A laundry list of 'minor' health woes, what to do?

[ThornyThicket]

I've been feeling rubbish for months and don't know where to start.

I went to my GP with a few issues that I think are menopause-related but she was a bit meh about it all. I had other issues beforehand (migraine sufferer, aches and pains) and I feel like everything's too much for me to cope with and like I need a coach of some sort to talk me through it all.

Is there such a thing as a health coach who can help me to get a grip? I basically need someone who would do for me what the vet does for my pets: tell me what to do, what to eat, and provide any treatment necessary. Sounds ridiculous but that's it really.

Ideas? Yes, I'm lost!

My brother gets a yearly medical through his work. It's really thorough and they offer advice about what to do for any issues and refer on if needed.

I thought this would be great for me to pay for as I tend to not bother GP with little things and then they turn into many big things.

It cost £700.

I have to stick to just googling stuff. And getting library books about health.

How old are you? Are you on HRT?

What's work like for you? Like you I thought my issues were menopause related, but something happened at work and it was like a switch had been flipped. I slept through the night for the first time in many months and have done so consistently since. I've since come to the conclusion it was stress related depression and I'm now looking at what to do to make sure it doesn't recur.

@Sunnysidegold honestly I would pay £700 if I had to but it seems ridiculous given that it’s presumably what a GP should be helping me with. And if I needed further tests or treatment presumably I’d then have to pay for it myself? I just want to be taken seriously. If it was say £300 I probably would!

@Chewbecca I’m 50, no HRT, I do feel like it would help but I’m not a doctor. I can’t really do much as I constantly have low-level hot flushes that make me feel like I’m coming down with something. Not ridiculously hot but just very warm like I’m unwell.

@WeAreTheHeroes I’m under an immense amount of stress for many reasons including 2 DCs with special needs, suspected ADHD and autism in one - and probably me as well - and being a cancer survivor, RSI that has just reappeared after many years and also foot problems that appeared literally overnight (bunions)! I walked out of the doctor this morning and cried. I just don’t know where to turn.

(Trigger warning: I am not suicidal but almost every week I have the feeling that I just can’t do this any more, it’s all too much. I feel like I can never catch a break.)

It’s just all too much and I feel like I can’t get help from anyone.

I would really recommend HRT as a starting point. That feeling of 'I can't do this' is one of the key issues HRT addressed for me.

Book another appointment with your GP and ask outright for it based on your list of symptoms. They probably will wish to do bloods to rule out other causes of your symptoms (e.g. vitamin deficiencies), once they are done - you should have your HRT prescription. Try it out and see how you get on.

@Chewbecca she ummed and erred and said she could get my hormone levels and thyroid checked but she didn’t think they’d show anything, to which I agreed; I have blood tests so often, surely they’d know if there was something going on? (Obvs I realise my cancer tests do not check my thyroid or hormones!)

I’m also really, really forgetful and confused lately, could that be related? I put it down to stress and cognitive overload. Have had a brain scan recently for migraines and everything looked tip-top so no worries about anything more sinister right now.

I meant to add: thank you. It’s so nice to have someone offer me an opinion and suggestion, instead of having to try to navigate absolutely fucking everything myself.

I find myself thinking, did I seriously endure chemo for THIS? Because it’s no kind of a life.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations

Worth a read of the NICE guidance on menopause and if necessary taking it to the appointment with you.

The group of doctors surgeries I work for have health coaches and also well-being advisors and mental health nurses. Ask if you can see one of the above or a ACP who will be able to help you more.

I am so sorry for the way you are feeling. Personally I would start by looking at my physical health. Are you eating well and drinking enough fluid. I would take a multi-vitamin containing iron. {everyone told me that my bloods were normal, one GP gave me one Ferrous Sulphate daily, and I felt a different person} Blood tests can come back within the normal range, but individually, we may need a higher level. If you think that you might be depressed, try St. John'n Wort capsules, which is used in Germany before other medication. Drink plenty of milk and a little cheese for your calcium. Keep a diary of what you eat, and record when you have a migraine. And have your eyes tested. Hope you feel better soon xxx

If your GP doesn't have health coaches / wellbeing advisors you might have a local social prescribing service who can do some bits. They won't do medication usually but would do lifestyle bits, diet, tailored exercise etc.