Yesterday, I attended a makeup class with a few friends. I was very much looking forward to the event.
Despite everything, I had a good time, picked up a few new products, and learned some things. I liked the result as well. I wish I was comfortable saying where I live now, I’d love to link to the website for the place I went. It’s a small business, and the lady who owns it is wonderful.
About now, I suspect you’re wondering about the “despite everything” proviso. Allow me to elaborate.
Yesterday, I woke up in a good bit of pain from the fibro. Now, it’s not like I’m ever not in pain, but this was a high pain day from the beginning. Where my lowest pain level is around a 4 on the famous (and somewhat useless in my opinion) 0 to 10 pain scale, yesterday I awoke at maybe a 6 or 7. I took a double dose of Tylenol Extra Strength (1000 mg), as well as a couple of hemp gummies, before heading out to the class.
Unfortunately neither of those even took the edge off. What I used to do for the fibro was a prescription strength NSAID. I took it daily, because I am never not in pain. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out well as I aged, and I developed kidney disease.
I quit all NSAIDs, yes including ibuprofen. My kidneys recovered and are now back to normal, but that medication (which actually worked) is no longer an available option. That was late summer 2022. I haven’t found anything that really makes a difference since. Before you ask, yes I tried Cymbalta. See the header of this blog if you care to see how that worked out.
The class ran longer than anticipated. By the time I got home around 4pm, I was easily at a 9 or 9.5 on that infamous scale. I collapsed into my bed, and prayed for sleep. It didn’t come. After several hours flat on my back, I was able to finally get up and get undressed and ready for bed. I almost forgot to remove the makeup from the class, but at the last minute did remember it.
If you followed that link about fibro, you learned that it’s much more common in women than men. That one fact alone caused me to go 20+ years without a diagnosis. It’s been some 40 years now since it first emerged. It also, however, is consistent with my personal belief that there is a biologic basis for being transgender.
About now, you may be wondering if there are photos of the outcome of the class. Why yes, there are. I’ll share one now. It’s a much better photo of me than you usually see because a friend, who is actually an amateur photographer, took it for me. Apparently my phone is capable of taking a decent portrait.
If you read this far, thank you for your attention. I know I whine a lot about the fibro. It is what it is, as the saying goes. And yet, my journey continues.
An Aging Trans Woman 
First, beautiful results after class, truly lovely.
Second, “I know I whine a lot about the fibro?” What? Tell me something, would you allow anyone you cared for to speak about themselves in this manner? I believe not. Because, I know you have not chosen fibro, I know it is a source of frustration and quite a bit of pain that you would not wish on anyone. So, grace, my dear. You are NOT whining. Don’t talk about my friend like that, ok?
Sending love and light. Blessed be.
Heather ❤️🥰
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Heather. 🫂💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
You remind me of an amused Jamie Lee Curtis in that photo! Wow! You look like you, and also her. I know it’s not the makeup.
I’m sorry about the pain. I’m humbly thankful I have regular ol’ osteoarthritis that isn’t so bad except weather sensitivity. I hate pain. I wish there would be a thing that works for you.
I don’t recall ever reading you whining. You mention the fibro, but it’s not whining.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh Ali! Such a compliment. I hear that about Jamie Lee Curtis occasionally, and I’m always blown away. She’s such a beautiful person. The first time I ever heard it was months before I even started HRT.
I’m happy for you that your pain is controllable, and that relief is possible. And thank you for offering grace, as Heather put it. 🫂💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
You look beautiful. Living with chronic pain has a huge impact on your life. It is understandable to talk about it. I do not feel you whine but share your experience which might help others. I hope you feel better soon.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Bee. That’s why I talk about it here. I do hope others benefit, if only by hearing what many sufferers won’t say out loud. I know, in daily interactions, I’m far more likely to just say “I’m fine.” If I told the truth, I’d be accused of living in negativity. Oh believe me, I hear that a lot.
That flare was largely under control by the time I woke on Monday. 🫂
LikeLiked by 3 people
That is brilliant. I know the negativity thing. I sometimes do that to my poor husband when he talks a lot about his chronic back pain. Compassion is a complicated skill 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people