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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 03-24-2006, 10:11 AM (1 of 50)
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I have been taking all natural HRT capsules for menopause for a couple of years now. They were perfect at first but now they don't do much for me, especially at night. Maybe I have grown immune or it is time for something different. I bought myself a book all about what the doctors don't tell you about menopause. It's called Living Well With Menopause by Carolyn Chambers Clark. Anyway, it is a real education on our bodies and what happens as we grow older.  It is completely holistic, self care manual. It suggested many, many things to help you thru this time.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060758120/sr=8-1/qid=1143213003/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-0734181-2210505?%5Fencoding=UTF8 One of their suggestions was to drink one cup of soy milk three times a day and take Vitamin E everyday for hot flashes. I gotta tell you, it sure helps. I still get the "power surges" but not nearly as intense. Night time is much calmer. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Dustbunny01
Date: 03-24-2006, 02:00 PM (2 of 50)
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I take 2000 IUE of E a day Vitamin E for hot flashes, It helps but doenst' put an end to them. the other over the counter meds for hot flashes doens't do a thing for me either. It's either take the Estratest at $80.00 a month or the Vitamin E at 6.00 I have been hearing in the news that Vitamin E can be bad for you. Just forgot what it was or where I heard if. 
DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159 
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From: SheliaHC
Date: 03-24-2006, 03:13 PM (3 of 50)
| I tried the soy products for hot flashes and it didn't help at all. My doctor said he could give me meds but they all seem to have worse side effects that just dealing with the hot flashes. Mine seem to be worse at night than any other time so when I wake up sweating I have found that if I get something cold to drink it cools me off pretty fast so that I can go back to sleep. |
User: SheliaHC
Member since: 12-28-2005 Total posts: 95 |
From: karen v
Date: 03-24-2006, 05:31 PM (4 of 50)
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Hi. I had a short but intense period of hot flashes about 6 years ago. My good friend told me to take B6. I never heard anything about vitamin E. The B6 did seem to help, though. Karen V. all art is lies that help us see the truth
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User: karen v
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 31 |
From: MaryW
Date: 03-25-2006, 07:39 AM (5 of 50)
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I agree about the cold drinks. If I have a glass of water handy when I have a hot flash occurring, it seems to help quite a bit.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-25-2006, 07:40 AM (6 of 50)
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How much Vitamin E can you take safely in one day? I also have vitamin E cream.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Grammahanna
Date: 03-25-2006, 10:38 AM (7 of 50)
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Evening Primrose Oil from the health food store (or some major supermarkets). I used the 1000 mg capsules (4 a day) at first and found WONDERFUL results. I don't fear the flashes anymore but continue to take at least 1 cap a day for the additional benefits. |
User: Grammahanna
Member since: 03-25-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: ninifav
Date: 03-25-2006, 09:04 PM (8 of 50)
| Thank you very much...I'm keeping my hormones...in fact, the good Lord won't let me in heaven without them...lol...even he wouldn't be able to stand me!!!! |
User: ninifav
Member since: 09-06-2004 Total posts: 204 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-25-2006, 10:15 PM (9 of 50)
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My neighbor across the street is going through menopause, she's 45. She keeps looking at me funny when I tell her I'm on my period or just finished. I'm gonna be 52 this yr...I keep trying to tell her. I have nothing to go by. My mother and grandmother both had hystrectomies at early ages, (24 and 36)...I didn't have regular periods till I was 42...Dr's can't tell me anything, they don't know....one Dr tells me I may never have a hot flash, my temp is already 100 all the time. I can't take hormones, I'm allergic. I can't take natural things, I'm allergic. So I read everything in here and hope I get SOMETHING in the way of advice. That I can actually use...maybe...  Maybe I need Sylvia Brown the psychic to tell me... 
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: mjh
Date: 03-26-2006, 06:04 AM (10 of 50)
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and take as follows: Yellow-Headache Green-Nausea Brown-Diarrhea Blue-Depression Orange-Fatigue RED---HOT FLASHES  
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User: mjh
Member since: 03-26-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-26-2006, 04:54 PM (11 of 50)
Thank you...I KNEW I needed some M&M's...my fav veggie chocolate.
