Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => New Members => Topic started by: Jeana1 on April 06, 2019, 04:09:49 PM
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Hi ladies
I am really scared, I have bad health anxiety so this is making me almost sick with fear. I am 54 have a mirena coil and take 3 pumps of estrgel, I have had on occasion had some brown discharge (mirena has been i for 1 year) I mentioned it to my gp who took a swob came back fine, I then mentioned it to the consultant gynae and he said just to monitor it and let him know at my next appointment how often it was happening, my next appointment was weeks away and i had some brown discharge again (old blood) so I called his secretary and left a message for him that I was worried sick about it, he called and arranged for a scan, in the middle of this I went to see my gp again about it, she gave me an examination and said my cervix looked fine, anyway I had the scan and got a letter from the consultant today saying the lining is 5mm and its ok but on balance he will arrange a endometrial biopsy when i see him next which isnt for another 5 weeks then probably another week at least after that before I get the biopsy, I am so scared about waiting for this and then the results, I am struggling really bad with terrible thoughts about "you know what" I think I just think it's all going to be bad news, I am really frightened.
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Hello Jeana1.
I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling so worried.
I'm sure some other ladies will be along soon but I thought I'd mention that I have had brown discharge on many occasions and all was fine. I've also had extensive bleeding and a womb lining of 4.9mm and a hysteroscooy and biopsy was normal. I subsequently reduced my oestrogen and the bleeding stopped. You may need to tweak your hormones a little but hopefully all will be well.
Wishing you well.
K.
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Hello Kathleen
Thank you for replying. im glad all was fine for you. I suffer really bad with anxiety and know i'll just have to somehow deal with this but my mind is all over the place!
Thanks again for you quick response i'm literally glued to the screen waiting for replies!
Jeana x
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I believe that should there be any worry of something sinister you wouldn't have to wait such a long while ;)
Brown is old blood, I would get that at the end of each period: painful bleed a lot with clots for 2 days, then 3/4 days of bleeding then a gap of 2-3 days then the brown blood.
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Hi CLKD
Thank you for getting back to me with your message, I am just freaking out about it but I suppose all I can do is wait, I did think about asking if I could be seen sooner to get it done and at least I wouldn't have to wait so long for the results, my head is racing! I wonder how much it would cost to go private and get in quicker?
Thanks
Jeana
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I would ring the Dept to see if it's possible to have a cancellation if someone fails to show.
5mm is after all 'within normal limits' ;)
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Thank you CLKD , I will call on Monday morning.
Jeana
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Let us know!
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Jeana. So sorry you are having this worrying wait.
I hope you take some comfort from Kathleen's experience.
I have just had an urgent scan which turned out to be nothing sinister and the odds are yours will be fine too.
There is no point in me telling you not to worry but please try to think of it as a precaution. Something done just to be on the safe side.
Keep posting. There is so much support on here and you are certainly not alone in your health anxiety.
Xxxx
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Hi Tc
Thank you for your reply, Im glad your scan went well and yes it was helpful to hear from Kathleen. I struggle badly with anxiety, I have just finished a diazepam taper after being on it for 18 months, it's been difficult, my anxiety is sky high I have been awake since very early with my mind constantly looping all these negative thoughts trying to think more positive but it's difficult.
I will call and leave a message for the consultant tomorrow and see if I can have this done sooner.
Thank you again
Jeana
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I think that the consultant is happy with you at the moment but thinks he will do the biopsy in 5/6 weeks as part of your ongoing review/treatment/care. I have health anxiety and panic all the time and I am the 1st to worry about everything and anything BUT I really honestly think your case that if hevwas concerned he wouldn't be waiting until your next appointment. He's waiting to see what happens. Try and take what he said at face value and rest easy Xx
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Hello AgathaC
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me, as you can see by my quick response I'm glued to the screen waiting for replies! My husband has said pretty much what you have said but I just can't seem to stop freaking out! I hate the fact that he just wrote to me and seemed so "matter of fact" in his letter, I suppose you may be correct in what you say as he may have made the appointment already if he was overly concerned, my mind is playing awful tricks on me, that's the anxiety, it's pretty bad atm.
I am registered with an online consultant gynae too and she said not to worry but I'm finding it hard, I must try and stay calm as it's not helping freaking out like this.
Again thank you for taking the time to reply, it means a lot.
Jeana
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The written word is static. Why not listen to your husband ;) ::)
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Hi Jeana1
I hope you haven't been glued to the screen since this morning and have had a relaxing Sunday free from worry!
