hi!
ch00singlife
Posts: 64 Member
Hello ladies...
It took me a couple of days to find you...so glad you are here!
After a long time of pain, discomfort, and crime scene-like TOMs, I had an abdominal hysterectomy (SAH-BSO) on April 9th. It was my fourth abdominal surgery ( c-section, one ovary removal and appendectomy). Surgical menopause is NO JOKE! Five days after surgery, the insomnia, nightsweats and uncontrollable emotions started. It was pretty bad. I tried a lot of remedies out there. I read a lot of research. For me, the answer was hrt. I tried a low dose patch of bio-identical estradiol and within one week, all my symptoms were gone. I also got the added benefits that estrogen gives... I know this can be a touchy subject, and I am stressing that FOR ME, this was a good decision. I totally respect other ladies decisions.
This surgery changed me. After taking the time to recover, I realize how little I have been paying attention to myself. Don't I deserve back the same amount of love and caring and attention that I have been giving? Everyone else in my life came before me. So now, I need to start caring more for myself. I want to be healthy. I want to feel great.
As of now, I have no friends here on MFP. So sad.... anyone?
It took me a couple of days to find you...so glad you are here!
After a long time of pain, discomfort, and crime scene-like TOMs, I had an abdominal hysterectomy (SAH-BSO) on April 9th. It was my fourth abdominal surgery ( c-section, one ovary removal and appendectomy). Surgical menopause is NO JOKE! Five days after surgery, the insomnia, nightsweats and uncontrollable emotions started. It was pretty bad. I tried a lot of remedies out there. I read a lot of research. For me, the answer was hrt. I tried a low dose patch of bio-identical estradiol and within one week, all my symptoms were gone. I also got the added benefits that estrogen gives... I know this can be a touchy subject, and I am stressing that FOR ME, this was a good decision. I totally respect other ladies decisions.
This surgery changed me. After taking the time to recover, I realize how little I have been paying attention to myself. Don't I deserve back the same amount of love and caring and attention that I have been giving? Everyone else in my life came before me. So now, I need to start caring more for myself. I want to be healthy. I want to feel great.
As of now, I have no friends here on MFP. So sad.... anyone?
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Replies
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Hi. I had a total abdominal hysterectomy 5 weeks ago, but unlike you, I've been really lucky with menopausal symptoms. I've woken up a few times feeling mildly warm and clammy but that's it. I'm hoping there's nothing to nasty to come, but who knows :ohwell:
If you'd like to add me as a friends please do.0 -
I haven't been through anything like that but I'm always happy to give support.0
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Thanks guys!!
I'm so glad you have been feeling good Alpene. I was waking up just an hour after falling asleep drenched in sweat and unable to go back to sleep. Then it would happen when I was awake too....no fun at all. You are still pretty early in your recovery...back to your normal activities?
And thanks so much Gail, for your support. How has MFP been working for you?
Laura0 -
I'm going through regular old menopaus, and it's been kicking my a** for quite a few years now. I'm taking prescription paraxodine and also some herbal stuff for hot flashes. I still get them, but they are not nearly as severe. I would be on hrt if I could, but have had so many problems with excess estrogen, that hrt would be harmful. I say whatever you find that works for you, go for it!0
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Hi Welcome,
Mine is chemically induced as I hear you the night sweats and insomnia are killer - my emotions aren't too bad because it's been 5 years already - but yes due to the medication - hot flashes and the rest of the lovely stuff are side effects.
I can't take any hormone replacements as my tumor was estrogen receptive.
I just try to deal with it the best I can.0 -
Thanks katejkelley and jojo...such a joy being a woman!!!
My gyno. wants to keep me on hrt until I am around 52...I guess that's the average age for natural menopause???...
Let me ask you guys this...does the hot weather cause more severe symptoms?0 -
I had my total hysterectomy on Apr 13th and still haven't had any menopausal symptoms. I have heard that they can take up to 12 weeks to kick in, but I'm getting close to that point. Everyone will know when I have my first hot flash. :laugh:0
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I hope you are one of the lucky ones...0
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Recently there has been a bit of resurgence in confidence about the efficacy of HRT. Apparently the studies that caused the most fear about breast cancer in particular were not very stringent and involved women over the age of 75 where a higher rate of breast cancer is found naturally. Although there are obvious risks it is an individuals decision and they should be supported not vilified if they choose to go down that path.
This is an Australian article but it nicely sums up what I have read elsewhere: http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/food-and-health/general-health/therapies/hrt-and-menopause-treatments.aspx
Best wishes to all of you in your recovery.0 -
From what I remember reading, those studies were of women taking Premarin which is made from pregnant mare's urine. Today, there are many other, more bio-identical alternatives. Again, definitely a personal decision.
By the way, what do you consider the "obvious risks?"0 -
Obvious risks as stated in that article that I linked to and every other article I've read about HRT - blood clots (lung and deep vein thrombosis), cardiovascular disease.0
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Hi Laura, I have a similar story to you and for me as well hrt has been a lifesaver. It took 5 different hrt meds and over 10 months of trial and error to find the right method and dose (patch) to get the full benefit! I know there are risks but they are small, eg it is something like ..."if 3 people out of 1000 are at risk without hrt for xxxxx then 4 people out of 1000 are at risk on hrt." The way I see it just wasn't living, the way I was before the hrt started working.
Before my op I was sure I wouldn't want hrt but there are DIFFERENT risks for women under the usual menopause age who don't take hrt. I was 38 when I had my op so still young and in need of the protection the hrt gives for bones.
I wish there was more praise for hrt on the internet for balance for people trying to make their decision. Like you say, everyone makes their own choice and I've learnt to be flexible and non-judgemental about fellow hyster-sisters choices
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I agree, zenibear. I guess I'm just a little sensitive to the hrt subject. I made the decision FOR ME. Hey, I WISH eating more soy beans did the trick for me, but it didn't. Most importantly, at my age, it's not just about menopause symptoms, its about heart health too. If I may quote from the same article that was just brought to my attention,
"Among the younger group, it was concluded that HRT doesn’t increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and may in fact reduce it."
There are so many factors that need to be considered in order to make this decision. It can be a struggle to find accurate information. Thank goodness, there are plenty of hystersisters out there!!
I'm glad you finally found what works for you. That must have been a rocky 10 months...0
