I had my hysterectomy back in 2017 and had loads of different things going on and because of my young age at the time i was told to hold of HRT as i was high risk of breast cancer. Well after having some complications earlier this year as i had some bleeding and because of the gap between my cancer and having a good discussion about the pros and cons and them feeling like that now my risk is less then they originally thought, it was decided i would start HRT which i decided to start today and was given them last Wednesday by my treatment hospital. It’s also done as a patch which i was pleased to see was a clear patch you put on below the waistline and whether the patch being clear is down to brand or type i am not 100% sure. obviously only just started so unsure how my body is going to react to it and whether i do have any issues but it was worth a try it’s important to make sure you have a good discussion with your oncologist about HRT if you feel you need to have it and its risks to you as an individual as it’s different for everyone and i am keen to hear people’s thoughts and experiences with HRT too if anyone wishes to share.. The big hiccup for me is that on Thursday i found out i have heart block which is an electrical issue between the conductivity between the upper and lower chambers of the heart and signals being a little slow telling the heart to beat, it is possible this is the cause of my oxygen levels being all over the place as it can be on the low side and certainly below what it should be a lot of the time, plus some other issues i have been having being so fatigued and even though i am pretty active and trying to keep fit i don’t feel the benefits of the exercise i am doing but i am a little stubborn if i am honest i try to stay active and have a keep smiling and carry on attitude even if i am tired all the time and not feeling i am getting fitter and its frustrating. I especially feel frustrated when i feel no one has been listening to me over the years lots of people making judgmental remarks but i just kept saying to myself don't let them beat you down. I have had the issue for a while as its shown up in previous ECG’s over the last few years, this happened to have not been explained to me well, or more importantly they did not say anything at all. now it appears to be getting worse and so i am awaiting cardiology to see what they think. For a long time i assumed especially recently that it was because i have sleep apnea which i was recently diagnosed with and now have a CPAP machine, what a difference that makes it certainly reduced my apnea’s even if the air pressure is a little strange and the mask is more comfortable then it looks, so glad it’s comfortable. I have an automatic pressure on my machine its starts off at 4 which is a nice gentle pressure then as it detects you have fallen asleep it increases the pressure enough to force the airway open, it’s certainly weird at first but i am getting more used to it now. I hope the HRT helps and that it doesn’t cause any complications as i am in hope of it helping with the menopausal issues i have faced and facing.
Hello GBear
Goodness, you have had a lot to deal with since your hysterectomy back in 2017.
I hope that your HRT patches help with your menopausal symptoms as these can be miserable and severe for some ladies. As you say, it is worth discussing the pros and cons with your doctor who knows your medical history. I didn't take HRT as was older than you when I had my surgery but was told it wasn't a good idea for me. I found though most symptoms for me settled. At the time (2022) I had more side effects from the chemo and radiotherapy- so it was hard to know what caused what. Let us know how you find the patches are for you.
I am sorry to hear about your heart block and hope that there is some treatment that will help. It must be hard to feel the fatigue all the time despite trying to keep active and fit. I feel your frustration when you feel that no one is listening to you. I hope that you do not have to wait too long to see the cardiologist.
I am glad that the CPAP is helping with your sleep apnoea and that it is comfortable.
Fingers crossed that the HRT helps with the menopausal issues.
Jane
I know HRT and alternatives can come up in discussions a lot. It’s a big decision for many and the important thing is looking for what works for you. I tried the patches and they burnt my skin so had to stop taking them but i got chatting to a lady in my local market and she mentioned about me trying the gel as i didn’t want to take more tablets if possible. The gel is a game changer for me. I have had no problems to date after couple of months on it, it s a clear gel that i can rub anywhere on my skin its depends where its most comfortable for your application. The gel does run quickly if not rubbed in straight away as your body temperature basically melts it in so important to rub in straight away to avoid it slipping off onto the floor which has happened to me. But it seems the best option for me and i believe an important option to mention to others out there who may not be aware that there is a gel cream option. Many believe like i did it was tablets or patches, so i felt this was impossible to share so as many people as possible are aware.
_GBear Xxxx
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Hi Gbear
Thanks for sharing.
I had never heard of the gel option. I am glad that you have found something that is working for you.
Jane
