Joint pain/stiffness, Muscle fatigue and pain/tenderness 5 YEARS POST OP.........

I don't really have any answers, I can only commiserate with you all. I was diagnosed back in 1991 or 1992. It was just about 2 years after my only remaining ovary was removed. I've seen numerous Dr.s over the years with only minimal relief. The pain has probably gotten much worse in the last 5 years. I also had low vitamin D level. My levels only remain up while I continue to use 6000IU a day. I was at 8000IU a day for almost 6 months to get my level up and have lowered it some to maintain. It did seem to help some of the "bone pain" I had. Unfortunately, it hasn't "cured" me.

I used to get so much relief in just exercising. I find now that when I cross the threshold of doing just a little too much I actually feel worse instead of better. My biggest complaint is the insomnia though. I honestly don't think I'd feel half as bad if I could just get some good sleep! I practice good sleep hygiene and have for years. Most of it is to no avail. I do use Flexeryl (2.5mg) sometimes to help with sleep. I've tried tweaking my estradiol level to see if that gives any relief. Mostly, it does not.

Have any of you read of the connection of thyroid and fibromyalgia? I seemed to get some bit of relief when I switched from my Synthroid to Armour. My sleep did improve some.

I did end up quitting my job almost 8 years ago just to try to take care of myself. It has helped some to take pressure off of myself and to keep the stress level down as much as possible. Stress doesn't cause this, but there is a definite connection to stress increasing my symptoms.

The most difficult aspect of the Fibro is the attitude of some Dr.s and even family members. I absolutely hate it when I'm made to feel like all of this is non-existent and only in my head. I do understand how frustrating it is for others when they can't help. I've finally had to say, "I"m not asking you to fix me. Just please let me take care of myself and understand when I'm not plugged into what's going on." I hope that someday we'll find out there is something specific that will cure this. I think about all of those people with ulcers who were told to stop worrying and they'd get better. We now know there really was a physical cause.

I'm 10 months post op of TAH, both ovaries removed, tubes and cervix (51 yrs old). I was not menopausal prior to surgery but immediately became surgical menopause. I began to experience joint pain, fatigue, hot flashes and a whole laundry list of menopausal symptoms that were awful. I had done quite a bit of research on HRT before my surgery and had decided to have Bio Identical HRT Cream compounded for me (rub on morning and evening on alternate inner forearms). I was 4 weeks post op when I first started on the lowest dosage of Estrogen and Progesterone Bio Identical HRT Cream. It took 3 dosage level changes over a 5 to 6 month period (along with saliva hormonal testing) to get me to what I believe is about the right combination that has eased my joint pain, fatigue, scalp hair loss, brain fog, memory loss, concentration, hot flashes, and other symptoms. I went to a medical practice that is making HRT a priority in their practice. They were recommended to me by the hospital nurse who did my pre-op screening because they had helped her tremendously many years ago after her TAH.

The dosage I am on now is a combination of Estrogen types (E3 & E2) with Progesterone and DHEA. I also take calcium, mulit-vitamins, Vitamin D and Fish Oil (Omega-3) supplements daily - supplements were recommended by a Natropathic Dr (who is also a part of the medical practice I'm going to) that my HRT Nurse Practioner referred me to as an additional resource to possibly help with my Menopausal symptoms. My joint pain had been so bad that I felt like I was 90 years old when I stood after sitting or lying down for just a short while or trying to put my arms into a sleeve. That was how I was feeling until I got the latest dosage combination I mentioned above in Sept 2011.

It took about 2 weeks or so before I started to feel better and now I can say I don't experience much joint pain these days. A welcome relief. I just started dong in the last 4 weeks or so strengthening type exercises. Weight gain has been another unwanted symptom for me. I'm starting to see the weight gain slow and I hope to reverse it over the next few months.

I would suggest you seek out a medical practice that focuses on Bio Identical HRT - It may help you too.

Hope you find a medical practice that can help you feel better.

jenbian,

It has now been 47 days since I began the bioidentical compounded hormones (Bi-est 80%estriol/20% estradiol/progesterone and an additional cream of testosterone with estriol for vaginal dryness). I am beginning to feel better. My hot flashes have pretty much declined to where every couple of days I might have a tiny one and that's it, and I am in a much better mood and happier state of mind. My sleep has greatly improved! I sleep all night without waking up...it's been about two years since I've been able to sleep all night. My joint pain is improving ever so slowly. Around the middle of the day today I noticed that I wasn't in any pain at all. I had to sit there at my desk for a minute and just soak it all in. I also take an organic whole food supplement with extra liquid vitamin D, calcium, B Complex, and lots of magnesium (it's an organic powder form you mix in your drink and it's great!) But do keep in mind that I have always taken these vitamins, with the exception of the vitamin D, even before I had the surgery, so in my case I think it's the bioidenticals (specifically the introduction of progesterone back into my system) that are making me feel better. I know that everyone is different, and that what makes one person feel better might not work for another, so I am just letting you know my results. My physician and compounding pharmacist will be evaluating my progess after 60 days in order to make any adjustments to my dosage. I've been keeping a diary so I know what to tell them. I know I've been wordy but if I can give anyone a little hope, especially after the way I've felt for the past two years, I am all about it! I sincerely hope you find what works for you!

I had my total hyst. 11 yrs ago and have been sick ever since. i was tired all the time and sore all over. I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism resulting in the removal of one of my parathyroids, due to large tumor. I felt O.K. after that..for a while, then a couple yrs later i had to have gallbladder out, and i still do not feel better (1-1/2 later). I am sore all over, and extremly tired ,and kind of a brain fog too, headaches, moddy, ulcer problems, tendonitis(severe), teeth hurt all the time, get tremmors in hands and feet, like pins &needles..these are just some of my newest symptoms, i was diagnosed with sjogrens disease, i have extremly dry eys, nose, and mouth as well, this is what ultimatley tipped off the DR. so i hope this helps some. feel free to write good luck to all

Dear khristyn

I am just now reading your post from 2011. I had a partial hyst 1.5 years ago and ever since my surgery, I have extreme stiffness in my back and hips. Never had that before. The docs look at me like I'm nuts. It's too bad the others that reported similar issues have to take pain meds. Is that what we signed up for? I am kind of mad about it. How have you been since your old posts? Better I hope. I go for physical therapy and try not to take anything but there are days I have to take 600 mg of motrin, it helps to a certain extent. I wish I could find some answers....I hate that we traded one problem for another.

I also just read this and realized how similar all of us are. I have also had chronic pain since the surgery and feel like I traded in one problem for the other. It helps to know I am not alone but this whole darn thing stinks. I thought I would be fixed only to now have fibromyalgia and IC. And right now my IC is flaring big time. I read somewhere today that docs have a huge problem dealing with chronic pain. Unfortunately I found this out the hard way.
SWester, I would suggest seeing a rheumatologist. They might be able to help you with some of the pain. Do as I say not as I do because I also need to see a doc and haven't done it.