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[Maryjane]

I don't usually mention the mental health side of menopause as I try to plod on , but I am really struggling at the mo also,  wept buckets on my dog walk today.

I am a wedding florist , and had a wedding today , one tomorrow and one on Monday and it's so hard be happy and organised , and I have four next week .

[dahliagirl]

If you have a look at the above tabs: Treatments : HRT Preparations, it gives you the cost for about 28 days treatment.

Elleste is £3.07 a month, all inclusive (ie it has a progestogen)

That is £9.21 per 3 months and £16.40 for the prescription charge.  There is all the paperwork/computer work in the background that has to be done which probably pushes up costs.    My Femoston costs £16.17, but still just inside the prescription charge.

You can see where the money people are trying to save costs - but it seems mean spirited to say the least.  Maybe if they used more of the higher priced preparations, they could negotiate a lower cost.

Vagifem is a bit pricey though    I expect there will be a generic version as soon as it is possible.

[dahliagirl]

Goodness    A very busy time for weddings!

[Tempest]

Ooh, that is useful Dahliagirl! And it's good that I'm not 'breaking any rules' as the costs are right there! (I've never checked the tabs before, silly me)!

Yes, the Vagifem is pricey isn't it? The Menopause Consultant recommended to my GP that she prescribe Ovestin, but she's yet to do so (another gripe of mine)! I'll have to do more research on the pros and cons of each on here, but I think I would prefer the Vagifem as it seems less messy to me.

I know the Consultant I saw said that the 'Yes' lubricants are now available on prescription, as well as the Sylk for anyone who might prefer an all natural alternative. I see that they now have a new all natural wash available too, which would be useful I think for us VA ladies.

[Tempest]

Oh, Maryjane! You wee soul! You sound so busy, too.

Sending a special  your way. xxxx

[Tempest]

Oops! Hi, CLKD!

Yes, Hubby gets to escape occasionally! I'm actually encouraging him to organise a break to visit his friend in Germany at the moment. He needs it! MIL stays just a few doors away and we get along famously, so she will come and camp out here for company. I want to get her over anyway so that we can watch 'Fried Green Tomatoes' - she's never seen that film and it's one of my favourites! The Kathy Bates character is all the more favourite now. If you've seen it, you'll know what I mean! If not, it's a real treat. I know it's an older film now but it's probably the only film in which a woman in menopause is portrayed somewhat accurately. 

I managed a walk by the Loch the other day. It was tough as it was very warm and muggy that day, and the flushes are a beast! Add to that the infamous Scottish Midges, which were out in force. I didn't get bitten (they probably know better than to mess with a menopausal woman - ha)!

I try not to plan too far ahead except when it comes to my next mode of attack regarding sorting out this infernal business. If I think too far ahead, I get panicky for some reason. I was never like this before! I was a certified accountant in my previous existence, now I just feel like a dribbling mess most of the time. It sucks, truly!!!

[CLKD]

Never heard of that film.  Must look out for it in Charity shops!

We managed not to be up there in midge season! so enjoyed every day ………

[Tempest]

Do visit us again soon! We can meet up for a decaf. tea. I'm pretty close to Loch Lomond, it's very picturesque.

You'll LOVE 'Fried Green Tomatoes' - trust me!

[Tempest]

Just a wee update. I've been summoned to see the GP tomorrow about the cardiac perfusion scan results. It's the GP I'm not fond of. I am pretty sure she will go for the jugular with the HRT, so earlier this morning I organised a pre-emptive attack and phoned the very lovely Cardiologist's secretary.

She remembered me from when I chatted to her before and organised the scan quickly as I wasn't on HRT then and was really suffering - I explained to her then that I was worried that as we didn't know the cause of the chest pain, there was a question mark over whether or not I could start HRT. She also phoned me after the test to say that pending the final result, the test looked 'low risk' so not to worry too much. She really is a very organised and lovely lady.

Anyway, when I spoke to her this morning she said 'oh my goodness! This has been going on long enough. Let me talk to the Consultant as he has a clinic this coming Tuesday and I'll see if he can slot you in. I'm sure he will want to help'. She phoned me back within the hour, and confirmed that yes he would see me next Tuesday at 3pm. Phew!

This is wonderful, as I now have 'ammo' when I see the GP tomorrow as I know her very well and I'm pretty sure she would want to stop the HRT again. To say she is over cautious with everything is an understatement (Hubby and I think she really lacks confidence - hardly inspiring when you the patient needs help)! I have not had another incident of chest pain since, so I'm hoping that the Cardiologist will agree that it was just an anomaly, and if need be organise any tests that he feels appropriate to be sure (I'm keeping EVERYTHING crossed in hope)!

Also, I will get to chat to the Cardiologist (he's very nice) about my theory in my case regarding possible Cardiac X Syndrome. This is a phenomena where chest pain is caused by very low estrogen in women around menopause, and as my levels are virtually non existent I think this fits. I hope I'm right!

The upshot is that I can say confidently that I do not wish to stop my HRT until I have discussed matters with the Cardiologist, which is only 1 week away. I was scared she would stop it immediately and then I might have to wait possibly months for my return visit to the Cardiologist. Although the 0.3mg dose of Premarin is barely registering, I have felt some relief. Notably, that my mood is not as all over the place as it was. I've been on it 15 days now and I'm just starting to notice this change. The hot flushes are very slightly less intense, night sweats not quite as soaking.

I will also discuss with the Cardiologist my worry about oral route HRT, and this might give me more 'ammo' to take back to the GP/Menopause Consultant about changing the route again if he agrees I can continue with HRT.

If this is the case, I will point out that the Menopause Consultant has again not offered to bring forward my review from February 2017, and that I need this specialist input. If he cannot oblige with an earlier appointment, I will suggest that he refer me on to Professor Mary Lumsden's Specialist Menopause Clinic at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. She deals with complex cases regarding the treatment of menopause (some of you may know that she is the Chairman of The International Menopause Society).

So - a bit of stress coming up over the next week, so I'll try to remain positive and calm. At least I'm not quite the gibbering, hopeless wreck I was a few weeks ago.

Wish me luck, ladies - I could use it! Thank you. xxx

[MIS71MUM]

Good luck Tempest! I wish you the best of it tomorrow with your GP. I just love your spirit, determination and true Scottish grit! Well done you for being so organised and ready.

Off out now but reply more later xxxx

[Tempest]

Aww, thank you so much Mis71Mum! You're always so kind. It's very much appreciated! xxxxx

[Maryjane]

Good luck tempest.

I think we need to set up a group of modern day suffragettes for how we are treated regards menopause.

[Tempest]

I LOVE that idea, Maryjane! I can see me throwing myself under the wheels of the 'Mr Anti HRT, VA Is Just A Bit Of Dryness' Consultant who did my surgery's Landrover Discovery in the local hospital car park in protest!

It's ok, I wouldn't get squashed. That car park is gridlocked even at 7.30 am in the morning, so it's not like he'll be motoring at speed

[dahliagirl]

 

[MIS71MUM]

Hi Tempest
How did you get on with your GP today? Did it go okay?