Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: karenja on November 14, 2014, 06:38:20 AM
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Morning ladies it's 6.25 and I'm awake after third sleepless night in a row anxiety again been getting horrible tightness in my chest which then makes me worry and think something sinister will happen same story I keep posting :) tried herbal stuff, homeopathy on my third hrt preparation femseven patches cut in half due to side effects, my gp's arnt the best I'm
Referred for councelling but could take months, didn't get on with anti depressAnts, can't take betablockers as I have asthma. Have asked to try micronised hrt they can't find it in their book,really wish there was a menupause clinic in this area so I could sit down and chat to somebody who understands and can help all I hà ve really is this site which is a godsend need a hug and sending hugs to everybody feeling this way too xx
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Morning ladies it's 6.25 and I'm awake after third sleepless night in a row anxiety again been getting horrible tightness in my chest which then makes me worry and think something sinister will happen same story I keep posting :) tried herbal stuff, homeopathy on my third hrt preparation femseven patches cut in half due to side effects, my gp's arnt the best I'm
Referred for councelling but could take months, didn't get on with anti depressAnts, can't take betablockers as I have asthma. Have asked to try micronised hrt they can't find it in their book,really wish there was a menupause clinic in this area so I could sit down and chat to somebody who understands and can help all I hà ve really is this site which is a godsend need a hug and sending hugs to everybody feeling this way too xx
Hi Karen
My GP's could not find micronised progesterone in their books neither, two separate doctors.
I came on here for help and some wise person suggested I find the PIP code for utrogestan.
Don't ask me what a PIP code is, as I don't know, but the doctor cannot really get out of it if the pip code is there.
I had a bit of a pointless saga getting my hrt.
I obtained the pip code for utrogestan, (see pm) and chose a third, separate GP, I told the GP that UK women are getting this prescribed on the NHS but this GP told me that our area may not be allowed.
She gave me a months supply of utrogestan and told me to come back after a month.
I went back today, after booking an appointment with yet another, fourth GP, who gave me the utrogestan, for a month to see how Iget on, but, she did not have any qualms about giving me it, and was more positive than the other three GP's I saw in my surgery.
I also took a print of a reply to an email I sent Dr Currie on this site.
My main GP, the first GP in this saga, got ratty when i asked for utrogestan and, being frightened off pursuing bio identical progesterone any further, I suffered a whole year with horrible flushes etc, on an HRT that was ineffective (I don't absorb femoston pills well enough), before I decided to deal with it properly and make arrangements to get my self on the right hrt.
Dr Currie basically said, it was ok to ask for what I was asking for, and that it is prescribed on the nhs.
I will send you that pm
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Hi Karenja, sorry your having a horrible time...sure there is a type of betablocker you can take even with asthma...one of my docs said this...hope you get your utrogestan...I know how hellish it can be. :o....Dandelion, could you pm me the pip code too please just for future ref as doc wont prescribe hrt atm...thanks in advance....Yvonne
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Ive made an appointment at the doctors for Monday going to ask yet again about utorgestan and take the pin number, Im hoping this will help and if I try this at last I will have a result x
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:cheer: fingers crossed for you XXX
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Hi Karenja
Is your anxiety because your going through the menopause?
I have had anxiety for 10 years which just a few years ago was finally diagnosed with complex trauma but Iv found my anxiety is worse since going through the menopause! I too have tried many ssri's but they all gave me restless legs.
I take diazepam 2 mg as and when I need it just to calm the anxiety which then stops it going into panic and insomnia...I call them my calming stash. But am very responsible with them and get no side effects.
Have you ever tried diazepam? ❤️
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Hi Renee, is that valium, if it is I have tried them yes, as for the anxiety I think Ive always been a bit nervy but until six months ago only had panic attacks when flying now I get them, palpations and chest pain regularly and it is only since starting peri, so its made it worst x
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I know I have said this before but it really works for me.
It's difficult but if you ask yourself the question......has feeling like this ever done me any harm.
If the answer is no then keep telling yourself this.
My big thing is public places....shopping centres, queues.
I have repeated the same mantra so often it really helps.
