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

THE MUCH NEEDED...

THYROETRY

Why is it so wonderful now

I fought it staunchly as a child

But, back then, it took me away from my play

And now, I need it to get me through some days

Stress, sickness and strife…for just a few moments is out of my life

For a nap is not just a slumber

Its restoration of the soul, while under

Ahhhh...Now All is Perfect

Crazy Thyroid Lady

What!? You still haven't purchased my thyroid book yet? Do it now, it is a quick and easy read. Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy

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