Hashimoto help, feeling defeated and desperate
I have been struggling for many years with my weight having extreme fluctuations, but this past year I have experienced a significant weight gain. I’m 5’ and 190 lbs., six months ago I weighed 160. I restrict what I eat to a hard boiled egg and berries every breakfast, lunch is usually some Trader Joe’s frozen meal or a salad with grilled chicken, dinner is the only time I really allow myself to eat a full meal. With that, my GI is out of control. I no longer like to go out to eat because I have diarrhea very soon after I eat anything with horrible cramping. My periods are so heavy and can last months long. I get this very hot flushing of my face and neck without any activity. My skin is ridiculously dry. I had my thyroid tested and ultrasound of thyroid and gallbladder. My doctor determined I have all markers for hashimoto with a goiter thyroid that is irregular texture, no nodules, my thyroid antibodies were at the highest level on the scale, however my t4 and TSH are within normal though at the very low end, and my doctor just wants yearly blood work. I’m so frustrated and exhausted all the time, I feel horrible physically and mentally, which I started therapy for this because I am at the point of being so depressed that I have lost all motivation, cry a lot, and am just uncomfortable going out! I’ve asked if there are supplements or something for weight loss and just keep being told we just need to monitor because there’s nothing you can do for hashimoto. I just want some help and to feel like myself again. I tried researching hashimoto but there is just so much conflicting information on what to do for it.
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@jahm
I am sorry to learn of your health related suffering. I had the good fortune of finding a book that described the probable route of my multi-symptom scleroderma.
Recently, I re-read a book about other multi- symptom illnesses that include Hashimotos. It helped me, Reghan O’Rourke’s The Invisible Kingdom:Reimagining Chronic Illness. It is in paperback. I hope that reading this book helps you too.
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@mary7026
Hi Mary! You sound overwhelmed. I know what that feels like. And it seems like your brain just won't shut down and let you rest! You said "I think I need to talk to somebody." Maybe that's your answer. I have a good therapist who helps me with anxiety disorder and PTSD. Sometimes we need another person to tell us we're being too hard on ourselves and how to make changes one step at a time. It's very kind of you to help with your grandkids. Not sleeping well can impair every part of our lives. I will be thinking of you and hope you will post again soon with some news of progress and a plan to "be very good with yourself."
@jahm Your words and insights are priceless and so well stated. My sentiments exactly after years of Hashimoto's with several debilitating relapses. Cherishing the bright moments and mindful practice of embracing the "now" is all we've got. In my darkest days of excruciating bone and muscle pain, there is always something to be grateful. So many folks suffer far beyond what we can imagine.
Thank you for such strength and encouragement. You are a blessing and inspiration to this community!
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