Dearest, I tried for over an hour to be a part of that last live chat w/Dr Holt. My page kept jumping up and down, I was advised by the moderator to disconnect and we connect..situation only got worse...I then had to click on refresh everytime I wanted to see a new post. I now of many that have this same problem. I enjoy the chats but can't seem to get into them successfully so I have to wait to review the transcripts but then I cannot ask a question. I've contacted technical help and have received no feedback. Also, what I did see was Dr Holt only promoting his products...I didn't see that any questions were addressed. This was very frustrating. I've also have little experience in "asking the experts"...they all pass the buck and say consult your physician. The only expert that I've had luck w/is Pete...he answers all my qestions and is great to work with. Thanks...the message board is great tho.

I have been constipated with on/off gassiness and bloatedness for the past 2 months. I have tried many things that don't seem to be working...most recently magnesium. My internist is not concerned but I am freaking myself out about this. I have an appt w/a GI on Tuesday and then will schedule a colonoscopy. I have my GYN in 3 weeks and of course am now concerned about ovarian cancer (ALL OF THESE SYMPTOMS ARE ALIKE!) Right now, I'd be happy w/officially being diagnosed w/IBS due to meno. I do however strongly believe there is a connection. I can't believe that now that I am in full blow peri that every single organ is falling apart at the same time. I am so stressed out I'm starting to feel that tingling underneath my skin. THIS IS NOT FUN! Thanks for letting me share! Hope you're all doing well! EJ

Well, my dear, you are not alone. IBS hit me about the same time meno hit me.....and it has not been easy......for someone who never had problems w/anything, now I seem to have it all.....and new things are being added on a regular basis. Everybody says this will pass and things will balance out but I am beginning to doubt it. My life is simply not the same..am a different person entirely and now feel like a hypochondraic....everyday, my husband asks me how I am feeling.....I have to actually give it some thought. Not fun. I used to be so active and energetic..not so now.....I am good for about 2 hours in the a.m., then it is downhill from there on. However, I do have to admit that the Biest helped alot..it got me out of bed and functioning again..nothing like normal but at least it can be classified as functional. Sorry to sound so bleak but I just had another round and I am sick of these "rounds". No body can find anything else wrong w/me.....maybe I've just gone over the edge..who knows...sounds like meno to me.....right????...that is what all the experts say...so I am hanging in there...not scared anymore, just frustrated. The way to peace of mind I guess is to have all the tests they want to run so they tell you that nothing is wrong and this is meno and it will pass....I hope somebody knows what they are talking about....good luck w/all your tests.......

Sulah These are not the golden years as I thought they would be. I too have become a total hypochondriac. You're absolutely right that the question "so how are you today" takes on a totally different meaning. I feel very blessed that I have a very supportive husband but still...enough is enough. I look forward to the day that I wake up not wondering if I'm going to be fine or not. At least I'm not alone...anyway, thanks for your thoughts. I hope all is "better" with you. Have a great weekend. EJ

Thanks and same to you......I don't know how long you have been at this...but I am in my 4th year....they say it takes about 5.....well, we will see....boy, I've got a long way to go to feel normal...am not even sure what that would feel like anymore. I realized the other day that I am becoming accustomed to feeling this way and that is not good. We both are fortunate in having supportive husbands...so many do not.......I think there probably have been lots of divorces and murdered husbands because of meno.....LOL:( Ta Ta

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the right thread to post to but I wanted to mention a symptom I've been having periodically. Sometimes I get a fit of coughing like my chest is congested. I'm trying to put this tactfully but when I cough I can feel mucous in my throat and then it makes me naseous.. It lasts for about 5 or 10 minutes. Is this a symptom of per-menopause? Thanks in advance for any replies. Gez

Gee, I don't know that is a new one.....but hey, nothing surprises me anymore. Last Nov I began having some unknown symptoms which included a dry cough, then a burning tongue, then sour stomach and sour taste and burning going up thru my sinues...well, we think it is GERD now...have been treated for that....am going to have to have an endoscopy...so that is to look forward to.......it is better but still have the sour taste sometimes...it comes and goes.....I have read that the burning tongue is very common in post meno women....so is everything else.....so I just don't know....just be on the look out for further developments.......one never knows in the business of menopause...anything is possible!!!!!!

