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[spursgal11]

Hi to you all,

I haven't been here for such a long time, or even able to log on.
My hubby was diagnosed with bowel cancer in March 2011, since then he has gone
through, chemo/radiotherapy. He endured an 8 hour op, which sadly left him with
a permanent colostomy bag. The tumour once diagnosed was 8 cm and had taken in the bowel wall to. Along with a six week bout of c diff aqquired at the hopsital, progress has been slow, as you would expect. Now he is strong enough to go out for a short while, and even walk the dogs some days. Next Wednesday he is due to start a 6 month chemo course, which we are both dreading.
My Old Dad has now also last week been diagnosed with a carotid body tumour, located in the neck artery. I am taking him to the ENT surgeon on Monday to see what can be done.
Throughtout all of this i have had no HRT, but since Xmas i am a mess both physically and mentally, after coping so well up to that point.
My Doc has given me Climaval 1mg on Friday, but i would like others opinions on it before i chance it. I simply cannot afford to feel worse, as i need to be strong for my husband and dad, this involves a lot of driving over considerable distances and im scared of hrt
induced migraines. Anyone have an opinion on these id be so glad to hear from you.
thanks spurgal

[ruth]

Sorry no experience of climavel - but just wanted to say how sorry I am for all you've been through and that I'm not surprised whatsoever that you feel as thouugh you are in a mess. I think its blinking outstanding that you are still functioning at all, and am most impressed by your fortutude. The only thing I'd say about the hrt is that if you are reconciled to taking hrt in the first place then it probably will do no harm to try it. If it doesn't agree with you you can just stop and will be no worse off ... if it helps  that would be brilliant. I also wonder if there is anyone you can turn to - friend, relative, perhaps someone like the macmillan nurses? - for some support (emotional and practical) over the next few months. Menopause aside you have more on your plate than anyone can reasonably be expected to cope with alone, and your physical and mental symptoms might be linked to that as much as to the menopause itself ... I'd not be shy to ask for help, and I wish you all the greatest of good luck as you progress through the chemo and your dad's treatment. Please stay in touch, I'm sure others will have some good info re: climavel to help you make a decision. xxx

[Pauline]

So sorry to hear your news. You must feel at the end of your tether. Can't advise on your question as don't take any form of HRT but wanted to send sympathy to you at this very trying time.
Be kind to yourself.

[hot&spicy]

Aw spursgal what a tough time you have had this last year. It seems like you still have a lot to cope with - I can understand your hesitance in starting hrt as I guess you don't want anything to rock the boat. I am afraid I can't advise but would ask that you listen to your heart and see what it is telling you. Only you can know if you want to risk it or not - I guess the fact you are asking means you are not sure. There will be lots of ladies along soon who can advise you better.

Take care all yourself at this difficult time. A hug for you and your hubby as you face the next stage of the treatment. Keep posting if you are able to even if it's just to let off steam. Xxx

[Taz2]

Hi Spursgal - I'm so sorry to learn about your husband and the tough time you have both been having and also the fact that your dad is not so well. As to the HRT if you are worried about side effects is it possible to ask your GP for patches rather than pills? Patches give fewer side effects as they are not metabolised by the liver. This is from the menu on the left of the screen under A-Z of menopause and medical conditions. It appears that patches or gel are preferred with a history of migraines

Migraine
Migraine is often triggered by hormonal fluctuations and therefore may occur around the time of a period. Such migraine may improve at the time of the menopause. Some women find that migraine may be triggered by the daily hormone fluctuations which can occur with oral (tablet) HRT so the transdermal (patch or gel) route is usually preferred with a history of migraine."

Sending hugs to you.

