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Am I in pain or just a bit wimpy?

(70 Posts)
Scentia Mon 25-Nov-19 18:12:45

Just that really, how does one know whether their pain is enough to warrant a visit to the GP.
To be honest I feel like I live at the doctors (with my menopause and HRT issues) and I don’t want to go again but my joints are really hurting in this cold damp weather, but how do I know that I am not just a bit of a hypochondriac and I should just get on with it and put up with the pains. I don’t want to get a reputation at the doctors of being a malingering woman, I am only 53 and I honestly think I shouldn’t be in pain at such a young age. I could live for another 40 years!!
I am not massively overweight, I suppose I could lose a stone but there are people walking about twice my size and they don’t seem to struggle to get about. I have a very physical job and try to keep active every day at the gym or walking to work but it is getting close to needing pain killers almost every day.

Tweedle24 Tue 26-Nov-19 13:17:05

If it is worrying you enough to post on here about it, then you need to see your GP, There is probably no need for an emergency appointment so, just book one on the app. Even if you just get blood counts and advice about painkillers and exercise, it will put your mind at rest.

Kim19 Tue 26-Nov-19 13:26:18

I endorse the daily CLO capsule.

SunnySusie Tue 26-Nov-19 13:35:16

Always good to check things out with a GP, however, when I went along with just the same problem my doctor told me he had no idea of the cause. That was it, no tests. I suffered through the winter, but in the summer I was fine. October rolled around and back to square one with the pain. I self diagnosed Vit D deficiency bought D3 supplements (400IU) and a week later I was pain free. Vitamin D cant do you any harm at relatively low doses and may well sort things out.

Anthea1948 Tue 26-Nov-19 13:39:40

@scentia, I was about your age when I developed Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I would definitely go and get checked with the gp. Hopefully it will be something easily treatable.
My gp told me once that if I had hypochondria I would be at the surgery more than he was. A slight exagerration, I think but, like you, at the time I seemed to be there a lot. And it doesn't sound as though you go without good reason, so don't hesitate, go and see him/her, and good luck.

Brigidsdaughter Tue 26-Nov-19 14:05:27

I'm with Starblaze. I'm losing weight on 16:8, strictly no sugar, VIT D3 Better you.
Also, if money ok try good Chiropractor as they are good on diagnostics and have a general blood test. Not enough Vit D 'in' range. Must be well up in optimal.
On bus st mo...

Baggs Tue 26-Nov-19 14:11:45

Chronic pain, even relatively mild chronic pain, can really drag you down. You don't need to feel wimpy about that, scentia. If you're still in pain after taking almost daily painkillers, maybe you need a stronger one, in which case a GP visit is where to start. Good luck.

DS64till Tue 26-Nov-19 14:13:21

I would go for peace of mind. The weather always makes me feel awful but I have Fibromyalgia which is exacerbated by it. Menopause can cause a myriad of problems but some manage to sail through it.

Scentia Tue 26-Nov-19 14:32:10

Wow, such a lot of advice to get through.
When I go to the gym, I do very gentle strength work to keep my muscles working, I don’t run on a treadmill and I will up my swimming and also swap one day for my very first yoga class! I really don’t go mad at the gym and my walk to work is all very flat and a slow few miles each way. I am going to see the doctor on Wednesday and ask for my VIT d to be checked and my b12 as I am vegan and this can be an issue I have read today. Onwards and upwards I will definitely cut out my sugars and salt intake as that is helpful for me. I have done so much researching today, I will be fit as a fiddle once I have implemented all my plans. Thankyou everyone for taking the time to help me out.

GrandmaJan Tue 26-Nov-19 14:52:03

Persistent pain can be debilitating so as this is continuing I would definitely see your GP. If you’re wanting some general advice and feel like you’ll need more time to discuss it why not make an appointment with a Practice Nurse or Nurse Practitioner? I’ve had patients make appointments with me to discuss similar things. You mention HRT. If you’re already prescribed HRT it could be that you need it changing or perhaps increasing because it is supposed to help with pain linked to the menopause.

ayse Tue 26-Nov-19 15:39:44

About 9 months ago I changed my diet for non pain related reasons although one of my thumb joints was swollen and giving me gyp. I ate very little meat but had salmon, smoked mackerel and one other oily fish about three times a week. Increased my green veg, other fruits and veg, including pulses but no potatoes. Tried very hard to reduce my sugar intake.
It wasn’t for loosing weight but more for health and eco reasons.

Last week, I realised that the swelling and pain in my thumb had decreased, so it is definitely giving a change in diet a go.

I do agree with other posters that another trip to your GP is not unreasonable. I hope you find a way of reducing the pain as it can be so debilitating. All the best

oodles Tue 26-Nov-19 16:16:34

I'd pop to the go, just so they can rule out anything, obviously vit d s d supplements are good, you might get a physio referral or other referral, and if so see what the professionals suggest first. With Christmas coming up you will probably have a few days off and can see does it get better a bit? If your job is physical might there be something that your employer could do to make it less physically taxing? They wi take this seriously as health and safety is so important and it's a legal requirement to accommodate your physical needs

TwinLolly Tue 26-Nov-19 18:09:55

I've seen some very good answers from the grans users, from diet to various vitamins, turmeric, swimming, physio, etc.

Another suggestion is to try acupuncture. I think it is available on the NHS as it is now a recognised and useful therapy. So if all else fails, and after seeing your GP - see if you can get referred for a course of acupuncture or have a few private sessions.

All the best! thanks

Saggi Tue 26-Nov-19 18:47:49

Good advice Starblaze...I’ve been fasting from 6 pm til 8 am for three years.....hasn’t done me anything but good. I was diagnosed with ulcer and told not to eat after 6pm unless absolutely imperative and unavoidable. I took advice ...cured my reflux and ulcer and lost a stone into the bargain. The posters aches and pains s could well be weigh
problem ...also get out of the gym and more into swimming.

Nanna58 Tue 26-Nov-19 19:28:33

Scentia please go and see your GP. I tried to ‘ tough it out’ and eventually got a terrible telling off from a Rheumatologist for wrecking my joints . Better to get it properly checked out than not, just because you didn’t want to make a fuss. Good luck!

Nanny41 Tue 26-Nov-19 21:23:44

I sympathise but cant give advice,I have sailed through life without a care in the world, until recently when diagnosed with Arthritis in my hip, and boy does that give me pain sometime I cry it gets so bad, but Perservere until it is so bad I have to take painlikkers.On the bright side, I reach 78 tomorrow,happy days!
You are too young to have so much pain, a trip to the Doctor sounds ike the right medicine.
Good Luck

Starblaze Tue 26-Nov-19 22:29:00

This post did me a favour too, I'd been forgetting the vitamin D and I get a bit depressed without it.

eebeew Tue 26-Nov-19 23:19:02

Scentia don’t take advice from people on a forum who don’t even know you! Go to the GP and let the doctor advise on what you need. If you live in the uk it’s free or was when I lived there. (Here in NZ I have to pay £40 ☹️)

Scentia Wed 04-Dec-19 07:31:26

Just reporting back in after 7 days of VIT D and B12 and I feel so much better already. My DH and I are sure this is a psychological cure, but we are taking it and running with it, hopefully this continues and it was just a vitamin deficiency causing my pains. Never did get an appointment at the doctors, I am always too late when I ring and the soonest is the 18th December if I wanted to pre book, I hope I can call next week and cancel that if this is the cure I was after. Thanks for all your help.

Starblaze Wed 04-Dec-19 07:55:55

Brilliant news Scentia