Plain and simple... Empowher saved my life. The past two years for me have been a nightmare physically and emotionally. At the age of 43, I began having irregular periods, heavy bleeding(sometimes for 40+ days at a time)..Severe depression... After 2 D & C procedures (polyps removed both times), my emotional state still remained the same and within a few months the heavy bleeding would resume. I was discouraged that all the doctors kept suggesting was another D & C, an ablation, and an anti- depressant.
My gut feeling was telling me, 'I find it hard to believe that my uterus is the problem!'How can a uterus cause such deep depression to the point of no longer wanting to live?? And although I am not completely against taking an anti-depressant, How was that going to correct the bleeding?
When I tell you, I came so close to taking my own life, it's the truth. My daughter's college graduation was the only thing that stopped me. That time.
Two days later, I heard about the Empowher web site. The first thing I did upon entering the site was to click the play button and listen to Michelle's story. Half way through, I was crying so hard. This is me!,
and my God, there is hope I thought. I immediately clicked on 'ask or share with Michelle' and shared my story. Within a day, I was on a brighter path. I now have a doctor who is not only addressing my HORMONAL IMBALANCE, but thyroid and adrenal issues as well. And, within a week after my first visit, I feel like a new person. How could this have gone undiagnosed? How could my doctors not have recognized how sick I really was. I honestly believe it is because most doctors today work for the insurance companies and not the patients. But that's for another time.
I have a ways to go, but at least I'm on the LIVING path now :).
Don't give up.
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I think part of the problem as said above is that one doctor is given so much power as to make a person feel that they are "whacked." What gives one doctor (three-all were of course male doctors-sorry if I offend anyone with this statement-but I feel women are discriminated against as patients by male doctors a lot of the times) so much power? Because once this is wrote by "one" doctor if you go to another doctor it follows that person and influences what the next doctor thinks-this is not right. I was there with everyone else that has wrote above-and it took me one good doctor to help me find out what was wrong (had 'Heavy" periods and weight gain,...)-ended up having a partial hysterectomy and thyroid medication and I am on my way I believe to recovery.
July 12, 2012 - 5:57pmThis Comment
Yes, as was stated above...be aware that the symptoms of thyroid disorder have symptoms in common with depression. However, a medical test can prove you have a thyroid problem whereas depression may be situational, is subjective and easily misdiagnosed. Thyroid Imbalances can cause depression, as do some 30+ other disorders. If your thyroid condition is caught early, it can be Cured with alternative medicine and homeopathic whereas the Allopathic method of “treatment” requires radiation, the death of the master gland in the body and mostly ineffective synthetic hormone replacement- a sorry trade off for a healthy Endocrine system. (See Stop the Thyroid Madness)
July 18, 2011 - 12:08pmAlso, if you are diagnosed with depression, you will be labeled Mentally Ill, for life, put on psychotropic drugs that cannot address any underlying biological illness that caused depression and may worsen not only the depression (see suicide rates on these drugs) and any undiagnosed, untreated medical condition you may have.) In general, “depression” is a SYMPTOM of something else- not a disease in and of itself (see the Myth of the “Chemical Imbalance Theory” for which there is no scientific evidence. If you are labeled with any “Mental Illness, insist on Informed Consent about the risks and alternatives to treatment and that all provable medical tests are run to rule out the differential diagnosis. Further ask your Dr. to sign an Informed Consent form stating the journal article where proof of the “disease” you are being diagnosed with has been proven to exist, keep a copy. In fact get copies of all your medical charts for your own file. If a Dr. has stated an incorrect fact, ask for the Error to your permanent record to be amended. Chances are they will refuse to do so, but your request will stay in the chart. The research on psychotropic drugs over the last 30 years has shown that they are both ineffective for 85% of the population and cause breast cancer, brain damage, DT, suicidal ideation, other hormone imbalances, pre-mature death (up to 25 years) heart disease etc...polypharma cannot be justified under any circumstances, off-label use is illegal and highly dangerous, they should never be taken for more than a few week, under supervised care and only if absolutely needed as most depression abate and resolve themselves within a year at most. Good self-care at that time is critical and should only include drugs in the most severe cases. (see for one of hundreds of examples, Robert Whitaker: Anatomy of an Epidemic: Mad in America.) Stay safe and do your research.
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I saw michelles story this morning on a tv show Better for the first time it brought me to this website i am having all the same symptoms as her and after a full hysterectomy a year ago im still struggling she mentiones a gel cured her what gel was she speaking about anyone know? i am on a roller coaster of hormone replacement and still havent found the right combo.
July 18, 2011 - 10:32amThis Comment
Uhhh, have you seen the YAZ law suits?
November 26, 2010 - 12:21amThis Comment
I too went through a difficult time last year with debilitatingly heavy periods, although I didn't get to the point where you were. It started when I was 41. My gynecologist recommended an ablation.
November 17, 2009 - 8:40pmThis Comment
I, for one, love being apart of EmpowHer. This is the best website that I have found in a long time. Women empowering women! I am very touched from your story and rejoice with you regarding your recovery and positive attitude.
I find that when I feel alone, depressed, sad or need a friend, I find solace in Empowher. I am glad you found the same thing. We are all here with you in your struggle and will be here with you every step of the way.
January 10, 2009 - 3:54pmThis Comment
I'm still on track! I did however switch to the birth control pill YAZ rather than using the hormone creams. I travel a lot with my job and find the pill much easier and I'm less able to forget (creams were twice a day). In addition, The cost of the pill is about 1/4 the price of the creams. My insurance company would only pay a portion for the cream. The YAZ is a $20 copay.
January 10, 2009 - 3:13pmTo answer your question as to advocating for yourself with your doctor, KEEP ASKING! With regards to blood work- ask for everything! Every test possible for your thyroid, hormones, etc. Are you experiencing heavy bleeding and depression as well? And... Don't settle until you're settled :) Let me know how it goes!
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Wow!!! I'm so glad you received the help you needed, how are you doing now? My hormones aren't balanced either and I am going through perimenopause, how can I help advocate for myself with my doctor?
December 19, 2008 - 9:52amThis Comment
Very inspirational! It is amazing how many women still get the run-around instead of real solution. I know Michelle Robson personally, and she was truly living her story a few years ago, and finally, she was able to talk to a doctor who knew how to help her. God's speed to all of you who have similar problems. In every adversity, there is something good that comes from it. Look at how Michelle turned her nightmare into a web site that is helping so many other women now. She's OUR WOMAN OF THE YEAR in my book! I know it is a labor of LOVE too. Tell your friends so they can also benefit. Thanks, Michelle and all the rest of you for sharing your stories.
Love,
December 17, 2008 - 6:56pmJJ Lauderbaugh
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Gina, how WONDERFUL...Jehovah puts angels in our lives and I believe that Michelle is truly an ANGEL and EmpowHER is the tool we all have been given to bring us back to the self we were meant to be (I call it my "Garden of Eden"), the place of perfect health, mental and physical. Thank YOU for having the courage to reach out, sharing your story and helping others!
Isn't it wonderful to be in a safe place, able to share, able to receive help and know that we are surrounded with true LOVE.
Bless you!
December 17, 2008 - 12:40pmPrinceline aka Mariposa
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