have never visited here before

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
have never visited here before
10
Sun, 09-07-2008 - 12:03am

I actually was looking for some motivation, when I came to this message board. I read the article someone had posted about the 41 yr. old Olympiad. She is very "ripped" and balances all of the jobs associated w/household management and possibly even holds down a p/t or f/t career in some area as well.


So, what's up w/me? I was "ripped" until about two months ago!! My regime consisted of working a f/t job, worling out 6X/wk., and socializing 4-5X/wk. On June 24th, I went to my new dr.(I moved in May, 6 days before I lost my job:(, My new dr. wanted to be thorough, since she'd never seen me before. She ordered more blood work(I'd already had a test to check my cholestral, thyroid, etc....which came back normal...a tiny bit low on protein). The initial reason I'd gone to see her was due to what I perceived as heavy bleeding. Since I'm 55, my dr. was being cautious, the ultrasound had come back showing 2 cysts, one on each ovary....one being irregularly shaped.  I've never felt my age and have been told many times that if I dyed my hair I could pass for 30 or 40 something!! What a boost to my self-esteem!! After my June appt.. I became very depressed....the 2nd set of bloodwork was to detect whether or not the cysts might be cancerous....the results was ca3.....the range is from 1-21.....it took another appt. to find out the results and my new dr. told me not to be surprised if the gyn(another new dr. to whoom I was being referred) told me she needed to remove my ovaries and my uterus. Before my appt. w/the gyn, she wanted me to have another ultrasound which would indicate whether the cysts had grown or not. during my appt. w/the gyn, I found out the cysts had not grown and she took the "wait and see" approach. I'm scheduled to have another ultrasound in Nov. A hysterectomy is out of the question, as far as, I'm concerned. I do not want to go on HRT!


When I became depressed, I began cutting back on socializing(now, I sometimes don't leave my apt. for days), began picking at my face I've had acne since I was 12 yrs. old! My exercise regimen also went by the wayside, as well as my self-esteem, my personal hygiene, and eating healthy. I'm still unemployed....I receive unemployment benefits. I had an interview on Weds. but felt so bad about myself that I could barely answer the questions I was asked. It seems I've lost motivation for everything and I can't get my enthusiam back!


Does anyone have any motivational input for me? I'm sorry this was so long. It's irritating to me that "because of my age" this that and the other thing.....I'm not in pain and I feel fine. Does menopause have to take over a person's life?In fact, I haven't had my period since the beginning of June. The concern, I'd originally seen the dr. for, may have taken care of itself. Thank you for any suggestions you might make.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Sun, 09-07-2008 - 12:55am
Hi and welcome to the board.

       


 


                              &n

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sun, 09-07-2008 - 2:13am

I appreciate your rapid response, the welcome to the board, and the hugs:)


For you, the surgery will be a blessing b/c of the intense pain you're having. I'm sure all will go well. You trust your dr. Both of the drs. I saw recently are both new to me....and more bloodwork and 2 ultrasounds made me have

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-1999
Sun, 09-07-2008 - 9:16am

Welcome....Sounds like a lot of 'stuff' came together to cause your depression....I am probably one of the older ones on the board at 61....don't look or feel it....most days....I would suggest doing a little bit at a time to get out of your funk.....a bit of socializing, a bit of exercise....and if not helping or you can't I really really think you should go into the doctor....don't let the depression control your life...Hugs...and hope you return!!


Ruth



 


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sun, 09-07-2008 - 12:45pm

Hi and welcome to our board.


Well menopause sure can be a bummer that is for sure. However it doesn't have to take over your life. I had a hysterectomy when I was 30 so has

                          &n
Avatar for hulagirl_leilani
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Sun, 09-07-2008 - 5:47pm

When I read "Does anyone have any motivational input for me?" My first thought was yeah how about a swift kick in the pants.... I am kidding... people tried

Aloha,

Lei

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 09-08-2008 - 5:40pm

I appreciate your response, Leilani. It was very nice of you to put so much effort and honesty into it.


Good for you for being able to move on and see each day and event in your life as a present and/or part of a new adventure.


My attitude was actually quite positive, for the most part, when I was employed. I am looking for a f/t job. But seem to be running into a job market where many others' are also "pounding the pavement" and there is a lot of competition for even the most menial employment. My self-esteem is low b/c of my major skin problems on my face....I've dealt w/acne since I was 12 yrs. old and after 43 ys. I'm totally disgusted that menopause isn't cooperating and clearing up my face....it's been a hormonal "pain in the a**."


Some of my depression may also stem from having been single during my entire life. I think, in some ways, loneliness can wreck havoc w/one's emotions. There are times when living alone can be a blessing, according to several of my friends.


Without a job I feel worthless. My life has little rhyme or reason since I'm overwhelmed w/medical bills from the tests I've endured and for the last few days excruciating pain(I have a high tolerance for pain!!)on my right side of my back due to twisting or bending incorrectly:( Just returned from the chiropractor's office.....feels a bit better:0


Thanks again, Donna

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2006
Tue, 09-09-2008 - 3:46pm

Donna


Welcome to our board! I read through the responses and see my able board buddies have given you some good input.


I would say you have a lot going on right now: health issues, job stuff, social stuff


Just take it one step at a time: listen to what the drs advise about treatment for the cyst.


I had an ovarian cyst in 2005 that was borderline cancer, the end result was a laprascopic hysterectomy. All in all, I consider myself lucky..(it was found by chance due to a bout of shingles!!) I am 59 now..also often mistaken for 10 yrs younger


I just deal with the hot flashes...


Sounds like you kept yourself in good physical shape


Sorry to hear about your daughter...very tough


I also have skin problems, roseacea...and take meds for that


And then there are the social issues...and the job stuff


geez..no wonder you are depressed!!


ok ..this is what I want you to do: BE BRAVE...or PRETEND TO BE! LOL..no one can tell the difference


go to that job interview with a smile on your face and and "can-do" attitude


then buy a can of beans..and go donate it to a food pantry...there is someone worse off than you..


and GOOD LUCK


let us know how you do....


(((BIG HUG)))

Dutch


Dutch

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 09-09-2008 - 8:52pm

Hi D and welcome to our board. The symptoms you seem to be presenting are very typical during menopause. The heavy bleeding might be fibroids but keep on top of the irrigular shaped cyst. Since yo have not had a period since June you are probably entering menopause. Most people might say 55 is too late and you should have changed by now...today, not so. According to my dr. the average age is 56.


You say your mood has been affected which is soooo typical. The best mood enhancer is dancing. Put your favorite CD on and dance till the cows come home. Movement increases endorphine production which increases our feeling of weel being. GET UP AND DANCE! Its something you can do in the privacy of your own home.


I'm Bern and follow the advice I just gave and recently was asked if I was my daughter's sister while on vacation:)


Hugs, Bernie
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2006
Wed, 09-10-2008 - 9:36pm
I really like that picture.
Avatar for cl_campmum_of3
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 09-11-2008 - 1:08am

Hi and Welcome to our group Donna!


Wow you sure do have a lot going on, and it is no wonder you are feeling so at odds with things.