It Was That Time Again...

For my yearly GYN visit.

Believe it or not, I was anxious to go this time. I know, I must be sick or something! But really and truly, I wanted to go. I know I'm right smack in the middle of menopause and I've got questions and concerns that I wanted to discuss with my doctor.

Everything checked out fine and she says I'm healthy as a horse!

And much to my surprise, I had only gained 2 pounds from my last year's weight. The only reason I was only up 2 pounds was because I've lost 5 over the last 2 weeks! I told you guys I was SERIOUSLY on a diet. I haven't had a regular Pepsi, well except for the Pepsi that the drive-thru girl gave me when I actually ordered diet. This is huge people! I love my Pepsi something fierce but I've found out that I can live without it...something I never thought possible!

I asked the doctor to send me to get some lab work done, and she did. I wanted my Thyroid checked as well as my hormone levels. I've been sluggish over the last year and had put on weight so was thinking Hypothyroidism may have been the cause, along with drops in my Estrogen level.

Well, first thing this morning the doctor's office called and confirmed that I am indeed "menopausal." The thing that surprised me was when they said my Thyroid level was high, not low! The usual T3 should be 4-12. Mine was 12.1. I do have some of the signs and symptoms of Hyperthyroidism, such as fatigue and insomnia, but the major sign of Hyperthyroidism is weight loss. Nope, I haven't experienced that one, just the opposite. Anyways, they want me to get it rechecked in 6 months and we'll go from there.

I'm not wanting to take synthetic Estrogen so she suggested Black Cohosh/Red Clover/Soy. I already have the Black Cohosh but she mentioned that I can buy Black Cohosh and Red Clover in combination at a health food or vitamin store. This will help with the hot flashes that seem to have increased over the last month. So today I'll be visiting my local health food store. I'll let you know what I come home with.

I've been wanting my blood work done for awhile now so I was glad to get that accomplished. Soon, I'll be going for my yearly mammogram and also will have a bone density scan done. I've always liked to keep on top of things as far as my health goes...I don't know, maybe it's because I'm a nurse...but for whatever the reason, it's sure paid off.

Cry, Cry, And Cry Some More...

Although we had a nice camping club weekend, I'm exhausted. I was a bundle of menopausal nerves, crying at times over stuff that normally doesn't bother me.

I cried because my daughter Courtney came to visit us...and then had to leave...

My son Brandon started a new job and he told me that he doesn't really talk to anyone at work yet...I cried...it made me sad for him...and then I cried again because I had to leave him...

I was walking around the campground with Jake yesterday, looking at all the other dogs, and I started crying because Jake can't walk anymore...it's making me cry now just typing it...

I cried off and on all the way home today because I don't want to live in my city anymore. My kids, parents, and many friends all have moved away. We don't have the connections here anymore...but my husband doesn't move easily and the housing market is in the toilet...

And I cried because I was leaving our good friends. We live over 2 hours away from all of them. They get together during the week for dinner, see each other on holidays, take little fun trips together, etc. I'd love to be able to socialize with them more often...

I was a mess...aren't you glad you weren't around me this weekend!?!

Excuse My Language

But really...Menopause sucks!

I don't eat enough to keep a bird alive yet I keep tipping the scale. A few pounds here, a few pounds there, enough already!

It's time to pull out the big guns...


Ok, now that I've got my exercise plan intact, anyone know of a good remedy for those darn hot flashes that seem to have taken over my life now too!?!