Hot flash help!

Options
speech529
speech529 Member Posts: 337
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
Hot flash help!
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • speech529
    speech529 Member Posts: 337
    edited May 2010

    I feel like I have been given a triple whammy....diagnosed with DCIS (isn't that enough to deal with????Frown....facing hysterectomy along with lumpectomy and maybe radiation.  Now I have hot flashes that are incredible!

    I was diagnosed with DCIS in late March and went off the pill after 10 years (and I stopped menstruating in Jan'10).  Now the hot flashes are incredible, especially at work.  I work full time with young children doing speech/language therapy and I am very physically active.  The other day I kept track of my flashes--17 in less than 8 hours!  Most days are not that bad, but pretty close!  I keep a floor fan going and sit in front of it when I am flashing....that's the only thing that keeps me focused on the therapy session!

    It's affected my love life with my husband--our intimate moments bring on hot flashes--totally ruins it for me.

    My PCP recommended Effexor but side effects and physiological addiction are terrifying to read about. 

    I will have my lumpectomy on June 2 along with hysterectomy w/BOS so I will complete my menopause that day! The hysterectomy was recommended prior to my dx of DCIS...it just all came together at the same time.  My fantasy is that my body will adjust quickly to no ovaries, but I have a more realistic notion that I will be hotter than ever for a while! 

    I would love suggestions for dealing with hot flashes naturally and effectively.  I ordered a Chillow Pillow and can't wait til it comes to try it at night.  They say to dress in layers, but I live in Phoenix and if I take off any layers, I'll be naked!!  Laughing

    Sorry for the long rant but it helps to express it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • lbrewer
    lbrewer Member Posts: 766
    edited May 2010

    the side effects of effexor that are most commonly written about are related to its use in much stronger doses as an antidepressant.  Its given in MUCH smaller doses to help control hot flashes.  I also had a mastectomy and hysterectomy and ovarian removal.  I take 37 mg of effexor twice a day and would highly reccomend you try it.  I use the generic, not the extended relief.  The only side effects I have seen is my hot flashes are worse when I forget to take it. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories