Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy - TV Inteview

 

If you haven't seen it yet, here is last year's interview of me talking about my thyroid book. The host butchered the title in my introduction, which messed me up in the beginning. LOL 

 

 

NEW DIAGNOSIS - WHAT YOU MAY HEAR REPEATEDLY

It’s a New Year, so typically it’s customary for the resolutioners to start this and quit that.

But, for those of us who are seasoned autoimmunees and thyroid sufferers, our resolution…err um…perhaps… focus…is a better word, centers around our health.

With my health in the forefront of my mind every year, I have made huge strides in getting back to normalcy and in some cases exceeding my expectations…However, I do still have problem areas that I continue to work on with much effort (my eyes, skin and weight) Ah yes, the thyroid affects so much!

But enough about me, since this is a New Year, I want this blog post to center around those who just received a new diagnosis and who is beginning their journey of wellness in 2014.

To help you on your journey as a newbie, I want to highlight things that you will repeatedly hear from others:

1. “But you don’t look sick” Or “You look fine to me” OR “Are you sure you don’t feel like doing anything?” - Hearing this, can be frustrating at times, but try not to let it bother you…even though, you want to shout out to the world “YOU HAVE NO IDEA!!” Undue stress, is the absolute one thing you don’t need in your life right now. Stress will slow down your healing process for sure. Plus, it’s not their fault, they don’t have your affliction and don’t know what you are enduring…AND since you wouldn’t wish this on your worst enemy, I’m sure you wouldn’t want them to know what your illness actually feels like…right?...right? Hmmm, I can’t really hear you…

2. “It’s not thyroid related, that’s what happens when you get older” – How do you combat this? Well, unless you are Benjamin Button, you are, in fact, always getting older. Sigh…So, just know this is the stock answer you will receive from many healthcare providers who have no idea and are without any solutions to your symptoms. If you get this answer, quickly MOVE ON, to another provider, don’t waste your time. You aren’t supposed to completely fall apart during the aging process, I was given this silly answer by a doctor in my thirties.


3. “Do your own research”– You will hear this advice from others who have the disease. Most MD’s aren’t too keen on you doing research as they want you only to listen to THEIR suggestions about YOUR body. If you have an unyielding doctor who refuses to work collaboratively regarding your health…again, move on. I can’t stress this enough. When I first heard someone say that their healing began when they started doing their own research, they didn’t necessarily get hung up on their disease, but concentrated more so on what the thyroid controls. This is excellent advice because it causes one to focus on wellness instead of the sickness. Our disease is primarily what traditional doctors focus on. I wanted to focus on what a well thyroid does and work towards this functionality with fixing depletions, through diet and balancing hormone levels. THIS IS A LOT OF WORK, but worth it.

I raise my glass of healthy H20 and propose a toast, to my thyroid family new and old, may 2014 bring you much health, healing and happiness.

CTL

Don't forget to get your copy of my thyroid book, Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy. Buy it on Amazon today.

BLOODLETTING - LET ME HAVE MY TEST RESULTS!

It’s the phone call you’ve been waiting for…

“Your test results came back normal”

The only time I would cringe at these words is when I KNEW something wasn’t, well…normal.
“IT CAN’T BE NORMAL!”

And the hopelessness I felt would intensify because I knew what would come next…a rush by the nurse or doctor to get me off the phone. It felt like they couldn’t hang up fast enough, so they could yell out…”Got rid of another hypochondriac, before they could ask any questions, Woo Hoo!”

Who made up these “normal” or “in range” lab values? And what is even more puzzling is why it is so difficult to get a copy of YOUR results from the doctor’s office. I used to accept them not giving (or offering) a copy, but now, as a seasoned thyroid patient, not getting my lab paperwork is not an option.

Making it a rule to get your test results will:

1. Give you an idea of what is “normal” for YOU. If your thyroid levels were slightly out of range but you felt great, talk to your doctor about this. Bring to him/her your old tests outlining when you felt good and when you didn’t.

2. Help you to see if you are progressing with a certain medication or declining. Don’t leave it up to your memory.

3. If it ever comes to the point of needing to fire your current doctor and you will want to provide this information to your new one. I recently did this and my new doc was so impressed by this.

4. See if a mistake was made. (My sister was recently told by her primary care physician that her test results were normal. Later she was getting examined by her gynecologist who called up her results on the computer. “They told you your test results were normal? They don’t look normal to me”, said her gynecologist. – Obviously a mistake was made and this happens more than you think, it doesn’t hurt to double check.

