Perimenopause and SEVERE joint pain - any one else??

I had the same pains jumping all over the place. I went to my doctor and he did alot of blood tests and found that I tested positive for either RA or lupus. I ruled out lupus not enough symptoms. Looking more like RA, waiting to see Rheumatoid Arthritis doctor. It seems like a long wait. I firmly believe that the cause is generically altered food has to do with this, because it seems like alot of people are getting it. My hands are mostly affected by horrible pain, swelling, and stiffness along with popping. I am currently taking a fish supplement and drinking joint juice. I will continue to look at other ways to ease all of these symptoms naturally. When I actually see the doctor I will be happy, but not about any medicines, that may be suggested. Meds. Always seem to cause other problems, not interested. I have spent alot of time reading about this disease and I want to find something naturally to aliveate symptoms. It is scary going through menopause because it feels like something is seriously wrong and this runs your whole body functions on how they are going to react. Hot flashes, adrenaline rushes,pain, and just not feeling right. I want my life back to normal. Dealing with all of it though. Any other advice would be appreciated.

I am so relieved to find this forum I feel like crying (just for a change!).  I have had muscle/joint pain for several years - neck, shoulders, back, knees, hips, elbows.  Parts of my body feels inflamed - hands, tongue, knees. I get regular headaches.  I have been referred to a rheumatologist and told I do not have arthritis, I have had x rays.  I was thankfully diagnosed with inflamed shoulder/impingement and had a cortizone injection which was a god send.  This not only relieved the severe pain in my shoulder but also seemed to relieve the pain to a degree in the whole of my body - short lived!  I take anti inflammatories but to no effect.  I get very light headed.  I have had an underactive thyroid for 15 years.  The pain really does get me down as I am a very active person but when I have a flare up (every 2-3 weeks), I can barely function, get very low and irritable and painfully tired.  I have been to the GP several times over a number of years but as they say there is no real signs of anything it is difficult to diagnose what the problem is (get the feeing they think it is all in my mind).  My main concern is that when I have a flare up, I find myself VERY short of breath and struggle to get air into my lungs. My chest feels very tight and it sometimes feels as though I have been punched in the back.  I sometimes feel as though I am going to pass out because I can't get any breath and it makes me light headed.  I feel this is all related and I also felt I must some awful disease but I now feel reassured and have a glimmer of hope.  I had already made yet another appointment to see my gp nest Friday so will go armed with this new found information and will stand my ground and request some hormone tests.  I have also had all the other peri/meno symptons - night sweats/hot flushes, irregular/heavy periods.  I have lots of small fybroids which I am not sure if it is related to the menopause.  I am a healthy, active 52 year old and I often feel more like 82 which I find immensely frustrating. Thank you all for your messages it has given me renewed hope

I know the joint pain feeling. I've started acupuncture, this is my third week and it is helping. I still have trouble sleeping at night and take melatonin but I have fewer hot flashes now.

Hi Leslie, and everyone else who may be following this forum.  I too have recently succomed to the Perimenopause symptoms.  I feel as if I've been working towards this event for the last three years, with on and off symptoms you all have described.  I am 51 now, and still in good shape(at least I think I'm in good shape). I excercise regularely, and have maintained my weight over the last 10 years....a pretty consistent 130lbs.  I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism when I turned 18, and have been on meds ever since.  Long and short of this is I've felt ok up until these last few weeks.  My periods are now about every other month, short but clotty. I've had a few UTI's over the last 6 months(which are awful), and am currently treating.  The thing is, I also am having an achy pain in my vaginal region.  This pain reminds me of being in the last few weeks of pregnancy when the baby's head is resting on the pelvic region.  I also have noticed A LOT of joint pain, just about everywhere.  This has increased over the last few days.  I feel like I've ran a marathon and power lifted simultaneously. This is what's really freaking me out!  My Father and his family all have been inflicted with rheumatory arthritis, and my mother is 86 suffering from the effects of poly myalgia and osteoarthritis. I've been tested in the past for the RH factor, and that isn't present, but I am baffled by this sudden onset of joint pain.  I'll be scheduling an appointment with my Gyno., but it's nice to know I'm not alone, nor am I crazy.

Not sure if I'm in the same boat as all of you, but I need advise. I'm 46 and had the Mirena fitted 7y ago. I'm now on my second one fitted in May. 3 weeks ago my back started aching terribly, so much so that I can't stand up strait. I know I didn't hurt my back at all, it just developed through the day and got worse. I took anti-inflamatory pills but it didn't help at all. About 10 days ago all my joints started aching, especially my hands, wrists and fingers. This has now extended to my shoulders, elbows and both knees. My left knee "clicks" as if it's out of joint. I've been to the doctor 3x, having blood tests done, xrays and even my thyroid, EKG as well, all are 100% okay.  There's nothing wrong with me. But I feel 86!!

Now I've found your blog and would like to hear other's advice on what you think it could be. This is all very sudden and I was afraid it could be something serious, but all medical tests are negative. Even thought of going to a herbalist. She does live blood analysis and bio resonance tests, and can tell you within an hour if there are any viral, paracitic or bacterial infection. 

Now that I've read your blog and replies I think this might be a hormonal / menopausal thing. Just strange that I do have the Mirena in which should be regulating my hormones. 

My back and hands are the worst. I can't stand and can barely drive, as I can't move my wrists, which is a problem as I have to take my kid to school and I have to work. If any of you have had similar problems, I would like to hear from you. I'm desparate to find a solution for this pain. Thanks ladies

Hi finally I find someone out with the EXACT same symptoms!

Pain is SO bad and worst at night and in mornings. It has now since July been constant in elbows, fingers and hips.

No one seems to be able to help. Did you get any help? I hope you found some relief!!!

Your suffering sister

Ebba

Yes I feel so bad I don't want to go to work.. my left shoulder been in so much pain the last few days it's been sickening. Dizziness. Dry tongue bad taste. confusion. to many to name. I'm so fed up with doc saying it's menopause wait it out.

I want to be normal again.