Gez That happens to me too. I have had the worst post nasal drip and now every so often, I feel like I have to clear my throat because of that mucousy feeling. I can only think it's due to this time in our lives. I don't think it's anything to worry about...probably one of the few things I'm not worried about. Try using a steam inhaler for a few minutes a day. That might help you. Feel great! EJ

[quote]Originally posted by Suri Anyone else with IBS-C (Constipation) due to menopause? I had that two years ago, knew it had to be colon cancer, but wasn't. I still have problems with it, but I find if I eat a lot of fiber and make sure I don't get constipated, it helps. I also take probiotics. Every day is a bad day for me. Every month is a new symptom to worry about. It doesn't help that I was a hypochondriac *before* this hormone hell started. I have had symptoms, starting with hot flashes, for seven years now, with no end in sight. I shouldn't say it, but I've already said it here before, I have thought about suicide. But for more reasons than meno, but that seems like the last straw. I feel like so much as been taken away from me. Now, I can't even wear my contacts, which I have worn for 30 years all day long. I look awful in glasses. That is minor, but it all adds up (too much to go into now). I never feel happiness anymore. I can't take antidepressants (I get "confused" and can't function). I am beginning to believe it really is a curse against women!

Please don't think about suicide!!!!!!! Go to a counselor or your family doctor and talk this out! I absolutely promise you that this will pass. I know every day seems like an eternity, but it does eventually pass! You have lots of life left to live, and it will be a good quality life, it really will! I've been where you are, wondering if this is all there is, and it did stop! I too am a hypochondriac. In fact, most of us here are, if you read the posts. I know it's very difficult to live with, that constant fear. Read the posts and you will see you are not alone -- we all worry about cancer and heart problems. If I'm not worried about one thing, I find another thing to worry about. It's absolute torture, but I get over it and move on. Sometimes I even have to laugh at how ridiculous I sound! There is some good in all this. It's a community of women who know exactly how you feel and who care about you. We're all here to support you! Please don't do anything to yourself! Hugs, Meryl

Sorry, I meant to emphasize that I *used* to think about it (just think, not plan); I'm not actually doing that at the moment. Thank you for your reply. Editted to add: I really want you to know how much I appreciated your concern. I do not have anyone in my life, other than my husband (who is great), but I just don't think he can understand (and is probably sick of me). You are so right about what a great place this is.

Several months ago, I posted on this board about my severe IBS symptoms. I was having a lot of constipation, cramps and fullness after eating very little. In September 2003, I completed a series of allergy elimination treatments, which included many treatments for food allergies, at a clinic in Cleveland staffed by 3 Osteopathic physicians called Osteomed II. I am also using digestive enzymes with every meal and taking Culturelle every day. In addition, I had 6 acupuncture treatments which addressed my digestive and congestive symptoms, which my acupuncturist said are related conditions that go together. It's interesting that several people have recently mentioned having both sets of symptoms. I have had much improvement with the digestive problems and now feel nearly normal, except for IBS flare-ups during periods. I don't know if the improvement is due to the allergy elimination treatments, the enzymes or some combination of interventions, but I feel the enzymes are helping tremendously. Osteomed II is located in Middleburg Heights, OH and has a website describing their services, which include saliva hormone testing and other menopausal services. Best wishes to everyone, Krista

It is a bit overwhleming at times, isn't it. It is so difficult to keep the "upper-chin" when you feel so rotten most of the time and when you consider how healthy we used to feel and then, like one of you said, we've been robbed........we MOST certainly have!!!!!!! And don't you love it when you are around other women who breezed thru this and say, "hmmm, I never had nor ever heard of those problems, have you been to the doctor? Maybe you should get a good physical?" I despise that! If they only knew. I would not wish this on my worst enemy, but for the women out there who have not ever experienced this, please do no be condescending to those of us who really suffer w/this curse. I have been told that this usually passes after about 5 years....well, I am going into my 5th year and I too see no end. I am now at the stage where I am afraid to look around the corner to see what new and wierd symptom/malady I am going to be stuck w/next. About the only thing that keeps me going is realizing that the alternative does not look very attractive.