In your position I wouldn't worry one jot! Heavens my last two scans my lining was about 7.5 mm although admittedly I don't have a Mirena so it was on a prog free part of the cycle. Really though 5 mm is normal in my book - it's only a tiny weeny bit above the levels they like to keep post-meno women's lining at, which is I think 4.5 mm? I don't think mine has ever been that on HRT.
It's good that you are referred though because any bleeding that is abnormal for you, even while on HRT, should be investigated. If you are post-meno then random bleeding or spotting should stop after around 6-9 months but not always. Do you know whether you are post-menopausal though? If not then it could just be your cycle?
As the others have said - this does not fall into the category of the urgent 2 week referral - which would be the case for post-menopausal (uterine) bleeding in the absence of taking HRT which would be much more of a worry as where does the blood come from if not a thickened lining?
Please try to relax and look at it as a great opportunity to check the health of your uterus and the effectiveness of the Mirena. Maybe you have a small fibroid or polyp which can cause bleeding? Did you suffer from these before or endometriosis in the past?
Take care and try to occupy your time with other things so you're not dwelling on your uterus and bleeding!
Hurdity x
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Hello Hurdity
Thank you for your reply, I didn't see it until this morning and I had been glued to the screen not sure why your reply did not show until this morning.
Yes i am post meno had that confirmed a couple of yours ago with a blood test, I had a mirena before this one and had no problems with it, this one has been in for 1 year and I started the gel around 8 months ago, I was taking 4 pumps at one point but dropped it down to 3 about 2 moths ago as it was giving me jitters. I have not had any problems in that neck of the woods no polps etc, I had a scan internal and external about 6 months ago due to needing to pee a lot they would have seen a polp then i think, they said my mirena was in the correct position, they put the frequent need to pee down to my anxiety which is pretty bad tbh
When I had this latest scan last Monday to Dr who did it said it was fine so I freaked out when the Consultants letter said on balance we'll do a Endometrial Biopsy, I just get so scared about everything, I have health anxiety its really tough to deal with and to try and distract myself.
I am hoping to get a message to him this morning to see if he can do this sooner so I have less time to worry, I know what ever the result is will be the same no matter how long I have to wait but I cant sleep properly with this worry.
Thank you again for your reply
Jeana
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Me again!
Also want to ask anyone on HRT (Mirena plus gel) I get monthly period cramps too not as bad as I used to get, I had bad PMS, but I get the cramps then the last months this brown discharge a few days later which is on the tissue paper, I don't need a pad, it lasts for three or four days, I investigate every piece of tissue after i have bee for a pee! I also have a white discharge , not sure if this is normal as I spent a couple of years before HRT with a dry vagina and no discharge.
Jeana
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I had a phobia which would interrupt my sleep in my dreams :'( - so I was never free from the fear. :bighug:
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Menopausal status cannot be determined from blood tests ie if you are post-menopausal. A raised FSH level just confirms you are either peri or post. FSH levels can go into post-menopausal range when peri and the GP notebook ref range does not distinguish between peri and post-menopausal FSH levels.
Therefore despite your age you may noit yet be post-menopausal especially if you've had a Mirena all that time. The only real way to test is through your cycle but you don't have proper periods due to the Mirena. If you get cyclical PMS symptoms and cramping followed bu slight spotting then this sounds cyclical to me and nothing sinister. Your scan and biopsy will confirm this hopefully!
I can't comment on the other discharge but if it does not smell offensive and no accompanied by persistent pain then no need to see doc about this I would say? With healthy oestrogen levels most women should have some sort of discharge showing the vagina is producing healthy secretions!
Hurdity x
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Hi Hurdity
The Consultant gynae did blood tests and confirmed I was post meno thats why he upped my gel to 4 pumps, something to do with the FSH levels and needing more gel to get a balance, it's all very complicated for me but the 4 pumps felt like to much so I went down to 3. I have had a scan, last monday that's where the 5mm was measured.
I have read lots of posts on MM about lots of different subjects it's really interesting and I notice that you reply to a lot of ladies which is very kind and considerate of you, you have a wealth of knowledge, are you in the medical profession?
I hope it is cyclical of course.
Jeana
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Hi ladies
I called and left a message for the consultant yesterday saying my anxiety was through the roof and I didnt think I could wait 4 weeks for my next appointment and then have to wait for the test, they haven't called back, I assume he will either call today or send me a quicker appointment for the biopsy out in the post, I am very anxious still.