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Sancin
Date: 03-26-2006, 08:31 PM (12 of 50)
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Mary I can tell you from a professional perspective that you got a good book if it is written by Carol Chambers Clark. I used to teach a Healing course when I taught nursing and her book Wellness Practioner (which is beside me in my book case as I write) was the reference I turned to most frequently. I had a hysterectomy (not ovaries) when I was in my early 30's so didn't know by period stoppage when I would be going through menopause. I was told 2 things by my gynecologist and supported by research at the time - the earlier one started their periods the later one tends to go through menopause + having hysterectomy tends to make menopause earlier. I had and still have hot flashes, but not in the usual way at night. Mine always came at work, and usually at a meeting when there were uneasy men present! My head would suddenly start to sweat and my hair drip. Fortunately I have short curly hair! But overall I didn't seem to suffer like some of my collegues. I had a blood test taken and my FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) was very elevated, meaning that my body was trying to stimulate my ovary to send out an egg and when it wouldn't it kept trying! On 2 occasions for 3 months each time I tried HRT but was sick as a dog, whether allergy from the horse derivative or more likely a sensativity to estrogen (my pregancies were awful). At one point I also took a soy base synthetic hormone, but by that time didn't really need it. Soy is a form of synthetic estrogen, thus soy foods and tablets decrease, if not stop, menopause symptoms caused by estrogen withdrawal. I am over weight and my doctor informed me that body fat stores estrogen thus those with more body fat have more estrogen stored in the body and tend to have less severe symptoms of menopause. But the overweight do sweat due to metablism when stressed. Having said all that I still (65 yrs) have head sweats that seem to come on unexpectedly with seemingly little exertion. I am the only one at my Curves who wears a headband! I just recently discovered one of the side effects of a medication I am taking increases perspiration, so that is probably the current cause. I drink soy milk because I like it and it does seem to diminish the head sweats. Vitamins. I have taken Vit E since I was in my early 30's as it was reputed to decrease pain due to breast cysts. I have so many biopsies there soon won't be any more tissue to take!. I later added Gensing and it does seem to work. Mary, you mentioned evening primrose oil. I just happen to have evening primrose I purchased as I heard it was good for the sweats, along with black cohosh. I believe it was mentioned by Clark. I frankly don't know if it works or not as I usually only aware that natural products work when I stop taking or doing them - MSM being the most noticeable. On looking at the label on my EPR I see that it has vitamin E in it - but it is labelled in international units vs milligrams which I am more familiar with. When I took Vit E. I took 400 - 500 mgm per day, which was the recommended dose. Thus I have taken it for over 30 years, longer than the recommendation that one take essential oils as antioxidants. NOW there is some research that indicates one shouldn't take Vit E for some reason or other. There is vit E in some foods, so one needs to check one's diet to ensure one is getting enough. Vitmin E cream is used topically to soften and hasten skin healing. I doubt it gets absorbed into the body to make any difference. Vitamin B6 is a diuretic (makes you pee lots) which is probably why it works for hot flashes - gets the fluid out of the body another way. It is often used by people who tend to swell premenstrually. The other natural product frequently recommended for hot flashes is dong .... I can't recall whole name but would be easy to find. It is a Chinese herb or concotion. I don't know how it works. A number of years ago a Chinese Medicine School was established in Vancouver BC in connection with the UBC school of Medicine and the Vancouver General Hospital (huge teaching hospital). It had to close due to loss of financing before I had a chance to visit it as it promised much research. I hope they can restart as eastern cultures have practiced health care successfully far longer than western medicine and I think we can learn a great deal
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 03-26-2006, 09:55 PM (13 of 50)
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"the earlier one started their periods the later one tends to go through menopause + having hysterectomy tends to make menopause earlier." OK what's my problem. I didn't start until 14. I am almost 50 & things haven't slowed down yet. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-26-2006, 11:40 PM (14 of 50)
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I started at 11...quit at 15...took meds from 32-42 to have periods (now I"m overweight from the meds). Periods got regular at 42...now at almost 52 I feel like I'm waiting for something to happen all the time..(I have polysistic ovaries)..so I went through a type of menopause at 15-20...taking hormones took that away...but I had to stop them due to allergies (and the weight gain...). I know I can't be the only person like this.... 
