Thyrant

I love when Katie and the gang at dearthyroid encourage a Thyrant because it seems that given the day and age that we live in, and for those of us with thyroid conditions particularly, we need to let some things out. If you haven’t visited dearthyroid, do so!

I am just now reading a post that was published on May 3, by Katie herself. It’s truly thought provoking. Twice a year I find myself fighting my thyroid disease, tired out, feeling lost and wishing for my old self to return. I honestly miss my pre-hypothyroid self. I’ve read that many of you do too! In her post, Katie addresses chronic worthlessness and questions whether or not it’s synonymous with chronic illness. Read, reflect and feel free to comment.

I hope this finds you living well.

Let's Share Dialogue: I'm Awake

Let's Share Dialogue: I'm Awake: "Hello all! I feel like I’ve lost my mind, literally. I’ve this blog, I created it, and I have been busy working, and reading and writing but..."

I'm Awake

Hello all! I feel like I’ve lost my mind, literally. I’ve this blog, I created it, and I have been busy working, and reading and writing but not sharing! Sharing is what it’s all about. And WOW, I’ve a lot to share. So, let’s get this dialogue going.

It’s spring where I live. The sun decided to return, so that means my winter blahs are in the process of banishing, but I’m fighting to keep my energy levels up. It happens about this time yearly for me, so I’ve been trying to stay active. I wonder what my other hypo friends are doing to beat fatigue. If you feel like sharing, let me know. I’ve a few things I do in these times.

Nap ~ If my body says sleep, I sleep. Our bodies speak to us, but the question is: Do we listen to our bodies? I often take power naps. Sometimes 10 to 20 minutes does me a world of good, but when I feel like Jell-O, I don’t set an alarm. I simply lie down, I fall asleep and when I wake, I wake.

Yoga & Pilates ~ Practicing Yoga allows me to clear my mind of all things. When I attend my Bikram Yoga classes, I focus solely on my poses and clearing my mind. It’s so relaxing and calming for me. I look forward to Yoga and Pilates classes alike. Pilates strengthens me. The exercise is good. If you can attend Yoga or Pilates classes in your part of the world, try it out. Tell me what you think and how it helps you with your energy levels.

Got Veggies? ~ I have allergies, and troubles digesting certain foods. Sometimes I have to switch up my diet. I was a vegetarian for two years and a Vegan for two and a half years. I remember how good I felt living a veggie lifestyle, but now I try to focus on what I need to take in to feel good. When I’m feeling a bout of extreme fatigue taking over me, I try to eat more veggies and lean protein, think spinach, salmon and salads rich in cabbage, mushrooms and my favorite: red onions!! I try to avoid simple carbs, and some complex like wheat, due to allergies. It’s hard for me to digest wheat and gluten-ridden foods. They cause me to be sluggish, and that hinders my energy levels. Listen to your body, figure out what makes you feel good – eat that, unless of course it’s a mountain of cupcakes. Just have one and keep it moving. What makes you feel bad – leave that alone, run away from those things.

Talk to Mom ~ My mom knows when I’m tiring out, doing too much, running around too often. She gives me a reality check. Who in your life can give you that check and help you get on course to being a healthier and more energized version of yourself? When you know, visit with him or her and simmer down. You’ll feel better in the long-run.

I often hit the Web to see what works for others living with hypothyroidism in times of extreme fatigue. When you are tired out, you want to do something fast to wake yourself up. Not all sources can be trusted, not everything will work for you the way it works for someone else, but in due time you will figure out what it is you have to do to be the healthier and more energized version of YOU. What are you waiting for? Get to it...right after your power nap!

Be Vocal!

TGIF, everyone! I hope your week has been a fascinating one. I learned a few new things about myself and my friends this week. I regrouped, started revamping my career path, helped a girlfriend with her thyroid education and inspired her to not be shy about getting a second opinion and fostering a better relationship with her endocrinologist. Sometimes it’s hard to put it out there, to say I’m fat, choking every minute and glued to my couch – what’s become of me!?, only to have your endo brush it off.  If I can inspire and encourage anything, it would be to inspire and encourage you to BE VOCAL when it comes to your health concerns.

Enjoy your weekend and BE VOCAL in all areas of your life! It can only lead to success. S;)

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Fundraising Event

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Fundraiser ~ Russell Construction Team "Music For Life" featuring Fultons Underground (my dad's band) is Saturday, April 16, 2011 @ 1-5PM @ Great River Brewery, 332 E. 2nd St., Davenport. Live music, food, raffle and great brews. Come support Heroes of the Red, White, Cure. Come on by if you're in the area and support this amazing cause.

It is Friday, Already

Hello readers. It’s been a bit since I’ve posted to my blog. I’ve been distracted by work and life among other things. I’ve been trying to keep up with news posts within my Today Show app, keeping up with Charlie Sheen as opposed to the Kardashians. Now, with news of the tsunami in Japan, I’m taking some additional time to ask that everyone pray for, and consider those in Tokyo and surrounding areas and those close to all of our homes who have friends and family members being affected by this natural disaster. Have a safe weekend and don’t lose sight of others who are less fortunate.

Hypothyroidism ~ The Silent Disease

 How does it make you feel to know you look amazing on the outside and kind of crummy and tired on the inside? Let me rephrase that. What’s it like to live with a silent disease?

I love flossing my new duds, fabulous locks and toting around my favorite designer bag of the moment, only to keep up with friends and attend various charity events or the rodeo like I did this past weekend (pics to come soon!). But at the end of the evening, most nights or afternoons even, but not all, I run home and take that long nap at night that most people consider good sleep, in which they hit stage for 4 during the sleep phase and reach REM. I normally have some disturbances, like the sudden urge to wake up and start my day, or just restless sleep in general, which can lead to not really getting a good night’s rest. Living with Hypothyroidism, it’s often difficult to get good quality sleep. When you don’t get a good night’s rest, it can mean having a disastrous day.

Mary Shomon, the author of The Thyroid Diet, addresses sleep disturbances with thyroid diseases in Living Well With Hypothyroidism. If you haven’t read either of the two and you are battling a thyroid disease, I recommend you run out and read them both, not just once but twice, or as many times as you need to. They have been a great resource to me and I know they will be of a benefit to you too.

I tend to take naps, daily. Sometimes I’ll take a power nap before I go to the gym, right after work. My close friends know that I’m the queen of taking naps. I take power naps, long naps and short. I once spent a year sleeping, NO JOKE! But, life goes on. There are places we all want to be, want to be seen and events and destinations we want to attend and travel to. Make a conscious effort to get good sleep by  sticking to a sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants close to bedtime, developing a good workout routine and listening to relaxing music before bed. All of these have helped me to battle the restless nights. Also, read read read and educate yourself on what’s working for those who share your trials!

Let’s make this week a good one. Lights out!