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[Dandelion]

Hi Dandelion.  We are really not being hostile - we are trying to help. We totally understand how you feel  - the sweats and sleepless nights are truly horrid.  I think we are all concerned that you are convinced that a different HRT will make things better when in fact the patches may actually make things worse.  The progesterone in the patches could bring PMT type symptoms and because the oestrogen level is still the same as in Femoston you will not actually get any reduction in the sweats.
Sorry I missed the fact you only sweat in the upper part of your body but it is still true that many women have issues with patches staying in place and as you are having to shower or bath so much because of the sweating this could also be an issue.
It can be very difficult to be objective about what is the best thing to do - especially when you feel so rotten. Your frustration with your GPs and the treatment you are getting doesn't help.  Sadly doctors are human - they have a challenging workload and many of us have experienced that horrid feeling that they simply don't understand and come away from an appointment feeling angry and frustrated. 

A colleague of mine at work was struggling just like you with sweats and poor sleep despite taking HRT and her GP gave her a low dose of Citalopram to take alongside the HRT.  She is a new women - she has lost weight, is far happier and is enjoying life.  There are many women who need this extra bit of help so I am wondering if this route could be an option for you.

This is why I feel you need to go to the next appointment with a slightly different agenda.
Instead of asking for specific things, go with a list of questions e.g.:
Why am I experiencing excessive sweating day and night?
Could there be any other reason, apart from menopause, for this sweating?
Would a blood test show whether I am on too much or too little oestrogen?
Could a blood test show any other issues that could be making me sweat so much?
Do I need a referral to a gynaecologist for further advice about menopause symptom control?
Can you review the other drugs I am taking? (If you are taking anything else?)
Is there anything else I can take alongside the HRT to relieve the sweats and anxiety?
By letting the GP lead the way, in my experience, this brings a far better outcome from an appointment. 
I do hope that is helpful.
Good luck    DG xxx

Hi DG and thanks for your post it is helpful.

You probably missed the faxct that I sweat in the upper body cos I wrote so much stuff.

I just felt upset when taz and hb seemed to feel a bit pi$$ed off with me in their tone, as if they were cross because none of the hrt, which normally helps some women won't help me.

I like the questions you put down for my GP, but to be honest, I am scared to go back because all notes are computerized and all GP's read
the notes, and I fear that they will say that they no longer want to discuss the matter with me, and I will have no choice but to stay as I am.

I see that you can write Dr Currie a question for £25, i was rather hoping i could write her a letter rather than a question.

[CLKD]

Your sweating sounds as though it is caused by another condition and is being hinged on menopause.  There are conditions where people sweat excessively, this really needs (oh have forgotten the word I require  ) oh investigation ………. usually it's sweaty palms or soles of feet, under the arms or in the groin areas. 

Lack of sleep can be demoralising.  1/2 nights a week is bad enough but add to that the possible calming effect of 'nature' being obliterated by the fan 

The written word is static. No one intends to upset other Members.  But because there are no facial expressions and because ladies are sometimes in a state of flux, anxiety and upset, 'words' can be misinterpreted.  No one feels 'pissed' off because the way we learn is by asking, asking, asking; considering how others have reacted to the various medications, yoga, walking etc., deciding if it is suitable for 'our' situations ………

Your GP is unlikely to be too busy to read 'stuff'.  What I would suggest is that you make a double appt., is there a Practice Nurse where you may well have access to 'time' rather than feeling rushed?

[Dancinggirl]

Dandelion - Your GP has a duty to treat you appropriately. If they won't listen to and answer your questions then you have a right to complain about them to the health authority.
I really think if you were to write down the questions I gave you then the appointment would go differently. I don't think you should be frightened of what they put in their notes - they are responsible for your treatment and if your are finding the lack of sleep and the inability to function normally because of the way your feel then they are obliged to take notice. 
You could certainly email Dr. Currie but you do need to give a good account of your medical history, an outline of the symptoms you are getting now and the medication you are taking so she can give you appropriate advice. If you do this then I would also include the questions I have given you as well.
We are all trying to support and help you find a way forward but it does require some bravery on your part to confront this anxiety about the GP and be open to their advice.
As CLKD says:" asking, asking, asking" or I say "questions, questions, questions" - this all means the same - by asking questions your will find an answer.
Prepare for your appointment on the 9th Oct and be positive.   Dg xxxx

[CLKD]

I have found whilst working with medical professionals that they will seem 'ratty' if they have issues from the previous patient; i.e. it must be difficult to listen to the next person when they have possibly given bad news to someone ……. without getting a pause for breath.  I also know that there are so many variations of medication these days that it really is Trial and Error. 

