I saw these pretty clouds at the park last week. They make me think of paintbrush strokes. God is the ultimate artist.
I’m finding that being sick and dealing with a chronic illness has helped me to pay more attention to these little details in life.
As promised, here is a health update for anyone who is interested.
Last time, I shared that a round of various tests revealed hypothyroid, leaky gut, low white blood cell count, anemia, and gluten sensitivity.
A mixed bag of issues, but all are inter-related.
I have eliminated gluten from my diet and have made a concerted effort to commit to that as I would to taking medication. It’s is making a big difference.
It’s been a few months now and I can say that I feel some better. Not completely healed by any stretch. I still get easily fatigued and feel that I need to keep some energy in reserve at all times. This means I have to say no to quite a few things. Which can be difficult for me.
In January I had my blood work redone and this time added a test for thyroid antibodies. My Thyroid perioxidase was elevated, which indicates Hashimoto’s disease.
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the thyroid.
Soooo . . .
This means I am focusing my efforts on healing the immune system. As this is not just a thyroid issue, it’s an immune system issue.
As I have researched, it appears that all of my symptoms point back to a compromised gut and immune system. Research has been a somewhat frustrating experience since dealing with this is complicated. But I am digging through and finding some common actions that have worked for many people.
Here is an interesting read about what leaky gut is and how it causes disease.
What I’m doing now
In my last health update I showed you the crazy number of supplements I have been taking. I am not sure they are working. It is a slow process and hard to measure at this stage. But, I will say that when I don’t take them for long stretches, I don’t feel much different.
What seems to have made the most difference so far is the removal of gluten.
Also, exercise and sleep appear to be part of my foundation.
Eating well, sleeping enough, and exercising are important for everyone. And really, I have noticed that they play a massive role in the way I feel.
Miss my supplements, no big deal, miss my workout, miss sleep, or miss good food . . . I feel TERRIBLE!
So, I am striving to make these non-negotiable. At east as much as that is possible as a wife and mom!
I’ve ordered this new book: The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body
The book, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: a Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism, is also proving to be quite eye-opening. I’m finding it very educational and am hopeful that it is keeping me from heading in the wrong direction as far as healing is concerned.
I’ve also been learning more about Plexus Slim, which sounds like a chemical concoction, but isn’t! I spoke with someone yesterday who is using this and finding it aids with her Hashimoto’s symptoms. A number of other people with thyroid issues (and also those with diabetes) have found it helpful as well, especially when it comes to balancing blood sugar and reducing inflammation.
Even though it is marketed as a weight-loss aid, it was originally engineered by three doctors to help regulate blood glucose levels in diabetics. (You can learn more about it here.)
If I had not discussed with another resistant, healthy-minded mom yesterday, I would never have considered it!
I’m going to replace my supplements with Plexus for 30 days and see how I feel. I’ll report back.
So, I think that’s it for an update.
Thanks for reading!
Onward and upward!
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