Sep 19 2008
Dealing with the montly hormonal changes while dealing with autism.
I have severe endometriosis and bleed into my abdomen in spite of several surgeries to remove the over growth of endometrial tissue. I also lost a baby in 2006 because of my endometriosis and almost my life… I have taken SAMI…an over the counter medication supplement found in drug stores. I have also tried ever birth control pill, shot, ect…short of a hysterectomy. I have been on medications from psychotropic to depressants…all with varied results. Part of my “awakening” was a slow progression where I began to recognize symptoms of menstrual onset. Unfortunately, for me my monthly is anything but regular, there was no calendar to set that would show any real pattern to my cycle, because there is and was none. I would often be caught of guard by the onset and very embarrassed. Later on in life I began to link my emotional roller coaster…as did those around me, to my cycle and now have any where from a week to a few days notice that I will be starting. Treating the aggression for me was stifling of my awakening. I was placed on very powerful medications and a regimen that included them, an emergency PRN, and anti-seizure type medications that only served to turn me more inward and make me a compliant robot when I could comprehend the request. Honestly, I live medication free except to treat the acute pain I suffer because of the bleeding into my abdomen…I usually only require the equivalent of Tylenol or Midol…I take the maximum strength Midol, which does help with not only the pain, but my attitude: somewhat. It took me years without the benefit of treatment to deal with my aggressive tendencies during this time. I was taught in a later stage of puberty that we choose how to feel. Much of the time, those on the spectrum just respond. Therefore, this teaching was not a fix all as it may be for those who really do choose to react in certain ways to their environment, where I had no control at all. I still have no control over my initial reaction or response; however, before making any type of action, I am now able to recognize the automatic reactions of my mind and body and I can choose to change my state of mind. Again, this is after a lifetime of practice and is not a fail-safe to all situations. I still can become quite angry in the right atmosphere. Learning that one can change their circumstances by altering their attitude is only one aspect for those on the spectrum. After being taught this little secret, we then must over come our automatic responses and learn to live with them before we can alter our attitude.