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Magot
Date: 03-27-2006, 11:00 AM (15 of 50)
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Personally Kath, I think you are pretty unique! You just haven't met your doppelganger yet. The U.S. RDA for vitamin E is 10 milligrams per day. (The U.S. RDA given is for adults, except pregnant or lactating women) and children over 4 years of age.) Recommended daily dose: 10mg (Europe) Was your dose milligrams or micrograms Sancin? Poisoning: there is a theoretical but slight risk of overdose, as vitamin E is fat soluble. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin which protects vitamin A and essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body cells and prevents breakdown of body tissues. As an antioxidant it shoulf be good to promote healthy skin and fight free radicals and so can help protect against cancer. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Sancin
Date: 03-27-2006, 05:00 PM (16 of 50)
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Well Margo! Caught me again in another seniour math moment! As I don't have a bottle with me I just phoned the pharmacy. He told me a bottle of capsules varies from 200 - 1000 IU's. I was sure the bottles I buy at Costco said 500 mgm but I am obviously mistaken and it was IU. I do think that most pharmacies do not sell products in dosages that could do damage, like poisoning, leaving that task up to the consumer. My belief is if one is following an appropriate diet (and how many do?) one shouldn't need to take any vitamins or supplements. I have not checked the Canadian recommended dosage but will when I get an extra moment. They aren't always the same as US.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-27-2006, 06:19 PM (17 of 50)
Yeah, the doppelganger is the catalyst. Carry on ladies. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Sancin
Date: 03-27-2006, 08:27 PM (18 of 50)
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Ladies I was not entirely ambling to my own drummer in relation to dosages for Vitamin E. Some followup indicates that iu's (the number of units it requires to do it's work in the body) is correct but some common usage causes some people to simply state units as mgm. I know that is done commonly in antibiotics, but wasn't sure in vitamins, but should have been because of the way that both antibiotics and antiinfectives act in the body. Chrys - you probably do have a doppleganger out their somewhere! New anthropology genetics is facinating.  There are several very readable books on the market currently and PBS has a program that makes the circuit. Sorry, I can't recall the names of either the books or documentary, but if interested, keep your eyes open. More likely people with polycystic ovaries develop symptoms at different times and depends on the cascade of hormones. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: karen v
Date: 03-28-2006, 04:46 PM (19 of 50)
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Nancy, (Sancin) The name is dong quai. You're right-- it's a real women's herb--good for all phases of a woman's life. I forgot about that one. Also, there's black cohosh--I think my nutritionist mentioned that one. Tastes horrible, though. Dong Quai is some form of the plant angelica--in the umbellifer family. That would be celery, dill, lovage, etc. Karen V all art is lies that help us see the truth
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User: karen v
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 31 |
From: quidscribis
Date: 03-28-2006, 11:45 PM (20 of 50)
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Thanks for the suggestion of vitamin E. I'll make sure I take some every day. I'm 38 and going through all this as well. But imagine, if you will, a Canadian from the northern parts of the country who never wore winter coats at -40 because she was warm enough already. Imagine this woman having heat stroke in the middle of a northern Alberta summer when it's 25 C. Now imagine this woman now living in a tropical country and having hot flashes... That last for weeks... I don't know why they're called flashes. They don't go away! Ugh. |
User: quidscribis
Member since: 10-26-2005 Total posts: 16 
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From: Longblades
Date: 03-29-2006, 09:31 PM (21 of 50)
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I'm just about to try Clonidine. Has anyone else tried it? I cut out caffeine with noticeable but not significant enough results. I tried an herbal preparation of black cohosh, lemon balm and passion flower with better results but the BC and LB interfere with my thyroid medicine so that's out. Plus the BC has been shown in some studies to act as estrogen which is scary to me. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Sancin
Date: 03-30-2006, 02:01 AM (22 of 50)
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Longblades - How does black cohosh affect your thryoid? I have just started to take black cohosh and I have thryoid problems that are controlled with medication. I can't recall what Clonidine is and how it acts but will let you know if I find out. I am curious why you are scared of estrogen? *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: Longblades
Date: 03-30-2006, 09:27 AM (23 of 50)
