How I Cope With My Changing Body
― Maya Angelou
There seems to be a nearly unlimited number of physical discomforts directly linked to The Change. Not that I suffer from all of them, mind you, but I have done my research. I read articles and forum posts about and by women who seem to have a far worse time at it than I do. I do not envy them.
On a good day, The Change runs me through my paces with unexplainable mood swings and some pains and aches I never used to have before. It feels as if my body is creaking, like a 50-something old chair creaks from frequent use. Research has taught me that there is no need to worry, though sometimes I cannot help but worry when my heart flutters, my ankles hurt or the fingers of my left hand go numb. Indeed, it is hard not to worry during a hot flash, when all I can think about is how much heat can a human head endure? My mind wanders to spontaneous human combustion.
I am not complaining. I am simply observing, like a spectator regarding my body from a distance. It is quite fascinating to find out what this chemical machine I live in comes up with next. I found this to be a better way to look at all these physical changes than to get frustrated about them. That will only result in more hot flashes.
Sometimes, however, it is hard not to dwell on the sheer injustice of it all. In those instances, it is good to try to remember there’s nothing actually seriously wrong. It can actually be quite a relief, finding out that some physical phenomenon can be attributed as well to The Change, instead of something one has to run to the doctor’s office for. This roller coaster of changes, on the other hand, can be quite exhausting.
I am fortunate to be the master of my own time. As an independent writing editor, I have the luxury to decide for myself when I work. This way, I get to incorporate plenty of rest into my day. And rest is never a luxury, especially after yet another waking night. Of course, tougher women like me may confront these physical challenges head on and more power to them. I choose to just roll with the punches and allow myself time to recover, while trying to maintain some kind of rhythm to structure my days.
This is actually quite easy when you live with animals — or anything alive, really. As I am not a mother, I cannot imagine what life with children (of whatever age) is like, but as I understand it, they challenge the course of one’s day. Our chickens and rooster define when I get up in the morning and our dog will remind us of her regular feeding times. But they don’t get to decide when I go back to my bed or sleep in my lounge chair (some TV shows are excellent to fall asleep with).
As for my Husband, he tries to facilitate and promote my wellbeing by suggesting naps, refreshing showers or foot baths or some fresh air (which, these days, is quite easy to come by as there is always something to do in the garden surrounding our small farmhouse). I’ll the first to admit that is not always easy. I can be headstrong and even downright obstinate as I ignore his well-meant suggestions. Resistance, however, is futile, as I usually end up taking his advice, anyway. Both writers and both invested in the project that is our neglected little farmhouse, we try to encourage each other to making the best of every day, whatever it may look like.
Writing this, the fingers of my left hand have fallen asleep again. As I am a skilled in 10-fingered typing, the tingling in my fingers is a nuisance. But that’s all it is: a nuisance. I know I may suffer from some form of carpal tunnel syndrome, but it’s not the kind that comes from repeated movements or an incorrect posture. Apparently, The Change can induce swelling that causes some nerves to get stuck, resulting in these irritating yet reasonably harmless symptoms. Or so I read.
Of course, and I cannot stress this enough, if you notice changes to your body that you feel uncertain about, visit your doctor. I have simply decided I try to avoid the medical circuit for as long as I can, coping with whatever ails me in the most natural ways available to me. I know my body and enjoy my good genes. But this is not for everybody. If you worry about certain phenomena linked to The Change, consult your doctor. I am aware there are many therapies available. I simply made a different choice.
I think I’ll have a little nap now.
This post was originally published on Medium in my publication The Changing Blog on December 2, 2021.
