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[Dandelion]

In the last month, my hot flushes have ramped up, and at the same time, my anxiety and low moods have ramped up.

Three weeeks ago, I went onto evorel 50, which has partly worked but I still get flushes, and need the fan.

I am getting evorel 75mcg patches on Monday, as I told the doctor how I am doing on the evorel 50 patches and she agreed to up them (see previous thread)

I will be allowed to start these on 24th November

I just don't know what to do about this anxiety.
I'm already on medication, and, to be honest, I don't really want to go on any more.
I don't see this as not helping myself, because from past experience, medication can cause more trouble than it is worth.

I can't face getting out of bed and doing anything. I daren't try housework, because I keep losing it getting even more anxious.
I don't feel like excercising as this worsens my flushes.

I just want rid of this anxiety. It is making life really miserable.

[Dancinggirl]

Hi Dandelion
I know you are on various other drugs apart from HRT and I wonder if these need to be reviewed. I can really understand your concern about ADs and their effects, as you have had bad experiences in the past but maybe this last doctor you saw who was more open and helpful might bring a fresh approach to what you are taking. Maybe some of the drugs you are taking aren't actually working well for you now?
I have a colleague at work who has had very similar experiences to you, has taken various addictive ADs in the past etc. She has been suffering with terrible sweats and anxiety despite using high dose HRT and she eventually started Citalopram alongside HRT and is now a new women. I am not suggesting Citalopram would be right for you but maybe this new GP you saw could look at your regime and come up with some alternatives that might work better.
DG x

[Hurdity]

Hi Dandelion

I can't comment on the drug aspects but agree with Dancinggirl's suggestions.

I would definitely seek medical help about this if you feel so bad that you are unable to cope each day, nor get out of bed.

Despite the flushes, it is really important to exercise - can you do some exercises in your undies and cool off afterwards in a cool shower/bath?

In the meantime can you just think of one positive thing you can do each day - and if you manage to achieve it - you've done really well  .

If this works then maybe try a couple of things the next day.....

Do make sure you eat & drink properly though ...

Hurdity 

[Limpy]

Dandelion - Sorry you are feeling so bad.
But not exercising at all is not good, it will not make you feel better in the long term.
Exercise may help to reduce your anxiety, it does for me.
Please seek advice.
Lots of hugs
   

[Dandelion]

Hi DG and Hurdity

I am far too depressed to excercise, I don't even like being in my own skin.

I am in touch with medical help but all they want to do is drug me more.
I know SSRI's can stop some women's flushes but you never know what they are doing to you further down the line.
I have had SSRI drugs in the past and they felt terrible.
I just think drugs like that are poison.

Every time I seek medical help I end up feeling more depressed than I do.
I know some women suffer worse than me with meno related depression, some are even driven to suicide.
I know that this is my only second HRT and that I need to give the new dose a try.

[honeybun]

Even though you don't feel like doing anything keeping busy really helps.

Even if it's doing a bit of clearing up with some music on. Dwelling on things makes them worse.

I have days when my anxiety is so bad....I have a lot of worry at the moment. I force myself to get my coat on and go for a walk along the beach. Getting a good blow lifts my spirits.

You can't rely on HRT to do everything.....it has never helped my anxiety at all.
You have to try to be proactive and do things to help yourself.

Be it self help books, meditation or yoga or just simply a walk in the fresh air.

We all have to try...No matter how bad we feel.


Honeyb
x

[Happysol]

Dandelion
I am so sorry that you are feeling as you are. It sounds really tough for you right now
Two thing that have helped me over the years have been self-hypnosis and mindfulness-based practice/breathing.  My go to people are Ursula James - she has CD's on her website - the anxiety CD is endorsed by Anxiety UK (she is a patron I believe) http://www.ursulajames.com/acatalog/ and Mark Williams - who has some free instant download resources on his site as well as things to buy http://franticworld.com/resources/
I have used them with medication and without……
Thinking of you
x

[Joyce]

It's true you have to push yourself to do things, even if just a short walk. It's all too easy to sit doing nothing. Try & get out for a bit of fresh air.

HRT helps with some of the stuff, but not all. You do have to give it time to kick in though. It's not like taking a painkiller, it needs time to build up in your system.

[Kathleen]

Hello Dandelion.

The other ladies have given you good advice but I understand how difficult it is to do anything when feeling so anxious. HRT does take a while to build up but hopefully you'll begin to see results soon.

Sending hugs and best wishes.

K.

[Dandelion]

Hi

Thanks ladies. I will try to get out.
Everything seems more worrying with meno anxiety.
I imagine problems where there aren't any, and worry myself sick over things that are issues.
It's like a compulsion.
I have some worries about my flat at the moment, and they are consuming me. I wonder how I would be with them if I wasnt in peri.

[walking the dog]

hi dandelion you sound like me o often cant get off sofa as so down I would suggest you ask your gp to refer you for psychotherapy I have recently undergone assesment for it and luckily have been deemed suitable and should start my treatment in new year I think it could help you with your anxiety and depression x

[babyjane]

I had 12 months of CBT several years ago.  It isn't a cure but it enables you to identify and manage the triggers to your fears, issues and obsessions.

My main problem was 'what if?..........all the time.  Nowadays, if I can remember, I try to think 'what is the worst that can happen'.  I don't mean that to sound trite but it is relevant to me as most of what I feared was fear of not being 'right' or 'perfect' or failing to meet others (imagined) expectations. 

I was starved of approval whilst growing up and constantly sought it every waking moment.  I had to learn that I am ok as I am, for who I am, which is why I have my signature, to remind me.

[Dancinggirl]

Excellent post babyjane - I had counselling with CBT for 12 months back in my late 30s and it has sustained me well - I can really relate to everything you have said.

Dandelion - I hope these posts are helping you because we all want you to find a good way forward.   DG x

[Wanderer]

Morning Ladies! Dandelion, I so wish I could actually be with you to help, as I had EXACTLY the same as you, honestly couldn't move with the weight of anxiety on my chest, along with every other menopause symptom you can think off! Thought I was going to expire with it all. What is happening is that, because you think you are going to never be any better, and that everything going into your body is rubbish, you feel rubbish! In other words, if you feel better, you will be better! The other girls are right, getting out takes you out of the house takes you away from the nasty, little environment that makes you feel bad, and allows your body to rest a little! I also found a wonderful GP who persuaded me to take Venlofaxin for a while, just a while, and I suddenly found my head cleared a bit, I could think straighter, and have a good day! I am also on Evorel 50, and that is sorting outing some of the other "rubbish", so because I feel better generally, it has allowed my body to get better and out of the "flight" mode.

I know you have had a bad experience in the past with AD's, was that before menopause? You need to allow your body to rest, it is worn out with the change!

Big hug

WANDERER. XX

[Galadriel]

Hi Dandelion,

I can so empathise with how you are feeling. This time last year I had a complete anxiety meltdown, all peri related. At the time I thought I was having mini strokes and loosing my grip on reality. I was lucky enough to be placed with a great psychologist - we worked through heaps of things I'd been carrying with me for most of my adult life. The changes we experience during peri can bring these into extremely painful and sharp focus. We worked on coping strategies for the inevitable days when anxiety rears its head and so far I have been fine. I think I had about 7 months of weekly sessions.

I've had two previous episodes of generalised anxiety disorder and 75mg per day of Venlafaxine was very helpful - incidentally, one of the unexpected effects of this particular AD is reduction in flushes. Just a little something to think about...

Take extra loving care of yourself and I hope you find something to help you.

Galadriel x