A Strange question...perhaps?

Hi again Lynda,

I hadn't thought about the oestrogen side of things, I'm vegetarian

So possibly lacking in something, as I am a very finicky eater so will

Top up the B's and iron.

Thanks

Phoebe xx

Hi Elaine, thanks I will definitely get some B complex, I feel so frustrated by it all now, you would think that at almost 2years post op that I would be OK now but I have a feeling that it may be an ongoing thing for a while.

I have also been struggling to lose weight ........... oh well at least the sun is out. xx

Talking about weight lost, do try cut off processed food, oily food from your diet. Understand that you are vegetarian and so I guess no problem of you consuming more vege and fruits in your diet. I manage to lost about 8kg from Nov last year by cutting off the above things. Exercise till I soaking wet is my next target. Going back to yoga classes next month.

Hi Sue,

I don't tend to eat processed food, I am a great believer in cooking from scratch, I enjoy cooking.....trouble is I enjoy eating too much lol! well done on your weight loss though.

I lost about 10 kilos late late year by getting rid of the extra's just little things, thought I was eating resonably healthy, but a biscuit for morning tea, and maybe late at night with cup of tea, it all addded up to calorie intake, instead dietitian suggested 20 grapes a day. No soft drinks, no fruit juices, she told us it was scary how much concentrated sugar was in juices. Skinny milk, Eggs OK, lots of greens & red vegetables, no potatoes, discovered I loved vegetable omelets or fritatas, can now eat them for breakfast lunch and dinner, just a spray of rice oil in bottom of pan, great for colesterol as well.

Goodness Chrisy, you really have been through it haven't you? I have had plantar fasciitis so know what that pain is like, I could barely walk for 18 months or more.

I am definitely not the person I was before the hysterectomy, I sailed through the op and immediately afterwards but now 2 years on and really feeling generally yucky, trying to eat healthy and doing as much as I can exercise wise but by the end of the day I am beat.

Thanks for letting me know it's not just me, I do hope you will soon be feeling much better.

Phoebe x

I have heard that plantar fascitis is thought to be connected to auto-immune conditions. I'm hoping once my feet are a bit more healed I can start exercising lose weight easier and hopefully improve my diabetes even reverse it. Maybe have improved control over angina and my skin condition.

I just wanted to say look lichen sclerosis up, a lot of people on this site suffer it after hysterectomy and go undiagnosed for years. Don't freak out though it was just a heads up.

Thanks I'll look it up.

Phoebe

Hi, Phoebe,

I am wondering if you have considered yoga?  I am about two months post surgery, now on an estrogen blocker, and I'm considering yoga.  My husband has done it for a long time.

I've read that, among other things, yoga quiets the mind and strengthens the body, including the bones, without most of the wear and tear that working out brings.  

Just wondering if you've thought of it! xx

Hi Chrisy and all,

Since we were on the same chapter of pain and screlosis, do anyone experience the same bone anotomy changes as per this statement I read from Internet

"Evidence of my spine compressing started 12 to 18 months post-op. A crease started forming about two inches above my navel. It gradually lengthened over the next 6 months to a year until it became visible all across my midsection. I’ve always been thin (underweight) with flat, toned abs and prominent hip bones. And contrary to what most women experience after hysterectomy, I lost weight. As my spine compressed, my flat abs became “fat” and flabby. My hip bones became less prominent in the front (as my belly pooched out) and more prominent in the back since my rib cage had fallen onto my hip bones. And I now have intermittent back, hip, and rib cage pain as well as tingling in feet. My sacrum / tailbone has also looked bruised since not long after my hysterectomy."

Any comments much appreciated 💚

I have been doing yoga for past few years and practicing it now too. It does help relieve your lower back pain a bit but be careful of certain pose as you do not want to end up with organ prolapse.

Hi, Sue!  

Thanks for the info!  I also have some information for you.  There's a book by Dr. John Lee about menopause.  In it, he indicates that progesterone cream can assist with calcium assimilation.  He did a very small study, and I think most GYNs doubt its efficacy. But since progesterone is given to women who have endometrial cancer, I think it may be safe. You could try it!  

I am also experiencing some back problems.  I'm trying to find progesterone cream that's not formulated with any plant estrogens.  I'm now on an estrogen blocking medication.

Also, there is one pose (not yoga) that can really help strengthen you all over. It's called the "plank."  

Hope this helps! 

Thanks Lynda. I am looking for books I could purchase and read. Could you share the book title from Dr John? I yet to suffer menopause symptoms as I retained my ovaries though it is a risk as cancer survivor.

Yeah plank pose is good to ease back pain but not during early recovery period. Another pose I could recommend is "upper dock" and my favorite "cat pose" that never fail eases lower back pain.

Hi Lynda, yes I have thought about yoga but that's as far as it has ever gone but I may give it a go, my eldest son does it regularly so will pick his brains about it and maybe get a beginners DVD, I've also researched tai-chi, will definitely try to turn over a new leaf.

Thanks, Sue!  It's what your doctor may not tell you about menopause!

I'll look for upper dock, as for cat pose, that's a good one, too!

Yea, well, I need to get my rear end in gear, and do it.  My doctor said on 8/31 that I should give it 3 more weeks "before resuming normal activities."  It's just about that long.

Unfortunately, I think about things too often, then get my water bottle, take up a book, read, and think about it some more!  Please let me know if you find a DVD you like!

Yes I never to get my rear end in gear as well and it's a large rear end lol!

I want to lose about 7 kgs by January when I have to see my consultant agai, I just can't get motivated.

Hi, Phoebe,

What worked for me was I got myself a fitbit, avoided high fructose corn syrup, minimized my sugar intake, and ate lots of lowfat stuff.  Watch out for high fructose corn syrup, it's in everything! I also took choline & inositol, which helped my fatty liver clean itself out.  Tried to stick to 5,000 steps a day.

I lost 35 pounds last year.  Then, I got diagnosed with cancer in July.  I've kept it off; but my muscle mass is wasting away--that's why I need to get going...good luck!    

It's my tummy muscles I'm really having problems with, they are completely useless since the hysterectomy, I have not been what you would call super fit for years but never as bad as I am at the moment. 🙅

I can relate! But my ab muscles are actually really strong. But I have that hysterectomy big belly with all the flab! And it's not extra weight because I'm underweight!

I've never been superfit, either, unless I look at my childhood, where I was a real tom boy until my first period, ugh!  Then, for a memorable 2 years I worked out with a personal trainer.  I would say at age 55. I was so proud of myself, but she left the business, and I went back to oreos and coke in front of the TV.  

Hi Phoebe,

Try chinese qi-qong as recommended by a chinese oncologist.

I am on altenative medicine now precribed by chinese oncologist. He used to remind me to do more exercise as he said "... exercise is the remedy of all... will erase all your back and body pains and reducing risks of cancer recurrence..". To learn and practice qi qong, we need full concentration on breathing and using lots of inner strength or energy. Qi qong is quite famous in Asia and mostly practised by the elderly citizen in Asia. I has yet to find a good tutor as most of qi qong sessions is during weekdays morning while I busy rushing to work :-(