74 weeks since I started HRT. I have been having issues adjusting to the new meds, specifically with the insomnia. I have never had trouble falling asleep before, and it is a new, strange feeling to not fall asleep. On one hand I feel drowsy throughout the day, which makes me have trouble focusing. On the other hand, it is actually kind of nice not falling asleep all of the time. I think I just need to find a good balance. I have started exercising more, which I hope will help me to fall asleep easier at night. I also intend to start a better bedtime routine, including evening shower, writing in my journal, and maybe meditation before lying down for the night. I may need to start looking for a new CPAP mask, because it is not that comfortable after taking a long time to fall asleep. I have decided to continue giving the meds a chance to see if I can adjust, because they have been successful thus far in keeping me from shutting down completely like I used to. That was really the initial goal, to not have that happen. Hopefully these other behavioral changes can help adjust. I also decided to cut my estradiol intake in half as well, I don't think I need to be taking so much. 8mg to 4 mg might make a difference in my daily energy levels and help with my anxiety.
The exercise front has been going well. I went running a few times, felt pretty good. I even signed up for a 5k in October. A friend mentioned that a race might give me some added motivation, and I do feel excited about actually racing as a woman. I also signed up at a yoga gym, and went to my first yoga session yesterday. I felt very comfortable and had a great session, and am excited to continue. I have wanted to try a yoga gym for a while, but have been scared. Overcoming that fear felt great and freeing, and contributed to my confidence quite a bit. I also found a queer running group not far away that I may check out in the next couple of weeks. My appetite has been returning a bit as well, so I need to figure out a good meal plan for myself to eat a bit healthier.
Overall, I am having a tough time adjusting but I am hopeful and have a plan. It may seem all bad, but my quality of life is significantly better than it was a year and a half ago. I love the heightened sensation to emotions, and would not trade this for anything. The ability to connect on such deeper levels with people is an amazing feeling that I did not have prior to transitioning. I still have a lot of problems to resolve, but I have taken charge of some pretty major ones up to this point. Every day continues to get better and better. As I continue to learn and understand my place in this world, I will continue to grow as a person. This keeps me excited and hopeful for the future.
The exercise front has been going well. I went running a few times, felt pretty good. I even signed up for a 5k in October. A friend mentioned that a race might give me some added motivation, and I do feel excited about actually racing as a woman. I also signed up at a yoga gym, and went to my first yoga session yesterday. I felt very comfortable and had a great session, and am excited to continue. I have wanted to try a yoga gym for a while, but have been scared. Overcoming that fear felt great and freeing, and contributed to my confidence quite a bit. I also found a queer running group not far away that I may check out in the next couple of weeks. My appetite has been returning a bit as well, so I need to figure out a good meal plan for myself to eat a bit healthier.
Overall, I am having a tough time adjusting but I am hopeful and have a plan. It may seem all bad, but my quality of life is significantly better than it was a year and a half ago. I love the heightened sensation to emotions, and would not trade this for anything. The ability to connect on such deeper levels with people is an amazing feeling that I did not have prior to transitioning. I still have a lot of problems to resolve, but I have taken charge of some pretty major ones up to this point. Every day continues to get better and better. As I continue to learn and understand my place in this world, I will continue to grow as a person. This keeps me excited and hopeful for the future.