from the scare of the internal shaking.  Oftentimes, if the anxiety escalates enough, I even feel tightness in the jaw.  I know what you're all thinking because I often think it, but I've been checked for heart problems and things come back negative.  The doctor told me that when anxiety strikes and the adrenlin rises, the muscles will tense once it subsides.  This is the reason for the chest pain I experience.  I notice that when I have those heavenly free times w/o shaking or anxiety, I have no pain in my chest.  My prayers are with all of you who experience this.  I hope this has helped someone.  Hugs, Carol

Hi everyone,

I am just wondering if this is common to anyone else -- I have these tremors or whatever just as I am falling asleep.  I feel like I have been jerked from somewhere and into an earthquake.  UGH?  

Thanks for everyone's help!Reb

YES!!!!!! I've had that feeling several times in the past week.  I couldn't really describe it, but "earthquake" is perfect!  I get it sometimes falling asleep, as you do, Reb, and also in the first moments of awakening, before I'm really conscious and alert.  It's scares me to death, and then the palps and pounding heart start.  I've also had some episodes that I describe as "internal shaking" where it feels like my whole body is vibrating inside.  It's VERY unnerving......this happens out of the blue while I'm awake and going about my normal day.  There's no outward sign, like the jerking awake thing, so people think I'm nuts when I say that the shaking is driving me nuts!!I'm feeling very exhausted by this whole meno thing this week, and I just want it to be OVER!!!!! I know it will be one day, but I'm not sure I'll be sane enough to be aware of it when it happens :biggrin:

I guess all we can do is hang in there.  Here's to more peaceful days and nights for all of us :cool:

Love and hugs :cheesy: Ann

To AnnS

I know what you are going through.  Thought that I would lose my mind also.  All I can say is that some days are better than others.  I walk 2miles a day and do yoga morning and night.  It really seems to help.  Also get off of all caffeine.  That helps also.

As long as I am active I am fine.  At days end when I am trying to sleep, it does start but not as bad with all the exercise.  Try it and you will see.

I am so absolutely grateful to have found this board tonight.  I have had panic disorder since 1985 and been on Xanax since that time.  Recently I began to experience internal shaking - usually upon getting up in the morning.  I would take Xanax and it would disappear.  But then it started to get worse, and last longer.  Sometimes eating protein would help a bit, but not for long.  My doctor feels it is menopausal, but when it happens I get so scared that it throws me into a panic attack.  I have been experiencing depression (put on Prozac, just switched to Celexa, which I haven't taken yet).  And lots of gastrointestinal problems (on Prilosec).  Thought the shaking was because of the meds.  My anxiety level is so high because of this that sometimes I walk around with the cordless telephone just so I can call the paramedics fast (worrying I am having a heart attack) and I walk around with aspirin in my pocket (cause they say to take one if you are experiencing a heart attack).  I feel like I am going to go crazy.  Today I had the internal shaking (which I described to my doctor as a hypoglycemic feeling) almost all day long.  Tried to distract myself by doing other things, but I was sure I was going to have a heart attack.  I am walking around scared most of the time.  I am 53, missed a period a couple of months ago, and then again last month.  Have a strong history of both heart disease and cancer in my family - father & whole family died of heart disease and Mom died of lung cancer, her sister of breast cancer, and her other sister of stomache cancer - so hormones don't seem like a good thing for me.  This is really bad.  Thank you all for being here.

SanMarie:  You are not alone.  You described me perfectly when I was in the worst of peri.  A book that helped me tremendously was The Anxiety & Phobia Handbook by Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D.  I also got a lot of help from Dr. Susan Love's book on Hormones.  Try to follow some of the advice on breathing, exercise, nutrition, etc.  They all help with this.  Also, get all of the test done for your heart.  It will give you peace of mind the next time panic strikes.  Your mind is a powerful thing-- it can make or break you.  Allowing your mind to react to the palps and anxiety causes fear which causes the panic attacks.  If I can be of any further help, just e-mail me.  Hugs, Carol

SanMarie....Hi!!

