Hello! I’m still here. Kind of a weird statement, but each day I’m appreciating life more and more. I’ve always had a fairly strong love affair with life, but even more so now that I’ve had a near-death experience. So, right up front – that is my point. Things can get worse. Yes, you might be suffering from hot flashes, the “crabbies” and a little extra plump around the middle – but, if you take a moment for a yoga deep breath you’ll probably exhale and realize you’ve had a fairly good life. And, as the old saying goes. . .it’s better than the alternative.
That’s why we started this blog. To help you make the most of the rest of your life – eat healthy, seek help, try different things to get it right, don’t just sit back and “take it.” When I was in the ambulance being transported from the Salt Lake airport to the hospital I had so many thing racing through my head. Mostly, I was praying things would be OK for the sake of my husband and kids. But, I also thought about how lucky I have been over the course of my 47 years. I’ve been loved, I’ve loved. The great professional life, the travel around the world, the ability to be financially fine is nice – but, it really has come down to meaningful, loving relationships.
Right now I’m in a holding pattern until my doctor’s appointment later this week. The IUD has been a non-issue so far. Now that I’m more aware of the side-affects of medications, I thought for sure I’d be oozing yeast (i.e. most common side-affect of the IUD). I’ve adapted to the blood thinners as far as I know. It is all going to come down to the end of the month when I expect to have my period. Will the IUD help control the gush? That is the big question. The little bit of progesterone that is released by the IUD (http://www.mirena-us.com/) must be doing something, because I’m feeling mentally well. Oddly, mentally well. Again, we will see what happens in a couple of weeks.
The only real issue I’m experiencing is normal for someone who has had a serious pulmonary embolism episode – I get tired easily. But, in general, I feel better than ever until about 4 pm. Then, I crash hard. I take a nap for an hour or two and then I’m good to go until bedtime. I’ve started exercising again, which makes me happy. That was a major worry. No regular two-hour walks, but I’ve done several one hour walks and started using the indoor cycling bike that has been serving as clothes rack in my bedroom for a couple of years.
In general, I’ve been appreciating and listening to my body. I’ve done a lot of reflecting on what I might have missed before I went down. I’d like to encourage you to do the same. Are your ankles puffed up like balloons? Do you experience shortness of breath when going up a small flight of stairs? Chest pain? Go to the doctor. You are older now. It might be something. Probably not, but pledge to check it out. And, even better – practice good preventative care. I was very proud when I was in the hospital to be able to tell the doctors that I’d just had my yearly breast exam and pap smear. That helped a lot in terms of my diagnosis.
Give yourself life. It’s only half over, so vow to live well. Menopause will pass. So, do the right things to come out happy on the other end. Better yet. . .be happy today.
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