It's not easy when you are in a panic but most of the time it does help a lot.
Anxiety is horrible but if you can engage the rational part of your brain then that reassures you that you will be fine then it does get easier.
:hug:
Honeyb
x
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Ye I think diazepam is valium.
Iv tried CBT too for my anxiety but like you I was always a bit nervy.
What will you do now Karenja? xx
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There are anti-anxiety drugs which are not anti-depressants. Perhaps ask your doctor about them? And there are so may ADs that there should be one that would be ok...........
Bramble
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Hi Bramble
The anti anxiety meds....would that be like beta blockers? X
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So sorry you are in a bad way, I have been anxious panic attacks since I first started monthlys many many years ago, I am now 51.
My mother was forever at the gp office with me I had trouble getting out of the house and being sociable, very frightened as did not know what was happening.
It carried on like that for years and years lots of antidepressants ranging from Valium, diazipam, citalopram, some others I had from numerous psychologist, even though they said I did not need councilling because it only happened every two weeks, I have lived in a daze for years, and now with the menopause things have escalated, panic anxiety, migraines, constipation, swelling fingers, cold extremities, very low temp, spots, hair dry and falling out, cramps, muscle weakness, hashimotos so on thyroxine for that, every time I take eastrogen it seems my body does not like it, I have mirena oil fitted, for progesterone, and testogel for libido not working so far, don't know if I am lacking in eastrogen or dominant.
This menopause has a lot to answer for. I hate my infliction, supposed to be a natural thing, I would not wish this on my worst of enemy's. :-\
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HI
thanks again for your replies, I think next step is doctor Monday to see where i go from here x
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I've noticed that since starting menopause 10 years ago (sadly still having symptoms) I can't cope with crowded places, even too many people in a room is too much! I usually feel like I just have to get out of the situation and I seem to get breathless...is this a panic attack! I can't say it's that difficult as I generally avoid such situations, (thank goodness for internet shopping) but I hope it doesn't get any worse!!!
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anxiety bad tonight on 4th day of progesterone femseven but have cut patch in half last two days, tight chest strange achy numb feeling in one hand, so scary its wearing my out, prob another night tossing and turning, I want to come off hrt, or is it worth me going to the doctor again regarding micronised progesterone?? don't know anymore fed up of feeling like my heart it going to give way, stressed!! sorry for moaning again x
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Hello all - I came across this site after various google searches. I'm perimenopausal (self-diagnosed but why else would I be so bloody hot all the time at 51!) Like some of the other posters, I've had previous problems with depression and have been prescribed citalopram in the past. I recently had what I thought was a long bout of depression (2-3yrs) possibly brought on by completing a PhD but reading these posts, I think it was also the result of hormonal changes. I'm avoiding anti-depressants as I have some horrible side-effects such as vivid nightmares and some of the research on alternative therapy doesn't give them a great press but it really helps to know I am not alone and that this anxiety is 'free-floating', that it is hovering about waiting to attach itself to various circumstances. In other words, that it is not 'real' (sorry, I'm not sure I'm expressing myself very well) The things that helped for me were being outdoors a lot as I am a keen gardener & allotment holder (I just had the nicest summer) and exercise - I cycle everywhere and nothing burns off that horrible anxious feeling than whizzing about on a bike. I know it won't be everyone's cup of tea but it helps alleviate things a little for me. Unfortunately, it also looks like I am going to have to give up alcohol for a while too and I love a decent glass of wine! But it really isn't worth it at the moment as it makes the insomnia and anxiety ten times worse.
Thanks for letting me ramble and I'm sorry for hijacking this post but it helps to talk to people in similar situations. As my sister says, in school they would take the girls off for the talk about periods but no-one tells you about the changes you go through at this age!
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Hi Cadi, it's good to see you here. Would you like to make a thread in the New Members bit as your post might get missed in the middle of this one. Then you will get welcome posts, you might slip through the net otherwise.
