Bell99
03-23-2005, 01:31 PM
Well some of you know I had went to the gyno about two weeks ago to discuss hormone testing. I am almost 42 and have many symptoms. It was my period coming closer together which really promted me to go.
She insisted I have a Ultra Sound to check for fibroids. All the while I am thinking "I know I don't have fibroids" it's perimenopause. Of course I got the whole your too young story and told her I would have the Ultra sound.
My appointment was for 10 am yesterday. First I was to get the US then go for a consult with the Dr. I waited 3 and 1/2 hours as she got called out to deliver a baby. I was rushed out the door in a matter of less than five minutes. She said I had a tiny, tiny fibroid but that it wouldn't be causing any problems such as irregular bleeding etc... I left flusterd and furious.
She went back to her "it's aniexty" lecture and wanted me to try this new med called Cymbolta which of course my insurance won't pay for. It cost 300 a month which is half of my premium. I have had allergic reactions to Zoloft and Elavil so I am so leary of trying new meds. Last year she but me on Buspar which did help but they tell me it only works for a year.
I also asked about Progeteron Cream and she laughed and told me it didn't really work.
So here I am with NO answers NO meds and angry as all get out!
I wish Doctors would realize our time is valuable as well and get us to time we deserve, especially after keeping us waiting for 3 and 1/2 hours!!
Ladies I am so upset... I feel ignored by my Dr. This is the 3rd Dr. I have tried in the last year. Is there such a thing as a Dr. that gives a damn these days?
She insisted I have a Ultra Sound to check for fibroids. All the while I am thinking "I know I don't have fibroids" it's perimenopause. Of course I got the whole your too young story and told her I would have the Ultra sound.
My appointment was for 10 am yesterday. First I was to get the US then go for a consult with the Dr. I waited 3 and 1/2 hours as she got called out to deliver a baby. I was rushed out the door in a matter of less than five minutes. She said I had a tiny, tiny fibroid but that it wouldn't be causing any problems such as irregular bleeding etc... I left flusterd and furious.
She went back to her "it's aniexty" lecture and wanted me to try this new med called Cymbolta which of course my insurance won't pay for. It cost 300 a month which is half of my premium. I have had allergic reactions to Zoloft and Elavil so I am so leary of trying new meds. Last year she but me on Buspar which did help but they tell me it only works for a year.
I also asked about Progeteron Cream and she laughed and told me it didn't really work.
So here I am with NO answers NO meds and angry as all get out!
I wish Doctors would realize our time is valuable as well and get us to time we deserve, especially after keeping us waiting for 3 and 1/2 hours!!
Ladies I am so upset... I feel ignored by my Dr. This is the 3rd Dr. I have tried in the last year. Is there such a thing as a Dr. that gives a damn these days?
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molly123
03-23-2005, 06:01 PM
Hi Bell,
Sorry to hear about your dr. visits. Don't you just feel some of these drs. are completely clueless and perhaps useless sometimes? When I was 50, a righty old age to be easily going thru peri-meno, I was told that it was "possible" that the symptoms I had were hormone related. But, of course, I had to go see every tom dick and harry to rule things out (which is probably a good thing) but it was very stressful and frustrating. I was already not feeling good, sitting in waiting rooms feeling weird and dizzy, and then waiting for results sure didn't make things better that's for sure! I went to 35 drs. appts. in a 4-month time period (I know b/c I spent $350 worth of $10 co-pymts!).
So, what did the dr. say about your fibroid? Please don't worry (unless you're concerned about being pregnant) - it is normal for you to have "irregular periods" - it is part of the whole process of pre-menopause transitioning into menopause. You may get it closer, further apart, then closer again, etc. etc. This may go on for months or years even.. Then eventually, you will probably start missing months at a time too. Do you feel anxious/panicky or is the dr. saying that's what you have? If you're just experiencing the irregular periods and has made yourself worried over it, that could cause you to have anxiety. Once you come to terms that the irregular periods are normal and that you're fine, you might not have anxiety afterall. If you don't have anxiety or any other unbearable symptoms (dizziness, fuzzy brain, internal shakes, fatigue, hot flashes, etc), you probably don't need to be on any meds.
molly
Sorry to hear about your dr. visits. Don't you just feel some of these drs. are completely clueless and perhaps useless sometimes? When I was 50, a righty old age to be easily going thru peri-meno, I was told that it was "possible" that the symptoms I had were hormone related. But, of course, I had to go see every tom dick and harry to rule things out (which is probably a good thing) but it was very stressful and frustrating. I was already not feeling good, sitting in waiting rooms feeling weird and dizzy, and then waiting for results sure didn't make things better that's for sure! I went to 35 drs. appts. in a 4-month time period (I know b/c I spent $350 worth of $10 co-pymts!).
