Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: honorsmum on January 31, 2015, 09:35:39 AM
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Morning, ladies.
Having booked to see Dr Annie Evans in March and feeling elated at the thought of getting help, I'm now having a wobble.
Before I joined this forum, I had joined a FB group for anxiety - because that's what I thought (and my GP told me) I was suffering from.
I was talking to a lady on there last night who said her anxiety, palpitations etc started immediately after she had a hysterectomy. I told her about my experience so far and how I thought it was peri and that I was going to see a specialist etc, but her answer was that she had learnt to accept her anxiety and stop looking for answers and explanations. Being a bit sensitive, I took this to mean that she thought I was in denial about it being simply a mental health issue (which is what my GP has also hinted at).
I don't know what to think now.
Thee only FSH blood test I've had was "normal" and I'm still getting periods every 3 to 4 weeks. However, all the other symptoms started when my periods went from being like clockwork 24/25 days - palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, hair going dry, spots, the odd night sweat and hot flush, feeling like I am changing chemically (the only way I can describe it - literally changing as a person), mood swings, loss of libido, blood sugar issues...
How do I know if this is peri, or if I'm kidding myself and it's actually just anxiety?
I'm beginning to feel like an imposter here, as I haven't been told I'm in peri by my doctor.
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I think I know what she meant by accepting anxiety.
My anxiety started after I had been on HRT for two years. I initially was determined to fight it and every day became a battle. When I started to accept that this is how it is it became a little easier to accept and deal with.
Your symptoms do sound like peri to me and you are the person that knows your body th e best. If things don't feel right then they are not right so keep your appointment and get the help that you need.
I don't think that you are in denial at all but fighting anxiety symptoms can be counter productive.
Honeyb
x
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You've done the right thing with making this appointment with Annie - you are being very pragmatic and sensible. You are experiencing plenty of peri meno symptoms and after your terrible experience with your GP you need professional advice. I'm afraid this other lady may be in denial herself - after all you may not know her true situation or the advice she has been given - we are all different.
I'm afraid too many women are simply given ADs/SRRIs without having the holistic experience of having a doctor look at the total spectrum of symptoms. Some women actually need an SSRI alongside HRT to help with all the meno symptoms but it's good to look at the hormonal issue first as oestrogen deficiency can bring long term health problems and HRT can help to prevent these things whereas SSRIs can't.
When are you seeing Annie? DG x
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Thanks Honeybun.
I know what you mean about fighting anxiety - my bible is Claire Weeke' s Self Help For Your Nerves, and I also practise mindfulness. I can accept the anxiety part, but I don't feel able to accept a diagnosis of anxiety, if that makes sense?
What I mean is, I feel the anxiety is a symptom, not the cause.
I had anxiety 5 years ago, but it was a side effect of having Crohn's disease undiagnosed for 8 months. Again, I KNEW something wasn't right in my body (hard to ignore bloody diarrhoea up to 20 times day and night!) but my GP insisted it was anxiety...which actually caused anxiety.
I was put on Citalopram but had a horrendous reaction to it for weeks before it did any good, and even then, it felt like it numbed me from good feelings as well as bad.
Maybe I'm hoping for an easier ride by hoping it's peri and can be sorted with HRT?
Thanks, DG.
I'm seeing Annie in March. Because of my personality and my previous experience with my GP, I'm worried about wasting people's time and being seen as a hypochondriac. At the same time, I know I can't go on feeling as I have. The anxiety fades by lunchtime but then I'm left with this overall feeling of being unsettled - just not myself. Some days, I feel totally normal, like a light has switched back on and it's such a relief! I'm keeping a mood diary to see if it's cyclical.
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Hi honorsmum
I presume you've had thyroid function tests already?
As for the FB woman - what a strange woman! If she had had total hytserectomy with ovary removal too then her anxiety is definitely due to hormonal deficiency! Also one woman's cause is not another's. And of course it is important to identify the cause because then appropriate treatment can be tried! If it is hormonally induced then hormne treatment can be gvien. If it is due to life circumstances - then something may or may not be able to be done about this.
Whether or not the cause is identified, it is always worth looking for self-help ways to deal with it when it occurs eg using the methods that have been suggested and that you are using rather than medication if possible.
