Thanksgiving Blessings, Written 4 Days Late

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday especially since 24 years ago my son was born. I am so blessed and thankful especially this year. Although 2019 has been a challenging year health wise, I am thankful to have a clarified diagnosis, a smoother transition into menopause, especially now that I know my only medication is increasing the hormone prolactin in my body. Don’t understand all aspects yet as waiting a referral to an endocrinologist but basically my body is producing breast milk and I have symptoms of pregnancy despite a negative pregnancy test (My hubby and I were always open to having more children but we never could have a successful pregnancy since our son was born. I am thankful to have one child.) My psychiatrist referred me to my gynecologist after my lab work showed the hormone was high. The medication I take for my brain condition is helping me so stopping the medication is not an option. Thankfully, I am able to work with a wellness advocate now too, who has helped me get on quality supplements and essential oils, which are helping tremendously. My pharmacist reviewed the supplements and there are no conflicts with my medication. It has been an integrative approach for me. The medication, supplements, walking my dog, physical therapy exercises and support are all helping me during the transition into menopause. I try to jump a few minutes a day too since I know how healthy it is for your body.

Learning about the increase in prolactin hormone and clarifying my diagnosis has been so helpful because now I am able to better understand my health condition and manage my health along in conjunction with my doctors. Thankfully my brain condition is managed well with the integrative approach. I am blessed to be able to eat healthy and more often, take naps if needed, start a little volunteer work until can do paid employment once again, and spend time with my support team. I am blessed to currently not work outside the home so I can better manage my health as I complete my transition into menopause. 4 months without menstrual cycles (one year without is when considered menopausal), is nice, but interestingly could nurse a baby with the hormone increase. Unusual so I thought. When I asked my gynecologist if i was the only patient he had that was menopausal but producing breast milk, I was surprised, he said, “no.” Not sure why.

I am blessed to be able to care for myself and be under the care of quality doctors, who are helping me as well. When I feel guilty about taking care of myself as priority, I remember the airline flight announcement, “put on the oxygen mask on yourself before assisting others”, I am mindful that I can’t help others, if I don’t help myself first. So I am thankful for many things this year but especially my health, my family especially my husband, my son, my parents by marriage, friends and loved ones. No matter what the circumstances you may find yourself, I believe there is always something to be grateful for so I encourage you to remember what you can be thankful for. I am thankful to have been taught the concept of being thankful. My goal is to not to complain anymore but rather be thankful instead. As a believer, I know the Lord is good and I thank Him everyday for my blessings. Not sure when I will have time to write again so I wish all who read this a peaceful and joyful holiday season even if dealing with challenging times.