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[SallyG]

Hi everyone. I have just started new HRT from wonderful female menopause doctor Annie Evans and felt better almost immediately. Crippling anxiety and fear disappeared within days. Have been feeling a new sense of optimism. But I now have to think about returning to work and I am panicking about that now.
And I was feeling so good……..I am keen to get 'back to normal' but I also don't want to rush it as I was so poorly from September onwards I was suicidal.
Please help
Sally G

[Taz2]

Hi Sally - it's so good to hear that you have now found an HRT which suits you. Which one have you been changed to?

Do you have to return to work immediately or can you get more established on this HRT so that your mood is even better and your confidence has returned? A phased return is what I would suggest so that you can slowly re-introduce the working week. Have you discussed this with your employers yet?

You have had a rough time but are now on the up so take things slowly while you are still recovering - don't rush it even though I know you must be really longing for your life to return to normal.

Taz x 

[Mrs January]

Hi Sally

i have just returned to work after my son's suicide last year. I too was so scared as I have anxiety and fear. The reality has not been as scary as I thought, having  a phased return has helped and it does feel good to have some normality again. One hour, one day at a time and you will get there as I have x


Hugs

Mrs J xx

[jedigirl]

Hi Sally,
I was in a similar position last year after being very poorly with menopausal symptoms and being off work. When I was due back I foolishly just tried to pretend I could manage and went in. It took about an hour for my boss to realise I needed more time! What I'm saying is go and have an honest discussion with your boss re a phased return. Also go and visit your workplace beforehand just for a cuppa and to meet your workmates again. Do this a few times and it'll seem less scary. Now I'm back at work, it distracts me on my bad days and I have support when i need it. I realise not all bosses are so understanding but your doctor can give you a note for a phased return if you ask. Be kind to yourself 

[Chocolatechaos]

Totally understand you. I had really bad perimenopausal symptoms including anxiety and fear that made me lose confidence at work. My job is a demanding clinical one where I am In theatre for long hours and I cannot just leave for a break. I was initially signed off whilst bloods were done and diagnosis made. My goodness I felt really bad and thought I was losing the plot on life. At 40 I was a little young to consider this when my career is supposed to be in the prime of life. Anyway I was on restricted hours and no night work initially which helped hugely. Gradually my hours were increased and I am back on full hours after 2.5 months. I do night work but not alone and have lighter duties at the moment. I am ok having had one month of hrt. I have wobbles at work and my confidence still needs a boost. I hope I will get back to normal as I need to work to support our family. I have been open about this with my boss but worry about my colleagues thinking badly about me. Hopefully others will have got back on track and can advise beyond my experience. Chat with your gp and your employer. You can do it.

[SallyG]

Thank you for your feedback. It really helps. My boss is a bit of a tartar unfortunately so that doesn't help, but the Occ health consultant is very good so I will be meeting with him to discuss a phased return when I AM READY.
All of my support network including doctors  keep saying this to me but obviously I want to rush back and take my place in the stream of life again.
 Just wish I could change my Boss's attitude towards her team. She is a workaholic and expects everybody else to be like that. But I have children to care for as well as a job and research targets. Some managers!!
Thanks again. This site is a life line.

[CLKD]

Maybe the sooner you return the less anxiety you will suffer with.  Do you have an appt with Occupational Health yet?

[SallyG]

In the process of trying to make one with HR.

[CLKD]

If you do the appt you will be more in control  . Let us know!

[SallyG]

Yes I have phoned HR lady twice and she will call first thing tomorrow. Doctor has signed me off for 1 month so that gives me time to bed in new HRT and see occ health about phased return. Ive only been taking new stuff for 10 days.Will post name of it later tonight.
Thanks everyone, keep the feedback coming.
Sally G

[jedigirl]

SallyG,
Sounds like progress, well done! I'm starting a new regime of hrt on Monday and feeling apprehensive myself so know the feeling. We'll get there eventually though!

[donnacrichton]

Hi I had similar experience after a nervous breakdown. Although it was very hard part of my recovery was getting back to work. I have had to have the odd day off but cope better when busy at work. I don't hide the  reason why I was off a full year. Many colleagues have approached me to say they have had similar problems. My old manager was great but new one not very sympathetic. I have had a huge support from colleagues and certainly helped having support. Good luck take it slow I had a phased return x

[CLKD]

Getting colleagues on-side is probably easier than a manger - different agendas  .  I found that if others knew of my difficulties then they would help out as necessary which meant they didn't need to as often as I had a safety net ….

[GypsyRoseLee]

I started suffering with crippling anxiety and waves of dread/fear totally out of the blue this time last year. Absolutely no reason for it, except there is a strong history of early menopause in my family and I have always suffered with PMS.

The anxiety kicked in at roughly the same time I noticed my periods were much lighter and my cycle was slightly shorter. Some days were horrific and I just wanted it to STOP. A lot of buses rush past our house and sometimes I would think about walking in front of one, just to make it all stop 

It took a lot of GP appointments before I was finally referred to a gynaecologist who diagnosed me as peri menopausal on the spot.

People talk so openly about the hot flushes and weight gain when you're peri, but very few talk about the anxiety and fear/dread that you can also suffer. I had no idea that anxiety and feelings of despair were so common with pre menopausal women.

I am so glad you have found an HRT preparation which has really helped knock your symptoms on the head. It gives me hope that HRT might do the same for me. can I ask which HRT you take?

As others have said, I would try to return to work firstly on a part time basis. Perhaps use up some of your annual leave entitlement if your boss is being tricky? Far better for you to have a slow but successful return, than to rush it too much and end up signed off again.

[Dandylion]

Hello, I have been given my prescription for estradiol today. Not collected it yet. Going to be starting a 1mg dose for 6 weeks.

I chatted with my GP about returning to work, been off since 12 November.
Work have offered me a phased return which I am going to take them up on. I did this after my epilepsy diagnosis, but stupidly rushed it...causing exhaustion!

I won't do that again!

I am due to return in one month from now.
Just thought I'd share my story and say you're not alone. Xxxxxx