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[casakelsey]

I have constant hot flushes which are always preceded by a feeling of terror of what I don't know I seem to spend most of my time in a state of fear, tearfulness, lack of interest in everything & trembling inside which makes me feel really ill.

I haven't felt like me for years. I am 57 & have always been a busy active fit person but now just tired, miserable & in constant pain. I seem to have lost the ability to enjoy anything in life anymore & have to really force myself to get up in the morning.

Have been on antidepressants for 2 years but I have just come off them as to be honest I really didn't feel much better & hated taking them.

My Gp doesn't agree with Hrt & has never once indicated that my symptoms are due to menopause, so did a full blood test & he said results were all fine I don't think he checked hormone levels. He said aches & pains are due to getting older!!!!!!!!!

Blood pressure is fine, I don't smoke or drink, maybe 5 alcoholic drinks a year, birthday, Christmas, New year. I have always been healthy, slim & athletic so I'm finding this so hard. I suffer terrible anxiety my husband has been fantastic but I feel so guilty about what I put him through.

So glad I found this site it's so reassuring to know that my symptoms are due to the menopause & I'm not alone.

Casakelsey. x

[kpatton56]

Hi Casakelsey
I am sorry you are feeling so low. I can relate to some of what you are describing. The awful anxiety, inner tremor and flushes are very common menopause symptoms. I think you should see a different GP and ask for a referral to a menopause clinic. There you will see someone with specialist knowledge. I found the clinic very helpful and any doubts re hrt were put to rest. While it doesn't take away all symptoms it helps a lot and gives you the ability to enjoy life again. You have taken the first step on your road to recovery by joking this forum. It's a great help to know that others understand. K x

[LizeeeH]

hello

You are not alone! Im your age and like you have always kept fit, don't smoke but do like a glass of wine

I was laughed out of my GP's by a female Dr when I asked if all my joint pains were the menopause so I really didn't bother going back! I didn't want HRT anyway just some advice When I get out of bed I hobble like an old witch.....quite fitting now Halloweens near! but I do push myself to keep fit....I do 15 miles a day on my mountain bike, it helps my mind more than my body....Ive tried doing my weights in the gym but that's a bit too painful on shoulder joints etc.
My anxiety is health....I worry about it all the time, the joys of getting old

Liz xxxxx

[Dancinggirl]

casakelsey - welcome to MM
GPs are really the limit - it sounds pretty obvious that you suffering quite badly with menopause symptoms and you are not too old to give HRT a try to see if it might help.  How long is it since you had a period? Even if theory had tested yrou oestrogen levels, if you are post meno then the very low level would simply show this.  Each women experiences the meno differently and I believe over 50% suffer quite distressing meno symptoms for many years - it's just there is still so much taboo about the meno and GPs are reluctant to treat with HRT due to the 'now dicredited' scares from the study back in 2002. I am 59 and still on HRT - I tried being without it but I find life is too difficult. I use a very low dose and give me my 'quality of life'.
Is there another GP in the practise you can see who might take a better view? Perhaps ask if you can be referred to meno clinic? I would actually ask if you could try HRT - perhaps try Femoston Conti 1/5  which is often tolerated well as the progesterone is kinder. Keep us posted.  DG x

[Hurdity]

Hi casakelsey

  from me too.

I agree with the others - your treatment has been abominable! How dare the doctor say that obvious menopausal symptoms are not due to menopause. I mean hot flushes? Duh....! Also how dare he saddle you with his agreement or not re HRT - the studies and recommendations speak for themselves and the guidelines bear this out. it is your right to be prescribed with HRT if you want it, and are not medically contra-indicated. Do read up as much as you can from this site - look at the risks of HRT for example here: http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/balance.php You will see that for women aged under 60 and experiencing menopause symptoms, the benefits exceed the risks.

Please go back and  see a different doc or ask to be referred to a menopause clinic if there is no-one in the practice who understands menopause.

Personally if starting HRT at 57 I would use transdermal HRT ie patch or gel, maybe with separate progesterone if possible (some women don't get on with the continuous progestogens in the combi patches), if you want to go on post 60 - otherwise start with the very low dose Femoston which is 0.5 mcg oestrogen (first product on this page: http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/postmeno.php) as your body has been without for so long.

