My Not So Glamorous GF Story...

The Start...

2014 The Bad...

~I found myself with cystic acne

~I was dealing with fatigue that could not be normal.

*I remember thinking there is no way people are able to walk around faking this. I can feel my brain communicating with my limbs to move.

*I couldn't stay awake at work

*I couldn't be there to enjoy my kids after work because I could not stay

awake.

~Severe anxiety

~I felt like my skin was crawling

~Digestion issues

~Daily headaches

~Extreme mood swings

~Insomnia...when I was supposed to be able to sleep. Super fun to only be able to

sleep when you aren't supposed to sleep.

~Swollen face

~Bloating

~Extreme PMS and Menstrual symptoms

~Irregular periods

~I just overall didn't feel good

I decided it was time to go to the doctor. I had discussed things with my mom obviously...she's my best friend so we talk about all the stuff. She had mentioned to a friend of hers my symptoms. Her friend told her I needed to ask for a specific test when I went in to the doctor.

2014

The Initial Doctor Visit...

We will test your...

~Vitamin D

~Thyroid Function ... (FYI these tests only tell you if you thyroid is functioning on a

wide spectrum...not if it is being stressed due to underlying issues or in optimal

levels...WHO DOESN'T WANT TO LIVE IN OPTIMAL???

~All the normal things

~PLUS THE ONE I ASKED FOR SPECIFICALLY...Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Test...This test is used to measure the levels of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase. These antibodies are attacking your thyroid. A normal test should show ZERO.

Why is this something I have to ask for?? Why isn't this something that is part

of the normal thyroid panel?? Seems odd.

The Results...

~Thyroid Function NORMAL

~Vitamin D Level LOW...had been for years

~All other tests NORMAL

~Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Test HIGH

What does this mean...

~The Diagnosis...Hashimotos Thyroiditis

~Appointment with the Endocrinologist

Hashimotos Thyroiditis is an auto-immune disease where your body is attacking your thyroid. It thinks that the hormones it is producing are invaders and dangerous to your body.

The Trip to the Endocrinologist...and the beginning of my frustration....

~For now your thyroid is functioning properly... Ok, but my body is not

~We will test you every 6 months until your thyroid fails..FAILS??? I don't want it to

fail! How about we go with the no-fail option! What do you mean it doesn't exist?

~When your thyroid fails we will put you on thyroid medication...THAT'S IT???? BUT I'M SICK NOW!!! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?? I AM STRUGGLING TO FUNCTION!

The Middle...

Now what...

I went home and started my research. I didn't know where to start or what I was looking for but I knew I couldn't stay where I was and I knew I for sure didn't want to get worse.

~Why would I want to wait for my thyroid to fail?

~Why couldn't I keep my thyroid from failing?

It was amazing the symptoms that were listed for Hashimotos...and I had SOOO many of them. Some of them for years!

The #1 thing I found...

~STOP EATING GLUTEN. Why? Well the protein found in gluten was similar to the

hormone released by the thyroid so the body can't tell the difference and creates a

stronger attack on the thyroid.

*My simple mind explanation...again I am not a medical professional.

~Dairy can also have this same effect.

I have worked really hard at...

~Creating a gluten-free life that doesn't leave me discouraged and craving the

things I can't have.

~Creating a gluten-free lifestyle from a whole foods stance not processed

foods...Gluten-free packaged food are not full of sugar and starches.

~Fighting for my health so I could enjoy life

2024

The Now...

10 years later...

~My thyroid is still working and I do not take medication...I do take some

supplements.

~If I eat appropriately and take my supplements I enjoy living an active life

~I am not reliant on bi-yearly tests or regular visits to the doctor

~I have a passion for health and helping people to understand the relationship

between diet and inflammation with chronic health issues.

We can be our own best friend or our own worst enemy. We just have to decide which we want to be and if we are willing to put in the work.