Postmenopause Muscle Tightness/Stiffness
Posted , 2 users are following.
Hello All. I am new to the group.
i was reading over the post and I feel I am not alone...which us why I decided to join.
A little about my menopause journey.. I am 63 years young. i wished my mom (may she RIP) would have given me heads up on what my body would go through as I age. I heard about menopause when I was younger..I thought hot flashes, night sweats, dry vagina...Oh noooo, it's much more. Nobody, not even a physician educated me..but I found out..I'm living it. I feel as if someone stole my body and holding it for ransom..lol..gotta laugh to keep from crying. Things started shifting a bit for me at age 47. I went through a period of high anxiety. I felt like all food was bad for me..I lost a lot of weight. I would have panic attacks while driving..horrible. I went to the ER about 2x a month for several months. However, I can't blame it all on menopause..I was stressed as well due to marital issues.
Fast forward. Anxiety is much better but it's still hanging around. my biggest issue is muscle tension and tightness. My jaw, scalp, neck,shoulders, abdomen..all tight. I also have sciatica and maybe arthritis. Muscle knots here, there everywhere. I visited so many Dr's in the beginning of all this..they had no answers. A few ask me if I was seeing a therapist..which I was. I think that helped with the Anxiety.
i eat healthy for the most part. Not on meds except a 2.5mg valium as needed. I have a glass of red wine or two..which helps with the tension/stiffness. Was told I had an autoimmune disease about 10 years ago but several other Dr's told me I dont...which I feel I don't. I meditate every morning which I enjoy.
i want my body back when i was more relaxed and not all stiff and tensed up. i will pay the ransom..lol. I try to stretch but i think i stretched a bit too much one morning which really irritated my sciatica. I'm taking it easy now days.
This can really get you down if you allow it to..i refuse to allow it to run my life and hold me hostage. I am a firm believer, this too shall pass. I know I will begin to release this built up tension. Praying that we all get through this and have many pleasant years. Thanks to all that took the time to read my post. Hope their are others that can relate and hope my post help someone know you are not along. Sending Much love to all 💕
2 likes, 3 replies
Cass63 jaye58413
Edited
Thank you for sharing your journey. It is so similar to mine and so many other ladies in this group. I honestly don't think anyone could have prepared us for this journey. I know when my Mom started this journey we knew something was going on with her, but didn't have a clue it was menopause. Her generation just didn't talk about these things and there wasn't nowhere near the information we have now. She like me and so many others, had every symptom that is listed and then some. She is now 77 and has come through the worst of it, but even now she still has hot flashes from time to time and some bad days. She has always told me, you will get through it, but you are never the same. I am understanding better now just what she means by this. It definitely makes you stronger and more determined to make the very best of the good days when they come. The ladies in this group are great and have been a big help to me over the last few years. It's a comfort to know we are not the only one experiencing these sometimes scary symptoms. This is a very trying phase in a women's life and having support makes the bad days so much easier to come through. Praying for brighter days for all.
GOD Bless
jaye58413 Cass63
Posted
Thank you Cass!! I agree, back in those days they probably didn't have a clue it was menopause. Many docs these days are clueless..at least the ones I've seen in the past. Hearing about your mom confirms there is light at the end of the tunnel. Did your mom go on any type of HRT? I have a friend that did for several years. She told me if you can, try not to go on it because after you come off you will still go through it. HRT only delays it. However, many ladies do what is best for them. I've decided to ride it out...I'm looking forward to better days. I agree, being part of a support group helps a lot..especially this one. Thanks again Cass💕
Cass63 jaye58413
Edited
Yes, Mom's doctor put her on a low dose of Estrace which she took for a few years. She said it settled some things down, but still had many symptoms even while taking it. When her doctor took her off she went back into full blown menopause with all symptoms returning with a vengeance. So she basically started the whole menopause process over later in life. She always said had she known this in the beginning she would have never taken anything. I learned from her mistake and opted not to take anything.