Browse round and have fun, it's lovely here. :)
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same here with the wine I had my first glass in ages the other evening made me feel worst x
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Hi girls, haven't been on here for about a week as things have been going ok, but I had a couple of anxiety attacks Sunday night and Monday morning.I was lucky at the weekend as managed 9 hours sleep frid. and sat. night and woke up with a clear head ( morning headaches are back) so I thought I'd try for an early night Sunday as maybe not enough sleep was causing wake-up headaches, no such luck. Couldn't get to sleep, tossed and turned, then worried that I wouldn't get any sleep at all -panic attack, used the ' see, hear touch' method to break train of thought, which did work eventually Went to bed at 10.15 , fell asleep 1am. Got up and went for my 10 min jog to clear head, but had an anxiety attack just before i was leaving for work, don't know why , which left me on edge and out of sorts all day.
I have to say being perimenopausal sucks.My life has been turned inside out since I had my breakdown at work, my life feels completely different now, I feel different now.
Not sure if anyone else has noticed but my food tastes have changed too. sweet tooth is much quieter now, in fact its non existant at work, don't have much of an appetite either in general.
sorry went on abit and off topic. :hug:'s to everyone
Kas x
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Hi kas.
My taste buds have also changed, 4 years ago I was a heavy smoker, got up one morning lit up as usual vomited and never smoked since, the smell makes me ill, as it did when I was pregnant all 3 times, that's when the menopause came along with thyroid problems, and wheat intolerance.
I had a very sweet tooth, foods I did not like I do now example celery, Cream cheese, I still like sweets just not as much.
I don't look like me anymore I look like a frightened rabbit with frizzy dry hair, and flushed cheeks.
My weight fluctuates from week to week.
I hate it, I hate it, I hate it.
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Oh scampi - that made me laugh! I'm sure you don't look like a frightened rabbit!! I know what you mean though, when I see myself in the mirror it's a shock - I look so tired and sort of 'dried out' yuk xx
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Hello ladies.
Yep agree with most of what has been said.
Cadi - Welcome to the forum. I also think that the anxiety is free floating and attaches itself to events and thoughts.
Scampi18 - I don't think I look like a frightened rabbit ( that made me laugh too ) but I sure as hell feel like one. Oh the joys...
Take care ladies.
K.
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Cadi - :welcomemm: from me too!
Hurdity x
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Anxiety yet again its awful today :(((
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It takes over - my whole Life currently is 'can I do that' rather than getting on ……. :'(
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Just doing things over and over and over makes them easier.
I used to think I had to fight anxiety but it turns out it wins every time. If i just accept it then it gets a little better.
I rarely see the little steps I take forward but those around me do and point them out.
My daughter remarked on recent shopping trips that I could not have done this time last year.
Standing in a very very busy supermarket today hubby asked if it was ok if he went and got a newspaper, that meant me standing on my own. I said yes it was fine and it was. Not that long ago I just could not have done it.
It's tiny baby steps...but all in the right direction .
Don't give up...the more we challenge ourselves over the weeks and months the easier it gets.
Honeyb
x
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Me too been up since 3 this morning, sobbing so much, went out for a meal last night, I didn't want to go in the first place, but I went along for my husbands sake, felt so hot, sweaty and anxious never ate anything and had to come home.
I want my life back to normal or as near as.
I don't think my body likes hrt, it never works it seems the more ostigel I have the worse the symptoms, I am bleeding again, don't mind that, it's the emotions and the dread and fear of everything, that's making me not want to be here, I feel like such a burden on everyone, I hate me, if it wasn't for my family I would end it today. :'( :'( :'(
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Scampi :hug:
Have you spoken to your GP about this. Maybe some CBT might help.
I find if I have too much oestrogen I get very very jittery and feel sick. It's difficult to get the balance just right.
Hope you start to feel better really soon, but sometimes we all need a bit of help. Speak to your GP.
Honeyb
x
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Totally agree with honeybun, HRT is suppose to make you feel better certainly not worse. Your body is protesting and certainly more hormones can be just as bad as too little.
Scampi18 you must see your GP.
