#hypothryoidism

Hi all! Just a quick update on what's been going on. So, last week I had a total thyroidectomy. I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease a few years ago. Put on meds, but the med used to treat the disease balanced my thyroid levels, but was taking a LONG time for my Grave's Disease symptoms to go away. Since the med is known to damage your liver, I made the decision last year to do this surgery. Today is honestly the first day since my surgery a week ago that I have been on the computer long enough to actually do something. I'm still a bit sore, tired, and being weaned off of one med while adjusting to another one. Next week I start steroid injections every two weeks (because I am extremely keloid prone) and we haven't even started all the blood work yet. Thyroid problems run in my family, but I'm the only one that I know of that has gotten it later in life. So, mentally, I'm still not in the headspace to write yet. I'm currently tired but wired (if that makes ANY sense). If any of you have gone through thyroid issues, your input is welcome.

Welcome to those who started following me in the last couple of weeks! I hope you're enjoying my stories and posts! And thank you to those who are still following!

Here's my most recent updated Master List:

Thyroid illness isn’t just physical—it carries spiritual, emotional, and ancestral meaning. Learn how the throat chakra, generational trauma, suppressed truth, and feminine power connect to hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s. Some illnesses whisper.Thyroid illness silences. Not just the body.Not just the metabolism.Not just the hormones.But the voice.The truth.The identity.The inner fire women were…

Most people think that their thyroid (or absence of) is the reason for their inability to lose weight or even keeping it off. In fact, that’s what some specialists may say This is completely backwards and absolutely wrong It seems that when our thyroid goes astray, their go-to solution is to destroy it or prescribe medications. Then, when we are left with the aftermath of weight gain, a poorly…

Before and after (again, sorry). Trying to convince people to give up sugar still. About five months (and  25 pounds lost) between the photos.

On the left, despite not eating chocolate and eating like a bird/exercising a lot, I suddenly gained weight. I was having crazy ringing in my ear that kept me up until four am almost every night, and felt like crap. The funny thing is, eating better and being in a better environment (less non-stop stress) caused it. 

My thyroid medication, which was compensating for all of the stress pre-2016, was no longer needed as often. Hyperthyroidism doesn’t always manifest in thinness, and in fact can result in severe water retention, as it causes inflammation in your body. It can also cause ringing in your ears. I believe that I was eating large amounts of chocolate because something in it (most likely the soy emulsifier) was dampening my thyroid’s ability to create hormones--I kept taking pills of it, and my body was trying to figure out how to lessen the overload.

Once I realized this, I didn’t think it wise to go back to eating chocolate (it’s best to treat the underlying problem, not cover it up with a bandaid [especially one that is unhealthy in other ways]) and looked into diets that benefit people who suffer from auto-immune issues. I started the Auto-Immune Paleo diet, which cuts out a lot of inflammatory foods, and most importantly, sugar. 

In the second picture, I eat twice as much as I was before-- a whole lot of plantains, sweet potatoes, meat, vegetables etc. I also don’t worry about the treadmill or killing myself with workout routines (I do plan on working out a bit more, but in a gentler way). I also have done my best to cut down on stress (difficult giving recent world events) by meditating, regularly drinking Tulsi tea (a stress/anxiety quelling adaptogen), and writing to do lists. It takes work, and I can’t eat processed crap, but it’s been a miracle. I barely need medication-- maybe once a week at most, if my temperature goes down to 97 degrees (it’s a hypo thing). Bizarrely, I can also fit my thumb and pointer finger around my wrist and have them touch, which I wasn’t even able to do as a child. My fingers are also noticeably less swollen.

I mostly want people to know it’s not always calorie in/out. In the past, I was told by many doctors I must have been eating too much and exercising too little, and was encouraged to eat less than the paltry 1200 calories a day I had been eating (they saw someone who was suffering from classic malfunctioning thyroid symptoms, and saw laziness). I was made to feel very ashamed of myself for things I couldn’t control--I was technically doing everything right in the first photo. If you are having issues with this, perhaps try to see if you have undiagnosed autoimmune disorder(s). Millions suffer and take years to get diagnosed (if ever). Also, if you have one autoimmune disorder, it is likely that you actually have a couple (a lot of them are comorbid).

1/2 cup baking soda

1/2 cup arrowroot powder or 1/2 cup of cornstarch

5 tablespoon unrefined virgin coconut oil

10 drops of grapefruit essential oil or lavender essential oil

(You can pick your favorite scent. I like lavender or grapefruit.)

Mix baking soda and arrowroot together. Melt your coconut oil in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix all ingredients (the baking soda and arrowroot powder) with the oil. Pour into clean small mason jar. Add your essential oil to the mason jar; close with the lid. Give it a good shake to combine the essential oil with the other mixture. By doing it this way, you can still use that bowl to eat with.  Once you mix that essential oil in the bowl, it can only be used for the purpose of making your deodorant. Everything you’ve used is edible except the essential oils.

I want to thank you  for reading my latest blog.  Please let me know if you need any support with it. 

Otherwise, are we friends on Facebook yet?  If not let’s do that now, Got Hypothyroidism?   I like to connect on a more personal level there and often; offer social media only products that can only be accessed on my page and share daily updates along with recipes. Remember sharing is caring. Please share and post a comment to this blog! I would love to hear from you. Sign up for my blogs @ thehypothyroidismchick.com .  You can also  Follow me on instagram @ Thyroidismchick or Follow me on twitter @Thyroidismchick.

Health and Happiness,

Audrey

XoXo

Disclaimer

The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested.  The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements.  Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek.  I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.