Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Cthrnstowe on August 24, 2015, 08:17:57 PM
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Well been and had yet another test done, scan on my abdomen due the the pains I've been getting, got the results nothing there, come home now I've got a pain in my leg, it's mad how it's so real, I'm really getting tired of it now x
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You have my full sympathy, I am a fellow sufferer. My only advice is to keep busy and active so you don't dwell on things. And absolutely do not Google - I have managed to get myself into a state about piles today, which is ridiculous!
Try yoga, I find it relaxes me and helps with my general well being.
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Oh this is me to a T....what I haven't been dying of at sometime or another isn't worth mentioning. But who wouldn't panic with all the awful symptoms that we suffer !!
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I am having a full blown attack at the moment. Strange aches in jaw which terrifies me has have fear of losing teeth and bloody piles which refuse to shrink... Really paranoid today and terrified about two week holiday looming at end of the month.
Had a blissful three weeks recently without anxiety and felt 'cured'. I looked back on the anxious me and felt pity, almost as if she was a different person. Am now firmly locked on other side of glass. Bugger, bugger, bugger.
The trouble with health anxiety is you spend your time looking ahead, anticipating the worst, or waiting for a symptom, which is then brought on by your mind, thus keeping the cycle going.
Best wishes to fellow sufferers. X
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Thanks Sparkle, much appreciated. Teeth anxiety again... The bloody thing that started it all off. Hubby says if I go to docs about piles, and dentist about teeth, then I'll be ok again once those areas are better. But when gripped by an episode I feel I'll just lurch from one anxiety to the next with brief weeks of normality.
It is also a very selfish, self-centred anxiety - which again makes it worse as I am filled with self-loathing. Perhaps, as hubby sometimes dares to point out, I just think too much??!
Greetings to all you fellow sufferers!
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Much easier said than done though.
The rational part of my brain tells me I being really daft but another little voice says indigestion is not supposed to last this long despite having had it before and it lasting for ages.
I don't really tell anyone my worries and then the voice in my head gets louder and the what ifs go around and around. It's bordering on obsessive and I know I'm making the situation far worse.
No answer though.
Honeyb
x
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Anyone else not talk about it to family.
If I was to tell hubby every time I feel off then it would be a continual moan and I'm sure.....good ad he is....he would get very tired of it.
Then things get bottled up. I do occasionally tell my daughter but she is only 20 and should not be burdened with a mad woman's thoughts.
Honeyb
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HB - I dont talk about it to anyone. They know I have meno problems and anxiety but have no idea the extent of that, nobody does. My acupuncture guy knows more than anyone.
DH cant deal with it at all, my daughter has her own problems and my Mum would forget 3 seconds later ::)
my friend knows a little - she will know a whole lot more when she joins here ;)
Thats why you all get my moaning :P
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Hi ya,
Just popped over from another thread with my health anxiety.
You might have read about it on the 'Heartburn' thread so I won't repeat it here.
I have just been out in the car to take DD some lunch and then into Morrisons to pick up pizza for tea and I have calmed down now.
I know I'm being daft but it grips you and takes hold.
Any little pain or twinge and I think................ :-\
Yesterday I had a headache and one side of my face felt weird so straight away I thought stroke ::)
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What a lot we are....we could fill a book with our worries. ::)
Good job we can come here and get it off our chests.
Honeybun
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Yes. This forum has been a lifesaver for me :)
It is nice that nobody is judged.
If I told some of my friends how I was thinking/feeling they would think I'm mad.
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It is good that nobody judges, and interesting that we don't talk about it in 'real life'. I have shared with OH and mentioned it to my sister in law, but nobody knows the full details. Sometimes I think it is a like a gambling habit - watching Coronation Street's Carla log on and lose money reminds me of me with my i-pad and Dr Google! Actually I was a lot better before I got my i-pad - now it sits with me at night and calls out 'just one more check - it will reassure you...'. But it never does - as Sparkle found out with those medical text books!
Have a good afternoon. What fun - rugby, then football. That is surely enough excuse to sit with I-Pad and google, isn't it??
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Hi ladies,
You would not believe how many tests I've had done in the last 12 month
MRI scan on head
MRI scan throat
2 ultra scans on throat
Camera down throat
Camera up nose
Ultra scan abdomen
7 blood tests
Poo sample
Then their has been 4 trips to a&he one of them I called the ambulance for don't know how many times I've visited the doctors, I must be costing the nhs a fortune xx
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I'm the total opposite.
It's takes wild horses to drag me to the doctor.... I'm of the...well I will wait one more day before I go because it will get better.
If I post here that I have been to the GP then everyone should know things are not good....I avoid at all costs..
I don't want reassurance or tests I just want a big hole in the sand that I can stick my head in.
Honeybun
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sparkle
That is so true, crazy isn't it xx
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Sore throat and continual clearing of same could be due to post nasal drip! My problem and a nuisance. As oestrogen drops off so muscles become lax = more aches and pains.
It is said that old age doesn't come alone - how true is that? Having had cancer and a lot of depression and anxiety, I no longer worry as much. Except when I get a headache that won't shift or that strange pain behind the eye ……… I immediately think 'stroke/hamorrhage' ……. bugga.
However; the moment my stomach is queasy I go into a PANIC :'(
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Thank you Sparkle !! I am so loving this Forum....what an enormous help to be amongst fellow sufferers, people who are going through what you are, somewhere where you don't feel like you're going mad !! Lisette x
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Cthrnstowe, I thought I was the one bankrupting the NHS! I've had similar but over the last four years, not 12 months!
And we still think they must have missed something!!
S x
I'm the same!
