Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: gm_thomson on September 06, 2021, 11:24:07 PM
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Help! I feel like I am falling apart. I dont know if this is all menopause or if i have a weird disease or what but i feel like i am losing my mind.
I am 49 years old. I started with night sweats maybe 4 years ago and the last 18 months its been hot flashes accompanied by weird pressure in the head, and dizziness. I also would get occasional palpitations as well as migraines. My period has been getting more and more erratic with the time between them getting longer and longer, sometimes three months. Anyway last six months the flashes have amped up and some weeks they are every half hour or so. It seems to vary. I go for a while with one every few hours, then a few days of it every 30 mins etc etc.
BUT I can deal with the flashes. What I cant deal with is that starting 3 months ago I started having panic anxiety episodes. I cant say panic attacks cos Dr Google says those last 10minutes but these have been lasting 2-3 days.. and include intense anxiety, hours of racing heart, pounding heart in my chest, palpitations and flushes. My Apple Watch ( which i am starting to hate) says on those days my resting heart rate is 10 beats above normal. I bought a BP meter to test at home but got so freaked out it went up and up and up and i wont touch it again.
I had my first episode in May. Then another Aug 23. And twice since then, so they are getting more frequent. I booked my doctor for Thursday but I need to know how to survive till then. I am trying deep breathing and brisk walks and meditation and trying to keep my mind off my health but my brain wont leave it alone and as soon as I start thinking about it I get into a bad cycle of it getting worse and worse. And trying to sleep is the worst cos I can hear my heart pounding and it makes it worse.
I dont know what to do, I am in tears here and am losing it. I cant handle this. I am scared there is something wrong with me, or that my anxiety is going to make something wrong with me or I will have a stroke or something.. Please help. :'( I dont know what to do.I feel like i am losing my mind.
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Hi Gm
I just want you to know , your not losing your mind .. everything you have wrote most of us , including me have experienced & like you I thought something was seriously wrong.
Blood tests after Blood tests & all is normal ..
it’s hormonal for me & then the over thinking makes it 10x worse & I think the physical symptoms are worse
Mine would last days on end and be in fight and flight mode constantly, bloody horrendous & worse thing I’ve experienced
I did same as you with BP monitor & completely stopped using it as I feel I would panic more when it was so high.
Was in A&E twice and they wasn’t worried about it , so I decided I wouldn’t worry like it ..
I also hear my heart beat when I get into bed .. & like you I panicked .. now I get myself in a comfortable position where I don’t hear it
Our bodies are strange old things .. but please don’t think your going mad because you are not.
If it continues you can ask your GP for Anti Anxiety medication
It’s a god send to some
Everything you are saying is exactly how I felt .. and the lasting of few days was same .. so intense
It certainly seems hormonal , but your GP might run some blood tests .. that’s what they do with me but always come back fine .. which I never understood as I wasn’t fine.
Mine started end April .. and then June and then constant .. I take each day as it comes now because I just never know what the day is going to be like.
And don’t matter how many times it happens it’s still the worse feeling and I will never get used to them
Have you tried HRT ? For some that’s also a god send ..
Just wanted to let you know your not alone Xx ::)
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Hi GM
I do agree with Michelle, your symptoms and Michelle’s describe mine exactly except I was post menopause when it all started. Thought I was going mad and having a heart attack, trips to A&E and loads of tests, erratic blood pressure made so much worse by using the monitor and my Fitbit tracker.
So yes it can all be hormones even though it seems hard to believe.
Hope you feel better soon
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Bless you, I can so relate to everything you describe. You ask how you are going to get through til Thursday which right now feels like an eternity. One of the most helpful things I read when I was desperate was a book by Claire Weekes. A bit old fashioned but so helpful. We become frightened of our fear and symptoms. She advocates instead of trying to run from these terrible feelings, symptoms to do the opposite. So when you get a wave of fear, shakes etc accept them as wholeheartedly as you can and carry on despite them. It's difficult but it does work with a bit of practice. It seems to remove the fear. My other advise would be that you make a list of what you want to say to your GP. And make sure you don't leave without getting something that's going to give you some immediate relief. Maybe a few diazepam just to give you a break or/and a low dose propranalol which takes the edge off the worst fight, flight or freeze symptoms. On top of that you and doc need to decide on HRT and or an AD. Good luck. We are here for you. X
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Get rid of the app. These cause health anxiety big time. It becomes a habit for users to check more often than might be necessary as well as relying on a thing that can't possibly be accurate 100%.