I am also just two weeks off Diazepam and have pretty bad withdrawal symptoms including raised anxiety and very low mood, not sleeping well either waking at 2ish every morning and cant get back to sleep. I can't take antidepressants as I have had bad side effects with them and they didn't help me. My mental health is really bad at the moment with the Diazepam withdrawal and I just cry all the time, this biopsy is really frightening me which is sending my anxiety sky high.
Sorry for the unload but I don't have anyone to talk to.
Jeana
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Hi Jeana
Sorry to hear you are having a tough time. I just wanted to tell you, that I have had a couple of bleeds lately. My scan came back fine, but I am waiting for a second gynae appointment, as they said I needed to come back if it happens again.
However, my specialist meno Dr thinks that the bleeding is down to changing the number of pumps I have been using, and it causes the womb lining to become unstable (I went from 2 to 3, felt jittery as you say, and panicked, so went back down to 2, am now on 2.5).
So, if you have been changing the number of pumps, maybe that could be a possible cause?
I know its scary, I feel the same,
Sending hugs
Jeepers x
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Helo Jeepers
Thank you so much for replying, I am in a terrible state of panic, I know its best to get these things checked but I am over the top anxious, I just keep getting so frightened and can't seem to control it. I'm grateful for your reply and what has been happening with you.
Jeana
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Have you spoken to your GP about medication to ease the anxiety? Without mine I wouldn't be here. Logic flies out the window when we have unknown situations to deal with >:(
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There is always someone to talk to here Jeanna and dont apologise for "unloading". We all do it. I've just done it myself today.
Much love to you xx
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Hi CLKD
I have tried several different medications for the anxiety, nothing helped at all, things got worse as i had some bad side effects. The taper off the Diazepam has been difficult I was on it for 18 months and its not supposed tp be prescribed for that long, 4 weeks max is recommended, some people have bad withdrawal getting of it and that's me, I have a support line I can call who deal with Benzo WD I have propranolol I can take. Thank you for replying to me.
Hi Tc
That's good to know thank you! I used to be busy women working in a very stressful industry, 18 months ago i literally burnt out and haven't worked since, I worked my whole life, now I am pretty much stuck in the house everyday as I struggle to go out now. I wish I had started the HRT in peri as I think it helps the mood more if you catch it early enough. I was doing ok until I started to come off the Diazepam, I was doing voluntary work, joined a choir and was visiting people again but this last few weeks coming off the med has destroyed me, I but I'm told it gets easier, just a shame I have to face this biopsy as it's sent my anxiety through the bloody roof!
Jeana
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You will get off the valium - I never had a problem as I used it as necessary - propranolol helps stop those awful anxiety surges in the morning, I take 20mg at night. Have you thought to try 'rescue remedy'?
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Hi CLKD
I was foolish taking the Diazepam for so long I didn't realise how devastating it would be to get off it, I just took what I was told to take, I have been off 2 weeks and the support people tell me it could be months before I feel better, some of the symptoms are a bit better already but the anxiety/depression are awful.
I have 40mg tablets of propanalol but I only take it when I am desperate because I'm scared they will be hard to stop! Do you know if they would help with sleep? I am only getting 3-4 hours which isn't helping. I have some rescue remedy spray but it doesn't seem to help.
Thank you for trying to help me i really appreciate it.
Jeana
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I don't think that Valium per se remains in the system as such - but the brain gets used to the soothing effect and bounce back symptoms are common. Also when I was withdrawing from an AD, knowing that I shouldn't take any more made it worse. However: when during the 2nd week I realised that the bounce back didnt' a) get any worse despite my fears and b) they lasted no longer than 28 hours I began to relax. I would lay quietly the 1st day as I reduced the dose and the next, potter. The 3rd day I would be OK.
It took 9 weeks of gradually taking smaller and smaller doses but I was OK! So you will be. Little steps ;-)
2002 - Propranolol: 80mg 3 times a day for a week. Dropped to once a day for a week. Then dropped to 40mg twice a day. Due to background headaches 18 months ago, on waking, I dropped it to 20mg at night. Job done .
Relaxation or gentle music helps me too.
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Hi CLKD
Thank you so much for that, I will take some propanalol tonight to see if it helps with my sleep but I won't take it regular.
The support people tell me that Diazepam ( Valium) is a long acting benzodiazepine and it takes around 90 days to leave the system when you have been taking it regular, the GABA receptors are now working like crazy because they want the drug this is why the withdrawal is difficult but over time the GABA receptors reuptake and slowly things improve, I am only 2 weeks off so hoping to see some improvements soon.
