My GP says general aches and pains normal?

[GladReader]

I am 27. I went to see my GP last month because in the last 3 months, I have generally been feeling a bit odd

I I notice my joints feel stiffer, I don’t feel as ‘supple’. It’s hard to explain. I wake up now and feel like death, never refreshed

No changes in diet or weight
No changes in how I sleep. Or what I sleep on (mattress is only 12 months and good quality)

I just feel older! And I am a young woman at 27, aren’t I?

My GP looked a bit smug when he told me ‘You know Sophia, aches and pains do start to creep up on all of us. You will feel differently to how you did at 21’

Since when? What on earth is the difference between 21 and 27 when it comes to general health and ageing? Surely there’s nothing in it?

So yes, he sent me on my way but told me to come back if the fatigue when I wake up becomes hard to function in the daytime. It doesn’t, I’m fine when actually up and showered but feel like my body is screaming at me beforehand to stay and rest

I also keep jumbling my words and forgetting things. Like I’ve got baby brain (didn’t have it when I actually had my baby years ago now).

I think he could have taken your bloods for testing. Things like thyroid, B12, Ferritin, Iron, Vitamin D - a deficiency or a low count can lead to some if not all the issues you are experiencing.

Make another appointment and ask for these blood tests. We have to advocate for ourselves.

No it is very much not normal to suffer from aches and pains at your age.

They do creep up on you by 47 maybe, but not at 27. Don't let your GP fob you off.

I thought this was normal, certainly I didn’t feel the same in my late 20s as I did in my teens/ early 20s and now at 40 I have no energy for anything. I am naturally aneamic though so maybe that’s why in my case.

No, it’s not normal and he’s starting early on the dismissal of symptoms because you’re a woman. First it’s your periods, then motherhood taking its toll, then it’s perimenopause, then you’re old. He needs to investigate, at least with blood work to check hormones, iron levels etc.

I was also into my 40's before the aches and pains started too, period menopause for me , and now psoriatic arthritis
I'd ask for another GP and ask if they could do a blood screen of some type to rule out anything lurking

Totally not normal! Other than being more tired (children…) my body doesn’t feel any different to in my 20s. It’s. Different shape (children again…), but it does the same stuff. I don’t think I’m particularly lucky, and certainly not the most healthy. I’m just not ancient yet, at 38!

I had the same and insisted on blood tests and they found I was anaemic. Few months of iron tablets and now a good multivitamin with iron each day sorted me out. Don’t be fobbed off if your gut says something is off.

Also I found being on the mini-pill made me feel similarly lethargic, so maybe don’t disregard any hormonal contraception you’re on.

I have noticed a decrease in energy generally as I’ve gotten older too, especially with young kids running around and busy work etc. big difference for me between late 20s and mid30s now. Forcing myself to exercise first thing in the morning does seem to breed more energy.

Be kind to yourself and hope you feel better soon x

As others said, folate, b12, iron (hb), ferritin (you have to specify or they won’t do this - needs to be about 70 plus - though the limits are very much lower), magnesium. Also, I think yes a big difference between 21 and 27 but also having a kid will suck you of energy so look at how much exercise and your diet too and also always having low grade viruses floating around if kids are young. But don’t let a male doctor roll their eyes at you and talk down. Get a different gp and demand these tests before you spend years feeling like crap for no reason.

No way - you are in your absolute prime. I am 45 this year and don't have unexplained aches. Get a second opinion.

I can’t ever remember noticing daily aches and pains till I was early 50s and in menopause- and I was 4 stone overweight at that point too and not fit - I’m now 63 and it’s a mix of irritants, dry sore eyes ( a lot) , crunchy knees , crunchy neck , achey hips in bed if I lie on my side. Odd forgetting of particular words now and then.

I think it's bizarre a doctor saying that to you when you are only 27! If you were 57,or even 47,maybe.

I agree it's not.normal and he should have ran a blood test iron, b12 and thyroid at least

Check if you have a carbon monoxide alarm in your house also

If you were 47 I would say menopause. No way should you feel achey at such a young age. I started to feel achey during menopause at 50.

not normal whatsoever. get a second opinion get bloods done I was like you 20 years ago went to doc in pain and constantly tired. diagnosed endometriosis 7 years later 10 laparoscomies. now diagnosed with fibromyalga. constant pain and flare ups. busy weekend causes me to be in bed for a week sometimes. do not accept this from your gp. I was told 20 years ago sure your just a naturally tired person

Get your thyroid checked along with an iron panel and Vitamin D. Those immediately spring to mind. What kind of doctor doesn't order those tests?? Of course you shouldn't have aches and pains at 27!

Not normal at 27, absolutely not - although if you have young kids you’ll obviously have changes in tiredness and energy levels vs pre-kids.

Have you had Covid in the last 6-12 months? I had it for the second time last year and that variant completely knocked me over. I was told to expect 12 weeks of lingering symptoms, but I’m still having problems now with breathlessness and poor energy levels 8 months later, and I know of at least 2 other people in the same boat. I’m older than you, but I think it’s been an issue across different demographics.

If not, get your bloods done, as everyone else has said, and adjust your iron and vitamin intake.

This is exactly how I felt with very low vitamin D. It is the time of year where you really start to feel it. I literally couldn’t believe vitamin deficiency could have such a large impact but I was put on a mage dose and lo and behold it resolved itself.

I think you need some blood tests

I'm 49 and I don't have this.

Yes I was going to suggest this too.

Vitamin D, B12 (and all the other Bs, magnesium and iron can all make a real difference) Definitely go back and ask for full blood work to be done.

Women + pain = some bullshit fobbing off/total minimising of what you’re telling them. Even by new and young GPs.

Every fucking time. I can’t stand it. Men would be offered a full blood work up at the very least.

At 27 it is absolutely not normal!

Ask to see another GP and insist on some proper tests starting with blood tests.

Jeez I went to docs wirh similar and I’m 50!! I got full bloods done and I had low ferritin. Meds and diet change sorted me out.
It’s terrible he said that to you. I’d complain!!!

Agree with everyone else, it’s not normal, but what is normal, is some GPs being completely dismissive of women’s pain or discomfort.

Go back and insist on some bloods. I’m on my 50s and I’m pretty sure that even now my GP would offer bloods to rule out anything untoward. I am very fortunate with my GP practice though, they’re very good.

But just to say, even though it’s not normal, it’s not necessarily something serious.

Go and speak to another doctor.

Take diary of your symptoms and be as precise as you can, including effect on your life.
EG Monday 7am woke up with a stiff left hip. This meant it took me 15 mins to get out of bed and struggled to get my work clothes on.

Also if you have a male partner or live with your dad take them and get them to repeat what you have said back to the doctor. EG “yes doc I’ve seen Glad Reader struggle with a stiff back and it’s affecting her work.”