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

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

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

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 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

SHARE YOUR STORY

A recent conversation I had with a fellow thyroid sufferer helped me come up with this latest blog post.

Because the thyroid gland affects just about every cell in the body, a multitude of symptoms can occur-from your hair to your little piggies. This is why it is so difficult to diagnose and treat.
How do you begin mending a sinking boat full of holes?

My fellow thyroid suffering comrade said she could not place all the blame on the multiple misdiagnoses from MD’s, since she was in denial about several of her symptoms, and wasn’t exactly forthright with all them... in particular, the neurological symptoms, i.e., depression, anxiety, brain fog, irritability, slow thinking etc,. Sigh, why does society (myself included) sometimes have trouble understanding that symptoms of diseases can also develop from the neck up?

Therefore, in my quest to increase thyroid disease awareness and help the medical community realize EXACTLY what we suffer through, I am asking all of you to please leave a comment explaining HOW YOU FIRST KNEW, (but were hesitant to speak out). It is my hope that other thyroid sufferers and medical professionals will read these comments and perhaps, get a better understanding as to what thyroid disease is all about (not just about losing or gaining weight). Don’t get me wrong…weight is an issue, the thunder in my thighs are holding on for dear life, they do not want to leave, no matter what I do to try to get rid of them.

Ok, I will go first- Here it goes:

I first knew something was REALLY wrong with me , but did not know what to say or how to communicate this to my MD-Several years prior to my diagnosis, I began having major panic and anxiety attacks whenever I was enclosed in places like elevators, backs seats of cars and my cubicle at work. I was also having trouble with large crowds. I never had these issues before. Weird lumps on my right shin started to emerge and in my early 30’s, hot flashes were becoming the norm for me. Also, I began to start losing bits and pieces of my memory. Suddenly, (it seemed like overnight) the majority of my childhood memories were gone. It was like a giant eraser was used to remove that area in my brain where these memories were stored. This sucks, because from what I do remember, my upbringing was great!

So, this was my first “Hmmmm, something is REALLY wrong with me, but how in the world do I explain this to my doctor moment” Ha, because I knew I would receive the “Carol are you for real?” look.

K…So it’s your turn…what was yours?

I FIRST KNEW SOMETHING WAS REALLY WRONG WITH ME BUT DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO COMMUNICATE THIS -

If you are having trouble leaving a comment here on blogger then you can go to my facebook page (the link is at the top right of this page) and leave a comment there.

Thanks so much for giving some of your time to help raise awareness.

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

THYROETRY - VALENTINES SPECIAL

This poem is dedicated to my hubby, love you honey!

Roses are red.

My thyroid is pink.

But it is not working.

That sure does stink.

Sending a shout out to my special Valentine.

Please understand I must be in bed by nine.

No wine, no chocolate…too many calories.

The weight will stay on for several centuries.

I love you my hubby, thanks for putting up with me.

Yours truly, The Crazy Thyroid Lady.

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

OUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Hello my thyroid family,

KUDOS to any family member who’s been able to snare an awesome thyroid doctor, for those who haven’t - keep searching. Good luck!

In past blogs, you've read about my tumultuous relationship with my Endo. I was so close to divorcing her again, however, recent events have led me to want to stick with her a little longer. She accepts me now because I have given her the one thing she truly loves most, a non-thyroid ailing patient.

Allow me to explain…

It all started one day when my Endo had grown tired of me complaining about my symptoms(I must have received 10-12 sighs during that particular office visit). You know the type, the huge loud sighs, accompanied with her hands on her hips and some eye rolls...

Because I told her many of my symptoms were exacerbated around "that time" of the month, she promptly cut me off and said. “Well this all sounds period related, you should go see your gynecologist. “

Oh the joy when specialists pawn you off onto another? Cha Ching!

Meanwhile, at the Gyno, he heard my concerns and ran a battery of tests (without the sigh’s and eye rolls).

The tests showed my progesterone was off the charts "low", almost non-existent. Progesterone is nicknamed “The feel good hormone.” You mean there is a hormone that is supposed to make you feel good? I’ll take a few cases please!

In addition, my blood sugar was high...