Thank you for your encouraging words, its very helpful and I'm glad you are off the medication that was giving you problems and things seem good for you now- great to hear.
Jeana
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:hug:
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I like the sound of this propranolol helping waking anxiety I've never heard of it. is it prescription only?
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Prescription only.
I take 20mg at night to ease any early morning anxiety surges.
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Thanks xxx
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Hi
I have 40mg ones and I take them as and when I feel very anxious, think you can take them everyday but as I have just came off diazepam I am trying to limit any meds but they do calm the inner self down.
Jeana x
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Oh Birdy than you so much for your message, I have been onto the consultant and told him I am very anxious and not sleeping with the worry, he said the lining is only slightly over and not to worry but I asked if I could have the biopsy sooner so he is hoping to get me in quicker, he knows I have problems with anxiety but as he has said to me "I'm not a psychiatrist" didn't think he was just wanted him to understand, I even said that his colleague didn't scan my ovaries when I had the scan, he said yes she did and your ovaries are normal,I have health anxiety too its a drag, I feel weak and pathetic about how I deal with these things!
Thank you again for your message it really does help.
Jeana
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Hi Birdy
How thoughtful of you to ask.
I'm ok, very anxious, I should get a letter this week telling me when me appointment for the biopsy is, I just want it done and don't want it done if you know what I mean lol.
I wasn't always like this, I was working in a stressful industry for 24 years, managed a lot of people, did a lot of sales, presentations and was generally always fun at work and at home, I had a social life and took a couple of holidays a year, couple of years ago I decided to change my job for something less stressful, I thought I was handling the menopause ok although I was tired and had stopped going out ect was a bit more of stressed out, anyway I ended up having a burn out or breakdown, don't know what to call it these days, so the last couple of years has been up and down. I started various anti depressants but had bad side effects so had to stop them, then went onto HRT, Marena and Estrogel, I had a mireana in the past. After around 3-4 months things started to improve and I was functioning again, doing voluntary work and getting back on track although my anxiety was still a problem, I tapered off the Diazepam slowly as I had been on it 18 months, it's been hard, then I had this scan and told to have this biopsy and everything is haywire again in my brain! I am walking and meditating trying to visit family and just pushing on with my anxiety. Just wish this had not cropped up as it has set me off into a state, something I am going to have to get my head round I suppose. I am starting CBT soon.
Sorry for the life history! I bet you wish you hadn't asked now ;D
Hope all is good with you.
Jeana
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Hi Birdy
Isn't it just awful! I never thought in a million years I would end up like this, I was always happy, slept well and had a "glass is half full" outlook on everything, not so much now! I wake every morning at around 3-30am!
How do you cope? do you work? I'd love to get back to work :'(
Jeana
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Hi Birdy
That's interesting that you say you have got worse on the HRT? Most say things improve mood wise? Also do you find that you are mentally worse in the mornings? I have read lots about this, apparently blood sugar is low in the morning and if you suffer from anxiety or depression the adrenaline surges in the AM making most people feel worse in the morning with some relief coming as the day goes on, do you find this?
I am alone everyday, my husband works, I hate it, so want to get back into work even voluntary again to be around other people.
You do have purpose Birdy, when you messaged me telling me not to worry I felt like you had helped me just by your words, so you do have purpose even if you don't think you have.
What do you freelance in?
Jeana
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Hi Birdy
What an interesting line of work you are in!
Hope your day picks up and thank you again.
Jeana
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Working at high stress levels gets to be a habit for the brain and body in that they miss the 'hit'! It takes a while to 'come down' from busy work how ever much we enjoy it. Add menopause symptoms and anxiety levels get bothersome >:(
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Yes thats what kind of happened, I started my new job straight away my old boss wouldn't let me take garden leave for my months notice i had to help with training, new job was full time but felt like working part time compared to my previous role I didn't have enough to fill my days or my head, everything seem to catch up with me and bam........panic attacks and eventually crazy anxiety couldn't leave the house!!
I am hoping to get back into work at some point but it'll be part time and with no responsibility, we have learned to live fine on my husbands income which isn't that good actually , just shows me how much money we used to waste!
Jeana
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Hi Jeana
Have you had a date for the biopsy yet? I had a hysteroscopy and biopsy quite recently. My advice would be to take some painkillers an hour before, to take the edge off (I'd love to tell you I didn't feel a thing, but that would be a lie).
