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[Lola]

Hi I’m new to mm. I’m 52 and had a hysterectomy 6 months ago due to a uterine sarcoma, so had everything out and was thrown straight into menopause. I can’t take anything with oestrogen or progesterone in and wondered if you ladies may have some advice from your experiences. The things I am struggling most with is feeling hot most of the time, I’m walking the dog in a t shirt and cropped trousers while everyone else is in coats , hats and scarfs, then there the flushes where my whole body tingles before I break out in a sweat, building up to waking a minimum of 4 times every night sweating and unable to get back to sleep. I have tried oxybutinin which didn’t work and venoflaxine which helped a bit but made me feel so nauseated all the time I stopped after 2 weeks ( I may try again ) . Another biggie is vaginal discomfort and I haven’t been able to have sex since the op as it is way too painful. I’ve tried over the counter products and was recommend yes lubricants and moisturisers but they haven’t helped. I am due a scan and seeing the dr next week, but wondered if anyone had been through the same thing and had any words of wisdom?
Thanks
Lola

[CLKD]

Well - you should be able to use appropriate vaginal atrophy treatment as there is very little uptake of the product - something to discuss at your appt. : it's about quality of life against risk of recurrence. 

What treatment did you need to face?   Take a list to your appt., make sure that they understand that atrophy is life limiting if untreated.  Initially the treatment is every night for 2-3 weeks, then a few times a week.  'yes' can help along side 'ovestin' or 'vagifem' which are usually recommended.  You could send an e-mail ahead of your appt. suggesting discussing vaginal atrophy next week.  They may not agree to atrophy treatment initially but discomfort can be depressing.  4 me it was like razor blades  up there! 

Do read the vaginal atrophy thread as well as buy a copy of "Me and My Menopausal Vagina" written by a member here.  Make notes ;-). 

Let us know how you get on.  Some find that chillo pillows help or having a cool air blower by the bed for easing flushes.

[Taz2]

Hi Lola. Such a shock to the body when you go into surgical menopause so no wonder you are feeling this way

I don't have any advice re your vaginal symptoms as I believe that a uterine cancer does rule out any oestrogen treatment although there does seem to be conflicting advice on the internet. Can you speak to your consultant about this as it's important to make sure that topical oestrogen is definitely ruled out. 

As for the dreaded hot sweats some women get relief from a medication which is normally used for high blood pressure but is also prescribed for alleviation of hot flushes. It's called Clonidine and I have friends who have had great success with it

Also can you ask your GP for a referral to a menopause clinic as they may be able to help you.

You will find lots of support and understanding on here.

Taz x 

[CLKD]

It shouldn't be necessary for a woman to 'have to put up with vaginal atrophy' ........ once under control the amount of oestrogen is very little.  Perhaps if you meet with resistance or uncertainty, you could suggest that the Consultant speaks to either Dr Currie who runs MM or Dr Louise Newson - or both?  A more varied aspect as to women's options who have undergone surgical procedures should be considered which will help ladies in the future.

Let us know how you get on.

[Gnatty]

I agree with CKLD in that there can't be any harm if you seek further advice from Newson health. It maybe that some sort of hrt would be available to you, I think that their clinic holds more up to date info.  Even if you can only take topical hrt for vaginal dryness that would make a real difference for you.

[Lola]

Hi Ladies, thanks for your support and advice, I appreciate it. The cancer I had is rare with a high risk of recurrence so I do need to be extra careful, but I am under various specialists. I’ve got a scan and a couple of appointments coming up so thanks for the encouragement to pursue this. It’s easy to feel you are being a burden as I had all the anxieties and questions after my diagnosis and surgery and now all the issues with this, I need to be certain in my head that I’m not increasing my risk of recurrence. I’ll have a good look into all you’ve suggested. Thank you, have a good day x