I take a list of worries with me, hand it to my GP and ask him to prioritise.  He and I are of similar age, he has managed my health care for many years and if for any reason he seems dismissive at an appt., I will make another, go back and say "I had my head in the clouds last week could you remind me about …… " - or "Do other ladies have similar problems at my age and if so ……….. " …..

There is a risk nowadays of being struck off patient lists which is why it is essential to build up a working relationship with our health professionals. If necessary I have printed out stuff, taken it to the Surgery and once the GP/Practice Nurse has read it, they will ring the house.  Our Dentist is the same, we get on well.

I know that when the problem is 'ours', it is 'in our face', constant, worrying - it becomes all consuming.  I also know that GPs like to deal with 1 problem per appt., but in menopause all symptoms can run into each other 

[Taz2]

"Anyone in my shoes would be wanting to feel better.

To be honest, your post doesn't help so much either.
It's like your both being hostile.
Why?
Because I am getting hot flushes and sweats, and dare to complain my hrt may not be working"

Dandelion - I can't see anything hostile in my post.  Sorry to have upset you.  I too will be bowing out of this thread to save further misunderstanding.

Taz

[Dandelion]

Dandelion - Your GP has a duty to treat you appropriately. If they won't listen to and answer your questions then you have a right to complain about them to the health authority.
I really think if you were to write down the questions I gave you then the appointment would go differently. I don't think you should be frightened of what they put in their notes - they are responsible for your treatment and if your are finding the lack of sleep and the inability to function normally because of the way your feel then they are obliged to take notice. 
You could certainly email Dr. Currie but you do need to give a good account of your medical history, an outline of the symptoms you are getting now and the medication you are taking so she can give you appropriate advice. If you do this then I would also include the questions I have given you as well.
We are all trying to support and help you find a way forward but it does require some bravery on your part to confront this anxiety about the GP and be open to their advice.
As CLKD says:" asking, asking, asking" or I say "questions, questions, questions" - this all means the same - by asking questions your will find an answer.
Prepare for your appointment on the 9th Oct and be positive.   Dg xxxx

Hi DG

Thank you for your help.

I want to write to Dr Currie, and I want to give her all the info that you stated in your post, but it looks like I can only ask her one question.
I want to give Dr Currie as much info as possible, but how would I go about this if I can only ask one question?
thanks

[CLKD]

You can't.  That is the point of the Forum, we discuss, share expereinces etc..

You could look 'here' to see if there is a meno-clinic or menopause specialist closer to home or within travelling distance? 

Excess perspiration is a different issue so should be investigated separately.  We certainly should not (although we do tend to  ) blame meno for everything ......

Having done a 'search' it seems that excess sweating should be investigated!  It can be symptoms of an under-lying cause ......... too many to list here  .........

[Dancinggirl]

Dandelion - you have to pay for an email consultation with Dr Currie - it costs £25.  You don't have to ask just one question, you give her the information about yourself as I described in my post and ask the questions you would like her to answer. You do need to be concise and accurate otherwise she can't help you.
Give her:
Your age and an outline of your lifestyle.
Tell her when you were diagnosed as peri menopausal and the HRT you are using?
A brief medical history e.g. your experience with valium etc.
Then ask the questions you want her to answer.
You actually only have 2 questions really which are:
"Why am I still sweating so much despite taking Femoston 2/10 sequi? Would a different HRT offer me greater relief or could there be other reasons for this sweating that need to be investigated?"

