thisisallison

I’ve always loved butterflies. I have at least two tattooed on me. The butterfly in my body is the one that I have a problem with. What am I talking about? The thyroid gland, which is shaped like a butterfly. What is your thyroid? Your thyroid is a small gland at the base of your neck below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of your body’s functions.

What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto’s disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid. This autoimmune disease often leads to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

Signs & Symptoms

This is not a comprehensive list of symptoms but they are common symptoms. I’ve personally experienced the items in bold print.

• Fatigue and sluggishness
  • There have been plenty of days where my brain wanted me to get up and get going but I physically couldn’t move my body. I felt like I was sleepwalking. It feels like a disconnection between the brain and the body.
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Pale, dry skin
  • I always had oily skin and now my skin is so dry that I often moisturize twice a day.
• A puffy face
  • This comes and goes, often.
• Brittle nails
• Hair loss
  • At one time it was common to see my hair on my bathroom counter and floor after a normal comb through.
• Enlargement of the tongue
• Unexplained weight gain
  • Rapid weight gain was the trigger that made me seek help. I’ve always been a healthy eater and enjoy being active. When I couldn’t explain why I suddenly gained 40 pounds, it was time to see a doctor. The weight gain also shot my blood pressure up to stroke level.
• Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
  • Sometimes my body feels like I’ve been in a boxing match the night before.
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Muscle weakness
• Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • While on vacation I bled so much in my sleep that the resort charged me for the mattress. It seriously looked like a murder scene!
• Depression
• Memory lapses

Living with Hashimoto’s Disease

I’d be lying if I said this disease doesn’t interrupt my everyday life. My biggest frustration is my weight. Sometimes I’m where I want to be which means my blood pressure is normal and I can fit into my ideal size clothing. I don’t EVER weigh myself because I don’t want to get obsessed with numbers on a scale. 150 on you and 150 on me could look and feel completely different (I wish I weighed 150!). I know I’ve gained weight based on whether I can fit into my clothes. I also know because my doctor keeps up with my weight but I tell the nurses not to tell me the number, I just want to know if I went up or down since the last visit.

When it comes to my diet, I’ve done low carb, I’ve been vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian. I’ve read books on how to eat for this disease, and I’ve consulted a nutritionist. There’s no one particular diet that has helped. One of the nutrition options above combined with regular exercise is the only way I lose weight. One does not seem to work without the other. But if you don’t have the energy (lack of energy is a symptom) to workout, what do you do? I’ve learned to keep pushing and find ways to motivate myself. Some days it’s a victory just to walk 30 minutes. The very next day I could run intervals around the park with no problem! It’s very strange. I take medication every day and will for the rest of my life. There is no cure or one solution to counteract this disease, you have to find what works for your body.

Seeking Help

The symptoms above may be similar to those for other medical conditions. It is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis. In my case, I am under the care of my primary doctor and an endocrinologist. You can ask your medical professional to test your thyroid is you feel you may have a problem with your thyroid.

A Few Hashimoto Facts

• Hashimoto’s disease affects more women than men.
• It is treatable with medicine.
• If left untreated, can cause problems getting pregnant and problems during pregnancy. 
• People who get Hashimoto’s often have family members who have thyroid disease or other autoimmune diseases. This suggests a genetic component to the disease.

If you are ever diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease or hypothyroidism my advice is to do your own research, keep notes on any changes in your body, and do what works for you. The good news is, you can live with this with a few lifestyle adjustments!