THYROID DISEASE

My introduction to thyroid disease came at a very stressful period in my life. Two years prior, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, had a baby, and other madness I didn't invite into my life. Shortly after beginning a drug therapy to slow the progression of MS, my body began another cycle with other symptoms. My skin began to itch uncontrollably, it was so dry. Nothing I used, chamomile lotion, tea bags, alcohol rubs, all the natural remedies, nothing worked. I'd be in the store scratching, driving and scratching, at work scratching, at home scratching, seemingly worse than a drug addict, all day and night. My heart raced rapidly to the point it effected  my breathing, my beautiful hair became dry and brittle.

In addition to that my mood was volatile. I became someone I didn't recognize or like. What an evil witch I was. I remember being so tired all the time, just out of the blue. Recalling all the symptoms I knew about MS just didn't line up with what the new ones were at that point. This lasted about three weeks, and I had enough. I felt I was losing my mind. It was time to see my doctor. Upon stating my issues to her, she said these few words, "It's either your liver, kidneys or thyroid.".  Blood work was done. I got a call a couple days later and was told my thyroid levels were very low.

Having done some reading about all the possibilities it could be, I was relieved it was my thyroid. It seemed the lesser of all evils. I also began to reread the exhaustive fact sheets for that drug I was taking for Multiple Sclerosis. I remembered reading the thyroid could be effected. There was the link - hypothyroidism was listed as a possible contraindication. No one needed to confirm or deny the link to me, that $1,400.00 a month drug killed my thyroid. It could have eventually done me in had I not been concerned about the telltale signs that something was terribly wrong. The doctor expressed the immediacy that I get my prescription filled and begin thyroid replacement. Although I have to take a pill for the rest of my life, along with blood work every few months, it was a welcome diagnosis considering the other possibilities. That little pill began working within 24 hours. My major symptoms were gone.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (An underactive thyroid)

fatigue, exhaustion
feeling run down and sluggish
depression
difficulty concentrating, brain fog
unexplained or excessive weight gain
dry, coarse and/or itchy skin
dry, coarse and/or thinning hair
feeling cold, especially in the extremities
constipation
muscle cramps
increased menstrual flow
more frequent periods
infertility/miscarriage

Symptoms of Hyperthryodisim (An overactive thyroid)

nervousness
irritability
increased perspiration
thinning of your skin
fine brittle hair
muscular weakness especially involving the upper arms and thighs
shaky hands
panic disorder
insomnia
racing heart
more frequent bowel movements
weight loss despite a good appetite
lighter flow, less frequent menstrual periods

This LADIES, is the lighter side of thyroid disease. A simple blood test may easily get you on the way to resuming your life as you knew it. Do nothing, and the extreme side eventually may pay a visit.

SISTERS, I know how hard we work, our dedications to family and home, but PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES. Pay attention to what your body is telling you, if it's something abnormal, a contradiction to your normal life rhythm, have yourself checked out and strive to be in optimum health. I am passionate about being healthy in spite of the disease I live with. I had no control in it taking up residence in me. When we can do better, it is BETTER WE SHOULD ALWAYS CHOOSE - BE BLESSED!

                                                       

CHEMICALS CAUSE SICKNESS

AND

CHEMICALS CAUSE DEATH

After reading this NY Times article earlier (link below), the project  I

planned to work on had to be put aside. Why is it that a gal like me

has the insight to understand a link between chemicals and health issues.

It's not that this idea is new to me I grew up right in the middle of a toxic

volatile cocktail brimming over as a breeding ground for sickness and

the potential for death. I began seeing and feeling the effects in my youth.

This is when and where I always knew I became sickly. Even as a child, I

saw it and smelled it almost daily. When I was diagnosed with

Multiple Sclerosis, what I instinctively knew was confirmed. I never

accepted those doctors assessments about myself even then.

I heard there's nothing wrong with me or tones as though I lied,

exaggerated, was a malingerer.

Again, I say,

CHEMICALS  CAUSE SICKNESS

AND

CHEMICALS CAUSE DEATH!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/16/health/16plastic.html?scp=2&sq=bisphenol%20a&st=cse

 I've known quite a few people, and yes, more than seems proportional,

young people sick and dying throughout the years

stricken with illness. I am one of the millions of sick people whose

lives have been sidetracked due to exposure/over exposure

to toxic chemicals. I've never needed confirmation of my instincts.

This article, and others of this nature validate how my then

young mind understood the connectedness of what I saw

and the undiagnosed symptoms I experienced for so many years.

I am grateful I never totally abandon my internal instincts -

my truth meter. It  never fails or misleads!

WHAT'S IN YOUR HAND?

No matter what is happening to you or around you there is still boundless opportunity to be hopeful and to look forward. When you understand the simple and profound message so eloquently delivered by the late Rev. Adam Clayton Powell you may never think the same again. When I heard this message so many years ago, it has since provided me with so much in return. It has served as a reminder through so many trials that I always have something to work with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRIJYzhhELU

Just when you've come to what you think is your breaking point - never forget you'll always have something to work with when you remember to ask yourself, "WHAT'S IN YOUR HAND?"

Let me know what was revealed to you if you'd like. BE BLESSED!

WHAT'S IN YOUR HAND?

THINK ABOUT IT FOR YOURSELF, AND WHEN YOU'VE

DONE SO LET ME KNOW THAT YOU WERE
ENLIGHTENED!

THERE IS A PURPOSE FOR YOU!

HONORING ONE'S PURPOSE!

What is the purpose of living when we don't, won't or can't honor our purpose?