Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Sammas on July 15, 2018, 05:27:39 AM
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I normally post on here in relation to migraines, but today it's because I think I'm cracking up. I continue to take 2 ADs, Estroven and lots of bits and minerals, eat well generally and exercise, but feel I'm losing the plot! I keep crying, feel achy, tired, irritable, sick, anxiety and that I could basically jump off a cliff. I'm going on holiday on Wed and am now dreading it even though I was looking forward to going. Any advice please. Husband just doesn't understand! Thanks x
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Hi Sammas,
I can't offer much except empathy - I was like you this time last week - about to go on holiday and dreading it, mainly due to anxiety. I am now on day 6 of my holiday, and whilst I'm not feeling great a lot of the time, anxiety hasn't got worse. Nor have the night sweats or flashes and i'm In a hot country.
Do you think you're feeling worse because you're worrying about the pre-holiday preparations and about how you'll be when you're away? I think with hindsight there was a bit of that with me, as once I got here I did feel a bit of relief that the packing, journey etc was over
My main problem with being away is keeping occupied when it is over 30 degrees most days. Walking helps me at home, and just generally having a routine to stick to, and that isn't easy to do here.
Anyway, just wanted to say that I very much understand your feelings re holidays when you feel like that and yes it's very hard for others to understand
Xx
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Thanks for your reply Miabella. Do you take HRT? How old are you? I'm worried HRT will make things worse I've just turned 50 x
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Hi Sammas,
If you want to read it, there's a post I started in new members last week about not wanting to go on holiday, and that fills in my background. Briefly though, I'm nearly 57, had my last period a year ago, have been on ADs for a few years, then last autumn the anxiety started. I have had anxiety before so didn't relate it to the menopause until a few weeks ago, largely as my ADs didn't seem to be helping this time (though I am on a different one from what's worked before). Anyway, my doc increased the AD dose, I was sure that would do the trick, but when I went back after 3 weeks like she'd said I should, I still wasn't noticing any difference. We agreed though that because it was a week before I went on holiday it wasn't a good time to start on new meds, and she said there's still a chance the ADs will kick in.
I haven't tried HRT, like you I feel unsure about it, but I have an appointment with doctor already booked for when I get home and I think we will need to talk HRT as I don't want to go on like this. But I hate starting new meds, wondering if they work, if how I feel is related to the meds etc. I probably should also change my AD but what to do first - that or HRT.
Meantime, I am trying to get through this holiday, which sounds so ungrateful, but I know everyone on this forum will know that's the menopause talking and not how I feel when I'm not anxious.
What is your story?
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Hi Miabella,
I fully understand about getting through a holiday, that's why we are going abroad for 7 days and not 10/14. I have had depression in the past due to hormone imbalance I teach full time and have 2 teenagers I have felt Perimenopause symptoms, looking back for about 7 years in varying degrees. The anxiety comes and goes. Like you, I don't know what to do for the best, just know I can't carry on like this! Do you work? X
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Hi Sammas,
We are half way through a 14 day holiday and I am not sure how I can last for another week. That said, if I was at home I probably would still be feeling like this and would be worried about coping with my responsibilities there. Anxiety hits wherever you are and whatever you're doing.
Yes I work, but just part-time. Have 2 children - 24 yr old and a 13 yr old. Last night I admitted to my husband how I felt about being here while I feel so bad. Trying not to let my daughter know how bad I feel. My doctor prescribed me a few Diazepam in case things got really bad, but I see them as a very last resort and haven't taken any as yet.
The heat is another issue for me here. Always been a lover of warm climates but this year I hate it.
When are you going on holiday? Do you have an appointment with your doctor to discuss possible HRT?
X
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Miabella, We are off to Majorca, you? We normally go away for longer. I haven't yet made an appt with the docs Which part of the uk are you from? I live in the Midlands S x
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I live in Scotland and we are in Italy just now. We normally go away for about 2 weeks but I wouldn't have booked for so long if I had known I'd be feeling like this. When do you go?
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We go on Wed Miabella I'd love to go back to Italy, but when you feel like we do anywhere is too much. I hope you have an ok day today Feel free to privately message me anytime S x
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Omg Misbella and Sammas it's like reading about myself.
I thought I was on my own with my anxiety about going on holiday.I to work in a school and where as everyone is excited about finishing for 6 weeks I dread it.