They took your blood, and now it feels like it is also going to take sweat and tears just to get those results in your hands. Some doctor’s offices try to make it an all out war to give them to you, but here’s a couple of ways you can get them easily, bypassing the doctor altogether:

1. Many doctor’s offices send you to an independent lab, when you check in at one of these labs, before they draw blood ask them to send you a copy, as well as the doctor’s office. They should oblige, but may have you fill out a release form.

2. There’s been a recent trend where doctor’s offices have signed on as employees or contractors with large hospital networks. These hospital networks are starting to incorporate convenient, secure access to your medical information (including lab work) online. With a login and password, you can easily see your results.

BEWARE: Reading through test results is like trying to understand Algebra or interest rates. Don’t jump to any conclusions if you happen to see the results before your doctor goes over them with you. If you’re like me, you would be convinced you will awake with tentacles in the morning. No need to add undue stress, to an already “not all that fun” experience.

Good luck my thyroid brothers and sisters on your quest of maneuvering through the lab work labyrinth.

CTL

EVERYBODY WAS FORUM FIGHTING

Forum - an assembly, meeting place, television program, etc., for the disscusion fo questions of public interest.

Thread - A set of posts on a forum, composed of an initial post about a topic and all responses to it.

If you've vistied a social media forum for those with thyroid conditions, you've probably read, started or contributed to some "forum fighting". Unfortunately, a little non-love can break out at any moment in these support groups. But, I hope this doesn't deter you from going back because, for the most part, there's a lot of great information and camarderie amongst these groups.

If you want to stay away from any forum fighting, these are the things to avoid:

The MAIN three topics to avoid in a thyroid forum:

     1. Healthy diet - DIET is the most horrendous four-letter word, don't ever bring up eating a healthy diet...EVER!

     2. Exercise

     3. Saying, "You may not feel well even after conventional treatments" - ... adding that it may take a lifestyle change. Ooohhh these are figting words.

Also avoid:

     1. Not answering the initial question on a forum post.
          Q. How much vitamin D do you all take?

           A. You should talk to your doctor.(This response is frustrating because this may be the same doctor who refuses to test their T3, what do you think they are going to say about vitamin D...nada)

     2. Telling someone to "Do their research" - Can come across as dissmissive and condescending. Getting on the forums and asking questions could be a part of their research.

     3. Telling someone to "Talk to their doctor" - I'm pretty sure you won't get sued if you decide not to use this disclaimer on an internet thyroid forum.

     4. Using harsh tones when you are passionate about a subject.

          Q: I'm thinking about getting my thyroid removed, has anyone had this done? Please tell me your experience.

          A: Why in the world would you do this to yourself? I would never do this!

     5. People who are looking for personal experiences and are bombarded by Googled links (This may also fall into category of not answering the question)

          Q. Has anyone tried CoQ10, if so, how did it make you feel (keywords here are "how did it make YOU feel".)

          A. Check out CoQ10rocksyoursocksoff.com

     6. Advice being offered from someone who doesn't have a thyroid condition - "My favorite cousin's best friend's sister has thyroid disesae and she is fine because she meditates while listening to a CD called Desert Sands twice a week".

     7. Thread "hijacking" or changing the subject - I've seen this act draw the ire of many many people. I personally don't get mad at this because "attention deficit" is what most of us thyroidians do best, watch how quickly a thread can shift subjects, it can be quite comical.

Remember to not say things like:

"In my opinion" (inserting the word "humble" will only make things worse. Ever notice that the people who use the world humble in this phrase...aren't?)

 "Just my point of view"

"This is what think"

Please note: You are probably wrong anyway...ya know...with your brain fog and all, so try not to have a point of view or an opinion.

There you have it, reasons for forum fighting (in my humble opinion). Please don't ever think that the extreme hormonal shifts we suffer from or the mood swings, the fatigue, seeing someone eat junk food and not gain a pound, joint pain or our general malaise has anything to do with the arguments on these forums, on the contrary, it is because of all those scenarios I've mentioned above.

I'll bet the forums having to do with politics or religion don't have the same kind of melees we have.

Kidding aside, I've been a part of many thyroid forums for several years now, and yes an argument breaks out now and then, but this has not deterred me from staying on them. I have met some of the most beautiful, amazing and strong individuals. They have helped me through some tough times. Yes we fight, but we also laugh and cry together. I need my time with these supporters because at the end of the day, they are the ones in my life who get it.

SICK DURING A CHRONIC ILLNESS

My immune system and I were once close allies…Then all hell broke loose. It forged a large-scale attack on my thyroid.  I couldn’t figure out why my body betrayed me until extensive research of my new foe took me to its primary location-in the digestive tract.  I had been feeding it garbage, explaining the tyranny.