I can't thank you enough for sharing your story.....and welcome to the site!!What you said is so classic to what many gals here go through.....including myself!!  The fear....anxiety, etc.,etc.First off....your not going nuts!!  I too thought I was....and when it hits a woman like you.....like myself ....and many of us.....it's such a baffling puzzle....we think we have or are about to go over the edge!!  Menopause can throw the body right off balance....cause all sorts of fluctuations.....adrenaline rushes!!  Good Golly!!  What's a girl ta think??!!  A possible heart attack......ya betcha!!It appears you are sticking close to your doctor.....making sure you're doing all the right things.....keeping an eye on possible problems, etc.,etc.   As we must make sure there aren't any other little sneaky situations that could creep in......like cancer or heart disease!We do the best we can, with what we got!  Then educate.....see what others experience, etc. and find out what works for us as individuals......as we are all different!Again Welcome Aboard......keep posting.....you shared a lot.....really appreciate it!!Nancy

Thank you Carol.  I am also very overweight, which attributes to my worry over a heart attack.  I had myself so worked up over it about 5 years ago, experiencing lots of chest pain, that I ended up having an angiogram, which turned up negative, and miraculously the chest pains went away.   I agree with you about what the power of the mind can do.  I also am experiencing major gastrointestinal symptoms (on Prilosec and Carafate) and these cause me to get short of breath at times, which always brings me back to the heart attack idea.  And the anxiety brings on more gastrointestinal problems, and it is a viscious cycle.  I woke up with shaking, stomache bloating causing shortness of breath, it brought on a panic attack, and I ended up in tears.  No one should have to walk around in fear all of the time.   On top of it all I have rheumatoid arthritis and because of the stomache problems can't take any pain mediciation for it.    I will go out and get the books that you recommended today.  I really appreciate the help.  Thank you.

SanMarie, welcome to the greatest site you can find at this time of your life  All the women here are fantastic, and you can always find someone to help, share experiences, give adivce, or just hold your hand and send you cyber-hugs.

I totally sympathize with you and your symptoms.  I know the fear of a heart attack.......I've actually gone to the emergency room four times thinking I was having a heart attack or stroke before my doctor ruled out any other problems and said it was menopause causing all the upheaval. I also walk around with the cordless phone in my hand, it makes me feel pretty silly, but it also makes me feel more secure.  Good luck to you, and keep posting.........this is a great place

Love and hugs :cheesy: Ann

San Marie:  Just like AnnS, I ended up in the emergency room 3 times for what turned out to be panic attacks.  And guess what?  I always had a cordless phone with me in the house, and I never leave home without my cell phone--even now when things aren't so bad.  But that's okay if it gives you security.  Hey, whatever works for you.  My dad died of a heart attack at age 46, and that's when I started peri.  It's always in the back of my mind.  I understand everything you are going through.  The exercise and breathing helped so much for me.  The bonus of the exercise is that you'll lose weight also.  Start slow.  Take a slow walk for 15-20 minutes.  Within a couple of weeks, you'll be walking longer and faster.  For me, exercise also cuts my appetite.  Hence, I loss 25 lbs. without even trying to lose the weight.  I just wanted to get my nervous system settled down.  The other thing that helped was a tape with just sounds from nature.  I love the ocean, so I got a tape on ocean waves crashing onto shore.  I would put my headset on and listen to this tape while I did deep breathing before I went to sleep.  Claire Weeks also has a classic book out on panic attacks called Hope and Help for Your Nerves.  I can't say that one remedy was better than the other; for me it was a combination.  Read--see what appeals to you and will work for you.  Try everything.  These are desperate times.  Never give in.  Have a good cry if that's what you're feeling, but after that's over get mad and commit to getting past this.  Hugs, Carol

There are no words for me to express how grateful I am to have found this board and site.

{{{{{{{SanMarie}}}}}}}.  Just wanted to give you a big hug.  It seems like menopause hits us like a ton of bricks, doesn't it?  I've also suffered with anxiety and stomach problems, which is certainly exacerbated by all of the menopause symptoms that plummet us when we hit a certain age.  You've got to try to do something to relax like taking a hot bubble bath by candlelight (something I learned from reading an article about Hiliary Clinton).  What I've learned from this is I'm my own worst enemy.  I convince myself that I have all of these horrible ailments, which makes all of the existing ones worse!  Please know that you are not alone and we're all here for you.  