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OMG Ladies, it's like reading my story on here :P, I was thinking through the other day which parts of my body have actually "escaped" from my anxiety, not many!!
I have always had health anxiety, but when i was younger could say to myself, no your too young to be having a heart attack/stroke etc etc, you know how it goes, but now i'm in my 50's i can't use that one :(
I worry myself silly, but won't actually go to the doctors in case he finds something wrong lol
I have gallstones which do give me lot's of problems, but i won't go for the op (cancelled it twice) because i'm afraid of the GA, I also have osteoarthritis but i can cope with that one. For the last 3 weeks or so i've had some kind of breathing thing , which i know for a fact is brought on by anxiety, but at the time it's happening that doesn't help, because remember, this could be the one time it's NOT anxiety!!! then the last 3 night's I've had palpitations just before bed, which have got me in such a state (i'm having a heart attack for sure) that I've come down stairs because I'm shaking like someone in a freezer lol, my DH try's his best to help, but i don't like to use the "meno" thing with him, we've only been married 3 years, so I want him to see me as younger for as long as poss, IYKWIM.
My daughter is getting married early 2017, and i'm already getting myself in a state thinking about it, full day out, what if i'm dizzy etc etc. the annoying thing is, when i'm "well" I look back and don't even recognize that woman, I tell myelf next time it happens i will have a stern word with her, but then a pain appears and all my good intentions go out the window, and i'm a quivering wreck again, I'm supposed to be going for a blood test, i have to have my iron checked every 12 months, but when i went to get the slip from the docs to take with me, he's put me down for fasting test's too, to check cholesterol etc , so i've not been yet, it was over a month ago, because I don't want to know if it's high, it will just be another thing to worry about.
Oh the joy's of meno, I am in 2 minds as to whether to see the doc about HRT, has anyone found the health anxiety is helped by it? or do we just add breast cancer and DVT to the list of health worries lol
Joyce xx
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Joyce21, I have suffered with health anxiety, well cancer phobia, since childhood but, strangely, it has actually decreased with age. No close family member has ever had cancer and my parents are both still alive so I'm not sure where the phobia comes from but I think it's the thought of the dreadful treatment.
I don't know how old you are but why not have a trial run on HRT? As you will already know, HRT carries a very low (some are now saying non-existent) breast cancer risk and the dreaded million women study that doomed HRT has been completely discredited. Oestrogen alone is safer (not that I think it is dangerous in any way) and more effective and I would personally recommend you try the gel but if you still have a womb, you will need to use progesterone - you no doubt know that too! I also use testosterone and you might want to give that a try too.
For what it's worth, my opinion is that you have nothing to lose by giving HRT a try and it may well help your anxiety. I am 54 and still feel the same as I did when I was 30 except when I use the progesterone (I am progesterone intolerant) but that is only for a fraction of the time.
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Joyce, I'm not sure if it's the HRT which helped my health anxiety, or simply a doctor recognising that my weird symptoms were actually linked to my hormone levels and nothing more sinister, but things are much better than before. That said, I do still get random moments of panic when an unusual symptom suddenly strikes, but usually there's someone on here who's had the same thing, which is reassuring. If you haven't already, do Google '34 symptoms of menopause' - reading that calmed me down a lot! x
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Mary, we posted at the same time, but just wanted to say you speak very wise words ;)
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Joyce - welcome to Club HA! I totally know what you mean about almost being two people. My good self barely recognises the anxious one, and the anxious one can't find the good self and feels she is gone for good.
I am on oestrogen only, it does help a bit.
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Thanks Mary I will certainly give it a go, as they say, it can't be any worse can it. I'm 54 like you, my last period was about 6 months ago, so not sure what the doc will say to that, I've always thought I'd like to get through the meno naturally, but that's easy to say when your not in it lol. I'll make an appointment and have a word with my GP :)
xx
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Do any of you ladies feel like me? I seem to get new symptoms every couple of months and so I'm in a virtually never ending cycle of health anxiety. If I do get a good few weeks, I start to get worried because I know it wont last and I wonder what's coming next. Its all so exhausting.
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Oh goodness, I think I've found my new 'home'. I lurch from one health worry to the next these days. Google is my best friend/worst enemy.
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I think I'll pull up a chair,I may be in this section some time! ;)
Just knowing there are others out there feeling the same makes me feel a little easier.
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Me too. Rantywoman. Sparkle, I used to be like this 20 odd years ago, but have raised 5 kids and been through all sorts since. It felt like I was way too busy to be ill. Now I'm making up for it. Now I'm losing my grip! I have dry mouth + throat, throat clearing, panic I can't breathe most days and a fair number of the so called 34 meno symptoms, plus various others ;)
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It's going to have to be a big table Rantywoman! Shall we get comfy and sit in the lounge to chat?
Welcome to you and Pricey - Sparkle and I are happy for you to join us in the HA Club!
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Thank you for the welcome! Anyone fancy a choccy Hobnob while we're sat here? ;D
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A ginger nut to dunk would be good.
We could be here a while ;D
Honeybun
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Will I bring an overnight bag ;D
Honeybun
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Yes please, I will bring a bottle.....of Gaviscon ;D
Honeybun
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No stopping us.
Heck I wish ::)
Thinking about bed and it's only 10:00
Honeybun
X
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Oh yeh, dry mouth, i'd forgotten that one, had that a couple of months ago, completely dry but just on one side!!! Mine atm is the not being able to fill my lungs properly, also bloating big style, sometimes look like i'm about 6 months pregnant, now whats that all about, I feel hungry and sicky, so make myself eat, then i'm bloaty and sicky, can't win lol
think we could all be here sometime xx
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I saw this thread and could not pass it up- I hope there is room for one more? It is so comforting to know I'm not the only one like this.