Birdy -- when I read about your job, I was imagining Jenna Rink from 13 going on 30, I love that film :D
Jeepers xx
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Hi Jeepers
No I haven't heard yet, I may call the appointments people on Monday to see if they have made the appointment but not sent the letter yet. I was going to ask about taking some paracetamol before going I wasn't sure if it would hurt but sounds like it does, thanks for that I'll make sure to take them an hour before.
Jeana
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The Hysteroscopy procedure is well documented if you want to find out more about it goggle and read up on it. The usual advice offered is to take paracetamol about an hour before the procedure and to be told it is no more than a period type pain. The Hysteroscopy can be painful for some and not for others. If you do not feel happy about going for this procedure with just paracetamol as pain relief ASK and DISCUSS you options with your clinician before you have this done. I had this procedure in December 2017 and found that my health care provider did not very much information prior to the appointment compared to a neighbouring county health care provider. It is your body, you should have as much information about what you are having done and why, be aware of your pain relief options for the hysteroscopy. Also if you have any questions write them down and take them with you to the appointments. Finally if you can take someone with you to all appointments for moral support and to help pass the time. Above all do not be scared everyone is there to help you. If you do not ask about things you will not know what is available because for many people who work there it is just another working day.
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Just a quick response i had it a few weeks ago exactly the same as you..all was fine they put the brown/bit of bleeding down to hormone surges (im almost 53 and been post menopausal since early 2017). Whilst they were doing it they gave me a new mirena coil at the same time.
Please dont worry easy said i know xxxx
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Hi Krystal and Bring me sunshine
Thank you both for your response, I will take a couple of paracetamol an hour before I go and my husband will come with me, I was reading on some other threads that it can feel a bit sore and that there will be some bleeding afterwards, at least I know what to expect from the procedure, I have to say (and I am an emotional person) that the support you ladies have shown me has brought a tear to my eyes, It is truly amazing that we can be here for each other and understand what we go through whether it be menopause issues, mental health issues or both. Thank you for this it has really helped to know you lot are out there.
Jeana x
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Hi there.
I've had two of these biopsies in the last 5years...they are a bit uncomfortable but nothing more.... Painkillers before hands helps.
Try to relax
Woodlands xx
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Hi Woodlands
Thanks for your response, I am doing my best to relax, I listen to Eckhart Tolle - The power of now, it's about living in the moment and not the past or future, it's an amazing book I listen to the audio version because it feels like a meditation.
I hate waiting for the appointment, I keep getting a knot in my tummy every time I see the postie! Just want it out the way and take it from there really. I have at times forgot about it which is great but then I remember!!!
Jeana x
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Hello
I just wanted to give an update, I had the biopsy on the 15th May (ooouch!) results today and everything is fine, I also had a lady bits scan and they seen a small cyst on my left ovary which I was frightened about but had blood test and all fine with that to, I think it is 1.8cm, I need to have it scanned again in 4 months. The Consultant gynae I see is really nice, at first I found him intimidating but he does really care and knows how anxious I get and is understanding of that. I get I really do need to get on top of this health anxiety it's overwhelming and controls me almost, I will be starting CBT in a month or so and will try my best to get on top of it.
Also I am now 9 weeks off Diazepam and things are settling down a bit now after some pretty horrible withdrawal symptoms, so pleased to be that far away from taking them. NEVER AGAIN!
Thank you all again for your support and encouraging words, it's a lovely forum with really great ladies helping each other.
Jeana
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Hi Birdy
Thanks , yes I'm relieved. I made a mistake with the size of the cyst its actually 8mm by 5mm not 1.8cm! silly me ;D
You use the term "benzo'" I guess you have knowledge of these devil pills! I never knew how terrible they were until I tried to stop taking them, I had to taper slowly and still got horrible withdrawal symptoms, most have subsided but some still remain and will take time to go, up to 45% of people taking them long term (over 4 weeks) will experience withdrawal symptoms, they are a terrible drug one I wish I never started in the first place......BEWARE OF BENZODIAZEPINES EVERYONE
Jeana
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Hi cystic twin ;
Trouble was that when I stared taking them it helped my anxiety and foolishly I ended up on them for 18 months, research shows that they should only be prescribed for 2-4 weeks and even then should be tapered off, they actually stop working after around 6-8 weeks and people up dose to get the same effect. They completely take over the GABA receptors amongst others.
And yes it was brutal getting off them! But i did it :clapping:
Jeana