So, what did the dr. say about your fibroid? Please don't worry (unless you're concerned about being pregnant) - it is normal for you to have "irregular periods" - it is part of the whole process of pre-menopause transitioning into menopause. You may get it closer, further apart, then closer again, etc. etc. This may go on for months or years even.. Then eventually, you will probably start missing months at a time too. Do you feel anxious/panicky or is the dr. saying that's what you have? If you're just experiencing the irregular periods and has made yourself worried over it, that could cause you to have anxiety. Once you come to terms that the irregular periods are normal and that you're fine, you might not have anxiety afterall. If you don't have anxiety or any other unbearable symptoms (dizziness, fuzzy brain, internal shakes, fatigue, hot flashes, etc), you probably don't need to be on any meds.
molly
Bell99
03-23-2005, 06:12 PM
Thanks Molly-
On the fibroid it was tiny even the tech said it was nothing to be alarmed about.
My symptoms lets see....
They started a year ago with the rapid HB. It got so bad they put me on beta blockers. I had lots of test. EKG Echo X rays blood work, tyroid check, adrenal gland checked.
At this time the aniexty was unbearable. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything because I was always worried something terrible would happen. I still battle this demond even on meds.
Other symptoms are terrible PMS the type you got when you first got your period back in Jr. High also cramps.
I wake up everynight without fail and can not fall asleep. I lay in bed for upwards of two hours with my mind racing.
My breast become extreamly sore two weeks before my period.
Thinning hair and some minute facial hair I am starting to notice.
Weight gain
Bowels all over the place. I got from being totally constipated to going with ease almost too much.
Irritable as can be, my poor kids!
This was all going on (and still is) but when the periods started coming closer I went to the Dr. with No success.
Yes it is beyond madening dealing with the Dr.'s.
I just don't know what to do now!
On the fibroid it was tiny even the tech said it was nothing to be alarmed about.
My symptoms lets see....
They started a year ago with the rapid HB. It got so bad they put me on beta blockers. I had lots of test. EKG Echo X rays blood work, tyroid check, adrenal gland checked.
At this time the aniexty was unbearable. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything because I was always worried something terrible would happen. I still battle this demond even on meds.
Other symptoms are terrible PMS the type you got when you first got your period back in Jr. High also cramps.
I wake up everynight without fail and can not fall asleep. I lay in bed for upwards of two hours with my mind racing.
My breast become extreamly sore two weeks before my period.
Thinning hair and some minute facial hair I am starting to notice.
Weight gain
Bowels all over the place. I got from being totally constipated to going with ease almost too much.
Irritable as can be, my poor kids!
This was all going on (and still is) but when the periods started coming closer I went to the Dr. with No success.
Yes it is beyond madening dealing with the Dr.'s.
I just don't know what to do now!
Bell99
03-23-2005, 06:13 PM
Also.... a biggie I forgot Brain Fog!!!!
kittenlover
03-23-2005, 09:38 PM
I am so glad to hear that your US was normal...but sorry that you have an a$$ for a doctor. I agree with Molly. If you accept the fact that your periods are going to be unusual, then maybe all of this will become a bit more tolerable.
I thought I was going to miss in December, but my cycle stretched to 40 days.
This month, I had a perfect 3-4 day period....go figure. Maybe the rule of thumb is...anything abnormal is normal, LOL !!
I don't know if you are against taking hormones or if it is contraindicated for anything, but if you are willing, maybe a very low dose of BC pills may help regulate you and even out your anxiety. ALso, you may want to think about a hormone (estrogen) patch for a few months to see if you get relief. They are making them lower dose now. It doesn't have to be forever, just long enough to survive the transition.
No one should hve to be miserable and suffering through this in this day and age.
If you can't find an MD that can help, maybe an Osteopathic doc?
I wish there were an easy answer. I think docs are frustrated because EVERY woman is SOOO different with her symptoms, tolerance, age, etc. that I'm sure they feel like is impossible to meet all expectations.
My 52 year old friend has regular periods, NO symptoms (GRRRRRR) and is slim as can be. I had a co-worker who was 1 year older than me (at the time), so she was 47, and her night sweats were soooooooooooo unbearable that she refused to leave the doc's office till they gave her estrogen.
I wish you luck in this journey. Just remember that we're all going through it...at different stages, paces and symtpoms, but none the less, we all go through it.
hugs to you!