...... and breath. Browse round. Make notes. Decide which symptom you would like to ease first. A drop in oestrogen can cause all kinds of oddities even though it's 'natural' ::). :welcomemm:
A BP monitor is good. The readings must be taken at the same time of day, best of 3. Before eating so best prior to breakfast. On DH's machine I am dead because I took Betablockas for years++. He has white coat syndrome so takes his reading for 3 months, then they get noted in his records. Job done.
As necessary anti-anxiety medication can save Lives. I used 'valium' with success in the 1990s, taking 5mg the night B4 events that I couldn't escape. Knowing that I could if necessary take another mid the next day, which I never required.
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Thank you so much- I am a born worrier and have always had very mild health anxiety and I always overthink things so I am my worst enemy here. But it makes me feel a bit better that I am not alone in this and am not going crazy. I am definitely taking ALL your suggestions - I have started a list for what I want to say to the doctor, and I am not checking my BP or the health app as it just makes things worse. I think thinking about the doctor isn't helping either sigh. But I managed to get a bit of sleep last night so that's good. Counting the days till i see the doctor...
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Did your relatives not discuss The Change :-\. It's something that I knew about from an early age, however: like many I thought it was cessation of periods and a few hot flushes ::). I was advised by Mum not to ask Aunty why she suddenly went very red ............
Let us know how you get on?
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Sure, I knew there were hot flashes. But I didn't know about this crippling anxiety. Seems they talk more about puberty than menopause.
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Hi, I posted earlier today in a state. Gp appointment is scheduled for 2 weeks but I rang the surgery and said, I'm getting myself in a complete state. They've given me a phone app this afternoon. Might be worth calling Dr's again
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Thank you so much- I am a born worrier and have always had very mild health anxiety and I always overthink things so I am my worst enemy here. But it makes me feel a bit better that I am not alone in this and am not going crazy. I am definitely taking ALL your suggestions - I have started a list for what I want to say to the doctor, and I am not checking my BP or the health app as it just makes things worse. I think thinking about the doctor isn't helping either sigh. But I managed to get a bit of sleep last night so that's good. Counting the days till i see the doctor...
You are never alone , come on here and rant away .. Ive ranted so many times because it does get to you & then the mind overthinking makes it worse.
I haven’t taken my BP for months now because I quite frankly don’t wanna know what it is lol .. it was always so high when aniexty/panic was there that it scared me even more ..
now I don’t do it & I take no medication apart from my warfrain & omzerpole daily
I’ve come to the conclusion that I can’t let this beat me .. so forward is the way to go .. I expect good and bad days and take each day as it comes
HRT can help you with symptoms but it’s not a quick fix and can take 3 months to see if it suits ., you could be a lucky one and get the right one first time.
Also Anti Aniexty medication could help you too ..
What ever you do decide I hope it works for you and you see many better days.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Remember someone is always reading on here so you are never alone X
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Hi, I posted earlier today in a state. Gp appointment is scheduled for 2 weeks but I rang the surgery and said, I'm getting myself in a complete state. They've given me a phone app this afternoon. Might be worth calling Dr's again
I hope you get the answers you need SMD
I’m a bit annoyed that everything is still over the phone
I understand covid is still out there but precautions can be taken
I used to always feel better once I had seen a GP… but over the phone I feel rushed and seem to forget most things lol
Good luck. Xx
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Yep. We were warned in the 1950s/60s that once we had periods, we should keep away from boys. Eventually it was explained :-\. For me at the age of 11 , menopause was miles away! and it simply wasn't discussed. 'You'll find out when you are older'. "Out" being what, never explained.
