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[england43]

Hi Everyone,
My name is Louise. I have been on here before. When I got to 50 and went into the menopause I went straight onto HRT. When i got 2009 i developed Atrial Fibrillation of the heart so my cardiologist said to come off HRT which I wasent happy about as I knew it was protecting my bones as Osteoperosis is in my family. I had AF for three full years with two heart operations. Since then i have had the most terrible hot flushes. I didnt get Vaginal Atrophy until i was 60 i was in a relationship and i just couldnt have sex. I was mortified. I didnt want to use Vagifem but i had to in the end and it has definately helped. I started getting terrible water infections thre years ago and a bad kidney infection for three months. My water infections have been persistent and im not finally seeing a urologist. My hot flushes have got worse and im very worried about that sometimes im just sweat and my hair gets wet which is very embarrassing at work let alone extremely uncomfortable. my fatigue is very bad and I also have osteoarthiritis and fibromyalgia. My life is marred by pain, fatigue and feel very low. I dont know here to turn or what to do. icant sleep and its destroying my life. any help would be greatly received. 
Thanks
Louise

[Suzi Q]

You are not alone ok
My story pre meno 37 post meno 42. No hrt mini pill and ovestin 2 years after last period
Worked till 08 when i developed atrophy 10 i used Vagifem 25 m stopped m8ni pill
Ok for most of the time just odd blip 15 vagifem down to 10m discontinued 25m
Never been the same i use one 10m every night got 8bs which when i go the acid from the yuk irritates bottom which irritat3s outer vaginal opening i go every day so its there daily
I try to put off going im 100% till i go to the loo! Ive had Atrophy 9 yrs this m9nth my lady bits have shriveled disappeared in to the skin i look prepubescent and it gets burny.
Yet inside im very wet vagifem slideds in I have hot flushes i sweat my hair gets soaked too. So your not alone ok. Chin up xxxx

[Hurdity]

Hi england43

Sorry to hear about your ongoing problems. Has your heart condition been sorted out now?  I gather you are now 60 - but I wonder if you are able to ask to be referred to a menopause specialist in view of your continued flushes and also because of your bladder infections - not being sufficiently controlled by local oestrogen? You may be able to re-start a low dose HRT, patches for example or the ultra low-dose Femoston, under supervision and depending on your heart? Some women need full HRT to help with bladder symptoms as well as local oestrogen -  Maryjane and ancient runner are two such members. There are also stronger local oestrogen - Estring for example - that can be used instead of Vagifem - or you can use this more often than maybe you are doing?

Have you had other conditions ruled out re your fibromyalgia eg thyroid, or low testosterone? A full endocrine screening as well as gynaecological advice may well reap benefits.

Let us know what you decide and how things progress.

Hurdity x

[england43]

Hi there
Im back again. I really am suffering with the most horrendous hot flushes it seems to have got worse. I feel weak no energy still ache all over with osteoarthiritis and fibro and have a sacro joint problem I am still using from time to time Vagifem but im worried about losing my hair as i read somewhere that your hair can get thin using this product. But i still use and my hair is actually getting thin. im still getting water infections and feel thoroughly miserable. im still working not retired and am worried because when im stressed i sweat even more.

Louise x

[Mary G]

Louise, you should not have to live with those symptoms so I think it's time to take matters into your own hands.  You can either go to your GP and insist on HRT and if they refuse, get a private prescription - please read Professor Studd's website, he is an expert on the menopause and he does telephone consultations in that helps.

I realise you have a heart condition but you have to think about quality of life and it is unacceptable to expect anyone to live with the symptoms you have.

In your position, I would take HRT without a shadow of doubt.

I hope that helps.

[CLKD]

Vagifem should be used regularly.  Quality of Life Girl, Quality of Life!

I would also suggest: read Professor Studd's website and make notes.  Give his Secretary a ring to see what he is likely to advise for ladies with your medical history.  Some Consultants are too scared or too insular within their speciality to be able to see outside the box as it were.  So someone with actual HRT knowledge may give a different slant on what would help you.

   what have you to lose?

[Mary G]

CLKD, that's a great, positive post and as you say, too many consultants are too scared to think outside the box.

Professor Studd understands how HRT interacts with other medical conditions and is not dogmatic which is why he is so successful and has changed the lives of so many women.

[england43]

Hello Everyone
thank you so so much for your advice im going straight onto Professor Studds website thank you.

 
Louisex

[england43]

im also going to continue using Vagifem.

What is the best low dose HRT patch I can have im not up on the HRT anymore.

[CLKD]

    

I have worked with Consultants who wouldn't think outside what the symptoms in front of them might have been causing problems for the patient: I have also worked with some who had Case Conferences for patients with multiple problems ....... when that person attended a particular Hospital Clinic the other Consultants concerned with on-going treatment programmes would either attend that appt. or the patient would go to their Ward fro further consultation.

It seems that things have changed in that there is very little sharing of info. in order to get to the bottom of problems nor do Consultants have follow-ups but tend to send letters to the GPs with suggestions of treatment.  So that comes out of the Surgery budgets rather than the Hospital monies.  Neither of which benefits anyone!

Do a re-load of the Vagifem and then use as it suits, some ladies need it every night.