I have overcome so much with the help of this program. I drive. I work full time. I have done this through a most difficult period of continual stress: business loss, moved twice across the country, huge income drop, looking for a job, etc.
And now I have come to one of my biggies: fear of cancer, fear of going to the doctor, fear of illness, fear of being incapacited again (I was housebound due to CFS for many years), fear of horrible diseases.
I made myself go to the doctor last summer since I knew I needed a family doctor in my new community and because I need my thyroid prescription and Albuterol for my asthma. Yay! off the hook for awhile!! And my new family doctor is very nice, always a big plus!
And then....this month I've begun bleeding between my period. And I'm completely and utterly freaking out. I've already given myself endometrial cancer in my mind, or maybe even the very worst, ovarian cancer!! At the very least I must have hyperplasia and will require a D & C or maybe even a hysterectomy! I'm anticipating all sorts of awful intrusive tests. And I've done the big no-no: gone reading on medical sites online.
I have a history of infertility and irregular menses. My husband and I went through fertility treatments some years ago, and unfortunately, we were not successful. So already I feel like my women parts are defective.
But now, I am also 46. And a half. And most likely going into perimenopause. And according to everything I'm reading goes: perimenopausal women, higher risk of hyperplasia and cancer, must have biopsy, estrogen imbalance causes risk (yes, been on Progesterone for a similar problem, but when I was much younger), risk, risk, RISK, RISK!!!
And, of course, my mind is saying "that's what you get for avoiding the doctor for so long!!!!! Now you're going to pay for this white coat syndrome you gave in to!!"
Even worse, I work in the medical community, for an ophthalmologist, and I sometimes see what can happen when people ignore things. And here, I did the same thing because I am so afraid or going to the doctor. (I know, and I work for doctors. And it does give me great compassion for nervous patients!)
I am not established with an ob/gyn here, so I am also faced with the unknown as far as doctors are concerned. No safe person in sight as far as I feel.
I have a very small stash of Xanax left from an old Rx that I occasionally take. Last time was for my job interview a year ago. I just took half of one trying to calm myself down. But I can't just go through the rest of my old prescription and just walk around hoping it all goes away. That would be just dumb, and then what about when I run out of Xanax?
I am exhausted and making myself sick. I keep having to go to the bathroom. (yet another symptom of some horrible gynecological cancer!)
I know that no one can diagnose me, of course, but please, any words of sanity, calmness, or even "been there done that" would be more help than you know.
I mean, I still have to function and go to work tomorrow!!!
I am really, really scared.
Thank you from the bottom of my palpitating heart.
Jeri
"Women's Issue", need help calming down!
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Guest
Jeri,
From one healthcare professional to another...
Your PCP can do your pap for you. IF there is a problem, then he/she can refer you out to a GYN. It is quite possible that you are having breakthrough bleeding, related to perimenopause, and that is it!
The worse thing that WE as healthcare professionals can do, is speculate on what MIGHT BE wrong. Yes, we do have too much knowledge for our own good at times. STAY OFF OF THE INTERNET... researching symptoms on the net is an EVIL thing. I say this jokingly, but you know what I mean! We cannot self diagnose, or pretend to know what is wrong with us. It is not a healthy practice, but I know you already know this.
My suggestion is that since you have a good rapport with your new doctor, call and make an appt. for a pap! Easier said than done, I know. But, you also know the consequences of putting potentially serious symptoms off.
I had the same problem years ago. I had endometriosis, not endometrial cancer. So, it doesn't always have to be THAT BAD. And, it could most certainly be something as simple as a hormonal imbalance!
From one woman to another... PLEASE go and get a PAP... then, you can put your mind to rest, and slow down your racing heart!
Best of luck to you...
From one healthcare professional to another...
Your PCP can do your pap for you. IF there is a problem, then he/she can refer you out to a GYN. It is quite possible that you are having breakthrough bleeding, related to perimenopause, and that is it!