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Yep. We were warned in the 1950s/60s that once we had periods, we should keep away from boys. Eventually it was explained :-\. For me at the age of 11 , menopause was miles away! and it simply wasn't discussed. 'You'll find out when you are older'. "Out" being what, never explained.
I expected few hot flushes and missed periods
I used to say to my best friend she is 53 now .. that I can’t wait .. no more periods and just few flushes…
I take that Back now … I’ve not missed a period yet but jeeeeeeeeeeeez ain’t as simple as just hot sweats
I hope the younger generation prepare themselves.. I’ve told all my nieces .. read up .. be aware ..
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Help! I feel like I am falling apart. I dont know if this is all menopause or if i have a weird disease or what but i feel like i am losing my mind.
I am 49 years old. I started with night sweats maybe 4 years ago and the last 18 months its been hot flashes accompanied by weird pressure in the head, and dizziness. I also would get occasional palpitations as well as migraines. My period has been getting more and more erratic with the time between them getting longer and longer, sometimes three months. Anyway last six months the flashes have amped up and some weeks they are every half hour or so. It seems to vary. I go for a while with one every few hours, then a few days of it every 30 mins etc etc.
BUT I can deal with the flashes. What I cant deal with is that starting 3 months ago I started having panic anxiety episodes. I cant say panic attacks cos Dr Google says those last 10minutes but these have been lasting 2-3 days.. and include intense anxiety, hours of racing heart, pounding heart in my chest, palpitations and flushes. My Apple Watch ( which i am starting to hate) says on those days my resting heart rate is 10 beats above normal. I bought a BP meter to test at home but got so freaked out it went up and up and up and i wont touch it again.
I had my first episode in May. Then another Aug 23. And twice since then, so they are getting more frequent. I booked my doctor for Thursday but I need to know how to survive till then. I am trying deep breathing and brisk walks and meditation and trying to keep my mind off my health but my brain wont leave it alone and as soon as I start thinking about it I get into a bad cycle of it getting worse and worse. And trying to sleep is the worst cos I can hear my heart pounding and it makes it worse.
I dont know what to do, I am in tears here and am losing it. I cant handle this. I am scared there is something wrong with me, or that my anxiety is going to make something wrong with me or I will have a stroke or something.. Please help. :'( I dont know what to do.I feel like i am losing my mind.
Hi and welcome to the forum! You've come to the right place and as already said by ladies above, you are not alone with your symptoms! It sounds like your menopause is advancing and the hormones going up and down.
Symptoms such as anxiety, panic, racing heart etc are so concerning and exhausting to live with. I'm not sure how many times I've asked myself, can this REALLY be 'just menopause'.. Its good you'll have the appointment with the doctor soon and always good to rule out any other reason for your symptoms just to be on the safe side, but like said, menopause can explain all of the above. I understand from your text that you are not yet on HRT. That is probably something to discuss, if you are open to it. Its not a fix it all, as you can see from the discussions here. For many of us it takes time to find the right product and right dose, but it can be great help when you find the balance. Usually it seems physical symptoms such as the hot flashes or heart palpitations ease faster, while with mood issues and anxiety it can take longer time. But there are also other medications for these in case your symptoms are severe.
Take good care of yourself and plenty of rest. And let us know how you get on! xxx
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Hi gm,
I can’t add a lot to the excellent replies from the other ladies here but want to reiterate you are honestly not alone. For me, an increase in anxiety-particularly health anxiety- has been a nightmare for me (I am post menopause). I have been in exactly the same situation as you with the blood pressure monitor to the point where it has taken over my life the last 7 months and I just don’t take it any more (because for me personally it wasn’t as if it was something the Dr had asked me to do, I was taking it because I felt anxious and guess what, that made the readings high -and so it went on).
There is always someone here to listen to you. I hope you get on ok at your appointment.
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thank you so much everyone. I am feeling a bit better today (almost normal so far) and a bit part of that I am sure is to do with you. I must admit though, nighttimes seem to be the worst, I guess when I am not working my brain wanders or something. And i am scared its going to happen again...
