Tamoxifen - need to understand tiredness

Hi Winnersh Kate and : Kate - CBT is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. It is a psychological therapy usually used by IAPT in the NHS and focusses on thoughts, feelings (emotions and sometimes bodily sensations) and behaviours that are all interlinked, helping people see the connections and make tweaks which can help them deal with their lives.   Unlike traditional psychoanalytic psychotherapies, it focusses on the present so they don't tend to ask you about your childhood / your dreams etc.   The work is done in partnership with your therapist and the first bit should be to develop a formulation of why you are having the problems you are having.

Hi Katherine, apologies I didnt get a notification to say you had replied.  I received a letter from Macmillan and its for group therapy, this is not what the nurse told me she was referring me for.  I dont think I would feel comfortable in a group.   There are people who have been through so much more than me and I wouldnt feel right.  

Hi Kate, how did the acupuncture sessions go? Did they help? Hope you've been working less and getting more sleep and are feeling better. 

I've been on the Pregabalin tablets for just over 4 weeks now, I have not had a single hot flush since I started them, however the anxiety is still bad as is the brain fog,  I do feel my fatigue has got better I dont know if I'm just at a point where I have no motivation.

Take care, Bonnie

Hi Bonnie,

Sorry to hear how you are feeling, I know exactly what you describe.  The feeling that everything is just too much to cope with.  The smallest thing would tip me over the edge.

Well, I can 100% confirm that Chinese Acupuncture has been my saviour.  I also reduced my working hours and the combination of the x2 has made a huge difference.  

I have changed some things in my diet as recommended by the acupuncturist - things that make the sweating worse (totally cut back on caffeine, removed as much gluten from my diet as possible, eaten less cheese).  Of course with  Christmas I had more alcohol but I'm doing dry January to see if this makes a difference (not that normally I drink much alcohol).

Honestly the brain fog, dizziness, lack of concentration has totally gone (Christmas long break helped too).  My tinnitus is still there but that I can cope with.

So, for me the acupuncture has made the world of difference BUT it needs to be Chinese Acupuncture - someone who treats hormones which I'm told is different.

Please keep me posted on how you are doing.

Happy New Year.

Best wishes

Kate

Hi Kate

I am so glad the acupuncture helped you.

I’ve got an appointment tomorrow and can’t wait!

take care x

Hey Exraygirl,

Please make sure it's Chinese Acupuncture who specialise in hormones and wishing you all the best as we all need the help we can get.  

I feel human again and that the weight of the world has been lifted.  Note, it took about 5 sessions before I started to feel the benefit and I went weekly.

Good luck

Kate X

Hi

Mine is done at the Royal Marsden Hospital  and they are targeting the hot flushes and fatigue.

I am self needling at home weekly ( taught by them) with top ups at the hospital every 4 to 6 weeks.

Its certainly made a difference to my quality of life x

Wow, that is great news.  Unfortunately I have had to pay myself for this treatment but it's been well worth it.

What I don't understand is why if a lot of us have this issue, aren't we all given the same info?  it's mad.

I am really pleased for you.

thanks

Kate X

I know it’s crazy as it’s so effective 

They told me at RMH that they have run the acupuncture clinic for 40 years so they have faith in it.

I had 6 weekly treatments then they taught me to needle myself and sent me home with needle supplies. It’s a bit odd needling yourself but I’m keen to do anything to get like back in track.

sorry you have had to sort yourself out. I feel very privileged to have had this opportunity 

take care x

I've had to pay for mine too but did get half back through new work health scheme. Worth the money but appreciate not everyone can do this. Inwas hesitant at first so posted the question but it has helped. She has worked on my fatigue and hot flushes. Did start to sleep a bit better too x