Welcome
Introduction
Hello Thyroid Family,
Thyroid Awareness Month is well under way. Have you done anything to raise awareness of thyroid disease this January?
I am almost ready to take my 'maternity leave' now, with blog posts scheduled to go on my website weekly until next year, when I plan to return. I'll still be hanging around on social media here and there too, so I won't be disappearing completely, and I hope to still be able to keep this newsletter going.
My pregnancy is approaching its final weeks and with this, I finally need an increase in my thyroid medication. Until now, my thyroid levels (the full panel) had stayed optimal and stable all the way through the first 8 months of pregnancy, and hadn't budged, but just recently they dropped, signalling a need to increase my medication (Armour Thyroid). I've been feeling more tired and achey, though it's not easy to know where normal pregnancy symptoms end and thyroid ones may begin. I'm still keeping up my yoga and swimming which I'm enjoying a lot.
My facebook group 'Thyroid Family' celebrated its 4th birthday last week, as we also reached a whopping 60,000 members! Many people have found much comfort in this group, as it can be useful to talk to others who truly 'get' what you're experiencing as a thyroid patient.
I'm working on getting a few more thyroid books read and reviewed for my blog before finishing up work next week, with one included further down this email - a thyroid cookbook.
And Finally! LetsGetChecked a trusted worldwide testing company has provided my readers 30% off all tests with the code INVISIBLE30. They offer Thyroid Function Tests, Hashimoto's Testing, Cortisol Testing and more.
Thyroid love x
News
7 Healthy Lifestyle Habits For 2020
Blogger Invisibly Me rounds up her seven top tips for having a healthier 2020.
New Hair Loss Blood Test
It may be worth knowing that UK laboratory service Medichecks now offer a 'Hair Loss Blood Test' which checks many of the common causes for hair loss when you have a thyroid condition.
I hear from many of you who experience this frustrating symptom, and exploring what's causing it can be crucial.
Latest Blogs
Thyroid Awareness Month 2020
January is Thyroid Awareness Month. A month dedicated to talking about thyroid disease – the conditions and symptoms, importance of diagnosis and treatment, but also the many issues we often face as thyroid patients.
Signs of Ageing or Hypothyroidism?
Many symptoms of hypothyroidism mimic the process of getting older. So could older members of our population be going undiagnosed with hypothyroidism due to signs and symptoms being put down to their age?
Book Review: The Nourished Thyroid: A gluten-free and thyroid friendly cookbook by Nicole Morgan RDN LD CLT
Nicole has Hashimoto’s herself and works with other thyroid patients to help them reclaim their quality of life. As explained in the introduction of her cookbook, she lives an active and fulfilling life instead of feeling unwell due to Hashimoto’s, as she has managed to reduce most of her symptoms significantly. She shares how what she eats and drinks has helped with this, via the cookbook.
One from the Archives
Hypothyroidism and Disability Benefits
"I was once practically bed-bound from the physical impacts of hypothyroidism and required my now-husband to help me up and down the stairs at home. But a few years on and I’m able to live a pretty regular life after making the correct medication and lifestyle changes I needed to get better. So what’s important to remember is that no two people’s experiences are exactly the same."
Featured Item
“in Sickness and in Health” Right?
“After Rachel was diagnosed and going through a really rough patch of her health, our rhythm started to get out of sync. All of a sudden, I had to start considering taking on more responsibility of things that Rachel had always done, or was simply better at.
At first, things just gradually stopped getting done, Rachel’s brain fog or lack of energy meant that she wasn’t able to keep up. She would often hide this to keep the appearance that things were carrying on as “normal” as she didn’t want her diagnosis to get in the way of something she took pride in, being thoughtful and keeping a tidy house.
Often when I tried to help, I would get in the way, only causing more tension and generally getting things wrong. It took several conversations and many months for me to understand the type of support that she now needed.
She was still the same person inside, one that genuinely wanted to remember people's birthdays and keep a tidy, relaxing house, but it was her body and hypothyroidism letting her down and going against her in the ability to do these.
We had to change our rhythm, our flow, in order for us to succeed again as a couple. This meant understanding the things she needed from me, and her understanding a realistic expectation of what I could get done too. This required change. Something that is scary for all of us.
This process took time, lots of readjustments, and a continuous dialogue, one that we maintain to this day about the type of support that I can best provide.
As a loved one you are exposed to the changes in their lifestyle, but you never have to live them yourself. Trying to keep this in mind and accepting the challenge of being together now in different circumstances can actually make your relationship stronger. We certainly understand each other better now than we ever did before her diagnosis. I wouldn’t wish this change on any couple, but it is one where, with time, love and dedication, can make you both flourish.”
This excerpt is taken from the book “You, Me and Hypothyroidism”. 📖
Available on Amazon here.
And Finally...
Stay in Touch!
As always, you can find more information and support in:
- My articles and blogs on TheInvisibleHypothyroidism.com
- My book: Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate
- My book: You, Me and Hypothyroidism
- The Thyroid Family Facebook Support Group
- Online thyroid courses
You can also keep in touch via my Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest to ensure you never miss anything.
That’s all for this issue but look out for the next one in two weeks’ time. If there’s anything you think I should specifically mention, please let me know.
Please Note: None of the statements in this publication should be taken as an official endorsement of any particular product, including sponsored content. I strongly suggest consulting your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle or health regimen. The information included in this publication is not meant to substitute the clinical guidance provided by a healthcare professional. I, Rachel, am not medically qualified and do not offer medical advice. Read the full disclaimer here.
This newsletter may also use affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you purchase through it. This does not change the way I work or the products I link to, and it doesn’t change your user experience.