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[Gill Mojo]

.. but it'll be with you for at least two months.

Since this delightful stage of my life has made its first appearance, I have found that my skin is suffering in a way I had never expected. Not just my skin - although that is the most visible sign - but my body generally. If I get a scratch from one of my cats, or cut myself in the kitchen, the wound will quit bleeding etc as fast as it ever has, but the actual time it takes for the scar to heal and disappear has become inordinately extended! It can literally be a couple of months before the last signs of a scratch vanish.

Similarly with any injuries. I recently put my lower back out - a kind of repetitive strain injury - and it took three weeks for it to recover sufficiently for me to function normally but, whereas in the past when I sustained a similar injury I had no after effects, this time the pain will start grumbling at me within moments if I even suggest sitting badly! The same goes for bruises. They now appear out of nowhere - although I suspect my forgetfulness has a lot to do with not remembering how I bruised myself! - and sit there, smirking, for long periods of time before healing.

I'm 51, by no means ancient in this day and age, and despite being overweight I am pretty fit and active. I feel like my body shouldn't be reacting so over-dramatically to simple traumas (although I guess it is MY body and it has been mentioned that I can be a tad over-dramatic ).

Anyone else noticed this? Is there anything I should be doing to help my body heal quicker?

Thanks for reading today's mumblings

[Sunnydays]

Hi Gill
I've noticed much the same as you. I wonder if it's because the skin has got thinner?? I've noticed when I get out of bed in the morning, any creases on my skin from where I've been tangled up in the sheets or just laying in one position, seem to stay for ages! Sometimes when I go to work it looks like I've only just rolled out of bed!
Re the aches, not sure what to say about that except I know quite a few friends, male and female, who take glucosamine(?) and have noticed after time that their creaks and aches have abated.

[Taz2]

Yes it is part of our skin getting older I think. It becomes more fragile especially once oestrogen levels drop. Mine is much better when on HRT but have you been tested for anaemia or diabetes? Both of these can cause slow healing. Just a thought.

Taz x 

[Gill Mojo]

Had a barrage of blood tests recently and no anemia or diabetes, so yes, I guess it's just me age

[Taz2]

This gives an explanation as to what happens to skin during menopause http://www.dermalinstitute.com/uk/library/12_article_How_Does_Menopause_Affect_the_Skin_.html

Just have to keep moisturising and moisturising. Strange how it's only ever said that teenagers take up so much time in the bathroom. I find that over the last five years or so it's me that has to spend ever longer in there keeping everything moisturised and the chin plucked etc. etc.! Gone are the days of a quick shower, dab of make up and away

Taz x

[CLKD]

When I took my dog 'patting' I was asked by a lovely lady not to let her claws touch her skin as it was very thin. 

When I had cancer and was undergoing radiation treatment, it took months for any cuts to heal instead of 48 hours.  Signs that my body was busy elsewhere ?

[Taz2]

I know it's important not to get any scratches or wounds when undergoing both chemo and radiotherapy. Do you mind me asking what other side effects you had CLKD? A friend of mine is just about to start three weeks of daily radiotherapy having finished (Yes!) her 18 chemo sessions.

Taz x

[CLKD]

Not a lot actually.  It was a very hot Summer and my sessions were scheduled for noon.  That meant that I could go into work during the morning, have the treatment and return home - me, 3 cats and the dogs went to bed at 1.00, if I were late the Siamese would go half way up the stairs and meow  .

I have 3 small tattoos where the laser was pointed at when the zaps were administered.  The area of breast treated was very red by the end and I was given a steroid cream to use, but only allowed a very small amount to avoid adverse absorption.  I was also advised not to sit in the sun for at least 6 months and when walking, to wear a large thick straw hat.  The lady having sessions before me was Jamacan - we had competitions on hat dressing every day and she always won  .

Hopefully your friend will be fine.  The radiation room was the coolest place to be in that hot summer  .  I took my own tape to listen too ………. after it had all finished, 4 weeks and 1 day 'cos the machine broke down one morning then DH and I went for a pizza to celebrate - we know how to Live!  I took myself there and back most days, a round trip of 28 miles.

[Taz2]

Thanks CLKD. So mainly tiredness and soreness. I've heard that it can burn quite severely so was concerned. Driving is difficult due to the restriction of arm movement following her mastectomy and reconstruction so we're arranging a rota. At least this part is quick and not hours and hours like some of the chemo sessions were!

Taz x

[CLKD]

I had 5 daily sessions of a few seconds each for 4 weeks.  Weekends off    .  The thing is to rest after treatment sessions and if possible, keep to the same time i.e. mine were at noon.