Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[maerdy63]

Hi! While on holiday last August I started shaking in bed, I couldn't stop, my husband held me tight. The following morning I woke up feeling very nervous, didn't want to be left alone. Over the next couple of days I just got worse. It was really frightening cos I didn't know what was wrong with me. When we returned home I went to see my GP. I was diognosed with Anxiety. I had never had it before, and there was no reason at all for me to be suffering with anxiety. I continued to get worse when we were home. Couldn't go to work, couldn't drive, couldn't be left alone. My symptoms were nervousness, breathless, detachment, fuzzy head, finger's numb most morning's, palpitations, restlessness, leg's feeling like jelly. I've tried 5 antidepressants. Had 3 blood test to see if I was perimenopausal. The last one came back showing I'm post perimenopausal. I hadn't started with hot flushes, but I had stopped ovulating & my period's were not regular. I've finally had Hrt called Femeston 10mg. And  still on an antidepressant called diloxotine, 120mg. Just had an increase 1 week ago. I've only stArted the Hrt 17 day's ago. I'm 51 years old. Has any one had a similar experience? How long does the Hrt take to work? Is there anyone on this site on both? I've been suffering now for 11 months. I just don't know how much more I can take. Also I get low day's & cry a lot. But a lot of it is because I dnt feel well, I just want to get back to normal, back to my old happy self. Would appreciate any feed back. Thankyou!  ...

[dazned]

Hi and 

You're not alone any more !

I could have written the same as you to describe how I was when I started this menopause lark ! Exactly to a tee ! Hrt can take a couple of months for your body to adjust to and sometimes unfortunately you might have to try a few ,that said I was lucky first time with mine so you might be too. I also now take an Ad ,mirtazapine. Hope you get sorted soon.

[maerdy63]

Hi dazned

Thank you very much for you're reply. It's good to know that am not alone.

Did the HRT alone get rid of you're anxiety symptoms? & are you feeling back to yourself now?

Thanks. Take care.

[SadLynda]

If you are not a pet lover this will sound 'really' weird to you.

My panic attacks were awful, especially the night time ones - I already had two large male dogs, but they were not the loving type of dog.  I went out and got myself a little rescue dog who I felt needed love as much as me, I was right.  During the first week she recognised a panic attack and got closer to comfort me, sounds crazy I know.. but then what doesnt with this wretched condition.?  I have only had two since last December.

You didnt say but I am guessing that like me (and others here) you were not like this before? and would love to have your old self back?  Cant help with the meds as I have not started there yet, sure others will - and I hope it will help you to realise you are most deffo not alone with this.

[dazned]

It did the when I first went on it 5 years ago but now 5/6years on that hrt stopped working for me so been trying various others and in the meantime have had to resort to an AD as well to combat the anxiety and insomnia. Not there yet like I was the first time but guess I'm older now 

[maerdy63]

I'm sorry to hear about the panic attacks. I haven't had one. No I've never been like this before the menopause. Always been very easy going & a happy person. There was nothing in my life wrong, no worries, life was good. Now I e forgotten how to feel normal. I'm sure your dog gave you a lot of comfort. Does anyone get this horrible feeling that comes over you from no where. It very hard to describe but I feel like I'm going mad sometimes? I think it the anxiety. Deco coming back as a man in the next life! Lol!

[sweettooth]

Really feel for you M. You are going down right road re treatment ie ADs and HRT though it may take a while, you will get there.

Best wishes ST X

[Suzi Q]

Hi! While on holiday last August I started shaking in bed, I couldn't stop, my husband held me tight. The following morning I woke up feeling very nervous, didn't want to be left alone. Over the next couple of days I just got worse. It was really frightening cos I didn't know what was wrong with me. When we returned home I went to see my GP. I was diognosed with Anxiety. I had never had it before, and there was no reason at all for me to be suffering with anxiety. I continued to get worse when we were home. Couldn't go to work, couldn't drive, couldn't be left alone. My symptoms were nervousness, breathless, detachment, fuzzy head, finger's numb most morning's, palpitations, restlessness, leg's feeling like jelly. I've tried 5 antidepressants. Had 3 blood test to see if I was perimenopausal. The last one came back showing I'm post perimenopausal. I hadn't started with hot flushes, but I had stopped ovulating & my period's were not regular. I've finally had Hrt called Femeston 10mg. And  still on an antidepressant called diloxotine, 120mg. Just had an increase 1 week ago. I've only stArted the Hrt 17 day's ago. I'm 51 years old. Has any one had a similar experience? How long does the Hrt take to work? Is there anyone on this site on both? I've been suffering now for 11 months. I just don't know how much more I can take. Also I get low day's & cry a lot. But a lot of it is because I dnt feel well, I just want to get back to normal, back to my old happy self. Would appreciate any feed back. Thankyou!  ...

