Re: Women of a certain age...
I've had some spider veins on my thighs for many years. Not a lot and they've never bothered me. Just had my iron tested a few weeks ago and ferritin has dropped low. I had been taking iron supps but had switched to one that was gentler on the stomach because I'd had some gut issues and yeah apparently not as well absorbed as the heavy duty ones I was on before. So back on the other ones. Gut seems to be ok...crossing fingers LOL. She said to eat more red meat ( I'd cut down to be healthier). I said to her "next time you'll tell me off because my cholesterol is high again haha. It is all a balancing act isn't it. I still have regular heavy periods. I'm looking forward to the day they disappear! Makes sense now why I've been feeling "lazy" and unmotivated lately. Which hasn't helped that "empty" feeling that you mentioned Carnation. I've been a mum/housewife for many years now and yes now that the kids are adults/teens I do often ask myself " what next" . If it wasn't for anxiety maybe I would venture out and try some new things. But when you feel crappy from anxiety and hormones it's easier to become a hermit. I do paint a little and make jewellery. I'm definitely not someone that's ever been into fashion etc...I tend to live in yoga pants and a tshirt. All about comfort here :D. I remember my grandma always wanted to dress in a nice button up blouse and pretty pants even when she was really old and with shaky hands from Parkinsons she'd still always want the button up blouse. I don't remember ever seeing her in a simple tshirt. I guess we are all different like that. Same with my hair. I've never dyed it, embrace my grey streaks. I actually like them. They are free hi-lights haha.
Re: Women of a certain age...
Alpacagirl, could you message me, please? I also make jewellery and I'd love to chat and swap ideas.
Re: Women of a certain age...
Grey is the new hair colour trend Alpacagirl :yesyes:
Yes, I agree, anxiety does hold you back to a certain extent but never say never and there's still loads of things you can still do. It's great you have a couple of hobbies.
I've got into home cooking more with the added plus of knowing what ingredients are going in to the food I eat.
Red meat is needed in my opinion for that iron and occasional consumption would not make too much of a difference to your cholesterol. After all your doctor has suggested it. You also get iron from dark leafy greens. Years ago they used to give a new mother Guinness in hospital, lol. I wouldn't suggest drinking if you have anxiety but you could eat or make a stout pie with red meat. I always feel more energised after eating red meat. One of my favourites is braised steak in a rich gravy of onions, carrots and mash potato. Easy to do in a slow cooker or a low heat for a lengthy amount time in the oven if you are staying in on a rainy day. And the smell is so inviting.
Otherwise if you don't fancy cooking a roast, a stir fry with beef strips. Lol, I'm making myself hungry now.
I've got to say I enjoy my food more now than I was younger. It was always food on the go, sometimes working as I ate or a short lunch break.
We have to think of the positives as much as we can.
Re: Women of a certain age...
Yes it was more of a joke when I said it to my doctor. My cholesterol has always been slightly high but my good cholesterol is high and I have no other risk factors, too low blood pressure if anything etc. So I'm not really concerned. My mum is lean and very healthy and hers is high. I think it's genetic. We are lucky in Australia to have a lot of nice grass fed beef and lamb etc. I'd just switched to more of a mediterranean type diet when I had gastritis and my silent reflux stuff going on. I too love to make a lot of stir fry or slow cooker stews/soups/curries etc. Anything that's quick and easy to prepare really. Bulk it all up with beans and lots of vegies. I've started having beetroot juice as that's a good source of iron. I remember my mum bringing it over after I had my first baby and was low on iron. Even after a week of upping my meat and juicing as well as snacking on dried apricots etc I do feel a little better. Got my period this weekend though so it'll be a bit of 2 steps forward 1 step back for a while I guess. Blue Iris, I had turned my private messaging off a while back because I felt a bit weird receiving messages from people. I don't make anything fancy. Mostly just use cute animal charms and beads to make metal bookmarks, keyrings etc. I do make some basic wire wrap earrings just using the herringbone style wrap. That's about as intricate as it gets haha. I've tried trickier wire work before but would lose patience LOL.
Re: Women of a certain age...
Really frustrated with myself; day 6 of my period, I just filled a pad and I'm having a panic attack over it. Not sure whether it's peri or just a stressful few months, but my anxiety is off the charts these days and I feel so helpless.
Alpacagirl, that sounds gorgeous! I do lots of stuff with beads, but wirework is beyond me.
Re: Women of a certain age...
BlueIris, 6 days isn't anything to worry about. :hugs:
Re: Women of a certain age...
Alpacagirl, I didn't know that about beetroot juice. I know it's good for the throat if its sore.
Your crafting sounds great. :)
Re: Women of a certain age...
Thanks, Carnation, I'm just super fragile lately. :hugs:
Re: Women of a certain age...
I know you are BlueIris. Trust your body to do its thing, its an amazing piece of equipment. x
Re: Women of a certain age...
Hugs Blue Iris. I know how you feel. Mine gets heavy too and I was so stressed about getting it this time because my iron was already so low. I've been feeling off balance hormonal dizzy and then I'll overthink that I look pale etc..Ugh. Which are both anxiety symptoms too and I've always been prone to both of those even before my iron dropped LOL. But yeah the anxious brain clings to anything it can freak out over when you are already feeling a bit run down and vulnerable. I keep telling myself " hey you still walked the dog fine this morning" etc...so I'm ok ! My period will often have a heavy day towards the end. It will often pretty much stop for 24hrs around day 4 and then say " I'm not done yet!!" and do it's last hurrah! with a heavy hour or two and then switch off again. All totally normal and due to our wonky middle aged lady hormones. What other hobbies do you ladies have ? My jewellery and art keeps me pretty busy ( I sell it online for a bit of extra pocket money to support the beading habit and pay for a bit of hay etc), I also love reading a good novel - Clive Cussler, Stephen King, Kathy Reichs, Janet Evanovich...good easy reads that really get your attention though haha. Especially the creepy ones. I'm learning French on DuoLingo app too.