Thirty years of consuming junk tarnished our relationship, resulting in numerous viral and bacterial infections.

Some medical professionals don’t believe that having an autoimmune disease can cause a poorly functioning immune system.  I don’t agree with this, they should see my pharmacy bills post this autoimmune anarchy.

In spite of my reconciliation efforts my IS still a little miffed at me, I tend to catch more bugs than the average person but this has lessened immeasurably. At the time of this writing I have a little cold which inspired me to offer sickness tips for those with chronic disease:

What do doctors advise us to do when this happens? Here are the basics:

1.       Get a lot of rest

2.       Drink plenty of fluids

3.       Eat a healthy diet

While these are all excellent recommendations to follow, I believe we need a little more to help us get well.

1.       Don’t get paranoid – Since we’ve experienced a grim diagnosis before, (“You have an incurable autoimmune disease.”) we’ve probably lost our “illness innocence”. As a thyroidian, I am very paranoid and firmly believe this is a symptom of thyroid disease. I have been guilty on more than one occasion, of believing that a simple sinus infection has turned into my last moments on earth.  This is stress we don’t need during our convalescence.  

2.       Don’t get frustrated with the length of time it takes you to heal - An illness can run through our household, my hubby and son can be sick for a few days; meanwhile, I am down for a week or more. Having to spend more time and work much harder to be well used to cause me so much frustration.  Frustration can lead to stress and this can lead to depression and anxiety all these things exacerbate an illness. I’ve had to remember I have a body with a chronic illness and in healing mode.  I must be a patient, patient. If it takes a week to get better than I will continue to rest a week.  Your timetable of healing may not be the same as someone else’s’ so  keep that in mind

3.       “Eat a healthy diet” – Is a very vague statement. It’s best to consume only organic foods, not processed foods stay away from sugar, alcohol. DO NOT OVER EAT or eat a big meal before bed.  Don’t do anything that will tax where the majority of your immune system is housed. Autoimmunees, don’t make your immune system madder than it already is.

  

After several years of peace talks (eating healthier, taking supplements), I think my tract is heading down the right track. I’m not 100% and don’t know if I will ever get there, the damage may be irreparable… but each day I feel myself getting better, stronger.  My IS and I are now on good speaking terms.

Crazy Thyroid Lady

YOUR BRAIN FOG LOG

Since my thyroid disease diagnosis, I have mastered the art of list making. I have to create lists on a regular basis, or else many important tasks don’t get done.  The daily schedule I was able to keep contained in my brain must now get jotted down on my portable brain fog log.

My list making skills have been perfected over the years through trial and error,  because I have to make lists for just about everything now.  I thought I would share the top 3 things to remember when creating your “to do” lists.

1.Find the right handy, dandy notebook.  I personally feel more
  comfortable using a notebook instead of an electronic device
  because it is easier for me to have just one notebook dedicated
  to my daily duties…but if an electronic notebook works better
  for you than go for it, the important thing is to come to the
  realization that you probably need to make lists now instead of
  relying on your memory.  Less stressful to:  jot it down, get
  it  done, and then cross it off.

2.Make your lists realistic. Don’t write down an exorbitant 
  amount of tasks to accomplish each day or tasks that are
  completely unrealistic, for example:

Not Ideal                                                                                        Ideal

·         Baby sit the neighbor’s kids for 2 hours                 •  Babysit the neighbor’s kids for 2 hours

·         Clean the house for dinner guests                          •  Nap

·         Make dinner                                                                 •  Work on menu for the rescheduled dinner

·         Entertain house guests                                                 party

·         Help child with homework                                        •  Delegate house chores to family for dinner

                                                                                                            Party

                                                                                                       •  Help child with homework

Note: The “Not Ideal” example may have you in bed for the next two days trying to recuperate.

3. Don’t be cryptic with your lists. Remember your to do lists are there to help you, which means you may have to write a little more than what you are used to.  For example:

Not Ideal                                                                                             Ideal

•   Boogeymom1975@email.com                                              • Boogeymom1975@email.com –   

                                                                                                       need to email her today to let 

                                                                                                       her know I want to take

                                                                                                       the next Zumba class

Note:  The “Not ideal” example…If you are like me, you can walk away from your list for just 10 seconds then come back to it and ask yourself… “Who the heck is Boogeymom?”  You think you will remember when writing it down, I mean come on…how can you forget who Boogeymom is…Ahhh… but trust me the thyroid brain has other ideas.

