Earlier in the week, I went to the doctor to get my blood drawn - not for anything specific, just to make sure my thyroid was functioning and all that good stuff. We didn't worry too much as Anni's lazy eye worries stemmed from that appointment, leading us to a great diagnosis. Later that afternoon, Anni went to hang out with some friends that live down the block, and I settled down to work. As the afternoon waned, my phone rang with my doctor on the other line. He informed me that I had hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) with the most likely cause being Graves' Disease. Oh, and I should make a call to my favorite endocrinologist, if I had one (I would have laughed here if I hadn't been scared, close to tears, and trying to google what the hey I was diseased with). He suggested an endocrinologist and proceeded to explain both hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease to me (you'd be better off googling it than letting me explain it, but it isn't as bad as it sounds... Graves' disease is the worst name ever for a non-fatal disease).
So... this is why walking up two stairs or picking up my baby winds me so bad that I thought I must be REALLY out of shape (I probably still am, but this was bad). I don't have the bulgy eyes as of yet; though... kind of hoping to avoid that.
So, yeah, I don't really know much at all of what I'm facing, but I know I'm not exactly thrilled. I mean, sure, I wanted to know why I didn't feel all that well... but I kind of hoped it was something easy. Who doesn't like easy? It means putting off some plans, dealing with some medication...
but, let's be honest.
I'm not going to die (yet).
We ate ice cream to celebrate that (and Anni's lack of lazy eye). I mean, sure, this could stink... probably will... but dying and leaving my family would suck worse. So, congratulate me - I could feel a whole lot better soon, and I'm not dying. You know, the good stuff.
Oh no, honey. I'm so sorry to hear this news. Can you take medication to stabilize your thyroid function so you feel better? You won't get the bulging eyes, barely anybody does. And let's face it, even if you did, everybody would still love you the same.
ReplyDeleteI'm not entirely sure yet, but I think the answer on the medicine is yes and no. The treatment for the over-active thyroid is to essentially destroy it. It looks like pretty often, it destroys it entirely and then your thyroid ends up being "hypo" instead of "hyper" the rest of your life... I just selfishly (and maybe a little childishly) want it to go away so I can be normal without any medicine, but hopefully we'll find a steady solution!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, it made me smile... and that definitely makes me feel better!
Why on earth would someone name something non-fatal GRAVE'S disease?! That's just nuts!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your doctors will take good care of you and get it all figured out. But yeah, if my doc called to say I had Grave's disease I would freak!
Prayers for being in tip top shape soon!
hehe, I know, right, Maggie? I kind of held my breath when my doctor told me, waiting to hear what in the world that meant. Daniel did the same when I told him (I tried to make my next words "I'm not dying").
ReplyDeleteThat stinks! I am hypothryoid (so the opposite of you.) I've been on meds for it for almost 4 years now, and it does stink to have to be on meds for something every. single. day. for the rest. of your. life. But taking a med is a pretty easy fix. And luckily, there are quite a few natural hypothyroid prescriptions (as opposed to synthetic) that you could take if you do end up being hypo.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Betty, it stinks to feel like your body just isn't working the way it should. But remember that if God brings you to it, He will see you through it. Keep your chin up!
Good to know! I'm kind of anxious for my appointment just to know exactly what I'll be facing and what I need to do. Daniel and I laughed a little about God having bigger plans that us when this interrupted some plans. I'm just focusing on what I can do right now and cuddling with my sweet hubby and baby while I can (one of the meds I could take would mean not being allowed to kiss anyone, sit next to them for longer than an hour, limited physical contact for a little while... that's the one I'm praying I can avoid).
ReplyDeleteYeesh, that sounds like an awful med! I too hope you're able to avoid that one! I think they had to "kill" my father-in-law's thyroid for hyperthyroidism.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that, Alzbeta! I just came across this website the other day on the subject and made a mental note to read it. It seems to go against the flow a bit, but no harm in learning different opinions right? http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/ It seems like everyone in my family and Kenny's has a thyroid problem... so I was curious about it. My SIL is trying to learn how to control it w/o medicine. I will ask her if she has any info to share. I know there are some dietary measures you can take... although that is not as commonly recommended as medicine. (That is how we fix everything now a days!!) I always read comments on the nutrition blogs I follow about not eating certain vegetables raw(broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach...) b/c they mess up your thyroid. I don't know a lot, but just something you can consider!
ReplyDeleteHi, Julie! Definitely no harm in learning different approaches! I read through it a bit, but it is mostly aimed at hypothyroidism (the opposite of what I have). However, I may end up with that after my treatment for hyperthyroidism... so it's always good to be armed with some knowledge. I had seen a little bit about the raw vegetables... but I nearly always cook my veggies (except for carrots and celery) and we stopped eating spinach salads, but I should definitely read up and see if there's anything else I should be adjusting. Have a beautiful week!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I noticed that about the hypothyroidism AFTER I sent it! Did you stop eating spinach salads because of the thyroid issue? I am so curious! Everyone looks at me like I am crazy when I turn away spinach salads for this reason!! I am happy to hear I am not the only one!
ReplyDeleteActually, someone posted an article a few months back about the fact that those veggies don't give you much nutritional value if raw (and that they can cause some damage in some cases)... so I just kind of took note from there. I only found out about the thyroid last week. You aren't crazy! I still definitely head towards dark leafy greens for salads... just not spinach :). I haven't gotten brave enough to cook it yet; though... maybe someday soon!
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