Comments on: Can Somebody Help Me?

By: MaryEllen

MaryEllen — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 13:56:03 +0000

In reply to Upa. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, and for your concern! I am doing my best to make my health a priority.

By: Upa

Upa — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 05:27:10 +0000

I just ran across your web site while looking into coconut oil and read about your thyroid concerns. It’s been a while since you posted this, but I do so hope that you’ve been checked out thoroughly in regards to the thyroid problem, or any other medical problem you might have (and I do emphasize “might”).
You see, at your age, with 3 little ones (3 in 3 years!) we kept making excuses for my health and it took 15 years from onset to get diagnosed with CFIDS/ME (also known by the despised term “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”) and fibromyalgia, which then led to many other conditions and permanent problems due to the core illness(es). Each year I’ve gotten progressively worse. Last month I developed and added hypothyroidism: being in bed 24/7, I had nonetheless made myself fly to my son’s wedding in Malaysia – like a mom holding up a car in order to save her child, the adrenaline does kick in for live-altering situations! Well, I paid for that trip with the newly-developed thyroid problem. It’s been especially “no fun” when combined with all the other problems I have going. (Understatement!)
Back when I got sick from a flu in grad school, no one knew about CFIDS and fibro. So much more is understood now, though not nearly enough. But seeing people getting it more and more often has frustrated me so much that in February I finally started a blog. I just can’t stand to see others going through what I’ve had to over these last 38 years.
I’m sorry if I come off sounding a bit too passionate or even a bit “off,” but I just can’t stand the way so many are put at risk because of these illnesses. Over these past years (decades!) I’ve tried every western medicine approach, every alternative medical approach, every holistic approach imaginable. Please make sure you’re ok! Your kids need you! That sounds so corny, but it is soooo true! Wishing you the best of health and much joy with your little ones! Irene/upa xx

By: MaryEllen

MaryEllen — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:14:41 +0000

In reply to Nyci. Yes, the body is amazing, but so confusing to take care of sometimes!

By: MaryEllen

MaryEllen — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:14:16 +0000

In reply to Shannon. Thanks for adding in, Shannon!

By: MaryEllen

MaryEllen — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:13:23 +0000

In reply to Leah. Leah, I appreciate your comment so much! It is wonderful to know that there is somebody who understands exactly how I feel! I will post an update soon on my plan of action and how it goes.

By: Nyci

Nyci — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 23:01:43 +0000

Look into something called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. See if any of the symptoms there click with you. Sometimes, thyroid issues are secondary to other problems. I’ve had a bouncing thyroid for the past 6 years. Hypo when pregnant with my 6 year old and hyper when pregnant with my 2 year old. Now, back to hypo again. Was just recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, personally. I would not recommend self treatment. The thyroid is a dangerous organ to mess with. Left untreated, it could result in permanent heart damage or death. You want to make sure that your levels are tested regularly – usually every 3 months or so. If you are taking thyroid medications – you CANNOT take them at the same time as any vitamin supplement. Nor can you use many soy products. These interactions can be very devastating. Taking that into consideration – home remedies may not be the way to go unless you have a serious talk with your doctor. My doctor did advise me that a gluten free diet may ease some of my symptoms. I hope you find relief. It’s odd to think that such a small organ can effect each and every other system in your body.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:39:52 +0000

I sent you a link on your fb page but it sounds like similar to me. I have hisitmotos thyroid disease. And my thyroid goes up and down one week I’m hyper the next I’m hypo. Hisitmotos means I’m both and can be one at anytime. Proper medication helps. I don’t like medication either but what has worked for me is taking my synthroid at the same time everyday and eating proper. Eating small meals throughout the day. I urge you to take care of it fast.

By: Leah

Leah — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:48:54 +0000

I have had these symptoms as well since Charity was born, and she’s almost 3. The doctor watched my numbers for many months, but deemed it not necessary for meds. She did say, however, that people who are small (like you and I) feel the changes more than heavier people who have more body weight to absorb the hormones.
I saw a naturopath last fall and was prescribed a regimen of herbs that I took for several months. They gave me a boost, but were too expensive to keep up with.
This past January I had IV iron treatments in the hospital and they helped immensely with the heart palpitations. It had gotten so bad that I felt like I was blacking out in public places and I was scared to go into town for fear that I might collapse. Sometimes low iron can cause some of the thyroid symptoms (heart issues, etc.) I felt often that I was struggling just to keep myself aware of my surroundings….not good!
I also have Adrenal Fatigue, which shares some common symptoms with thyroid issues. So it’s hard to tell which one is acting up. But I do have a great specialist (endocrinologist-doctor of internal medicine) who checks all my levels (the ones Nikki mentioned) once a year by rote, and more if I ask for it.
Things I do to help myself-
1. Drink lemon water daily- it has amazing cleansing abilities and balances your pH levels. It also reduces salty and sweet cravings and makes me want ‘real food’ instead of unhealthy snacks. I feel much better when I’ve had the lemon water in the morning.
2. Increase my intake of protein, whether through drinks or snacking on nuts. I also switched to buying only organic yogurt, which has a high protein content.
3. Be honest with my kids…lol, but it’s true. I struggle to get through even one storybook because I don’t have enough breath to read.
4. Having daily foot rubs. 🙂 I did a little study on pressure points in the feet, and was amazed at what I learned. My husband knows exactly where the different spots are, and usually if I haven’t been feeling well, the corresponding spots hurt. He massages them until they are relieved, and it really helps. I find that my feet actually start “craving” to be massaged where they need relief. Weird, but true. 🙂
I could probably write a book on this, so I’ll stop. But I understand the frustration because doctors are loathe to do anything about it, thinking it’s “not bad enough.” But it’s hard to keep going when you have small kids and don’t feel well. I know. I’m there with you.

By: MaryEllen

MaryEllen — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:51:08 +0000

In reply to Nikki F.. Thanks so much for your insight, Nikki!

By: Nikki F.

Nikki F. — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 06:18:15 +0000

If you think it is your thyroid please go back to the doctor and demand proper tests, a lot of doctors won’t order them unless specifically asked for and many many women go undiagnosed until it is too late. Ask for TSH and D3 levels for starters, Also ask if they can do T3 and T4 because the TSH isn’t always accurate if you are just a little off. You may want to check your iodine levels as well as most ppl are on the low side and new mothers need extra. Although I do not have children, I do have hypothyroidism and very low D3 which makes me very tired, irritable, etc.