It started with pain in my lt arm pit. Then tingling down both arms, pain in lt side of neck. Followed by terrible digestive issues, lt sided throat pain, now pain under ribs, abdomen, etc. Oh the list endless! As soon as a sx calms, another one pops up to replace it. What is that about??
And why does every pain/ache seem obvious to me that it's fatal? I stopped taking my birth control bill in May bc I wanted to see what was going on with myself, things were changing with my cycle. Now I've not had a period since May. Yet it feels like my ovaries are desparately trying to produce something. I often feel as if I'm in permanent PMS. I spent all last yr visiting the dr, going to the emergency room. One doctor even asked if I had been "consulting with Dr Google" bc I was so sure I was dying. I am now trying to avoid dr visits. So I'm convinced I'm still dying and by the time it's too late, they will tell me they could've saved me, if only I'd come in sooner. No wonder my family thinks I'm looney. I cant bear to discuss with them or DH. Just keep it all inside.
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Hi ladies
Got yet another hospital appointment this afternoon, this is a follow up to the neck X-ray I had done last month, I forgot Ide had the X-ray done, my memory is terrible as well, I'm gonna really try and stay away from doctors and hospitals and see how I go on xx
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Interesting how some of us avoid doctors, and some prefer lots of tests. I am halfway between - I don't like going to Drs and Dentist but can't get rid of HA until I do. An 'all clear' can settle me until the next issue/symptom.
I felt like a different woman when it cleared last time, thought I was over it and back to my old self. It felt like ages but in reality was only about three and half weeks. Now I'm thinking - is this my life? Three and a half weeks a year?? Bugger!
How is everyone else today? It does occur to me that this [logging on here] is one of the worst things you can do - it actually feeds your anxiety. A therapist told me to tell my OH not to respond to my 'what do you think...' questions - he was to say 'I'm not feeding it' and ignore me. She also said I was to try a week without any Dr googling, and that includes this. Has anyone tried cold turkey? I did on a recent holiday and was perfectly OK - no issues at all. Mind you, I was 'well' before I went.
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my husband says you was obsessed with Google seeing what's wrong with you, now your obsessed with the menopause website, must admit he does have a point xx
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OK - I'm going to try it. Cold turkey for a week - I am away Friday to Monday anyway and working two other days.
I'm in the middle of a major HA attack so will test the 'google feeds it' theory and stop searching/checking and coming on here to moan/get reassurance/reassure others.
Will check in for last time at about 10pm tonight. Wish me luck! Will report back from 'the other side' in a week!
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I'm away for 2 week on Saturday, I won't be on here, it will be interesting to see what happens x
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Dry sore mouth and throat. Arrrgh! Just to add to the breathlessness, palpitations, perpetual feeling of doom . . . I nearly logged back on at 4am to see if anyone else was suffering ;) At least we're in this together.
xx
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Take care you two, hope things work out and you start to feel a bit better.
I must admit I always feel better if I stay off the internet as a whole but I would miss the social aspect of this forum too much to stay away too long.
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Why did you come here initially? Does being here help your feeling in general? It's not a matter of you having problems which others suffer with and there is a change that those symptoms may happen during 'the change' - but it might not ::)
How long do you think you'll last without dropping by?
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I usually last a couple of hours before looking in to see what's happening, unless I am physically away from my house ::)
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;D
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Obsessed? isnt that a symptom ;)
I have this forum on my pc all day so I pop in throughout the day most days, except if I get stuck working all day or weekend visiters.. must admit I do start with withdrawal then though :)
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and here I am back again.......... ::)
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I'm nosey, end of ;D
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Went to my hospital appointment, the X-ray I had come back ok, they have discharged me, think they are just fed up with me lol xx
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Well the result if OK - how do you feel otherwise?
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Hi clkd
I always feel better when I get the results back, but give me a couple of days and I will start looking for something else, it really drives me crazy xx
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I find coming on here really helps me, calms me down and makes me realise i'm not the only one going through this :P
Maybe we should also put on here when we have a good day, or at least a good few hours in a row lol
I had one yesterday, i went to work for a few hours till 3pm, then in the evening i went to see the bay city rollers (they were at the theatre where i work) they were brilliant, and for 2 hours I was 15 again :), had a wobble when i got home and when I went to bed, but i find if i'm distracted I'm not too bad, and also I've now associated bed-time with feeling poorly, and the more i think about it the more wound up I become, can't win really .
xx
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There is a topic for 'positives' on here somewhere Joyce :)
I have just realised that I have health anxiety about my daughter more than me, does that count? most of you know she is pregnant, due in December. Suffering from pre natal depression, her husband is an idiot (and that is the polite version). Today she has been to see midwife as she had blood in vomit and has a sore leg, midwife told her this might be a blood clot and to make an appointment with GP tomorrow if no better. I told her to go today but no, midwife said............ I dont give a rats what the midwife said, but DD does. Can you imagine how big a mess I am in now?
She has been at my Mums today, her idiot husband is just across the road staying at his parents place while they are away and she just text me to ask if I will run her home as the husband is being 'awkward' he has taken no interest in her being ill all day, and he has been off work too. Getting harder each day to keep quiet with him.
just to keep on topic, I thought I was having major anxiety but thinking logically it is worry about her, which I dont think is misplaced in this instance.
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If the Midwife isn't worried the you don't need to be. Blood in vomit often looks more than it is, could be a small burst blood vessel in the throat ::). However, continual vomiting in pregnancy needs full investigations by a Gyanecologist.