Click here for some fun Brain Fog Logs aka thyroid notebooks.

Crazy Thyroid Lady

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

JUST KEEP SWIMMING - THYROID RAP or THRAP

Just Keep Swimming

Can be rapped to the rhythm of your choice, if you have someone that can beat box along with you…even better!

The hooks, the hooks they’re all around

Trying to reel me in, trying to make me sin

This disease has me feelin’ like a fish out of water, I wish I could cast spells on it like Harry Potter

I’m a thyroid mutha don’t mess with me,

Trying to avoid the hooks, trying to stay free

Just keep swimming; just keep swimming I can’t put that (Bleep) in my body

Cuz the hooks make me sicker,

The hooks make me quiver,

I am not quicker when the hooks grab my zipper.

What are the hooks, what do they represent?

It’s what makes me operate at 30 percent.

The Gluten

The Sugar

The Processed foods

The alcohol

The Stress –putting me in bad moods

The hooks are negativity

Bad vibes all around me

I’ve been researching the hooks like Madame Curie

If I don’t just keep swimming my body will disagree

I’m a thyroid mutha don’t mess with me,

Trying to avoid the hooks, trying to stay free

Just keep swimming; just keep swimming I can’t put that (Bleep) in my body

 Move over Missy Elliot make room for

The Crazy Thyroid Lady

Don't forget to get your copy of my four-star**** thyroid book on Amazon -Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy

IT'S OVER...FINALLY

Why did even try to reconcile? Why?...I’ve finally had enough, It’s over…She will not get custody or visitation rights of my thyroid, I am through… FOREVER!

OK, long story short, here’s what happened:

·   Referred to Endo over 8 years ago.

·   Endo recommended Radio Active Iodine or (RAI).

·   Got RAI, but was then prescribed T4 only (I accepted this, even 
     though I did not feel well, because I did not know any better).

·  Divorced Endo years later, after suffering for so long, realizing I 
    could have tried a T3 drug that would perhaps make me feel 
    better.

·   Went to another MD who tested my T3. My T3 was off and
    started taking T3 right away.

·  However, the new MD didn't accept insurance and the
    appointments were getting to be too costly.

·  Reconciled with my old doc, but told her the only way I would
   come back is if she prescribed T3.

·  Old Endo said yes and prescribed T3 for several years.

·  A few months ago, I called my old Endo and said for some
    reason my thyroid meds were making me sick to my stomach (I
    let her know I had been eating a very very clean diet at the
    time).

·  She took me off T3 and Levoxyl and put me on Tirosint (a T4 
   only drug without dyes and preservatives). 

·  I reluctantly agreed with the treatment plan at the time, but
   then I started to feel horrible, the same way I felt nearly 8 years
   ago, without T3.  I told her I wanted back on T3 or at the very
   least test my T3 to see if my body needs it.

· She refused, without explanation…I didn’t bother asking,
   because I know she never wanted to give me the T3 in the first
   place, needless to say I was done.

So there you have it… that was the last straw! Time to leave this abusive relationship! It made me realize this Endo doesn’t care about me; I am just another troublesome-TSH-testing-T4–only- thyroid patient in her aesculapian assembly line.  I mean come on doc… it is just a test, not like I was asking you to come over and do my dishes.

Anyway…enough about her. I found the Holy Grail of providers. She is a nurse practioner with prescriptive authority, which means she can prescribe medications and tests (T3 tests, reverse, free..etc. NOT just TSH). This woman reeled me in hook, line and sinker when she said “Carol, the TSH test is just a small piece of the puzzle, it doesn’t tell the whole story, I’ll run a full workup on you and if you need T3, I’ll give you T3.”

I gushed…I think this is the one…she’s a keeper!

The Crazy Thyroid Lady

Don't forget to get your copy of my thyroid book Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy

VACATION TIPS FOR THE THYROID SUFFERER

 

My husband came home the other day with a lovely surprise.  “Honey, we are going to Mexico for our 20^th wedding anniversary,” he said.  I was so excited.  Yea! I’ve never been to Mexico…Oh wait a minute…have I?

Isn’t it a shame, that I must think really hard about something like that? 

But with thyroid disease, comes a chalk full of symptoms, affecting various areas of the body, READ fellow thyroid activist, Hypothyroid MOM’s blog post and symptom list.  Symptoms can be far worse for some and not that bad for others…For example, for some, the fatigue is almost unbearable; for others, it is the joint pain.

