BoomerGirl Diary

Oh no!

I have them.

I have them full blown!

What, you ask??

Hot flashes!

Strange that they are not the same that I experienced in May when in the States visiting friends and family. At that time, they kinda came on quick, flushed me, tingled, felt warm, then they went away. Not more than a minute or two. It was almost comical. I'd feel them washing over me and announce, "I'm having one". Then my friends would giggle when I'd soon say ... "OK, it's over". I'm the first of my group of BFFs/peeps to be going through this.

Those silly, fun, hot flashes are no more. Now I'm getting these ordeals where I get hot ... then super sweaty ... my arms are moist (dripping wet), my head/hair is damp (soaked), sweat rolls down my neck and through my shirt. It can last for an hour or so! I cross my legs and the top one slides right off it's so slippery! I notice I'm pushing my glasses up often as they glide down the bridge of my dewy nose. Okay ... this is so not fun! If it weren't for the constant visitors we have, I do think I would take up nudity for my day wear.

Luckily I've not had anything happen at night, while I'm sleeping, to wake me up. But I won't be surprised if it does one of these days. I'm up to three showers a day! For the first time living here in Costa Rica, I'm glad that we don't have a hot water heater. I am really enjoying the cold water flowing over my hot skin.

Topical hot flashes.

Lucky me.

It makes me wonder what the local ladies do to ease their symptoms. From the looks of it they move as little as possible, stand in the shade when outside, sit in front of fans in their doors ways, and carry a dish towel with them wherever they go.

All the "older" women here carry a dish towel with them. They are usually slung over their shoulders until needed to wipe the sweat off their face and limbs. Since I seem to be officially "one of them", next time I go to the store I'll look around for a really attractive dish towel for me to carry. For now, I need to go spend some time standing in front of the open door of the fridge!