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Hi there, just wanted to add here, my psychiatrist has given me Seroquel, lowest dose possible for anxiety and it does work. Herbal alternative is Kali Phos , you can take up to six, they are homeopathic remedies. Meditation and yoga is good for calming the mind, concentrating on the breath. There is nothing worse than not sleeping with anxiety :(
Hope any of this helps.We are all in this together.
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Hi Scampi, I can only echo what the other ladies have said you need to get some help for the anxiety, I don't know what hrt you have tried and whether you are on anything else as well, but you need to get them to listen to you and give you something to help, I nagged for a certain hrt and in the end have managed to get it, time will tell if that helps, with me it was just a case of seeing the right doctor who bothered to look it up properly, sending hugs anxiety is awful x
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Hello Scampi.
I know how horrible this anxiety can be, you are not alone. I admire you for attempting to do things even when you are feeling unwell, that takes courage.
I agree that you may want to talk to your GP about your HRT or other treatments. Whatever you decide keep us posted. As charliegirl said, we are all in this together.
Wishing you well and take care.
K.
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Not stopped sobbing yet, can't get to grips with it all, just so miserable, my gyni knows all this, I have been back to see her 3 times in as many weeks, she is very good and changed my hrt treatment 3 times. Don't want to go on antidepressants because the very few good days I have are really good, I am confident, my hair shines, I have no spots, no headache no symptoms at all, that last about 3 days.
So so confused.
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Why has your Gynae altered your HRT before it has time to 'kick in'? What's wrong with ADs? I fought for years before realising that without, I won't get out of bed. However, the correct AD will help anxiety, others don't. I also take Beta-blocka every night and sometimes at breakfast time, to stop the anxiety surges but sometimes, the anxiety takes over.
Relaxation therapy can help. As can 'rescue remedy' ……… Valium-type meds to take as necessary. It can be a long time finding something that suits :sigh: …….. which in itself is tiring. I want to be up and at it but mustn't take on 'too much' …… whatever that is!
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Hugs to you Karenja and Scampi
Some of us are affected really badly with meno related anxiety.
I used to get quetiapine, but found it had too many side effects, such as bad fluid retention in the ankles preventing walking in the evening when gravity had done its worst.
I weaned off that slowly and I now get promethazine and propranolol, and of course my trazodone.
Frustratingly HRT can take a while to get the right one, but, don't be like me and stick with one that isn't working for you for a year.
I did this, because when I brought it up with my regular GP, I felt she got pi$$ed off, even though she is great with all other health issues.
Three doctors later and I found one that prescribed what I wanted.
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More hugs to Karenja and scampi18. I can't take HRT as they don't play nice with my fibroids, but I have come to the conclusion that taking ad's does help me function and I almost feel like the old me. Funnily enough, my closest family all had mini panic attacks and frowned when I first mentioned that i was on ad's, but I stood my ground, did some research and with my partners support carried on with the treatment.I don't like the stigma that is attached with ad's, but a family member , also on the same meds, explained it to me in laymans terms. I quote''When our body is lacking in something, then you take something to redress the balance and thats what ad's do.They re-balance your seratonin levels''. I have been lucky with fluoxetine(almus brand) as they suite me and have helped me put myself back together.
Please don't be put off by other peoples thoughts about ad's. Anything is worth a try to help you feel better about yourself and see the lighter side of life. Honeybun is also right when she said take baby steps.It's hard at first, but little positives add up to bigger positives.
Kas xx
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Hi everyone,
Again woke up ok ish took the ostigel and within the hour I was sweating and panicky angry frightened, anxious, shouting at my poor dogs stressed, took them out thinking it may help, nope just made it worse, I just needed to get home.
Again wanted to throw myself out of the bedroom window, this is the worse feeling ever, sobbing uncontrolably, just can't seem to stop.
I have tried ADS over the years and nearly ended up being sectioned on fluoxetine,
One gp thought I may have bipolar, but it never went any further than that, we moved house and now I have a new GPS.
I don't know if it's the menopause or the thyroid or depression or all 3 fighting one another.
All I know is I can't carry on like this, I have called my gp and waiting for call back.
Thank you all for your kind words.
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Hi Scampi,
I hope your GP can give you some help. Have a big :hug: