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[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

As you probably know I continue to worry about my emotional symptoms, not surprisingly I am concerned that I will never get past this and that I will be ' a nervous wreck ' for the rest of my life.

When I last saw my nurse practitioner I asked if I could see a psychiatrist to find out if I have developed some kind of anxiety disorder. The nurse told me that she would see what she could do. I have now been offered an appointment with a psychiatrist who specialises in treating the elderly ( I am 68 ) and it is clear from the appointment letter that   the psychiatrist thinks that my mood issues could be a sign of Alzheimer's!
It's bad enough worrying about my mental health while hoping that my HRT will finally provide enough oestrogen to calm my nerves but now this diagnosis is looming! I didn't like the idea of finding out that I may have a psychological problem but something like Alzheimer's never occurred to me.

I have started my day with my usual sense of unease and the hope that soon my HRT will be at a sufficient level to calm me down however now I have this possibility to contend with.

I just wanted to get that off my chest ladies and I hope you don't mind. I honestly thought that seeing a different medical specialist would reassure me but the opposite has happened. Careful what you wish for eh ladies.

Take care everyone.

K.
 

[Wend861]

Anxiety is very difficult to deal with Kathleen, especially anxiety about health. It would have been helpful for the nurse to have told you about her concerns not for you to have read that unexpectedly. Since when has 68 been classed as "elderly"?
On a positive note you do have an appointment with a specialist who can assess your symptoms and offer solutions going forward.
Hopefully you will get the help you need. x

[Minusminnie]

Maybe do your research on Alzheimers, keep and go to the appointment with an open mind and take what you can from it.

If necessary ask for another referral or get a second opinion.

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies

Thank you all for responding.

My anxiety has been high recently and this latest development hasn't helped but I am trying to think of it as a move forward.
The nurse said that it's a good idea to get another person's opinion on my situation so perhaps some questions will be answered.

Thanks again ladies for taking the time to reply and wishing you all well.

K.

[Dierdre]

Have you always struggled with anxiety or is this something new? I think we all suffer more with health anxiety as we get older, maybe that's to be expected as we have more health problems when older. Alzheimer's is more linked to the onset of general anxiety among other symptoms. Do you have other symptoms, if not I wouldn't worry about it.
I'm 68 and I don't class myself as elderly, I might do if I reach my eighties 
I wouldn't have thought a nurse practitioner is qualified to make a diagnosis of alzheimer's just based on anxiety.

[discogirl]

Hi Kathleen,

To be honest if that is the case then most of us ladies on here have Alzeimers, plus I cannot see how the psychiatrist could diagnose that without having seen you and assessed you.

I like yourself have terrible anxiety but I'm aware that it is my meno symptoms or maybe even the hrt.

I wish you the very best in your battle against anxiety but I really cannot see how they can assess you without having seen you.

Take care xxxx

[Penguin]

I'd say they probably just needed to put something on there to justify a referral to anywhere other than a menopause clinic. In the same way a 2WW mentions suspected cancer when the doctor has (in a lot of cases) only used that pathway as a day of getting you get checked out quicker. Alzheimers is a very specific set of symptoms and I agree with Discogirl that most of us could be considered to have it particularly if you are going in vague symptoms that are most likely to be attributable to other things. Please don't worry, easy to say I know. I do think it's great you are getting to see someone, seeing a psych has changed my life so much for the better.

[Kathleen]

Hello ladies.

Dierdre - Yes I can be an anxious person but it has always been in response to a situation or life event, in other words it felt logical. Since becoming post meno I can have that awful jittery internal feeling that just begins and doesn't quit. I am having that experience today and it is so exhausting. I take your point about us all having health anxiety, and is it any wonder given all the changes that occur at this time. For some reason I have never worried too much about the physical stuff, probably because I spend all my time panicking about my mental health lol. Btw I don't think 68 is elderly either but tell that to the NHS!

discogirl - I have always attributed my current anxiety etc to the menopause and I live in hope that my medium dose HRT will finally do its job and calm me down.

Penguin - I must say that I am pleased to have a referral as I have been asking for some time if I could see a psychiatrist.

To be fair ladies the letter I received did say that I will be properly assessed by a psychiatrist before any diagnosis can be made.

I will keep the forum updated for anyone interested and today I will do my best to relax and think positive thoughts!

Thanks again ladies for your comments which are very much appreciated.

Take care all.

K.

[discogirl]

Hi Kathleen

You're in my thoughts as I too suffer from awful anxiety/feelings of dread.

I'm pleased your seeing a psychiatrist as hopefully they will be able to help you get the anxiety treated.

Good luck xx

[Kathleen]

Hello again discogirl.

 I hope the appointment can offer some good all round advice for anxiety sufferers.

I will of course update the forum as soon as possible.

Thank you for the good luck wishes and take care.

K.

[Kate57]

Hello Kathleen,
I have just read your post, I really don’t post often nowadays but do pop in from time to time. CKLD and yourself are two names I usually look for hoping you are both well. Sorry to read this latest post of yours and wishing you all the very best going forward. I am 68 in March, so we are in the same age group, in the past I have experienced similar health conditions to you. ( I too had the most horrible internal shakes!)

My anxiety levels since peri have been high, even now 16/17 years later awful feelings of dread can haunt my days and impact my sleep/ dreams.

I just wanted you to know that you’re not alone Kathleen, I will keep checking back to see how you get on.
Kindest regards x

[Kathleen]

Hello Kate57

Thank you for your kind comments.

It helps so much to know that others experience the same symptoms and for the same reasons.

I will look out for your posts should you choose to contact the forum more often.
 
There are many lovely ladies here who offer comfort, support and advice and I honestly don't know where I would be without it.

Wishing you well and take care.

K.