The problems regarding her husband should be her problem, not yours! She is a Big Girl now …….. and while you keep enabling her by 'running her home' to where? don't they live together :-\ means that he is never having to do things with your daughter. Maybe he feels that every time you step in to help her means that your daughter is taking sides and it might be easier for him to go with the flow rather than stepping up!
You need to look after you ;)
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Loved the talk of hob nobs, antacids and comfy couches for a get together! Overnight bag? I'd need a suitcase as I have to come from the other side of the world. I'd do it (have visited the UK many times before) but my nerves might stop me at the moment. Oh well, the get together has to be on line for me, I guess. As for my virtual contribution to the festivities: a box of tissues and some squeezy stress balls, perhaps? A dart board and darts ...? ::)
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Hope there's room for another one! HA is my worst meno symptom - I can relate to every one of the posts.
I've been off the board for a week or so, as away on holiday. Prior to that I was very busy with work and didn't seem to be as troubled by the HA, though was (apparently) very grumpy, ha!. In fact, as someone else mentioned, I too had actually gone about three and a half weeks without any new 'symptoms' and I thought I had cracked it. Anyway, off on holiday and wham! the mysterious mobile pains are back accompanied by their friend Mr panic attack. In the morning a pain on left side, in the afternoon it's moved to the right, then into shoulder blade, next down to hip. Anytime I went into a place with lots of people - a supermarket, a town centre - I could feel the panic attack rising and stomach churning. Had to keep going and pretend to be normal but really just wanted to go home.
Strange thing was, hadn't had a period since April, then on way home - all the pains disappear and a scant period arrives. What's that all about then? There was I worrying about some new undiagnosed condition and it was most likely the good 'ol hormones. I am so fed up with this.
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If the Midwife isn't worried the you don't need to be. Blood in vomit often looks more than it is, could be a small burst blood vessel in the throat ::). However, continual vomiting in pregnancy needs full investigations by a Gyanecologist.
The problems regarding her husband should be her problem, not yours! She is a Big Girl now …….. and while you keep enabling her by 'running her home' to where? don't they live together :-\ means that he is never having to do things with your daughter. Maybe he feels that every time you step in to help her means that your daughter is taking sides and it might be easier for him to go with the flow rather than stepping up!
You need to look after you ;)
thanks. Last mention I will make of this - BUT, without wanting to bore everyone to death with the details.. its her husband that runs to mummy not her. she has put up with a lot. All I did was give her a lift home and worry. The husband has been staying at his parents house while they were away.
I am not so lucky as to have that much faith in medical profession either - my family have been the victims of many an 'error' that has been made, from total neglect to incorrect medication that near killed my mother. So sorry if I do not have that much faith.
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Bugger - I'm back already. Posted in thread on pile panic about doctor mentioning that my pile might be a polyp. Am now convinced of cancer diagnosis and know I am headed for downward spiral of not eating, not thinking about anything else. ETC.
Sorry if I sounded smug when I suggested cold turkey from this site for a week... :'(
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so sorry to hear how scared you are Rebel, from what I have read many of our ladies have had the polyp and that is all it is. No you did not sound smug, you sounded hopeful. No experience on this one so far so I cannot advise further sorry. just wanted to say I am thinking of you.
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Rebelyell
I've tried not to go on here, I wasn't successful either, I'm going away on Saturday for 2 week so I won't be able to go on here😢 x
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:lol: ……… :yes: it helps to talk ;-)
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Hello again again ladies! I've been away on a five night relaxing break on the coast. Well, I say relaxing, that was the plan. Instead, I spent most of my time worrying about my latest health issues (boob soreness) and couldn't fully enjoy the holiday. What am I like? ::)
Like others on here, I only have to hear about someone being diagnosed with cancer and I'm off stressing again, thinking I have it. My mums friend has just been diagnosed with breast cancer so I of course my HA make me think I might have it. Anyway, this morning I went to see my doctor and she seems to think the tenderness is a combination of hrt and a breast injury I suffered five weeks ago. How long will this reassure me for? Oh, about half a day *sighs*
At least I got some Diazepam off her, so I can go off on my holiday again soon without getting into a lather about the flight. Oh to be 20 again and looking forward to the excitement of flying and foreign travel without a care in the world.
Think I'll bring my bed in here and camp down. Is the kettle on? I've brought chocolate with me today.....comfort food! ;D
I hope you're ok Rebelyell, you must be so scared hun xx
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I had treatment for an area in a lump removed from the breast which was 'turning' - still here >wave<. Was more worried about not being able to make the radiation sessions due to panic attacks but adrenaline kept me going ::)
DH used to tell me that if I didn't have something concrete to worry about I would find something >:( ………
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That's so true,we can pluck something out of thin air to worry about! I think the main worry is, will the one time we don't investigate a health complaint turn out to be the one we should have explored further?. Hope that makes sense, I've got my cotton wool head on today, sorry.
Glad to hear you got through your surgery CLKD.*Waves back*
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I am better today, although anxiety has led to almost permanent tension in shoulders, neck and jaw. Hoping my aching jaw is muscle clenching rather than teeth and fairly convinced my piles are going down!
If you had told my 20 year old self I would say that....
Hello fellow sufferers, how are you all doing? I have had a weekend off by going away. It helped. Xxxx
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Glad it helped! I found my shoulders up round my ears when shopping on Friday, I was conscious of relaxing them back into place ::) ……… it's in the early hours when I have various aches or indigestion that I begin to worry …..
I had a very good Surgeon and supportive Team [1996 ???] which helped enormously when going through diagnosis and treatment. I know that made a huge difference to how DH and I dealt with each day.
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Hi again!