As for me, without a doubt, hands down…it is my memory and brain fog.  Alright, so let me see…Hmmm, OK…I used to work for an airline… and I was able to fly for free…have I been to...?? Ummmm nope, I’m pretty sure I’ve never been to Mexico. Yippee!  We are going to have fun!

Since my brain cells have decided to take their own permanent vacation, I have had to come up with five tips to help make all my excursions more memorable:

 

1.  Say CHEESE! Of course this is the obvious – take many pictures and shoot video footage, if you can. Don’t be too annoying that you make this a stressful event for everyone involved.

2. Play games! A great way to spend some quality fun time. Laughter can stimulate parts of the brain promoting a better memory. 

3. Scrap it! Collect/save brochures, ticket stubs, maps etc… then make a scrap book when you return.  It makes for a nice keepsake and it will help you recall certain adventures of your trip.

4. Find a happy medium! Don’t schedule too many guided tours, however you want to do a little planning.  If you rely on spontaneity throughout your entire trip, you may not do anything and conversely, If the vacation is too action packed, it becomes one big blur.  Those are the types of vacations where you need a vacation, after the vacation.

5. Save the best for last! A sunlit walk on the beach, dine at your favorite bistro or visit the attraction you’ve always wanted to see.  Psychologists say we are more likely to remember events which occur at the end of something. Ahhh, that moist, delicious icing on the cake!

If I don’t do some or all of these tips, my time away becomes, well…just a time away.  It was great at the moment, but many many years from now I could be saying…Hmmm let me see, have I ever been to Mexico?

Crazy Thyroid Lady

Don't forget to get your copy of my thyroid book Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy

BRAIN FOG

A few weeks ago I was captivated by the beauty of the fog outside. The misty cloud-like blanket covering trees, streets and structures made that morning drive into work a pleasant one.

On the elevator, I joked with someone that it looks like my brain isn’t the only thing foggy this Monday morning. We both laughed.

But then when I sat at my desk staring at the computer for ten minutes trying to remember passwords, what I was supposed to do for the day and who I needed to call…I thought to myself, this is not a laughing matter.

I hate brain fog!

And just like outdoor fog, (sometimes visibility is 10 miles and sometimes a few feet) there are varying degrees of brain fog.

If you’ve read my book Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy, you know of my Googling habits, so, trying to understand fog and how it works both meteorologically and cerebrally… I took to the internet.

Weather –

Fog is made up of condensed water droplets which are the result of air being cooled where it can no longer hold the water vapor it contains. –Source weatherquestons.com

Brain –

(Umm…This is where it gets foggy)…I couldn’t find a good explanation as to what exactly is going on in the brain during brain fog. IS THERE A SCIENTIST IN THE HOUSE?

But I did find causes – Here are five common causes of brain fog

1. Hormonal imbalance
2. Dehydration
3. Diseases
4. Food or Chemical allergies
5. Drugs

We throw the term Brain Fog around, however it is not technically a diagnosis or a medical term used by doctors. This is unfortunate because chronic or severe brain fog can produce a wide range of issues anywhere from immense personal insecurities to dangerous situations causing bodily harm. I’m sure it costs businesses billions of dollars globally due to unproductivity. (I am still trying to remember my work password).

Here are five key techniques to help with brain fog.

1. Eat a healthy diet-The brain needs a lot of nutrients to function properly.
2. Get adequate rest.
3. Stay on your doctor-If your quality of life is affected by brain fog, don’t settle for this.
4. Stay hydrated-Drink the recommended 8-10 glasses of water per day.
5. Exercise-Exercise increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

Good luck, here’s hoping the only time you experience fog is when it is weather related.

The Crazy Thyroid Lady

WHICH DOCTOR DO YOU HAVE?

Fortunately many have the luxury of “firing” bad doctors if they want to. However, often some don’t have the advantage of picking and choosing from a large pool of these professionals. Because of where they live, insurance restrictions, or financial concerns, many patients can’t control who they have as their primary care physician.

Who have you chosen as your doctor and/or who are you sort of “stuck” with?

Dr. House –Poor bedside manner, an enigma but can seem to solve all of your medical mysteries.

Dr. Frankenstein–Scary and creepy. The hair on the back of your neck stands up when they place their stethoscope on you.

Doc Baker (From the television show Little House on the Prairie)–The sweetest, most kind and gentle soul. Listens to you and is willing to try any method of treatment.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde–You have no idea which person will walk through the office door to treat you-the good person or the bad person.

Dr. Oz-Full of knowledge, very helpful, but the information given to you can be a little overwhelming.

Dr. Evil-Mean, surly, you get the feeling you are a nuisance to them.

