Post-op depression or getting used to ERT?

Hiya,

I've been on the Climara patch (0.06mg) since my surgery on July 11th. I've begun to experience post-op depression (I think) the last 3 days.

I have some questions...

Does anyone here know how doctor's pick the first dosage of ERT? Or do they just guess? (I have this vision in my mind of the doctor saying, "Hmmmm - I'll try THIS one."

How do I know that I just have post-op depression - or my body is getting used to the ERT?

How long is an average waiting time to see if our body has the right dose of ERT?

(Yes - I'll ask these same questions at my 4 week checkup with the doctor - but I'd really appreciate hearing from my sisters here.)

Thanks in advance!

Noni

Hi

I don't think it's uncommon to feel depressed during the early days of recovery. You have been through major surgery and it is taxing both physically and emotionally. It takes time to heal.

It can also take awhile to achieve the right hormone balance. It's recommended here in the Jungle to keep a journal of symptoms....especially during the early postop weeks/months while your body is healing and adjusting to hormone replacement.....and stay in communication with your doctor about how you are feeling.

As far as what doctors's choose for their patients for hormone replacement, I would think they choose what seems to work best for their patients overall. Altho, that doesn't mean it's the right solution for you. It's up to you to do your research about hormone replacement, keep a journal of your symptoms, and communicate with your doctor about how you are feeling.

You might want to read some of the Hormone Jungle articles which contain a lot of good information

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/articlelist_174.htm

Sending healing 's

Hi Noni. My doctor said she likes .1mg and that is what I had on me in the recovery room. However she gave me a bag of samples and said "experiment"( she knows I'm a nurse) Anyway, when I was due to change the patch the first time, I decided I was feeling so much better so I put on the .075 mg. Well then after crying all weekend, Sunday I found a .025 mg patch and added it to make it back to .1mg. I feel whole lot better already. I think it's a real guessing game with us since we are still so newly post-op and just post-op blues can be getting us. My doctor said we may not even have to take it for long but don't be afraid to use it, if it makes us feel better, Take care sister-friend, (BTW, I am originally from Columbus, GO BUCKS)

Hiya Shelly & Molly -

Thanks for your input - it is appreciated.

It's 3am - I woke up to pee and have a migraine, too. No migraine meds - so I'm drinking coffee to help the headache to pass. Unfortunately - that means I'll be up to pee again...and my brain is only firing on one cell (if that!)

I'm sure my migraines are a sign of either too much/or too little estrogen. I'll have to mention it to the doc.

Thanks again!