any answers greatly appreciated - Menopause Message Board

debysu · 07-10-2002, 05:38 AM

I have been months searching for anwers as to what is going on with me. I believe I know really but just havent accepted it. So that is now why I am here at this board.
My problem is in april I had surgery for a spine disorder. I had a tubal 15 yrs ago. I am 42 now. I was put on the pill to regulate my periods about 4 yrs ago. During my surgery or should say after, I ended up in icu from complicatons. I was comatose for days. Anyway because of that I did not get my bc pill for that week. So I figured I'd wait until I start again and start over. I am still waiting and it has been almost 3 months. In addition to that I have went from a size 3 to a size 9 in those 3 months. I constantly get hot flashes, my hsuband is forever fanning me and I have always been a cold person. I can be hot one minute than freezing the next. My family thinks I am crazy. I get real nauseated at times. Terrible moodiness. Feelings of total loss of control of my life. I could probably handle the hot flashes alone but this weight gain is something I cant handle as being slim all my life. I cant afford the clothes I have to keep buying to accomadate the weight.
Does anyone have this problem?
Any recommendations on any meds to take for the hot flashes, besides HRT. ( non-prescription )
Thanks so much
Debbie

auntjudyg · 07-10-2002, 07:41 AM

When I had surgery a couple of years ago, I skipped my period for a while, but without other symptoms. Maybe your surgery threw you into full blown menopause (or it was time for it to happen anyway). 42 is a little young, but certainly not unique.

Get hold of a copy of one of John Lee, M.D.'s books, What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause or What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause; or Christiane Northrup, M.D.'s book, The Wisdom of Menopause. They are all widely available, also through interlibrary loan. Both doctors stress a natural approach. Christiane Northrup also has a book, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom that might be of interest.

I hope all goes well. (You don't sound crazy to me, with all you have been through. Yes, they happen all the time, but operations are very traumatic, and it takes time to heal; plus it does seem you are getting menopausal symptoms at the same time.)

Best wishes!

debysu · 07-10-2002, 08:35 AM

Thanks so much for your response. I will try to locate the books. Also thanks for saying you dont think I am crazy. I sure feel it. My sister in law said the same thing that the surgery could have thrown me into menopause. I know it has ruined me. I have had to quit my job because of the numerous problems I am having so therefore I will lose my health ins with that. So now I am searching to put forth my efforts of working from home somehow,
Again thank you.

mlgable · 07-11-2002, 08:39 AM

Also make an appointment with your doc to get tested to see if by chance your hormone levels do indicate menopause. Your doctor will also want to investigate the cause of your sudden weight gain too. Good Luck.

debysu · 07-12-2002, 06:31 AM

thanks for the responses.
It helps alot just knowing others are going thru or have went thru what you yourself are experiencing. It is so hard to be a woman sometimes. I wish men only knew.
Debbie