Well, two weeks off the hrt (just back on Vagifem) and the HA is kicking in big time. I have got a supply of Diazepam for emergencies but don't like to take them unless absolutely necessary.I know a lot of ladies don't get along with progesterone but it suited me fine, I slept well and didn't feel anywhere near as anxious as I do again now. I even stressed about a weird noise I could hear in my head/ear when my head was on the pillow last night...YE GODS!!!
I do have tinnitus in my other ear so I could differentiate but really, its getting silly now. Maybe a rethink about going back on the patch is needed. Hmmm......
How are my fellow sufferers today?
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So far so good now that the after lunch belatedness has gone.
I get a heavy feeling in my ears, worse when laying in bed ::) - sometimes they whoosh when the blood pulsates through my ear/s, sometimes they itch, buzz, whistle ……
Can't remember why you stopped the HRT - sorry ::)
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Oh I just stopped it myself after getting itchy nipples and breasts after six months of being on a conti patch. I know I probably could stay on it but it scared me and made me realise just how much this stuff does affect the breasts.
Having said that, give me another week of feeling like this and I'll be reaching for the pack again.
The problem is, my gp is young and although a lovely and attentive lady, she hasn't much idea about hrt at all so is no help answering questions. I went to see her this week and she suggested I go see an hrt specialist privately so they can hopefully answer them. Hmmm......
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However, you should NOT have to pay to see a Specialist :bang: ……. especially if the Specialist may well work within the NHS anyway …….
Ring your Surgery, ask for who she is suggesting that you see and then look him/her up on the Internet. Or ask on here.
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She can't recommend anyone, just said look up a private clinic grrrr!
A few months ago she referred me to a gynae at my local NHS hospital but that was a disaster. I walked into the room, sat down, started to tell her my situation and she promptly cut in and said I shouldn't be there, my own GP should be able to deal with me. Talk about wanting to bang my head on a wall!! She was so dismissive and basically said I should try to do without hrt but if I couldn't I should stick with the patch.....what a waste of time!
I moved to a new doctors surgery a year ago because the new doc who replaced the one( who was retiring) also said he knew virtually nothing about hrt.
As you say, I shouldn't have to pay to see someone privately but the way things are going it's looking like that's the only way I'll get anywhere. I've tried printing off online info for my current doc to look at but she just says she can't prescribe regimes that go against NHS guidelines. Plus, wait for it.....she has never heard of Utrogestan!! >:( >:(
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Look up a Private Clinic/Hospital and ask where the Consultants work. Many do NHS work too. Maybe your Practice Nurse would have more idea! or speak to a local Pharmacist: but you really should NOT be paying for advice.
The other option is to pay directly to Dr Currie on here - 1 gets 1 query per payment ;-). Go to the Top maybe?
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Neither had my gp but she still looked it up and prescribed it,it comes up under micronised progesterone. I had to pay to see a private gyne but after that my gp perscribed what he said.
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I have emailed Dr. Currie and am just awaiting a reply.At least I know I will get sound advice and I can then act on it. :)
dazned, did you find you had many more options after chatting to the private gynae? I went to see an NHS one sometime back but she made it clear she was there for women with serious concerns and not to discuss hrt. :-\
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So menopause isn't 'serious' then :o - what did your referring GP say when you went back to see him/her ?
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I thought a female would have been understanding but how wrong was I? I find some of the younger medics who aren't of menopausal age tend to look on it as a trivial matter and think that we're making more of it than we should. Well, lets hope when they reach menopause they get find out what its all about good and proper.
My own gp was a little shocked but said she had to go with what the gynae put in her report......I could either take Vagifem or FemsevenConti, those were my choices. Sheesh!! Talk about wanting to bang my head in a wall!
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He included me with all decisions and lots of different options and we talked for about an hour each time I saw him .I can also contact him personally by phone or e-mail.
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That must make you feel more reassured dazned and I bet you weren't treated like a nuisance either. How wonderful.
I have had a reply from Dr. Currie and she has answered my question fully and clearly. I am so glad I contacted her and now I can go back to see my doc armed with my printout. I feel much more reassured and happier now :)
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Thanks for letting us know!
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That's great to hear Ranty let us know how you get on at gp ;)
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My health anxiety us on the rampage yet again. I just put my ADs up, only a little as I'm super sensitive, but I'm so fed up of being depressed and anxious.
So 2 weeks in and anxiety is kicking me while I'm down again. I realised just the other day that I have toyed with the idea of bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer, gall bladder obstruction, breast cancer, a rare skin cancer and now thyroid cancer. Seriously it awful.
I only needed a sensation near my thyroid a couple of times and that was it and now they put a flipping advert for it too on TV, driving nuts it is.
I've also been battling dreadful tinnitus which keeps me awake off if I get to sleep meno stuff wakes me up. I even took melatonin, it sent me straight off only to be woken by needing the loo and swears.
I desperately want my old life back.
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Will let you know how I get on ladies! I wont be going this week as I'm off again to visit my elderly parents for a few days, but as soon as possible I'll be making an appointment.
Sarai, I sympathise with you as tinnitus is horrendous.It's such a cruel condition that can make you want to run with your head in a wall. I have it and I find that a lot of prescription meds make it louder and more unbearable. I wonder if your AD's are doing that? When tinnitus is peaking it can make us so much more emotional and susceptible to HA thoughts.
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Me too, Sarai. I sympathise. I have whatever I read about or see on TV, it gets very tiresome.
I have ended up wasting day after day, which, if I am actually seriously ill, is a terrible waste, isn't it?
Try the two week rule. Put whatever symptom you have to the back of your mind for two weeks. If you then still have it then go to the doctor. But chances are, it will have gone away.
