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[Flan747]

I am not a good absorber hence the 4 sachets! I gave patches a trial of about 2 weeks which unknown wasn’t long enough but they made me very depressed, anxiety was through the roof and just felt awful!
This was the reply from my specialist:

absolutely not on arm -it drains to breast lymph and that  is not advised
I wouldnt put it all on in one go as it needs an hour to absorb so  you wait an hour and reapply the second lot but not all together
too much for body to absorb

This is why it’s confusing for me and I do read into things 10 times over which doesn’t help my decision easier!
I am really appreciating your replies Britt66 and Uptick so thank you

[Brit66]

I am not a good absorber hence the 4 sachets! I gave patches a trial of about 2 weeks which unknown wasn’t long enough but they made me very depressed, anxiety was through the roof and just felt awful!
This was the reply from my specialist:

absolutely not on arm -it drains to breast lymph and that  is not advised
I wouldnt put it all on in one go as it needs an hour to absorb so  you wait an hour and reapply the second lot but not all together
too much for body to absorb

This is why it’s confusing for me and I do read into things 10 times over which doesn’t help my decision easier!
I am really appreciating your replies Britt66 and Uptick so thank you

Thanks for sharing the info from your specialist about the dangers of putting it on your arms, that's really important to know!
Did you say that you are paying a lot of money to see your specialist? Do you live in the UK? If so, I'm just wondering if there's any way you can see your own GP or be referred to a gynaecologist? Take the pressure off you a little? 

[Flan747]

Yes I’ve paid £450 in the last 6 weeks it was £250 for initial telephone consultation then £200 for a half hour follow up telephone call! I had thought about seeing the well woman clinic at the local surgery where I had the coil fitted! I just presumed as I am a complex case it maybe better to see a private specialist although at the minute nothing is working out so may give it a go

[Brit66]

Yes I’ve paid £450 in the last 6 weeks it was £250 for initial telephone consultation then £200 for a half hour follow up telephone call! I had thought about seeing the well woman clinic at the local surgery where I had the coil fitted! I just presumed as I am a complex case it maybe better to see a private specialist although at the minute nothing is working out so may give it a go

I totally get that, you just want help and you want it quick, completely understandable.  If you do go to your gp and feel they are limited in their knowledge or disinterested even, you can always ask to be referred, because as you say, you have a complex situation. At least you have options

[Flan747]

Definitely going to look into it! I don’t mind paying at all but I’m not getting anywhere even after 16 months and now I’m on my 2nd specialist 🙈 I’m thinking maybe back to basics of this doesn’t work soon! Start from the beginning and see where I am maybe on a low dose? I just don’t know?
Thank you

[Uptick]

Hi Flan747, thanks for asking your specialist. Very interesting. I hadn't thought about lymphatic drainage to breasts. I will have a look at this. Oestrogel instructions are different, you can apply it to outer arms, although some women have been applying it to inner arms. Could that make a difference regarding lymphatic drainage?

Why do you say you're a complex case? Just because you're a poor absorber or is there something else?

What patch have you tried?

[Flan747]

Just because it’s taking so long to try and get some sort of norms again! I generally feel rough every single day! It’s been 16 months now! I tried the Everol patches. I started in June 2019 on Femostan then gel and levels only for up to 234 on 6 pumps then I tried Zumenon now Sandrena 🤞I think I am week 6 but had Mirena fitted last week just to add to the problems! Although I do not appear to have had any different problems since having it fitted so that’s a positive

[Uptick]

You're not a complex case at all.  Many women struggle with HRT for years until they find a suitable regime. I think you could try other patches, Estradot, Estraderm, Progynova, and even Femseven when it becomes available again. There's also the spray, Lenzetto. Plenty of options. I think 4 sachets of Sandrena is not your best option. Your skin will suffer in the long run. And what if you need to increase the dose? It's a lot of alcohol being put on the skin, not to mention a waste of time and money if you're not absorbing it properly. Do you know that only 10% of the gel, as estradiol, enters the blood?

[Flan747]

Thank you for that! I did wonder what happens next as the specialist said I need to get numbers near 400 and am only on 356! She said to wait for the Mirena to settle first then she said about introducing something else into the mix so no idea what that may be? I have given most things a real good go but couldn’t cope with the Everol patch it was so extreme and took me right back to the beginning where I couldn’t function day to day! I really do appreciate the advice given and if this doesn’t settle will look into the different patches! To be honest I thought they would al be the same and she said Sandrena is the best choice for me so we will see

[Uptick]

Patches are definitely not all the same. There are some recent threads on here about that, women feeling rough after having to change brands due to shortages. I'm glad you can afford this specialist but as Brit66 says, you could be on the NHS and have the same treatment, because the tough part is often to find a suitable progestogen and it seems you're okay with the coil. You really don't need to pay for it.

[Flan747]

Thank you Uptick! Will keep you posted on how things go but with all your info it does make sense to try a different patch! I do hate the thought of changing again but do not want to go in like this! Constantly tired from not sleeping, anxious tummy and palpitations just rubbish really! Suppose I should give it another few weeks( more wasted weeks probably!)

[Uptick]

Anything is possible when it comes to this menopause malarkey. Keep us posted and good luck 

[Brit66]

Patches are definitely not all the same. There are some recent threads on here about that, women feeling rough after having to change brands due to shortages. I'm glad you can afford this specialist but as Brit66 says, you could be on the NHS and have the same treatment, because the tough part is often to find a suitable progestogen and it seems you're okay with the coil. You really don't need to pay for it.

Agree 100%

[Flan747]

Ok will continue emailing specialist until she asks for more money then if things haven’t settled will book appt at local well woman clinic
Your advice has been amazing Brit66 and Uptick so thank you ! Here’s to a good weekend !

[Uptick]