Good luck and let us know how you get on - you will find lots of help and support on here 

Hurdity x

[casakelsey]

Thank you all for your advice I spend half my life in Spain but want to move permanently back to Uk as I miss my 2 daughters & Grandchildren so much. I think this is making me feel worse.

I will definitely go back to Gp & make him take note & I'll try HRT I really thought it was too late to go on it. If he refuses then I will get a referral to meno clinic or change Gp.

I had some really bad news yesterday my 33 year old daughter has been diagnosed with breast cancer They have an 11month old little boy. Hopefully she's caught it early enough. In Spain at the moment but flying back next Friday to support them through this so I definitely need to improve how I feel to have the energy to take care of her & my Grandson while her husband continues to work.

Feeling angry at the moment life can be so unfair, she's never smoked or drank to excess she's slim & keeps fit & the treatment she will need may put her into an early menopause. They also will have to harvest her eggs to give them any chance of another baby by ivf.

We will get through this & she will be fine of that I am sure, I have to be.

Casakelsey. xx

[dazned]

 

What a lot you have on your plate, bless you. Hope everything goes well for all your family.

[casakelsey]

Thank you Dazned.

Casakelsey x

[vickypk]

Hello.
I went through exactly the same thing regarding the anxiety. I just felt terrified all the time. I had never been like that before. I tried citalopram and I couldn't get on with those.
I asked my GP if I could try HRT patches. For the past 3 months I am feeling better and feel back to normal. The other things I have done is to cut out sugar from my diet and I am also doing the Linden Method. I hope this helps.
Vickypkx

[CLKD]

Your GP isn't allowed to voice their personal opinions, they are paid to provide a Service.  Go back and ask for a Referral to a Gynaecologist or a Menopause Clinic.  You could look at the Qualifications that the other GPs in your Practice have, you need to look for ones that have taken an interest in womens' health.  Or chat with your Practice Nurse?

I would go back and ask whether they agree with anything that the NHS is supposed to provide  -  would they say 'no' to someone having a heart attack or would they not advise a pregnant lady? 

When I was 16 and asked to go on The Pill my GP at the time asked 'What would you say if I told you I was a Catholic
and didn't believe in The Pill?'  - "I would tell you that your personal views shouldn't come into your job as  GP" and his reply, 'You are SO like your Father' - me: "I will remain like Dad until you prove he isn't my Father!" 

[orchid]

Vickypk does the Linden method work? Do you mind explaining a bit about it, what is it and how much does it costs.

[jedigirl]

Your symptoms sound about as typically menopausal as you can get, I don't understand your GPs reaction at all. Gather information from this site as to what treatment/advice you are after and go back in guns blazing! I wouldn't go back to the same GP. Ring the surgery and enquire which GP has an interest in menopause and book in with that GP.
Sorry to hear your daughter is unwell. I have two close friends who have had breast cancer. Both are through their treatment and doing very well. Be kind to yourself while you are going through all this. Rest plenty, eat well. Hugs x
jedigirl

[CLKD]

I didn't drink, take drugs nor smoke.  I had a lump removed which had changes so underwent radiation therapy in 1995/6.  Still here!

You can read the menus, make notes then see a GP who has an interest in womens' health!  Let us low how you get on.

[vickypk]

Hi Orchid
Regarding the Linden Method.  The Method was devised by Charles Linden, he suffered from anxiety for many years.  It is easily accessible from the internet and costs roughly £100.  For this you get a book, CDs and DVDs.  You also get phone and email support for one year. 
Basically it tells you not to concentrate on your feelings but to focus on what you are doing and what you enjoy doing.  You can give yourself little rewards daily for your successes.  I still felt very anxious for a long time and didn't think it was helping at first, but continued with it and found I was slowly improving.
Last year I was very bad with the anxiety and couldn't leave the house and now a year later I am out with friends every day and enjoying everything.
I hope this is helpful.
Vickypkx

[CLKD]

Wish it were that easy