Mind you, by then you might have another! Our library has 'books on prescription' and there is a good one called 'Overcoming health anxiety'.
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I wonder if we would all be having continual HA if we weren't constantly bombarded by worst case scenario adverts on tv and constantly seeing the word Cancer on website after website? I think it feeds our anxiety.
I may see if I can find that book Rebelyell, thanks for mentioning it.
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I found it really useful. Hope you find it.
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Nope - I have been through cancer treatment and the adverts don't have any impact. Other than me thinking 'but the NHS hasn't time/space for any more referrals' ::)
This morning I'm worried about having a panic attack later as I am alone until this evening :sigh:
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I am also rubbish on my own these days. Can't believe it after years of longing for my own space. I have a funny feeling in my chest today which has the capacity to bring on a panic attack. OH went out early today and I am off to work later. Bloody health anxiety!
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:hug:
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Hi ladies
Back again from a 2 week holiday, had good and bad days,had all my usual anxieties, new one dvt because I was on a 9 hr flight, some days felt like a 90 year old, my granddaughter that's only 3 said nana won't want to come On the rides because she's grumpy, had a good talk to my husband and broke down crying, got an appointment today at the docs to discuss the menopause, husband has suggested we go away tomorrow for a break for a couple of days, only come back yesterday from holiday, hopefully will get some help xx
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Group :hug:
Teresa: what do you take for the IBS?
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My GP prescribed Colpermin peppermint capsules and I think, Motillium …… to be swallowed within the hour before eating my main meals. Colpermin eases upper gut wind and the Motillium speeds up transit. Within 3 days my IBS was much improved. Might be worth trying ?
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Hi Teresa I can sympathise with your problem I used to find being anxious and panicky made my need for the loo worse. What works for my IBS is eating little and often, mostly wheat free and I take Buscopan for the cramps. Stress obviously sets it off, so the inconvenience of mood swings doesn't help!
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My health anxiety started as I watched my "hero" dad die slowly of cancer....that was 15 years ago and like you lovely ladies It goes from one part of my body to the other but I don't go to the Dr's....I hate it and Im terrified ( coward I know :() I feel such a wuss especially when I see people who are soooooooooooo strong when they become ill :( it doesn't help when you see they programmes on TV about people dying of cancer and then donating their "cadaver" to science....freaks me out totally!!!!! ::)
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However Girls - if 'it' were terminal you would know by now ;)
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I am the exact same way and the last year has been pure misery as far as health anxiety goes...
But I have to share something funny... Today I scratched under my boob and felt.....a lump!!!! Guess what? It was cookie crumbs that I spilled down my clothes earlier today. Some managed to get inside my bra.... Wow.... The craziness... ;D
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;D
Sorry 20032003 that did make me laugh, really hard
;D
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2000320003 ;D ;D ;D ;D
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A lump that crumbles ……….. <phew> :D
I have a headache - worrying now that a cold is in the offing because we have a busy week!
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I also suffer with health anxiety. I've had so many issues with my health and the latest is abnormal kidney function. The worry of this is making me sick. I went to see my doctor yesterday who said he isn't worried yet and wants to repeat the tests.... He told me not to worry, but that's easier said than done! I tend to withdraw from people when I'm like this. I can cope with most things, but, healthy anxiety? No.
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Did your GP advise on how much fluid to drink daily? I have a friend was 4 kidneys ::) - i.e. an 'extra lobe' on each side and he has to drink lots!
Today I had that indigestion again - immediately worried about my heart :-\ but after a few burps and a brisk walk the pain went.
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Hi ladies,
Tried to stay away and deal with my long list of issues.
Dr says I am in peri but is urging me to steer clear of HRT yet awhile as my periods are quite regular. She can find no explanation for the breathless feelings I've been having ( in fact, having cycled up some big hills recently, I know I must be doing OK) but my breath keeps catching especially when falling asleep and off and on throughout the day, especially when I realise I'm shallow breathing. Obvious, I know, I need to relax, but the tension in my chest, neck and shoulders is unbelievable. I keep clearing my throat, am obsessed with my breathing and swallowing (now panicking when I'm eating). Now getting these weird electric shock feelings in my chest when I momentarily panic (almost when you catch yourself about to slip or fall). Horrid. Had it about 30 times today and it's hiking my anxiety even higher. Feel like I'm going mad. Basically it's detracting from everything I enjoy and I'm starting to feel very miserable. Anyone else relate? x
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Ladies, ladies ladies
It has been heartwarming reading these posts, and amusing too
Health anxiety is much more common than we think, its just that usually no one voices their fears at least not in public!
I have had every disease going, every type of cancer/tumour in every part of the body, MS, Parkinsons, heart failure, dementia the lot
I actually have a symptom of the week, this week it has been my throat - is there something there when I swallow? is food getting stuck? OMG its throat cancer
Any twinge, ache or pain, missed heart beat is the start of something awful must focus, focus ,focus on it
I can relate my health anxiety to illness as a young child. I had a reflux which caused urine to flow back in to my kidneys. It took a while to diagnose, raging temperatures, urine infections, xrays, lumbar punctures, tests and more tests, injections then an op. Waking up on my own (I was 6 parents werent allowed to stay in those days) with a tube with a bag attached. Horrible, scary put me off doctors and hospitals for life
later in life my mother became ill and died of a very agressive cancer at the age of 66 - also terribly horribly traumatic especially as I am on only child
So you see ladies you are not alone and when we actually write these 'illnesses' dowm its really rather quite funny!!!
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Sparkle,
Sorry you're feeling bad too! But also relieved I'm not alone . . .
Funnily enough, I just bought a yoga dvd :)) I'm so tense in my upper body but the more I try to relax the harder it gets!