Hi Krista, thanks for your encouraging post.

Condescension is something I've run across. I had a taste of peri, because of miserable PMS. I tried to tell my sister about this ages ago. She informed me my severe PMS was AN EXCUSE. I said my family noticed the cyclical changes in mood, anxiety etc. She told me that I had convinced them of such. Well, she believes I suffer hormonally now, as peri has been a living hell. I find myself furious at those who have suggested all I needed was a job. Last job, I was in the bathroom constantly bleeding from Ulcerative Colitis, as the stress was so intense. I also have IBS, on top of it. Does anyone else get rectal spasms, as I don't know whether it's the Inflammatory Bowel Disease of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The IBS has been so intense at times, I was literally doubled over. The fluctuating hormones can screw up the neurotransmitters in the gut, causing IBS. Not to mention the neurotransmitters in the noggin'. Hope you guys feel better.

I have my 2 year colonoscopy coming up soon.

Chris Well, I finally saw a GI because I was getting concerned about the gas/bloating issues although funnily enough they seem to have disappeared for now. Everything that he could check externally was normal but i thought you'd be happy to hear that I did finally schedule a colonscopy for May 7th. Of course my biggest stressor is not the prep or even the exam but rather the what ifs. Oh well, better to know in that case! Take care, EJ

Chris, I have continued to have low pelvic / groin pain on and off. I talked to a doctor about it before, the whole way it has been treated on both sides (the doctors' and mine) is "wait and see". Which is of course extremely foolish and casual if it is cancer of some sort. Anyway I have self-diagnosed with some kind of spastic colon condition. Actually I was diagnosed with that 7 years ago or so, probably the start of peri. The doctor did not think that gas and bloating were significant. I am beginning to believe that that was the start of peri., and that the part where digestion gets messed up and our bodies' nutrition becomes poor and mixed with toxic, half-digested materials is very significant. "You are what you eat." they say. Of course what we eat is only part of the picture, what our digestion does with it is important too. My condition must be now where near as painful as what you have. Of course it could also be something else. (EJ, my condition comes and goes in connection with stress.) Anyway I am slow getting to the point, I wanted to know if you make fennel tea out of fresh fennel or from tea bags? How much of it do you drink, are there any precautions or limits?

Beth I have found that ginger tea is helpful. I think it's called Ginger-Aid. In addition, I started taking enteric coated peppermint capsules which also helps with gas. I think there is a definite connection w/gastro issues and peri. It can't just be a coincidence that I have minimal gas just as I got my period yesterday (which is the first time in 2 months). Absolutely, anxiety and stress make it worse. Most of my anxiety is related to what if it's more than just gas and bloating. Hopefully the colonscopy will eliminate that worry. Hope this helps. EJ

Hi Sulah Hi Chris About the condescention (sp?). People really can't understand when they have experienced nothing like this. I also wouldn't wish this peri/meno hell on anyone. Also it is human nature to want to survive, also by tuning out other people's pain if necessary. I believe that I will need *healing* after all this sickness. (This is traumatic. Yech I'd better not go there, don't want to be too upsetting. ) Unless this "natural" process comes along with its own pain numbing features, such as the poor memory. Actually do you ever remember thinking how hard it is to remember how sick you felt during a bad cold, afterwards?

EJ I need to take a colonoscopy too, at least in the next few years. Hard for me, so I am delaying it.

Beth I'm sure you don't need me to be nagging but you should really have one. My internist was quite happy w/me waiting another few years (I turned 50 in October) but everyone around me including the gastroenterologist said do it now. So I'm doing it now...hopefully it will provide me with the peace of mind that I need in order to make room to worry about something else.