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The herbal preparation (it was Swiss Herbals Menopause HRT nighttime and it did work, somewhat) said right on it to consult with a health care practitioner (which I didn't do when I started it) if you were taking thyroid hormone replacements. I am hypothyroid and am taking 0.125 mg of synthroid. Well, after a month I was getting pretty tired and when I reached the point of getting out of bed in the morning only to go and sleep on the chesterfield I decided it was time to consult with ye olde health care person. The pharmacist looked up interactions and could not find much but said it was likely the lemon balm. The company that makes synthroid in Canada said both the black cohosh and the lemon balm would diminish the effects of the synthroid. My doctor said if I was really happy with the herbal prep. we could just increase the synthroid. The herbal prep. did decrease the number and intensity of the hot flashes and when I woke at night I was no longer dripping sweat from head to toe but I was still being wakened regularly and tired from lack of sleep. Clonidine is a blood pressure medication that has been shown to be effective in ameliorating hot flashes and night sweats in some women by relaxing the blood vessels. I take half the usual dose required for blood pressure control, (my blood pressure is normal) which is one 0.1 mg tablet a day. I cut it in half and take one half in the morning and the other at bedtime. I've just started so only took the second half this morning. It has the usual possible side effects but an interesting one for me is that it is also sometimes used to treat migraine headache sufferers, of which I am one. So maybe my migraines will decrease as well. We're trying for a month to see how this all goes. I find the idea of estrogen simulation in the black cohosh a little worrying as many herbal remedies have not been studied extensively by the medical community. So the problem with it is how much does it act like estrogen? Can you be getting too much? Too little? Are some sources better than others? Estrogen replacement is controversial but we do know much more about the medical preparations that doctors prescribe. You can do an internet search and find lots of conflicting information on whether there even is an estrogen replacement effect to black cohosh. Well heck, if we don't even know for sure then I find that scary. Also, I was on HRT for seven years for another problem. I still had night sweats, though milder than now. And I think the HRT made me depressed because when I went off it I felt wonderful for about two months before the current problem of hot fashes and night sweats started up in earnest. There is a history of breast cancer in my family too. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Longblades
Date: 04-01-2006, 10:08 AM (24 of 50)
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Still haven't found anyone who has taken the Clonidine but just located this on the internet and thought it would be interesting to all who have posted on this thread. It's in a Feb. 2006 publication of American Family Physician. I'm going to try to put a link here: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20060201/457.html |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: redneckgirrrl
Date: 04-01-2006, 09:06 PM (25 of 50)
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Yes if you have a hysterectomy you go through menopause earlier. At least most people do. I had a hysterectomy at the age of 23 and I will be 30 in June and I have already gone through menopause. I still have the hot flashes and the only thing that I have found that helps me is to drink a glass of cold water before I go to bed and I also sleep with a fan going all night long even in the winter. I have tried alot of over the counter stuff and it didn't work for me. Now my mom had a hysterectomy 20 yrs ago and still hasn't gone thru menopause. The dr says she probably never will. My best idea is what has already been said...keep a glass of water by the bed and it will cool you down fast so you can get back to sleep. I hope this helps someone! P.S. I do think I am going to try the M&M remedy tho!!!!!! Redneck Girrrl aka Ginger
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User: redneckgirrrl
Member since: 03-30-2006 Total posts: 7 |
From: quidscribis
Date: 04-03-2006, 04:21 AM (26 of 50)
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Wish that worked for me, redneckgyrrrl! We sleep in an a/c room with dh under layers and me not. It's the best we can do without freezing him out, and most nights, I'm okay. During the day... Ho boy! Also, early menopause occurs not just for those who've had hysterectomies - I didn't. My reproductive organs are all intact and appear completely healthy. We just have a familial thing about going through menopause much earlier than most others. I see the endocrinologist on Wednesday, so we may have some answers. Yay! |
User: quidscribis
Member since: 10-26-2005 Total posts: 16
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From: lynette
Date: 04-05-2006, 02:56 AM (27 of 50)
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hi, Vitamin E in combination with evening primrose oil is great.. It did help me in controlling the hot flashes. |
User: lynette
Member since: 04-05-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: Longblades
Date: 04-05-2006, 02:21 PM (28 of 50)
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Some of you might be interested in this product, which is manufactured for dogs but I don't see why it wouldn't work for us as well. It's called Canine Cooler and is a bed that keeps your pet cool in hot weather by miraculous methods which you can investigate on the website. There is a pillow made for people, called a Chillow (I think that's the name), which I believe employs the same technology. For we humans I think most of us would have to buy two of the large size, which is what is recommended for St. Bernards. I certainly know of Saints that weigh more than I do, so that should work. I will not be trying it myself because it will only work if you are comfortable not having any blanket or sheet or bedding of any kind over you at night. The bed needs to have whatever part of it you (or your dog) don't cover exposed to the air in the room. It is available in Canada as well. It is carried by my local Pet Value store but they only have in the summer months. http://www.pets4you.com/pages/canine_cooler/index.htm Or you can just do your own search for Canine Cooler and find several more sites on itl |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Aussie sewer
