Hello Charley!

I have severe, excruciating charley horses.  I'm not talking about the kind where you walk it out and you're better.  I mean the kind where I wake up in the middle of the night to extreme pain in my calf or arch of my foot.  I will usually writhe in pain while I rip the sheets off of my bed, possibly shedding a few tears in the process.  I never knew that this wasn't the norm.  I've never had a "normal" charley horse.  Do I dread these moments?  Ummm....yes!  It's total Hell!

I've learned lately that my type of charley horse is rare or abnormal.  I figured I must be deficient in something so I've been trying all sorts of things to help alleviate my pain.  If I am able to crawl or pull myself to the bathroom, I have strategically placed my heating pad on the bottom shelf in the linen closet, for easy access.  I've started taking Calcium supplements every morning, and Magnesium about twice a week.  I've noticed a huge difference in the frequency and severity of my muscle cramps.  Sometimes when I do still get them in the middle of the night, or even during the day I tense up expecting the worst, and I'm usually pleasantly surprised to find it's a fraction of or minuscule pain compared to how it used to be.  I do still occasionally get sever ones, but considering it's a heck of a lot less frequent I can't complain.  I've heard some about the doTerra essential oils and I'm wondering if the peppermint or Deep Blue would somewhat help when I do have pain.  Anyone know more about oils or any other suggestions?

Tick Tock

Disclaimer- I'm climbing atop my soap box and if you don't want to hear my complaints and whining, then stop here, don't read any further.

 I'm 34 and I'm nearing the end of my child bearing years.  How do I know this?  Because I am reminded of it almost daily, by strangers, by friends (meaning well), and by not so friendly friends.  I've had many wonderful people in my life have children, or will be having children in the very near future.  I love them, I adore them, I'm so happy and excited that they get to have this special time in their life.  I on the other hand don't have a husband, a boyfriend, or even a somewhat boyfriend.  I don't have any prospects in the making either.  I've never been one of those annoying single people who NEED a man in my life.  Most of what makes up being single is pretty great.  I get to sleep in as long as I want on the weekend and stay awake as late as I want, I get to eat whatever and whenever I want, I get to go on spontaneous vacations, I get to go to midnight showings of movies without worrying about who's going to watch the kids, and I get to be selfish and spend money on myself.

I enjoy being single (most of the time), and I hate people that assume my life isn't complete without a husband and/or children.  Do I need a man in my life?  No.  Would I like one?  Yes please.   I hate that I'm at the point in my life where it's highly possible I won't be able to bare children.  I've had doctor's tell me, "If you want children, you might want to be thinking about it before you turn 35."  Well, thank you very much, considering I don't think people would think highly of me getting "knocked up" right now.  I have many friends who are finishing up their families by the time they're my age.  Cause heaven forbid they're 35 and still chasing around children!  I've had people so thoughtfully remind me that pregnancy risks increase the closer you get to 40.  I say people, because yes, multiple people have told me this. Friends that are 30 are having doctor's want to check their babies for problems, since they're so old and all.  Did you know if you're over 35 and pregnant you are offered genetic counseling?  Oh yes, I've heard all sorts of information I would care not to know.  I think I'm going to become one of those crazy cat ladies....without the cats. Thank you Utah for making people who aren't married and pregnant by the time they're 22 a minority.