You are not an imposter! Many women are sensitive to changes in oestrogen and notice symptoms while periods are still relatively regular. As for wasting people's time - well that's what you are paying her for - her time so no need to worry about that!
Good luck !!
Hurdity x
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Thanks, Hurdity.
Yes, thyroid checked and "normal" - although it was only TSH and FT4 checked, and I understand FT3 and antibodies should ideally be checked, but my GP refused.
I know what you mean about the FB lady - she even said she thought the sudden hysterectomy had caused her anxiety, but insists that she has had to accept it as anxiety.
The irony is that before this all started, I was feeling the happiest I had in a long time. My marriage is very happy and solid, my children are both doing well after a difficult period getting my daughter diagnosed with ADHD, we are happy as a family.
Yes, we have the same day to day worries as anyone else but nothing major.
When I had anxiety before, when I developed Crohn's, it was after a long period of intense stress - I had been carjacked at knifepoint and had to go through a subsequent court case and then my dad was taken ill with severe acute pancreatitis and spent 6 months in intensive care before having his machines switched off. I truly believe that it was the stress of both, following so soon after the birth of my second child that caused the Crohn's.
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Hello honorsmum.
I think you are doing the right thing by consulting with Dr Evans as your symptoms sound menopause related and I would be interested in what she says.
For years I was told I had IBS until five years ago when I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (coincidentally my periods stopped at the same time). Since then I have done some research and learned a lot about how the brain and bowels 'talk' to each other and how the bacteria in the gut affects our mood.
I am always doing different things to improve my health and at the moment I am taking an AD, using patches HRT, fiddling with my diet, trying probiotics and seeing a therapist. I figure if I keep trying something's gotta stick!
I wouldn't worry about appearing a hypochondriac, you are just someone who is trying to feel better and what's wrong with that ?
I wish you luck on your journey to good health and take care.
K.
P.S Is the Dr that doesn't think you are peri the same one that missed the fact that you have Crohn's ?
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Listen to *your* body. Listen to experiences of others and see if they correlate. Speaking to Dr Evans will give you peace of mind. With Forums we can dip in and out, take what might be beneficial to ourselves due to others' experiences and move forwards/not.
Anxiety can be caused for lots of reasons. It's the natural flight/fight response, however, knowing it is natural doesn't help when it floors me
:-\ . ........ I would take anything if I thought it would stop it forever.
Let us know how you get on! and take that list ;)
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Hi Kathleen,
I was told I had IBS for years too, although seemingly I have Crohn's AND IBS, for my sins!
I've had counselling from a counsellor my hospital provides for IBD patients, which was great. I am also trying all sorts of self-help stuff - I went gluten free for a month recently (but stopped when I started to have hypoglycemia issues at night, from not eating enough starchy carbs), I have also cut out a lot of dairy, chocolate, sugar head meant to be going onto the FODMAP diet as a case study for a dietician neighbour). I have started taking lots of supplements - vitamin B complex with extra B12, iron, high strength vitamin C, magnesium, probiotics, digestive enzymes, licorice root (to heal the gut), l-theanine for anxiety, and Boots own stress relief tablets occasionally (hops, ballerina, passion flower). I now go to bed at 10pm every night and meditate twice a day, and I walk my dogs every day too!
Yes, it's the same GP who misdiagnosed Crohns who is now telling me that because I'm still having periods and my FSH is fine, that it must be anxiety. I did remind her of her previous mistake, and she said she is keeping it at the back of her mind...maybe it should be at the front instead?! She also said that she believed adrenal fatigue, thyroid issues, CFS and M.E were simply a dumping ground for people whose blood tests showed nothing abnormal, but who couldn't accept a diagnosis of "anxiety".
My gastroenterologist also tried to tell me I had an anxiety disorder, because I am apparently too young for the menopause at 45. He said that because my Crohn's appears to be in remission currently, all my symptoms were indicative of anxiety.
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Listen to *your* body. Listen to experiences of others and see if they correlate. Speaking to Dr Evans will give you peace of mind. With Forums we can dip in and out, take what might be beneficial to ourselves due to others' experiences and move forwards/not.
Anxiety can be caused for lots of reasons. It's the natural flight/fight response, however, knowing it is natural doesn't help when it floors me
:-\ . ........ I would take anything if I thought it would stop it forever.