Date: 04-15-2006, 01:54 AM (29 of 50)
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We call these hot flushes in Australia but they're still bad. From the sound of the conversation, most people aren't taking HRT anymore. This may be due to the scare a couple of years ago. Most Aussie specialists are now disagreeing with the findings of the US studies, particularly given the age group and health (or lack of) of the women tested. The latest information being provided here is that in fact, HRT can provide benefits for your heart. I've just finished my first 18 months on HRT with some ups and downs but mainly ups. For me the best thing was that I "got my brain back". It was like a light switch being turned back on with HRT. I could find all those words that kept evading me. I could remember my lists without writing them down, just like a few years ago. I lost all the aches and pains in my hips that I had been putting down to an old back problem - they just went away. The hot flushes went and never came back after a couple of weeks. Unfortunately I put on weight though and blamed the HRT - everyone told me that's what caused it. But I went back to Weight Watchers and lost MORE than ever before on the same diet that I've used before HRT. So I've decided to stop looking for outside reasons for my weight - I like to eat too much. I go to a menopause clinic run by the Womens Hospital in Sydney and they couldn't have been more thorough - they also supply alternative remedies if you wish but they haven't had a lot of long time success and even more importantly they explained that while HRT has gone through a mass of checks before it gets to us, alternative methods haven't. They've given me bone density checks, hormone level checks, mammograms, blood pressure checks etc and everything has been fine. Luckily I don't have a history of breast cancer in my family. Recently a friend asked why I was looking so good and complained about sleeping poorly and hot flushes. I suggested she talk to her local menopause clinic and see what they now recommend. She also had been put off by the scare in the news. I saw her yesterday and she was radiant. She'd talked to her doctor but also to a specialist and they both confirmed that here is Australia they are definitely recommending HRT as the way to go for a period of up to 5 years. She'd been taking estrogen only (since she's had a hysterectomy) for 3 weeks and had never felt better. She said, "I can remember things again". I for one am going to take my chances with it. |
User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: Sancin
Date: 04-15-2006, 03:04 AM (30 of 50)
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Aussie I am one who tried HRT and didn't continue. I felt pregnant and nauseated all the time, BUT I did have more energy and a greater sense of well-being, so I for one would suggest anyone try it. I am on another medication now that does improve my sense of well-being - but wish it could stop the joint degeneration!! There are so many things in life that threaten us and more being presented daily and where I am even the air we breathe is bad for us! I definitely would have continued if I had not recalled 2x 9 month periods of constant nausea.  I did try just progesterone creme for awhile but didn't notice that much difference and I kept forgetting to apply it! It was specially compounded by a local pharmacist on the basis of a endocrinologist who has done some research on it. And it was expensive as it was not covered by my extended benefit drug plan.I sure sounds like you have a good health care system and availability. Where are you in Australia and are there clinics everywhere? When I was doing graduate work in nursing I was very impressed with the information I received coming out of Australia! Oops - see you are in Sydney. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: Aussie sewer
Date: 04-17-2006, 08:54 PM (31 of 50)
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Aussie I sure sounds like you have a good health care system and availability. Where are you in Australia and are there clinics everywhere? When I was doing graduate work in nursing I was very impressed with the information I received coming out of Australia! Oops - see you are in Sydney. Sancin - yes I'm in Sydney but I understand that every major city has the clinics. It's entirely free and I spend about 45 minutes each time with the specialist. There're 2 clinics I know of close to me. We do feel very proud I suppose because even though Australia is only small in population we have had some amazing breakthroughs in medicine. Probably because not everything is left to the large pharmaceutical companies who only do things for money. We have a government research laboratory which has only a small budget but do great things. Sancin, there are changes in HRT all the time, so it may be best not to give up on it. I'm on a very low dose it seems which may be why I'm doing so well and I'm on patches. The doctor said the dose can be so much lower on patches as it doesn't need to go through your stomach. We've had a warning issued this weekend which may have already come out in the US but in case not - authorities are asking women to stop taking black cohosh for menopausal symptons as there have been very bad liver complaints caused by it - one person needed a liver transplant. There's quite a bit on the internet about it. |
