A NEW YEAR, A NEW NORMAL-THYROETRY

Another year is almost gone

Time for a new year, a rebirth, a dawn

The pain, the past…dust it all off

Leave it behind

Thyroid sufferers open your mind

To healing

To de-stressing

To nutrition

To exerise

You are embarking on a new normal

The limit…For you fellow thyroidian is in the skies

Were you diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety or other disorders but feel your thyroid is to blame? Thyroid disease isn’t just about your weight. Do you have thyroid disease and want tips on how to cope? Are you tired of those dry, boring hard to read medical books about your thyroid disease? If so, get your copy of Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy. Buy it online today.

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DISEASES OFFER A SPEC-TACULAR VIEW

This is a Blog Repeat or Blepeat

This week’s blog is dedicated to my Father who passed away in June of 2011 of cancer. I love and miss you daddy!

My father, a former military man, had a wife and two daughters. He did not want any of his girls to be sick, hurt or in pain-EVER! Scrapped knees, infections and menstrual maladies all had to be suffered in silence. Not because dad was merciless, he believed that talking about your illnesses was a sign of weakness.

In my late thirties, when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune thyroid disease, my father would scoff at me for lamenting about things like fatigue, or joint pain. This was after he would call me to ask, “Hey, how are you doing?”…but then not wanting to hear (or deal with) the truth, he would say, “You feel GREAT, stop saying you are tired.”

It wasn’t like I was a complainer; he just NEVER wanted to hear me say I was anything other than fantastic.

On Christmas in 2010, the chemotherapy treatments had taken a toll on my father. He said to me, “I realize now what it means to have a chronic illness, baby girl, and I apologize for ever down-playing what you had been going through."

This meant the world to me because I wasn't seeking attention, I wanted understanding.

He went onto say, “But you know, we are blessed to have the opportunity to view the world with a different set of glasses than the pair we had on before.”

Some would say, “blessed” doesn’t seem like the word most fitting, but oh… I knew exactly what he meant.

The best way I can describe it…it is like being fitted with a special pair of glasses, not the 3-D variety, where everything is distorted, not bifocals where everything is magnified, not UV where things are blocked out, and definitely not rose-colored. They are just real, authentic glasses. Glasses that help you see what is important.

With these new pair, it is easy for me to identify with the cliche “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff". I feel this mantra deeply within my soul, because, truth is, I can’t sweat it. I can't afford to spend the strength or energy on the trivial.

This truly is a blessing!

My dad’s new pair of glasses meant he could accept both of our diseases because it was reality…Good, bad or ugly.... It is life. Acceptance, understanding, and loving what life has to offer is much easier than distorting, blocking and making things bigger than what they are.

Battling an illness is not easy, however experiencing life with real glasses is. Eyeglasses that help us see what’s most important, during this holiday season and throughout the year, which is-Faith, Family and Friends…the rest is...well, small stuff.

Oh...and the great news is..as for the big stuff...the major stuff in life. I don't need glasses, God is carrying me through those times. I have blind faith that everything will work out for the good.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

From The Crazy Thyroid Lady!

It is not too late!! Get your copy of Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy before Christmas. I have gotten a lot of feedback, that this book is an excellent quick read for your friends and family to help them better understand what you are going through with your thyroid disease. This book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and iBooks.

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

CHECK IT OUT

Hello fellow Thyroidians!

My lifelong dream was to write a book, and now, after a year working on a topic so close to me (and you) it is now a reality!

My book Wow your Mom Really is Crazy was released on October 17th, and is now available in hardback, paperback, and Kindle at this link: Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy


I really want to thank all of you who have purchased the book, and recommended it to others. I can't begin to tell you how thrilled (and humbled) I am by the response I have received thus far.

My goal in writing the book has always been to help others struggling with any autoimmune disease, and I encourage all the feedback you can give me.

Here are some of the comments I have received to date:

Maria said: Reading your book! Make me laugh and cry. You have totally described my experience with Graves. Thank you!

Aly said: I bought the Kindle version and started reading it... loved it so much after just a few chapters I went to Amazon and bought the paperback for my family! It's so difficult to educate ourselves and our family when most books about this disease are boring and dry. Thank you so much for writing a book people will actually enjoy reading about a subject that isn't so fun!

Michelle said: I LOVE your four Ps.

Helena said: I have to add, I finished the book last night! And yes, despite my lack of concentration I enjoyed it so much I stuck with it and the next thing I'd finished - so it must be good! I particularly related to the alcohol bit, which I've realised I have been doing more and more so it was amazing to get an answer to that as I realised that was exactly what I was doing. There were so many bits I was like, ooooh yes, that’s me too. I thought I was going crazy but after reading this feel like a new person and am much more relaxed about things! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Keep up the good work! :-)

Amy said: Started reading your book! Found myself laughing out loud because I can relate to many of your experiences. I can laugh now because now I know I am not going insane! A few years ago I was not so sure! Thanks for sharing your story!
Anonymous (from the UK) said: This IS the book for anyone suffering from autoimmune disorders. I laughed, cried, and really found myself connecting with the author... She does a great job of using blending humor with real life situations, and has plenty of what I found to be very useful tips. This is NOT a book just filled with data and boring medical jargon about thyroid and autoimmune information. This is a self- help book that journals the authors plight into a 10 year search for answers. The information is well documented, but it was the humor and personal touch I enjoyed most. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that has, or knows someone suffering from these types of illnesses. I was informed, motivated, inspired, and totally ENTERTAINED while reading this quickly paced book!