Let us know how you get on! and take that list ;)
Thanks, CLKD.
My GP actually said she had no time for forums or chat rooms and wouldn't take into account anything read on them. :o
Personally, I use them in exactly the way you describe, and her attitude does rather say something about her as a doctor - surely listening to individual experiences gives you a better knowledge and understanding than text books ever could?
I know I am an anxious person. I worry, I need to be in control of my life, I need answers - it's just how I'm built. Most of the time, I can deal with it, because it's based on something tangible - how can we afford x, y and z? How do we deal with a,b,c with the children?etc. Anxiety symptoms without any apparent cause are deeply unpleasant, and while all my self help stuff is sorting out my mind, my body appears to be doing its own thing!
I am going to write it all down for my appointment, don't worry!
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Do you know what, if we weren't anxious about things then we would be very uncaring people. A certain amount of anxiety is not only normal but necessary. It's when we are anxious about trivial things and actually see problems where there aren't any that things get out of hand so this is when some strategies to help sort the 'wheat from the chaff' can really help.
I find writing things down can help as well - lists of pros and cons etc. and having a friend or relation with whom you can share your anxieties to help put things into perspective. This site can be a very good friend in this way as most of us can be impartial and I've found that particularly helpful. Good luck and keep posting. DGx
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I had my first panic attack about a month after my hysterectomy (I kept my ovaries) and I was on estrogen, my GP said that it can happen after a hysterectomy even taking hormones. The body is very complex disturbing the balance and the shock of surgery effects the nervous system too.
Years later when I had a melt down, I was still on estrogen! and started having frequent panic attacks, nothing seemed to help, except an acceptance of it, The Claire Weeks books helped and the The Lindon Method.
Keep your appointment with Annie honorsmum, its taking control and making you feel positive and hopefully she will be able to help and advice with not just HRT.
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Some GPs/Medics hate the internet because instead of using it to advantage, they see it as a challenge to their knowledge and authority.
I like to be in control so that I know I will feel less likely to panic. I know what panic is but when struck down with it the logic goes out the window. Years ago I used to take my own food when visiting family because they never get to meal 'times' and I needed to eat regularly. That lessened the stress for me.
Knowledge is power ;) - once I have the reasons I can deal with my responses to them. I have emergency medication for when the anxiety takes over and need it rarely fortunately. I know it works for me.
When I suffered severe depression I needed to know why - but no medics would help. I needed to know if it was genetic as it is in both sides of my family. I needed to know so that I got the 'right' treatment ::) …… now I know it's organic plus clinical I can adjust my medication as required.
Keep asking those questions! and let us know how you get on.
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How do I know if this is peri, or if I'm kidding myself and it's actually just anxiety?
I'm beginning to feel like an imposter here, as I haven't been told I'm in peri by my doctor.
I feel exactly the same. I am 48 and have symptoms similar to you. I have had 2 blood test which have come back normal so my GP has said it is not peri. I think it is, at my age it has to be. It is difficult, we have to trust our doctors, but they are GPs not menopause specialists, their knowledge is limited. We need to trust our instincts as well. You will feel better after seeing Dr Evans, she will have the time to listen to what you have to say. You know your body.
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You're so right, DG. A degree of anxiety keeps us safe and compassionate.
I am lucky - my husband is the opposite of me and very good at grounding me when I am worrying unnecessarily. My mother, on the other hand, is horrendous - she worries about not having anything to worry about! I have to be very careful to filter a lot if what she says, because comments like, "perhaps you'll be one of those people whose heart stops suddenly" aren't helpful! She lives 200 miles away from me, but less than 5 minutes walk from my brother, and worries me be saying, "If I had a fall or a stroke in the house, no-one would find me for weeks!" :o
Is it any wonder I'm a worrier?!
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Your Mum is like mine. [see other thread ;D]
As for your GP saying that blood tests are 'normal', well my Gynae refuses to do them - because our hormone levels alter continually. It really does depned on where in the 'cycle' bloods are taken ::) my Gynae goes on the lady's symptoms and treats accordingly. So asking for an appt. to a Menoclinic or Gynaecologist is the way to go! They are 'only' (not a word I use often) GPs!
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Thanks Silverlady, CLKD and Toffeecushion.
