January

Thank god that's over. The longest January - thanks covid - that ever existed. Once covid is well and truly under control you won't ever find me moaning about the month of January ever again hell you might even catch me doing dry January. 

I thought it might be helpful to do a monthly roundup, chuck in any symptoms, flare ups, appointments etc. During January the grand sum of zero happened in terms of my treatment. Following my telephone consultation early in the month with my incredible consultant - I can't and won't stop singing this amazing man's praises - it was hoped that I would have my coil removed and start my new medication (Zoladex and Tibilone) as a three month trial. Due to covid I cannot get an appointment, telephone or otherwise for love nor money with my GP to discuss this. I have seen the clinic letter addressed to my GP so it's on my records that I need that mirena whipped out in order to start my meds. Last week I rang the GP surgery, sat on hold forever when I finally got through to enquire when and where it might be possible to remove the coil. In a nutshell I got a 'computer says no' response. 

So aside from trying to move on with treatment I've had a pretty stable month symptoms wise. I discovered these fantastic soothing patches by a company called Be You . These lightweight patches are natural and vegan friendly are easy to apply. I popped one on one evening when I was feeling particularly uncomfortable and the gentle heat against my skin felt like a warm hug it felt so comforting and relieved my cramps. I will definitely chuck a pack of those into my endo flare up self care kit. 

January also saw Cervical Cancer Prevention Week - I blogged about my recent smear experiences and the treatment I have received as a result of abnormal smear test results, you can catch it here. 

As I write this we are in week five of lockdown. Home school isn't easy, if I am having an achy, bloaty day I tend to run short on patience, I try desperately to to take it out on my son but sometimes all I want to do is wrap myself up in a duvet and rest until the pains go away. I have felt quite drained by the time the weekend rolls around. My son is doing so well, it can't be easy to be away from all his friends and usual routine. He is a total star especially for putting up with a moody mummy. 

I've spent a bit of time on Insta lately, following the stories of other women who have gynae health issues. It can be a comfort to know that I am not alone in this constant war against the part of my body that refuses to just calm down and let me be. I really do wonder how I will cope once I start the zoladex - to put me into a medical menopause. I hope I am strong enough emotionally and mentally to cope. Part of me really worries about doing this at the moment with the world being so nuts and not being able to access help and support 'normally' am I really ready for menopause age 39? I have made my decision but it's easy to question. 

So goodbye January you've been long, you've been unkind but you have gone and we are looking forwards now.