Gina said: Just got your book on my Kindle, literally 3 mins ago. So far, great job!!!!! I'm laughing and sympathizing with everything, I haven't laughed so hard in awhile GREAT WORK

New York Times said: Imaginative, Captivating, Brilliant…, tee hee Just Kidding (a girl can dream)

PS: I have my first interview with a local newspaper on Monday. Doing my best to spread thyroid disease awareness as best I can. Love you!

Crazy Thyroid Lady

Oh and PPS if you’ve read and liked the book please do me a fav and leave a review on Amazon. Reviews on Amazon are really really important. Thanks

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

THE EYES HAVE IT

William Shakespeare said, “The eyes are the window to the soul”…

If someone were to peak into my eyes, they would see a soul wearing boxing gloves punching the heck out of my thyroid disease.

I have spent many years trying to figure out this cryptic disease and its' devastating affects on so many body parts.

Remembering back to when I was first diagnosed, my doctor described the symptoms I could experience. Talking in her usual Speedy Gonzalez manner, her prognosis was difficult to follow, until she got to the part about my eyes…MY EYES???...did you say my eyes?

That was scary!

It's difficult to remain calm when there is a possibility of any eye deterioration, but we must do so because undue stress has no place in an autoimmunees life. Staying hyper vigilant (sans paranoia) is the best thing for us, when it comes to our bodies.

Eye problems can be common for those suffering from thyroid disease, other endocrine disorders or autoimmune diseases-such as Addison’s, Graves’, Sjogren’s syndrome and Diabetes…just to name a few.

Some common eye problems associated with the aforementioned afflictions are:

Dry Eyes–A decrease in tear production.

Eye Twitching–Twitching or spasms around the eyes.

Floaters–Small moving spots that appear in your field of vision.

Continuous eye watering–Primarily a symptom of hyperthyroidism.

Snow Vision–People see snow or television like static in parts or in their entire field of vision.

Blurry Vision–Lack of sharpness, inability to see fine detail.

Double Vision–Seeing two of everything.
Double Vision–Seeing two of everything.

(hahhahahaha, I couldn't resist)

Puffy eyes-Usually associated with hypothyroidism.

I know it can be a hassle, if you are like me thinking…”Ugh, I don’t feel like going to another doctor for incessant check-ups, but we have to keep kicking our illness' butt!

Now go my fellow thyroidians…put YOUR boxing gloves on and keep fighting!

The Crazy Thyroid Lady

INSOMNIA…NOOOOOOO – SLEEP-YEEESSSSSSS

How much sleep do you get?

Not getting enough sleep isn’t good.Requiring too much sleep can be just as bad…either way something could be wrong with your health.

Sleep has ALWAYS been one of my favorite pastimes,as a teen, I had turned snoozing into a hobby until my parents intervened. Tracing back to the origin of my illness, I probably had intermittent bouts of thyroid issues in my teens, twenties and early thirties. I would get so abnormally tired, that surely the sandman had used an anesthetic on me, instead of the harmless pixy dust he used on other folks to aid with their slumber.

But…I was Okay with this…

When that sleepy feeling came over me, I HAD to take a nap…there was no other alternative… I could be at work, school, doctor’s office waiting rooms- and a few times... in a parking garage (not safe, I know). Even after these power naps, I would still have no problem going to sleep at bedtime. Looking back, I am not sure why I accepted this condition, but I just LOVED sleep so much…I wasn’t about to take my concerns to an MD and have them ruin it! I would even have accomplices working for me, for example, I would enlist “lookouts” on my job to tell me if management was coming. They would yell out Hootie Hoo…or something like that…giving me the “heads up” to…well…get my head up.

AND THEN in my late 30’s and into my 40’s I became hyperthyroid…Ughhhhh. For the first time I was introduced to the evil diabolic villain - INSOMNIA.

Now, it’s time to go to the doctor!

After treatment for the hyperthyroid, my bouts of insomnia tapered off, but my anti-hero still came around during “that time of the month" and y’all this was one time too many as far as I was concerned.

So, here are the top 5 things I have done to conquer the evil “I” word:


1. Talked to my gynecologist-My doctor tested my hormones because my insomnia seemed to be associated with my menstrual cycle. Turns out, my hormone levels were way off. We got me back in balance with a bio identical hormone med. I did not want to take prescription sleep aids.

2. Exercise – Working out on a regular basis allows me to sleep longer and deeper. I notice a considerable, "restless" difference with my sleeping patterns when I don’t exercise.