I agree w/you that we should not walk around in fear, but most of us meno's do.  It is horrible.  Sometimes I feel like I am going to die.  I really hate being alone at times.

Denise,

If you think something antiinflammatory would help, my doctor recommended OPC-3 to me as an antiinflammatory when I couldn't use a drug.  I don't have the shaking, but it would be an interesting experiment to try this OPC-3 which is pycnogenol (derived from pine bark)  to see if it would help.  It is a powerful antioxidant and has no side effects.    

Just a thought....

Hi everyone!  I'm new here and I have just started having internal shaking mostly at night right before I fall asleep. It almost feels like I have my finger in an electrical socket (not that I do that regularly!) but it has almost an electrical sensation throughtout my whole body. It lasts a few minutes then subsides. Very unsettling feeling, almost like I want to crawl out of my skin. I haven't mentioned that problem yet to my poor  husband and maybe I won't now that I know I'm not alone with this. He's heard plenty of my other peri symptoms. I'm glad to be here!!  Shake shake shake!!

Kathyh....Welcome aboard!!Always nice to see a new meno-bud posting!!As you can see with the other posts.....you're not alone with this intermal shaking stuff!!  You described it perfectly!!  In fact there are electrical surges going through the body due to the hormone fluctuation that feel like little shocks!!  Has something to do with  adrenaline rushes, etc.HEY....as long as we don't start GLOWING in the dark!! :biggrin:  Our poor husbands would be runnin for the hills!! HeHe!!Anyhoo....take care!! You've definitly got company with the* *SHAKE and (sometimes) BAKE ** fun of menopause!!(((Hugs from a Canadian Gal)))Nancy

"SHAKE AND BAKE!!!"  Yes!!!  I love it!!!  Well said...Greetings from the Wild Wisconsin Woman.

"Thought You'd Like That One!" :cool:**Wild Wisconsin Woman**

(((Hugs from The Canadian Snowbird)))Nancy

Carol....you are so right about Dr. Claire Weekes book, Hope and Help for Your Nerves...I have read it and it helped me more than anything else...I read it again when I feel the need....take care.....

Kathyn,

You have described internal shaking perfectly.  Like an electrical shock.  Sometimes I feel like it is a dentist drilling a tooth but on the inside of my body.  It started again today and it is horrible.  But I have been bad and have been hitting the chocolate alot lately.  I crave it more than ever.   Jeez!!!  I am losing my mind.  Help!!!!!

Aunt BOh Maw Gawd!!  You're SCARING the sox off me......I HATE DENTISTS!!  I may NEVER go back for the annual!! YUCK!! YUCK!!Only Kidding....I'll just take a Xanax or two!!  Aaaah...did I just say two?? *Sigh*  Did last time I went...took two! Anyhoo...got ta keep the choppers healthy!! I must be loosing it too.....gotta be Friday!! *Giggle*  I alway loose my mind on Fridays!! :o:oHAGO and HugsNancy

Aunt B,The chocolate cravings for me are worse than ever too. I found a replacement though which is better for you than the processed stuff. It's a natural chocolate called carob. You can find it in health food stores. It comes in all forms such as chips, bars,wafers etc. It's a good alternative without the shaky side effects that too much chocolate can have. Good luck!  

Thanks Kathyn,  I will some up next time I visit the Health Center.  I hope it tastes as good as the real thing.  'Cause I love chocolate! :BigGrin:

In fact there is not much that I don't like to eat lately. :confused:

Hey Nancy,

You sound like a character!!!    So you don't like dentist either, huh?

