Overall things have been pretty good. Thanks to a successful surgery, I have been enjoying some improved symptoms. Nothing earth shattering, by any means, but it has improved my quality of life at home.
I have a bit more energy and much fewer instances of vomiting.
There are, of course, a couple snags - things I need to figure out and/or become accustomed to.
Due to surgery, I was able to come off of Lupron, which feels amazing. Lupron seems to have been a major culprit in my debilitating nausea and some of my lack of energy. Having my ovaries removed also meant that I could go back on some hormone replacement therapy to help reduce my hot flashes and sweating fits.
The only problem is that if I am taking estrogen, then I cannot take my Tranexamic Acid, which was helping to reduce my swelling episodes (Hereditary Angioedema Type III). BUT, because I have type III, that means that my swelling episodes are insanely affected by female hormones, like estrogen. So, not only do I have less protection from my episodes, but now I am on a medication that actively triggers episodes. This has been very annoying.
At first I thought I was just gaining weight, but my diet has been a lot better and my activity has increased, so that makes no sense. None of my jeans fit, none of my shorts fit, only two of my bras fit (out of about 20), to be honest nothing really fits properly. Luckily for me, I have always kept a few "Prednisone" pieces of clothing in case I ever had to go back on steroids, so I have one or two pairs of shorts that kind of work.
With some improved energy, I have felt very excited. Too excited. I try and do too much and then feel defeated when an activity completely takes it out of me. Biking is an example. With nicer weather and better energy, I could not WAIT to get on my bike and tour around the neighborhood. Well... after a ten minute leisurely ride, I felt like I had just completed a marathon, complete with the taste of blood in my mouth, jello legs, and a headache from exhaustion.
So my hot flashes and sweating fits have greatly improved, my energy is better, I am puking a lot less, and I have a little less pain, but now I have way more frequent swelling episodes that affect my ability to fit into my wardrobe and require me to be more careful, since I have already had a few throat swelling episodes, I cannot take a medication that was, apparently, making quite a big difference in my HAE, and I have to take my physical activity suuuuuuper slowly.
I'll get there. I will find a balance and we will get these symptoms sorted out. It will just take a few months to get it all figured out, that's all.
The surgery was one of the best decisions I have made in a long time. It was absolutely what I needed and has already made a notable difference. Now I have to sort out all of the changes. Today, however, I feel frustrated and defeated.
With that said, retail therapy is always helpful ;). I have already bought a couple of new dresses that fit nicely, and I will soon by a new pair of jean shorts for the Summer and maybe one pair of jeans, plus a swimsuit I feel comfortable in. Then at least I will have a few wardrobe pieces that fit me during this VERY swollen time. Of course, my finances are nagging at me to avoid spending any money for a few months... so maybe I will simply stick to wearing dresses for the whole of the Summer.