Sometimes There’s a Reason
“Illness often forces us to relax, let go of all our busyness…and drop into a deep, quiet level…where we can receive the …energy we need.” ~ Shakti Gawain, Creative Visualization.
So the blog dropped off. School got busy. I struggled with acceptance, to keep positive, as a new year began.
And then, for the first time in a decade, my thyroid went out of whack. I’ve been diagnosed with, and on medication for, hypothyroidism since 2003 (and suspect I had it for long before). It goes undiagnosed in a lot of people for a long time. I – in my non-medical, and non-expert opinion, – recommend you request a thyroid test at your next physical if any of the symptoms below sound familiar.
Basic symptoms include exhaustion, not just tired at the end of the day, but exhausted. Back in my 20’s, before diagnosis, I fell asleep at concerts. Seriously. Who falls asleep at an REM show? Me. And at Harry Connick, Jr.? Me. It was no fault of those artists whom I adore, but an undiagnosed hypothyroid.
Mood is also affected. Along with the sluggishness, there are feelings of depression or irritability. I’ve been there and guess what? Usually chalked it up to job stress. There’s also difficulty losing weight which I think many women, too many women, feel is a problem, and a host of other symptoms that you can read about here.
So back to the doctor I went, to see what caused this blip. My blood test showed a change in the TSH numbers, so the daily medication was increased. I took it easy, lessened my workout routine, allowed a few days of rest.Within a few days, I felt better. Mostly, I felt awake.
The other thing that changed in a matter of days was my mood. And – I’m not kidding – I did not hate my job. I did not dread going to work. I have, for the past month, been enjoying what I do. I’m having fun. I have liked teaching.
Most days. Now it’s the end of the quarter so there’s a lot of work piling on…but that’s temporary. There are times when I am tired, and when that happens, I rest. I go home and read a book. I don’t push it. But I’m tired…not fatigued. There’s a huge difference.
A year ago, I never would have said that. Even a few months ago, I never would have said that. It’s been a weird few weeks to observe this turn around. I’ve got a few more appointment’s scheduled to keep on top of things. What if all this negativity I’ve had for years was a result of hypothyroid and a medication mismatch?
#hypothyroidism #autoimmune #Acceptance #handwritten #hypothyroid #Writing