Rising from the Ashes -My Personal Journey through Menopause :: 12th Jun 2023
In this blog, I will share my deeply personal experience of navigating menopause, one that took an unexpected and life-altering turn.
Menopause is often portrayed as a natural transition, but for some women like me, the symptoms can be overwhelming and have a profound impact on our lives. Through my story, I hope to shed light on the severity of menopause symptoms and the importance of seeking support and medical attention when needed.
A Life-Altering Collapse: My Wake-Up Call – My Story
On the 7th of June 2019, I was undiagnosed at the time perimenopause symptoms took a dangerous turn, leading to a collapse that nearly cost me my life.
I was driving back from Croydon in London, after a meeting. I was not feeling unwell, I was just having a busy day.
I had spoken to my mum who has asked me to pick up her prescription from the Doctor, which is where I was headed.
It transpired that I had passed out and was being transported to the hospital.
On arrival at the hospital, they ran a number of tests, and on receipt of the results I was informed that my hemoglobin was far too low, my iron and magnesium were low, and that they needed to get my levels back up. This resulted in me being admitted to the hospital. You can imagine, I was less than pleased (I know health is our most valuable asset, but I was still thinking I was superwoman) and trying to convince the Dr and nurse I was ok, they were not having it.
At this point, nobody had mentioned perimenopause. And this is the issue many women face, menopause symptoms are often misunderstood and dismissed, even by those experiencing them, that is why I advocate that women should be encouraged to talk about their symptoms.
The next day when my parents arrived to visit me, my dad informed me that I had left my handbag and phone on the passenger’s seat of the car. I normally have my phone on a phone stand when I am driving so I must have taken it off the stand and my handbag I always put on the floor on the passenger side. Anybody that knows me, will know that the phone is always near me. These were tell-tell signs that I was not feeling 100%.
I was released from hospital on the Saturday afternoon after numerous drips and my hemoglobin, Iron and magnesium levels had improved. I was given a prescription that included iron and magnesium tablets and told to book an appointment with my doctor in a week’s time and to rest. At no point was the word perimenopause mentioned.
I always say to ladies, find your tribe. It is important to build a support network, during what can be for of us a challenging time for some of us, your loved ones is critical. It is good to talk about what you are going through and how you are feeling and Medical Guidance.
I hope my journey will serve as a source of information, and my blog Menopause Marva can be a memorable, fun alliteration and space, (men-o-pause) does not mean we are putting ‘men on pause’ but is recognised as a fun and safe place for open discussion about this topic and all of the associated life experiences it brings.
Over the next few months, I will delve into the various symptoms I encountered during my journey, including hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, sleepless nights, and more. I will emphasize the importance of recognizing and validating these symptoms and encourage women to advocate for their health and well-being.
Looking back this was the calm before the storm.
For more understanding on the peri-menopause stage and why it can be hard to tell sometimes if you've begun this transition,you might find our article What is Perimenopause a useful read.
In this blog, I will share my deeply personal experience of navigating menopause, one that took an unexpected and life-altering turn.
Menopause is often portrayed as a natural transition, but for some women like me, the symptoms can be overwhelming and have a profound impact on our lives. Through my story, I hope to shed light on the severity of menopause symptoms and the importance of seeking support and medical attention when needed.
A Life-Altering Collapse: My Wake-Up Call – My Story
On the 7th of June 2019, I was undiagnosed at the time perimenopause symptoms took a dangerous turn, leading to a collapse that nearly cost me my life.
I was driving back from Croydon in London, after a meeting. I was not feeling unwell, I was just having a busy day.
I had spoken to my mum who has asked me to pick up her prescription from the Doctor, which is where I was headed.
I recall parking my car and walking into the doctor’s surgery, but after that, I cannot remember anything.
So the question is what happened?
The next thing I can remember is the Doctor saying she is back. At that moment, the only thing I could recall was about work-related appointments and bookings I had the next day.
On arrival at the hospital, they ran a number of tests, and on receipt of the results I was informed that my hemoglobin was far too low, my iron and magnesium were low, and that they needed to get my levels back up. This resulted in me being admitted to the hospital. You can imagine, I was less than pleased (I know health is our most valuable asset, but I was still thinking I was superwoman) and trying to convince the Dr and nurse I was ok, they were not having it.
At this point, nobody had mentioned perimenopause. And this is the issue many women face, menopause symptoms are often misunderstood and dismissed, even by those experiencing them, that is why I advocate that women should be encouraged to talk about their symptoms.
The next day when my parents arrived to visit me, my dad informed me that I had left my handbag and phone on the passenger’s seat of the car. I normally have my phone on a phone stand when I am driving so I must have taken it off the stand and my handbag I always put on the floor on the passenger side. Anybody that knows me, will know that the phone is always near me. These were tell-tell signs that I was not feeling 100%.
I was released from hospital on the Saturday afternoon after numerous drips and my hemoglobin, Iron and magnesium levels had improved. I was given a prescription that included iron and magnesium tablets and told to book an appointment with my doctor in a week’s time and to rest. At no point was the word perimenopause mentioned.
I always say to ladies, find your tribe. It is important to build a support network, during what can be for of us a challenging time for some of us, your loved ones is critical. It is good to talk about what you are going through and how you are feeling and Medical Guidance.
Over the next few months, I will delve into the various symptoms I encountered during my journey, including hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, sleepless nights, and more. I will emphasize the importance of recognizing and validating these symptoms and encourage women to advocate for their health and well-being.
Looking back this was the calm before the storm.
For more understanding on the peri-menopause stage and why it can be hard to tell sometimes if you've begun this transition,you might find our article What is Perimenopause a useful read.