The worse thing that WE as healthcare professionals can do, is speculate on what MIGHT BE wrong. Yes, we do have too much knowledge for our own good at times. STAY OFF OF THE INTERNET... researching symptoms on the net is an EVIL thing. I say this jokingly, but you know what I mean! We cannot self diagnose, or pretend to know what is wrong with us. It is not a healthy practice, but I know you already know this.
My suggestion is that since you have a good rapport with your new doctor, call and make an appt. for a pap! Easier said than done, I know. But, you also know the consequences of putting potentially serious symptoms off.
I had the same problem years ago. I had endometriosis, not endometrial cancer. So, it doesn't always have to be THAT BAD. And, it could most certainly be something as simple as a hormonal imbalance!
From one woman to another... PLEASE go and get a PAP... then, you can put your mind to rest, and slow down your racing heart!
Best of luck to you...
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Guest
I agree just go to your regular Dr and have a pap done, a friend of mine constantly has breakthrough bleeding so they put her on the pill to regulate it she's in her early 40's. Make an appointment w/your Dr and take the xanax if you need to the day of the appointment. And I also agree about not looking symptoms up on the internet I had to stop doing that since I am notorious for convincing myself I have things wrong w/me by reading symptoms I also don't read any side effects to medication I may take I have my best friend read the side effects and if I have something weird going on I just tell him and he will let me know if it is a side effect etc.
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Guest
Thank you SeeBee and EastCoastGirl, very much!
I will be seeing my PCP very soon. Last fall he was concerned that my meds for hypothyroid might be overmedicating me and pushing me into hyper territory. Because it seemed borderline and I was not complaining of symptoms he gave me a lab order to ge retested in late winter/early spring. Which I did on Monday. When I got home from work Tuesday my husband had a message from the RN there that "there is nothing serious going on, but the Dr. would like to see me for a follow up in the next week or two."
In addition, I *am" noticing symptoms. In my very evil session of reading medical stuff on the internet I came across a check list of what I might experience if I were overmedicated and I fit a good many of them. Which ironically includes menstrual irregularity.
So, I will start there and I will bring up my issue. I'm guessing if the labs were all normal they would have called and said all is well, just continue your meds.
Ironically, again, I received a newsletter from the local hospital that had an article on abnormal uterine bleeding and mentioned the common causes of "hormonal or thyroid imbalance". Maybe the explanation is that simple. (Or maybe not...but...it's a place to start since this has shown up!}
So, although I am still suffering from my cancer-phobia, I will start by following up with my doctor and going from there.
And trying not to let my thinking run away to bad places. I'm not overly successful here just yet!
I cannot keep running from routine screenings, either. So I need to work hard on this issue.
Pass the Xanax!
Thank you
Jeri
I will be seeing my PCP very soon. Last fall he was concerned that my meds for hypothyroid might be overmedicating me and pushing me into hyper territory. Because it seemed borderline and I was not complaining of symptoms he gave me a lab order to ge retested in late winter/early spring. Which I did on Monday. When I got home from work Tuesday my husband had a message from the RN there that "there is nothing serious going on, but the Dr. would like to see me for a follow up in the next week or two."
In addition, I *am" noticing symptoms. In my very evil session of reading medical stuff on the internet I came across a check list of what I might experience if I were overmedicated and I fit a good many of them. Which ironically includes menstrual irregularity.
So, I will start there and I will bring up my issue. I'm guessing if the labs were all normal they would have called and said all is well, just continue your meds.
Ironically, again, I received a newsletter from the local hospital that had an article on abnormal uterine bleeding and mentioned the common causes of "hormonal or thyroid imbalance". Maybe the explanation is that simple. (Or maybe not...but...it's a place to start since this has shown up!}
So, although I am still suffering from my cancer-phobia, I will start by following up with my doctor and going from there.
And trying not to let my thinking run away to bad places. I'm not overly successful here just yet!
I cannot keep running from routine screenings, either. So I need to work hard on this issue.
Pass the Xanax!
Thank you
Jeri
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Guest
I have had a history of irregular bleeding. My doc has checked everything and nothing comes up. I will spot for two months then stop for a while then start a full period then stop. It has been a hormonal rollor coaster. I have really been learning to chalk up some periods of high anxiety to hormones. It is hard sometimes. I am only 24 so I really hope this works itself out. I am sorry you are having to go through this. You have a lot of people who are hear for me.
