The annual physical happened this week. Generally, everything seems okay. I still have to have the blood work done to check various levels of this and that. I'm not worried. What bothered me most this time around is the follow-up information related to last year's news. Last year's blood tests confirmed that I am through menopause. I did the happy dance last Fall when I assumed the challenges of hormonal change were all behind me. Little did I know that post-menopausal did not mean post challenges.
In a chat with my doctor this week, I learned that the curse of the hot flash can stick around forever. She even shared the plight of one patient who continues to have hot flashes in her 90's!! Now, I'm wondering if I should think of hot flashes like herpes, laying dormant until that first date or when I'm wearing that new shirt. The sudden flare-up has me dripping in sweat as if I just stepped from the shower. Ugh.
I used to say that I really only enjoy a beer after some physical exertion in the heat, like mowing the lawn, cleaning out the gutters or painting. Now, I find myself popping the top on a cold one as it's the one thing that feels great during or right after that flash. I don't have a solution for those flashes that happen as I'm getting ready for working in the morning. I am hoping the cooler weather of fall will help. I am not quite ready for a brew with my morning bagel.