Gilaray, I think you're right: early traumas do affect us more than we realise. My Dad died suddenly of a heart attack aged 50 (the day before my 16th birthday). I'm 50 now. Who knows what's going on behind all this hormonal upheaval?
And yes, it's good to laugh at how daft it all seems. I swear my loved ones think I'm 'just' a hypochondriac.
x
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Apparently singing is good for us. My music teacher told me that not many people breath correctly ::) ……… I was 8 at the time and it was something I didn't forget. So having a really good sing in the shower or whilst driving can help a) lower stress levels and b) ensure that we breath 'proper'!
My sore breast went - expect then that it's not a recurrence but due to gardening ::)
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OMG.. Reading through all the posts here has made my day!
I've had health anxiety since childhood and had every illness going too...feel so much better after reading everyone's comments here.. ;D
Today so far I've had 2 strokes, a DVT and now worrying about breast pain. I'm taking femoston 1/10 and so far so good apart from the awful leg aches which I've been reassured by some ladies on here is normal.
The power of support from fellow sufferers will get me through this phase ... so thank you xxx
:thankyou: :foryou:
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Feel so much better today after reading this thread Sparkle....I've been so anxious recently and for the first time EVER I'm actually laughing at how ridiculous things seem when they are written down and experienced by others out there! :D :D :D
So glad to have the comfort of the forum to sound off....my family just don't listen anymore and I often keep quiet even when I am genuinely ill.
Spider x
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I've had vague jaw pains for a few weeks, of course it's the implants gone wrong or I haven't kept the surrounding sockets clean enough and they will have to be removed :-X ……….
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How are we all? CLKD - I had the jaw pains for several weeks - also thought the worst, but it went. Piles went. Now have bad sore throat so am thinking it must be some form of terminal illness [although other half has cold so is probably JUST a cold].
But most of all I hate the health anxiety. It feeds on itself and never really goes away. Anybody banished it for good?
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When I feel well, I'm well. When I get a pain in the breasts, particularly the 1 that had surgery, my mind begins to whittle ….. :( …….. and of course, 2-day's anxiety has got me going.
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health anxiety is worst thing about menopause well for me too anyway. This forum is a godsend, no one else seems to understand. I thought I was over all my anxieties, upset stomachs,heartburn, palpitations, urine infections. Bang last 6 weeks been worst eve and Google is my new best friend, cant help myself! got the throat swallowing thing now too feels like constant catarrah in my throat, I'm getting endoscopy on Wed. I'm a coeliac with IBS and early menopause just played havoc with my body, moods and life, Its just nice to know we are not alone, and I take hope knowing I'm not alone. I don't tell my husband half of it and certainly not my 12 year old son! Doc wants me on hrt but im not sure but I'm getting desperate. which type do I consider, not had period for 8 months, i go to menopause clinic to discuss dint know what. Will health anxieties ever go away. :'(
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Well ladies I'm still here with my health anxiety, you would not believe the amount of tests I've had done over the last few weeks, they still can't find anything wrong, I'm convinced they are missing something, really down in the dumps with it, I didn't get anywhere with my doctor regarding hrt, she doesn't think their is any point, she said the only thing it really helps with is the hot flushes, I'm really at my wits end with it, made an appointment today for acupuncture for my bad back xx
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Um - so if you have hot flushes and this is bothering you, and your periods have become a bit irregular, you are entitled to HRT! It actually does help with an awful lot besides. Obviously it won't help with other health conditions that are not meno related but that's a different matter entirely!
Hurdity x
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When you really do have something you'll be fine ::) - my attitude to possible illness went when I had treatment! but I worry more about Himself these nights :'(
Maybe visit your Practice Nurse rather than a GP or change Surgeries.
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The hot flushes I can live with, it's the health anxiety that is driving me crazy, I'm at the docs every week, I've had blood tests 3 week on the run, they give me antibiotics last week just in case I had an infection, I'm convinced they are just trying to keep me quiet xx
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Thanks Sparkle appreciate your comments. Hopefully I'll get all clear at endoscopy tmrrw and I can try and gain some control back.
x
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Hope that you didn't take the ABs!
I have decided that the irritating cough in the day is that: a cough: because it no longer keeps me awake in the night ::) - however, I have had an aching left shoulder and sternum - that was after washing down a wall yesterday so maybe that is the more likely cause?
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Yes yes yes yes ! Health anxiety is the worst - never been to the doctors so much in my life!
I'd love to see a like button on here! I would be pressing it so many times
You ladies are all so brilliant
You make me feel so much better
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Browse round ;)
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Darling girls
I have nothing to be depressed about generally and life is fairly even thank goodness but when I'm estorgen lacking, I go down the black hole of Calcutta faster than a hot knife though butter! It's funny today as I'm all about the estorgen but when that prog time hits me - oh boy I'm not laughing then
It does help to tell myself it's the hormones - but only a bit - I find myself so very low and then anxious I sometimes can't move for fear of tripping up the little bit of equilibrium that's left to me
Had a week this month where I thought ' that's it I've lost the plot never to return'
I hope it helps to know someone else feels the same things - all of these posts today have helped me so very much
A big thanks X
Janey p
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Telling myself that anxiety is 'normal' and a reaction to keeping us safe, doesn't stop the physicality taking over. The nausea, tension, dizziness, dry mouth - which makes me more anxious. 'what if it doesn't get better' and 'what if I eat/drink/move which will make it worse' ….
