Showing up and Trying is Half the Battle.

A month and a half since getting off birth control. 3 weeks since going completely gluten free. 2 weeks since my follow up doctor's appointment. How am I feeling?

The first month being off birth control was not the greatest. On and off for two weeks, I felt queasy and low energy. Then it shifted to where I felt bloated/constipated then had loose stools later (I know tmi, but that's what this blog is about). Lastly, the worst one, was the headache I had that lasted a day and a half. On the mental side of things, my social anxiety was through the roof and I was irritable like crazy. God bless my support system for being patient with me. The annoying part about this, is I didn't know what phase of my cycle I was in, so I didn't even know what foods might support me the best! So I did the best I could.

But then, I began to feel better with no symptoms, and my energy came back and my moods, simmered. This lasted 3-5 days. Then I got a freaking cold. So my doctor's appointment was done over zoom. I was honest about my symptoms and my doctor was able to pinpoint, according to my blood draw, why I was experiencing them (see this blog post).

This brought me peace of mind. But I surely hoped these symptoms wouldn't happen another month. Because, on average, getting off birth control can cause a minimum of three months to regulate.

Luckily, my wish came true. This month has been much easier on the symptom load. Thank goodness for that, for I am on my third book about hormones called, "Fast like a girl," that talks about fasting during your different cycles. My doctor recommended that I read it. So I've been learning a lot of new stuff, and felt like any surprises could teeter me over the edge into overwhelm. I expressed this sentiment in burlesque class when my teacher asked us for an update. "Is it possible to be overwhelmed, but hopeful at the same time?" I wondered to the class. I then told them how I've been taking full advantage of having health insurance again and I did have hormone imbalances going on. The class enveloped me in their support and was glad I was getting this figured out. My teacher said it was a sign of resilience to know things are hard, but knowing you have to do them anyways. And this, my friends, is why dance class is amazing! I truly believe it's one of the things that have kept me level headed. (So much so, it will likely get it's own blog post).

As I type this now, sore from dance class last night, I feel a since of pride at how focused and seriously I've been taking this.

• I've been taking walks or stretching after every meal/snack.

• I have been logging my food. Which has led me to discover how to get more protein and fiber in my diet.

• I am getting over my fear of stepping on a scale with the help of Jacob and discovered yesterday that I lost 8 pounds from my doctor's appointment in February.

• I am consciously chewing my food by having no distractions, to better my digestion. And even put up sticky notes that bring me peace and affirmation while I do so.

  

I know I still have a journey to go; like finishing the fasting book. But as I type this now, I feel in control and am excited to keep learning and exploring this health path. Cheers to being a forever student that opens new knowledge with open arms!

resiliently yours,

Emma