Upcoming gallbladder surgery - have to stop HRT for 2 weeks

I am scheduled to have my gallbladder removed on Feb. 11th. I had a total hysterectomy in 2001 and have managed my menopause symptoms with Estratest since then, without it I have terrible hot flashes and debilitating insomnia. I will have to be off of all of my medication for two weeks before the surgery and I am worried as to how to manage my symptoms during those two weeks. I can't take any type of herbs, etc. because of the upcoming surgery and I am worried about handling the symptoms without making myself and everyone around me miserable.

Can anyone help? I didn't want to post on the other board as I am not strictly a no HRT girl - just one temporarily!

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Laura

Hi Laura! to HysterSisters!

I'm sorry that you're facing another surgery. I'm sorry, too, that you have to go without your hormone therapy for two weeks. I've had to go without for a few days at most due to a mix-up with a pharmacy I used to use and I did okay.

Just curious--would your doctor consider letting you use transdermal hormone therapy, such as Vivelle Dot? I don't have any personal expeience with the gallbladder surgery so I'm not sure why your doctor wants you to stop all of your medications. If there's a chance you could use a transdermal method, at least temporarily, it may help keep you comfortable.

If that's not possible, I guess the usual things, such as fans, dressing in layers and avoiding foods and beverages that could trigger symptoms are things to try.

Hopefully someone will be along to share from personal experience.

I wish you the best for your surgery!

s