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Back again after a brief symptom-free week! HA is off the scale for the last few days, heartburn/burping this time... Probably caused by anxiety but follows a night with too much wine on Saturday which always leaves me jittery, depressed and tired the next day as I only sleep briefly. Hardly ever drink wine now as it obviously oesn't suit me. Now can't get rid of jittery feeling in chest and over-swallowing! Also have mild (!) worry over spot on leg (won't bore you with details, but skin cancer worries are involved...)
Will this ever go? Or will I just go from symptom/scare to scare/symptom with brief breaks forever?
And how selfish/self-centred this is... Only good thing is I haven't any worry space for today's dentist appointment!!
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Oh dear Sparkle!!
I have been out for lunch and felt fine throughout - it is just in the mind as funny feeling in chest came back as soon as I got home. Being busy is the best antidote to all of this health anxiety - but it is a bit tiring!
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Could write a book on it, yet .....
This past week have felt ok despite my daughter having panic attacks and self harming, health worries in the family and being told on Monday that my job is under threat and will be told week before Christmas whether I will lose it :-\
I just know that when my period finishes it will all flood back and the worry will probably hit ten fold this month. Today though I have baked all day, gingerbread houses and biscuits and enjoyed decorating them ;)
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Thanks Sparkle,
Tbh I think i have so much to worry about at the moment I've got past the point of stressing over it all, until the ruddy hormones do their worst again ::)
My daughter is like Jekyll and Hyde, up and down like a rollercoaster, it's exhausting, so although I'm always there for her I'm trying to let the dramas wash over me. But it's draining and some days I feel like it's always me trying to be strong for everyone, hey ho
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Anxiety is the worst thing about menopause, I just avoid going out now especially at night, I go to my work, do my shopping at weekend don't do much else. I avoid going out for meals or anywhere that is not too far from a toilet. Really affecting my mood now, don't tell my husband half of it and my son is only 12. Unless you are going through it no one understands. Being on here really helps fell less alone.
I was doing not too bad for 3 weeks or so just started to get wee bit more confident, then wham bam back where I started after two upset stomachs in 3 days.
Was supposed to be going to see my friend son in a play tonight, but as usual my stomach played up and I had upset stomach all afternoon which reduced me to tears again. Had my check up yesterday at Gastro too at hospital, they don't seem too worried but I've convinced myself I have bowel cancer!
When will this ever end, I'm 41 years old. They gave me HRT to start few months ago, but I've not started it yet Im even anxious about starting that, seriously!!! :(
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Bump
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Hi
Is there any one out there who feels like I do. I have so many symptoms too many to mention but since I've started menapause I'm starting to panic that I'm dying I know it sounds stupid but I'm imagining all sorts of cancers I feel really dreadful because every twinge or ache to me is I'm dying I've never been so negative before just can't stop thinking of death it's so morbid is it normal to be suffering with this many bloody symptoms am I normal x
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Bren51 its normal for a,lot of people I worry about everything , its awful yes , try and focus on the good days and not dwell on the bad xx
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HA is absolutely the worst bit of the meno thing for me. I started running in an effort to combat it so that I was able to say "I can't be dying, I can run 5k!". But have not got Achilles tendon problem and that has set me back to square one. I can go through three health panics in a morning and still have the mental energy for four more in the afternoon. One side of me can laugh, but I am seriously hoping it fades, or I find a way to deal with it.
I got my next HRT prescription on MOnday - lovely doctor but she insisted on telling me the risks of DVT. Not something I had considered before... but now... unfortunately have all sorts of aches/pains in my legs due to tendon issues so am paranoid,
Bugger - come on an tell me it is all in the mind. Or that CBT works. For me the only thing that works is being busy... But I want to be semi-retired!!
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:-\ may I join in ……….. ??? :-[
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I am beginning to think the anx & worry will kill me before anything else ... :-\..........My 82 yr old father tells me that we all have to die of something & worrying about it is a waste of life ..Of course he is right - but strangely his words of wisdom do not help much..
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Nope. At 82 they have been through the worst, I don't think that Men have the same kinds of worries either ::)
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I dont think men do have the same worries, and they don't have quite as many body parts that can go wrong ...
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Thanks - added a moan to the 'my bladder etc.' thread :-\
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Hi everyone, not been on here since last year, tried to fight this meno, been unsuccessful had loads of tests over the last months, I'm fighting the hrt route but I'm really struggling feel like I'm gonna have a breakdown, the health anxiety is unbelievable, I've been awake since 3 this morning just worrying about my health😢 Xx
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Yes, the dreaded HA, we can tell ourselves we are being irrational but it does help much. Mind you, who wouldn't have HA when virtually every month throws up yet more weird symptoms?
I read that HA is the new term for hypochondria, but to me hypochondria is when a person imagines there's something wrong when they have no symptoms ,whereas HA is an anxiety response to our ever increasing symptoms.
I just know it's a total pain in the ****!
You say you are fighting the hrt route Cthrnstowe but it can help ease the anxiety somewhat, or at least help you cope a little better :)
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I know it's stupid linz57 and it would probably help but I'm frightened of taking it x
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So you will continue to feel ill? What's the worst that could happen?
I'm struggling with depression 2-day and of course, immediately think it will take over again :'(
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I know it's stupid linz57 and it would probably help but I'm frightened of taking it x
I use to think the same as you but I "gave in" & it helped me so much. I was working full time then & could not cope.
Now 9 years later.............. still on it but a very, very low dose & coping (but not in F/T work).
What made the decision easier for me was when a doctor refused to give me HRT the first time I mentioned - that was like a red rag to a bull. ;D ;D
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So you will continue to feel ill? What's the worst that could happen?
I'm struggling with depression 2-day and of course, immediately think it will take over again :'(
Hope you're feeling better today CLKD....
Hurdity x