A Health Update: Hashimoto’s Diagnosis
I saw these pretty clouds at the park last week. They make me think of paintbrush strokes. God is the ultimate artist.
I'm finding that being sick and dealing with a chronic illness has helped me to pay more attention to these little details in life.
As promised, here is a health update for anyone who is interested.
Last time, I shared that a round of various tests revealed hypothyroid, leaky gut, low white blood cell count, anemia, and gluten sensitivity.
A mixed bag of issues, but all are inter-related.
I have eliminated gluten from my diet and have made a concerted effort to commit to that as I would to taking medication. It's is making a big difference.
It's been a few months now and I can say that I feel some better. Not completely healed by any stretch. I still get easily fatigued and feel that I need to keep some energy in reserve at all times. This means I have to say no to quite a few things. Which can be difficult for me.
In January I had my blood work redone and this time added a test for thyroid antibodies. My Thyroid perioxidase was elevated, which indicates Hashimoto's disease.
Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid.
Soooo . . .
This means I am focusing my efforts on healing the immune system. As this is not just a thyroid issue, it's an immune system issue.
As I have researched, it appears that all of my symptoms point back to a compromised gut and immune system. Research has been a somewhat frustrating experience since dealing with this is complicated. But I am digging through and finding some common actions that have worked for many people.
Here is an interesting read about what leaky gut is and how it causes disease.
What I'm doing now
In my last health update I showed you the crazy number of supplements I have been taking. I am not sure they are working. It is a slow process and hard to measure at this stage. But, I will say that when I don't take them for long stretches, I don't feel much different.
What seems to have made the most difference so far is the removal of gluten.
Also, exercise and sleep appear to be part of my foundation.
Eating well, sleeping enough, and exercising are important for everyone. And really, I have noticed that they play a massive role in the way I feel.
Miss my supplements, no big deal, miss my workout, miss sleep, or miss good food . . . I feel TERRIBLE!
So, I am striving to make these non-negotiable. At east as much as that is possible as a wife and mom!
I've ordered this new book: The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body and am eager to soak up the info and try out the suggestions. (For the record, I really don't like the term Paleo! It seems like a fad diet. But, this way of eating is helping many people heal from issues such as those I'm facing, so I'm giving it a whirl).
The book, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: a Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism, is also proving to be quite eye-opening. I'm finding it very educational and am hopeful that it is keeping me from heading in the wrong direction as far as healing is concerned.
I've also been learning more about Plexus Slim, which sounds like a chemical concoction, but isn't! I spoke with someone yesterday who is using this and finding it aids with her Hashimoto's symptoms. A number of other people with thyroid issues (and also those with diabetes) have found it helpful as well, especially when it comes to balancing blood sugar and reducing inflammation.
Even though it is marketed as a weight-loss aid, it was originally engineered by three doctors to help regulate blood glucose levels in diabetics. (You can learn more about it here.)
Here is one f the testimonials that has encouraged me to try it:
If I had not discussed with another resistant, healthy-minded mom yesterday, I would never have considered it!
I'm going to replace my supplements with Plexus for 30 days and see how I feel. I'll report back.
So, I think that's it for an update.
Thanks for reading!
Onward and upward!
This post contains affiliate links.
Gosh, I am sorry to hear of this diagnosis. I will add you to my prayers.
I’m interested to hear how you like the Plexus…I’ve never heard of it.
So sorry about your diagnosis, but at the same time I’m glad you got a diagnosis! That helps you know which direction you need to head. I didn’t end up with Hashimoto’s, but I do know how you feel with the thyroid issues. You can take a look at my book (Farewell, Fatigue from the UHL bundle) as there may be some helpful stuff in there . The books you are already using look good from first glance too.
sorry to hear all your health challenges stacey but great you are working through them. I have to say I have friends into plexus and have totally dismissed it as some chemical/additive laden fad thing, but to hear you say its not that is very eye opening – and I trust your judgement of these things! very interesting – look fwd to hearing your review of it after 30 days! (they do seem to be getting great results, just wasnt sure what was in the stuff!). Not that I need it, just generally interested!
Thanks, Kate! I’m sorry I missed this comment somehow and only just saw it.
I felt the same way you do about Plexus and still feel somewhat awkward about it. I’m always uncertain about multi-level marketing companies. After hearing so much about it from people I respect, I figured it was worth a try. Especially since they are dealing with similar issues to me. So far I haven’t heard of any other products that work on blood sugar and hormones like this does.
I’ll be sure to update. I hope it’s good news, but I’ll be honest either way 🙂
Hi Stacy!
This is the first time I have visited your blog and read only couple of posts. I was very happy to find this post. Not happy for your diagnosis, because I know how much it affects your daily life. I was diagnosed hypothyroid 4 years ago and it hasn’t been easy. I am on a better med now (Thyroid Armour) and I can see a big difference to better! Thank you for sharing the book. I might just have to read it now 🙂 A web page that helped me to keep on insisting for better medicine was http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com
Hoping to hear more about how you keep yourself healthy with thyroid issues. Personally, I have to avoid very hard workout because I will end up with aching arms and legs…so I have learnt to build the muscles slowly.
Have a great week!
p.s. I found here through clicking through different blogs, but I started from 42 Days to Fit ebook by Brandy Ferguson, Stacy Karen and Emma Swanston
Thank you for your sweet comment. I’m so grateful for your encouragement.
Glad you found a medication that is helpful. Thanks for sharing the website, too. Here’s to future health! 🙂
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