I've noticed my body seems to be drying up, as if I've spent a year trudging the Mojave Desert. I wonder how bad it would be if I wasn't taking that little 'smidge of estrogen replacement every day to allow me to live a normal-ish life? Here's an aside some of you ladies might be able to identify with: After my hysterectomy I was thrown immediately into menopause. I started to have hot flashes that were so frequent I couldn't sleep at night. My doctor told me to keep track -- I was having a "flash" about every hour 'round the clock. It would start with chills -- like put on two sweaters type of feeling cold -- then within a minute or two I'd start to feel nauseated and soon was glistening in perspiration and shedding those sweaters, and everything else, to find relief from the heat. 'Round the clock. No fun. And exhausting. My doc prescribed just enough estrogen to keep the hot flashes at bay. I worry that I shouldn't be taking it, but my risk factors are low and she thinks the sleep cycle interruption is likely a greater health hazard. I'm going with this plan for now. I'm taking half of the lowest dose possible every other day and that doesn't stop the flashes completely, but it helps and I'm not constantly disrobing. Plus, a little HRT keeps one from drying up completely, if you get my drift.
Anyhoo…A few years ago I noticed my skin seemed so much dryer than usual and often a little itchy. I went to the dermatologist and she said it was "age" (I hate that explanation) and environmental effects of winter. She recommended slathering a goodly portion of Cetaphil lotion all over once a day. It helped! For years I used the lotion version, but here's a tip -- the cream is MUCH better (both available at Costco, the lotion in a two-pack and the cream in big tubs).
Two years ago I started to struggle with a "weepy" eye and occasionally blurring vision after long reading or writing sessions. At my ophthalmologist visit I learned that in spite of the tears that stream from that eye, the diagnosis was "dry eye" and a bottle of lubricating "tears"was recommended. So now I dose my eyes as needed. (I use Systane Ultra, also available at Costco in a multi-pack).
Last winter I was literally in pain with severely chapped lips. I tried coconut oil from the pantry, bought a bushelful of drugstore lip balms (Carmex and Burt's Bees Hydrating helped best in a losing battle), one of my BFFs gave me a pricey and terrific cream that was the best of the lot, but this year none of those gave me relief when my lips started to flake, crack, and bleed about 3 weeks ago -- when we had that cold, dry spell and my furnace kicked on every day. I was miserable and a trip to the dermatologist seemed to be in order; I didn't want another chapped lip season like last winter. But I decided to troll the Internet one more time, looking for a solution that didn't involve a co-pay.
I happened upon a stream of conversation on the topic of "severely chapped lips" (don't you LOVE Google?!?) where people were recommending Lansinoh -- a 100% natural, no preservatives added, "#1 recommended brand by lactation consultants" pure lanolin, used by breastfeeding moms to soothe sore nipples. The testimonials said within 3 days their severely chapped lips were healed. I hightailed it to Rite Aid.
Yep, there it was in the baby food/formula/breast pump aisle in a pretty purple tube. About $12.00 for 1.41 ounces, but when I figured how much I'd spent on worthless lip balms, I decided it was worth it. I coated my lips every couple of hours. The first day I didn't see any difference, but it felt soothing. The second day, I noticed my lips were a bit smoother. By the third day -- MIRACLE! Just as promised by the Internet posters, my lips had no more scaly skin, the soreness was relieved, and my lips looked and felt healthy! I'm continuing the regimen a few times a day and really loading up at night. (I will have to see if Costco carries it. You would think I'm getting a Costco kick-back. I'm not; just trying to pass on the benefit of my research.)
With this nipple cream on board I plan to remain smoochable throughout this winter season. On Thanksgiving I'm giving thanks for sheep.
At least that's the view from here… ©
