Thanksgiving Blessings, Written 4 Days Late

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday especially since 24 years ago my son was born. I am so blessed and thankful especially this year. Although 2019 has been a challenging year health wise, I am thankful to have a clarified diagnosis, a smoother transition into menopause, especially now that I know my only medication is increasing the hormone prolactin in my body. Don’t understand all aspects yet as waiting a referral to an endocrinologist but basically my body is producing breast milk and I have symptoms of pregnancy despite a negative pregnancy test (My hubby and I were always open to having more children but we never could have a successful pregnancy since our son was born. I am thankful to have one child.) My psychiatrist referred me to my gynecologist after my lab work showed the hormone was high. The medication I take for my brain condition is helping me so stopping the medication is not an option. Thankfully, I am able to work with a wellness advocate now too, who has helped me get on quality supplements and essential oils, which are helping tremendously. My pharmacist reviewed the supplements and there are no conflicts with my medication. It has been an integrative approach for me. The medication, supplements, walking my dog, physical therapy exercises and support are all helping me during the transition into menopause. I try to jump a few minutes a day too since I know how healthy it is for your body.

Learning about the increase in prolactin hormone and clarifying my diagnosis has been so helpful because now I am able to better understand my health condition and manage my health along in conjunction with my doctors. Thankfully my brain condition is managed well with the integrative approach. I am blessed to be able to eat healthy and more often, take naps if needed, start a little volunteer work until can do paid employment once again, and spend time with my support team. I am blessed to currently not work outside the home so I can better manage my health as I complete my transition into menopause. 4 months without menstrual cycles (one year without is when considered menopausal), is nice, but interestingly could nurse a baby with the hormone increase. Unusual so I thought. When I asked my gynecologist if i was the only patient he had that was menopausal but producing breast milk, I was surprised, he said, “no.” Not sure why.

I am blessed to be able to care for myself and be under the care of quality doctors, who are helping me as well. When I feel guilty about taking care of myself as priority, I remember the airline flight announcement, “put on the oxygen mask on yourself before assisting others”, I am mindful that I can’t help others, if I don’t help myself first. So I am thankful for many things this year but especially my health, my family especially my husband, my son, my parents by marriage, friends and loved ones. No matter what the circumstances you may find yourself, I believe there is always something to be grateful for so I encourage you to remember what you can be thankful for. I am thankful to have been taught the concept of being thankful. My goal is to not to complain anymore but rather be thankful instead. As a believer, I know the Lord is good and I thank Him everyday for my blessings. Not sure when I will have time to write again so I wish all who read this a peaceful and joyful holiday season even if dealing with challenging times.

The Challenge of Perimenopause/Menopause

Article I Learned about in January 2019

I am blessed to be able to share this post. I am in the midst of perimenopause, the transition period leading up to menopause. I am told that under normal circumstances, menopause is a year without periods. The longest I have gone so far is 3 months. I am blessed to have all my body parts and going through it as natural as possible other than my brain medication. As one with a rare metabolism (1 to 2 out of 1,000), my transition is not as easy as it is for most. The above article talks about the challenge of this time for some women. I discovered the BBC article in January 2019 while on my road to recovery from the worst of my transition. Not much research available even in the United Kingdom.

I recently got back from the annual PSI Conference in Portland, Oregon. As challenging of a trip it was, I was blessed to present some of my lived experience and share the stage with Dr. Christi Hibbert. The title of the presentation was The Hormone Factor. Despite technical difficulties and nervousness on my part, so much important information was shared in the short time given to present.

I learned that our 2nd brain is our gut so what we eat is critical to our health. Also that under normal circumstances, there are differences between the male and female brain. I believe we should embrace these differences and work together to find optimal health for each individual. We are individuals and each of us is unique. We know general things but each person has to find what works best for his or her body and health. I am blessed to have good access to good healthcare. Many do not.

I will continue to write this blog post as I am able but my focus right now is my family and my health. I am grateful for the journey I have had and look forward to my future journey. Thank you for sharing my journey with me.

We Can Overcome Challenges

I apologize for the gap in blogs. My last one was in August. The past 4 months have been very difficult as I enter into a menopausal time in my life. Not there yet because you are considered menopausal if you haven’t had a period in a year. Well back in July, I thought being in “menopause” according to my doctor meant no more periods. That has not been the case and my brain condition has been aggravated. Thank God, it is better now but has been a challenge. The year ends on a positive note because with access to excellent healthcare professionals, family and friends, I am truly an overcomer.

It was two years ago that I was recovering from a fractured ankle.  I remember how challenging that period of time was in my life.  I had never had a physical challenge previously so it was a new experience for me.  The restrictions I had and the inability to drive (it was my right ankle) gave me a perspective that I had not had before.  I learned much from my experience with a physical challenge despite having an invisible challenge for years.

In January 2016, I was honored to write a post for The Mighty.  I recently reviewed the post and it reminded me of how differently an individual with a visible challenge is treated compared to an individual with an invisible challenge.  The insights I learned helps motivate me to continue to strive to decrease the stigma and discrimination that so often is directed towards those with an invisible challenge.  I share the link to the blog post below.  May it bring insight and awareness to others.  Many blessings to you in 2019

What Hurting My Ankle Made Me Realize About Having an Invisible Illness

Fall is Finally Here

November has arrived.  I am thankful that the fall season has begun.  The year 2017 has been a difficult year for me due to hormone changes from perimenopause, the tragic death of a close friend, and several unexpected hospitalizations.  Some of the things that happened in 2017 will never make sense to me but I am coming to a place of peace.  The stigma relating to mental health challenges is still common.  I have always been an optimist and this past year has put my optimism to the test.  More than ever I have really had to learn to focus on the positive things in my life.

I am grateful to the those in my life that have been available and stood by me through this challenging year.  I continue to have faith and hope despite all that has happened. It can take years to actually reach menopause but I hear it is not so bad once it officially arrives. I will continue to encourage and advocate to the best of my ability as I transition into this new phase of my life. I hope the fall season is calm and a blessing to us all.