Menopause

I seem to be right in the middle of menopause. Hopefully, I am in the middle; at least that would indicate I have a chance of seeing light at the end of the tunnel

Since I cannot take medicines to help, I find myself in the midst of an internal combustion often. Honestly, how discreetly can a woman take ice from her glass in the middle of a restaurant and rub those cold cubes around their neck and up and down their arms. Yes, I get some strange looks. 

Menopausal Brain

A women’s brain can also have a lack on concentration during menopausal. Recently, I stood at a convenience store buying a toothbrush. The day seemed longer than others, and I couldn’t focus. The cashier asked if I noticed the price on another tube from the shelf.

Hot Flash

A flash coming on was like a wild fire spreading through my body. My eyes fixated on the enormous galvanized bucket located by the checkout counter. It was loaded with huge pieces of ice with floating, cold sodas. But to my burning body, all I could see was immediate relief! I envisioned sticking my hand in the frost for a second to douse my flaming insides.

Although tempted, I envisioned a scene in which the store manager was looking around to see if there was a wet t-shirt contest going on somewhere near.

Once home, I realized I had forgotten  the toothbrush on the counter and had to drive back to get it.

The following day was not any better. Sitting in the dentist chair, tilted so low my head was near the floor, I felt another flash coming on.

Geez! Really! Not here! I breathed deeply. It’s mind over matter, Karla. You’ve got this. Really, you do! Come on, it is probably going to pass soon….

“I’ve gotta sit up, now!” I blurted as my body vaulted upward.

“Are you okay?” She inquired in alarm, trying to jerk her hand with metal equipment out of my way

Totally embarrassed by my tsunami of heat and spontaneous sunburn, I blurted. “I’m….I’m fine. It’s just a hot flash,” I managed to say.

Handing me a Dixie cup, I guzzled water. I knew, embarrassed or not, it had to be done. That’s when I stuck my fingers inside and began flicking water onto my neck and arms.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she tried to smile.

“I think I will be in just a minute.”

Then it happened, the moment of peace.

Her face lit up as the idea hit her. She took her electronic air spout and commenced blowing the refreshing blast all around my head! She was awesome. 

Air Tip to the Rescue

In the twenty remaining minutes, she sporadically sprayed me with the invigorating, chilly blast between scraping, flossing, and shining my teeth.

As I left, she smiled. “I will have to admit this is the first time I had used the air-sprayer in this manner.”

“Well, after I leave, and I do mean after, feel free to share your secret with all the hygienists everywhere!”

I left the building with a fluffy, eighties, hair-blown look and a wonderful new reason for a lady of my age to visit the dentist!

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