Yes, I believe some doctors are threatened by patients taking the initiative. Mine even told me off for taking St John's Wort and vitamin B! She said that she was entirely conventional, and if I wanted something more, I should find another doctor.
It's funny how pregnant women and adolescent girls are allowed "hormones" as a reason, but women of a certain age aren't!
Some people are happy to go through life without ever questioning things, and that's fine - but I'm another believer of knowledge is power. The worst thing about having Crohn's was not knowing what on earth was happening to me. Once I'd had a solid diagnosis, I stopped worrying an was able to get on with it.
The problem I now have is that, having always trusted my gut instincts previously, having my GP tell me I couldn't have Crohn's because blood tests don't lie and I would be "very ill" if I had it (I was!) made me doubt myself - hence how I'm feeling now.
I'm happy that Annie Evans goes on symptoms, not blood tests, but worried at the same time that I'll present myself as perimenopausal as a given, and she'll run with that rather an anxiety - does make sense?
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Your Mum is like mine. [see other thread ;D]
As for your GP saying that blood tests are 'normal', well my Gynae refuses to do them - because our hormone levels alter continually. It really does depned on where in the 'cycle' bloods are taken ::) my Gynae goes on the lady's symptoms and treats accordingly. So asking for an appt. to a Menoclinic or Gynaecologist is the way to go! They are 'only' (not a word I use often) GPs!
My mum is 80 and quite difficult! She has an opinion on everything and everyone and thinks the world is against her. She also believes everything she reads in the Daily Mail...
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:rofl: are we sisters …… mine [88] thinks that the Bible comes 1st and the Daily Express a close 2nd ::) …….
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:rofl: are we sisters …… mine [88] thinks that the Bible comes 1st and the Daily Express a close 2nd ::) …….
I forgot about the bible! My mum can be far from Christian, doesn't go to church but is a firm believer - my heart sinks when she says, "I'll pray for you"!!
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;D ……. however, since Dad died in 2006 Mum returned to Church and Chapel - hedging her bets then ::). She does get plenty of support there, I think if she didn't go DH and I would be going to see her more often ;)
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That is the reason I have never asked my GP for HRT, not that I think she will give it to me anyway, but although I think it is peri I am not 100% sure.
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Honorsmum - when you see Dr. Evans - having gone through your symptoms just ask her whether she thinks it's peri or not? You're asking for her professional and highly experienced opinion. You sound a very sorted and quite rational person to me - not overly anxious at all.
We mustn't forget this is a very challenging time in our lives when we have to cope with adult children having money, career and personal issues that need our support, elderly relations that can be difficult and stubborn, many of us still have to hold down jobs and then we get all these meno symptoms on top - it's a wonder we don't all end up the 'The Funny Farm'.
BTW - mothers are great at doing the 'put down' and the 'guilt trip' - especially when we are feeling vulnerable. >:(. DG x
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That is the reason I have never asked my GP for HRT, not that I think she will give it to me anyway, but although I think it is peri I am not 100% sure.
Can I ask how old you are?
Have you considered seeing a specialist?
I'm seeing Annie Evans because I can't get anywhere with my GP - she's only interested in certain symptoms to back up her diagnosis of anxiety, and ignores things like my varying cycle lengths, hair, nail and skin changes etc.
I don't have any faith she'd know enough about HRT to be able to tailor it, even if she were to offer it to me.
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Honorsmum - when you see Dr. Evans - having gone through your symptoms just ask her whether she thinks it's peri or not? You're asking for her professional and highly experienced opinion. You sound a very sorted and quite rational person to me - not overly anxious at all.
We mustn't forget this is a very challenging time in our lives when we have to cope with adult children having money, career and personal issues that need our support, elderly relations that can be difficult and stubborn, many of us still have to hold down jobs and then we get all these meno symptoms on top - it's a wonder we don't all end up the 'The Funny Farm'.
BTW - mothers are great at doing the 'put down' and the 'guilt trip' - especially when we are feeling vulnerable. >:(. DG x
Thank th, DG.
My children are still young - 11 and nearly 9, but come with their own particular stresses. I lost my dad 6 years ago and my mum is 80 and has moved 200 miles away since he died, which creates its own problems. She can't see anyone else's point of view, and since she apparently sailed through menopause, I am clearly failing.