3. Eat a healthy balanced diet and don’t eat right before going to bed-As I get older, munching on hot wings or salty chips as a midnight snack is no longer an option if I want affective sleep and/or have a cheerful disposition the next day.

4. De-stress before bed time-Erase from your thoughts work issues or anything else that will keep your mind racing. Play a game, watch an entertaining television show or read a book. (Keep your mind occupied with something mundane)

5. Hot bath or shower before bed-This makes me sleepy just thinking about it.

Nighty Night my fellow thyroidians, and have pleasant dreams

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.

READER'S RESPONSE

I love all the feedback I receive on my blog. We are family members and just like family we can disagree with one another. Last week, I received a response to a previous blog post about how this responder is tired of the “collective Endo and GP bashing” from thyroid autoimmune sufferers and that we all must learn how to deal with our autoimmune disease.

First I want to say, to whoever sent their anonymous opinion....“honey, you are preaching to the choir!” This subject matter is what my (soon to be released) book is all about. In the book, I have dedicated over a year to outlining the many alternate ways (without help from doctors) that I have coped with this disease... Simply put, we cannot solely rely on MD’s for our health! Only a very small percentage of our life is spent in a healthcare practitioner’s office, after that, it is up to us to handle our business. In fairness to health care practitioners, we shouldn’t expect them to know everything...


HOWEVER-


Having said this, I will not (as a thyroid advocate) stop placing some of the ownness on the medical community. It should not take multiple years to receive a diagnosis (which is commonplace for the average autoimmunee). MD’s who specialize in endocrinology, should authoritatively know the symptoms related to thyroid disease, and make every effort to address each of them. Most don’t do this. If an MD doesn't know...then ADMIT IT! Don’t be condescending, by telling them it is “just stress” or “all in your head”, basically just brushing off patients.

The dictionary’s definition of a doctor: A person trained in the healing arts.

Crazy Thyroid Lady’s definition: The script-giver.

Tee hee…that is harsh, just kidding…sort of.

As a thyroid advocate, I do want to encourage you to play a bigger role in your health. One way to do this is by getting your own blood work done. Blood work, you feel is necessary, yet your MD will not authorize... We should all have our hormone, vitamin, mineral and other levels tested on a regular basis as our thyroid deficient bodies don’t always want to function the way it should.

And since you guys are my brothers and sisters, I have asked a U.S. independent laboratory with over 1700 locations, offering more than 400 tests to help you in your quest for wellness, by giving you 5 % off on any lab work done through Personal Labs. In order to get the discount, you must use the Crazy Thyroid Lady code PLABSCTL

Visit this website Personal Labs


And don’t forget to use the code PLABSCTL

Crazy Thyroid Lady

CLEANING HOUSE

Since I’ve written a blog post about poop, I feel as though I can talk to you guys about anything. We are all family, right?

OK, so, I want to discuss with y’all a word that is even more vile and disgusting than poop. I cringe when I hear this word…the word is clean….AHHHHHHHH…UGGGHHHH!

This word and everything about it, has always been my arch nemesis… the albatross around my neck. The Great White Whale who has chomped off parts of my soul and taken it to depths so low that I am unsure it could ever be recovered?

I hated cleaning my house EVEN before my thyroid autoimmune disease; can you imagine how I feel about it now?

I have tried everything to make the process easier for me:

I’ve tried to mimic Luke Skywalker, by using “the force” to help clean my house…this method works to some extinct. My house is a sparkling show home, although, only in my imagination.

I’ve tried pretending there are little miniature parents on my shoulders yelling at me to clean. But then, I would yell back, get all stressed out and would end up running into my room crying.

I’ve tried twitching my nose like that blond chick on that 60’s and 70’s television show, but this caused me to go into a sneezing fit and then I would have to lie down.

I’ve tried to get my husband and son to do all the housework, by using hints, threats, whining, ultimatums, bribery, blackmail, coercion, flattery…oh and I did just come right out and ask once…but they see nothing wrong with our humble abode. They are perfectly OK with wallowing around in the pig sty. This does not make mamma happy and ordinarily they will try to do whatever it takes to keep mamma happy…except cleaning….well, this is where they draw the line.

Please HELP the Crazy Thyroid Lady!

Anyone have any helpful cleaning tips for this thyroid autoimmunee?

And don’t say “hire a maid” unless you are willing to donate to the Crazy Thyroid Lady cleaning fund...Tee hee

MORE THYROETRY VOLUME III FROM THE CRAZY THYROID LADY

It’s been so hot…how do I deal with the dog days of summer?

Barking with a vengeance, while my thyroid walks to the beat of a different drummer.

How do I cope with these record highs?

Fearing what will spark between my thighs.

With a wonky internal thermostat this situation is NOT ideal.

I take articles of clothing off, but there is nothing left to peel.

I will be a trooper and endure this if I must.

Even though, with each passing hour, minute, second…I may spontaneously combust.



