Sunday, April 14, 2013

Knees or Something Else?

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I participated in a 5K run (1st in 10 years.) I am out of shape, 20 lbs over weight and stopped running some time ago due to arthritis in my knees that is worse due to the extra weight.  I had been walking fairly regularly but only a mile or two and I bowl 2x per week.

I used a combo of walk/jog for the 5K and finished in 47 minutes.  I did have some breathing pain during the race but figured, yep I am out of shape and this is normal. Since my knees felt pretty good, I would slow to walk to ease up the pain, then jog.  If it were not a race, I would have walked more or quit early.  I probably ignored warnings since my primary stopper (my knees) were not the problem.

After the 5K I am experiencing pain in my solar plexus and it is agravated when I eat.  Feels like acid reflux (or what I imagine that would feel like not having it before.)

Generally I am pretty healthy and very low stress.

Not sure if I pulled something and should give this a few more days to calm down, or if I should speak to a doctor as its likely unrelated.
 Gender: Female
 How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5'3"
 What is your weight in pounds?: 140
 How old are you?: 50
 How long has this been going on?: A few days
 Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
 Abdominal Pain
 Describe associated symptoms not listed above: No pain when I take a deep breath or stretch or twist in various directions.

No pain if a probe/press on my solar plexus area, none in my stomach.  Almost feels slightly sore, but I have always had a high tollerance for pain.

I am also premenopausal, have just started to get hot flashes and delays with my cycle. Tried eliminating foods that might be a cause.  High fat, dairy, most breads.

Do take ibuprophen for my knees, but scaled back the dose.  Typically if my knees are bad, will take 600-800 miligrams before activity or in the evening.

Took 800 yesterday after walking all day (went to a golf tournament).  Then only 600 before bowling today.

 Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): Diagnosed with arthritis in my knees at 21.  Doctor recommended ibuprophen as needed and mostly managable when I am slim.  Gained 15-20 lbs after 40 that I am having trouble loosing.  At 40 Dr. recommended I loose 15 lbs and strengthen my leg muscles.

 No surgery except TMJ at 21 to reconnect ligaments in both sides of my jaw.
 No family history of significance

 When was your last menstrual cycle?: 4 weeks ago
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
 Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
 Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Occasionally

Is it possible I totally overdid it going way beyond my comfort level on excercise and could have pulled some internal muscle?

Could this be related to being premenopausal?  Have not yet seen a Dr on that as its managable.

Could I be developing gluten intollerance/acid reflux having rarely had any stomach issues in the past?
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I'm sorry we are late in getting to this.

First of all, it is perfectly possible that your symptoms are related to GI upset either from reflux, ulcers, or these in combination witht the ibuprofen.

This being said, at age 50 you are getting to the age where heart disease DOES become a risk for women. If you have not done so already, then getting your heart checked out would be a very good idea.

From what you are telling me a cardiac cause for your discomfort is unlikely, HOWEVER, it IS possible to have sensations of pain in the abdomen which are actually related to heart disease.

A simple treadmill test would be an easy thing for you to do and probably all that would be needed to rule out a cardiac cause.

At the same time your doctor might start you on an acid blocking medicine which might give you some relief.

Ultimately, you might need to stop using the ibuprofen as it can cause these symptoms. Tyelenol would be better for your stomach while this is being worked out.

If you like you may ask questions in the comment section.

Thanks for your question and be well.