I thought I was going to miss in December, but my cycle stretched to 40 days.
This month, I had a perfect 3-4 day period....go figure. Maybe the rule of thumb is...anything abnormal is normal, LOL !!
I don't know if you are against taking hormones or if it is contraindicated for anything, but if you are willing, maybe a very low dose of BC pills may help regulate you and even out your anxiety. ALso, you may want to think about a hormone (estrogen) patch for a few months to see if you get relief. They are making them lower dose now. It doesn't have to be forever, just long enough to survive the transition.
No one should hve to be miserable and suffering through this in this day and age.
If you can't find an MD that can help, maybe an Osteopathic doc?
I wish there were an easy answer. I think docs are frustrated because EVERY woman is SOOO different with her symptoms, tolerance, age, etc. that I'm sure they feel like is impossible to meet all expectations.
My 52 year old friend has regular periods, NO symptoms (GRRRRRR) and is slim as can be. I had a co-worker who was 1 year older than me (at the time), so she was 47, and her night sweats were soooooooooooo unbearable that she refused to leave the doc's office till they gave her estrogen.
I wish you luck in this journey. Just remember that we're all going through it...at different stages, paces and symtpoms, but none the less, we all go through it.
hugs to you!
rheanna
03-24-2005, 04:13 AM
It sure would be nice if doctors would divide their practices between those who deliver babies and those who treat women who are NOT pregnant! I mean, once you discover you're pregnant, you can switch doctors, but in the meantime those who take time off work and rearrange their busy schedules should have the right to see the doctor within a reasonable time from the scheduled time!
The very same thing happened to me, during a period in my life when I was paid by the hour and really needed to get back to work because I received no sick time or vacation time. After waiting for an hour in the waiting room, I was led into the examine room and told to disrobe, and after another half hour I noticed out the window that the doctor was hustling his buns to his car and driving away! I put on my clothes and stormed out into the waiting room and demanded another appointment because I had to get back to work, and the nurses, knowing FULL WELL that the doctor was gone, asked if I could just phone my job and tell them I'd be a little late. I told them that I had SEEN the doctor driving away, and they hemmed and hawed and said well, yes, maybe they could give me another appt. I was livid!
Here (in a little town in Germany) I am fortunate to have a gyno who gave up delivering babies a few years ago and only treats women who are capable of walking into the office under their own power. Their babies are delivered by someone else. So, on rare occasions I might have to wait a bit because some appts take longer than others, but I always know that he's IN THE D*** OFFICE when I walk in for my appt!!!
Thanks for listening to my rant,
--Rheanna
The very same thing happened to me, during a period in my life when I was paid by the hour and really needed to get back to work because I received no sick time or vacation time. After waiting for an hour in the waiting room, I was led into the examine room and told to disrobe, and after another half hour I noticed out the window that the doctor was hustling his buns to his car and driving away! I put on my clothes and stormed out into the waiting room and demanded another appointment because I had to get back to work, and the nurses, knowing FULL WELL that the doctor was gone, asked if I could just phone my job and tell them I'd be a little late. I told them that I had SEEN the doctor driving away, and they hemmed and hawed and said well, yes, maybe they could give me another appt. I was livid!
Here (in a little town in Germany) I am fortunate to have a gyno who gave up delivering babies a few years ago and only treats women who are capable of walking into the office under their own power. Their babies are delivered by someone else. So, on rare occasions I might have to wait a bit because some appts take longer than others, but I always know that he's IN THE D*** OFFICE when I walk in for my appt!!!
Thanks for listening to my rant,
--Rheanna
Bell99
03-24-2005, 08:35 AM
I agree, there should be gyno's that don't deal in the baby department!!
That is where all their money is made. I remember as soon as my Husband had a Vasectomy two years ago and they knew we were done making babies the attention I got declined.
They need to realize OUR time is valuable as well. My husband has to take off work to watch our two kids and he was so far behind he is still catching up!
What really irritates me is when you wait and wait and then they rush you out the door. This is what happened to me. It's not the first time either.
As far as going on the pill. I went off two years ago because of terrible migraines. I tried every BC pill known to man even the one where you skip periods. I also have stroke history from both my parents.
She has yet to even call me back with a med recomendation.
I am so thankful for these boards!!! As a matter of fact I thought of many of the post on here as she gave me the "you're too young" lecture. I do appreciate all the advice and support I get here.
xo
That is where all their money is made. I remember as soon as my Husband had a Vasectomy two years ago and they knew we were done making babies the attention I got declined.