I am a stay at home mum, after a lovely career as a classical orchestral musician, which means I have too much time alone to think about everything. I'd like to find a new career, but my husband's also a musician and works all over the country, so it's proving hard to find what will fit around my children. I'm in that funny place at the moment where a job would probably help me mentally, but I don't feel well enough to imagine being able to cope with one.
Your advice about laying it all out on the table in front of Annie Evans and seeing what she says is great - I'd got it into my head that I was perhaps paying her to tell me I was peri, rather than simply asking her experienced one opinion.x
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I'm 48.
I am thinking of seeing a specialist because I really don't think my GP understands. She, like yours, immediately says it is anxiety. She doesn't link palpitations with meno at all. I missed a period last year and it was followed by a period that lasted 7 weeks and she didn't even link that to hormones. Maybe she is right and I am wrong, but I feel I know my body. To be honest I don't want to go back to her because she will think I am a hypochondriac. But I know my symptoms are real.
I have just done 12 day saliva test and am waiting for the results. I know they are not that reliable but I just needed to do something.
Have you seen Annie Evans talks on youtube? They are very good.
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At 48, surely any GP should take hormones into account - especially given your missing period and subsequent long bleed?
I would definitely seek help elsewhere. Did you have the saliva test done privately? My GP said she wouldn't act on private tests.
I haven't seen Annie's YouTube stuff - I'll have a look, thanks.
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I have paid to have them done privately, more for my own piece of mind really. I have been keeping a diary of my symptoms and am hoping when the test results are back I will be able to see a reason for them.
https://www.youtube.com/user/DrAnnieEvans
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Hello again honorsmum.
I agree with your comment about why is it that pregnant women and adolescent girls are allowed to have 'hormones' and we are not but your remark also reminded me of something.
As I said before I have a diagnosis of UC and I've been reading about the effects the bacteria in the gut have on various diseases. I also learned that when scientists looked at the bacteria that inhabit other areas of the body they found that in pregnant women the vaginal bacteria alters shortly before birth and they suspect these changes are the result of pregnancy hormones. I wonder if gut bacteria also respond to the presence or absence of hormones resulting in digestive problems and diseases. We know that hormones influence gut motility but maybe there is more to it than that and we should look beyond a blood test for signs of the menopause?
There is a lot of research into the microbiome as it is called so interesting times ahead for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases plus other ailments, there may even be a time when a stool sample gives a more accurate picture of our hormonal status and any Doctor that relies on a blood test is laughed at !
In the meantime I guess we'll just have to struggle on and do the best we can with the information we have.
Wishing you well.
K.
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That's a really interesting thought, Kathleen. Funnily enough, a friend contacted me recently to say that she had been diagnosed with premature menopause, probably caused by Crohn's (she has had to have several restrictions), so your idea about stool samples diagnosing menopause may yet happen.
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There might be two separated things going on with you honorsmum, your general anxiety which does come across in your posts and (which men as well as women suffer from if you have that sort of sensitive makeup) and the start of perimenopause.
You say you were a classical orchestra musician so you must have a sensitive and emphatic nature.
One of the things that Charles Linden talks about in his Method, is distraction therapy which includes hobbies and finding your passion again to distract you from anxious thought and panic http://charles-linden.com/
Maybe trying to make time for yourself doing something you love that fits in with your life could help you to stop thinking too much, especially from people who transmit their negativity to you and drain you.
You must remember that not everything will be solved with HRT.
There is evidence that the cells in the brain are very similar to cells in the bowel and the bowel is being called the second brain, here is some info and it make interesting reading
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/gut-second-brain/ jut goes to show how everything is linked in the mind and body.
The NHS does tend to treat different parts of the body separately, going to see Annie you may have a better chance of her treating you holistically.
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Silverlady - I found that simply 'sitting' and being quiet helped. If my mind began to race I would concentrate on 1 issue if possible …… so that I didn't meander to others ::): it does take practice to simply 'be' ;)
I know that my gut is the first thing that 'goes' when anxiety strikes and why a GP should dismiss palpitations etc. ….. the fact that a patient attends Surgery with symptoms doesn't give a GP the 'right' to be dismissive >:( …….
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Forgot to add that transdermal HRT is better for Crohn's then oral but I expect Annie will know this.
