THE CHANGE

[DOTS01]

HI! JUST WANTED TO HEAR EVERYONES THOUGHTS ON ATAXIA THROUGH THE MENAPAUSE [ MEN & women ]. MENTAL HEALTH PROBS AND THOSE COPING WITH ATAXIA AFTER A VERY BUSY AND PHYSICALLY DEMANDING LIFE. SHOULD THERE BE ATAXIA 40+????? AFTERALL WE DO HAVE A GROUP FOR 16--30s

[DeniseLB]

I am happy to talk to any women going through the menopause and Ataxia if they want. I had a full Hysterectomy in 2011 so I went straight into the change, I did not have Ataxia at that time, or maybe I did, but the two combined are a bit mind blowing.

So if anyone want to talk then let me know.

Denise xx

[DOTS01 in reply to DeniseLB]

Thanks for replying to my post.Personally,even though im a trained nurse who has worked in many areas , I know little abouit the menapause. Iwould love for you to fill me in.It is a subject we should all be well versed in as it surely compounds the symptoms of ataxia .A concern is its effect on our mental health especially as depression is a big problem with both.emmmm! maybe im barking up the wrong tree

[DeniseLB in reply to DOTS01]

I get your point I think, it is hard to cope with Ataxia without having down days and you do get that with the change too. I tired HRT and it did nothing for me at all, but if you haven't try is as it works for many women, my main problem was the hot flushes and having a pretty crap Employer didn't help at the start. Similar things to Ataxia for me were coordination problems, balance, I started to get very clumsy and more than once left a full supermarket trolley in the supermarket and walking out. If you are not working at the moment you will find it easier as you wont have to cope with hot trains, buses etc... Silly things, always carry a hand fan and get some of that mist spray that you can just coat yourself in at anytime. I was a fan of the sun, but the sun started to hate me, so avoid sitting in it at its hottest, which is probably anything over 20 degrees! It took about 5 years for me to feel I was through the worst and I will admit I might have sought medical attention earlier for what I now know is Ataxia sooner if I had not been going through it. I had years of terrible periods so I was sort of prepared for it not to be a walk in the park, but if you feel it is beyond any of these then symptoms do speak to your GP, if you have not already.

Good luck!

Denise xx

[carol31271]

started on HRT at 43yrs I was able to cope with the hot flushes during the day, but night I was struggling to sleep I was so hot sticking my feet out of the bed didn't work. I found it difficult to get up in time for my 2 boys to get ready for school. During the day I was dizzy and lost my balance a lot, going on HRT has helped me get my life back! It may have slightly more risks of breast cancer but for me the benefits outweigh the risks. My mood swings have also gone,I used to get so angry and stay cross for ages. Which isn't really me. I know HRT isn't for everyone but it was the best option for me.

[DOTS01 in reply to carol31271]

Thanks for replying.Iknow v. little about the change but would love it if you could tell me more about HRT and its effects on ataxia.Does it improve them or not?

[carol31271 in reply to DOTS01]

Just wrote a reply and then deleted it all by accident, so I'll keep it short. Taking it hasn't made my ataxia worse it hasn't improved it either but taking it has enabled me to sleep which has improved my quality of life. side effects can cause dizziness and headaches, there is a slight risk of developing breast cancer, thrombosis and stroke. I haven't had any problems with it and the benefits have out weighed the risks. HRT can protect against osteoporosis and memory loss. Best if you chat to your gp about any concerns or if you type in menapause. have a look at the NHS site. Any questions about this just let me know.