Hi nigela - here are my thoughts in case they are of use. Having read so many posts on MM, it seems the type of problems you are experiencing are quite common. Problems with joints and palpitations are particularly common. Sometimes drugs are not the best way forward as these can bring other side effects!
If you are finding the pain makes it difficult to get about or you already do all the things I am going to suggest and these strategies are not helping, then please ignore the next section. Here goes:
Firstly: do you have a good mattress? A mattress that supports your body shape and weight in the right way is very important, particularly as we age. A pillow that supports your neck is also important.
I do a bit of B&B and one of the things I was determined to provide was a good mattress - all too often hotel and B&B mattresses are too hard. Our guests often comment on how good the mattress is and I have to give them the details. We have good friends who have bought the same mattress having stayed with us and tell us they now have far fewer back issues!!!!
Is your bedroom well ventilated? - the right temperature and fresh air can make a big difference to how we sleep and subsequently how well we feel in the morning. If you are even slightly dehydrated then this will give a headache in the morning.
I am an ex professional dancer and my joints are rubbish
- I find even yoga and pilates can make my back, hips and neck really painful. I take Omega 3 religiously (good for joints and heart), I also take Vitamin D in winter (helps absorb the calcium, reduces fatigue and many other benefits)) and I recently added on Magnesium as I realised my diet was a bit low on this ( also vital to help absorb Vitamin D and calcium and can sometimes help with palpitations). I am very careful with the portions I eat as well - I eat about one third of the amount I used to but I am still about 1-2 stone above my dancing weight.
I walk A LOT - I have a pedometer and I'm averaging over 3 miles a day. The right type of exercise can make an enormous difference to joint pain and keeping muscle strength. Apparently in Germany they actually prescribe Nordic walking on their health service - I have a friend who teaches this and is now in great demand as Nordic walking is growing in popularity because of it's benefits.
Something which I really think could help you is some advice from an osteopath or physiotherapist - someone who will look at your posture and sleeping position and how you move generally and give you simple exercises that may alleviate pain and strengthen muscles to prevent further joint pain and damage. Exercise is the best way to help with blood pressure and things like palpitations - improves circulation, can reduce headaches, lifts the mood - the benefits are endless - BUT it does need to be the right exercise for you. If anyone takes up an exercise regime that is not appropriate it can do more harm than good.
I do hope this helps - I know only too well how miserable it is to have headaches, joint pain etc. that can make life miserable.
I would certainly ask for a bone scan and blood tests for Vitamin D and iron levels. Dg xxxx
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