Again?

I can't believe I'm writing this, but I have laryngitis again. In fact, it's been two weeks now, and as anyone who has known me well knows that there is no time limit to this struggle. The only thing is... it's been 4 years. I thought I beat this!

I woke up one morning two weeks ago with a slight sore throat and post-nasal drip. I have no idea where it came from, but I guess it doesn't really matter. It could have been allergies (though I don't have allergies), or as I've come to believe, it could just be stress.

What I find interesting this 'go-round' is that I am not anxious about it. I am - for the most part - at peace with the situation. I guess I have finally realized that there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I am trusting the Lord to heal me completely in His own good time. 

To those of you who are new to my blog, this isn't the first time I’ve struggled with laryngitis. I actually have quite the history with it, starting when I lost my voice for 3 weeks in 10th grade. Then in college for 10 weeks. In Korea I lost it twice - each time for a significant period of time. Here’s an account from my blog 5 years ago… The following posts chronicle (one of) my struggles with laryngitis when I was in Korea.

it's spring...

the minor prophets

still resting

where is may going?

...waiting on God...

a decision reached

I am thankful that - regardless of how long I lose my voice - God uses each time to draw me to Himself, show me areas that I need to work on, and remind me of my incredible need to depend on Him and set clear boundaries for myself. Boundaries - one of my favorite books! :)

I am also thankful because now I know why I lose my voice so often. The simple reason really is stress. The longer explanations of my health discoveries can be found here and here (blog postings from 2010 and 2011, as I've learned more about my health the past few years). I must say that knowing the cause of this makes it so much less stressful enduring the unknown 'how long?' question.   

Please pray for me, though! I still have to work, and life marches on.

Another connection

I happened upon another blog posting that has once again reminded me of why I made the switch to a gluten-free diet a year ago. In case I ever wonder why I did it... or if it's worth it.

"Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. It is the most common type of hypothyroidism in the U.S. The thyroid controls metabolism, or your body’s processing pace, and affects heart rate and the speed at which you burn calories. The thyroid functions..." [to read more, click on the link below]

 Gluten Sensitivity & Hashimoto's Autoimmune Disease

Rejoicing

I am finally feeling better.

So let me explain. Last May I discovered that my thyroid levels were a bit high. In the initial test I discovered that my TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) was a 12.6. To be sure that the test wasn't a fluke, my doctor ordered the test a month later, and my level was 13.2. So my doctor consulted with an endocrinologist, and they determined that I have what is called Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease and a type of hypothyroidism (which is a condition where the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone).

Just a few of the symptoms of Hashimoto's include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Decreased appetitie
• Cold intolerance
• Coarse, dry & thinning hair
• Constipation
• Irregular cycles
• Infertility
• Puffy face
• Enlarged thyroid (goiter)
• Hoarseness of voice (LARYNGITIS)

.... and the list could go on.... It's really unbelievable. Who knew how much a messed up thyroid could affect your normal daily life?

When my doctor called me to tell me that I had Hashimoto's, I was definitely dismayed. There is nothing worse than being smacked with a label. However, I could not deny the test results. Also, as I 'took stock' of my health history (and the fact that 3 of my 4 grandparents are hypothyroid), I could see how several of those symptoms had displayed themselves and the diagnosis might be right. So, what to do? My doctor told me that I needed to start taking a little pill first thing every morning. He prescribed levothyroxine (LEE-VO-thy-roxine), which is the generic brand of Synthroid, and is a synthetic medication that replaces the thyroid hormone that my body fails to produce. So I began taking it, and within a few months, my levels had come down to a normal level.

Now, what is a normal level? Well, doctors debate about what is considered 'normal' for most hormones, it seems. Most doctors will say that the normal range for the TSH is 0.5 - 5.5. Some endocrinologists will say it is a much smaller range: 0.3 - 3.0. Since my husband and I are on a Kaiser plan, their current normal range is 0.320 - 5.500.

So, after taking the lowest dosage of medication for several months, my TSH levels came down to a very respectable 3.3. I was technically within the normal range.

The only problem was... the symptoms of hypothyroidism remained. So I decided to take the next step and talk with an endocrinologist. What he told me was quite shocking to hear. The optimal level for the TSH is .5 - 1.5.... or really .5 - 1.0. That was so surprising to me. How many other people must be like me? Within the normal range but still dealing with the symptoms of a hormone imbalance.

The endocrinologist I met with was a fantastic doctor. He upped my dosage, and I am so thrilled to say: I am finally feeling better. I have more energy and I can tell my body is starting to function as it was meant to. Six weeks ago my TSH came back at 2.5, and I go in again for more bloodwork in two weeks. I don't know what my new number is, but I can tell already by how I feel that the medication is finally working, and I am where I need to be.

I am so thankful for this experience, and I feel like I can sum up a few things that I've learned.

1. My OB/GYN diagnosed me with PCOS based upon a few of the symptoms. Since tackling the thyroid issues, the PCOS-related symptoms are gone. I don't believe the PCOS diagnosis is correct. I have learned not to swallow hook-line-and-sinker what a doctor/nurse says. They're people, too, and they make mistakes.
2. Be your own advocate. The healthcare system as it is currently is not really designed to serve the patient. Strange? Yes. Ironic? To be sure. But true, nonetheless. If you want something done, you have to fight for it. So don't play the victim. Grieve, but don't stay there. Move on and fight for yourself as much as you can handle physically, mentally, emotionally (and financially!).
3. Listen to your body. I began to be a student of my body. I began to watch what it was doing. Checking how I was feeling. I am amazed by how much I have learned by just paying attention.
4. Study! Do lots of research. Read everything you can. Ask lots of people about their own stories. Be shameless in asking questions and find out what they have done. That wealth of knowledge makes you that much better of an advocate for yourself.
5. Do not neglect the spiritual component of the physical struggle. It is more important to cultivate a healthy heart - one that is surrendered to the Lord and His plans and purposes for you - than to achieve any results you may be looking for. The Lord knows that we are but dust. But this is a whole different post for another day. :)
6. One step at a time. Right now I don't like that I'm taking a synthetic pill, but I just recognize that the goal for right now is to get my thyroid at a stable level. Once I'm there, I will look into replacing the synthetic medication for a more natural one. Baby steps. I can't get impatient with my body. Healing takes time, and I cannot have unrealistic goals for myself or I will set myself up for continual disappointment.

God has been good. I am so thankful for all I've learned, and I've still so much more to learn. But I just wanted to take a moment and publicly praise the Lord for healing my body!