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
Yes this doctor advice will really helpful for thyroid patients to follow. And you know living with thyroid disease is no kinda fun, for the person suffering or loved ones who can only sit and watch them suffer! My brother has hashimoto's, which is autoimmune thyroid disease, basically the body is destroying the thyroid gland! It wont stop until it has eradicated the gland, which changes so many things we, the non thyroid sufferers take for granted! Mood swings, the ability to carry out normal everyday activities! To say that the disease just went away is incorrect! Although I have to agree with the part about doctors, most drs we have come across have not been clued up on the illness, and most of them people we are in contact with have also experienced the same problems both here and in the states! Its a waiting game, a long and painfully frustrating one! Thyroid blogs really help me to explain and learn more about this disease and keep patience in such conditions! I really hope he will come out of it..Just hope!
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