User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 04-18-2006, 04:42 AM (32 of 50)
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what is the deal with almost every medical you take now, can affect the liver, did we just not know about the problems with meds we take, or is it that we just accept the risks now. I have skin allergies and the patches never worked for me, I have even tired the black cohosh, for a week or two, and it made me ill feeling. even the Vit. E doesn't seem to be doing much good for me now, maybe because I dropped it too 1000 instead of 2000 Right now I am dealing with a Breast Infection that sure hurts. ( or that is what I think I have) ..It looks like I burned myself in the shape of a football! guess I will need to see the Dr. since yesterday it seems to have grown about an inch on all sides. DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: DorothyL
Date: 04-18-2006, 07:54 AM (33 of 50)
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Christina -- Go to the doctor! |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 04-18-2006, 12:13 PM (34 of 50)
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Go NOW. What you describe is nothing to fool around with.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Sancin
Date: 04-18-2006, 05:51 PM (35 of 50)
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what is the deal with almost every medical you take now, can affect the liver, did we just not know about the problems with meds we take, or is it that we just accept the risks now. I have skin allergies and the patches never worked for me, I have even tired the black cohosh, for a week or two, and it made me ill feeling. The deal with the liver is that the majority of by products when medications and other chemicals are taken are excreted through the liver and, to slightly lesser extent, the kidney's. There are warnings as as a society we take more chemicals every year. Added to that is the inclination of people to sue companies who produce the chemicals if anything untoward happens - thus the warnings. There was a warning, and in fact a withdrawal from the market, of some chemical a few years ago. It was something I was taking so was frustrated. When I searched out the information on the research done that led to the removal I found out that most people who had developed liver failure were also oil and chemical workers or worked for drycleaners - 2 occupations that are very high risk for liver damage. I also have skin allergies, the primary one being all forms of adhesive, thus cannot use patches of any sort. Like the others have said. GO TO YOUR DOCTOR TODAY. I don't know how old you are but breast infections are not common unless you are nursing or have had recent breast surgery. 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: Dustbunny01
Date: 04-19-2006, 12:34 AM (36 of 50)
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I went and I guess I didn't' pick the best DR to see.. ( he is good for colds) but not much else.. took one look and said "ewww" its an bad infection" no test where done gave me ciprofloxacin 500 Mg 2x a day.. said if I waited.. and it spread into my system It would have been bad.. he said it was fast spreading. he did say to keep something hot on it... If not better after I take up the meds, I am to go back. yes I was reading up on it right before I went, my children are 19 & 14 In 1997 at the age of 27 I had a total done. I was at this sight: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/breast_infection/article_em.htm Chronic mastitis occurs in women who are not breastfeeding. In postmenopausal women, breast infections may be associated with chronic inflammation of the ducts below the nipple. Hormonal changes in the body cause the milk ducts to become clogged with dead skin cells and debris. These clogged ducts make the breast more open to bacterial infection. Infection tends to come back after treatment with antibiotics. I also read it could rare type of breast cancer can produce symptoms of mastitis.. ( but that is not my case) I was going to take a nice hot bath.. but that did not work out.. will what ever I am allergic too is back!! less then five minutes I started to cough,, and dumb me, was hoping it would go away.. a few more coughs.. and I was tightening up in my lungs.. ended up throwing up before I could get out.. and reach the epi-pin... have puffer now.. breathing is opening up now so that has passed... It was fine all winter long, now ever I am allergic too is back AGAIN! so only showers once again.. I have even pour bleach into the walls.. I think it is unseen mold that gets me, but I have to wonder why only during the spring and summer months and why it only affects when while in the tub.. ( we have a tub/shower combo) and while taking a shower it doesnt affect me.. now if a Dr can pin point that.... I would be a lot better off.. Sancin, thank you for the info.. I have excema and allergies .. my skin is extra sensitive , I have tried a few patches, none that I tired can work for me, within an hour.. they had to be removed, my skin had a fit and it turned red, swollen. and blistered. DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: Sancin
Date: 04-19-2006, 04:18 AM (37 of 50)
