Sjogrens, HRT and a very helpful Dr!!

[Mouseling]

Hi everyone

Following on from my last post about feeling rubbish from various symptoms to do with stomach and digestion, I spoke to a Dr earlier.

She has been very helpful. First of all she is writing to Rheumatology to ask them to see me. I guess like other people, I haven't had a face to face appointment since before the pandemic. My GP wants to check for Sjorens, and is also advising me to try HRT. Of course with the symptoms I am having it can be hard to decipher what is at the root of it. RA itself can have so many effects and the Biologic I take can cause side effects. But for instance with the case of trying HRT, if it doesn't make any difference at least I know.

I don't want to find I have Sjogrens obviously but it's better to know what your dealing with I guess. I am feeling a bit more positive that I may get some answers.

Thank you to everyone here for always being so kind and supportive. Sending you ❤️ and😊

[Boxerlady]

Great that you've had a positive appointment. My longstanding IBS-C went into overdrive (alongside many other horrible symptoms) with peri-menopause and HRT really helped me for many years so I hope that you find the same. On another note, I've been seen by my rheumy team throughout the pandemic so I'm glad to hear that she is pushing for you to get an appointment, I hope that you get one quickly. 🤞🍀

[Mouseling in reply to Boxerlady]

Thank you do you know how you find out about the different types of HRT and what is appropriate for you. Do you need to go to a menopause specialist when you already have health conditions? My GP has sent me some info and I have started to look at a menopause app called Balance. Can I ask what IBS-C is? Have you got that because of having RA. Thank you 😊

[AgedCrone in reply to Mouseling]

IBS is irritable Bowel Syndrome & no you don’t only have it because of RA.I had it for many years when I was younger…way before I was diagnosed with RA. …mine developed after I had contracted Amoebic Dysentery in India….but Ithink with most people it just develops with no particular explanation.

[Mmrr]

Don't you just feel so good when a Dr listens to you?

[Mouseling in reply to Mmrr]

Yes! I think she is young and definitely clued up about menopause. 😊

[Leics]

Glad you’ve had a positive response from the doc. I’d be lost without HRT can’t take the pills coz they gave me clinical depression which I’ve never suffered with before or after. I have patches which of course bypass any stomach issues and really help with my joints. I had a hysterectomy in my 30’s so only need oestrogen replacement but in my case definitely help. Doc can do a blood test to check if you’re peri menopausal simple test and would give the diagnosis I don’t think an expert in these things is necessary GP’s usually have it covered. Hope you get an appointment with your rheumy soon too.