Tuesday 9 February 2016

maybe it's something else...

I have been very busy with work and life. On top of the normal obligations and responsibilities, I have been dealing with my body lately. It's no secret that I am 49, in my 50th year, and like many other women my age, am dealing with hormone decline. I have been attributing lots of things to my hormones (or declining hormones, or lack of hormones). I haven't had any specific blood tests done, but some things are just obvious.

I also mentioned in a previous post that I was going to try yoga. I have been to two sessions. The instructor is lovely. I find it very difficult because my body hurts so much to get into certain positions. My tailbone area and hips, as well as my shoulders, cause me so much pain that I have to adjust many positions. I look around me and nobody seems to be wincing the way I am, or having to unfold slowly and carefully after certain moves. I feel incredibly old.

Every night is a succession of shifting from one side to the other, usually very slowly, with my hands having to lift my hips and ease myself over. By early morning, I have a small pillow between my knees to take some of the pressure off my hips. As well, my shoulder joints are screaming at me and I am only able to place my arms in certain positions. All of this, I attributed to the onslaught of the next stage of my life.

I finally decided to go to my local chiropractor because I would really like to lie on my back again. It's the little things in life... She did tell my that things were out of place and "locked up" and I have had two treatments already. I have been doing stretches for weeks, with no relief. I shared with her that when I get up in the morning, I move like a 78 year old woman. Everything is stiff and sore and needs time to "warm up". She suggested that I get some blood work done and be tested for other things. I had another professional suggest I have my thyroid tested.

Finally, I looked up symptoms of thyroid problems, specifically hypo. And there I saw a list of things that describe me for the past year or so. Weight gain (I attributed that to hormones and just not eating as well as I should), hip and shoulder pain (I'm the poster girl for that), muscle weakness (again, just blamed that on not exercising as much as I should), exhaustion (work, age, life...), always feeling cold (that's been me my whole life apart from hot flashes which are no longer bothering me), and on and on...

So... I will be calling to make an appointment with my doctor (which could take two weeks to get in to see him) and I will ask for all the necessary tests. I am curious to find out the results. Have any of you experienced thyroid problems? Were they discovered right away? Did medication help? Thanks for any comments about this topic!

12 comments:

  1. Baby girl, You are so young. Smart of you to getting things done while you are hurting. I hate losing my hormones. It can take a long time to get used to or over some of the symptoms. My worse were hot flashes. Take care, believe me you are still very young. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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    1. Thanks, Susie! It's so funny to be thought of as "so young". I work with women who are in their twenties and thirties!! -Jenn

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  2. Thyroid check is an easy one - and easily dealt with by medication. If that doesn't sort things out, ask them to test for rheumatoid athritis. My husband was complaining of shoulder pains and was always cold and slow to get moving in the mornings. Finally went to the doctor when I told him he was less agile than his 85 year-old father. He is now on medication and back to his 57 year-old self! Good luck!

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    1. I've already called the doc. and there is a requisition waiting for me at the lab for tomorrow morning! So, we'll see. -Jenn

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  3. One thing I'd insist on after doing some reading up on it lately for all of the above reasons is that blood readings can come back as 'normal' but the normal range is wide. And if you are not convinced ask for the more detailed thyroid blood work . Check out Google on this - loads of info and good luck xx

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    1. Thanks, Rachel! I'll see what this bloodwork tells me, and go from there. -Jenn

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  4. Sorry to hear this but as I am considerably older and now have plenty of aches and pains to show for it, I can't really offer any help. But I do agree you should discuss it with your doctor. Better to catch anything early rather thanlate. So good luck with the appointment.

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    1. Thanks, Weaver. I guess every age has its challenges. Hope you are doing well! -Jenn

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  5. Hi Jenn....
    Good luck with the tests...
    I used to go to fitness regularily...I stopped, and am paying the price...
    I really think I should go back...hmmmm...food for thought!
    Enjoy your evening...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Yes, only good can come from moving more! Take a long walk on the beach for me! -Jenn

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  6. Good luck with your tests! I've never had thyroid problems (so far) but a very good friend of mine did many years ago. With medical care and some life changes, she is doing wonderfully today.

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    1. That's good to hear. I am actually hoping it is a thyroid problem because then it is something that can be dealt with. If it is just "middle age" then that's down right depressing! -Jenn

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