Hashimoto's Disease

Have you ever felt tired? Not normal tired, but really tired. As a kid, I had sooo much energy! I was always full of life and ready to party! But as I got older, like teenage age, I noticed how fast I felt myself declining. Nothing got me excited anymore. I wanted to sit on the couch and never get up again. I was having back pain and knee pain at 16-years-old! I was ready to give up! Everyone around me figured this was depression. I had been diagnosed with dysthymia (persistent depression) as a young child. My life has been far from perfect, so it seemed like a legitimate diagnosis for the lack of energy and pain. After seeing counselors for depression, I decided to see a medical doctor to see if anything medically was wrong with me. They did a standard blood test and everything came back normal. They did a vitamin deficiency test next.

It turns out my body had literally no Vitamin D whatsoever! So, very alarmed, my doctor puts me on potent Vitamin D pills every day. I also find out later on I have scoliosis due to lack of bone support (Vitamin D). After still suffering after taking my new vitamins, one day finally, a different doctor says, “let me check your antibodies in your blood with a thyroid test.” My results came back as 100. And my second test came back even higher only a few months later. Way, way too high of a number! I feel so sorry for people that have to live with their numbers in the hundreds and thousands! So, I go to see a specialist that tells me there is no cure for Hashimoto's Disease.

Finally, I have a name for what is wrong with me! Hashimoto's disease. Fun. So, if you, or anyone you know is experiencing things like depression, extreme tiredness for no reason, vitamin deficiencies (especially D), hair loss, increased sensitivity to the cold, joint pain, weight gain, brittle nails, and many other symptoms, ask your doctor about the possibility of Hashimoto's! They do not think about it as much as you would think! I went through three doctors until I found one that thought about it!

Even though there is no cure, there are so many ways to make it better! I would also like to add that this disease is not a death sentence. I know an autoimmune disease can sound scary. If it is untreated, it can lead to bigger thyroid issues in the future for some people. There are so many supplements you can take and lifestyle changes. The number one thing they told me as a person with thyroid issues is to stay far away from gluten! It was extremely challenging at first but has really helped with some symptoms. My body did not feel so inflamed and bloated after a few weeks. I felt like I was going crazy with a bunch of random unexplained symptoms. I started to think it was in my head like everyone was telling me. I was even put on Zoloft for three years for depression and anxiety! I am proud to say I have been off that antidepressant for almost a year now! If only I could go back in time and change my diet sooner! But in the end, I am so glad that I know what it is and what I have to do to live a normal life again! Therefore, I want to spread awareness about this disease that is not talked about nearly as much as others!