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[Jacksbquik]

Well, friends, after putting my body through test after test since July (thinking there was something wrong with me) and in and out of the ER and doctors' offices, with all tests coming back normal, I am finally going on an SSRI tomorrow. It's filled and waiting for me, so I can't wait to get to the pharmacy. I never thought I would ever in my life have this level of anxiety. I've always been a chill, pretty unexcitable person who was unafraid of anything. Since July, I've had an indescribable level of health anxiety. I pretty much sailed through peri with just some hot flashes (which weren't terrible) and some heart palps. I've been in post for about 16-18 months and have had so so so many symptoms, then the anxiety kicked in, which of course made the symptoms worse and probably brought on some others. I don't even know which was real or not. Anyway, cheers to us bad asses for surviving this bull**** and TY all for listening:)
Modified to say that I am not and have never been on HRT because of a stroke 4 years ago. (I am fine from the stroke...it was due to a hole in my heart that i didn't know I had and has since been closed)

[debbyx]

Hope all goes well ,   I am exactly the same as you. I have been suffering so badly with panic and anxiety attacks and all the tests have shown nothing. I am also not on HRT but up until now I have just been very reluctant to take any type of antidepressant, I hope it works for you keep us updated.

[CLKD]

Morning.  Do give the medication time to work.   Which has been prescribed and which symptoms did U need to ease first?

[Old Frumpy]

Good luck and I agree give it time.  You will get through.
 
My early stages some years ago really copy your problems.  GP's never even mentioned peri or menopause or linked VA with my anxiety and panic attacks.  Looking back the clear indication was the nightmare soreness and burning. Waking with panic attacks and a utter feeling of despare.  Found a medication that helped.

Take care and if you wobble at first it will settle must give it a good try plus there are many others to try.

[Jacksbquik]

Hope all goes well ,   I am exactly the same as you. I have been suffering so badly with panic and anxiety attacks and all the tests have shown nothing. I am also not on HRT but up until now I have just been very reluctant to take any type of antidepressant, I hope it works for you keep us updated.

Yes, up until now I was reluctant also only because I didn't want to deal with side effects. But, at this point, I am pretty desperate because my nervous system is constantly on overdrive and needs a reset that meditation, sound baths (which I love) yoga, breath work etc are not able to fix. Good luck to you & thank,s so much folr the reply. Solidarity! I will keep you posted.

[Jacksbquik]

Morning.  Do give the medication time to work.   Which has been prescribed and which symptoms did U need to ease first?

Yes my GP said that it will take 4-6 weeks ish for the full effect but even if I get just a little relief slowly that would be great. I was prescribed Lexapro and also Gabapentin for hot flashes.
As far as symptoms I still get the "typical" hot flash and then some heart palps. But also now some lightheadedness with them which didn't happen previously with the flashes. I also get some more atypical warming sensations which I can only describe to doctors as that feeling one gets when one gets imaging done and they inject you with contrast dye. But now some muscle tension & soreness. It's really been one thing after another and because I probably have unresolved PTSD from the stroke, my mind just goes to that "worst case scenario" and "it's all probably meno but what if..." and so then my nervous system has gone into fight or flight and just won't ease up. I mean I also lost some hair (it's coming back thanks to a LOT of product and prescribed topical stuff) and my vagina dried up noticeably around the same time as well. It's all been maddening trying to parse out what is "normal" is what isn't. I feel like I am driving my doctors crazy, although I know it's their job. But it's getting to the point that they are beginning to see me as that "hysterical" patient and I don't blame them in a sense. (I do have a therapist, thank heavens, but talking it out with a therapist can also only do so much. I luckily have an appoinment with my meno specialist next month. TY so much for the reply.

[Jacksbquik]

Good luck and I agree give it time.  You will get through.
 
My early stages some years ago really copy your problems.  GP's never even mentioned peri or menopause or linked VA with my anxiety and panic attacks.  Looking back the clear indication was the nightmare soreness and burning. Waking with panic attacks and a utter feeling of despare.  Found a medication that helped.

Take care and if you wobble at first it will settle must give it a good try plus there are many others to try.

Yes, definitely waking up with panic attacks..silent ones...but my legs just tremble when I'm standing at the sink to a brush my teethnd wash my face in the morning. Soreness, burning..have sent me into panic fore sure because that was new to me. I was used (and could handle typical holt flashes) but the other ways that temperature intolerance shows itself is disconcerting. Thanks so much for your reply:)

[Jacksbquik]

Hope all goes well ,   I am exactly the same as you. I have been suffering so badly with panic and anxiety attacks and all the tests have shown nothing. I am also not on HRT but up until now I have just been very reluctant to take any type of antidepressant, I hope it works for you keep us updated.

Just wanted to give you an update. Day 5 on the med and although it doesn't take full effect until 4-6 weeks, I feel occasionally better. It comes in spurts. So, I do think in time it will make a difference. I just feel so jittery, weak in the knees all the time. Something's gotta give.

[debbyx]

Hi jacksbquik

Glad to hear there is a small improvement
What are you taking.   

I am the same as you I am also very jittery and weak in the legs it scares me and reading your bit about standing at the sink with your legs shaking is just me at the minute.

I have a GP appointment on Friday I think I will have to give antidepressants a go but are reluctant to do so , but I can not go in like this.  Hope in the next few weeks you see a difference.

[Jacksbquik]

Hi jacksbquik

Glad to hear there is a small improvement
What are you taking.   

I am the same as you I am also very jittery and weak in the legs it scares me and reading your bit about standing at the sink with your legs shaking is just me at the minute.

I have a GP appointment on Friday I think I will have to give antidepressants a go but are reluctant to do so , but I can not go in like this.  Hope in the next few weeks you see a difference.

Hey there. I was prescribed Lexapro (very small dose at my request because I am a light weight when it comes to meds) I find there are moments throughout the day that are better. So ready for the full effects to kick in though. I'm also trying this app called Neurotoned. It gives guided exercises & videos to help calm the nervous system. There is a free 7 day trial but I paid $16.99 for a month. I really like it. It was only my second day using it, but I do think it will help as long as I am disciplined enough to keep up with it. Hope you're hanging in there!

[sheila99]

Sorry if this has already been covered but have you considered transdermal hrt as that doesn't increase the risk of stroke? My anxiety (and other symptoms) have completely gone with it.

[Jacksbquik]

Sorry if this has already been covered but have you considered transdermal hrt as that doesn't increase the risk of stroke? My anxiety (and other symptoms) have completely gone with it.

Hi there Sheila99. This is definitely something I have thought about and I have an appointment with my gyn/meno specialist around Dec 5th ish. I will bring it up for sure. Thanks so much. Appreciate your input:)

[CLKD]

Morning - U mention being dry, has any1 suggested Vaginal Atrophy?

[Jacksbquik]

Morning - U mention being dry, has any1 suggested Vaginal Atrophy?

Hey there, CLKD. No, no one has mentioned it, but I have been reading a lot about it on here and I will definitely bring it up to my gyn/menopause specialist at my appointment in a few weeks.