You know when a dentist changes drills when he is drilling your tooth :biggrin:  and he uses the big one and your whole body vibrates?  :shocked:  Well, that's what my body feels like when I eat too much chocolate.  :sad:  :confused:  :shocked:

I hope this doesn't affect your next dental visit?  :shocked: :smile:  Just kiddin'

Have a nice day! :smile:

Beryl

Hey Beryl....I think when the dentist changes drills.....I'm in lala land by then!! At least I try! ;)My next visit is in......oooh....lessee...in about 8 months.....soooo I can start now practicing my breathing techniques and visulizations of a TALL DARK someone......ooops....just described my DENTIST!! :oGuess that won't work!! *GRIN*

You have problems with chocolate...huh?  I've heard some gals do!!  I don't,  thank God......I LOVE MY CHOCOLATE!! :biggrin:

I'm just glad those tremors are easing up now!  They're shorter...and fewer!!  They ARE Frightening tho':shocked:Take care Aunt B and have a terrific "Memorial Day " Weekend.

(((Hugs from a Canadian Gal)))Nancy

Okay - I can give you gals a chuckle.  I am more terrified of dentists than anyone in the world.  Once I had a really bad toothache and absolutely had to go.  I took a 1mg of Xanax when I left for his office and another 1/2 mg on the way (I wasn't driving).  I got there and he looked at my tooth and said he had to just send me home with an antiobiotic before he could even work on it.  HE WASN'T GONNA EVEN TOUCH THE TOOTH!   So he folded up the arm of the chair that I was in so that I could get out.  And as he turned away - I just leisurely fell out of the chair and onto the floor because of all of the Xanax.   Surprised the heck out of him.  :biggrin:Sandi

SanMarie....Hi!!LOVE THAT ONE!! :biggrin:Maybe we should get a thread goin.....to compare notes of our experiences with the Dentist!! :wink:Naaaaaaa.....on second thought.....it would only keep me awake at night.....I have enough trouble with insomnia!! :angry:Luv ya and Hugs:)Nancy

I think what I experience occasionally is what you are all calling internal shaking.  Sometimes, usually at night, I will get this cold chilly feeling but it is like it is internal, not from cold air.  It's like I can't get warm and I tremble some.  The only way I can stop it is lots of blankets.  msmouse described what it was like after giving birth, and I too was wrapped in many blankets to stop the shaking after having my daughter.  I first noticed this feeling in my 20's and it was scary, but then I noticed I always got it during ovulation, and after that it wasn't as scary.  I will get this feeling too if I am cold, like when at a football game or in a cold room - it starts to feel just like anxiety and my mind kind of seizes up and I can't think straight.  As soon as I get warm I feel okay.

I want to also agree with what the others have said, the books by Claire Weeks and Edmund Bourne are wonderful.  They are my constant companions and a great source of comfort and help - besides Power-Surge.

For about 18 months now I have had internal shaking and facial tremors.  The internal shaking happens at night and on "fragile" days when I feel a bit lightheaded, dizzy and well....just fragile.  So I take it a bit easy those days and it seems to pass.

The facial tremor started off with a shaking tongue which still happens only with different degrees of severity.  Then my left cheek started to shake/tremor (though nobody could see it, just me feeling it).  Then my eyelids started to shake and my neck when I tense it.  The doctor said it was a facial tic!  Another doctor said that facial neuralgia is a side effect of menopause and that the shaking could be a form of neuralgia.  She told me to stay out of the cold and away from draughts.  I must say we live in a cold climate and being outside and working in the cold DOES definitely make it worse.

I try Bachs Rescue Remedy and feel when I'm no anxious, everything seems less but the facial shaking is really scary.  At first I thought I had Parkinsons Disease and all that anxiety I'm sure made it worse.

I also get carpal tunnel symptoms (tests proved negative) and now have tendonitis in the left elbow, a form of RSI but don't know how.  Most nights I wake up with numb hands and/or fingers.  Another doctor suggested it could be coming from arthritis in the neck.  

I don't know, can't explain any of this. Every doctor you speak to has a different reason or none at all.

This site has been a Godsend to me and has eased my anxiety no end.  Just knowing I am not alone and that I do not have a dreaded disease helps me a lot.

My sister had tinnitus (ringing in ears) for 18mths which nearly drove her insane.  Had brain scans and all.  One day it went away.  NOW I tell her it is a meno symptom and she is furious that she didn't know that then.  Would have saved her sanity she reckons.

So this site is fantastic and comforting and all that.  Thank you Dearest/

Chrissy