Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Personal Experiences => Topic started by: widget49 on January 26, 2016, 10:11:42 AM
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Hi ladies.
I posted on here a few times, around 4 or 5 years ago. I was described as post menopausal at the age of 38. It was truly shocking at the time. I was single, lonely and childless, and basically went to pieces. I felt like a failure, lost all sense of femininity and slumped into a deep depression. I barely slept and every day was a sweaty, upsetting slog. Then I found out I already had osteoporosis. Life was over as far as I could see.
The support and understanding shown by the ladies on this forum was wonderful. It helped me get through bad days. That said, I had a hard time in feeling I was way to young to be having those discussions.
I just wanted to reflect on how I felt then, compared to where I am now. After a lot of juggling with medication, my mood stabilised, flushes reduced, I started getting better sleep and had the confidence to gain promotion at work. The best part is I started dating and met the most wonderful man, who I now live with. We have cats rather than babies, but I'm at peace with that now. I've gotten fit and life is better than ever.
I just wanted to share a positive story, as I know that some of you won't be able to see light at the end of the tunnel just now. Hang in there, be good to yourselves and take support from those who love you.
Wishing you all the best of health
Lynne xx
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What a wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing.
Really pleased you got a life back and are now happy :foryou:
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Widget - What a lovely happy story.
I'm so pleased for you.
Thank you so much for posting it.
:thankyou: :cancan: :cat88:
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That's great to hear ! :)
What medication regime worked/helped you ?
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Wonderful post! Thank you!
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Thanks for posting. I think we all need to hear a message of hope some days. So glad things are on the up for you xx
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:thankyou: 4 the up-date!
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Thanks all for your kind words.
I take HRT, 2mg of Climagest and Citalopram, an anti depressant. I dropped the dose of Citalopram last year, but I'm not in a hurry to stop altogether. I also take iron now, as I had a tendency towards anaemia.
A few other things have helped. I ditched the duvet for a light blanket. I started taking proper exercise and took up gardening which I absolutely love, my energy levels and peace of mind are much better. Fresh air is good for the soul! I also had some counselling, which helped me talk through the sadness of not being anyone's Mum. I'm a good Aunty though and that's a lot better than nothing. I don't feel I need to apologise for that now, in spite of the odd thoughtless comment.
Above all, I became more open and honest with a few close people rather than isolating myself from friends like I had done before. Having people to catch you when you fall is important, and I appreciate that every day. Asking for help doesn't make you weak.
I still have the odd wobble, but who doesn't? :-)
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So good to hear what works for you and as you say dont be in a hurry to change what works ,if it aint broke...... ;)
Better weather soon be here for your blooming garden :)
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Thanks so much for posting this - your 'before' description could have been written about me. It's so encouraging to hear there is light at the end of the tunnel...and it's not from an approaching train ;D
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Asking for help doesn't make you weak.
thank you for saying this, I am learning this only now and said it to a good friend and neighbour only today. Trying to be strong for too long has made me ill and I am having to be honest and reinvent myself. It is hard and painful and will not happen overnight but your timely post has given me cause to smile so thank you :)
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Such lovely ladies on here.
Sorry to hear you're struggling Babyjane. Being honest with ourselves and others is so important. Don't see it as reinventing yourself, that can sound scary and overwhelming. Small, gradual change is best I think. Baby steps so to speak.
And Dorothy, stay away from trains unless you're using it to ride through the tunnel :-)
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"Unto thine own self be true" ;)
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thank you widget, perhaps reinventing was the wrong word but the old me was no good for me and as I come to understand better what made me the person I was, I think things will improve.
Suffice to say it was the menopause that brought all this to a head and I am finding it very helpful to be able to lay it down to people who understand :hug:
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Hello widget.
I would also like to thank you for your inspirational messages.
Your comments reminded me of a friend of my mother's who was an ' Auntie' to me. She was lovely and took a special interest in me which was wonderful. I think these sort of relationships can be so life enhancing for all concerned and I hope that being a good Auntie brings you joy.
Wishing you well and take care.
K.
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Thanks so much for posting this widget and so happy to read this today, thank you xxx
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What an inspiring post 🌟🌟🌟
:thankyou:
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Great news........
Wishing you all the happiness for the future ;)
Wxx
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What a beautiful encouraging post, It's really inspiring to know that even when life seems so unfair there is always hope :bighug:
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Really needed to read this... I'm 38 and feeling very down about recent perimenopause, thank you so much 💕
Hi ladies.