EJ and Beth, Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer prevention. Everyone over 50, should have one every 10 years. I'm glad the insurance companies have finally realized this fact, as they wouldn't cover colonoscopy before, unless you were at higher risk, which I am due to the colitis. I've had about 9 colonoscopies and it really isn't as horrid as it sounds. The prep is actually worse, than testing. So don't fear!! The sigmoidoscopy was dumb, since it only examined the lower colon. Sort of like doing a mammogram, only on one breast. What you guys have sounds like irritable bowel. I suffered for at least a decade with the gas pains. I just use fennel capsules, or make a tea from fennel for gas. I remember I walked in an Indian market to buy rice, then noticed the fennel seed. I picked some up, and the man said,"Stomach ache." It is used commonly for this purpose in India. I never noticed ginger did much for the gas. Nausea, yes. Enteric oil of peppermint is suppose to help, as well. You have to take this regularly. When my gut gets better I forget. To my knowledge fennel is non-toxic, as the herb is used for cooking. I never had any side effects from usage. Peri, hormones, stress, anxiety can all upset the stomach. It also seems like some cruel joke that the most healthy foods seem to produce the most gas. I understand IBS gets better with age.

Beth, You can also lightly toast the dried fennel seeds, then munch on them. This is how I've seen them served at the end of an Indian meal. Last time I ate Indian, I got so sick, I haven't since. The fennel didn't help that time. Usually, I just make a super strong cup of tea, from the dried fennel.

Thanks EJ, after you finish your colonoscopy maybe I'll tell you more of my story. Chris, thanks for the tips about the fennel. I didn't even think of the seeds, I was thinking of the green vegetable, did you ever see that? I think it has a yummy light licorice flavour, or am I confusing it with "chicon". Probably you haven't heard of that vegie? I am feeling so much better this afternoon, even a bit too talkative and hyper. Yeah! Think I'll send myself off for a walk. I need to make the most of the hours when I am functional without overdoing it. I like to take my peppermint and ginger from the teas or as fresh as possible. It is cheaper and seems quite potent. So I would like to do the same with fennel. The ginger helps nausea, which I get a mild case of in the evening and morning (adrenal stress I think), and also boosts energy gently. The peppermint helps digestion and gas and is also a mild stimulant. Green tea (make mine decaf.) seems to soothe my digestive tract a bit, and also dulls the extreme hunger which I am getting after eating. Maybe after eating apples? Anyway I think I'll go off for that walk. Take care.

Yeah, I've seen the fresh fennel, but use the fennel seeds for tea. Actually, I sometime make a peppermint, fennel seed and chamomile tea. I use green tea capsules, as it's a wonderful antioxidant. I wonder if the decaf process strips the green tea of some of the antioxidants, as it seems I'd read this somewhere. Tea contains a third the caffeine of drip coffee.

Glad you feel more perky Beth!!!!!!!

Fennel does taste like licorice. I still can't figure out why I can't view the previous posts, while posting a reply.

Sulah and ej, I just wanted to say thank you for your advice and support. I should keep up though! This thread is busy and it takes me awhile to motivate myself to write back. I just wanted to say something to the lady who wrote in recently and feeling desperate and overwhelmed. There were times I felt the same way and sometimes I still do. If you read my post " I feel like I want to give up" I think its under the thread " "Feel like I'm losing my mind" you may draw comfort from it and know that youre not alone. I get through the bad days because of the wonderful girls here on the board. We're all in this together so when things get really bad for you please post so we can try and get you through it. Gez

I have been having such digestion problems due to being perimenopausal. I have irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The good thing is I got a great gastro who I adore that I am working with. Also I hope to get a very healthy gastro tract out of the deal. There is an end in sight I welcome any comments. Suri

I also have IBS with constipation. I take Miralax for it. I started on the estrogen patch last week and now I have been experiencing bouts of acid reflex..and I do take medicine for it. Not working, however. Less stress and lots of rest is the best thing for IBS. Do you take any medication for it? I also take Donnatal 4x a day before each meal...that's a stomach relaxer. Ativan is also good. I take it at bedtime to sleep.

My stomach was awful last week, right before menses. Since I have both IBS and was having a bout of Ulcerative Colitis, I never know what is causing my HORRENDOUS gas. I get such bad gas, the pressure makes me nauseous. Metamucil worked well for my sister's IBS. I struck out there, as it makes my gas worse. Next lifetime, I get a new gut.lol

I take Librax, as needed, but have never been impressed with anti-spasmodics. Does anyone get rectal spasms? They hurt and are always worse before my period. Once again, both IBS and Ulcerative Colitis can cause the spasms, so I flummoxed, as usual. The hormones do screw up the neurotransmitters in the gut, as well as the brain. This is why low dose tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed. They don't help either. Actually considering I was once literally doubled over with stomach cramps, it's better. Now, why do all the healthy foods cause gas. LOL

A close family member who suffers from IBS said they get rectal spasms too. On a couple of occasions I have been woken by them, as though I've been kicked up the ass. Unless there's some invisible being in my room, I cannot explain why! The pain lasts for a short-time and then I'm fine. I don't even feel the need to use the toilet! Today I feel nauseous with a gripey tum!

