Going Crazy

[glassd18]

Okay I'm just about going crazy trying to find an HRT that works with my IC. I've been on the Climara Pro patch for about two months, and I have a rash at application site, the patches don't stick well, I had bleeding, and now I have heavy bleeding. I made an appointment for Friday to see my gyno, but he doesn't really believe much in the IC hormone connection, but he does understand that certain hormones affect IC, and has been willing to work with me on that. I just don't know what to do anymore. I'm going to be 43 in Feb, and think I'm too young to be without hormones. (I'm prematurely menopausal).

[leelee88]

I don't know what to say, but I am sorry you are having to deal with this. I know things can be so frustrating when you are trying to find something that will work. I think Hormones do play some kind of part in IC, but thats just my opinion.. Sending you (((((hugs))))) and I hope the Dr finds something that will help you soon...

[SharonA]

I started menopause at 39 and became post menopausal at 43 or 44. So long ago, I really don't remember what age I was. Anyway, after researching, Hubby and I agreed that I would try going through this change without HRT.

I really did fine. Yes, I still had hot flashes and yes, I did lose my temper some times and yes, I was a bit loony, but I went through it without HRT. It is possible to do it.

This is a decision that only you can make for yourself. I just wanted you to know that it does happen early and there is someone out there who has done it without HRT and who didn't hurt anyone, permanently. ;)

[NancyB]

Dear Glassd18 -

Are you on the non-generic Climera Pro or a generic?

[glassd18]

You are too funny Sharon...not hurting anyone permanently. I was 35 when I became post menopausal (finished and done)!!!! So now I know I'm older, but still feel too young or is it just my pride? lololol

I did try to go without hormones for quite some time and seemed to be doing fine, but it was my new gyno here in Indy that thought I should be on something because I was young in her opinion (and in mine).lololol It was after me going on all these HRT meds that my bladder became extremely angry. I believe I already had IC, but it was extremely mild (just a little frequency).

My Mom was quite young too and she did alright without hormones although she has a hump on her back, and my grandmother had that hump on her back!!! Dowager's hump it's called, and I think it's an Irish thing. My Mom's memory is not very good anymore either, but she has been through a lot (chemo, car accident) so who knows if it's hormone related or not.

I am on the regular Climara Pro patch. I didn't know there was a generic for this.

Thank you for your posts. It certainly does help. I spent last night in a chair with a hot water bottle crying my eyes out in pain. It was terrible. Today thankfully I am feeling a bit better. Trying to go to work when feeling like this is REALLY HARD. I hope one day that I can stay at home, and try to rest and mend my poor broken bladder.

Love to all!!!

[gigisgirl]

I'm 40 and had my hysterectomy in 2004 and have been on climara patch ever since. My doc has suggested I try to go off the HRT but honestly I don't think I could. I applaud Sharon for going thru it without. The hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings are too much for me and my family.

[bjmedd]

I cannot go on HRT because of previous bouts with cancer, however, I was prescribed "Estring", a vaginal ring that you insert and gives low dose of Estridol. This seemed to actually HELP my IC.

[BrittanysDance]

I had a complete hysterectomy at the age of 30 and went immediately on HRT. First it was Climara, which I immediately came off of within 2 weeks due to it causing severe migraines to flare. I tried different patches but like you, have sensitive skin and the migraines were just awful (i have them anyways, this just triggered them worse). I then went onto Premarin .625 for the next 7 years and then recently switched to .325 because my body didnt need as much and I'm doing great. At such a young age my body needed the HRT and still does - I have osteoporosis now (back, hips) and I shouldnt, but given all my other conditions, its something we're watching (had it within 2 years of having my hysterectomy) and I was taking supplements.

Now doc wants me on Fosamax but ...I dont want to go on any other meds, I'm on enough as it is. I'll just up my calcium intake as much as I can - so make sure you take at least 1500 iud of Vitamin D and C every day on top of your daily intake of what you're supposed to.

Good luck!
Brittany

[SharonA]

Be careful with the Vit C. Many people with IC have problems with it.

[jen48446]

I'd recommend you getting your hormone levels tested to see what you need, and go from there.:angel::smile tee:cat:

[Bessie]

I use the Vivelle Dot Patch and have been on it for about 3 years. My doctor just increased the dosage because I was still having hot flashes and he also gave me Vagi-fem tablets to use in the vagina. It is suppose to help with the vaginal area because the estrogen is absorbed directly into the vaginal area. I have gotten good results with the increased dosage but they did blood work on me to find out where my levels were at. Good luck :hi:

[glassd18]

Well I saw my doctor today, and he said that my endometrium lining is too thin, and that's why I'm having problems. He did a internal ultra sound to make sure everything looked okay, and it did except for my lining being very thin. He said my uterus was small and that there were no fibroids that he could see, and the ovaries are very tiny too. He didn't feel that I will ever need a hysterectomy (knock on wood). He gave me vivelle dot to add to my climara pro patch because I'm not getting enough estrogen. Hopefully this will help my bladder too. So I wear the climara pro patch, and a vivelle dot patch at the same time. I go back to see him in two months. He may at that time take me off of the climara pro patch and use vivelle dot only then add progesterone every three months to bleed so that I don't have to deal with the progesterone bugging my bladder. He suggested I get a cysto/hydro, and I guess he does believe in the IC/hormone connection, but he feels that hormones cause a lot of problems for many different things too, not just IC. He's really trying to help me here, and I've come away from this appointment feeling pretty confident. I'll keep you updated on my progress with the vivelle dot added.