I posted on here a few times, around 4 or 5 years ago. I was described as post menopausal at the age of 38. It was truly shocking at the time. I was single, lonely and childless, and basically went to pieces. I felt like a failure, lost all sense of femininity and slumped into a deep depression. I barely slept and every day was a sweaty, upsetting slog. Then I found out I already had osteoporosis. Life was over as far as I could see.
The support and understanding shown by the ladies on this forum was wonderful. It helped me get through bad days. That said, I had a hard time in feeling I was way to young to be having those discussions.
I just wanted to reflect on how I felt then, compared to where I am now. After a lot of juggling with medication, my mood stabilised, flushes reduced, I started getting better sleep and had the confidence to gain promotion at work. The best part is I started dating and met the most wonderful man, who I now live with. We have cats rather than babies, but I'm at peace with that now. I've gotten fit and life is better than ever.
I just wanted to share a positive story, as I know that some of you won't be able to see light at the end of the tunnel just now. Hang in there, be good to yourselves and take support from those who love you.
Wishing you all the best of health
Lynne xx
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Hi Mrsgeeley
Sorry your post got missed - I always forget to look at the pinned posts!
Also sorry to hear you are feeling down. Do introduce yourself in the new members section and tell us a little more about yourself - I know there are others also going through this who are young like you are and you will find plenty of help and support :)
Hurdity x :welcomemm:
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Hello Mrsgeeley.
I agree with Hurdity in that pinned posts are easily missed by other forum members. Please post elsewhere and you will find much more support.
Wishing you well.
K.
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Thank you for posting this... I am really struggling with this whole menopause thing. Emotionally I feel a wreck. I feel like my life is over and that I'm a worthless being. Everything I knew about myself is changing - I used to be a highly motivated, professional woman - now I can't even string 2 sentences together. I used to be slim... now I feel like a tank. Totally unattractive... I know it sounds shallow and pathetic but that's how it is. I used to enjoy going for meals with wine.. now if I eat I feel like I'm just going to make my size worse and therefore everything I enjoyed before is dead to me too. What do others do? I'm on hrt, but palpitations and sweats are still there. Do I just need to get over myself? Accept this is how it's going to be?
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Oh Helen, you poor thing.
Of course you're not worthless or a tank.
If you're still getting sweats and palpitations it sounds like your HRT regime might not be quite right. Could you tell us a bit more about you and what you're taking? Maybe start a new thread as you might get lost here?
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Hi Helen, you sound so sad. Could you go to the New Members section and start a new thread introducing yourself there. I am a little concened that your post might not get noticed in the middle of this thread, especially as it is quite an old thread.
I would hate for you to not get the wonderful support and advice that is here for the taking because your post is missed.
:welcomemm:
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Hi Helen- like the girls have said you might be missed here and there are so many of us that can relate and hopefully reassure you - thinking of you tonight. :bighug: DaisyB xx
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Helen what your feeling i promise you 99% of us have felt.
All i can suggest is little goals its what i did. I also went meno at 37 ohhh
My lifes ovet hubbie wont want me son wont need me etc etc B......
It took a few years but i realised im the same person i always was just no periods.
Oh i was quite nasty quite angry quite hateful at times. No hrt cos of family history.
Im now 60 odd no periods since 1996. Im on Vagifem due to sever Atrophy.
My only regret is if i could go back id demand hrt not for any other reason but Atrophy.
As for weight its probably pills. How your feeling will pass. As for palpitations
Beta blocas stopped ine cead in its track's. I dont take them regularly just when i get the scarey feeling and the symptoms couple of weeks taking them im fine then i decrease them and then stop. Make little goals weekend away. Pictures and finner out.
Visit freinds. Have freinds over. Its important you make yourself do things hugs SuziQ x
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Hi Helen36
:welcomemm:
It does get better - and the great news is this is largely in your hands provided you don't have too many other health issues :). Yes do introduce yourself elsewhere so that more members can welcome you!
Hurdity x
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Thank you for your positive post. I can relate to how you felt in your 30's. My GP in my 30's sent off a blood sample to find out how low my hormone count was, not a good reply, my dob was queried by 30 years+. Outwardly I was in my 30's, inwardly in my 60's. That must make my insides over 90 by now ;D It's lovely to hear that you now have a wonderful man in your life, a job you seem to be enjoying and life is looking bright. I wish you well for your future together.