Fast forward to my next Endo visit, she immediately asked how my appointment with my Gyno went. I told her about my progesterone (rather lack thereof), then I told her about blood sugar.

And…amazingly, it was like I turned into a shiny new toy for her to play with! She became somewhat giddy, it was weird. She began talking 100 miles an hour about my health and all the things I should do from here on out. She wanted me to come back to see her physician assistant, who is also a registered dietician to chart out a comprehensive dietary plan. She suggested exercises, recommended books and a few websites.

I could not believe this change in her attitude, (now I’m sighing)...But ya know, I can’t even get mad anymore. Still, I’m a little frustrated. Where were the exercise tips, the dietician, the passion to treat me when I gained 20 pounds after radio-active iodine treatment? The only response I received then was…”Are you sure you are taking your medicine at the right time each day.”

Thyroid sufferers, if we aren’t treated like hypochondriacs then we are treated like five-year olds!

But alas, I am an optimist! I know one day we pioneers will not have suffered in vain. The medical community will eventually know how to treat those of us afflicted with thyroid ailments. Our future looks bright. We will have "on-call" massage therapists to work on our achy joints, round the clock maid service to keep our houses clean, and in-home chefs to cook nutrient enriched but, tasty meals-all paid by insurance companies.

Sigh

Crazy Thyroid Lady

TOO COLD OR TOO HOT

Global warming-will we ever resolve this debate? Will one side say to the other, “Hmmmm maybe you are right.” Or will it go on and on for more decades, perhaps centuries?

Before this worldly debate fueled by temperature was another taking place on a much smaller scale, primarily happening at work establishments offering inadequate heating and cooling.

This discussion starts with a co-worker’s complaints about the office temperature and then BAM-here comes the question leading up to the debate: Would you prefer to be too hot or too cold?

The popularity of this dispute (especially for those who live in erratic weather climates) is in the same league as “the chicken/egg argument OR nature vs. nurture”.

Each party trying to convince the other, that one is better than the other and this clash can sometime become heated (Sorry, I could not resist)

This debate can occasionally turn into a severe power struggle resulting in that little ol’ tiny thermostat getting placed on 24-hour maximum security lockdown with armed guards and a pit bull…AKA-“Management”.

Here are the basic points to this insignificant debate:

Cold–It is much better to be too cold because you can always add layers…extra sweaters, gloves, etc…

Hot-It is better to be too hot because then you can take layers off.

So ridiculous and the disagreement is probably a moot one because thyroid cancer, autoimmune thyroid diseases and postpartum thyroiditis is becoming more and more prevalent worldwide. So chances are, you are arguing with a thyroid sufferer…if that is the case than it is a relative issue. Before I was aware of the popularity of thyroid disease, those who would try to debate this with me, would usually receive the cold shoulder (OK I’ll stop)

The thyroid, among other things, controls your body’s internal thermostat. Those with thyroid disorders are either going to be hyper or hypo. Hyperthyroid folks are the hot ones and hypothyroid folks are the cold ones.

When I say hot, I mean, you are fearful that…at any moment, you will spontaneously combust. Now that is hot!

Cold, to a thyroid sufferer means you feel like your skeletal system is made of icicles. When you are freezing to the bone like this…honey there aren’t enough layers in the world. This cold is painful!

And some reports say there are roughly 300 million of us WORLDWIDE who have been diagnosed, and probably millions more who have not been, so this disagreement is futile, to say the least. If someone wants to battle it out with you on this subject just say “You are probably right.” Keeping workplace harmony is more important and being agreeable garners a (just one more) warm response.

Crazy Thyroid Lady

DONT FORGET THE SURVEY, CLICK ON ONE OF THE LINKS IN THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER, IF YOU HAVE NOT TAKEN IT...IT ENDS IN THREE DAYS!

Crazy Thyroid Lady's Book Intro Part Two

“Mom, mom.”

“What honey?”

“Can me and Zach get some ice cream from the ice cream man?”

“I don’t have any money, babe.”

“I do, mom.”