Taz x

[Bette]

Hi Spursgal
So sorry to hear about what you're having to deal with. 
Being practical about the HRT, the good thing is that as you had a hyster., you only need to find a form of estrogen which suits you and prog. seems to be the thing which causes most problems. I see that your gp has given you a low dose patch, which is definitely the best thing to try first. This is from the menu on the left:-
 Migraine is often triggered by hormonal fluctuations and therefore may occur around the time of a period. Such migraine may improve at the time of the menopause. Some women find that migraine may be triggered by the daily hormone fluctuations which can occur with oral (tablet) HRT so the transdermal (patch or gel) route is usually preferred with a history of migraine.
Sadly, as we know too well on here, all of us react differently to HRT but as Ruth says, you can easily stop it again if it doesn't agree with you and hopefully it will really help you as you've got more than enough to deal with without meno symptoms too. I'm one of the lucky ones - I feel really great on HRT, so I know that it really can help.
I presume that you've got a good relationship with your doctor and feel that you can work with him to adjust it if neccessary?
I do hope that you feel able to keep posting and allow us to help support you in any way we can.
Bette x

[Bette]

Oops, we posted at the same time! Sorry, I misread the list - I thought that Climaval was a patch!  I agree with Taz, that might be the better option - is your gp aware of your past history with migraines?
Bette x

[one year in]

Hi spurgal

What an awful time for you, your husband and your dad.  I don't take anything (yet) for menopause but I just wondered if it is worth risking a (possible) big change in your emotions by trying HRT right now.  Do you think it might be better to wait a bit?  Only you can weigh up the pros and cons because everyone seems to have different reactions to drugs of any kind.  I suppose it depends on whether or not you feel you can cope as you are.

Whatever you do, try to remember to take some time for yourself during this difficult time.  Your adrenaline will be running high to keep you going so make sure you are prepared for when it drops. xx

[Hurdity]

Hi spurgal

So very sorry to hear about all you are going through with your family.

Re HRT I  would just like to echo what others have said Taz and Bette re trying a low/medium dose oestrogen patch to start with ( or gel). These provide a consistent delivery of the hormone direct to your system.

I would recommend the patch Estradot 50 (because they are small and stick well) which is what I use. The other options are listed here (the non tablet ones are near the bottom)
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/treatafter.php


As I read that you have had a hysterectomy, you are very unlikely to feel worse by starting with these patches - although you don't say what your symptoms are and I don't know when you had your operation. I suffered from HRT induced migraines but these were entirely due to the progesterone I have to use/take to protect my womb.

If you are suffering with sweats, flushes, lack of sleep and fluctuating moods then this should really help within a very short while. You may feel a bit odd for a few days because the sudden increase in oestrogen can give rise to minor side effects to start with but if you begin with a lowish dose these will be minimised. You could always build up slowly by cutting the patch for a couple of weeks initially.

Climaval contains oestradiol valerate which is a step removed from oestradiol - (the oestrogen hormone we need, that most of the others contain) so this might be more likely to cause side effects if you are sensitive.

As you say you really do not want to feel worse than your very difficult situation makes you feel already.

Do take care and have a from me.

Hurdity x

[ariadne]

So sorry to hear your news spursgal. You and your hubby have gone through such a lot. I can't advise about HRT as I don't use it but wanted to say hello, welcome back and sorry you and your family are going through such a difficult time 


ariadne xx

[oldsheep]

I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through Spursgal.

I understand that you can't face feeling worse than you do now, as have so much to deal with on a daily basis. I'd just suggest starting on the lowest possible dose of oestrogen as you can always increase it.
I was wondering if you could try the Sandrena gel which is easier to apply than patches (and doesn't fall off obviously), unless it's easier for you to take a pill?
You can always stop if you do feel worse.

All the very best to you all in this terribly difficult time

[milly]

Sorry to read this news re your husband, but maybe I can offer a glimmer of light for him.

 Obviously circumstances will be different but I had a similar story 9 years ago and have had a permanent bag since...really thought it was the end of the world, but 2 years later (it took that long to recover) realised it had saved my life, and now I hardly give it a second thought.

But menopause...NOW that's a different matter!

Hope you can sort something out cos it really is not an easy time for you.

[Margarett]

I don't use HRT, so I can't comment on that, but would just like to wish you and your family well. So sorry to hear of all you've been through. Look after youself in all this.
Margaretxx

[sweettooth]

Hi Spursgal, wanted to say my thoughts are with you at this very difficult time and well done you for coping so well. Sorry dont have any exp of this hrt but sometimes hrt can help with migraines. I too think patches may be a better option. Best wishes x

[Suzi Q]

I am so sorry my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family xxx
I too didnt take HRT so I cant comment if you feel the need for it and it will help you cope then go for it
If you are just nervy scared down(as you bloody would be) maybe ADs would be a help?
Just send you good thoughts
Love and Hugs
Suzi Q