I have been perimenopausal for a couple of years now, and my periods are all over the place. Some months I don't have any; other months I have 2 or 3; other months I spot between "regular" periods; yet other months I have "flooding periods" -- those are the scariest. All of this is normal during menopause. The only concern is to make sure one's iron level is where it should be, especially with the flooding periods. Other than that, it's just perimenopause.
Obviously, see your doctor if that will put your mind at ease, as others have suggested, but I'd be very surprised if your irregular bleeding was anything more than just one of the MANY symptoms of perimenopause.
Obviously, see your doctor if that will put your mind at ease, as others have suggested, but I'd be very surprised if your irregular bleeding was anything more than just one of the MANY symptoms of perimenopause.
Again, thank you for responding! Naustin and Franca.Canada, you are putting my mind (mostly) at ease by sharing your experiences.
It turns out that I *am* overmedicated on my thyroid meds. I will be seeing my PCP this coming Thursday to over it. In addition, I cut my dose in half and let him know this. He sent me for repeat labs to see the difference.
Today I am so tired I can't believe it, plus my brains feel like fog. And again trying not to overreact. I have a medical background of severe CFIDS that lasted for years, and which thankfully I have been one of those who were able to slowly restore to health. I'm trying not to jump to conclusions that it is happening again.
I think I will ask for a complete thyroid lab "re-do" and then see an ob/gyn for my overdue check up. There I will further discuss my hormones. I wonder if coming into perimenopause has just upset the apple cart so to speak.
The spotting is greatly diminished just by cutting my thyroid dosage in half, or else it's coincidence of course. Time will tell.
I'm trying to be logical here and take care of myself. Still on the verge of freak-out-ville here at the maybes and hopefully nots, but trying not to jump to conclusions.
Again, thanks for your responses and support. So very much appreciated.
Jeri
It turns out that I *am* overmedicated on my thyroid meds. I will be seeing my PCP this coming Thursday to over it. In addition, I cut my dose in half and let him know this. He sent me for repeat labs to see the difference.
Today I am so tired I can't believe it, plus my brains feel like fog. And again trying not to overreact. I have a medical background of severe CFIDS that lasted for years, and which thankfully I have been one of those who were able to slowly restore to health. I'm trying not to jump to conclusions that it is happening again.
I think I will ask for a complete thyroid lab "re-do" and then see an ob/gyn for my overdue check up. There I will further discuss my hormones. I wonder if coming into perimenopause has just upset the apple cart so to speak.
The spotting is greatly diminished just by cutting my thyroid dosage in half, or else it's coincidence of course. Time will tell.
I'm trying to be logical here and take care of myself. Still on the verge of freak-out-ville here at the maybes and hopefully nots, but trying not to jump to conclusions.
Again, thanks for your responses and support. So very much appreciated.
Jeri
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Guest
Hi there,
I just had this problem a week ago it's not solved yet. But I was hving irregular bleedding and would last for like 10 days stop for 3 and go again. So my OBGYN told me to get a ultra sound. I do and found out I had cysts on my overies and that was what was causing the bleeding. Not cancerious. So she gave me birth control and in a few months my bleeding should be back to normal It's been now 11 days and I had my cycle and have not bleed again since my last cyle. The bad thins is I'm not dealing with the birth control well and having high aniexty and a burning feeling through my whole body. So i called my DR today to see if I can change me medicine. They have not gotten back to me get. I'll let you knwo you might get a Ultra sound to check for cysts on your overies tht might be causing the bleeding. Praying for you. God Bless
christin
I just had this problem a week ago it's not solved yet. But I was hving irregular bleedding and would last for like 10 days stop for 3 and go again. So my OBGYN told me to get a ultra sound. I do and found out I had cysts on my overies and that was what was causing the bleeding. Not cancerious. So she gave me birth control and in a few months my bleeding should be back to normal It's been now 11 days and I had my cycle and have not bleed again since my last cyle. The bad thins is I'm not dealing with the birth control well and having high aniexty and a burning feeling through my whole body. So i called my DR today to see if I can change me medicine. They have not gotten back to me get. I'll let you knwo you might get a Ultra sound to check for cysts on your overies tht might be causing the bleeding. Praying for you. God Bless
christin
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Dave Lindeman
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 11:28 am
I totally agree with Franca...I am 46 also, and I do know a thing or two about this one. It is just Peri-menopause...No need to be frightened...It has happened to the best of us...