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I had nightmares for years :'(. Now my dreams are busy, involved, long - brain picks up a News item, runs with it until if finds someone from my past from years++++ ago; last night I was feeding chickens, geese, found horses in a living room ........... they all needed water ::). I'm knackered this morning :D
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Gm… you are not alone. I’m falling apart too!
This site has been a saving grace for me. Keep reaching out. We all understand xxx
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Thanks for your kind words. Yesterday was a good one and I actually slept quite well. Today not as much, i got very angry for no reason when i was making lunch and then a few hours later had racing heart pounding in my chest. Now I am unexplainablly teary. Although this is still better than when I did the first post above.
Are you guys all in the UK? I am originally from Scotland but live in Canada now. Found this site on google and it seems great although seems to get quiet at night, guessing when you are all in bed!
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Yes I’m in U.K. Gm
Glad you had a good day yesturday
Hope today gets better for you
It’s just so much to have this on and off day in day .. never the same each day
And until I joined here I would never have believed that hormones could be the cause of it all
I wish I was a man lol
I’m originally from Wolverhampton but have lived in Surrey for over 24 years
But I still have my northern accent :)
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I’m in the uk too.
That’s unfortunate we’re in bed when you’re active, but that gives you something to look forward to reading the replies in the morning!
Do you find the Canadian health system helpful with menopausal related symptoms?
I’m glad your day was better, hope today is too! X
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Hey all, i am back from the doctor. He is running bloodwork to check everything is ok, and has prescribed Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) for now. He is also getting me an appointment with a cardiologist and wants to see me in 2 weeks. If the Pristiq doesnt work, he said he will get me an appointment later with a gynaecologist to consider HRT.
What does anyone know about this med Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)? I looked on the forum and couldn't see much.. but its not in the UK?
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Glad you seen doctor & he is gonna do tests & refer you
That’s an antidepressant , hopefully it’s what you wanted and hope it works for you ..
Good luck with your bloods and things , hopefully soon you will be feeling like the old you again xx
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Great to see your update. Let us know how you get on x
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Hi Gm
I just want you to know , your not losing your mind .. everything you have wrote most of us , including me have experienced & like you I thought something was seriously wrong.
Blood tests after Blood tests & all is normal ..
it’s hormonal for me & then the over thinking makes it 10x worse & I think the physical symptoms are worse
Mine would last days on end and be in fight and flight mode constantly, bloody horrendous & worse thing I’ve experienced
I did same as you with BP monitor & completely stopped using it as I feel I would panic more when it was so high.
Was in A&E twice and they wasn’t worried about it , so I decided I wouldn’t worry like it ..
I also hear my heart beat when I get into bed .. & like you I panicked .. now I get myself in a comfortable position where I don’t hear it
Our bodies are strange old things .. but please don’t think your going mad because you are not.
If it continues you can ask your GP for Anti Anxiety medication
It’s a god send to some
Everything you are saying is exactly how I felt .. and the lasting of few days was same .. so intense
It certainly seems hormonal , but your GP might run some blood tests .. that’s what they do with me but always come back fine .. which I never understood as I wasn’t fine.
Mine started end April .. and then June and then constant .. I take each day as it comes now because I just never know what the day is going to be like.
And don’t matter how many times it happens it’s still the worse feeling and I will never get used to them
Have you tried HRT ? For some that’s also a god send ..
Just wanted to let you know your not alone Xx ::)
Sounds like your symptoms and timings are almost identical to mine, you aren’t taking any meds for it?
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Hi Gm
I just want you to know , your not losing your mind .. everything you have wrote most of us , including me have experienced & like you I thought something was seriously wrong.
Blood tests after Blood tests & all is normal ..
it’s hormonal for me & then the over thinking makes it 10x worse & I think the physical symptoms are worse
Mine would last days on end and be in fight and flight mode constantly, bloody horrendous & worse thing I’ve experienced
I did same as you with BP monitor & completely stopped using it as I feel I would panic more when it was so high.
Was in A&E twice and they wasn’t worried about it , so I decided I wouldn’t worry like it ..
I also hear my heart beat when I get into bed .. & like you I panicked .. now I get myself in a comfortable position where I don’t hear it
Our bodies are strange old things .. but please don’t think your going mad because you are not.