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We are a Mine of information - pity more GPs don't read our comments ;)
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You are spot on, Silverlady.
I am generally anxious, in that I am sensitive and prone to worry. I have been since I was very young - if my twin sister ever got upset, I would cry too! I feel things deeply, which is probably what made me go into music.
It's just the way I'm built and I'm ok with it. Of course,I'd love to be super confident and bold, but my "general anxiety" doesn't cause me too many issues.
Right now, it's the physical sensations of anxiety that I'm not enjoying - the unease, the feeling of being lightheaded and not quite present at times, the adrenaline rushes, the palpitations, the feeling that I'm waiting for something to happen.
It really does feel like being out of balance - like a car whose engine is being revved too hard in the wrong gear, or something.
I know HRT isn't a magic wand, and in fact I'm worried that messing about with hormones could make things worse. That said, antidepressants weren't great for me either. Mindfulness is helping me to put space between myself and my worries, and actually I feel pretty calm. My main worry is how to deal with my physical symptoms.
If I give my body something to do, like walking or cleaning, it does seem happier. I have a resolution to learn how to use my fabulous new camera, as a creative outlet. I also teach the flute, which I enjoy.
My bowel issues are definitely intricately linked to stress and what's going on in my brain. I will read your links with interest - I am fascinated by psychology.
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Your hormones are already messed about with 'naturally'!
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Your hormones are already messed about with 'naturally'!
I didn't put that well - what I mean is, if it's not actually peri causing this, I'm concerned what affect HRT might have. Also, which HRT might work best, in light of the horrendous reaction I had to Citalopram.
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Here is another link you might find interesting honorsmum
http://www.highlysensitivepeople.com/ I sent this to my Niece and it helped her.
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Of course, I know I worried before taking ADs etc..
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Honorsmum - I really feel for you and empathise somewhat. There is the sensible problem solving self and then there is the emotional self. The thing is, I believe the WHOLE of you matters and whether the cause/solution is menopausal or an anxiety disorder it really doesn't matter as much as the fact that you feel unwell and not yourself. Keep that in mind as you journey onwards to find solutions. You don't feel right and your intuition tells you, so follow that and perhaps try and see all your appointments, investigations, research and chatting as explorations.
I personally do think that you are in a stage of hormonal change related to menopause and there is no way of knowing at which point you are at. Sounds to me as if you are addressing all your supplement needs that would support hormone imbalance. The other thing I noticed was that you sound as if you are in a similar position regarding a bit of isolation and time to think - I work for myself but really I am looking for a change. I am not surprised that hormonal imbalance is part of that too.
We are complex beings and this puzzle to find out why our wellbeing is off kilter is really difficult - they call this the change, this time of life is a change, mid-life. It doesn't include the menopause for a lot of women but maybe for some of us it does. A turning point in someway or another.
I too have often felt underminded or misunderstood by GP's and have had challenges with anxiety issues, albeit not the same as hormonal anxiety but.........like every stage in life there is a chance to overcome. So maybe this is a chance to assert your needs, continue to take care of you and find a way through.
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Here is another link you might find interesting honorsmum
http://www.highlysensitivepeople.com/ I sent this to my Niece and it helped her.
Thanks you, silverlady - very interesting.
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Bright light, I think we are very similar in lots of ways - I recognise myself in your style of writing and how you think.
Although I have young children, I do feel somewhat at a crossroads in my life. My dad died 6 years ago and my mum is now 80 and obviously getting to a stage where I am starting to consider what may happen with her in the future. I have 3 siblings but they don't live anywhere near us and apart from my elder sister, we are not emotionally close. My husband is 50 and has lost both parents and is an only child.
I don't have any sadness about losing my fertility, and usually I have a great zest for life ( to the point of hyperactivity, almost), always looking for the next project - which is why how I'm feeling has really knocked me sideways. It's just not me.
I guess I'm sort of treating this whole issue a bit like a project - researching, questioning, trying to find solutions etc. I know whatever IT is, it won't always be like this, and I'm in the thick of it right now but it's not permanent - ages and stages, just as it is when you have children.
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Having gone back to the thread I started when I arrived here, I have pieced together your responses - yes similar thinking and experience.