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I am glad you got to a doctor, Christina. He has you on some skookam antibiotics which should do the trick. But if it doesn't work or if there is not change over a period of time get back to the Dr. "infection tends to come back after treatment with antibiotics"? Is this a correct quote? I am curious - have you ever had mastitis before? Yes, there is chronic mastitis, but it is not really common. I worked with a old Welsh midwife who told some interesting stories, which were interesting because most of us in family practice areas had not seen anything like she described. But in all cases she described the woman had breast fed at some point in her life. I had severe mastitis while nursing my first infant 37 years ago, but it never came back. The only thing anything like it was a tape (non allergic?) reaction I had when I had my last breast biopsy, but it was obviously topical. Re baths - are you using any bath salts or additive that you don't use when you take a shower? 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: Dustbunny01
Date: 04-19-2006, 04:55 PM (38 of 50)
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that was quoted from this web site http://www.emedicinehealth.com/breast_infection/article_em.htm on this page last par: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/breast_infection/page2_em.htm No I have never had this infection before, I treid to breastfeed my first child 19 years ago, but could not produce any milk.. so after 3 days it was ended.. I never even tried with my 2nd child who came along 5 years later. Bath's- No nothing is used. I am not allowed to use anything becuase of my skin condition. ( NO soaps, bath salts, oils, etc. . It is some type of mold or something that I can't see ( I think) but it only seems to be bad.. when the temp is high outside and the humity lever is raised. but doent' affect me when I am in the shower.. So I guess it has to be something down low.. DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: Longblades
Date: 06-29-2006, 02:58 PM (39 of 50)
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I posted end of March about starting Clonidine for hot flashes, have been on it for three months now and thought I'd say how it is going. I am staying on it and think it might be a worthwhile drug for others who want to avoid HRT and can't take the Black Cohosh, like me. It does not work as well for me as the Black Cohosh. With Black Cohosh the number of hot flashes and night sweats was reduced and the sweating much reduced. I notice the same reduction in number of flashes, daytime and nighttime, with the Clonidine but the sweating is not reduced nearly as much. However it is still a good improvement. I am noticing more and more that stress plays a big part in how many flashes and sweats I get and think that was probably always the case but I just didn't recognize it. The looked for favourable side effect of reduced migraines with Clonidine did not happen for me. Too bad. I don't have any other side effects, but then, I rarely have, from any medication. I don't feel particularly dizzy and no longer watch how quickly I get up in the morning or after lying down, as I was warned to do. But one day, after an early weekend of lots of gardening and the resulting sore, stiff muscles I took one extra strength Robaxacet. Boy, was I dizzy then. But I think it might have been partly the extended time out in the hot sun (with a hat) that I was also unused to early in the gardening season. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: Sancin
Date: 06-29-2006, 06:42 PM (40 of 50)
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Longblades Thank you for the feedback. It is always helpful to hear how things have helped others. I am not one who needs these meds but others do. I am curious about the Black Cohosh. How long after you started taking it (when you did) did it start to work? As one who is sensitive to the heat I expect you are right about the dizziness the day after gardening. Keep well *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: Longblades
Date: 07-03-2006, 09:41 AM (41 of 50)
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Hmmm, how long? This is from memory cause I gave all the black cohosh to my sister but if I remember correctly, I started out on 40 mg, as someone on this site said worked for them. I took that for over two months with absolutely no effect at all. Then I found an HRT prepartion with 150 mg of BC and the same, I think, of lemon balm. Maybe the LB was 100mg. It was Swiss Herbals HRT night-time. That had a noticeable effect in less than a week. Instead of waking up sometimes every half hour in the night, dripping sweat from head to toe, I was wakened, with a hot feeling only, about three times a night and was dry, mostly. But that latter prep. is the one that interfered with my synthroid. The manufacturer of synthroid in Canada was contacted and reported that both BC and LB can act to reduce the effectivenes of synthroid. In case it helps anyone else here is something else I have discovered. We have forced air gas heat in our house and the hot air vent is on my side of the bed. I noticed I flash whenever the heat comes on so closed up the vent in the bedroom at night. That did help. DH is freezing at night now so I'm trying to get the dog and the cats to sleep more on his side, LOL. Sensitive to the heat? Oh boy, me too. I've been known to pass out and go into convulsions. Well, only once did I actually convulse and I didn't quite pass out but it was sure scary. It is supposed to be +30 here today and I really can take -30 much better. I'm a winter person. |
User: Longblades
Member since: 07-14-2005 Total posts: 182 |
From: nativetexan
Date: 07-28-2006, 04:01 PM (42 of 50)
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Does anyone know if hot flashes can get worse in really hot weather like we're having now. mine are driving me crazy. luckily they don't last long but i do like to take off things when one hits, or at least go get an ice cube and put it on my neck to cool me off.
