Achy Legs

[kate_ce1995]

Well, I think I've been really good lately on my gf diet. Only minor slip ups. So then why are my legs so achy? Particularly my hip flexors, right calf muscle, and feet.

I so want to feel *great* and normal. But I've been having health problems for so long, that I don't know what normal for 33 is. I've also read that menopause can contribute to muscle aches/cramps. I do see my gyn for my 6 month follow up in two weeks. But I really am not sure HRT is for me. I have no GP...my old one quit, her husband still is at the same clinic, but I'm not impressed with their clinic....they totally ignored signs that Geoff's mom was having major kidney problems. I want to get in with a practice here in town that has 2 female docs that are supposed to be wonderful, but during flu season they were not accepting new patients. My mom goes to them, and she put in a word to the nurse there who said to ask for her directy when I call and she'll see about getting me in. But I need a routine physical, I want off my antidepressant, and want someone to track whether HRT is good bad or indifferent for me. My GYN didn't even seem concerned about my bone density. He says I have a large bone structure and will be fine! I've been without estrogen since July of last year! I would think I should at least have a baseline done. I mean he is a great gyn, but I don't think he gets the whole picture. Then of course, I've got this self diagnosis of gluten sensitivity that docs in the past have said "oh, thats a hard diet". I need supportive help for my health! I'm tired on not being at 100%.

And this is all without getting on the whining about weight gain/loss issues. I've been cutting back on my food intake, I'm more active now than I was all fall/winter. And I've gained 3 pounds and lost nothing! My cardio system is getting stronger, but I still feel like I get winded too fast.

Okay. Whine for the day. I'm also bored at work....waiting for some projects to start. I may take advantage this afternoon and go home and do some gardening since the sun is shining. Its looking like rainy/cloudy weather for next week.

Hope you guys are all feeling better than I am.
Katy

[Momster]

I'm sorry to hear you aren't feeling well, I guess we can all relate to that in one way or another. I was wondering if you should look into your shoes? Maybe you need orthotics?(sp?) I know you are on your feet a lot and maybe that would help. They are expensive, but if they help. well worth it.
You're awfully young to be experiencing menopause, but then you have a unique case, so it could be, but I haven't heard of having leg and hip problems from it. Could be, though.
I hope you can get settled with a new gyn soon. If your Mother is in a good clinic maybe the fact that she put a good word in for you may help.
Keep bugging them - they say, "a squeaky wheel get oiled", so maybe a call once a week or so just asking if an opening has come up will remind them you are really interested.
I hope you can get out in the garden and enjoy the sun. We're supposed to get sun for the weekend. The weather hasn't been too bad, though, and things are starting to sprout up. It's tulip season now - the daffodils are almost finished.

Take care - Love - Momster

[grannyh]

Just a thought but when my legs and feet are giving me problems I am usually low on potassium.... grannyh

[tex]

Hi Katy,

Sorry to read about the continuing problems you are having. Yes, aches and pains such as you describe, are quite common for women in your situation. There are plenty of websites describing that connection.

The joint pains, of course, could still be caused by gluten, since it takes many of us several months or more, of strict diet adherence, to get rid of those symptoms.

I can also personally attest that the recovery period following surgery is bad news for weight control. While I was recovering, I ate as much as I could, in order to get my weight back to my normal level. The trouble is, with the extra food, and lack of my usual work routine, (which normally involves a lot of physical labor), my weight shot right past the point where I wanted it, and now I'm finding that it was a lot easier to put it on, than it is to take back off. Duh! Eating less didn't seem to be having much effect, so now I'm doing a lot more physical labor than I ever did before, and I'm slowly getting back to normal.

I really believe that you need to try to find a doctor who is up to speed on dealing with post-hysterectomy treatment, and also able to "think out of the box". At your young age, you need to be on the right track, in order to head off problems that may turn up further down the line.

Here's a site with a little information that might be useful. While the whole article is relevant, the last paragraph applies directly to your situation:

http://www.wdxcyber.com/npain07.htm

I hope you can figure out a program to resolve those problems, and get youself on track for a long, healthy, happy and pain-free life.

Wayne

[kate_ce1995]

UFF...Now I'm having a bit of D too. Maybe I've got a bug. I've been a bit headachy the last couple days, and last weekend we went out for breakfast and it didn't settle well from the first sip of coffee.

I think I'm going to head for home and relax for the rest of the day (well, until 4:00 when Geoff gets home and we head a couple hours north to pick Erin up from her grandmother's house.

Katy

[celia]

Katy,

These continuing health challenges are really a drain! You deserve a good whine, and a good, helpful doctor. I hope you will be able to get in as a patient at the new practice with some female docs. Good luck!

Celia

[annie oakley]

KAte, SO sorry you are having problems. I am in my second menopause. Doctor said I was and I have the same symtoms as before, just not as bad. I have lots of charlie horses and Cramps with aches. I took Tex's advice and started eating banana's again....it helped somewhat....I still have some cramps, altho not as bad. My Ortho said for me to wear good hiking boots or those western wear (soft high top) boots Like ariat to help me. And the type of shoe sometimes can change things a bit. Hope you find some relief for it soon. Love Oma

[Mars]

Hi Katy,

Bummer about the leg aches/cramps. I get them in my toes and would like to scream! Like Oma, I too am eating more banana's hoping to help.

I have chosen to NOT take prescription HRT. I am researching natural herbs/health food store remedies. I'll let you know what I decide to try. I had my hysterectomy in my mid 20's due to extreme endrometriosis. It was wrapped around my bowels and other organs. I sometimes wonder if that is when my bowel problems started.

Good luck with finding a good doctor. I don't have a OB/GYN, just a good family practitioner who is willing to work with me on natural remedies unless there is no other option. When I found him I interviewed HIM at my first appointment. I told him what I was looking for, what my problems were and asked him how knowledgeable he was in those areas and if he was willing to work with me. We have a good relationship and I hope he intends to continue practicing for a long time to come.

Let me know how you do at your follow up appointment and what the doctor recommends regarding the HRT. I personally don't like the side effects and am generally healthy otherwise. I also don't believe there are many long term (15-20 year) studies done when someone has a hysto so young.

Take care,
Mars

[barbaranoela]

Katy----I hope U are feeling better ---

It's the total pits when one is feeling lousy all over-----

luve, barbara

[Maureen]

HI Katy,

I hope you are feeling better soon...I used to get achy hips and legs I'm wondering if it's an autoimmune thing related to colitis. I have been in remission for 19 months now and the aches and pains are gone.

Good luck......

love,
Mo