Dr. Van Helsing-Money hungry doc. Seems to get great pleasure “sucking” your wallet dry.

Dr. Cyclopes-Arrogant, condescending, dismissive. Makes you feel really small.

Dr. Who-Sweet but absent-minded, has to familiarize themselves with your patient chart at EVERY visit.

Over the years my autoimmune thyroid disease has brought forth a myriad of symptoms and throughout my struggle I have encountered many of the aforementioned MD personalities. But, I’ve discerned in the latter years of my disease, that even though I may encounter a difficult doctor, I still should conduct myself as the same kind of patient.

It is important for me to:

**Understand that an MD is a human being, not God.

**Understand we live in a society with more environmental pollutants and undesirable food choices than ever before.

**Understand that with a wonky thyroid, our bodies may not be behaving the way it should both physically and mentally, and getting it to functional may take time, patience and research on my part. It is after all, my body.

**Understand that most MD’s practice medicine and “medicine” in most countries is considered what your respective government has deemed “safe and effective” to treat a disorder or disease.

**Understand that many MD’s are restricted from prescribing a certain medication to a patient per their government or the insurance company.

**Understand that I know better than anyone on the planet if something is wrong with me.

**Understand that a joint collaboration or partnership with my MD is how the relationship should be considered – not parent and child, strangers, or adversaries.

**Understand that getting healthy via nutrition, exercise and closely monitoring vitamin and mineral intake can take a long time.

Happy Thanksgiving my fellow thyroidians

Don'to forget to order my thyroid book Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy now so it will be here in time for Christmas or download my book now as it is available for your Ipad or Kindle.

Crazy Thyroid Lady

THYROID POETRY (THYROETRY) - THE COLD

November has made its entrance.

Time to pull out coats, hats and long pants.

Cold weather to a suffering hypo.

Can turn a person psycho.

No matter what you do, you can’t get warm.

Fitted with layers upon layers, you looked deformed.

But warmth is what a hypo seeks.

Because being chilled to the bone is painful and bleak.

Stay warm my thyroidians

Crazy Thyroid Lady

Don't forget to get your copy of my thyroid book Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy

IT'S HERE

WOW YOUR MOM REALLY IS CRAZY is now available.

It has always been my dream to write a book, but lack of confidence held me back. I am a testament to the saying “adversity brings out the best in people” because after my father’s death last year-something within me said…”I have to do this.” He has been my guardian angel, my muse and my strength. I could not have finished this book without both my father’s in heaven (little f and big F)

What to expect from Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy?



I am not a doctor nor do I have any sort clinical credentials after my name. But I am an expert thyroid sufferer. That’s right! I can suffer like no body’s business. So much so that I totally forgot what it was like to be a well person. This angered me. I was too young to feel as sick as I did. So I fought to feel better and in my book, I will reveal what I have placed in my thyroid illness assassin’s arsenal.

The thyroid controls just about every cell in the body. Let me say this again…the thyroid controls just about every cell in the body…EVERY CELL! When this realization finally hit me, I thought to myself “Why in the HECK did I think one or two little prescription pills would do the job in replacing that powerful endocrine gland God gave me. It is going to take EXTRA work to feel better. Even though I was lead to believe by my Endo that the script would do the trick…I should’ve known. If it is too good to be true, it usually is…

Now don’t get me wrong there are a few who are the exceptions to the rule, they may be doing outstanding with just their thyroid medication-Poof! They went back to normal, after their thyroid bumpy medical adventure. I didn’t…and perhaps it could be because my thyroid condition was accompanied with an autoimmune disease.

Anyway, I am OK with the long road to feeling much, much better because it led me to meet all of you. And I want to get to know more of you…In my book, I have included an email address, to contact me if you have questions, comments or just want to vent about being a fellow thyroidan.

In addition to my contact info, the book also provides:

**Stress coping tips.
**How to deal with friends and family who don’t understand our plight.
**How to find easy, creative and cost effective ways to eat nutritionally.
**I serendipitously discovered what can happen to an unhealthy, diseased body– this find has completely changed the way I feel. I feel so much better and I share this infomation in my book.
**Humor.
**A sneak peek into a fellow thyroid sufferer- the infamous Judy Kirby’s story.
**Oh and how to really GO CRAZY.

Click on the links below to get YOUR copy

- Ebook


- Paper Back or Hard Cover


Crazy Thyroid Lady

TO GLUTEN OR NOT TO GLUTEN?

TO GLUTEN OR NOT TO GLUTEN?