Oh by the way, my thyroid brothers and sisters, my book is DONE. I’m working with a publisher now. We are in the early stages, but hopefully it will be out very soon!

Love ya

Crazy Thyroid Lady

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A THYROID SUFFERER...

A day in the life of a thyroidian is so exciting!

James Bond 007 has nothing on us. I never know what the day will bring, what exciting adventures I will encounter. For example, it is unclear what will mysteriously make its way into my purse, what I may find in my closet or who I might accidentally send an email to.

Our lives are not boring, that’s for sure!

Here are a few examples of some of the exciting things that may happen to a person with thyroid disease...Now, for the record, I am not saying that any of these things happened to me…


Get on the third floor of an elevator, push the number 3 repeatedly and wonder why the elevator isn't moving…




Using the calculator function on the smart phone to make a phone call…




You can’t remember which toothbrush is yours or your significant other’s…



You buy back the same article of clothing you donated to Goodwill






For a thyroidian it takes longer than the average person to recite your address when asked…



CRAZY THYROID LADY

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

BOOST YOUR IMMUNE

This week’s blog is dedicated to those who suffer from one or more autoimmune diseases. I take my hat off to you! Having to endure the daily struggles of your respective invisible illness is truly a heroic feat, and in my opinion, there should be a national holiday dedicated to you.

Some well-known AD’s are:

•Crohn’s disease
•Celiac disease
•Endometriosis
•Fibromyalgia
•Graves’ Disease
•Hashimoto’s
•Lupus
•Multiple Sclerosis
•Myasthenia Gravis
•Myositis
•Polymyositis
•Psoriasis
•Rheumatoid Arthritis
•Scleroderma
•Sjogren’s Syndrome
•Type 1 Diabetes
•Vitiligo

Not only are you a hero, but you are also the foremost leading expert of autoimmune disease because you are living it! Seriously, YOU are the leading expert! Because the other “experts” don’t know how it is acquired, how to cure it, how to control it, or in some cases, how to treat them.

In the meantime, until the scientific and medical community finally catches up to our expertise, it may be a good idea to stay away from foods that lower our immune system, so that we can stay on top of our game.

SOME FOODS THAT LOWER IMMUNITY

1.SODAS
2.SUGAR
3.DEEP FRIED FOODS
4.PROCESSED FOODS
5.CAFFEINE (LOOKS AROUND…WHO SAID THAT?)

SOME FOODS THAT BOOST IMMUNITY

1. YOGURT
2. GARLIC
3. TEA –GREEN OR BLACK-NO CAFFEINE
4. FISH
5. SWEET POTATOES

SOME VITAMINS AND MINERALS THAT BOOST IMMUNITY

1. VITAMIN C
2. VITAMIN D
3. ZINC
4. IRON
5. COPPER

***Please note: check with your MD before taking any vitamins or minerals as they can interfere with other medications.

I am a klutz! I run into anything on a regular…chairs, tables, walls, people…I don’t really have a preference as to who or what I bump into. I have bruises on my arms and legs quite often. Before I started eating healthier and increasing my vitamin and mineral intake, I used to carry bruises on my body for six months or longer! Now they are gone in about a week. My body is doing what it is supposed to do. Finally…it is about time!

The Crazy Thyroid Lady

THE THYROID AND THE BRAIN

While doing some research for my book, I stumbled upon an interesting news story regarding thyroid disease. The article was about a murder trial and the defendant’s attorneys argued that a “mismanaged thyroid disease” led to her actions on that fateful day.

Intrigued, I sought after the court transcripts for this once high profile case. A thyroid expert, a psychiatrist traveled from Florida to a small little town in Indiana to testify. His credentials were a mile long.

I was awestruck by this man. His knowledge of thyroid disease was quite impressive. Even though I’m married, the temptation to purchase a plane ticket, go track this man down, fall on one knee and ask for his hand in marriage, was so immense. It is such a rarity to hear from someone with so much knowledge about the thyroid.

Here are some of the terms he used to describe thyroid symptoms that were unfamiliar to me, but his descriptions where oh so familiar:

Hyperthyroid Psychosis – Affects approximately five to ten percent of the U.S. population each year. Changes in a person’s mood occurs prior to psychosis, they feel nervous, jittery, shaky. They feel wound tight, dysphoric. They have a sense of dread, little things set them off and they become increasingly paranoid. The psychosis state varies from person to person. It depends on what is going on with them at the time and how well their nervous system is functioning. Primarily the presentation of hyperthyroid psychosis is either an agitated, manic or schizophrenic-like state. Thoughts are hard to control and reality is somewhat distorted.

Task Performance Impairment – A decreased attention span for those who are hypo or hyper-thyroid. They are easily distractible. They don’t always think clearly, they have trouble planning ahead. Complex tasks get compromised. Things that require sequential thinking is difficult.

Pronounced Stare-Because of the stimulation of the nervous system and changes in the way the eyelids come up, people have a very intense stare that almost looks like they’re boring a hole through you. In some cases, there’s tissue that accumulates behind the eye which causes the eyes to bug out of the head a little bit.