Your not alone it will get better meanwhile sending hugs xxx

[warwick01]

Hi and welcome, this site keeps my sanity

I am 56 started HRT at 51 after finding the correct one for me, was ok for 3 years on oestrogel with separate progesterone (northisterone) for 7 day. Then 12 months ago everything started to get worse esp anxiety feeling really agitated couldn't stand in a queue without feeling panicky. !2 months on tried different HRT (Angeliq) found my anxiety improved but at week 7 could not get off the bed and was getting intrusive thoughts about death. Scared the crap out of me.

Back on the gel but anxiety, panic attacks returned and so has the vertigo. Vertigo was one of my first peri symptoms premenstrual I got. No one I have seen can tell me if I need more progesterone or less estrogeon

I have become more isolated and to be honest life is cr...p can't take Sssr antidepressants due to side effects. So for me I am hoping at 56 things may settle sooooon so I can get my life back.

Wxx

[GypsyRoseLee]

Yes I completely recognise how you feel. I am 44 and have been struggling with exactly the same symptoms for nearly 2 years. Unexplained anxiety. Feelings of dread and hopelessness. Inability to relax and enjoy anything at all. I also HATE to be left alone too. Also feel irrationally nervous of the dark, and it getting dark outside.

These symptoms arrive very quickly, stay for several days up to a week then disappear just as quickly. Then I feel perfectly well and normal again for a week or two. On and on and on.

Have been on HRT for over 4 months and it has helped a bit but these mood swings are still happening with monotonous regularity and they are ruining weekends and hidays and get together with friends and family.

I am just about to switch over to the Pill as the hormones are much stronger than in HRT and should effectively switch my own hormones off completely and stop these extremes of mood.

Some specialists believe that HRT isn't powerful enough for younger women suffering with anxiety and mood swings in peri menopause. I am pining my hopes on this being the case.

You will get through this. It's horrible, I know it is, but it won't always be like this.

[maerdy63]

Hi ladies. Thankyou for your replies! I know now that I'm not alone, but I'm sorry to hear about your suffering. It a cruel illness. This awful feeling thT comes over me sometimes out of the blue sometimes, it used to stAy for a short while but the last couple of day's it has been there nearly all day. I can't seem to stop thinking Bout it. This evening I just cried & cried with my husband. My husband has been amazing the last 11 months, he feel's so hopeless. I'm due to start work in 2 week's time, if I dnt go back I will lose my job. I can't let that happen, I love & hVe alwYs enjoyed my job. I'm hoping it will help me. 🙏 hugs to you all. Xx

[GypsyRoseLee]

You might find that doing a job you like and know well is actually quite soothing. It distracts you and occupies your mind for a while and stops that awful background babbling in your mind (I get that to).

It's lovely you have such a supportive husband.

[honeybun]

Have a look at the No More Panic website, many of us have found it helpful. Also ask your GP to refer you for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, again can be helpful.

I know how you feel and unfortunately there is only one person that can help you feel better and that's you by understanding what is happening to you.

Lots of good books too. One I found very helpful is by Dr Clair Weekes. It explains very well the cycle your mind is in and how to stop the anxiety.

Mindfulness is also helpful.

As hard as it is you have to take back control. It's a long slow job but it can be done.

Keep posting. A lot of us have been where you are but it can slowly improve.


Honeyb
X

[CLKD]

Has your GP given you an anti-anxiety drug for short-term use?

When I had panic attacks at night I would shake so badly the bed would move  .  Someone told me that an attack will only last 10 mins. because the body can't sustain it any longer: my longest panic attack was 3 days  ……..

[maerdy63]

Hi GypsyROSElee yes im very lucky having a supportive husband, and my children , daughter in law,mum and sister have been amazing. that was i am thinking that my job will help me, take my mind away from the anxiety, and negative thinking, which at the moment i spend too much doing. today has been a better day for me. take care and thank you xx

honeybun & CLKD. thank you for your replies. i have had Cognitive Behavioral Therapy it was only meant to be for 8 weeks, but i ended up having about 20 sessions. it did help a lot with my confidence. but unfortunately my physical symptoms continued. m currently on a course now that teaches Mindfulness,i also have been going to the gym for the last 6 months. im on my 5th antidepressant. it wasnt until my blood test came back showing i was perimenopausel post, that my GP HAS GIVEN ME hrt. im on my third week now, waiting for a miracle. i also take diazepam when needed. but would like to stop them soon. they do help to relax me. take care,xx