Of course you do, you always have money, more than me, I thought. I walked to his room to get his piggy bank, mainly filled with green than metal. While walking back to the screen door, I noticed both little boys were looking so enthusiastic. You could just see it in their eyes, both visualizing the tasty ice cream treat, which will soon be a melting mess for me to clean up later. In an instant, I realized, playing a prank on them was an opportunity I could not pass up. Approaching the screen door, clutching the giant pink pig in my hands.

I roared:

“Muuwaahhhhh, you think you boys are getting some ice cream? (Gnashing my teeth, trying to do my best Peter Lorre impression) No way, the money’s all mine, all mine I tell you! Muwaaahhhh.”

The eerie crinkling noise produced by my lemony Pledge-filled hands was perhaps a little too theatrical for someone else’s child. My son was used to my behavior, but Zach’s mouth dropped to the ground. Tyler stared at his mother with no interest…both were just cute as buttons. Even though, there was a screen door between me and Zach, he still looked terrified. He looked at me with this perplexing, yet frightened gaze, then looked over at Tyler and said:

“Wow, Tyler you were right, your mom really is crazy!”

When Zach said this, I immediately started laughing hysterically, that this little guy was afraid of his best friend’s mommy? Then laughter promptly shifted to panic. Suddenly, a quick glimpse into my future of everyone knowing the real me was a scary notion. You see, the hard work and dedication Zach’s mom puts forth into her gossip telling is unlike anything I have ever seen. My crazy paranoia (this time) was valid. I firmly believe she has a secret passage way behind her washer and dryer. This is where she clandestinely slips into her secret underground bunker sending out gossip via Morse code. This “news” is then distributed throughout the neighborhood, surrounding counties, the state, the country and parts of Europe, all before sundown. The message will say: There is a crazy woman living at 725 Meadow Lake Drive in Carmel, IN. I will be outed, the jig is up.

“Oh well,” I thought to myself, “I might as well face the music.” The transition from laughter, to panic, soon gave way to relief. One of the best things about being crazy: a massive emotional shift can happen in seconds. Little known fact - when a dramatic actor in a movie instantaneously goes from laughing deliriously to crying, they are portraying someone with a thyroid disease.

After being outed, from that moment forward our yard was…well, let’s just say, we would certainly lose the Best Kept Yard award. My fake smiles ended and instead of playing ball with the brats, they received snarls. Looking back on it all, it was silly to hide my true self… but, when you are sick and you don’t know you are sick, you try to act well, Conversely, when you are sick and you know you are sick, you say, “What the hell.”


Thanks for reading my entire intro - I hope to have this Crazy book out sometime in 2012

Love ya - Don't forget to fill out the survey!

Crazy Thyroid Lady

THYROID SURVEY given by The Crazy Thyroid Lady ™

Hi guys,

Well, I am sure you will be shocked and amazed to hear my government did not respond to the recent letter I sent (see my blog November 27, 2011 My Letter to the Government). Don’t they understand thyroid sufferers are impatient and have no time for bureaucracy?

Hmmmpt! Well, I’ve decided to conduct my own THYROID SURVEY!

Take that government, medical and scientific community, welcome to the 21st-century in the age of social networking! Bureaucracy shureacracy!

If you want to find us, we are here!

The Crazy Thyroid Lady appreciates any and all comments received with regard to my blog, I love you all! But I think some missed my point. There very well may be a link between thyroid disease and gout. There may also be a connection between thyroid disease and anxiety, thyroid disease and fatigue, thyroid disease and brain fog, also thyroid disease and Kevin Bacon.

Having said this, I still do not believe a trustworthy survey should lump “thyroid disease and gout” in the same question on a questionnaire survey, especially If the attempt is to find out how many of us sufferers are in the world.

It is OK however, to offer this question:

"Do you have thyroid disease or have ever met or seen Kevin Bacon?"

Tee hee...Kidding aside…Would you please click on either links in the upper right corner. If you have a facebook account, you can go on the facebook link or click on the survey monkey link....Remember this is an anonymous survey!!


THE SURVEY WILL BE CLOSED SOON SO HURRY AND BE COUNTED!

Please pass this survey along to other thyroid sufferers as well.