If it continues you can ask your GP for Anti Anxiety medication
It’s a god send to some
Everything you are saying is exactly how I felt .. and the lasting of few days was same .. so intense
It certainly seems hormonal , but your GP might run some blood tests .. that’s what they do with me but always come back fine .. which I never understood as I wasn’t fine.
Mine started end April .. and then June and then constant .. I take each day as it comes now because I just never know what the day is going to be like.
And don’t matter how many times it happens it’s still the worse feeling and I will never get used to them
Have you tried HRT ? For some that’s also a god send ..
Just wanted to let you know your not alone Xx ::)
Sounds like your symptoms and timings are almost identical to mine, you aren’t taking any meds for it?
Hi Gm
No not taking anything now .. I stopped HrT 6 weeks ago , so hoping soon my hormones start to level off
Personally for me I think HRT or my vaccine ( Covid ) made things worse as until these I had only experienced aniexty once .. then it became daily so I stopped using it
On week 6 now and it’s not each day like before and not as intense .. but it’s there still lingering and some days are worse than others but I’ve not had a period in 35/36 days ( that’s long for me )
So I’m hoping it’s where my own hormones are taking over .. if I was on hrt still it woulda been due last week
I can feel like one is going to happen it’s just a matter of when .. & I think that’s why I can feel all these feelings in background
You are most definitely not going mad that’s why I wanted yo reassure you
Have you started your tablet ?? I hope they help
Xxx
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So he gave me a requisition for bloodwork as well as a pelvic and vag U/S (to check i was in perimenopause? I mean what else could hot flashes and one period every 3 months and then 2 in a row, and all the other symptoms be at age 49 and for the last 2 years? I actually asked him jokingly and he laughed but i guess he is being careful?).
I went to the pharmacist to get the meds but the bottle had a big label “do not crush or split” and the instructions said “empty coating may come out in your stools” so I asked her cos the doctor wanted me to cut it in half for the first 3 days. And the pharmacist said no way cos its time release and cutting would dump it in all at once.
So i called the doctor back and of course he is off till Monday so I am not starting till i know for sure. Again I did Dr Google and it agreed with the pharmacist cos if you take it all at once i(which is what would happen if i cut it) then it can cause way worse side effects (which are nausea and headaches and a ton of symptoms that freak me out and/or are the same as menopausal ones). So I guess I survive on my own till Monday. Maybe thats a good thing though since if I do get these side effects it wont be on the weekend ;) Am not overly happy about being on ADs but suspect I would feel the same with HRT. Asides the Pill I have been lucky and havent ever been on meds so far (occasional penicillin for infections) so am a bit nervous. But I cant live like this. I have been meditating for 20mins the last 2 weeks every day, eating more healthy (good news is the anxiety also makes me eat less so i have lost 10 pounds - got to look on the bright side), going for brisk walks every other day, and cut my drinking way back to 1 small glass of wine a week, drinking green tea etc etc. And it doesnt help… yet. Makes me healthier though.
Been having these ?panic/anxiety attacks even more often now. Nighttime in front of the tv and in bed seem to be the latest thing. And a touch in the morning. I guess when my brain isnt distracted. What time did/do you guys get anxiety or is it variable?
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My anxiety is worse in the morning. As soon as I wake up I have a minute or two, then the dreaded anxious tummy kicks in. I wake early and try and lay there a bit, bit I’m so fidgety where I’m getting more and more anxious, I have to get up.
I have lost loads of weight in the last few weeks since this started. I have absolutely no appetite, and can’t keep anything down until 11am ish. Not even a cup of tea. I have to just sip water all morning.
You might be right on the distraction theory. Maybe try watching a box set that you can really get into to take your attention. I’ve been doing this and it really helps. I actually look forward to the evening, chilling on the sofa watching a good series.
Good idea not to take the tablets if you’re not sure. The last thing you want is to be dealing with awful side effects from taking too higher dose.
I hope today is a better day x
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My aniexty used to come and stay mostly all day … and sometimes for days on end
Morning I always woke up with it & it just never had a pattern it was like it came whenever it felt like it.