Yes, it's a stage of life - when I am philosophical I realise this and that it will pass - when I am anxious I feel well and truly stuck where I don't want to be ;) My sister, who lives in Australia would say 'what you resist persists'. She is right, but letting go is a challenge for me.
I also relate to what you say about have a zest for life - mine disappeared around 2 years ago and I knew it wasn't like me, almost a lack of purpose, but I had lots of projects and things going on, but slowly the focus seems to have turned to trying to balance myself, it's taking up so much time! ha
For me, I really miss having close people around at this time. I have lost both my parents and my partner is 49 and has lost both of his two. We also don't have siblings near or particularly emotionally close. It all feels a bit isolating and I was acknowledging this to him just now, how we have a small network of support, which is hard at time.
I will share any information I get from the Private GP I am seeing, I plan to ask her for her thoughts on my symptoms in the run up to this that were not identified as anything to do with menopause. My mind just feels the need to cross the t's, although I am aware that I might not be able to make sense of this, but my shocked self is still trying too ;)
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Crossing the 'ts' is important. I know my phobia occupied my whole mind, 24/7 :-\ ……. I am sure that once you have talked with someone it will be clearer for you, let us know!
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I am a stay at home mum, after a lovely career as a classical orchestral musician, ...............my husband's also a musician
Honorsmum - I'm fascinated to hear about your career as a classical orchestral musician, as I'm a professional organist and have also done some amateur orchestral playing as a violist. My hubby's a violinist and teaches it in local schools. Which instruments do you and your husband play? And I'd love to hear which orchestra you were with, if you don't mind me asking! Thanks!
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Start a thread about music - we have pets, gardening, cooking, holidays etc. ;)
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Good idea, CLKD! Wish there were some musical smileys........
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I am a stay at home mum, after a lovely career as a classical orchestral musician, ...............my husband's also a musician
Honorsmum - I'm fascinated to hear about your career as a classical orchestral musician, as I'm a professional organist and have also done some amateur orchestral playing as a violist. My hubby's a violinist and teaches it in local schools. Which instruments do you and your husband play? And I'd love to hear which orchestra you were with, if you don't mind me asking! Thanks!
Hi Dulciana,
Lovely to hear from a fellow musician!
Here's a potted history of me -
I started playing the flute at 9 and passed grade 8 with distinction at 12, at which point I won a scholarship to study as a Junior on Saturdays at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. I went on to study full time there at 18, before doing a post grad at the Royal Academy of Music.
At 21, I trialled with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and then was asked to play for the orchestra of Welsh National Opera when I was 22. I played with them for 13 years, but also played for the Halle, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, London Sinfonietta, among others.
I played on tv, radio, CD (Charlotte Church's first album, among others!) and it was while playing for WNO that I met my husband, who is a percussionist. He still plays for WNO and also teaches at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. I don't really play professionally any more, but I teach and my son has recently started learning the cello. I play piano as well, which I find very relaxing. I miss my nights on stage and in the pit, all the lovely people I worked with, the excitement etc but I needed to be at home for my children. :)
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Hi Honorsmum - I've replied to you in a new thread in the "This 'n That" section. Look for "Calling All Musicians"!
D.
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:thankyou:
I'm there too!
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Hi Honorsmum - I've replied to you in a new thread in the "This 'n That" section. Look for "Calling All Musicians"!
D.
Lovely - replied!
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I've had a wobble this afternoon, damn it :-\
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I've had a wobble this afternoon, damn it :-\
Oh dear. :( What sort of a wobble, CLKD?
Because I've had a pretty good weekend, and have slept better with very little anxiety/palpitations, I'm back to wondering whether the peri idea is something I've made up. :-\
Hope you're feeling brighter today.x
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Nope - our hormones rise and fall with consequences as we age. Make the most of those 'better' days but don't take on too much otherwise you will use up any energy gained ;) ::) …… continue eating well, exercise when possible.
I have IBS which causes slow 'transit' so my gut and bowel get full but don't pass anything ……. so after I go to the loo I feel really really ill :-\ - better after a deep bath and sleep!
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That sounds very unpleasant, CLKD.
I have IBS too, but rapid transit.
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I don't know which I prefer ::) - sometimes I don't go properly for days, then I have several trips some of which are fast, other days I kind of go ::) [will bump the thread]