Living with Chronic Health Issues: My Journey

It’s been a while since I shared an update on my chronic health issues. Buckle up.

As you may remember, I was having frequent migraines apparently due to use of progesterone as part of my HRT. I had discontinued it to try to get those under control. That did help quite a bit. I still get migraines more frequently than I would like, but they aren’t as severe. That’s a net positive. Particularly as it allowed me to discontinue use of Imitrex. It’s contraindicated for people with irregular heart rhythm anyway.

Which brings me to AFib. The change in dosage of metoprolol absolutely improved the control of the PVCs and AFib. Recently though, the PVCs have become more common again. I had recently started drinking more electrolytes. I suspect that I’ve been overdoing that, and as such, triggered that recurrence. I had made increased electrolyte consumption in part because I was experiencing nocturnal muscle cramps. It’s a balancing act, and I probably went overboard.

I’ve also been experiencing some dizziness and fast heart rate upon standing, which is one of the signs of POTS. I’m still drinking lots of water (2 quarts daily) and wearing compression socks. It seems as though the POTS is getting worse in any case. I will be addressing that with my PCP on my next visit. It may just be a matter of acclimating to life in a very different climate than I am used to. I have begun perspiring much more than I am used to in recent times.

I know many of you follow me because I am trans, and openly willing to discuss that. That’s been complicated since I relocated to Wisconsin. I had signed up with an online provider for HRT upon moving here. I’ve had difficulty finding a local provider, and that was my way of (temporarily) getting what I needed. That’s been far less than successful.

That online provider has been unable to effectively communicate with my Medicare Advantage PPO and get my Estradiol patches covered. I need a higher dose than this company allows without a quantity exception letter. Problem is, that I have requested such a letter be written multiple times and that still has not happened.

I have dropped that provider, and made an appointment to see the nearest Planned Parenthood office. Yes, PP offers transgender medical care. I intend to ask that I be prescribed Estradiol Valerate for subcutaneous (subq) injection. It’s far more readily available than the patches, and the out of pocket cost is significantly lower. It’s also less likely to be completely taken away in the current political climate. In case it is, I can build up a stockpile.

To wrap up this update on a high note: I got handfasted four weeks ago, in case you missed that. It was a beautiful ceremony, and I am deliriously happy. Life in a 30 foot travel trailer is a challenge, but I am with someone I love deeply. I am happy to face any challenge life brings. We take care of each other, physically and emotionally. I could not ask for more, as the journey continues.

Tags: Afib, migraine, POTS, spoonie, trans, Transgender