I had not started my menopause when, in January 2009, I had a radical hysterectomy with all the extras to remove large tumours on both ovaries, and cancer that had migrated to my lymph nodes. I was 53. I then had 6 cycles of carboplatin, and set about de-stressing my life (that was my job out of the window!), eating very well, and getting a healthy amount of exercise. Frankly, I was really just chuffed to bits to still be here (still am!!) and felt a bit churlish if I was tempted to complain about aches and pains. However, keeping fit has been a huge struggle because of pain. I'm no natural athlete - I tend to 'fleshy' -especially now that weight goes on so easily, and won't shift- but I used to love tennis, and now have time to play several times a week. It's great fun, and brings with it new friends and new focus. I also have a smallholding, so gardening and looking after my recalcitrant horses, making hay, logs, etc - keeps me and my husband busy.
For two and a half years I have had tendonitis in various tendons at various times, pelvic pain when I roll over in bed, and feel about 95 when I get up from bed and attempt to walk along the corridor, or down stairs. These things ease with movement, but are debilitating and distressing ('although, mustn't moan - I'm lucky to be alive' my inner voice keeps saying).
Well, recently I was reading a post from Wendy - a font of sensible, useful info on this board - and she said she'd used a 'Ladycare Magnet'. On my bedside table there sat a watch-strap magnet I used at some time in my life, and forgot about over the past 2.5 years (it's a shock that makes you forget so very much!). I thought; 'It's utterly rubbish, of course - but if Wendy thinks it helped..." I taped it to my tummy.
That night -2 nights ago- no hot flush waking me up just as I tried to get to sleep, and a fairly good night. In the morning, though - I could walk without the usual ghastly slow untangling of tendons and attendant pain. I walked upright down the stairs to make tea whereas often I take it a stair at a time, foot to foot, wincing. A fluke, perhaps? No! Last night, the same, and this morning - although wet and cold, I am ok again, and feeling just a little more alive and ok than for 30 months. My Ladycare Magnet is on order!
I found that my "magic knicker magnet" (as I call it) has helped me so much. I heard of it via my menopause specialist at the menopause clinic at the hospital. She just gave me the sense that what I was feeling was all quite natural, especially vaginal dryness and an attendant feeling like cystitis, which she gave me a prescription for vagifem for. (Almost as good as the Ladycare!) She's a wonder! So I can't claim any credit. What would we do without the support of our doctors and nurses, heh?
Like you, I'm sure the Ladycare isn't a a fluke. If I am without mine (and thereby hangs a tale!!!!!!!) I have hot flushes and a feeling a bit like an adrenalin rush in my stomach almost within the hour.
Thanks for your lovely comments. I always enjoy reading your answers too. Like you, I've struggled with weight since I had my op. I put on 1.5 stone and can't seem to shift it. However, like you, after what could have been, I think "what the hell am I worrying about ;-)" It's really good to think my musings have helped a bit. Keep on thinking the positive thoughts and hoping your magic knicker magnet helps you as well as it has helped me.
On the subject of body weight: I remember joking with a nurse when I went for my 'pre-surgery' checks that I'd be a lot lighter after they'd taken all those bits away. NOT true! I weighed the same afterwards, and put on weight during chemotherapy!
I must get a 'magic knicker magnet' too I think! Thanks so much for these tips.
Cat xxx
There are so many bits of information out there. I'm in the process of drawing some of them together into a book about o.v. and my experiences. It seems to me that, when diagnosed, all you can find are reports of people who have died. I am a psychotherapist by profession, and I have a strong impression of how much expectation can influence outcome. I went through a period of being really hostile to the oncology dept, and all the bits attached to it, including the pastoral services, because as a patient I felt sucked in to a victimising machine which just made me feel weaker and worse than I needed to. The only 'medical' person who would say 'your case looks different than many others in these ways - so you might get well', was my Specialist nurse - and frankly, that was simply because she felt that I was a far more qualified therapist than she, and I wouldn't set too much store by what anyone else said.
Actually, that was untrue - as the fact that she said these things gave me hope. When I let her know this, she just kept saying;"You'll be fine!' I know it wasn't 'true' or 'false' - but it helped!!
By the way the magnet I'm currently using whilst waiting for the 'real thing' to arrive in the post is a simple 'bioflow' magnet taped to my tummy.
I.
To late for me.LOL
But good luck to all the ladies with their "MAGNETS"
Wish they had had them in my days.LOL.
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The sad fact is, they probably did, but you didn't know. Magnets are good for many inflammatory conditions, so worth thinking about for arthritis, rheumatism, etc.
Mmmm something I else on my list to check out. I hate the menopause with a passion. I was told not to use HRT although I did for a while just to keep me sane through chemo... I was only 40 when I was diagnosed and I never thought that I would come out the other side with osteopenia (precursor to osteoporosis),, plantar fasciitis in my heels making getting out of bed agony.. hot flushes and sleep depravation.... an extra 3 stone in weight and a libido which hasn't just wained ... it's disappeared in the ether! I dont think I even remember what to do LOL....
I had implants for a year after my op, with testosterone in them. Libido? AND HOW! And I could drink the wine with impunity, no hangovers! These men have a good life!!!!! There are some forms of testosterone, natural and synthetic, I think, which can be applied topically. You'll have to check with docs or CNS contacts first, but if libido is a problem it may be worth it. I blame my CNS for weight gain too! I had a panic when I was still losing weight after my op and diagnosis, she said I should eat and drink all I want over Christmas, while waiting for my biopsy results back and my oncology appointment, I took her at her word (see above about hangovers ;-O) I'm still trying to shift that stone and a half. Oh well!
Having used a Bioflow magnet to help my arthritis, I ordererd a Ladycare magnet to try and alleviate menopausal symptoms. This it did indeed but unfortunately it was incompatible with my Bioflow wristband ( they have different polarity and using both together can cause unpleasant side effects). I then had the brainwave of using a Bioflow Boostbelt - this has exactly the same benefits as the Ladycare but is compatible with my wristband. I have now been hot flush free for a good 2 weeks and my husband reckons my libido is returning - I would never have expected that such a simple device would have had such amazing results. The other benefit is that I don't have to wear knickers in bed which I hate as the belt, which is very comfy just velcros round your waist.
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Big Thank you
thank you!!
Thank you!
Thank you to you all....
Thank You Gwyn