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Hi Sammas. How do I private message?
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Miabella, go on to my profile I think x
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Butchers, when I got really tearful on Sat my husbands response was ‘ You've just broken up for 6 weeks' He just doesn't understand x
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Hi Burchers. Not that I would wish this on anyone but it is good to know I'm not alone. I too had been dreading finishing up at work for 3 weeks holiday but you feel if you tell people that they will think you're mad.
I am finding this forum to be a lifeline at the moment. All the support and similar stories help a little bit. Right now I can't stop worrying about how I am going to get to the end of this holiday. I know I shouldn't be thinking further than the next hour but it's so hard to do that. I hate that I am spoiling everyone's holiday.
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I normally post on here in relation to migraines, but today it's because I think I'm cracking up. I continue to take 2 ADs, Estroven and lots of bits and minerals, eat well generally and exercise, but feel I'm losing the plot! I keep crying, feel achy, tired, irritable, sick, anxiety and that I could basically jump off a cliff. I'm going on holiday on Wed and am now dreading it even though I was looking forward to going. Any advice please. Husband just doesn't understand! Thanks x
Hi Sammas
I experienced all of the symptoms you describe but since getting my HRT right (Femoston 1/10) all my symptoms have gone. Maybe its time for a review of your meds? - you shouldn"t have to feel the way you're feeling. Xx
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Thanks Tiddles What did you take before? How long did it take to work? Sx
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I started on Elleste Duet 1/10 in Feb this year. It sorted the anxiety, depression, nightmares etc - all the symptoms you describe - within a couple of weeks. I stuck with it for 3 months but was getting new physical symptoms during the progesterone half of each month, - nausea, migraine and dizziness. So went back to the doc armed with printouts and advice from here and my symptom diary and persuaded the doc to let me try Femoston. Those new physical symptoms had cleared up by the 2nd month on Femoston nd none of the original nasty emotional ones that first prompted me to take HRT have returned. Its been a life changer for me Xx
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That's great Tiddles Lots of people day 2/10 but could that be too strong? S x
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I haven't been able to face a holiday for 4 years now. I just can't imagine being away from home when I can't walk anywhere due to joint issues and can't sleep in my own bed. I used to love holidays. Even just camping. I feel sorry for my husband. I've ruined his life as well as mine.
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That's great Tiddles Lots of people day 2/10 but could that be too strong? S x
Advice on here was to try the lowest dose initially. If any of my symptoms start creeping back I would then ask to increase the dosage. The improvement was dramatic and almost immediate . I hope you dont mind me getting a wee bit personal but even my sex life is returning slowly but surely which I believed I'd lost forever. xx
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Hi Tiddles,
I'm in a similar place to Sammas - can't see GP until I return from holiday but think I will have to try HRT as I can't bear feeling like this. Your advice was very helpful and encouraging. Thank you x
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Hi Mirabella.
As yiu will see from this forum GPs vary enormously. If you think you may have any problems with yours ( or maybe even if you think you won't!) do go armed with your symptom diary or details of your symptoms written down -when they started, frequency etc and printouts from the Treatments section of this website to back up what you're asking for.
You may find s/he wants to give you anti -depressants rather than HRT - a lot of women on here have experienced that, me included. Your call how you respond to that. I refused ADs arguing I was convinced it was hormonal and wanted to try HRT. Best of luck to you both xx
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Hi Tiddles,
I was on antidepressants, had been for a few years, and initially didn't link my increased anxiety to menopause. Only when I realised that night sweats had also started did I make the connection. I have only had 2 ‘menopause appts' with my doctor. The first she increased my AD dose, the 2nd she didn't want to change my meds as I was going on holiday a few days later.
So now I find myself abroad for 2 weeks and really struggling as ADs not working and can't get to a doctor until next week. But I am learning fast that I will have to try and be clued up before I go. My dr isn't against me going on HRT but not sure how knowledgeable she is. I just want to feel better and soon. This is so awful
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Hi have a look at Dr Louise Newson's website mymenopausedoctor.com
You will find loads of info to put your mind at rest and there is a symptoms sheet to fill in. If you can't find it post on here and I'll locate it for you.
Don't be scared of HRT. It has given me back my life.
Anti depressants should not be used as first line treatment for depression and anxiety caused by menopause. Good luck x
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Thanks Dotty. I'll check it out later
X