Today I’ve felt it on and off most the day , but I believe it’s because I’m due on & I can kinda feel all the feelings so obviously my hormones are playing up.
Although it’s not as intense as was when on patches and when I first came off them
I always try and distract myself but sometimes that don’t help.
& I will never get used to them at all .. each time I always know I panic because that’s how it makes me feel
I would be like you with the AD don’t take until your aware as you don’t want more side effects
That’s what stopped me using them was side effects and also because I’m on warfrain for my blood .. I know AD can cause increased bleeding and if I can manage without them I will
Although I know a few that they help people and also a few that they don’t
But we all different and all tolerate different medication differently
I lost my appetite and I went from 12.4 down to 10.9 very fast .. because I always felt sick and like my left ribs was burning ( acid ) but that’s not so bad now and I eat regardless now as I don’t like losing weight so quick
I haven’t had a coffee for I dunno how long because I thought that made things worse .. I cut out loads of stuff & I suppose it wasn’t all that making me feel like this was actually aniexty and cortisol surges
I’ve not attempted a coffee since incase I get jittery .. so I drink just water now and occasionally lemonade
Mad how it’s changes our bodies and lifestyle and all this at such a young age lol .. I’m doomed
Can I ask a question to you both
I’ve never missed a period .. so when you missed periods did you still feel like you was going to get a period ? I can fully feel I’m going to get one and I remember seeing like ovulation discharge so I do believe I will
But just curious .. because I will find it strange missing a period .. as I find it strange that I’m late.
Hope your both ok tonight .. I’m currently laying on sofa feeling slightly jittery but ok kinda thing xx
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Hi there, Sometimes I do feel like i am going to get one, then dont. Other times I dont feel anything. Its a case of "depends" ;)
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If possible get a referral to a dedicated menopause specialist as Gynaes often don't know nowt! Keeping a diary is useful to discuss the ins and outs of your cycle, symptoms etc..
Antidepressants may help ease some menopause symptoms but again, as with most medication, it can be hit and miss! HRT can take a while for the lady 2 feel any benefit from but will protect heart and bones. If anxiety is the problem, then a dedicated anti-anxiety medication may be essential.
MayB have a chat with that pharmacist to find out what is regularly prescribed for menopause symptoms?
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So my husband (who is on ADs) freaked me out a bit with going on meds. And so I spoke to the doctor today and he said as long as my good days are more than bad I can delay going on the ADs. Last few days I have been feeling better with less anxiety (ignore dizziness and hot flashes though) so am interested to see what happens next. I havent had a period in 4 months. I am getting somewhat used to the anxiety though so maybe in future it wont freak me out as much cos I know what it involves (yeah right). And the cardiologist called and I am booked for a holter monitor, echo cardiogram and a stress test over the next month to test for heart issues.
I am keeping a journal for review with the doctor on the 29th and we will review tests at the same time and how I am feeling. Today I feel somewhat normal although (TMI?) my discharge has some red tone to it so I wonder if I am coming on.. who knows.
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I am so sorry you are suffering this but you will never know how pleased I was to read this today. Your post actually stopped me having a panic attack. Thank You …..
I could have written the exact post myself. It’s all just so awful and I can feel at any time like I am having a heart attack or stroke. I can just feel so ill for no reason. Hot flushes, high blood pressure, feeling low, no energy, extreme fatigue, it’s just horrendous and the same symptoms of having something seriously wrong.
I too have had recent blood tests and they have all been ok. I am on medication for blood pressure and that has recently been adjusted. I recently had to call an ambulance and ecg etc was all ok.
I am aged 55 and have only missed 2 periods but symptoms have got worse since missing them. I feel an absolute nervous wreck and just desperately want it to stop.
Ahh to be 25 again…..