Here is the link to the MM page you need - you scroll down a bit and there is a section that explains how you email Dr. Currie.
Hope that helps   DG x

[Dandelion]

Dandelion - you have to pay for an email consultation with Dr Currie - it costs £25.  You don't have to ask just one question, you give her the information about yourself as I described in my post and ask the questions you would like her to answer. You do need to be concise and accurate otherwise she can't help you.
Give her:
Your age and an outline of your lifestyle.
Tell her when you were diagnosed as peri menopausal and the HRT you are using?
A brief medical history e.g. your experience with valium etc.
Then ask the questions you want her to answer.
You actually only have 2 questions really which are:
"Why am I still sweating so much despite taking Femoston 2/10 sequi? Would a different HRT offer me greater relief or could there be other reasons for this sweating that need to be investigated?"

Here is the link to the MM page you need - you scroll down a bit and there is a section that explains how you email Dr. Currie.
Hope that helps   DG x

Hi DG and CKLD

I managed to find the link. Thank you for outlining what I need to put in my email to Dr Currie.
As I have two questions, will I need to pay more than £25?
I'm not suffering valium withdrawal symptoms, I know for sure, but I know I have to establish the reason for this flushing and sweating.
I will tell her what meds I am on.
Thank you for bearing with me.

[Dancinggirl]

You won't have to pay twice - really both questions relate to the same issue.
When I mentioned about the valium it was to illustrate the type of thing you need to tell her about your past medical history.  She needs to know that you have had other health and depression issues as this will help her advice you correctly.
I believe you are very anxious about everything at the moment - which is very understandable - but you do need to be clear about your past and current health situation  - otherwise nobody can help you.
DG x

[CLKD]

Type out your queries if you like before sending to Dr Currie.  That way you will be precise.

Let us know how you get on!  and do ask your Practice Nurse/GP what other conditions might be causing the sweating as you describe.

[Dandelion]

Hi DG and CKLD

Thank you. I will type out my question before asking Dr Currie.

thanks

[Dandelion]

Dandelion - you have to pay for an email consultation with Dr Currie - it costs £25.  You don't have to ask just one question, you give her the information about yourself as I described in my post and ask the questions you would like her to answer. You do need to be concise and accurate otherwise she can't help you.
Give her:
Your age and an outline of your lifestyle.
Tell her when you were diagnosed as peri menopausal and the HRT you are using?
A brief medical history e.g. your experience with valium etc.
Then ask the questions you want her to answer.
You actually only have 2 questions really which are:
"Why am I still sweating so much despite taking Femoston 2/10 sequi? Would a different HRT offer me greater relief or could there be other reasons for this sweating that need to be investigated?"

Here is the link to the MM page you need - you scroll down a bit and there is a section that explains how you email Dr. Currie.
Hope that helps   DG x

Hi DG

Hope you can help. You've helped loads already.
I prepared what I will write to Dr Currie, please could you see if it is ok.
Pls see italic text below - thanks

debilitating flushing and sweating in upper body only for approx 4-5 years, getting worse in the last 18months. Cannot tolerate heat, cannot sleep without fan, disrupting life.
Mistook sweating and flushing to be caused by valium withdrawals, but this was not the case as I did a very slow taper off valium, took 5 years to get off 15mg valium, and one year to get off the last 1mg as I thought the upper body flushing and sweating was a withdrawal symptom but it wasnt.
Got IBS-diarrhoea about a year ago.
age 48. diagnosed with perimenopause 12months ago. Took femoston sequi 1/10 did not work to stop upper body flushes and sweats. went onto femoston 2/10 in January 2014, it has had no effects. Other meds, trazodone 150mg a day, quetiapine 12.5mg, propranolol and promethazine prn. Had upper body flushes and sweats before starting any of these meds.
Original hormone blood test was ambiguous result and a repeat test was advised but GP was happy to prescribe me hrt as she could see I was flushing and sweating on my upper body.
Was offered patches or pills at the time and I took pills.
Visited GP on Friday to ask for patches as femoston not working at all, but GP reluctant to prescribe patches as I have had some migraine auras without headaches.
"Why am I still sweating so much despite taking Femoston 2/10 sequi? Would a different HRT offer me greater relief or could there be other reasons for this sweating that need to be investigated?"

[ellie66]

Hi Dandelion,

That looks fine to me.

Ellie

[Dandelion]

Hi Ellie, thanks, I will copy and paste it to Dr Currie.