I hear that it's Motivation Monday in the social media world. Here's what I want to say to you today. I spend an hour or so every day answering emails and Facebook messages from fellow thyroid disorder sufferers. There is a common theme and it's this: "I'm taking thyroid medication and I still have _____ symptoms." Are there some things that you may always deal with when you have a thyroid disorder? Yes, of course! However, if you are doing everything else right (taking your thyroid medication regularly, eating well, exercising, taking your vitamins and minerals, etc.) AND YOU STILL HAVE SYMPTOMS (like depression, hair loss, weight gain, etc.), then something isn't working! It's not normal to feel like crap! Let me say that one … [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...]
Vitamin D and Your Thyroid
I took this picture of turtles sunning themselves last summer. Not sure if you can see it very well, but there's one little turtle who crawled up onto a buddy's back. It reminds me of my youngest son, who is always climbing on someone or something. I so wish I was outside sunning like that right now. But, alas, it's winter, and most of us are spending our days inside. Winter is when Vitamin D levels are typically at their lowest. The Importance of Vitamin D I was sitting in a waiting room somewhere recently and I stumbled across an issue of the magazine, Natural Awakenings, and found a very interesting article about Vitamin D by Lisa Hogan, M.D. In the article, entitled "Vitamin D: A Very Important Hormone", Dr. Hogan discusses just … [Read more...]
7 Lessons Chronic Illness Has Taught Me: A Retrospective Look at Hypothyroidism
Drum roll, please!! I am thrilled to share this Guest Blog Post by Sarah Downing with you. Sarah is a thyroid advocate and creator of the blog, Butterflies & Phoenixes, and is also the Blog Editor for ThyroidChange. She has great advice for those of us battling chronic illnesses. Treat yourself with patience and kindness. Whilst you probably wish you could get well overnight, in reality it may take months and sometimes years to experience “normalcy” again. Consider just how long it took you to get sick in the first place. This is a daunting thought, so take it one day at a time and celebrate each stepping stone of progress. Be kind to yourself on the days you are filled with frustration and despair because your mental outlook does … [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...]
Rise and Thrive!
So, it's that time of the year where we focus on new beginnings and starting over. I used to write new year's resolutions. I have kept some and totally missed the boat on others. A friend of mine, Sunny Schlenger, suggested new year's intentions. Sunny is a professional organizer, flow coach and author. I know that it's no coincidence that our lives crossed paths. In her article, Intentions vs. Resolutions, Sunny states that "intentions are desires that start at the feeling level." She goes on to say: "They’re quests of our higher self that want to see us be happy, healthy and successful at the things we have a desire to do." I love making lists, setting goals, etc. I have always felt sad, though, when I didn't succeed with … [Read more...]