Happy Friday!!! I'm wishing you all a fabulous, fun-filled weekend! We don't get weekends off from baby-making, but, who would complain about such a thing? "Not I!" said the wise fly!
This week has been rough on Ashley and me, yet comical at the same time.
First things first. I have to say that I absolutely pity women who have hysterectomies or go through menopause without the option to receive hormone replacement therapy. These women are warriors, and, every unfathomable side effect of menopause they are telling you is true! Long story short, my joints hurt from a reproductive system that simply closed shop last Saturday, I can't ever figure out if I'm hot or cold, I'm cranky as all hell, and essentially, miserable to be near.
Please remember this: A woman who is going through menopause is always right. Period. End of discussion. Lucky for Ashley, she has begun taking estrogen to get her uterine lining all nice and thick to receive our little embryos, so, she's slowly getting some hormones going again. I have an ultrasound and blood work appointment on Tuesday, and assuming the results from those tests are what the doctor anticipates, I'll get my hormones going again on Thursday.
 |
| Yesterday morning at camp menopause (a.k.a. my bedroom). My leg was wrapped to help my achy bones, and of course, the fan was blowing at full speed! | |
|
Next up on all things unattractive? Let's move on to my bloated, bruised up belly. As I've mentioned, I'm taking blood thinners to avoid developing a clot from my hormone injections. If you know anybody on blood thinners, you're well-aware that bruising comes with the territory. Here is a stunning shot of my bloated, water-holding, constipated belly (Yes, these are all common and icky side effects of Lupron). Laugh at my fat and you'll pay!!!
 |
| So far I only have one larger bruise. Otherwise I get little red marks or draw a little blood from my injections. I promise it doesn't hurt though! |
|
On to staying healthy. Despite the fact that I have gained *a lot* of weight in a very short period of time, it is essential that I exercise for a number of reasons. First and foremost, an active body is less likely to develop a blood clot. So even though my legs hurt like hell, I make sure they move every day, even if I have to kick and scream at my own self to do so! I'll be honest - running for me has been really painful while I've been on Lupron. My joints and bones really hurt, and, walking is probably as acceptable as running is. But, I'm really trying to limit my weight gain, and, I'm hoping that by running now, my weight loss will be a little easier when it's time to stop my treatments. Until then, I, along with my now enormous boobs and big bloated belly, run for 30 minutes and then walk for an extra 30 minutes at least every other day. Remember how I said menopause makes you sweat? Now I have proof. This is me post-workout today. Yes, I know I look horrible and gross. But, this is part of the process, and I did promise you all that I would not hide the ugly, so, onward!
 |
| No, I would never leave the house looking like this. In fact, I'm shocked that I feel brazen enough to even post this photo. As Dolly Parton said in Steel Magnolias, "There is no such thing as natural beauty." |
|
And finally, the funny. Ashley sent me this picture from her clinic she goes to for monitoring in her home state. Yes, those are sperm. Even more embarrassing? They lead men to the room where they retrieve their contribution to the baby making process. Yep...while I'm in the operating room having my eggs retrieved, George will be in another room...doing this. I swear a man developed this process - it had to be that way - a woman would never make it so imbalanced!
 |
| "Follow the squiggly road..." |
No comments:
Post a Comment