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[PMB63]

Hi 👋. I could really do with some help and advise. I have got myself in a right state over the past months but just can't get myself out of it despite trying so hard. I've always suffered with anxiety and depression, mainly due to growing up around addiction and then having a son who has also battled addiction issues for over 10 years. I'm 55 by the way and have always been tea total myself. I started the menopause around 4 years ago and have initially tried oestrogel with Utrogestan, Tibolone and Evorel Sequi but settled on Evorel Conti for the past 15 months. I've also been taking Sertraline 50mg for several years.  Anyways, my son's Mental Health really deteriorated over the summer due to his lifestyle (no surprise there). About 10 weeks ago he ended up quite psychotic and suicidal. He doesn't live with me but I really thought that I was losing him for good. It was very stressful trying to get him Emergency mental health support.  He is luckily in a better place now and hasn't taken any substances in the past 6 weeks. I think this episode really frightened him, too.  I've been signed off work for the past 8 weeks. I've also had post menopausel bleeding on the Evorel Conti (even though I've been on it for over a year) and GP did an urgent referral for a scan & hysteroscopy. Still awaiting the results and had to stop HRT obviously in the meantime. Since stopping I'm suffering from awful daily headaches and my mood & energy levels are literally on the floor. I'm due to go back to work on the 19th but just can't see myself being able to function and cope given the way I'm feeling right now. I have zero confidence and just no get up and go in me at all. I'm worried that I'll lose my job if I don't go back but I can't even keep on top of my housework right now. Feeling so flat & empty. Hope to get my results this week and restart HRT as these headaches have definitely gotten worse since I stopped it. I'm even considering going private, just so desperate now. Can anyone recommend somewhere in the Wiltshire area? I live in Warminster which is also close to Somerset. Thank you for reading this post.

[CLKD]

 

Hand your son over to the appropriate services and take care of you.  Sadly, mental health services can take months to access 

Ring the Dept to find out your results ?  Also, why do you have to stop the HRT now that the scan has taken place?

Have you tried over the counter pain relief?

[Dancinggirl]

Hi PMB63 - you poor thing - what a tough time you've had.  Bleeding on a conti HRT regime is quite common - sometimes the lining builds up too much.  Can I suggest you discuss the option of having a Mirena fitted as you are less likely to get erratic bleeding with this and you could then use oestrogen as gel or patch alongside.  Less progesterone is absorbed systemically around the body with the Mirena so it can be better overall and less hassle. Do discuss this will your GP - even if you go privately they may well suggest this anyway.
Do keep us posted.  Good luck.  DG x

[racjen]

Hi PMB63, sorry you're having such a tough time. I'm going to the Poole Menopause Clinic in a couple of weeks time, that's probably nearest to you (although I think there may be an NHS service at Salisbury too, and often where there's NHS provision you'll find the same consultant making a nice extra packet with a private practice). The guy at Poole is called Tim Hillard I think; he also has a private practice - will report back when I've seen what he's like. Look at the link at the top of the page 'Specialists' - it lists them all, NHS and private.

[PMB63]

Thank you so much everyone for replying. I can't take HRT until I have the results from the hysteroscopy.  Should find out this week fingers crossed. I've been thinking about the Mirena coil Dancing Girl, the only thing that's putting me off is the hysteroscopy. That was quite painful if I'm honest. Just don't really want to experience that again if at all avoidable.  Hope all goes well for you racgen and look forward to hearing how you got on afterwards.  Thanks for the Hug CLKD.  I know the stress of everything had a big impact on my Mental Health. But I definitely feel even worse since stopping the HRT. And I'm so fed up with those daily headaches and taking painkillers every day. Thank you again for your kind comments ladies 😘 x x

[Kathleen]

Hello PMB63.

So sorry that you are suffering.

I can't offer expert advice I'm afraid but I've mentioned before that I experienced daily headaches earlier on in my meno journey so I know how debilitating they can be.  They lasted all day but always went about 9 pm every evening. After 6 months they stopped and have never returned and as I wasn't using HRT at the time I assume they were a hormonal phase that passed. With any luck your headaches will fade even before you resume HRT.

Wishing you well.

K.

[PMB63]

Thank you so much for replying Kathleen. I really appreciate hearing about your personal experience. My goodness, 6 months is a long, long time to suffer with daily headaches.  I'm glad they have finally stopped for you. I really hope mine will be sorted before too long. I'll definitely come back as a man in my next life x x

[Gangan]

Apologises for a quick post got to go out. There is Dr Annie Evans at the Nuffield in Clifton Bristol. She is a private gynaecologist who i think some ladies on here have been to see so you may get more information about her. She is close to where you live.

Gangan X

[PMB63]

Hi Gangen. Yes Bristol isn't too far from where I live. Thank you very much for that. It's much appreciated.  Petra x x

[CLKD]

Does your son engage with you about his struggles, then and now?  Social Worker involved? 

Take care of you ;-)

[Gangan]

Sorry i may have posted too quick this morning as have had a look around this afternoon and think i am out of date and Dr Annie has retired. It may be worth an enquiry at the Bristol Nuffield to see if anyone has replaced her.

Gangan x

[PMB63]

Good Morning Ladies. Yes, CKLD he does and for the first time in ages has stopped Everything. He's been clean for about 6 weeks now and I think this episode has really frightened him too. He's had loads of support from Mental Health Team initially but it's gradually dwindling now already. He's 30 years old now and maybe this was his rock bottom. I hope & pray it was. Thank you for the update Gangan. That's very helpful. Bit anxious this morning as I'm due a phone call from my manager to discuss my return to work. My confidence is still on the floor and I'm just gonna have to be honest with her. I'm having weekly counselling to hopefully finally lay some ghosts of my past to rest and start accepting myself as I am.  I'm quiet shy and introverted. Always been called the “nice, quiet one”. Which I've always seen as something negative. Dull & boring?? But I'm dealing with it all now. I'm originally from Germany, but have lived in the UK since 1983. My elderly mother still lives there and needs more support now. I have a brother but he's not really interested. I know a lot of ladies my age are in this situation.  Elderly parents, adult children needing support etc. Just makes it harder when I can't just pop round for a cuppa & chat when she needs me. But hey ho, that's life I guess. Anyways, I'm very grateful for this site. I don't post on a regular basis but always have a look around. Thanks again everyone for your support and have a lovely day. Petra x x