<p>I’m deathly afraid of that post-menopausal abdomen bulge - I’ve noticed that even many thin women have it past a certain age. Aside from watching one’s weight, the only truly preventative measure seems to be daily vigorous abdominal exercise, including crunches and the “100.”</p>
<p>Well, I just found out the results of my blood work – the one that’s supposed to tell you if you’re in menopause or not and if you need to worry about birth control or not. Much to my dismay, my 52-year-old body happily thinks it’s still young and able to reproduce. It does not seem to care that my mind does not feel that way. The nurse said I had wonderful numbers that indicated I am definitely not in menopause, cyclical changes notwithstanding. I said, “Wouldn’t it kind of be a miracle to get pregnant at my age?” and she flatly said no.</p>
<p>I love CC. Just my personal recent story–I have loved being on the pill, but was taken off when I had a <minor> breast issue a while back. Talk about making someone cranky. I hadn’t had a “real” period since. . . my early 20s? They came back hard and I finally asked (begged?) my gyn to put me back on them. She checked with the breast doctor and he okayed it. Still had too many periods for the first few cycles but things have calmed down (although they’re still heavier than my many years of regular pill use). So if the OP is still checking in, are hormones an option for you?</minor></p>
<p>And funny that at this point of the thread y’all are talking carbohydrates! I love bread. I love toast. I love pasta. I’ve been accused of not eating anything that isn’t blond. I have a good friend with celiac’s and every time I look at my grocery cart I wonder how I’d survive. But really just about 1.5 weeks ago I decided it’s time. I am trying to cut way back on my white carb intake. Am upping the fruits and veggies somewhat. I do not own a scale but am hoping to notice a little difference in how my clothes fit. (And I had to ask my celiac’s friend what she eats for breakfast? I WANT MY TEA AND TOAST BACK.)</p>
<p>P.S. And I think I had my first real hot flash a couple of weeks ago. Scared the bejeesus out of me. I really had no idea what it was–had never felt anything like it. And then, “ohhhhh. . . maybe that’s what that was.” All I can say is I really hope I never experience that again. <i know–many=“” of=“” you=“” are=“” ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ .=“”></i></p><i know–many=“” of=“” you=“” are=“” ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ .=“”>
</i>
<p>MyLB: when I have up bacon sandwiches for breakfast, I went to yogurt, fruit, and a tiny bit of granola sprinkled on top for crunch. It’s a great breakfast. In the winter, I eat oatmeal, which I make with milk, not water.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions–my celiac’s friend said she does a <em>lot</em> of fruit smoothies in the mornings. I have gone back to a little oatmeal. I’m just hoping to stick with this whole thing for a while. All that starchy stuff is real comfort food for me!</p>
<p>MyLB, I love the Barilla Plus pasta. It has lots more protein and fiber than the standard “white,” and the flavor/texture are excellent. If you want to curl up with a big bowl of noodles, this does the trick, without the down side.</p>
<p>Thank you very much to those of you who have posted your experiences on this and similar threads. You have been more helpful to readers than you can ever imagine. </p>
<p>Ablation question: I read this thread when it was active and have been experiencing increasingly heavy, painful periods over the last several years. I work out vigorously at least 5 times a week so am not a sedentary person. My doctor suggested an iud and after reading about people’s side effects I’m really not interested in that. This thread led me to do more research and I now have an appointment with a Dr. who does the “Nova Sure” procedure. Have any of you had a personal experience with this and if so, what kind of side effects have you experienced? </p>
<p>Oh, and the flying thing. I have kids on both coasts and experience a 10 day flood whenever I fly to visit them. I really wish this would stop. </p>
<p>Thank you for any information you are willing to share.
