Comment on Living with AutoImmune Diseases by Gail A Pledger.
Dear Barb, when I first saw your Pinterest Page I thought to myself I like this woman this woman reminds me of myself, then I saw the post of you having an autoimmune disease I was astounded to say the least! I was diagnosed with Graves’s disease (another autoimmune disease) shortly after giving birth to my son in 1991. I was fortunate enough to have a Doctor who went the extra step (after many, many other test) of having my thyroid levels checked by an X-ray. Blood test showed I was fine!!!! I clearly was not! The X-ray showed I had an extremely hyper thyroid condition-Graves Disease- my body was killing itself. I received a radiation treatment to kill off my thyroid in turn I now have hypothyroidism.
On thyroid replacement it was pretty good for several years then the fatigue set in (I call it the big nothing..don’t feel nothing..no energy.. not happy..not sad just the big nothing). I understand your pain. I started doing research as well and trying to find a doctor that would look beyond the simplest of blood test now being in the Midwest that was proven to be quite the challenge. My research has led me to more self-help than anything else.
My new doctor has been a big help she does do the more intensive blood test, adjusted my hormone replacement dosages and let me go back on an anti-depressant (I had been on antidepressant previously to cope with a difficult marriage and ugly divorce). I consulted with a neuropsychologist here who explained that my thyroid or the Synthroid I am on was not supporting my hypothalamus gland in my brain thus my serotonin levels were not adequate. The antidepressant has really helped. It gives me the will to exercise, which along with an organic Paleo Diet, exercise is the true one thing that gives me energy to have a normal life. At times it is very painful and emotional to workout but if I continue past the pain and the emotional breakdowns my energy levels come back along with interest in other aspects of life.
Thank you for sharing your story I always feel if we share our difficulties instead of hiding them everyone has a better chance of success.
Love your website continue the good work!!