I am so moody and depressed. Menopause is kicking in

Ka-Loni

I am so moody and depressed. Menopause is kicking in

Ka-Loni

Hi, I do not know what to do.I figured I better stay here sweeties, on this forum. I do not know if I am moving beyond or not here lately. And, I really need some good friends here. I recently had a Hysterectomy on May 1. And, I am hitting Menopause...Not good. This is not good at all. I am getting extremely moody everyday. It is off and on. One minute I am Happy, and fine. The next minute I am in a horrible mood or very depressed. The thing I do not understand, is that I am already on Effexor-XR 150 mg, that is. And, Xanax, when I need it. I been taking 2 Xanax pills a day. To help my mood. Sometimes, that does not work enough, so, I am starting to pop Pain Killers like Percocet or Vicodin to give me that more happy feeling. Good Lord! Of all people, I know better than this. I am going to get addicted to Pain Killers to resolve this problem I am having. I do not need counseling. I been through more counseling than everyone put together. Good Grief! This is frickin Menopause. And, it stinks. It has gotten so bad, that I have thought awful things like ending everything. This is not good. I hope someone cares, and can help me some. Just a bit.

God Bless,

Love,

Kaloni

Anonymous

(((((Kaloni)))))....Here you are at the next stage in your journey and it sounds like it might be tough at first. But, as with everything, it too shall pass. You KNOW that , sweetie, because you've already been through so much.

I'm sure that you're right that this is all related to menopause. I don't know very much about that because I went through menopause at the age of 17 (!) and was too busy thinking about  boys, music and protest marches at the time. Anyway, it occurs to me that although these ups and downs are caused by the onset of menopause, they may be aggravated by the combination of drugs you're taking to alleviate all of the symptoms. Do you have one main doctor (or nurse practitioner) who you trust more than the others who can coordinate all of your meds to make sure that you're not doing more harm than good? If so, I'd say you should definitely start there.

As for other ways to get through this a painlessly as possible, are there any volunteer opportunities in your local area? Maybe you can babysit or petsit or even be a volunteer lady at your hospital. These things aren't too demanding if you're not feeling well at times and can be huge in promoting a sense of well-being for you by taking your mind off of your own troubles AND by helping you see how important and useful your contribution can be.

Kaloni, you've got a heart of gold and are an incredibly strong woman. You've been through the worst...of that I'm certain. So don't give up now that you're on the other side and have so much to give and so much life to look forward to. Remember...this isn't a dress rehearsal and we only get one chance around (as far as we know anyway), so please try to find some relief through your medications and then....

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE, GIRL!!!!

~Marin

CasinoGirl

(((Kaloni)))

You're right about menopause sucking, 'cause it DOES!  But a lot of things do, and I just try and sift through all the crap that doesn't really matter and try to focus on things that do. Easier said than done, for sure.

I know when I'm sitting in a meeting in a business suit at the Capitol with legislators, and sweat is literally dripping down the side of my face, I want to SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!  I want to scream I WANT ESTROGEN!

I had a hell of a year when I was dx.  Had just left my husband of 20 years in Aug 04 and was dx in Oct 04.  Out on my own by myself for the first time ever!  I'd lived on my own before, but never by myself.  But I found an inner strength I didn't even know I had. 

You have that inner strength inside yourself too.

Marin is right about doing something for others and make yourself feel good at the same time!  My company started volunteering at a local food bank that packs backpacks of food for underprivledged kids to eat on weekends, and it's only 2 hours every other month or so, but it's a good feeling!

Please keep us in the loop on how you're coping.  I know it isn't always easy, and we all have our own little slice of hell to eat, but sometimes you can find healthy things to help it go down a little smoother!

(((HUGS)))

Donna 

CasinoGirl

(((Kaloni)))

You're right about menopause sucking, 'cause it DOES!  But a lot of things do, and I just try and sift through all the crap that doesn't really matter and try to focus on things that do. Easier said than done, for sure.

I know when I'm sitting in a meeting in a business suit at the Capitol with legislators, and sweat is literally dripping down the side of my face, I want to SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!  I want to scream I WANT ESTROGEN!

I had a hell of a year when I was dx.  Had just left my husband of 20 years in Aug 04 and was dx in Oct 04.  Out on my own by myself for the first time ever!  I'd lived on my own before, but never by myself.  But I found an inner strength I didn't even know I had. 

You have that inner strength inside yourself too.

Marin is right about doing something for others and make yourself feel good at the same time!  My company started volunteering at a local food bank that packs backpacks of food for underprivledged kids to eat on weekends, and it's only 2 hours every other month or so, but it's a good feeling!

Please keep us in the loop on how you're coping.  I know it isn't always easy, and we all have our own little slice of hell to eat, but sometimes you can find healthy things to help it go down a little smoother!

(((HUGS)))

Donna 

CasinoGirl

Somehow, my post was duplicated, so I deleted one of them.  I think I am having technical difficulties

iodine

You know we care.  I'm glad you are here.  I have no magic for you except that the meds are not working.  You are also only 4 weeks post op and that is still very early in recovery from that surgery.  Honest!

I was told to exercise--at least walk.  but please, stop the pain meds, unless you ARE in physical pain.  Narcotics are not ever helpful with emotional issues, and I question the Xanax, too.  It can be a downer for some.

I'm with getting a good doc to manage your meds -- but please get one who knows what they are doing!

Most pcp really have NO idea about mental health medications.  They just know very little about them.  Mostly what they've recently been detailed on by the drug rep.  the docs just sign a 'scrip and think that's enough. 

My heart goes out to you.