They need to realize OUR time is valuable as well. My husband has to take off work to watch our two kids and he was so far behind he is still catching up!
What really irritates me is when you wait and wait and then they rush you out the door. This is what happened to me. It's not the first time either.
As far as going on the pill. I went off two years ago because of terrible migraines. I tried every BC pill known to man even the one where you skip periods. I also have stroke history from both my parents.
She has yet to even call me back with a med recomendation.
I am so thankful for these boards!!! As a matter of fact I thought of many of the post on here as she gave me the "you're too young" lecture. I do appreciate all the advice and support I get here.
xo
rheanna
03-25-2005, 02:07 AM
Bell99,
At 42 you're definitely NOT "too young" to be starting peri. I got the first obvious symptoms (hotflashes, dry skin, etc) when I was 39.
--Rheanna
At 42 you're definitely NOT "too young" to be starting peri. I got the first obvious symptoms (hotflashes, dry skin, etc) when I was 39.
--Rheanna
kellykay
03-28-2005, 10:00 AM
Hello there i felt the need to reply here.. I am 41 and i have been going through hot flashes and irregular periods for 3 years now... and my periods just stop.. i got told by a gyno that it was peri because my hormone levels were very high so i must have been ovulating.. but how can you ovulate and not mensturate.. anyways.. i was given hormone to make me bleed and they did a test on day three.. for my FSH levels to see if the ovaries have failed
NOW the gyno says that 41 is not to early for peri at all .. you can have symptoms for 10 years...
I would suggest you keep a journal and write down your symptoms and see if they relate to your cycle..
i read somewhere that you can buy a home kit to test your fsh levels that would tell you if you at peri or menopausaul , it costs alot less then the doctors and they can't tell you your levels are not peri level if you have the proof... i believe that you should do this test a few months in a row.. becuse in peri the levels are all over the map.. Hope this helps..
I have an appointment on frid ay and i am waiting for her to tell me it is just peri again.. I KNOW my ovaries have failed but that is a whole other story... i got the you need antidepressants from my GP too.. that is annoying.. why give someone the wrong drugs when it is a hormonal imbalnce i do not understand doctors at all.
NOW the gyno says that 41 is not to early for peri at all .. you can have symptoms for 10 years...
I would suggest you keep a journal and write down your symptoms and see if they relate to your cycle..
i read somewhere that you can buy a home kit to test your fsh levels that would tell you if you at peri or menopausaul , it costs alot less then the doctors and they can't tell you your levels are not peri level if you have the proof... i believe that you should do this test a few months in a row.. becuse in peri the levels are all over the map.. Hope this helps..
I have an appointment on frid ay and i am waiting for her to tell me it is just peri again.. I KNOW my ovaries have failed but that is a whole other story... i got the you need antidepressants from my GP too.. that is annoying.. why give someone the wrong drugs when it is a hormonal imbalnce i do not understand doctors at all.
Bell99
03-28-2005, 10:12 AM
I hope you have better luck than I did! It's been two weeks and I am still waiting for her to prescribe something for the symptoms!I am losing all faith in Dr.s. Mine told me the same thing. First it was your too young, then it's then ten years leading up to the actually stopping of the period. Mine won't even do the hormone testing! Sad to think we will feel like this for ten years isn't it!
Good Luck and let us know how your appointment works out! :wave:
Good Luck and let us know how your appointment works out! :wave:
janet23
03-28-2005, 11:42 AM
Thre's a website called Hyster Sisters (do a search) that is for women who have had hysterectomies, take HRT, don't take HRT, etc. Even if you haven't had a hysterectomy, you might find some useful info. There are several message boards to choose from where women discuss symptoms, perimenopause, etc.
Regarding doctors, I loved my ob-gyn who delivered my children, but as I got older (so did he), I found he wasn't what I needed and switched to one of his female partners. She's young and still delivers babies, but she will listen to me. He was deadset on Premarin and that was all. She's more "with it" on other options. Sometimes we have to shop around for a dr. who fits us.
Regarding doctors, I loved my ob-gyn who delivered my children, but as I got older (so did he), I found he wasn't what I needed and switched to one of his female partners. She's young and still delivers babies, but she will listen to me. He was deadset on Premarin and that was all. She's more "with it" on other options. Sometimes we have to shop around for a dr. who fits us.