It is amazing to come across an MD who truly understands the intricacies of thyroid diseases. It also amazes me how thyroid disease can affect a person neurologically, yet, some health care professionals understand this and some do not. Every time I go to my Endo, I try to ask as many questions as I can (knowing I’m probably going to get a non-answer)…it is almost like a game, really.

One day I saw my Endo’s physician assistant, so I decided to ask her (thinking I may get a better answer from her), “Why do you think thyroid disease causes neurological dysfunction in some people?” She looked at me as if I had two heads. She had no idea what I was talking about. After a long pause, she answered my question by singling me out, as if I was the only one she had heard of with this issue. When I explained to her that I am not the only one struggling with cognitive deficiencies due to my thyroid disease, that there are in fact thousands of people frustrated because they are being treated for their thyroid disorders and yet they still don’t feel well both mentally and physically. She responded by saying, “Well the research just isn’t there.”

Hmmm, so it looks like I have to wait for a scientific study-plan to be formulated, tests to be done on animals, then the protocol to find humans to participate in case studies, schedule tests/procedures, years of scientific data collected, tabulated, presented and accepted. Ok, so I have to wait for that… and ya just can’t take my (the patient’s) word for it now?…That makes sense.

Crazy Thyroid Lady

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

YOU ARE FULL OF IT

This week’s picture has nothing to do with the blog. I figured if I put up a picture of what my blog is about…y’all probably would not read it.

I want to talk about something that no one wants to talk about…wait a minute… Dr. Oz talks about it…OK, I want to talk about something the Crazy Thyroid Lady and Dr. Oz only talks about. Poop, ca-ca, feces, doo-doo, boo-boo, pooh, jobby, fudge brownie…and the term most of us we were taught when we were just wee kiddos…number two!

I am not ashamed to talk about it and you shouldn’t either. We all do it and it all stinks -some more than others, I’m sure.

It is something us thyroidians should keep an eye on. Diarrhea usually signifies hyperthyroidism and constipation typically means one is hypothyroid. Either condition is crappy.

Chronic diarrhea can cause – Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and mal-nutrition.

Chronic constipation may cause-Hemorrhoids, Fecal Impaction and rectal prolapse.

Those symptoms could become serious, all the more reason to hound that health care professional of yours to go by how you feel and what’s going on with your body rather than by your lab numbers.

The link below is a turd tutorial from Dr. Oz about poop consistency and color:

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/poop-primer

Don’t be ashamed to talk crap anymore, if you have concerns about any chronic irregularities with your bowel movements make sure your health care professional is aware.

Crazy Thyroid Lady

RAGING HORMONES

Spring is in the air. Flowers are blooming, the sun is making a brighter, longer appearance. Summer will be here soon. Thus, it is time for me to think about the bright side of having thyroid disease.

I once heard someone say that thyroid disease is a “hormonal” disease. Hmmmm I wonder if this is why I’m the only one in the family who truly understands my teenage son, because after all, the teenage years are a “hormonal disease“ as well… who is with me on that?!

It's like we speak, the same language or something.

Getting along with my teenager is definitely a plus! Another great benefit is that once upon a time I was socially inept, but now, after thyroid disease not only can I relate to teens, I can converse with menopausal and pregnant women. However, I can only interact with a pregnant woman for about 2 hours then things turn ugly.

I've got wacky and wild hormones gyrating, pumping, and…uh-whatever else hormones do-all throughout my body. This automatically places me with the “in” crowd. Yea!

How did I get so hip? Many theories abound about how severe hormonal diseases occur...

I do kid, but hormonal imbalance of any kind is serious business, it can cause a myriad of issues like thyroid disease, diabetes and some cancers. Many believe that this hormonal imbalance stems from years of ingesting excess hormones found in red meat, dairy products and eggs (to name a few). Not only are hormones eaten, but there are also chemical herbicides and pesticides that are hormone mimicking, and considered to be endocrine disrupters.

Various research institutes, universities, environmental protection organizations and concerned citizens believe the slow process of ingesting and inhaling hormones have caused the rise of illnesses over the past decades.

I am not sure if this contributed to my hormonal disease, but I do know that I can hang out with my son and his teenage buds anytime I want…hmmm where did he go, he was supposed to wait for me???

Crazy Thyroid Lady

Many experts believe that getting too much of a certain hormone can throw other hormones out of balance, perpetuating the hormonal disease we see today.

Below is a list of some well-known human hormones (not an exhaustive list) and their role in the body. I've also listed what they effect. If you are having serious issues in these areas, it may be a good idea to get your hormone levels checked.

DIARY OF A WIMPY MOM-RERUN

MY BRAIN IS WORKING! This is huge!