Alice, I've had that SAME feeling before! I thought it was a hemroid or something. It's the strangest pain, and it only lasts for a short amount of time and then goes away, and is very infrequent. I'm glad to hear someone else has had this happen. It scared me at first but then after it went right away I figured it must be some kind of spasm or something.

I can relate, in our family it is known as the "Butt Pain". My hubby gets it, my son gets it and I get it to. My sister told me that if the spasm comes on, try sitting on a heating pad, and take an advil. This kinda gently eases the pain. My biggest gripe, I get unrelenting indigestion a few days before my period. It seems to run in this cycle. If I take the tiny "purple pill" it helps greatly. Also have bouts of IBS that comes and then goes away for months, only to come back again. I guess the hormones take their toll on us in this way. My newest endevor has been a painful hemorrhoid. I have been dealing with this for a couple of weeks, I finally am getting better, I think!!! Someone said, its one thing or another, well it really seems to be. I want to do what I want to do, and eat what I want to eat, but at this stage of the game, that is not possible. Love to all Juliann

Hi--I'm new on here, and am a 48-year-old college chemistry teacher from northwestern PA. I was on the Pill off & on for about 20 years, so my hormone levels were always regulated & steady. In the fall of 2003, I started experiencing, while still on the pill, reflux-related esophagus flutters. I read that progesterone could increase reflux symptoms, so I wemt off the Pill a few months later. It's been 10 months since I went off the Pill, and I haven't noticed significant improvement.

In fact, I had one normal period after going off the Pill, then no normal ones since. I have had a few hot flashes & night sweats, spotting between periods, I easily tear up and am often very weary, with more back-and-muscle aches. BUT, my biggest problem is the development of IBS/Functional Dyspepsia symptoms as well. I get full after just a 500-or-so calorie meal, have a lot of gas & sometimes diarrhea. Probiotics seem to help a little, as has ernteric-coated peppremint-oil/caraway-seed oil capsules and very low-dose Xanax, but nothing has proven to be a substantial help. I've had every test known to mankind--including an abdominal-pelvic CT Scan --all negative except for reflux during my upper GI. I've been worried that there is some nasty underlying cause for all this digestive system mess, but do you think that it is probably perimenopause-related? I plan to see my ob-gyn in a couple of weeks to see if she has suggestions.
I may ask to go back on the Pill awhile to seee if it helps. Any thoughts?
THanks so much,
Maggie C.

I take Acidophilus Bifidus and have read if you take a digestive enzyme as well it does help.

My digestion has been really wierd lately. I can no longer eat cream or cheese, onions or prawns. All of them I previously enjoyed...now give me almost instant diarrea!

I am post and in the last 2 months my digestive track is squirrely
I have major bouts of diarrea and it don't take much to set it off.
It usually is worse in the morning as soon as I get up. During the day it seems to straighten out.
What's worse now is that on Saturday I was snowmobiling and flew myself off. Cracked my tail bone so now going to the bathroom so much bothers it.
LOL If it ain't one thing it's another.

Ouch!

LOL I should start to realize I'm 55 NOT 25
I have to learn not to try to keep up with the kids LOL

had severe gas problems whenever I ate. Finally found out that now that I am in menopause I am lactose intolerant. As cheese use to be my main protien I was VERY sad. Lactaid does not help. So As long as I am careful and eat NO dairy it is fine. but the littlest bit of milk in any product and terrible stomache ache. I have found that taking an acidophilis tablet after every meal seems to aid my digestion.
So if you have gas problems try cutting out ALL dairy for a week. Even pretzels, bread and margrine have milk in them. so you really have to read the labels. Hope this helps others with gas problems. because it is not fun!