Chris</p>
<p>
None. It was quick and uneventful. If you are like me you will be wondering why you didn’t have it done years ago. This simple procedure changed my life.</p>
<p>Thank you for your response Justamomof4. You can’t believe how much better it makes me feel to hear this. I’ve continued to tell myself that I should be able to handle this naturally. I can’t wait for my appointment next week. This isn’t the only way I’m going to celebrate, but this is part of my present to me for turning 50.</p>
<p>Novasure was the right procedure for me. The recovery was longer than anticipated, however I was the exception. This was five years ago. Changed my quality of life. This is not an overstatement. It is now such a ‘non-issue’ in my life.</p>
<p>Thanks for responding blueiguana. May I ask what the recovery was like?</p>
<p>Recovery for me was a non-issue. I took the day of surgery and the day after surgery off - but I was fine really. Maybe a little cramping but no pain to speak of.</p>
<p>I wasn’t healthy going in. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Sending a PM to give you an answer without TMI here.</p>
<p>Regarding flying and having menstrual issues, it reminds me of something else. No bleeding with flying, but a couple of years ago (perimenopause but no hot flashes) I got on a plane and it was quite warm on the plane. I got to my seat and the aisles were crowded with people storing their carry-ons, etc. and complaining about the heat. I then had the first genuine panic attack of my life. I literally thought I was going to have to climb over the seats and over people to get to the exit, it was that unbearable. It truly is one of the worst feelings you can experience. I pushed the call button and the attendant came and I said, “It’s very warm” and she said, “We’re all hot.” and I said, “I don’t think you understand. I’m having a panic attack.” She went into crisis mode, bringing me cold washcloths and helping me out. During the flight she came over to check on me and she shared with me that she has seen this many times – women of a certain age who have never had a panic attack having their first one on a plane. Since then I’ve had a couple of more in crowded, claustrophobic situations where I am trapped. I’m not sure why this gets triggered for women at this age. Has anyone else experienced this?</p>
<p>I’m with you Mim! Never felt claustrophobic until menopause. Thought I’d die! Alcohol helped me get through several flights. Even car rides were sometimes tenuous–but only at certain times and never when I was the driver. Had to have my DH pull off the interstate one time—having the windows down didn’t seem to help. Even felt that way during…hmmm…intimate moments with DH. Poor man, he thought I’d lost my mind! I eventually taught myself to breathe through the moments of panic, not unlike what we learned in childbirth classes…Fortunately, these feelings have now passed but the hot flashes persist–almost 10 years of those ‘blessings’…
Sorry if this is TMI!</p>
<p>Add my voice to the chorus singing the praises of the endometrial ablation. I had mine at 44, after a lifetime of menstrual issues of every description. Like JustAMomof4 it was for me a life changing experience. My doc doesn’t perform them for women who are still able to get pregnant, but I had already had a TL prior to that. If you’re done using the damn thing, shut it off. No regrets here! Insurance covered everything because the problems I had were seriously affecting my life. Now I get some monthly bloating and sore breasts but that’s about it. Yea :)</p>
<p>mimk6, yes, I’ve had the panic attacks, too. One was on a train many years ago, but the other was on a plane about two years ago. The heat was definitely a factor for me – both times, there was no A/C. Glad to hear you had a compassionate flight attendant; that will encourage me to ask for help next time.</p>
<p>Definitely peri- here; three periods and a six-month skip this year. Occasional hot flashes. Mine have been really light (makes up for the early years). I have PCOS, did the fertility drug thing with #1 and was never regular til after the kids arrived. OTOH, never got pregnant again after #2. My doc thinks I got pregnant with #2 because my hormones were functioning properly only when I was nursing. :)</p>
<p>^^I had PCOS and also did the fertility drug thing for #1, took six months of trying for number two (was still nursing) and numbers three and four were immediate success. I was never regular though until my forties.</p>
<p>@pianomom</p>
<p>i realize this thread is a few months old but i just came across it. you may have already had the procedure, but here’s my take on it in case you are still considering it.</p>
<p>i also had an ablation almost 6 years ago and it has been the best decision ever, completely life changing. as far as recovery, i had my tubes tied at the same time and still felt just fine two days later. i even ran a 5k three days after that (5 days after surgery). i have only positive things to say about the procedure, have had no negative side effects, and would recommend it to anyone with debilitating periods.</p>