This is the food-related question of the decade it seems…

A better question might be; just why have we been asking that question over the past several years? Why is it such an issue now? Cuz, I’m pretty sure my parents and their parents didn’t chew over that six-letter word back in the day.

Ahhhh…What it must have been like to enjoy food without thinking about what you were eating…I bet those were the good ol’days.

OK, since we are asking questions...What is gluten?

Gluten is a simple protein found in wheat, barley and rye, for example pasta, bread, pizza, cookies, cakes, etc. (Please note, the foods mentioned above are now made available in many gluten free varieties).

The various conditions/diseases associated with gluten are:

Celiac or Coeliac’s (Sprue) disease
Gluten Sensitivity
Gluten Intolerance


I was tested for Celiac’s, but the test came back negative, although my doctor said I might be gluten sensitive or intolerant…so I gave up the stuff…well not completely, I would estimate my diet is 80-90 percent gluten-free. And boy could I tell a big difference after changing my diet! If what my body was experiencing while eating gluten was just “intolerance”, God help those poor souls who actually have the disease.

But I get sidetracked…where was I…oh yes…Why does it seem more people are experiencing this aversion to gluten? Many say it is because our current food source containing wheat, barley and rye has been genetically modified with an exorbitant amount of gluten. The food of today seems to be tainted with more gluten than what our bodies can handle...therefore, growing up, our parents lived in an era where they did not have to worry about any possible poisonous proteins. I am not sure if the over glutenous wheat theory is accurate. I am sure however, genetically modified or not, cutting back on my intake of gluten has made a huge improvement in my overall health.

Including the varieties I've already mentioned, FOOD is a pretty big deal to most of us, so, my dear thyroidians the difficult question still remains – To gluten or not to gluten? Good luck on your decision.

Love

The Crazy Thyroid Lady

RANDOM RAMBLINGS

Hey thyroid family, this week’s blog post has nothing to do with the thyroid, rather, its about the random thoughts meandering in my head, pretty much on a full time basis...

Hmmmm…the more I think about this…perhaps this is a thyroid-related blog post, because never before have I had so many ramblings swirling around than after thyroid disease. It must be be a symptom, like serious attention deficit to the umpteenth degree.

I mean like for real… it’s so annoying…ewwww, what is that?.....What is on my keyboard? Are those crumbs? Who has been typing on my laptop…Tyyyllllerrrr!!! Come here! Have you been on my laptop? (Before he could answer)You, look handsome… How was school today? (Before he could answer again) Did you clean your room?....What should we have for dinner tonight???...Just go clean your room and stop bothering me, I have to write this blog…Sigh, where was I…My joint’s feel a little achy today, I wonder if it will rain…What’s on TV…There’s never anything good on TV…I’m tired, I need a nap….Zzzzzzz

HA! You don't even want to know what I am like at work…

Anyway…where was I…Oh yes, I wanted to talk about my new love: electronic readers. I downloaded a book called The War That Came Home (Yes I am shamelessly plugging my friend’s book, a true story about a wife who had to endure her husband’s post traumatic stress disorder, returning home from two tours overseas in the military). This was my first experience reading an e-book and I love, love, love it!

Thinking about my newfound love, I was driving home from work, trying to figure out why I fancy it so much. I’ve never been much of a reader, but now I want to read everything! My random thoughts began to rationalize this new addiction-I used to hate traditional books because holding them was very difficult. I have freakishly large hands, yet they are delicate and fragile. Therefore holding a paperback for me is similar to Shaquille O’Neal holding an ant and conversely, holding a big hardback book is like lugging around a cylinder block. But, holding my e-book reader is jusssstttttt right!

Then my mind took me to a place of anger, thinking about how my former classmates used to call me E.T. because my fingers were so long. They would tell me to “Go phone home, Carol.” Ugh, sometimes I wish I was able to completely switch off the randomness...

I come close to turning it off when I read…. So, what are you guys reading? Send me a message…I am now looking for some good books.

Crazy Thyroid Lady

GO CRAZY!

I call myself the

Crazy Thyroid Lady

because my mother instilled in me the ability to turn the tables on those who bully me. “Don’t let them see they are getting to you”, she would say.

As my disease evolved, I will admit, I wasn’t myself…and thats when the “adult” bullying began.

My family called me crazy, friends looked at me like I was bonkers, co-workers treated me like I was nuts, and doctors…well…doctors did all the above. Except doctors don’t come right out and use the word “crazy”. They say words like “stressed” or “aging”.

For example:

Doctor 1- “This is the fifth time, you’ve been in my office complaining of brain fog, headaches, joint pain and muscle weakness…are you sure you aren’t “stressed?”

