A Bit of a Valley
Written by admin on September 24th, 2009Ever feel like you’re in a bit of a valley in your life? I’ve been feeling that way of late. It’s my health, I’m sure now. Thyroid disease runs rampant in my family. I was hoping it would miss me. It did not.
Euonymus americanus, a tree native to North Carolina
Over the past year, feelings of fatigue and hopelessness have plagued me. From out of nowhere. I’ve been cold. I eat little. And gain. My eyesight has gotten worse. I’m winded.
Sounds uncomfortable doesn’t it? Well, it sort of was.
“August Beauty” gardenia.
My doctor follows my TSH because she knows there’s a history of thyroid dysfunction in my family. Last November it was 4. Even that is on the high side for some people, but by my doctor’s standards that is still within normal.
Goldenrod and obedient plants.
Over the last year as my blood pressure has gotten lower and lower, my pulse rate slower and slower, and my breathing more and more shallow, I honestly wondered sometimes, am I dying?
The water in the birdbath was clear one day and purple the next. A seed gift from a bird? Pokeberry maybe?
Through all of this there were doctor’s visits and tests and questions.
“You’re healthy. You walk, and you garden, so you’re going to have low BP and pulse rate. Middle-aged women who are active and healthy just have low blood pressure.”
Those are the things I was told.
The little turtle in the birdbath I made. Weathered, but I still love it.
My blood work was always perfect. But they did not check the TSH again. If only they had… Even an ER visit because I felt like I was going to faint while driving did not turn up anything, but again they did not check my TSH, “because it was just checked in November.”
Hindsight is always 20/20. Had I known that my thyroid was failing, I could have pushed for another TSH and I think any of these kind doctors would have obliged. I guess it just did not enter anyone’s mind. Even mine. Even though I had read some of the symptoms of thyroid disorder, I had no idea I could get so sick, and since it was new to me I just didn’t realize. Finally, two weeks ago I went to my doctor in complete distress, pleading for help and telling her the only way that I could describe my condition is that I knew I was not getting enough oxygen and that I felt like I was going to die. She drew more blood work and went ahead and got another TSH. She called me from home two days later, on a Sunday. My TSH had risen to 41.45. My thyroid apparently has quit working.
Also called “hearts-a-busting”
There’s something I love about the internet: There’s so much information out there.
There’s something I hate about the internet: There’s so much information out there.
When something like this happens, my first thought is whether or not I can reverse it, but out of 7 female first cousins in my family, one has had a thyroidectomy, two have had their thyroids just stop working and are on Synthroid, one has hypothyroidism and is on Synthroid. There are similar situations in my grandmother’s generation. Hand in hand with this, in various people, are signs of rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, IBS, and eczema. Genetics are a force to be reckoned with, aren’t they?
I eat healthy, I exercise, I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I love studying herbs and using them wisely for health, I take a multivitamin but am cautious about things where there’s little or bad evidence. I consider myself very middle of the road and healthy. There’s a part of me that wants to run wildly after all this information on the internet about raw foods curing hypothyrodism, herbs curing hypothyroidism, sea vegetables curing hypothyroidism, and on and on. I read about the thyroid, then the pituitary, then the adrenals, Hashimoto’s, viruses, stress, too much iodine, too little iodine… I read until my eyes hurt. But then I remember how sick I was and how much better I feel after just 11 days of Synthroid, and then the overabundance of information (much of it ads) makes me mad. Then I start wondering again.
It’s a bad feeling, but I’m getting over it. 
And I’m starting to realize that more blood work is in order to rule out (or in) Hashimoto’s. And I remember the verse in Ecclesiastes that says ”time and chance happeneth to them all,” and I realize that I am not immune to illness, or any other act of chance for that matter, and it’s very humbling.
Why am I posting all of this? I’m not sure except that I know there must be others who deal with this or something similar. I do intend to learn all I can so that I can reverse this if possible, with my doctor’s help, or just be as healthy as I can be in the face of hypothyroidism. I just figured my blog was a good place to share. Synthroid, anyone?
Lynn
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
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It runs in my family too. I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling poorly.
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Lynn dear! You have been so much on my mind the last few weeks… just yesterday afternoon I had a strong urge to call you (but didn’t). I should have! Sorry for not being a better long-distance friend… I’m so glad you are feeling better. Sometimes medication is the best thing.
XO
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Lynn,
I am so sorry about all you have gone through…I cannot believe how many times I have heard about people who had something wrong, yet nothing could be found and then it was something big later…really speaks to pushing to get the care/tests/2nd opinion, whatever it is in each case…because you know your body best.