Thyroid sufferers know what a triumphant event this is. I am not sure why the wheels are turning up in the old organ…hmmm, perhaps it is because I bumped up my exercise routine or maybe it was my Ginkgo Biloba overdose the other day. I was having trouble remembering if I had taken some, I believe I took more than I should…Anyway…whatever it is…I’ll take it!!! Therefore, I am “airing” a blog rerun (from a former blog I used to write-6th Grade Revisited) so I can work diligently on my thyroid book. I am almost done thank God and I don’t know when my brain will go on vacation again so here goes…here is my ble-run or ble-peat:




My son told me I could not be a true 6th grader until I read at least one of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. After reading, I have to admit, it is now my new favorite book! My son was shocked; he could not believe I loved it that much. He thought I would not be able to relate. In his mind only kids go through mishaps and adventures. According to him, grown-ups lead boring lives, just pushing paper around at work all day. Recently, I started a new job, therefore, to prove him wrong and to let him know that I also lead an exciting, adventurous life at work, I decided to keep a diary this week… I’ll call it Diary of a Wimpy Mom:

Monday

Last week I sent out an email to everyone in the office informing them that the doors on the wooden cabinet in the break room are very fragile. (Previously I had leaned up against it, in order to get something, and slightly fractured the door). The cabinet was still operational, however, if someone leaned on it again it would not be. Guess what I did this morning even after I warned everyone…






Tuesday

We’ve had a temp helping us out the past few weeks. I think I am the only one who notices that she spends 30 minutes in the bathroom at a time (I clocked it). Hmmmm…I wonder what she is doing in there?







Wednesday

For some reason my husband is obsessed with the Bounce laundry fabric sheets. Seriously! Dude will place 4 or 5 sheets in a single load of laundry. Consequently, I am constantly picking them off my clothes in the morning, and sometimes I miss one… Usually it’s the one that's stuck in a place not easily accessible!








Thursday

On Thursday’s, I have to return the space heater that I borrow from the CFO. Thursday is the only day she is in the office. Needless to say on Thursday's I freeze! Therefore, I have now dubbed Thursday's as “Snuggie Day”. I wear my Snuggie proudly and do not care what people say!






Friday

The holidays are coming up, so I asked my boss if they have "pitch-ins" or "pot-luck" luncheons here at the office. She said “No.” EUREKA…I just found my Shangri-la! I hate pitch-ins! My former jobs always had them, and they stress me out!





CRAZY THYROID LADY

COMING SOON: I will reveal what the CRAZY means in The Crazy Thyroid Lady...stay tuned!

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL EDITION

Happy Mother’s day! My hats off to any mom who suffers from a thyroid condition or any chronic illness.

In honor of you, I dedicate this blog. However, it's technically not just for the mommies with illnesses…No, this blog is also for those who have the awesome responsibility to make this a special day for you….Therefore, if you happen to print this blog off and strategically place it where it could be found…say…like… taped to one of the television remote controls…it might definitely be a win, win for everyone.

Top five things a mom with a chronic disease would want for Mother’s day –

5. Spa day/Massage-Chronic disease sufferers can have joint pain from head to toe, so this gift would be wonderful as well as therapeutic. Ahhhhh…Oh OK, where was I…

4. Leave mom alone for the day-Give her one day to herself. Let her have the house! If that's not possible, at least give her a room-to read, watch TV, stare at the wall…whatever.

3. Cook her favorite meal and deliver it to her in bed-Allow mom to rest her sore, tired feet. If she doesn’t trust you in her kitchen, then grab an awesome meal to go, from her favorite restaurant and bring it to her. Whichever idea you chose, don’t forget to clean up the mess!

2. Comfort, comfort, comfort-If you have a wife/mother who would rather “open” something when receiving a gift, then for her, I would go comfortable, like soft jammies or slippers. The more comfy the better.

1. Clean something you know she hates to do-Or something that may be difficult on her body, like scrubbing toilets, bathtubs, windows, mopping floors…,etc…

Having a chronic illness and being mom at the same time is very difficult. You are my hero and you deserve all five of those aforementioned gifts, plus much more. But, as a mom, I am sure you would agree that your baby (s) big or small, is truly the best and most rewarding gift of all.

The Crazy Thyroid Lady

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

THYROID ARMY

Those of you who know me, know I have a vivid imagination, reminiscent of a five-year old… Those little kiddos with their hazy looks, staring off into space are undoubtedly sailing around the world on a pirate ship, or swinging from tree to tree in the jungle like Tarzan.

Hmmmm, I guess the part of the brain that suppresses childlike-imagination when one gets older, never happened to me. As an adult, it is nothing for me to travel off into outer space, battling space alien zombies while sitting at an important board meeting with my grown-up colleagues. Anything can trigger it…then I’m gone...

On this particular occasion, my daydream episode started with a request I received on my facebook page (Thyroid News-Updates from the Crazy Thyroid Lady). The request was to post a link to a website with information about a petition for us thyroidians to electronically sign for better thyroid treatment, and the petition will be sent to the following groups:

International Society of Endocrinology
Society for Endocrinology
American Thyroid Association
American Board of Internal Medicine

While reading the message about the petition during a meeting at work, I had to contain my enthusiasm by pretending I received an important “work related" text message. (You know you read twitter and facebook messages or play games during meetings too, stop judging)

I got all pumped up and promptly told my facebook friend, I would post it on my facebook page, twitter, and blog.