Doctor 2- “You are telling me you’ve gained 30 pounds in two months? Hmmmm…Well, that’s what happens when you get older.”

GGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRR

My thyroid already does a great job of trying to drive me crazy, I don’t need help from my outside circle of cohorts.

So, I fought back! How? Well...by…going CRAZY! That’s right. In order for me to deal with those around me, who do not in any way, understand invisible illnesses, I’ve had to turn into the crazy thyroid lady. Now,at every opportunity, I must:

Conserve – My energy

Relax and Restore- Try not to blow a gasket or overreact (take deep breathes)

Adding

Zest

In

You (myself)

(I talk more about this concept in my upcoming book Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy)

Labor Day is approaching, so what a great opportunity to remind my sweet thyroidians who try to continue to labor as much, (perhaps more than you did before your illness)…slow down my friends! End those days of being that perpetual multi-tasker, the modern superman, everything to everyone. STOP! Conserve, Relax, Restore, single task, take breaks, breath, laugh – Go Crazy!!!

Crazy Thyroid Lady.

LOSING IT...MY HAIR

At this moment, while writing this blog post…I am doing something I don’t like to do: getting my hair done. I would rather sit in a dentist chair than spend the many many hours it takes to get my hairconstructed. Why? Because tackling my tresses is a long, arduous process. But when the hair dresser is finished…whew, it is such a relief.

Some thyroid sufferers have escaped the unpleasant symptom of losing your hair and this was not initially a part of my thyroid symptom repertoire, but then sadly, one day it came…my hair kept falling in clumps down the drain.

I am not a vain person, evidenced by the slippers I wear just about everywhere I go (See last year's blog post Clothing Line for the Chronically Ill.) But, I want to look halfway decent, without spending hours on my hair everyday. Do you know how long it takes to do a Donald Trump “comb over” each morning, to cover up those bald areas? Plus, it’s just not a very feminine look.

This is why I have given up on some of my expensive hobbies to afford the various hair extension styles available nowadays. It can be a bit pricey, but for me it is, practical, durable and easy for this girl on the go.

You may have tried to defeat me this time thyroid disease, but I am a formidable foe. I keep coming back with another knockout punch and pretty hair.

Crazy Thyroid Lady

AUTOIMMUNE OLYMPIADS

Well, the Olympics are over. Thank God! Now I can get some sleep. I was so sleep deprived. I could have won a gold medal in crankiness.

I am in awe when I see the super-human type feats executed by these athletes. And then, when I hear that some of these competitors have autoimmune diseases like me, it is astounding.

Diseased Olympiads…what an oxymoron.

But it just goes to show you, no one is immune to the auto-immune atrocities.

These athletes endure their body fighting itself, yet they practice multiple hours in a day. When I am on my third or fourth dream all snuggly in my bed, they are waking up before the sun comes up to begin their training. Just can’t wrap my mind around that…

Here are a few of those ailing athletes who competed at this year’s 2012 Olympics in London:

Tennis -Venus Williams–Sjogren’s syndrome (The body attacks moisture producing glands) Advanced to the third round of the London Olympics.

Kayaking –Carrie Johnson-Crohn’s disease (Inflammation of the digestive tract) Advanced to the semifinals.

Soccer (or women’s football)-Shannon Box-Lupus (The body attacks healthy tissues) Won Gold medal.

Track and Field-Sanya Richards-Ross-Behcet’s Syndrome (Vasculitis leading to ulcers particularly around the mouth, genitals and pupils) Two-time gold medal winner in London.

Track and Field, pole vaulting-Jenn Suhr-Celiac’s disease (hypersensitivity to gluten) Won gold medal.

All of them deserve the gold medal as far as I am concerned.

Crazy Thyroid Lady

ANY INFO WOULD BE APPRECIATED

What’s up thyroid fam? I am biting my nails as my new book ("Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy") is under editorial review with my publisher. To keep my sanity (what’s left of it) as this proccess plays out, I’ve started on my second book "Sentenced for Sickness, 215 Years, the Judy Kirby Story". If you are not familiar with Judy Kirby's story, please see these articles:


INDY STAR ARTICLE -http://www2.indystar.com/library/factfiles/accidents/2000/Ind67/wrongway.html

MARY SHOMAN'S ARTICLE - http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa042401a.htm


I am asking for help. If any of my blog readers know anything about this case, please email me at judykirbyinfo@gmail.com or write to me at P.O. Box 703 Fishers, IN 46038.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Crazy Thyroid Lady.