Carole
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Hi ladies.
I posted on here a few times, around 4 or 5 years ago. I was described as post menopausal at the age of 38. It was truly shocking at the time. I was single, lonely and childless, and basically went to pieces. I felt like a failure, lost all sense of femininity and slumped into a deep depression. I barely slept and every day was a sweaty, upsetting slog. Then I found out I already had osteoporosis. Life was over as far as I could see.
The support and understanding shown by the ladies on this forum was wonderful. It helped me get through bad days. That said, I had a hard time in feeling I was way to young to be having those discussions.
I just wanted to reflect on how I felt then, compared to where I am now. After a lot of juggling with medication, my mood stabilised, flushes reduced, I started getting better sleep and had the confidence to gain promotion at work. The best part is I started dating and met the most wonderful man, who I now live with. We have cats rather than babies, but I'm at peace with that now. I've gotten fit and life is better than ever.
I just wanted to share a positive story, as I know that some of you won't be able to see light at the end of the tunnel just now. Hang in there, be good to yourselves and take support from those who love you.
Wishing you all the best of health
Lynne xx
Well done glad your happy xxxx
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Nice Information....
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Thank you for sharing a wondefful message of hope for happiness xxx
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I am a newbie to this site, already finding it a godsend! i just want to thank you for your post, it gives me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel
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Thank you
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I too would like to chip in with my message of hope too. I'm really happy as the sh level test I had came back at 76 and post menopausal. Thats it then as far as I'm concerned, i did it !!
I have had 4 natural births and after periods up until 2 yrs ago. I have had no issues with fibroids or other gyny problems.
I am celebrating the fact that my body menstruated, birthed, lactated and went through menopause and shot me out the other end, older wiser and proud !
I have experienced hot flushes, insomnia and weight gain and a low thyroid but they have all been under control this past year and I have never taken hrt or hormone supplements.
I am in awe of my body and its ability to do all that it can. We women should celebrate the wonder of it and our strength.
We are awesome <3
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Great to hear your inspiring post xx
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Thank you and glad you're in a better place
It's so good to see thr success stories as it's hum nature to vanish once life is back on track so the forums tend to,be filled with posts that lean toward the negative hard times
Best of luck in your life x
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Thank you so much. What a bit to read your post. Hope you realise what a positive impact reading your story will have on those struggling. Such a kind thing to do. I wish you continued happiness and health :thankyou: :thankyou:
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Yes there is marilynchaisson - I hope the post have given you hope. For some us it's a really struggle but it can get easier for most. It has taken me 3 years in total and 7 months on new hrt regime to start to feel better - some slog but just don't give up.
Are you joining our happy band and looking for help?
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It's great to hear messages of hope and to know that there is often light at the end of the tunnel..
I am 1 yr 7 months post menopause.
About a yr after last period I had foot joint stiffness/ache and quite intense hot flushes/ night sweats. I took hrt but it was really bad for me and I came off it after only 2 months. I am glad that I did as my symptoms have got less and less since and I now only have mild hot flushes now and again. If I was still taking hrt I would not have known that my symptoms are all but gone.. x
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I would just like to share a quick insight to my perimenopause story!
10 months ago I was suddenly hit by constant crying for no reason, unable to sleep,lost a stone in weight within 6 weeks and worst of all crippling anxiety! I had the perfect life and a wonderful family bit none of that mattered at the time! I went to se my GP and was put straight one Femostan 1mg tablets! Long story short, I have tried 3 different types of HRT and only now am I able to say I am getting some of my life back! I am currently on 2 pumps estradiol gel and 0.5mg Zumenon 100mg progesterone for 7 days along with melatonin for sleep and problems and vitamins! I'm still hoping things will improve more as time goes on. I have Testosterone which I will start in a few weeks time to see if it helps with fatigue problems but for now I am content with where I am and keeping everything crossed my severe symptoms do not return! Good luck to everyone it will get better it is just finding the right balance of treatment
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So good to hear good news, I am smiling as I write this. Thank you! xxx
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A lot of this sounds similar to me. I'm 41 now.
Did you have any treat for osteoporosis and if so how is it now? Thanks
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That brought tears to my eyes. It’s really helpful to hear a positive story and I’m so sorry you’ve had such a hard time.!