I thought...It is quite sad we must do these types of things to fight to feel better!

Uh oh, the word “FIGHT” was the trigger this time...

I began to imagine me fighting with others in a thyroid army.

An army of us thyroid sufferers were sleeping in our barracks when the sergeant came in for the 5:00 am reveille. The bugling ended abruptly, however, when one of my fellow thyroid soldiers threatened to shove the bugle down the sergeant’s throat if he did not come back at noon. After waking up at the crack of noon, we solders got ready for weapon’s training…only…um we weren’t allowed any real weapons (If you have thyroid disease, you pretty much know why). Instead we were trained on how to use our beady-eyed intimidating stares as weapons.

In the thyroid army, in lieu of tight fitting fatigues, we wear camouflaged moo moos and comfortable slippers. We aren’t required to know Morse code, because thyroid sufferers could possibly forget how to communicate in this way. Lord only knows how those messages would turn out. Oh and booby traps or enemy mines are out of the question, as we would ultimately forget where they were and…well…

Eeeek, this daydream is becoming too scary! So glad we don’t have to fight in an actual war, even though I am sure some of your doctor’s appointments have felt like major combat.

Alternatively, there are other ways to fight for better thyroid care. For more information about the petition.
Please go to:

https://www.change.org/petitions/board-certified-endocrinologists-should-be-proficient-in-and-mandated-to-be-current-on-thyroid-disorders-treatment

Crazy Thyroid Lady

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

CHANGING SEASONS

Right now, as I am sitting here typing this blog, I am sick with a cold. I type, wipe my nose…type, wipe my nose. This synchronistic event is quite annoying.

Being sick is annoying. Grrr…I am really annoyed right now. I am annoyed because this particular malady I brought on myself.

I have an autoimmune disease, therefore, I MUST remember to take many things into consideration and make preparations to avoid infections. Especially during the changing of seasons which is when I am most vulnerable.

I don’t know about you, but the seasonal changes are very hard on this autoimmunee. Which is why I try to work extra hard to prepare, but occasionally I forget my affliction and do something stupid like Spring cleaning with harmful chemicals without wearing a mask. (type…wipe my nose)

I live in the Midwest. We have four seasons. I know this, so why do I act like it comes as a complete shock sometimes? I mean…I am a living creature…right? Shouldn’t I instinctively be prepared? Birds and Blue hairs go to great lengths (pun intended) to get ready for the cold months. Amphibians leave their winter homes where they migrate in pools for mating in the Spring. Leaves change their colors in the Fall...

Anyway, so there are the things I need to consider prior to the changes of each season and I sharing them with you:

WINTER – Stay in shape. I try to do more exercises that promote flexibility and movement. Wintertime is when I used to have severe aches and pains. When I incorporated yoga, more weight training and stretching during the winter the pain subsided. Hot baths are also good for the body during this time of year.

SPRING – Spring cleaning. I love Spring, and get anxious to open up the house and get things clean. The problem is, I have seasonal outdoor allergies, and I am highly sensitive to chemicals. Cleaning with chemicals, coupled with the fact that just about all the lawns outside in my neighborhood are treated with chemicals, is a recipe for an infection. I have to remember to purchase a heavy duty painter’s mask and use safe cleaning solutions during my cleaning craze. (OK, so maybe it is not an animal’s natural instinct to avoid harmful man-made chemicals…I don’t think God intended us to go around wearing masks…but sigh, this is the world we live in today). I don't care if they make me look like a crazed lunatic...

SUMMER – Get some vitamin D. This is our opportunity to “naturally” get something that most autoimmunees are deficient in. However, don’t overdo it, I know for me, I can get extremely ill if I am exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time.

FALL–Fall is so pretty. I love the outdoors during this time, but I must realize the prevalent mold spores are my “kryptonite.” This is when I need to break out the heavy artillery! Fruits and Veggies. I must admit, sometimes I get too busy to prepare healthy fruits and veggies, but during the fall, I make it a point to consume more green!

Scientific studies have shown that seasonal changes can definitely shock and tax the immune system. Reading all of that scientific mumbo jumbo would certainly fall on deaf ears, because I listen to what my body says, and it tells me to eat healthy, avoid chemicals, take vitamins and stay in shape. All this will no doubt put a spring in my step.

Crazy Thyroid Lady

THYROID TeeTeeR ToTTer

I’ve swayed back and forth on the thyroid see-saw, for many many years now. Hyper/Hypo/Hyper/Hypo…Shooo, I’m dizzy! But, one good thing has come out of this recreation; I am sooo in tune with my body.

For example:

FOOD

Hypo-Don’t have much of an appetite, during this time. Digesting food is a sloowwww process! I believe Thanksgiving’s turkey dinner is still in there (sorry, that was gross). This is what’s frustrating about hypo, you are eating the least amount of food in a group setting, yet may be the only one who will visibly wear those calories in a day or two.

