I've mentioned my health issues before, including the fact that I have an autoimmune disorder, Graves' Disease (hyperthyroidism). Well, after a long bout of various minor winter illnesses this year, that I just couldn't seem to shake, it appears that my depressed immune system has resulted in my thyroid being even more out of whack than usual. A number of adjustments in my medication by my GP haven't resulted in much change unfortunately, so I have been battling on looking after three kids whilst feeling massively fatigued and lethargic, not to mention incredibly irritable and frustratingly vague and empty-headed. No surprises that my GP has also just diagnosed me as suffering from clinical depression.
Anyway, I'm off to see my endocrinologist again soon. he told me last time I saw him that our next course of action, should it flare up like it is now, is to have the thyroid gland "killed" off using radioactive iodine, resulting in permanent hypothyroidism and lifelong medication.
Now, it seems to me that having another organ removed (I've previously had my gall bladder removed) might prevent the symptoms, but being an autoimmune disease, it won't stop the underlying causes for my immune system attacking itself, and I have serious concerns that it will manifest as another autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, in a few years time.
So, my new project is to do as much research about naturally balancing my immune system as possible in an effort to get my health under control (which I'll be blogging about in a new blog). As such I probably won't get much time, or have enough energy, to post here as much as I would like (although I will inevitably pop in with bits and pieces). Feel free to email me if you have any requests or questions though, as I still find all sustainability issues incredibly interesting!
17 comments:
Take care of yourself - pop in and let us know how you are when you can.
That's sad to hear. I just did a bit of reading about Grave's disease and it sounds distinctly unpleasant. Here's wishing you all the best with your health and your new research project.
Coincidentally, my wife suffers from the exact inverse of Grave's: Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid itself and impairs its function. Michelle takes synthetic TSH daily to keep her T3 and T4 up at useful levels.
you take care and take all the time you need to rest and research
Wishing you well! When you are unwell and have small children to look after, blogging should be your bottom-priority!
Liz
I have found this blog of yours to be really inspirational - thank you for all your efforts. I hope that your research leads to healing. Good luck!
You know what J, from what I've known of you, I have a strong feeling that you will tackle this issue head on and quickly find that way to naturally balance your system.
I wish you much healing and sending you strength for this part on your journey.
Take good care of yourself and just forget this blog for a while. I'll be checking into your new blog every so often to see how your progressing in your search for the right treatment. Wishing you good health.
You've done a brilliant job with this blog. Two of my friends almost died with Graves disease then completely turned it around with acupuncture. There is an amazing practitioner in Orange who helped them and I can pass you on the contact details of one of them if you need it. I was very, very sceptical but they persevered and I am quite stunned at the outcome. They're both healthy again now after having been EXTREMELY ill.
(www.stoplaughing.com.au/wordpress)
Wow, what can I say? You guys are wonderful! Thank you so much for your thoughts and good wishes, they really mean a lot to me :-)
Never fear, I won't be too far away, in fact I intend to post some links and things about local farmer's markets for a friend shortly!
I think it's easy to become a bit withdrawn and isolated when you are feeling crappy and depressed, so blogging about something I care deeply about is probably *good* for my health, LOL :-)
Cheers, Julie
P.S. Lis, I fully intend to pursue naturopathy and acupuncture as part of my healing so I'm very heartened to hear of your friends' great success with it! I'm currently sussing out my local practioners to see if any have experience with Graves' Disease. Thanks :-)
Julie
It's amazing how much you have achieved here while struggling with ill health, on top of the usual demands of family.
Go well. Lots of us will be willing you to find a healthy way to manage this.
Love
Alison
I'm pleased to hear you are chosing taking care of yourself as top priority at the moment. I can't imagine how having graves disease must be but I do know abit about depression, being a sufferer myself.
Take care and know we are here along your journey :)
Good luck - I am sure you will heal yourself well.
I don't know anything about Graves Disease but I was diagnosed with depression 5 years ago. I remember life before my medication and it wasn't pretty so to have it combined with something as yucky as Graves must be so very hard for you. I will be thinking of you often. Good Luck
Kirsty
I hope you can find some helpful info in your research and that you find yourself in better health soon. :)
Thank you all so much for your kind words, it really means a lot :-)
Looking after yourself and your family should be your top priority at the moment, I look forward to your posting about your path to recovery. I know they will be inspiring and informative as are all your posts.
Take care of you.
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