New - Hot flashes driving me crazy!

Hello all, I had a full hysterectomy (ovaries too) in Feb of 2005. I am 46 and had not noticed any symptoms of menopause prior to the surgery. Since the surgery I've been having an extremely hard time with hot flashes. It's almost too much to handle for me. I find myself having them approx. every hour or 2 throughout the day and night. I break out into a very hot red face, major sweating around my face, head and back and feel very clammy for a long time afterwards. I feel as if I'm getting depressed over these hot flashes! I am not a willing candidate for anti depressants as I've tried many types for other reasons in the past and they have all made me feel terrible. I can't stand the thought of trying them again and ending up feeling worse than I do now. Can anyone tell me how long this will go on? I cannot take any HRT because I have a blood clotting disorder that complicates things. I have been taking a pill Remifemin that is mainly black cohash herb but after 3 months don't seem to think it is making any difference. Anyone have a suggestion on how I can feel better soon? If things go on like this for much longer I'm not sure I can take it and stay sane. Thank you for any advice or suggestion you can send.

-HopeAddict

Awww, HopeAddict, I'm sorry those pesky flashes are hitting you so hard. My ovaries stopped functioning after surgery, so I definitely know how miserable they are. I found replacing the Remifeminin with Healthy Woman (just another soy supplement) made quite a difference until we were certain I was going to need HRT. Weird as it sounds, and I don't know if the other sisters will say the same, but I've noticed that, if I can keep my breasts cooler, they don't hit me quite as hard. I was told this by another sister my age who had the TVH/BSO, and I could have kissed her! I know it's frustrating, but I hope things get better for you soon! Feel free to come here and vent anytime!
Vanessa

Hey Vanessa, thanks for the input. How, may I ask, does one keep her breasts cooler? Short of taking off my shirt while at home I'm not sure I can accomplish that! Please do tell! Thanks again.

Hope Addict

I too had/have the hot flashes that drive me nuts. Sleeping is optional some nights, like tonight. I am not a candidate for HRT because of cancer. I found that staying as cool as posible helps. Stop all caffene consumption, moderate excersise, drink lots of water all help. I sleep on a Chillow. Oprah promoted it- cools your body - really works. My surgery was March, 2004 and I still get flashes. Hang in there!!!

Hi Hope and everyone, I had signs of menapause a couple of years ago, however, I found that Estrovin, at Wal-Marts took all of the hot flashes away, it does not cost much at all...about 6.00 for a months supply, it consist of black cohosh, soy and something else...but it is wonderful! And is all natural so I think that it is safe to take...good luck! Brenda

Hi HopeAddict;

HOT flashes...ain't they grand !! ha ha

Do not drink anything with caffeine in it...coffee, pop, tea, sports drinks...etc.Stay away from spicy foods. Also Fried foods can sometimes trigger hot flashes. Drink tons of water...at least 8 glasses a day.

I also bought a small battery operated fan...[at Walgreen's..$2.99] and I use it the minute I feel one coming on. Also from Walgreen's..[$19.99] a "Chillow" . You fill it with water and slip it into your pillow, or lay it in bed to put your legs on...see box for details. It is the BEST $20 I have ever spent.

I also can not take HRT...but my GP, gave me a prescription for CLONIDINE. It is a blood pressure medicine...even though I DO NOT have high blood pressure. I take 1mg in the morning [@ Breakfast], and one in the evening [@Dinner]. It really helps to control the hot flashes.

I do not get them as often...and when I do get one it is MUCH shorter.Maybe you should ask your Dr. about it. Most Dr. do not use this med for Hot Flashes...I live in Iowa, but my GP/DR. is from Canada and they use it up there all the time...


It might be worth a try!

Kate

HopeAddict,
Haha, should have thought to explain that, since it is definitely a weird thing to suggest. Oh, and I agree with both of the other ladies, the Chillow is an awesome investment! What I did was, if I realized I was flashing more during the day, I would take two of the soft gel ice packs from the freezer, wrap them in flannel dustrags and sort of stuff them in the underside of my bra, under the curve of the breast. AHHH! Instant relief! Strange what we do to help us feel better, huh?
Vanessa

Thanks everyone for all the posts! I am not familiar with how this board works and didn't know until today (6/19pm) that you all had posted! It feels good to hear from people that totally understand what I'm talking about! My wonderful husband. bless his heart. trys so hard I know but he looks at me with this pitiful blank look because he really has no idea...

I've read a little bit about the chillow and now that 3 or more of you have recommended it I may just have to buy one and try it. I am interested in anything that will help me with these hot flashes!! Maybe the Estrovin will be different than the Remifemin and work for me.. I'll have to do some research. I'm already on 3 different blood pressure meds and not sure I could mix clonidine with it. In fact I'm quite sure that one of them, atenelol, isn't able to. I'm getting quite desperate though so will talk to my doc very soon.

I feel like crying all the time now, especially when I get the flashes. I'm beginning to isolate myself more often and not want to go out in public anymore. Who wants to look like they just ran a marathon, all wet and wiping my brow tons? Not a good feeling. I won't give up however and will continue to try different things that are suggested and will let you know how I do. Thanks again for your support.

HopeAddict