Hyper-Can’t seem to get enough to eat. I try to stay away from the grocery stores during this time. I want sugar, sugar and more sugar. I supremely crave a Dairy Queen Waffle bowl, (dipped in chocolate) ice cream sundae. What is crazy is that ordinarily, I don’t care for ice cream much. I seriously can’t have sugar near me, or else it is just not a fair fight.

SKIN

Hyper-My nails begin growing out of control. This is usually the first thing I notice when I am getting to much thyroid medication because I type on a keyboard for a living. Clickety-clacking nails on a keyboard are worse than nails on a chalkboard in my opinion. My skin is as smooth as a baby, this is one big plus for hyper.

Hypo-Skin becomes sandpaper-like. I can douse my skin in baby oil, yet, still take off a layer of paint with my forearm.

EYES

Hyper-Watery eyes and snow vision (snow vision is - visual symptom where people see snow or television-like static in parts or the whole of their visual fields, especially against dark backgrounds. It is much like camera noise in low light conditions). My eyes also look like I am on crack-cocaine-very wide eyed.

Hypo–Eyes are fine, but just a little dry.

NEURO

Hyper–Bad mood, irritable, jump sky high in the air if someone comes up behind me. My nerves are shot. No patience. Caustic tongue.

Hypo-Much more pleasant to be around. Don’t have the caustic speech because my brain cannot think fast enough to keep up with most conversations.

**Too Hyper–Weepy, hateful and just a monster that the Boogey man would be afraid to pal around with.

**Too Hypo–Apathy. Don’t care much for anything really. Beyond depression. The actual Boogey man could jump out from my closet with a hatchet and I probably would not blink.

OTHER

Hyper-Constant foot tapping, Fatigue, joint pain, muscle weakness.
Hypo-Fatigue, forgetfulness

Consequently, the next time I visit my Endo, GP, Gyno, Cardio, Chiro, Ortho, ENT and Ophthalmologist with any new concerns. I will tell them to please understand something, don’t dismiss me because...

I KNOW MY BODY!

I want to hear from you! What have you noticed when you seem to be getting too much or not enough thyroid hormone?

Crazy Thyroid Lady

MODERN MEDICINE

We can’t deny modern medicine has come a long way. However, many of us thyroid sufferers would say, “Not far enough!”

With that in mind, I’ve compiled some wacky treatments given to ailing patients by medical “professionals” throughout history, proving to you that there is light at the end of our struggle.

Common Cold

**In the early modern period cold sufferers were told not to bathe as it was believed that getting wet would worsen cold symptoms. (Ever heard of staying out of the rain if you have a cold) Also, in some European countries during this time, they believed forcing a cold sufferer to vomit was a good remedy to rid the body of the excess phlegm.

Wounds/Infected Areas

**The practice of leeching goes back to more than 2000 years ago and was used for the purpose of bloodletting. It was believed these parasitical worms could drink excess or “bad blood” in order to put the body back into balance, making the patient well again.
Leeching has made a comeback! MD’s are using them during certain surgical procedures, and not just any ol’ leech will do…nowadays, these medicinal bloodsuckers are bred specifically for therapeutic use. EEEEWWW to creepy crawlies!

Cataracts

**A technique called couching was used on cataract patients, a process whereby a curved needle is used to force the phlegm covering the eye through the nasal passages, so the patient could blow it out. The eye or eyes would then be covered with butter and bandaged. It is said that this practice is still going on in some parts of Africa; it is not a recommended treatment however, as it can cause blindness, and in some cases vision is only partially restored.

Headache

**Sixth century medieval Persian MD’s would shave the heads of their patients and then place a certain plant and vinegar mixture on their heads. Can you imagine how many shaved heads we would see walking around if this were the headache cure today?

Psychological Disorders

**In the late 19th century to early 20th century, lobotomies were performed to treat severe psychological disorders. A lobotomy is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the brain to sever certain nerve tracts in the prefrontal cortex. Some who had undergone this procedure were left permanently impaired thus it gained a lot of controversy.

Female Abnormalities

**During a recent exam, my new gynecologist, who is about 100 years old (I think), explained to me that I have a retroverted uterus. He said in medical school he was taught that women who had this condition would never be able to have children. I aslo remember being told this many many years ago by another Gyno when I was a teenager. Luckily, I was one of those rebellious teens and did not believe it! My husband and I had a wonderfully healthy baby boy and conceived him on our very first try fourteen years ago.

Thyroid Disorders

**I may be making a strong statement here, but I believe the current standard treatments for thyroid patients aren’t too far off from those aforementioned wacky medical treatments... in particular, Radioactive Iodine treatment. This God-given gland is much too important to be destroyed. Finding ways to heal the thyroid without removing or damaging it, is what I hope and pray will happen in the future. Oh, how I can’t wait for the day to be able to write that blog post!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

CRAZY THYROID LADY