Formerly Active Surgette now needs help, Hysterectomy - surgical meno? Premarin?? Options

[Iamsueml]

Hi, ladies. I was active on PS a few years ago when dealing with peri symptoms. I have now had a hysterectomy - TVH/LSO for uterine prolapse and fibroids. I will be 51 in August. Op was done on 5/29/08. The op itself was a cake-walk, but the hormonal/emotional upheaval afterwards has been awful. I have my right ovary, but do not know if it is working. I have yet to experience hot flashes, but have other symptoms of meno - most of them emotional - lack of motivation/concentration; weepiness; irritability; EXTREME anxiety/panic attacks, etc. I have been taking Zoloft for 13 years, and take Xanax up to three times per day, and believe me, I take it three times a day!!!

One week post-op my gyno gave me Premarin samples. I didn't think they agreed with me - at least I didn't feel a twit better, so on June 20th, he prescribed the ClimaraPro Patch. Today I was supposed to replace the patch, but decided to forego HRT altogether. Now I'm reconsidering that decision. I have talked with Pete, and have an appt. with a gyno who prescribes BHRT (my gyno who did the surgery does not "believe" in them), but the appointment is not until August 11th. I don't know what to do in the meantime??????? Stick with the ClimaraPro Patch, the Premarin, or nothing. HELP!!!!!! I'm going back to work as a CNA next Monday - work is very physical, hence my additional one or two weeks off from work - and I need to feel more balanced.

Thank - you!!!!!

[joliejacq]

Hi Sue,

Nice to see you, Old Friend.

But sad that it's under circumstances where you're not feeling well. I don't know a lot about hormone replacement after a hysterectomy, but hope some of the other sisters can guide you here.

Mostly just wanted to come in, offer a (((HUGS))), and say I hope you feel better soon.

Luv,
JJ

[Iamsueml]

Hi Sue,

Nice to see you, Old Friend.

But sad that it's under circumstances where you're not feeling well. I don't know a lot about hormone replacement after a hysterectomy, but hope some of the other sisters can guide you here.

Mostly just wanted to come in, offer a (((HUGS))), and say I hope you feel better soon.

Luv,
JJ

Hello to you, my friend!!

I remember. I believe you had posted a photo of yourself holding a favorite feline? It's good to hear your voice!

Yes, I have had the big hyster, and now need to sort out my hormonal mess. What was bad before is now.... well, very bad!!!! Since before the op, I have been sharing trials and tribulations with a group of truly terrific girls on a site based in the United Kingdom. Even though I check in several times a day, I don't know the proper name of the website. While the hysterectomy support is phenomonal, information about HRT is a bit scarce, and there is nothing about BHRT - I don't think it's used in the UK.

Anyway, I am looking forward to getting some answers here, and if things are still the same, I know it won't be long before someone offers some suggestions.

Hope to talk with you again. Take care!

xo
Sue

[skiergirl]

Hi Sue,
I think I'd definitely choose the ClimaraPro patch over the premarin--at least the estrogen is bioidentical. I use a Climara patch and I like it. Maybe you could ask your doctor to prescribe the Climara patch for now--since you had a hysterectomy you don't need the progestin. However, you may want to add some bioidentical progesterone cream for balance. Hope you are feeling better.

[Iamsueml]

Hi Sue,
I think I'd definitely choose the ClimaraPro patch over the premarin--at least the estrogen is bioidentical. I use a Climara patch and I like it. Maybe you could ask your doctor to prescribe the Climara patch for now--since you had a hysterectomy you don't need the progestin. However, you may want to add some bioidentical progesterone cream for balance. Hope you are feeling better.

Skiergirl: Thank-you! I had no idea the estrogen in the Climara patch is a bioidentical!! That makes me feel so much better. I don't understand the progesterone, either.

I think I have made up my mind to forego it all until I see if I develop hot flashes - apparently the true barometer of an estrogen deficiency.

Thanks again for your interest. Be well.