I'm incredibly honored to feature a beautifully written blog post today by Erin O'Brien, whose daughter was born with Congenital Hypothyroidism. Fellow parents of children with Congenital Hypothyroidism, you will undoubtedly relate to her thoughts and feelings. ~Blythe aka Thyroid Mom *********************************************************************************** I recently wrote an essay about finding the strength to be brave for our children when we feel anything but strong or brave. The story centered around my newborn daughter’s diagnosis with congenital hypothyroidism. Blythe read my essay, reached out with the kindest words, and asked if I would share a bit more with you. I immediately thought, “Yes! Of course!” but then … [Read more...]
Giving Infants Medication
You want me to give a PILL to my NEWBORN?! I remember asking my son's pediatric endocrinologist that question. As if it's not enough to have to deal with giving birth, having your newborn diagnosed with Congenital Hypothyroidism, endure repeated blood draws in those first few days, and then you are told you must get your infant to swallow a medication that (at least in the US) only comes in pill form. Our endocrinologist said to crush the medicine and give it to our son through a syringe. It was as if this was no big deal. For me, it was a big deal. The conversation had occurred over the phone. We hadn't even seen our pediatric endocrinologist in person yet. Where would we get the syringe? Oh, the pharmacy has them? Are you sure? … [Read more...]
Congenital Hypothyroidism: The First Year
I am thrilled to share this touching letter with you from a mother to her daughter. Gabby, like my sons, was born with Congenital Hypothyroidism. Like all of us mothers and fathers who hear those words spoken about their newborns, Gabby's mother, Meghan, was so worried about what life would be like for her beautiful newborn daughter. Well, a year passed, and this is what Meghan has to say... Hi, everyone. We've just celebrated our baby girl’s first birthday. I write letters to my children on their birthdays, and I felt this was a great one for sharing. Gabby's one year birthday letter is for the day she leaves home, telling her story and diagnosis from the beginning. It brought me to tears many times thinking about the past year and the … [Read more...]
Thyroid and Mental Health
Next week is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4-10), which helps raise awareness around children's mental health and May 7 marks National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Why does this matter to me, as Thyroid Mom, you may wonder. Well, you have probably read or heard about the connection between thyroid health and mental health. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms you find on the hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism check list. In fact, in his article, The Thyroid and the Mind and Emotions/Thyroid Dysfunction and Mental Disorders, Dr. A.G. Awad, MD, PhD, writes: "The psychiatric disturbances which accompany hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, the two commonest thyroid disorders, mimic mental illness. People with an … [Read more...]
Trust Your Gut: Raising Children With Thyroid Disorders
Photo Credit: Wilmington Star News (www.starnewsonline.com) Recently, my oldest son, William, asked if he could run a 5K. He’s a swimmer and hasn’t done much running, but he really wanted to try. As I am still recovering from back surgery, I was not able to run with him and my husband had an obligation with our younger son. Reluctantly, I gave in and registered us both for the 5k. The plan was for me to walk the race and for him to run the race. Being the worrywart that I am, I decided to write my cell phone number on his arm with a sharpie. I figured that if anything did happen, a person helping him would be able to reach me. I lectured him about not leaving the racecourse with anyone, etc. I slowly jogged the beginning of the race … [Read more...]
Hypothyroidism in Children: Not So Rare After All!
I don't believe that there are coincidences. I believe that things happen for a reason. One of the best parts of having a website and blogging about thyroid disorders is that I have met some incredible people along the way. One of those people is Dawn. I don't think it was a coincidence that we "met" online. Her story is similar to mine in that she also has an entire family with thyroid disorders. As you will see, hypothyroidism in children is not as rare as you think. I am honored that she is willing to share her story here at Thyroid Mom. I hope you enjoy learning about her and from her. My name is Dawn. I’m a wife, mother, college student, housewife, and I sell jewelry in an online store. I also have Hashimoto’s. People are … [Read more...]
ThyroidChange: What It Means To Me by Thyroid Mom
This post originally appeared on the ThyroidChange website: The name, ThyroidChange, resonates with me. I think about my own journey with thyroid disorders, and my family’s journey with thyroid disorders. You see, I was diagnosed in my twenties with hypothyroidism. I had been trying (unsuccessfully) to conceive. Eventually, I was tested for hypothyroidism. Once my thyroid levels were normal, I was able to conceive my first child. Shortly before my oldest son was born, my husband was diagnosed with Graves’ disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism). Two weeks after my oldest son was born, he was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism. My youngest son was also diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism. A few years ago, I was told that I had … [Read more...]
Scrub Phobia: Battling Your Child’s Fear of Doctors
Parents of children with any chronic disorder or illness have some things in common. Eventually, your child becomes terrified of labs, blood draws, doctor offices, and medical professionals (lab techs, doctors, and nurses). At my house, we call this Scrub Phobia. Children who endure repeated blood draws go through a period of time where they become so terrified that they often will cry as soon as they see the lab or outside of the hospital building. My sons would begin melting down at home when we applied the EMLA (lidocaine cream). I have shared with you my Top 5 Tips for Surviving Blood Draws. However, it's not just blood draws children fear. They often begin to fear regular doctor appointments as well. Today, I want to share with … [Read more...]
You Are Your Child’s Best Advocate
When my oldest son was born, I remember having a conversation with my sister about how I disagreed with a decision made regarding my son's care. My sister told me: "Never be afraid to flex that mom muscle." What great advice. She was so right. Never be afraid to assert yourself. You are your child's best advocate and you know what is right for you and for your family. I tell that to people all the time. You'd think I would listen to the same advice. I usually do, but, recently, I failed to follow my own advice. 3 weeks ago, my oldest had to have blood drawn for some allergy/immunology testing. His doctor wanted me to use their recommended lab. I really didn't want to because we (of course) have a lab and phlebotomist we prefer. I … [Read more...]
My Child Has Congenital Hypothyroidism: A New Mom Confronts the Diagnosis
I am Thyroid Mom. I have been talking to parents and grandparents of children who were diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism for several years now. Until this year, I had never met (face to face) with another mother of a child with congenital hypothyroidism. I had never met another child, another than my own, who had congenital hypothyroidism. Imagine my surprise when one day my endocrinologist said to me that she had a patient I needed to speak with. She told me that another patient of hers had just had a son diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism and that if it was okay with me, she'd like to pass my email address along to her other patient. A few months later, I met my friend Shelley and her son, Gavin. I am pleased to share … [Read more...]