Thanks

Crazy Thyroid Lady

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

LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH, SICK AND FAMOUS

Many of my thyroid suffering brothers and sisters have shared with the Crazy Thyroid Lady through e-mail, twitter and facebook how much they appreciate this blog because it helps them see that they are not alone.

YOU ARE CERTAINLY NOT ALONE!!

In fact, even the rich and famous are not immune to this wretched illness.

Some of those celebrity sufferers include:

Rod Stewart - Thyroid cancer
Sofia Vergara – Thyroid cancer
Nia Vardalos - Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Kelly Osbourne - Hyperthyroidism
Catherine Bell – Thyroid Cancer
Kim Catrell - Hashimoto’s disease
Missy Elliott – Graves disease
Kim Alexis - Hashimoto's disease
Joe Piscapo – Thyroid Cancer
Gail Devers – Graves Disease
Jillian Michaels - Hypothyroidism
Mary Louise Parker – Hypothyroidism

And let us not forget, her highness, Oprah…yes that’s right Oprah! It seems money can’t protect someone from contracting thyroid disease…That tiny gland can even betray billionaires! Truth be told, some of Oprah’s rants about her thyroid disorder may have contributed to mainstream misconceptions about the disease. Oprah has made this disease all about “weight”.

Oh God, how I wish weight issues were the only thing associated with thyroid disease. Just dealing with THAT issue alone would be easy.

As I was Googling the aforementioned celebrities for this blog, I noticed many of them, also said they were primarily concerned about their weight.

Hmmm…so this got me to thinking…Perhaps the thyroid-ailing rich and famous (we all know their lifestyles do not equal the common man) have ONLY weight issues when battling thyroid disease??…Maybe they have doctors, nutritionists, herbalists, personal chefs, acupuncturists and leprechauns all working around the clock to control those other pesky symptoms.

And don’t get me started with the rich and famous who have political power. After George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st president of the United States, and his wife Barbara Bush became ill with an autoimmune thyroid disease while living in the White House a team of Secret Service agents tested their water at the various homes of which the then President resides, immediately following their diagnosis.

Immediately following my diagnosis a team of my family members tested my nerves by constantly asking me, “Hey mom, what’s for dinner?”

Then…BAM…Guess what Oprah? I received one of your AH, HA moments! The common everyday thyroid-diseased person MUST become rich and famous to receive adequate care! I guess one is not immune if they are rich…just thinner, with fewer symptoms…Yea!!

OK, so let’s get started guys...Ummm is there a book called “Become Rich and Famous for Dummies”?

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

THYROID DISEASE FEELS LIKE...

When asked, “Hey Crazy Thyroid Lady, what does it feel like to have a thyroid disease?” I usually just give a short answer, ya know, a taste of what it’s like, without going into too much detail…

I am appreciative when they ask, although it annoys me when they respond with: “Oh, I do that too” OR “That sounds like me!”

I know, I know it takes everything within your power not to slap the crap out of these folks. However, DON’T DO IT!! It seems like they are belittling your pain, but just blow them off! It is their feeble attempt to show compassion by making light of the situation…besides, it would be awkward if they were to say the alternative: “God that’s awful, your life pretty much sucks!”

Now, if they REALLY do think they “feel your pain” Tell them this -

Thyroid disease feels like…After you get up, take a shower, get dressed, do your hair, fix breakfast…you would then give all the money you have in the world for the chance to go back to bed, because those five tasks took every bit of energy you had.

Others will say – That’s how I feel too…the difference is, we feel this way most, if not all of the time AND chances are, if we did go back to bed we would be back to sleep in a matter of minutes.





Thyroid disease feels like … You walk into the grocery store and can’t remember why you came.

Others will say – That is how I feel too…the difference is, we may not remember the events leading up to how we even made it to the grocery store.



Thyroid disease feels like …You can sit through a company meeting and not comprehend one thing that is going on.

Others will say – That’s how I feel too…the difference is…We tried to pay attention.



Thyroid disease feels like …You drop something on the ground in public and would rather leave it because your body has been aching all day and you REALLY don’t want to bend down and pick it up.

Others will say – That’s how I feel too…the difference is…You are moving too slow to get down and pick up the item off the floor so an 80-year-lady runs over to get it for you instead.



Crazy Thyroid Lady

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