As far back as 1995, I've struggled with my weight, depression, fatigue and general malaise. Granted, there always seemed to be a logical explanation for all of the symptoms and as I went from doctor to doctor, each had a different diagnosis or best guess as to why I was feeling the way I felt. With each doctor came a different medicine, test or suggestion.
To make the story short, I'll tell you that my thyroid functioned "normally". I exercised regularly. I watched every single thing that went into my mouth - I counted calories, points, fat, sugar, carbs, protein, etc. You name the diet, I tried it. Nothing worked. I cried tears as big as my rear trying to understand what I was doing wrong and why I kept gaining weight.
Besides gaining weight, I was exhausted. I battled with insomnia and oversleeping. Nothing I did helped my fatigue. I was tired to the point of it being painful. I had other complaints but mostly kept them to myself because if I told the doctor EVERYTHING that I felt, she would have diagnosed me with hypochondria and closed the door behind me.
Fast forward to 2012. After a battery of testing during my yearly physical, my doctor called and told me there was no logical explanation for my symptoms and inability to lose weight. Basically, she gave up on me. She invited me to her monthly "fat club" which was support group for her patients struggling to lose weight. They talked nutrition and recipes. Needless to say, I didn't go. I tried not to be offended but I was. I didn't need a support group. I needed answers.
That doctor left the practice and I was on the search for a new doctor. I found one at a clinic nearer to my office. I scheduled my physical with the new doctor for January 2, 2013. I went to the appointment and my primary concern was getting on an anti-depressant. You see, my dad died last November and my grief was overwhelming. I had a lot of health concerns but my mental health had to be my number one priority if I was going to make it. We chatted and she asked a lot of questions. She was concerned about my weight (who wouldn't be?), blood pressure and overall health. She ran the usual tests but added one I (surprisingly) hadn't had before - an Anti-Thyroid Antibodies test.
She called me on Friday, January 4th to tell me the test results. My thyroid was still functioning in a normal range but I was creating an excess of antibodies.
Anti-Thyroid Antibodies
I had Hashimoto's Disease.
I think this is a great idea! You are a great writer. I am looking forward to keeping up on your journey to better health. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteTerrific idea to blog about this, Leslie. I'll be following you. Great introduction.
ReplyDeleteWow, Leslie! I had never heard of that before. I'm glad you found out and are able to now focus on what to do. This is a great idea, and like the other comments, you are a great writer!
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that all my dear ones get the weirdest illnesses? I think that you will have a handle on this real quick. You are not one to sit back and just let things happen to you. That's one of the many things I love about you. You are a beautiful,strong, and intelligent woman, which just happens to be another reason I love you so much, and I know that you'll find a way to deal with all of this. And by the way? I think the blogging idea is BRILLIANT!!! Loveyoulots tootsie, ant bee
ReplyDeleteI know what your going through. I had it for months before my gynocologist recommend i see an endocronologist because i had abnormally high levels of hormons in thyroid. I saw my endocronoligist and until i got a binch of blood work done she told me none of my symptoms relate to my thyroid. I was beyond pissed she didnt believe me until the blood work showed again high levels of hormones. Its really tough to go through and just know that your not alone. Im 23 years old and the very first in my family to be diagnosed with it. Im just like you though super healthy but I been losing a lot of weight and now I keep getting frequent infections back to back. There is also a great diet plan too that will help aleviate the symptoms.
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