During the past year I’ve been dealing with Psycho PMS Woman Syndrome (I think it’s worthy of a second “syndrome” because it’s that bad). This has reached a point of awfulness that I am no longer willing to put up with. Seriously, you know it’s bad when a week into PMS your children duck and cower every time they hear your footsteps AND I’M NOT EVEN KIDDING.
My poor mama had it terribly (we did a lot of ducking and cowering when I was a child) and her SOD (stupid old doctor) told her PMS was all in her head. The man is lucky he still has a head if you ask me.
I got online a few weeks ago and found out that in 2003 the Great Brain (FDA?) decided that really horrible PMS is an actual thing and renamed it PMDD–premenstrual dysphoric disorder. As soon as I started sifting through the information I knew this is exactly what my mother had and probably my problem as well. Since it’s been three years since I’ve been in for a girly visit with my doctor I decided it would be a good time to take care of that and talk to a professional. Did you know they only recommend paps every three years now for those of us with regular results and boring/STD free lives? Kind of nice to know.
I sat across from my lady doctor and we went through the checklist. After acknowledging that it’s been ten years since I even thought about doing a self-breast exam, I decided to get right to the point. “I think I have PMDD,” I said.
“Really? Why?”
“Well, for the last year I turn into a raging monster the week before I get my period.”
“Um…okay. Can you give me an example?
Easy. “Last night my husband came home from work late. I had saved him a plate of dinner and sat down to visit with him while he ate. He was so sweet and thanked me for the wonderful food, but within thirty seconds I had to leave the table. I couldn’t help it, I was going to punch him in the face for chewing his food in front of me.” Let the record state that Jason has very nice table manners and chews like a normal, civilized man.
“Yeah,” she said, “That sounds pretty bad.” We went through the checklist and by the time we were done looking over the information she was more than convinced.
“So,” I said, “I’ve heard there’s a vitamin B shot that really helps, is that a possibility?”
“Well, vitamins have been known to help in some cases, but you will probably get way better results if I just put you on a low dose of Prozac on day 14 of your cycle. In fact, you can take one tonight before bed and you should notice immediate results.”
I have never used mood meds for anything and I have to admit, it made me nervous. No, I’ll go further than that. In the past I’ve been unfortunately proud of myself that I have come this far in motherhood without any pharmaceutical help. But was it really mental strength or simply stupid pride that has kept me from asking for help? I have to say, I’m done. This PMS has taken over two weeks of my month and it’s not fair to my family. They deserve a kind mother who is rational and less-threatening.
Friends, let me tell you that the past week I have been myself. I’m…nice. And normal. And happy! And on my first PMDD-free day I counted at least five instances throughout the day where I would have railed on one of the kids the day before, but thanks to modern medicine I was kind and patient and monster-free.
Just putting it out there.
I’m so glad that it you found an answer to your problem and that it works! Mood meds make me super nervous too (i’m not on anything but I know it’s usage is high in Utah where i’m from). Modern meds were made for our good use and unfortunately it gets a bad rap because of those who abuse it. (ie: Utah) Sounds like prozac was an answer to your prayers 🙂
I was diagnosed with PMDD 13 years ago and given anti-depressants to take everyday. I didn’t like taking ’em and gave up. I, but mostly my husband and kids, suffered for a few years and now I take Vitamin B6 and B12 to help my moods. God help me if I get lazy and forget tho. It sucks being a girl sometimes. Sheesh.
Good luck and deep breaths. 🙂
What ever you do don’t stop taking them this weekend;)
Good for you! I have to do the b vits because the mood meds stopped working for me. And a little tmi sometimes isn’t. You’ve probably helped someone who reads but never comments 🙂
Best help I had for PMS and then sudden menopause due to surgery: ZOLOFT. Stinkin’ miracle drug as far as I’m concerned.
So glad you found something that works! As a side note, even though they recommend pap smears every three years, that doesn’t mean you only see your girl-doctor every 3 years. You should be going in EVERY YEAR for your annual physical with her/him. They won’t do a pap every year, but they will still make sure that all of you is healthy & working right. With the changes to our healthcare laws in the US, these visits are covered at 100%–meaning no out of pocket cost for you.
We need to get over our “mental health phobia” & use the help that’s out there! If there’s something that can help you, God gave it to us to use – wisely, judiciously. Think of the pain & suffering we can spare our loved ones by getting over our pride & getting help. GOOD FOR YOU, MY FRIEND!!!! 🙂
Definitely not TMI. More like removing the stigma associated with not only admitting that something is wrong, but that you’re doing something about it. Thanks for posting.
I say amen, but I do have to insert one annoying opinion – I say annoying because I am totally annoyed when people comment on blog posts and disagree with me. Blogs are for validating me, dagnabit! Anywho, I get why you are proud that this far you have been med free, but I think there is pride to be taken in getting the help a person needs rather than thinking simple pushing through will solve all. In some cases that works, but for the safety and well being of my family I have committed to a life of taking Wellbutrin and having a psychatrist, and that’s okay. I just had to put it put there – that there is no shame or failure in getting the help we need. I know you know that, I just wanted to put it out there in the universe 🙂
PS re: the latest post I read ony rss reader but don’t see here yet – I felt the same way when I was released from YW president. It was because Jared was being called the bishop, but I still felt it was because I had failed. My brain isn’t exactly wired correctly, hence the life of Wellbutrin.