Firstly, I apologise for being quiet the last two weeks. I have been very much in my own head and trying to get used to all the changes that have happened over the last month. I would say I’ve had a very up and down month pain wise, some days I’ve only had slight niggles and other days I’ve been wiped out. I’m starting to realise more and more that my pain is 100% cycle related as I get most of my pain either when I’m ovulating or due on. I’ve been having some days where I’ve felt great mentally and super positive and other days where I’ve cried a lot and felt useless. I think under the circumstances this is actually quite normal and it doesn’t help that I’m very hormonal!
I’m still in my first month of tricycling so I don’t think I can really judge whether it is helping or not but I will keep you in the loop.
Over the last month there has been some products I have bought or have been trying which have been helping with my pain a lot. I bought a massage gun to help with the tingling/numb feelings in my legs which helps so much and less twitching in my legs means more sleep! It wasn’t cheap but I would definitely say it was a worthy investment. I also bought a cooling eye mask with gel beads in it that I’ve been using when I get intense headaches. I’ve also found it helps send me to sleep because it gives a nice pressure on my face. I have been having acupuncture weekly for the last 3 weeks and my acupuncturist has given me lots of health and nutrition tips to help with my hormones and fatigue which I’ve been trying to do such as; using natural sweeteners instead of chemical based ones and trying to get more protein into every meal. I think it’s too early to say if the acupuncture is working or not but it’s definitely been an interesting experience.
In terms of self care, I’ve been going swimming every few days because I’ve really, really missed working out but I find running and even walking too much pressure so swimming is nice and relaxing without making myself bloat or too uncomfortable. I find it is also quite mentally soothing as it gives you time to think but in a nice gentle way (I hope you get what I mean)!
I’m also trying to look after myself in smaller ways with things like moisturising my whole body after a shower and taking vitamins. I want to boost my immune system just in case I catch Covid. I think a lot of self care is also not about what you do to your body but accepting your body and not feeling like you have to diet or burn fat and just love what you have so I having been trying to not put myself down when my body changes and just accept that it is going through a lot and will change sometimes. I know this is way easier said than done but I’ve accepted that my body is doing it’s best to keep me healthy and I’m okay with that.
I am definitely a work in progress at the moment but I’m learning to accept that and roll with the punches because life is never going to be straightforward and things will happen when they are meant to.
Unfortunately, I still don’t have a date for surgery, I’ve not heard anything at all which is helpful! I will keep updating you as often as I can. Also, thanks for sticking around to hear about my life!
Grace x
Chronically Grace 