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Tips to improve blood circulation?
Hi y’all! I went to see a gynaecologist again a few days ago to discuss the irregularity of my cycles. (Yikes. I know. This is your content warning for menstrual talk.)
As with most things with SMA in the mix, we ended up in a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” place. Basically, with how often and how heavy my bleeding is, I am at risk for developing a low blood count. But if we try putting me on hormones, I am at increased risk for clots (not to mention that I need regular injections for pain, which could also affect how my blood clots). It feels like I am at a crossroads, tempted to take whatever path has the least resistance. I don’t want to be exhausted for two weeks every month, or bleeding so much. Yet, I am afraid of taking my progesterone prescription, for fear of having a stroke; as it is, my limbs lose colour quite easily.
If y’all have any tips on improving my blood circulation, aside from going for physical therapy (which I am doing), I think that could make my choice easier. And let’s face it, with most of us on our butts all day, we could all improve on our circulation. 😂
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2 Replies
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Hey! Therapy and exercise are probably your best bet, but have you tried compression garments before? That might help. Also, massages and drinking more fluids can help!
As far as your cycles go, have you ever discussed a progestin-only pill with your gyno? It’s called “the Minipill.” It’s a synthetic form of progesterone and has no estrogen, which is what causes blood clots. I took it for 8 years with no issues.
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Unfortunately, having SMA does not exempt us from normal life issues.
(Would love to have an upper limit saying, “move along, we’ve got a double helping of challenging health problems and don’t need anymore.”)
Compression socks didn’t work for me as putting them on left massive bruises. Maybe there are new designs now, but I haven’t checked.
I try to have massage once a month but movement like PT is obviously the most direct solution. My bed has a massage setting that I use every night while elevating my feet helps encourage sluggish circulation to move. It’s passive, but every little bit helps.
Not sure how helpful it is in this particular instance, but I’m a big fan of nutritional support. Here’s a resource where you can look up any health condition and it will list the food, herbs, and supplements to address them.
https://www.healingfoodreference.com/circulation.html
healingfoodreference.com
Circulation solutions through foods, herbs and nutritional supplements
Circulation solutions through foods, herbs and nutritional supplements
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