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Hope your ok Cadbury’s
It’s bloody awful this peri / menopause ride .. I hope you feel better knowing that majority of us are struggling & your not going mad or falling apart .. just starting this journey .. I don’t mean feel better because we suffer lol just to know your not alone in anyway at all
Just remember always rant away on here or read and you will get help and advice or just somewhere to rant and let off steam
Hope your ok
GM I hope your ok xxx
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Hi Cadbury and Michelle! Its sort of nice we are in the same boat. And nice if I can help (even if I am not sure how i did!). The menopause is a PITA Be-atch for sure. I want to hear more stories about how bad it was and then how everyone got better and life was much better afterward! Last couple have days for me have been good but I am in fear of another episode!! And no period so far. (If ever again?)
Cadburys - what a great name, chocolate always makes things better. And I know what you mean, I get anxious, my heart rate goes up (And BP i am sure) and then i get anxious cos I think I am going to have a stroke and it gets worse and worse.. and when I am in one of those modes I just think something is missed and I must be sick and they missed whatever the illness is. But I am trying to distract myself and read this forum and try and remember, its the menopause messing with my head. Its hard at the time cos it feels so real though. I am trying to develop coping mechanisms...:
My coping mechanisms:
1. Dont look at the heart rate monitor on the Apple Watch - it just freaks you out when its high. Do not test BP. Sleep on your back or right side, you can feel your heart (naturally) more if sleeping on the left, which freaks you out too.
2. Drink chamomile tea at night, meditate once a day for 20 minutes. Workout once every two days (minimum at least a brisk walk). Drink less, eat healthier. (Should I try soy?)
3. Avoid triggers - no googling health symptoms. No Dr Google.
4. Deep breathe when anxious (even if it doesnt work most of the time)
5. Remember this is menopause and NOT another disease. Occam’s razor - in the absence of all other info, the simplest explanation is usually the correct one
6. Visit this board when anxious and read the symptoms. You are not alone!
7. Your doctor has got your back. So does your husband. And this board!
8. This is not forever. It will pass
Xxx
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Edit by Emma
:medal:
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We’re all in this boat together ladies… all be it a rickety clapped out pirate ship!!!
Those coping tips are great gm…. I keep reminding myself of number 8 ! X
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So its been a few weeks and i was doing quite well I thought. I am mid tests.. bloodwork and ab/vag ultrasounds were normal except they showed I am in unofficial menopause (officially i need to wait 12 months no period, I am at 5 right now). Wore a holter monitor for 48 hours and had an echocardiogram yesterday. Meeting the cardiologist for a stress test and a consult Nov 3. And had minor anxiety and very few hot flashes the last couple weeks. And judging by discharge a period could be on its way. Or not.
So when I was at the cardiologists office the other week for the holter, they did an ekg first. And my heart was pounding out my chest and they decided to do a blood pressure test. Yay. So I was suspecting it would be through the roof but oddly enough she isaid t was ok 135/84. That surprised me given how I was feeling but it made me happier about the whole thing.
So given my elderly parents have high blood pressure, today I decided it would be a good idea, knowing that my BP is generally ok even when stressed, to take my BP at home so that if/when I get high blood pressure when I am older, I can share my home results knowing they are older…. BAD IDEA. I couldn’t get ie below 155/86 and afterward I had a panic attack that wont end. I shouldn’t have looked at it but I was confident that it wouldn’t be bad. That being said I could feel my stress rising as soon as I looked out the device. Now I am trying to calm down and its been 4 hours. Sigh.
FYI i never did go on meds yet. I met the doctor on the 29th and he said they ADs can wait but if i have another 3 day episode then I take the Ativan he gave me if needed and then go on ADS. I am seeing him again next week to review/discuss…
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Hi
This is exactly what happened to me, I took my blood pressure convinced it would be good but it was 160/90 and I flipped. Had anxiety which was hard to shift but now my blood pressure is back to normal.
I think although we think we are calm taking our blood pressure often we are anxious about it without realising.
Your reading isn't that high and everyone has higher readings sometimes.
Put the machine away it will only make you more anxious.
How I hate this health anxiety :(
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That makes total sense! I guess by just thinking about it like that, I can raise it. So weird. Meanwhile when I was totally stressed at the doctor it was fine. I put it away. I imagine it goes up and down all day with what I am doing, its probably when its consistently high then its a problem. Makes me feel calmer knowing you had the same. Although who knows if my BP is high now just discussing it. So dumb.