About drugs vs. natural…I think we need to ask God for wisdom….I have a son who ended up in the hospital last year because he kept losing weight…we were trying to treat some issues naturally, but got to the point where we could not have him lose any more weight…he was diagnosed with a form of Rheumatoid Arthritis….and is on some prescription meds right now…but when he gets off of all that, I am going to try the natural route again. I just think it is best for our bodies. I am also irritated by all of the back and forths in the natural/herbal world…I mean we could not possibly take all the different things that are recommended, but unless we are going to be a research student, can’t really know what is truly good or not.
I have appreciated Jordan Rubin’s books…Patient Heal Thyself, etc…he had Crohn’s disease and tells a bit about his journey back to health…
Sorry this is long and rambly…Seek God and His wisdom…ask Him to make His path very clear…maybe it is medicine. I hope you are feeling better soon…
love,
C~
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So thankful you finally have answers, friend, and are feeling better! XOXO
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Dear Lynn,
I’m so sorry you’ve been ill! Health is an enigma sometimes, isn’t it? I will be praying that you will be guided to whatever is right for your healing journey. One thing I have learned, is that there are many paths to wholeness. Everyone is different. You’ll find your own balance, I know.
I’ve been feeling a lot better lately, adding as much fresh vegetable juice to my diet as possible (Don’t want to add any confusion ;0) ), but it takes discipline!
Love,
Marqueta
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You poor thing, I hope you feel much better soon! Take it easy and take care of yourself. Get new info slowly as it can be digested..it will come. Blessings to you.
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Lynn~ Hello! I can empathize with you from personal experience. I have the exact opposite of what you are experiencing. I have Grave’s Disease with Hyper-thyroidism and am currently taking an ANTI-thyroid drug. I tried the herbal route and it wasn’t strong enough for what my body needed. However, that said, I still try to eat properly-cutting out extra sugars, resting, select herbs, herbal teas, and most of all trusting in God. The thyroid drugs have worked a “miracle” in my life. I went through 4 specialists, 2 doctors, and 9 ambulance rides before they finally diagnosed me with Grave’s disease. I too found soooo much info on the internet it was mind boggling. However, I feel it(the internet) saved my life. I persisted in letting the DR’s know there was something wrong with a very active little lady who now crawled up the stairs to my little ones because my heart was beating so fast I thought it was going to burst!!! My electrophysiologist finally was the one who sent me on to the endrocrinologist(female glandular specialist) who then diagnosed me. I know that there are some very good herbs out there who will help stimulate your thyroid. Natures Sunshine carries some very good products. Here are a few you might would like to consider: Master Gland Formula-it has several vitamins +licorice root, black walnut hulls, kelp leaves and stem plus a whole lot more and Mood Elevator-uplifts Spirits, Improves Vitality, Support for occasional sleeplessness. I do not sell these herbs I get them from my local health food store. Hope this helps you!
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Oh, Lynn,
Just this afternoon I was watching a show on TV where a woman had a thyroid disease for two years that had gone undiagnosed until one doctor took a close look at her thyroid levels. I’m so glad that you’re receiving the treatment and care that you need and that you will be feeling better day by day. Thank you for sharing your experience, you just don’t know who you’ve helped.
Take care,
Liane
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Sorry you are going through all of this! Hope you start feeling better soon. Think of you often! Love you!
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I’m sorry that you’re going through this valley and hope that answers and relief come soon. Thank you for your honesty; it always seems like posts like this come at just the right time for me. I’m praying that your post will bless others, too.
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Kate, I used to think that because I looked like those on the side of the family with freckles, the things that ran in the side of the family who didn’t have freckles would somehow not include me.
Boy was I wrong about that one! Thanks.
Emily, thank you! I’m feeling better every day. The thing about subtle, progressive illness is that your body tries to balance and you somehow adjust and just didn’t know you felt so bad until you start to feel better. I can’t complain. I’m just thankful for Synthroid.
Carrie, thank you for sharing. I love hearing others’ stories and what has helped them to cope. I like your thoughts.
Barb, thank you! Hugs.
Marqueta, thank you so much. I feel bad posting – like I sound like I’m complaining, but I hope it will help someone and maybe we can share ideas. I’ve been so tired, I’m sure it’s one more reason why your letter is still not finished after adding to it three different times! Thank you for your friendship.
Tonya, I love the idea of getting info slowly as it can be digested. That is definitely where I am right now. It’s like Carrie said, a person couldn’t possibly take every single thing that’s offered out there right now.
