Vent on Doctors appointment - Menopause Message Board

Bell99 · 03-23-2005, 10:31 AM

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?

molly123 · 03-23-2005, 03:01 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

Bell99 · 03-23-2005, 03:12 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!

Bell99 · 03-23-2005, 03:13 PM

Also.... a biggie I forgot Brain Fog!!!!

kittenlover · 03-23-2005, 06:38 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!