Hello lovely ladies,Before I dive back into talking about menopause, I feel I need to share why I’ve been away from here for so long. Life took me on a journey I wasn’t expecting, and I know some of you will relate to the feeling of being completely knocked off your feet.
What Happened
It all began when I went in for what was meant to be a straightforward day procedure — a Bartholin cyst marsupialisation. Except it didn’t go to plan. What should have been a quick visit turned into a three-day stay, because the surgery disturbed something I had been suffering with for years without realising: an anal fistula.
The result was an open wound that took a very long time to heal. I eventually needed a fistulotomy, and the recovery was one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through. From daily wound packing to not being able to move properly, it affected not just my physical health but my mental health too.
The Weight of Recovery
During this time, I gained three stone. My blood pressure and cholesterol went up. My body — already carrying injuries from being hit by a car 17 years ago and two shoulder surgeries — became weaker from inactivity. I was in so much pain, especially in my cervical spine, where investigations showed compressed discs.
On top of that, I developed tendinopathy in my hip, and the pain was relentless. I ended up on amitriptyline for pain and citalopram for depression. At that stage, even as a personal trainer and coach with all the tools and knowledge, I felt completely broken. And let me tell you — it was a very dark time.
Step by Step – Healing Again
But slowly, things began to turn. I had steroid injections in my neck and hips, which eased some of the pain. I started to come off the medication. I moved again — gently at first. My body started to respond, and so did my mind. Step by step, I began to rebuild.
I lost the three stone I had gained. I became more active, stronger, and more “me” again. But the biggest change wasn’t just physical — it was the reminder that even when you have all the knowledge, tools, and experience, you can still need help.
Why I’m Sharing This
I want to be open about this because sometimes, especially as women, we feel like we should be able to cope with everything. We push through pain, stress, and challenges, and when we can’t, we feel like we’ve failed. But we haven’t.
Being broken is hard — physically and emotionally. But recovery is possible. It doesn’t have to be quick or perfect, but with time, support, and the right tools, you can get back to yourself again.
So if you’re reading this and you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or in pain — please know you are not alone. If I can go through all this and come back stronger, then you can too. Everyone needs help sometimes. And asking for it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
With love and hope,
Jane x
Meno & Me