I ended up going to bed and actually slept ok. Feel a bit less anxious this morning although I have a fluttery feeling inside. Trying to ignore it.
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So… I guess it wasnt over. Last night just before bed, I was feeling fine and suddenly my heart starts racing. I tried to ignore it and go to bed but it was racing like crazy and keeping me awake. So I said F that and thought I would try an Ativan (lorezapam) which my doctor gave me for anxiety episodes. I thought if its anxiety then the racing will stop and I can fall asleep. If its hormonal BS the racing will keep going but the Ativan will help me sleep anyway. And it did, i felt nice and relaxed and finally fell asleep a few hours later. But the racing took till this morning to stop.. a good 6 hours after it started. So its hormonal and not anxiety possibly. Anyone else got intermittent tachycardia like this? I didnt feel anxious but of course now I do cos I am now worried about it!!
I put my Apple Watch on at 1am and could see even after the Ativan it was up at 90/100 but dropped too 75 by 6am and by 10am it was back to mid 60s.
So, anyone else get these racing heart episodes? I am totally going to talk to the cardiologist about it.
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Yes I have the same. Started in 2016 I was already post menopause. Had cardio checks and all ok so went on HRT and it settled down. Came of HRT gradually last year (was getting some headaches, thought it could be HRT) I did it gradually and felt great for 2 months but then terrible health anxiety and palpitations started again. Had to wait until I had more cardiac test before they would put me back on HRT.
Have been back on it now for just over 3 months and I am feeling 90% better and palpitations are only very occasional.
I really can’t believe how terrible the menopause symptoms can
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I think I may need to go on HRT but I am waiting it out for now. But SURPRISE! Got my period today. Been 6 months since the last one. So much for the doctors “unofficial menopause”.. my levels are going up and down like a yo-yo i am guessing and he tested at a menopausal level. The yo-yo explains the symptoms too. Fun!
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Not ......... fun!
Remember: BP should be measured 3 times with a 5 min gap between each, taking the best reading. Also it should be taken at the same time B4 eating. DH would take his at 7.00 a.m.. I don't measure on his machine, probably due to being on BBs :D
........ and breath. Hormonal upheaval can be awful, I felt ill throughout my menstruating years, but at least it was cyclical. I would forget in the better days. Then it would start all over again >:(
Eating regularly helps ease any anxiety surges. Low blood sugar can remain for days, if I miss eating 1 day by noon the next I feel ill and that can last for another 36 hours even when eating again. It takes a while for me to pick up energy. I have safe foods: dried fruits and nuts, bananas, cream crackers, grapes and dates. Bananas help my restless leg feelings too. Gentle exercise. Lots of 'me' time is important. Stop being all things to all people, learn to delegate ;-).
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Wish me luck tomorrow, got my cardiologist appointment and stress test. I am feeling so anxious, i feel stressed enough without a stress test lol!!!!
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I guess nobody cares lol. Oh well I am talking to myself and I already know the results :-\ :'(
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Of course we care, I'm so sorry your post got missed, maybe as it was just after midnight it looked like from the day before if you see what I mean. :-\ How did you get on at your appointment?
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Thats so nice of you to say, its kinda hard given i am in Canada and everyone else is in bed when I am on the board so wasnt really surprised nobody responded. Anyway the cardiologist couldn’t get me out of there fast enough. He said your hearts fine, its probably menopause bye bye. I had all these questions about three days of racing heart, and reaction to booze etc but i could tell he thought I was wasting his time so I just left. And I will assume its all menopausal stuff.
My BP was high as expected but he didn't mention it so assume he thinks its all stress. I am not sure I am happy with the appointment but if he says my heart is fine then its fine.
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Sorry for the late reply…. I care !!!
How disappointing to get that response from the cardiologist… you would think that he would be more compassionate and allow more time for his patients to voice their concerns, considering he is dealing with the heart!
It’s good news everything ok… at least you know that.
Hormones can mess with absolutely everything… these scary symptoms are at least explained by menopause.
Where are you going from here? Are you considering HRT? X