Kahlia25
03-28-2005, 12:56 PM
I had an overy and tube removed at the age of 42.....I refused to leave the DR's office until they gave me a drug called Activella. It has both female and male hormone in it. You need to refuse to leave that DR's office if you are paying for a visit. You need help and that is what your Dr is there for. They will try and rush you out of there but DO NOT let them. Tell them that you are not leaving until you get siome answers. YEs, they thought I was crazy but I got that prescription and I have no sweats or irritability. I found out a long time ago working in the medical feild that you have to stand up for yourself and not be a number on a chart.....Best of luck to you and good news about the US......Kahlia
Bell99
03-28-2005, 02:07 PM
I was chasing this Dr. down the hall!! Like I said it's been a week waiting for a call from the nurse. I really wish they would understand that our lives and times are as valuable as theirs. What kills me is this is such a trend in the medical field anymore. I have been to 3 Dr. all women around my age. You would think they would understand and be empathetic.
I pretty much knew the US was going to be fine. Sometimes I think they want you to have all these test for the sake of money in their pockets.
I pretty much knew the US was going to be fine. Sometimes I think they want you to have all these test for the sake of money in their pockets.
wmkcolors
03-29-2005, 04:32 AM
Find a new doctor!!!! I've been lucky and have a gynecologist, who listens to me and answers all my questions, even if they seem silly or anxiety-ridden. You might have to talk to your girlfriends or just women, in passing, about who they see and then, you might have to have one or two consultations. I've found that it's sometimes helpful to just call the office up, explain that you need a doctor who listens and see how they answer the question. I would never go back to a doctor that is impatient or unsympathetic. I had cancer in my 30s. Luckily, it was caught early, but I went through menopause, because of the radiation. I also know some friends, your age, who are perimenopausal as well. Trust your body and your intuition about your doctor. Your health is the most important thing. If a doctor told me, it's all in my head, I'd walk out....
singer1
04-22-2005, 08:27 PM
I haven't found a good Dr. yet and I won't go to one if I'm not happy with them!
divadebi
07-15-2005, 12:51 PM
I have never laughed so hard in my life!! I totally get it about the doctors and their inattentiveness to the Joan Crawfords out there searching for hormonal relief. That doctor running out the door probably heard another "crazy" was waiting in the wings and one thing a doctor will NEVER SAY is "I don't know!!!" That is the real truth of the matter, because like my grandfather said about docs and lawyers - they have a license to practice and that's what they do -- PRACTICE on you!!!! All that knowledge in a box they get in med school doesn't cut the mustard until they actually get in the trenches and start applying their "knowledge". You are your own best physician and with enough knowledge you can heal yourself, but I tend to think the doctors are a last resort with this menopause stuff - just get them to prescribe the meds and you run out the door. Too bad they don't get paid like the lawyers - ONLY IF YOU MAKE A RECOVERY!!!!HAHAHHAH I should know - I've worked for lawyers for 28 years. You have to realize they are mere mortals and alot of this menopause stuff is experimentation and we are the lab rats. Just another perspective on this whole arena because if you have high expectations from docs, you are setting yourself up for disappointment when they don't deliver (pardon the pun). I agree that there should be some area of expertise devoted to MENOPAUSE. But of course we all know that this is a female malady, so as long as the men aren't bothered by it, why should they give a rip? I think I am going to slip some hormone pills in my boyfriend's coffee and see if he will sympathize with me a little more -- yathink??? heheheheh Oh well it's either laugh or cry, so that's my contribution. :jester:
Alish
07-15-2005, 11:58 PM
If I had an experience/experiences like you have had with your GYN, I would look for a new one like yesterday.
I did just that exactly, and with no regrets.
How unprofessional she was in handling your concerns. :nono:
I did just that exactly, and with no regrets.
How unprofessional she was in handling your concerns. :nono:
Bell99
07-16-2005, 10:46 AM
If I had an experience/experiences like you have had with your GYN, I would look for a new one like yesterday.
I did just that exactly, and with no regrets.
How unprofessional she was in handling your concerns. :nono:
I did just that! After all this went down her nurse called a few times trying to get me to come have the test I requested. She kept telling me I was too young for peri OR hormone problems.
Here I was getting facial hair, irregular periods, anxiety, sore breast, PMS from hell and more and she is telling me it's not my Hormones :rolleyes:
I have since found a much better Dr. who agree's 100% that I am in Peri and we are treating it as such.
I did just that exactly, and with no regrets.
How unprofessional she was in handling your concerns. :nono:
I did just that! After all this went down her nurse called a few times trying to get me to come have the test I requested. She kept telling me I was too young for peri OR hormone problems.
Here I was getting facial hair, irregular periods, anxiety, sore breast, PMS from hell and more and she is telling me it's not my Hormones :rolleyes:
I have since found a much better Dr. who agree's 100% that I am in Peri and we are treating it as such.