I never will forget how frightened I was by this one. I had every symptom that was mentioned by songbird, and that went on for quite some time before it showed up in my hormonal blood work....
You have nothing to fear but fear itself...You are going to be fine...Nature will take care of this problem...
I never will forget how frightened I was by this one. I had every symptom that was mentioned by songbird, and that went on for quite some time before it showed up in my hormonal blood work....
You have nothing to fear but fear itself...You are going to be fine...Nature will take care of this problem...
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Guest
Thank you Christin and Ms. TBones
I'm sure that I am going into perimenopause. But can you believe that this particular crisis is my thyroid? I've been on the same thyroid med for hypothyroid for years. What has happened is that suddenly my medicine was pushing me into hyperthyroid territory. The spotting stopped a couple of days after I cut my dose in half.
I saw my Dr. and we are going to wait and see for now. I will have my blood tested again in 4-6 weeks, or sooner if I start feeling that horrible again. It made me so sick!!
He said that there is no way to know which way my thyroid will go at this point, although he said he wouldn't be surprised if it ended up burning out a bit and I ended up in hypo territory again.
How weird!
And to top it off, I am on the verge of being diagnosed with hypertension. We agreed to give me a chance to lower it without medication, which I really didn't want to just immediately start taking. I work in an ophthalmology office so I can ask someone to check my pressure once a week.
It doesn't help that I have white coat syndrome, an area of anxiety I have not yet beeen able to overcome. I'm sure that my stress issues are not very helpful blood pressure wise!
It's just all so weird. All my life I've been low in everything: pressure, sugar, thyroid, you name it. Suddenly, everything has gone high. The shifts of perimenopause? The result of anxiety? I do not know
Thanks to all of you. I know what you've been experiencing at my age concerning the change of life, and it helps me mentally a great deal to hear it. The next big stop still needs to be establishing myself with an ob/gyn here in my new town. And I'd rather do it when I'm not rushing in all worked up over a perceived crisis! I find routine tests anxiety provoking enough!
Wishing you all hormone balance days!
Jeri
I'm sure that I am going into perimenopause. But can you believe that this particular crisis is my thyroid? I've been on the same thyroid med for hypothyroid for years. What has happened is that suddenly my medicine was pushing me into hyperthyroid territory. The spotting stopped a couple of days after I cut my dose in half.
I saw my Dr. and we are going to wait and see for now. I will have my blood tested again in 4-6 weeks, or sooner if I start feeling that horrible again. It made me so sick!!
He said that there is no way to know which way my thyroid will go at this point, although he said he wouldn't be surprised if it ended up burning out a bit and I ended up in hypo territory again.
How weird!
And to top it off, I am on the verge of being diagnosed with hypertension. We agreed to give me a chance to lower it without medication, which I really didn't want to just immediately start taking. I work in an ophthalmology office so I can ask someone to check my pressure once a week.
It doesn't help that I have white coat syndrome, an area of anxiety I have not yet beeen able to overcome. I'm sure that my stress issues are not very helpful blood pressure wise!
It's just all so weird. All my life I've been low in everything: pressure, sugar, thyroid, you name it. Suddenly, everything has gone high. The shifts of perimenopause? The result of anxiety? I do not know
Thanks to all of you. I know what you've been experiencing at my age concerning the change of life, and it helps me mentally a great deal to hear it. The next big stop still needs to be establishing myself with an ob/gyn here in my new town. And I'd rather do it when I'm not rushing in all worked up over a perceived crisis! I find routine tests anxiety provoking enough!
Wishing you all hormone balance days!
Jeri