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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be exhausted and aching at the end of every day?

66 replies

Fudgeycaramel · 20/08/2022 18:00

Is this normal, or am I just old, knackered and past it?

Am 42, with a fast-approaching 2 year old. And I’m so tired. My back aches, my hips hurt, my legs groan.

Is this just a normal part of being a slightly older mum than average? Or is it a sign something isn’t quite right?

OP posts:
AquaticSewingMachine · 20/08/2022 18:03

I don't think that's "normal" in the sense of inevitable, no. My thesis would be that you have poor fitness and little muscle tone, or else that you have a dietary deficiency or illness of some sort.

Getting back to basics: how's your diet? Exercise? Sleep?

MeriPenomause · 20/08/2022 18:04

Peri menopause.

Atomicspider · 20/08/2022 18:04

See your gp as a starting point, ask for a full blood count.

Creepymanonagoatfarm · 20/08/2022 18:05

51 with several d including a 7yo. Never feel as you describe op. Would be getting checked out.
Have you had Covid? Dd had it a year ago and is still washed out..

Creepymanonagoatfarm · 20/08/2022 18:06

*several dc.

MeriPenomause · 20/08/2022 18:06

Sorry I pressed post too soon.
Download the balance menopause app and have a look at the symptoms.
Also this is a good one with symptoms on too.... https://assets.jeanhailes.org.au/Health-professionals/MenopausesymptommscaleGreeneeClimacteric.pdf

Oysterbabe · 20/08/2022 18:08

I'm nearly 42 and have achy hips and knees. I did speak to my GP but she didn't give a shit.

doitwithlove · 20/08/2022 18:14

Could be peri menopause, a blood test will review your hormone levels. You could try taking vitamins to help.

My joints previously were extremely clicky having taken vitamins they are so much better.

MeriPenomause · 20/08/2022 18:15

Just bear in mind if you do got for bloods that hormone levels fluctuate so it's not always accurate to diagnosis of peri menopause.
Aching joints is one of the symptoms

Original poster
Fudgeycaramel · 20/08/2022 18:32

Yeah … I’m fairly confident the GP will not be interested!

I don’t exactly feel tired in a yawning sense - explained that badly - but my back and hips and legs are so painful. I’ve suffered for years with a bad back on and off but it’s flared up lately to the point I’m doing a lot of swearing under my breath.

OP posts:
MiauzenKatzenjammer · 20/08/2022 18:38

Are you carrying excess weight?

Original poster
Fudgeycaramel · 20/08/2022 18:40

Not particularly. I could probably lose a few pounds but I’m not enormous.

OP posts:
Thurlow · 20/08/2022 18:41

See if you can get a blood test for the common things. I have spent the last 6 months being utterly exhausted and put it down to peri and just getting older before I decided to ask for tests. I thought it might be B12 or something - turned out I literally didn’t have any ferritin (4!) and my haemoglobin was through the floor too. It does feel a little nice to know that it’s not just old age.

So don’t write it off, see if you can get some investigations first.

Whattodoaboutworknow · 20/08/2022 18:44

Try Pilates - game changer! You may need to strengthen your core and muscles again.

Free on YouTube!

Garman · 20/08/2022 18:44

Do you go to an osteopath or deep tissue masseuse, or do any exercise? It doesn't sound normal, sounds like back issues constantly being exacerbated and other parts compensating.

autienotnaughty · 20/08/2022 18:45

I'm exactly same I've felt that way a few years . I'm not showing peri but they only tested once so no sure. I was anemic tho so now n iron tablets. Not feeling much better yet.

mountainsunsets · 20/08/2022 18:46

How active are you?

urrrgh46 · 20/08/2022 18:49

I'd get it checked tbh - could be arthritis of the rheumatoid type so definitely worth a blood test! But no I don't think it's normal. I'm 46 and have a nearly 2 yr old. I started to get slightly achy knees in the morning so upped my supplements to include an omega 3 and omega 6 supplement. No more aching now. I am very active generally.

BlueSuffragette · 20/08/2022 18:49

Get a blood test to check thyroid levels, iron, b12 and ask them to check hormone levels re peri-menopause.

Original poster
Fudgeycaramel · 20/08/2022 18:50

I have a two year old … I never stop! That’s the problem!

OP posts:
blebbleb · 20/08/2022 18:50

I'm 37 and often feel like this. I'm carrying a bit too much weight so I think it's that. Not menopause related for me.

Booksandwine80 · 20/08/2022 18:52

I’m almost 42 and started to feel like this. Don’t know if it’s coincidence but I’ve started swimming, yoga and taking joint supplements. Have noticed an improvement after a few weeks.

iloveeverykindofcat · 20/08/2022 18:54

Pilates fixed this for me. I was certainly active, but to be frank, weak. But it's a time commitment and it has to be regular which is easier said than done with a toddler.

RampantIvy · 20/08/2022 18:55

Is this just a normal part of being a slightly older mum than average?

No. I was 41 when DD was born and didn't feel like this.

Or is it a sign something isn’t quite right?

Possibly. Best talk to your GP.

TwilightSkies · 20/08/2022 18:55

Do you eat and sleep well?