Jeanie, I don’t know which would scare me most: heart barely beating or one beating out of my chest! I’m sorry you’ve been through this too. Thank you so much for the suggestions. I want them. I want to slowly and patiently look at what might help and not try to do too much at one time. I’m looking forward to talking to my doctor again in a couple of weeks.
Liane, thank you so much! It’s good to hear from you.
Jessamy, thank you. I love you too.
I’m just glad they found it when they did. I wouldn’t have wanted to go on another week without knowing.
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Hey Lynn, I am so sad that you are feeling bad. I had no idea that you have been feeling poorly. I will be praying for you and your family. I hope that the medication is helping you. Love and hugs. Your cousin Vicki
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Dear Lynn,
May God bless you and proytect you my friend. I will pray for your recovery and days filled with all your favorite things.
Blessings,
Diane
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Dear Lynn, I am so sorry to hear about what you have going through. I am so thankful that you listened to “you” and went back for more testing. I remember so clearly during a time that I felt so bad.I was told over & over how “healthy” I was. I knew myself the best. After a bad seizure found out about the brain tumor. 2007 I found myself feeling odd again.Well there it was again.I’m rather stubborn so took care of business and by God’s grace here I am. All of that to say take your thyroid meds even though it is a lot to think about. The internet is helpful however I chose to be educated and continue to praise the Lord through the storms. Jer:29-11 Love you my friend
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Vicki, thank you!
What’s funny is that nobody really knew — except my immediate family — how bad I was feeling. 1 – because I was too tired to talk about it. (big smile) 2 — because the doctors kept telling me I was fine. 
Love you.
Diane, thank you so much. I’m feeling better and better every day.
Susan, I think of you so often, especially with this lovely tapestry pillow I have now in my living room.
It’s like you’re here with me, only we don’t have any teachers around to get in trouble with. 
I think of you and what you’ve dealt with and I’m SO glad and thankful you’re here, and praying you stay here. I love you too. I looked up that verse. I like that very much. Thank you.
Lynn
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Sarah, thank you for your comment. I hope my post helps someone else. It helps me to hear from others.
Lynn
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So glad you are feeling better, and grateful that yoru shared your experience. Several ofyour symptoms sound similar to mine, and I just returned home from blood work. I appreciate your info, it may prove helpful as we determine what’s going on in my own health.
Blessings!
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Lynn,
I’m so glad to hear that you have an answer and direction to go.
I had a partial thyroidectomy last year due to a possible cancerous nodule. Turned out not to be cancerous, which I’m certainly grateful for, but I’ve not been the same since the surgery and that’s frustrating to me ~ I’m always tired and just a general feeling of “out of sorts”. I’m currently on 75mcg of levothyroxine (taking the generic to save some $), but I still “don’t feel right” The dr. has changed the dosages several times, but I’ve noticed nothing significant. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Teresa
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Dear Lynn,
Then we had to move so that my son could sit with us and I only seen you from a distance after that. Wish we could have chatted!
I hope you are feeling better. I sat beside your husband at Shelby…I did not realize it until after you gave your testimony!
I know some of the frustration you speak of here…about health. I have been in and out of hospital much over the past year or two. Was given a possible diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis….but it is just a long waiting game with that. So I just hope for the best everyday…and try to look at the bright side of things. I know what you mean about the internet too…such a great vast place of information, but it you read too much it becomes troubling.
Wishing you happy days ahead. I truly have enjoyed your blog. You take such lovely pictures.
Hugs and friendship,
Valerie Brock
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Kelly, thank you!
I hope you get answers about what’s troubling you. One thing I have learned from this is not to be led by fear. I think I was overwhelmed with my symptoms and looking for all the wrong things. I wish I had more patiently and open-mindedly read about my symptoms and put them together in a more sensible fashion. I might have made better guesses. 
Teresa, I’m sorry about what you’ve been through. It is so frustrating to know you aren’t yourself physically or mentally or both and not be able to do much about it. I hope you get your dosage just right.
Valerie, I know!
Thomas talked to your husband later. I knew you were there and tried to catch your eye a couple of times, but you were doing like you were supposed to and paying attention. 
I figured I’d talk to you later and then you’d moved. I’m sorry you’ve had some health struggles. It’s no fun. I wish you wellness. Hugs and friendship to you too.
Lynn
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lynn, just wanted you to know that i’ll be praying for you. hoping you are feeling better soon!
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Stacy, thank you.