02-14-20, 08:40 PM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
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And then if you're hypothyroid too, it's even harder.
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--Julie Surely a person of sense would submit to anything, like exercise, so as to obtain a well functioning mind and a pleasant, happy life. --Socrates |
02-15-20, 07:36 AM | |
Join Date: Feb 2002
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Lori, I can totally relate and add to that I had spinal surgery about 5 months ago so I went from doing Cathe to do nothing for awhile! I have many permanent things I simply can't or just shouldn't do anymore physically and it's certainly taken its toll on me mentally and physically. And, add to that not sleeping b/c of menopause issues and physically not getting comfortable it's downright awful some days! I too have gained weight and the bra issue...things people just don't tell you! Amazing though what a new "perkier" bra can do for you though! It has taken about 5 months but I have finally shed my post-surgical weight and that was only about 6-7 lbs, but better late than never!
What has helped me tremendously is simply taking one day at a time and trying not to get overwhelmed with things I can't do and trying not to worry about which workout will I ever be able to do again. It's just too much! I have only been doing walking outside when the weather is nice and then doing Jessica Smith. I have mostly been doing her 30 day set, her first Walk Strong set and her 21 day set. Even with those there were things post-op I couldn't do. I have slowly been increasing my strength training too. Pre-surgery I could do chest presses with 20 lb db's. I have been told not to go heavy anymore, but finally did my first set of 10 reps with 12 lbs. Focus on the small achievements and try to stay positive even if you have to fake it til you make it! As far as diet, I know we can't discuss details, but increasing water, and cutting back on carbs has helped and overall simply watching portion sizes. It's been a long road but I have to look at it now as a journey! Good luck to you! |
02-15-20, 09:16 AM | |
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Thanks everyone for the encouragement. It's (1) the total lack of not knowing how long I'll continue through the literal hell of perimenopause, and (2) the fear of just how much more worse all of this may get since I could quite plausibly be in this state for many more years. I'm only 46, and I've been having perimenopause symptoms progressively getting worse for about four years, but I felt a real depletion in energy when I turned 40. I was able to bounce back at 40 after taking it easy for a few months, and did lose some weight at that point, which have all returned plus more. With my medical issues, I was told that I can't take any hormones, either bioidentical or prescription. So that just leaves trying to control things with nutrition and exercise.
But after gaining 20 pounds in two years, and really not being able to physically work out for a year, and watching the scale just go up, and having to buy a new wardrobe, I am just searching for absolutely anything to actually help me at this stage. It's the complete unpredictability of literally everything that has me in fits. Case in point, last cycle was 27 days. Now in this cycle, I'm on day 40 and no period in sight, even though I feel like it could start any day with the horrendous month-long PMS I've had. My day pretty much revolves around the swelling that I get every day in my stomach and breasts, to the point that I have to go even one more size up in the afternoon and evening. Sorry to vent, but no one in my circle has had any of these problems. My mom sailed through menopause with no problem, same with my grandma. But I did have a horrendous time during puberty, and a terrible time on birth control in my 20s, and my pregnancy in my 30s was absolutely challenging. I guess it would make sense for my body to suffer so much during what happens to everyone! |
02-17-20, 10:54 AM | ||
Join Date: Feb 2014
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Quote:
I had numerous ultrasounds and a CT scan and I don't have fibroids, nor any source of bleeding in my intestines (had a complete EGD and colonoscopy, and also a pill camera). I have many rounds of bloodwork over the past year, and my FSH/LH were deemed "normal" (although at the very low end of each), so according to my stable of doctors, there's nothing that can be done. So frustrating. I guess if I knew the endpoint, or even if I was nearing the end, or that someday these symptoms may improve when I'm done with periods, that may help me mentally. But without that, it just gets discouraging every day. |
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02-17-20, 12:56 PM | |
Join Date: May 2018
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This is the hardest. Not knowing how long the symptoms will last. I am so sorry you are suffering so much. Perimenopause hit me like a truck so I can relate to the frustration, pain, and being absolutely miserable. I hope you find something that might help with your symptoms and that perimenopause won't last too much longer for you. Hug!
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Tags |
aging, gall bladder, menopausal weight gain, menopause, multiple workouts per day, over 50, sleep, sparks, weight loss |
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