OT: Hot flashes and being the center of attention

K, so the last few days or so I have been having hot flashes a few times a day.  I turn all red and get all work and sometimes break a small sweat.  WTH???  Any idea what might help alleviate them?

Also, ever since I had my surgery I have become a bit more self-conscious (weird, I know) and if I talk to people I don't know or am the center of attention (even with people I have known for a long time) my face turns all bright red and I get all nervous.  It is really freaking annoying.  I do it a lot with my bosses, nice huh?  Any ideas how to fight this battle and win??  I hate turning bright red in front of a bunch people.

Hi Malena--

I too get hot flashes....and there are many different causes. Hormones to name one. For me, I get really hot really fast when my blood sugar is plummeting. Not fun...but for me it is an unmistakable indicator.

As for the being self-conscious...when I got down to my lowest, I became very self-consciuos--go figure! When I was the center of attention (at my bridal shower, for instance) I got really nervous, turned red in the face, and was sweating profusely. In my case, is was a situational anxiety thing. Until then, I had no issues with anxiety. For me, it was treated it with a combination of a blood-pressure-lowering drug and an anti-anxiety pill right before events where I'd feel that way. Both were incredibly small doses that took the edge off. The doctor who prescribed this combo said it is also used for people who get nervous before doing presentations, speeches, interviews, etc. I never felt "different" or spacey on this medication combo...but I did feel a bit more relaxed. Unfortunately, these medications aren't safe for pregnancy, so I haven't taken them in a while now.

Great...now I'm nervous for my upcoming baby shower....thankfully I see my doctor tomorrow...perhaps I can ask him what coping mechanism he suggests in lieu of the medications.

--Paula

You know, I can't help but wonder if my medication contributes to my nervousness.  I take wellbutrin for depression and have since a few months after my surgery.  Hmm.  Too bad I turn bright red every time I go see my family doctor.  I just can't win :(

I am the same way. I am a nervous wreck in public and I will talk and talk and talk because I get so nervous. Then when I am alone I beat myself up for talking too much. I know that isn't what you said but I can relate to the nervousness. I can only tell you what works for me and that is self hypnosis. I have used this in so many aspects of my life including Reagan's super fast 25 minute labor birth.

You don't need another person to teach you but I prefered to listen to a tape instead of my own voice. If I hear that guy speak I fall right to sleep LOL.

If you are not into the whole holistic thing, try just giving yourself a pep talk to calm down, you are ok, it is ok, nobody is staring or judging you. I hope you feel better soon.

That is what I have been trying to do lately, and it some what helps but takes a while.  There are a few aspects of this that drive me crazy, one being that I am terrified of talking to people I don't know so I have skipped out on a few job opportunities because I was scared to interview with someone I don't know.  I hate to be judged, just hate it.  Two, I miss playing softball and would love to join an adult softball or even kickball league just to get out and meet people and maybe lose some more weight but I am terrified to.  I was just doing some reading and was reading about Social anxiety disorder and think that is maybe more of what my issue is.  WebMDs site has a lot of good information that I may bring up to my doctor when I go see her next, if I can bring myself to bringing it up.  Ugh.

I think this is why I have very limited friends now.  I used to have a ton of friends and enjoyed meeting new people.  Now, I ignore people I don't know.

I can totally relate to everything you just said...just about word for word.  If you think you may chicken out at the Dr...maybe bring DH along and have him bring it up if you don't think you can.  I did the self talk for a while also...it did help a little...at least I did get through some situations that I don't think I could have without it. 
I hope you can get some relief!  I really need to go talk to my Dr...maybe now after reading this, I know I am not alone and I can do this!
Thanks!

MAlena - I just posted a very similar post on the PA board - my boss wants me to go meet clients with him and I have such panic attacks THINKING about going I make an excuse every time not to go. I too have been on wellbutrin for a while and lexapro before. Prior to TTC I was also on xanax and that seemed to help but I can't take it now. I find it gets me anytime I am out of my "element" or daily routine - even crazy things like waiting in a long line or things like that!

*hugs* good luck with it sweetie!

To switch it up, I cant relate to the self concious thing, im a blabber mouth and talk too often in front of whoever :)

But, I have been having hot flashes too.
Like Paula, when my blood sugar is messed up I get super hot, burining, very quickly. watch what you eat and timing and see if there is a pattern. My sugar drops about 30-45 min after eating white carb w/sugar (sometimes w/out sugar too) (actually, sometimes for who knows what).

I now am getting them for other reasons but because I am messing around with different birth controls I think it is definately hormone related. (Had IUD, got on BCP on top of that and then pulled the iud, all within 3 weekks, ugh)