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Menopause

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Original poster

Hrt patches and ads?

186 replies

Baddz · 29/06/2015 20:53

My go thinks I am in menopause/peri menopause.
I am 42 and am having lots of troubling symptoms, and my periods are now slightly irregular and only last 2/3 days (instead of 7)
I am getting horrendous hot flushes.
Headaches, nausea, need to wee all the time, almost psychotic rage the week before my period, hugely sore boobs, palpitations....it's really really affecting the quality of my life.
I have had a blood test and an ecg andI am hoping to see her again on weds.
Has anyone used patches and ads together?
That's her suggestion.
I am all for anything that could make me feel better tbh :(

OP posts:
PeterSpots · 08/07/2015 18:43

Hello, went to see gynaecologist. He wants a colleague to do cycoscopy on Friday to rule out interstitial cystitis and wants me to stop the hrt as I have felt worse the last couple of weeks but thinking about it I started to feel worse a week before I tried it so I may finish this cycle. Hopefully my bladder will be fine & then it will be the Doppler scan for pelvic congestion (which I think it's a recurrence of) don't want my bladder to show anything. I wonder if I should do it the other way round but they are trying to fit me in in the next two days

Original poster
Baddz · 08/07/2015 18:58

That's fast!
That's good at least?
What is the treatment for interstitial cystitis? Why stop the hrt? Is it contraindicated for IC?

OP posts:
PeterSpots · 08/07/2015 19:28

No it's because I said it had got worse in the last two weeks but I meant 3 weeks & I hadn't started it then. I think I will wait til after scan & the pelvic one & make a decision. I think the benefits of hrt for bones etc is worth doing

PeterSpots · 08/07/2015 19:30

I'm hoping it's not my bladder but the pelvic congestion. I think it would be sensible to rule out the bladder.

Original poster
Baddz · 08/07/2015 19:30

Yes, I agree.
Really hope you get some answers.
I am off on hols next week so won't be around but hope to post improve to when I get back

OP posts:
pinkfrocks · 08/07/2015 22:32

peter- cystoscopy for IC is a bit controversial. Sometimes it's inconclusive and sometimes it can make women more sore. Some drs are happy to treat IC on symptoms alone. I really recommend the COB Foundation site for up to date info on this and so you can make an informed choice. Vaginal oestrogen will usually help IC where the urethra in the main source of pain but it can take up to 6 months. If you do go for a cystoscopy ask for ABs afterwards to prevent infection.

PeterSpots · 08/07/2015 22:43

Hello I am thinking about waiting & having the Doppler scan for pelvic congestion as that is what I was diagnosed with 17 years ago & I feel it is the same. My choice, my body but gynaecologist won't be happy. Thinking about it tonight & hoping I get inspiration from somewhere to make the right decision

PeterSpots · 09/07/2015 19:50

Hello. Thank you. Had cystoscopy& had antibiotics. Bladder normal but urethra sore. Will go back to gynaecologist & talk about options. Maybe oestrogen cream & hope.

PeterSpots · 10/07/2015 08:29

I feel so low about what's going on that I may need to take the ADs as I just want to cry all the time. I am sore & just so fed up with all the odd symptoms

pinkfrocks · 10/07/2015 09:38

Peter- but are ADs really the answer? They aren't for people when they feel miserable about a health condition- and you need to be aware that they usually ALL have side effects some of which may only add to the problems that you have now. Keeping your urine less acidic by using a tiny bit of bicarb in water 3 x a day may help the pain. Have you been given pain killers? Are you using pain killers - even OTC- they may help.

Get cracking with vagifem or Ovestin- this sounds like classic vaginal atrophy so that should help.

PeterSpots · 10/07/2015 09:59

It's that & the face pressure/tingling I just feel it's overwhelmed me going to work everyday but feeling so awful. It's horrible & relentless. I'm going for an MRI today to rule out nerve/MS problem. To have the underneath problem has just tipped me over the edge. I think I am depressed. I feel hopeless in the situation I'm in & yes if these went I would be happy & just feel amazing. I'm worried that feeling so low & crying isn't helping the rest of me. Antibiotics for a week then the cream I hope.

pinkfrocks · 10/07/2015 10:02

Are you seeing your consultant privately? Just asking as you are getting appts etc quickly. If so, then they ought to be happy to prescribe for you as soon as possible. when do you think you might see them? If there is a long wait, would your GP be able to prescribe? Have they had a report of your investigations and the next step of treatment? What were you told on the day about what they found? When you had your cystoscopy was it under a GA? Usually, the investigations for IC are done that way, because they need to extend the bladder by filling it to an extent that would be painful, if awake. I hope you get some good advice and treatment.