CC
http://photos.yahoo.com/ccase5 |
User: nativetexan
Member since: 11-15-2005 Total posts: 57 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 07-28-2006, 04:22 PM (43 of 50)
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I can't tell when it's a hot flash or just the weather anymore. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Stitchin Crazy
Date: 07-28-2006, 07:42 PM (44 of 50)
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I had my last period two years ago at age 53 (whew, really??!! the age doesn't seem right!!) Hot flashes started with a vengence. Night time was horrible. I would wake up 3 - 5 times sweating/nausous, etc. Plus, I was tired all of the time. Tried over the counter estrogen. It would work for 2 weeks or so. Then, I would have to try something else. I started doing some research as the Dr. couldn't/wouldn't give me any help. Came across an organization called Women to Women. (Womentowomen.com.) They are women doctors who run a clinic on the East Coast which specializes in "Female Problems". There is a 'test' on-line which you can take to give them an idea of your needs. Or, you can call and talk to one of the counselors. Anyway, I ordered their trial vitamens. It has been wonderful since starting the vitamens!!! If you give them your E-mail address, they will periodically send information about various topics important to women. I have always found them informative and helpful. One point I cannot sign off without saying - - Typical information out there just says that pre and post menapausal symptoms are caused by the lower estrogen levels in our bodies. What is not said is that the progesterone levels are equally important. They, too, lower. And, for some of us, getting enough progesterone is more important than the estrogen (we have too much of it anyway!!). Thank you all for sharing with one another!! |
User: Stitchin Crazy
Member since: 11-01-2002 Total posts: 16 |
From: Stitchin Crazy
Date: 07-28-2006, 07:57 PM (45 of 50)
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Dustbunnyo1: GO TO A DOCTOR ....ANOTHER DOCTOR.....NOW!!! Get to one who specializes in cancer. It may not be what you have - - but, I'd rather you have it checked and it not be this cancer than you die from this stuff. Because the cancer is fast acting and almost always fatal because the drs. see it so seldom that most do not recognize it for what it is. They all think and treat it as an infection. Is the site hot? Swollen?? Painful?? Push for answers. But, PLEASE GO TO ANOTHER DOCTOR NOW. |
User: Stitchin Crazy
Member since: 11-01-2002 Total posts: 16 |
From: sewhappyrtr
Date: 08-04-2006, 08:57 AM (46 of 50)
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I have had hot flashes off and on for about 4 yrs. About 1 yr ago started using evening primrose oil, black cohoosh and soy. Worked very well for about 1 yr or so. Recently hot flashes have gotten VERY bad. Dr. said to try Effexor. Took that at night for 2 days it worked wonderful, then nothing. So after using all those for about 2 weeks now and still sweating to death.. I quit all of them since they weren't working anyhow. It is so embarrasing to get dripping wet for no reason at work,, I work at a Dr. offc doing x-rays and imagine rooming a pt while you are dripping sweat.. not a very nice picture. My nights are not so bad. I get hot but not drenched in sweat. "Calgon take me away" |
User: sewhappyrtr
Member since: 08-01-2006 Total posts: 43 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 08-10-2006, 08:23 PM (47 of 50)
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will I am back on meds once more for my breast problem I havent' seen a dr as I just had meds called in last month and took two days worth.. and saved them. they told me after I took the two weeks meds to come in for more test.. (right now we are without insurance) so I am holding off until we do have some (should be next month) But after messing with this since April, I am not giong back to HIM... and have made up my mind to see a Breast Dr in OKC at OU medical Center. there is a type of breast cancer that cannot be found with a mammogram or the ultrasound, it doesn't have a " lump" but it sure has the signs I have... It is called "Inflammatory Breast Cancer" Or IBC Please google for IBC I do not know what I have at this point.. I will update everyone when I know more DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159
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From: Stitchin Crazy
Date: 08-12-2006, 12:13 AM (48 of 50)
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Dustbunny01, It sounds like you have done your homework about the breast cancer (IBC). Please get to the DR. as soon as you can! And, yes, please let us know what you find out!! |
User: Stitchin Crazy
Member since: 11-01-2002 Total posts: 16 |
From: MaryW
Date: 08-23-2006, 10:59 AM (49 of 50)
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I've had hot flashes now for 2-3 yrs. I just want it to be over. I have the Swiss HRT Extra Strength. It works for the most part but the nights get really bad sometimes.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Stitchin Crazy
Date: 08-23-2006, 09:30 PM (50 of 50)
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Mary, I had hot flashes (worse at night than any other time,also) for about a year. One of my doctors just said that it was normal and it shouldn't last more than a year. (Man, I just hope his wife didn't have much trouble!) I was getting very cranky from lack of sleep. And, nothing I tried did any good after 2 weeks. After doing some research.........I found info about Women to Women. Their clinic is located in Portland, Maine. The daily suppliments I receive from them have eliminated the hot flashes totally. Plus, my energy level is about what it was 10 years ago!! I highly recommend them. You can call 800-448-4919 (USA) or check them out on the web at WWW.womentowomen.com. |
User: Stitchin Crazy
Member since: 11-01-2002 Total posts: 16 |
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