Sometimes I miss the “former” version of me. The version of me prior to having my thyroid removed. I’m still in fact the same person that I was before I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, but sometimes I miss the following:
1. AMAZING Zzzzzz’s. I used to sleep like “normal” people. I’d put my head on the pillow, fall asleep within minutes, wake up when the alarm went off (with a snooze from time to time) and begin my day rested. Now, I can sleep almost anywhere, but it’s not really sleeping that I do. I nap. I nap anywhere, whenever. And when my head hits the pillow now, it’s not for a peaceful nights rest, it’s for an additional nap, similar to the one I’ll have this afternoon at home after work, but a little longer, since it’s going to be dark outside. And when I wake, I’ll feel like I need about an additional one or two hours to feel like a star. I miss amazing sleep! However, my relationship with coffee has grown stronger.
2. Metabolism - I miss my old metabolism. It was the bomb. It existed. Now I feel like it’s technically non-existent. But, it will suffice.
3. Short-term Memory Loss – I cannot remember what I ate at lunch, and it was mere moments ago, I think. I forget what I’m looking for when I step into my office, open the refrigerator door, who I’m going to text when I pick up my iPhone, and which side of the building I’ve parked my car on when I leave work every day. Once I was totally convinced it had been towed away, before I realized I’d parked on the opposite side that day. My short-term memory is lame, but I still have my long-term memory to be proud of. WOOT WOOT!
4. A Clear Mind…Gone, Thanks to Brain Fog – Brain fog is a terrible thing. I know there are people who experience it who aren’t living with a thyroid condition, but I tell you what, for those of us who developed one later in life, we can tell the difference. Brain fog can be episodic. Sometimes, I’m not as sharp as I could be, I can’t focus, I feel distracted and feel like I’m talking in slow motion. With hypothyroidism, in my body has slowed way down. Brain fog is terribly annoying when it hits.
The list could go on, but these are a few of the things that I’ve experienced issues with, and I’m sure those of you living with this condition have stories of your own. Maybe you fell asleep during a meeting like I did…or spent a year sleeping. The year I spent sleeping is a chapter in my book that I’m working on. I’m so glad I woke up! Now I continue my journey with thyroid balance, as it is commonly referred to, much like work-life balance. I’ll be blogging more about symptoms, and how I’ve overcome some and struggle with others, in addition to a host of other things like the color pink, what’s in my purse and umm, umm, a few other things I’ve forgotten about at this time. Stay tuned!
Xo,
S;)
Shemeka, this blog post is great! I completely relate to you on all of these points, but especially #1. I used to be GREAT at sleeping, but not anymore. And, like you, my relationship with coffee has grown exponentially. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Joanna with DearThyroid
Thanks, Joanna!! I appreciate your comments! It was definitely not eye opening but eye closing when my sleep patterns and habits became effected by my hypothyroidism. I love when others can relate!
ReplyDeleteCheers with a virtual cup of joe! Have a great day and continue to enjoy my blog. I appreciate the support from DearThyroid! Your org does great things!
I had no idea the Thyroid controlled/effected so many different everyday functions that we take for granted....eye opening although for you it's been more of an eye closing moment...
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post Shemeka, I can so relate on the brain fog/forgetfulness thing, my most embarrassing instance this year was picking up my coat from the back of the chair I'd been sitting on and asking the friends I was with who it belonged to, just didn't recognise it at all!! Weird!! I find it so strange that a little gland in my neck has such a powerful effect on so many aspects of my life, particularly brain function, and it affects so many of us. It's good to share. I blog about my experiences on thyroid-hope.blogspot.com and I'm setting up a support network in London, working with the British Thyroid Foundation.
ReplyDelete@PilatesBody NYC ~ The thyroid is an amazingly powerful gland when it's functioning properly. And when you take care of your health, with or without one with the help of medication, exercise and a proper diet, it can help you survive. Pilates and Yoga are my favorite activities for exercise; a diet high in protein, and low in gluten and sugars; and my Rx for Synthroid help me to suffice. Although, at times I have to mix things up.
ReplyDelete@Lorraine - THANK YOU! ;) Brain fog is something else! I am still laughing about your story. I bet you have friends who are too. But, I laugh because I understand and when you share an understanding with someone, it's comforting. In regards to your blogging, don't be shy! I love your latest post. Social Media can be scary, because it gives you a means to access so many people, thus in turns opens your world up to many to an extent. Keep owning it and doing good things with the London network. I'm excited for future posts, developments and tweets.
I had the symptoms of iodine deficiency but after taking desiccated porcine tablets it was all gone. I'm so impressed with porcine.
ReplyDeleteNB ~ Sounds like an amazing answer for you. That's what's good.
ReplyDelete