Just want to say HI

[2theleft]

I just posted my first reply in this forum. I've only been on DU since prior to this year's election after having lurked off and on for a few years.

Recently found this group and have been reading a lot of the posts/older posts.

I suffer from depression and anxiety that has gotten worse after my hysterectomy 2 years ago, especially the anxiety. I'm working through this, but as you all know, it can be a battle getting everything under control.

Just wanted to introduce myself in case you see me replying to posts. I've been VERY impressed by the knowledge, compassion, and comfort this group seems to provide to it's members.

[Glaug-Eldare]

1. Welcome!

Glad to see ya.

[Denninmi]

2. Welcome.

A small but good group here. They saved my sorry behind this past six months. Don't be afraid to speak up any time you need help or support.

[silentwarrior]

3. Hello 2theleft

good to see you

[2theleft]

4. Thanks for the welcome!

It's nice knowing this group is here. Bunch of very insightful people from what I've read and it feels like you guys all really want to support each other through whatever is going on. A littel refuge from the sometimes craziness of GD.

[Denninmi]

5. Sometimes craziness of GD?

That's like saying Mr. Obama has a little security detail from time to time.

[2theleft]

7. Ha! Well, being relatively new, was trying to be nice...

I am terrified of being accused of being a troll...

[Denninmi]

9. Not at all.

Believe it or not, we don't seem to have a troll problem here. At least not while I have been here.

Don't feel inhibited, god knows i've told my story in great detail.

[2theleft]

10. Thanks. I've been following your posts

both here and around the other boards.

I'm so impressed by your courage and ability to talk about what has been happening to you. And also your ability to push back hard on all the gun/mental illness posts out there.

You are a very strong/brave man. Keep fighting the good fight - you are doing awesome.

[Denninmi]

11. Ah, only on paper.

Easy when I'm only facing the blank page and my anger is up.

In real life, I'm usually a quivering mess, but I'm working on it.

But thanks. Kind of you to say that.

[libodem]

6. Welcome

I have chronic depression. I loved taking female hormones after my hysterectomy because they seemed to lighten my mood. Having a steady stable dosage vs the ups and downs and fluctuation kept me on a roller coaster. I had bad PMS and cramps. I loved being free of all that hellish enslavement. I had to taper off and quit a few years ago. So I'm winging it on nothing.

Nice to meet you.

[2theleft]

8. Ah, a kindred spirit.

I was on bcp's for eons to control the hellish periods and PMS. Then has to stop taking them at 35 because I'm a smoker (that is on the list to tackle this year, after I get my anxiety under control). Things went so far downhill after that. 4 years of misery. Periods every other week that lasted anywhere from 10-14 days. Constant PMS (at least that's what it felt like). Cramps and cramps and more cramps.

Tried an IUD to help control the periods. Mirena. The procedure to get it was excrutiating, to which my doc basically acted like I was a whimp. So, I sucked it up. Pain for months. Doc was very dismissive. FINALLY a girl at work referred me to her doc, who was a 2nd opinion referral to her when she was having similar issues. OMG. The difference a good doctor makes. Within 30 days, the IUD was removed. Turns out that my uterus was full of scar tissue and polyps and that is why the IUD was so painful.

Anyway, long story short, 3 months after that adventure I had my hsyterectomy at 39. Like you, I am so glad that hell is over. I still have my ovaries, so no hormones needed yet. I think my anxiety is just from knowing I will never have kids, which, in general is the choice I had made prior to all of this, but now, that it's not a choice, I struggle a bit. My hormones are being monitored regulary so I can keep up with what's going on and so far, those are ok, so we know it's my anxiety. In addition to all that mess, my dog had to be put to sleep at 16, my dad passed away, and my job is very stressful. It's been like a perfect storm brewing for the past two years.

I know I will get it under control. I did years ago when I first had a panic attack and thought I was dying. They are truly terrifying if you don't know what it is.

I'm so glad to hear that you are doing good post surgery and post hormones. And I really appreciate the welcome. I don't really know anyone that has had a hysterectomy, so it's hard for people to understand how it all is.

Random question... to this day, randomly I will find myself wondering when I'm going to get my period. Then I remember that I won't. When does that stop???

[libodem]

12. It stopped pretty soon for me

It was a dreaded event. I do like being relatively free of any urges and live a chaste and mostly peaceful life. Who would think living like nun would be so easy.

I used patches to quit. And snuck in a little gum. One friend used smoke away and she and her husband quit almost instantly. I was so hooked. I went back to it 3 effing times. Insane!!! Best of luck. You will feel and look better. It's an achievement.

[Mahentho]

13. Just to say hello

Hello gm!!! hav a grt day...

[rug]

14. Welcome to DU!

[shahidsaif]

15. about post

Thanks for the like post.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

16. hi...I've been thinking of getting into this forum myself.....

Depression and anxiety too. I take Cymbalta. Seems to have helped the anxiety quite a bit. The depression is a problem, though.

It sucks out my energy.....too blah to come here and type. Pretty bad lately.

When I do have some energy, then I want to get out of bed and do something rather than type about it. Unless I get triggered (PTSD shtuff)...then I spewwww.

Nice to meet you