Original poster
Baddz · 10/07/2015 10:40

It's enough to make anyone depressed! Yes do go to gp and get some ads.
They may help...I don't think at this stage they could make you feel worse? X

OP posts:
LineRunner · 10/07/2015 10:51

Peter, I've just read this thread and you sound so overwhelmed Flowers

I'm in a similar boat with multiple health problems, plus stress and anxiety of epic proportions. Like Baddz, I am getting feelings of rage, too. It's seriously affecting my life.

I really hope you are going to be ok.

PeterSpots · 10/07/2015 11:36

Hello. Thank you. The appointments are with my dh work health insurance. Urologist did a flexible scope there & then. Urethra was so sore when it went in but her looked at bladder & said it was normal. He was calling the gynae later today. I do find it overwhelming as it was horrible just with the face pain. To add on these other things is hard. It doesn't hurt to wee. It's afterwards that irethra hurts so I am going to buy the bicarbonate of soda. My face feels like a red Indian with stripes either side pushing on my cheeks then nerves sensation at different times but it is positional. When I go to bed & lay on my side it always does the same thing.

Original poster
Baddz · 10/07/2015 11:47

Line....sorry to hear that :(
It's bloody grim isn't it?
I am going on hols tomorrow for a week with Dh DC and pils.
I am sat looking around me at everything I have to do and I could just cry :(
I feel so low and anxious all the time, when I dint feel like killing everyone!

OP posts:
LineRunner · 10/07/2015 11:59

Yep, it's grim all right. I think it's going to cost me my relationship of over two years. He keeps looking for a 'deeper meaning' to why I am so anxious and upset about such a lot of things these days, but there is no 'deeper meaning'. It's physiological.

Original poster
Baddz · 10/07/2015 12:38

I'm so sorry.
Dh won't put up with it forever, I'm sure.
Hrt is my last hope, really.
It's just so unfair!
I have had horrendous periods all my life...as a teen I would flood and faint, and have 2 week bleeds.
Lots of pain.
Now this!
Sigh.

OP posts:
LineRunner · 10/07/2015 14:57

Well, I'll try and talk to my GP again. It's a bit complicated for me because I've had a blood clot previously.

PeterSpots · 13/07/2015 21:57

It has been 4 days since cystoscope & I feel awful. Hurt underneath & urethral. Phoned up to say concerned told to take more painkillers but it doesnt feel right. Can't have anything else go wrong. It hurt so much when it went in. Worried something has gone wrong. Bloody hell

pinkfrocks · 13/07/2015 22:19

Peter- I am sorry you feel so rough. sadly, this is what can happen. I have always refused that investigation on the basis that it might make things worse. It will get better but your already sore tissues have had more trauma and it will take time to heal. have you asked for or being given any vaginal oestrogen? If not, please ask because the sooner you start the better chance of it improving.

PeterSpots · 14/07/2015 07:56

Hello. Thank you. I'm trying to remain calm but it's a nightmare. I spoke to my GP on the phone who said the cream wouldn't make a difference. I have a follow up appointment with the gynaecologist on Wednesday & I will talk to him. I keep getting spasms underneath & inside. I can feel all the bumps in tvr car. It's like I am in a nightmare. Through all this I have gone to work but I can't this week because of this. My friends & family can't really listen anymore. They must glaze over & think what now. Please give me the patience to get through this

pinkfrocks · 14/07/2015 08:06

How can your GP possibly know that vaginal HRT won't make any difference? Maybe you ought to register with the Menopause Matters website and join their forum. You will find loads of women with the same problem who post about it- think one of them is called 'Dancing Girl' and there are long threads about burning urethras and treatment (which is HRT.) I do understand- I used to have nights when I couldn't sleep for the pain, plus days when I couldn't go out due to needing the loo so much. I hope you find something that helps. Flowers

PeterSpots · 14/07/2015 08:11

Thank you. I'm drinking lots of water but it's just awful. I will join & try to see the posts. I feel totally lost. I wish I never had it done. He was very rough & rushed.

PeterSpots · 14/07/2015 08:13

I mentioned the hrt to the GP with the hope I could try it. I just need something to work. I'm finishing off the antibiotics but they haven't worked. Feel a prisoner in my own home