I’ve been so low .... waiting to hear anything from rheumatology as all my bloods and appointments have been covid cancelled for a year .
I posted a few months ago that I wanted to try HRT to see if it helped and finally got approval for it last month.
I haven’t noticed much difference so far , however I’m expecting it will take a couple of months to start working.
Then yesterday, out of the blue, I get a call from rheumatology. After telling them how I’d stop my treatments and was feeling really bad they decided they should see me in next week.
I’m now in a dilemma as to whether I should start another drug treatment while I’m still waiting for the HRT to Kickin… How am I gonna know what’s working and what side effects go with what 🤷🏼♀️
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LinaM
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How brilliant although a long time coming for you. Perhaps they might sort blood tests out so you can have them at the appointment... a call to your gp might do that?
IMO and I am no expert or trained ... It will take a while to get on the new treatments so hopefully enough time for the HRT to work/show itself. It’ll be really good for you to chat this through with your rheumy. They will hopefully know how to handle it all with your best interests. May take some juggling I guess but so very glad you have finally got somewhere and an appointment or two or three 🥳🥰 Fingers super crossed for it all to transform what’s been a rough time 🍀🤞🏻
Missed your original post on HRT. Which kind are you on?
I'm on transdermals/gels.Kicked in after one day!! Lifesaver keep at it. My rheumy Doc & registrar(both male) said menstruation or lack of doesn't affect our conditions, mine being Anlosing spondylitis. I beg to differ, and so does my husband who sees 1st hand how it's worse or has been at these times of the month.
Patches .... I can’t wait to see if I get a good nights sleep one day! It’s only been 21/2 weeks . Menopause definitely played a role in my RA .. no doubt in my mind
I had such bad broken sleep due to waking every time I had a hot flush so some 12 times a night. Also had insomnia brought on by menopause, never suffered it before menop.After my 1st dose of Oestrogel I slept right through. Hopefully, you will too.
Why dont you hedge your bets and talk to rheumatology first and ask their advice , then you can start the other treatments with their blessing and support?
Hi Lina M. Feeling your pain. I'm in similar situation - waiting for a referal to meno specialist as want to trial unlicensed HRT (as I found I was intolerant to oral utrogestan and stopped it last year - needed to function as Dad was dying , had to travel away to support parents through it.
Walking is my stress buster and good for my joints, I've been walking for years, long before RA. I developed foot pain end of January, havent been able to brisk walk since. Podiatry diagnosed peroneal tendonitis - both feet but right has the pain. Do RICE/exercises/ insoles/build up walking slowly. Tendonitis is a common problem with menopausal women, with or without RA.
Last Rheum bloods are good tho, in fact my ESR lowest for a long time - ankes look the same, bit warm, bit stiff, bit puffy but not red or inflammed. Getting mild night sweats now which Rheum says is more likely to be menopause (and I have that in writing ladies!) but not interested in new shoulder pain (tension/tendons/frozen shoulder??).
Not being able to exercise now has really brought me very low. Add the bouts of fatigue, anxiety, ongoing stress with Mum and grief for Dad, so feel pretty awful atm. Living off ibuprofen.
Trying to break this viscious circle of symptom overlapp. Rheum suggests adding Hydroxy but I would like to start HRT and get my 2nd Covid jab in first.
Good luck with your HRT and keep us posted on the journey.
Oh thanks for sharing that Boggyankles ( love the name lol) !
It’s such a difficult time life with parents getting older , and menopause and perhaps still providing some support for children , so to have RA on top is a lot to deal with.
I’m finding I have much more energy with HRT but no improvement whatsoever in joint pain unfortunately.
I often have a fantasy that they open a centre for RA where GPs , consultants of all areas and specialist nurses get together to really treat us as a whole person instead of bits of us separately. Alas , I don’t think that’ll ever happen 😭
Like you , I’ve taken control . No more drugs till the hrt is settled in.
On a separate note, I also found fluoxetine really really helped me deal with life for over a year , so don’t be afraid if you feel really low to give it a go.
It’s hard when the thing you do to keep you sane ( I was a yoga instructor but can’t even manage a downward dog with my hands) is taken away.
Thanks for reply LinaM and for sharing your experiences. I'm glad HRT helps with energy. Perhaps things may be improving re joining those dots. Dr Louise Newson's My Menopuase Doctor has released the Balance App - track symptoms, meds, get resources and share info. Very handy for evidence when I get to see the consultant. It also has an online community forum.
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Leflunomide and surgery.. 
Questions for a first ever rheumatology appointment on Friday morning?
Follow up at dentist.
How do you guys manage a flare up?
What next "update"
