As do most people, I made a resolution this year to improve my health. I don't think the past few years I have gotten too goal oriented on this matter, because I was either pregnant or had a wee-wittle baby. However, health and wellness is a passion of mine. I think it might even be my ministry, not sure how that will develop, but I enjoy it and think about helping other people A LOT!
I made a vision board and wrote down a few goals that I am striving for in life. It was a positive experience because I really don't live life out of a lack mentality anymore. My mantra really is limitless! I know it takes time and patience to go from 0 to 100, but I have real hope and peace.
So this year, my health goals feel attainable. My vision board has a before picture of me on it, and I have a goal outfit on. It doesn't fit, lol. And honestly, it's not that great or anything, but I want to fit into it! The t-shirt was given to me when I was pregnant with Elijah and the back of it says "Metamorphosis" with a purple butterfly. I just love it because it came from a special couple during a special occasion in our lives. It was small and I have NEVER worn it, until I took that picture. Anyway, I can't wait to wear it and it will fit!
I have had a mind shift. I have allowed my thyroid problems to really dominate my view of my health. I let it take me to that "victim" place. I used it as the excuse for why I always felt low-energy and couldn't lose weight despite knowing SO much about natural health and wellness. It was real and I did feel very bad at times, but much of my weight gain is my own fault. I ate too much, even if it was healthier choices, and exercised too little. Simple as that!
I know the reality that even though I eat WAY healthier than I used to in my skinny days, I now have a food issue. I do emotional eat and I do seek food for comfort when I am having a rough day. And I eat when I'm bored. I know where this all started, after the birth of Noah. Before this, I didn't have a food emotional issue, but through the emotions of those experiences, I turned to food. Sometimes it was even obsessive on the healthy end, because I wanted control. But once I would make a mistake, I would give up and unconciously eat for comfort.
So, that brings me to NOW. I am at a good mental place. I still love food and want to eat for comfort, but I'm seeing what it is when it happens and make the choice not to do it. I used to give myself the excuse that I am eating organic/whole foods, which is a better choice, but I still ate TOO much and emotionally ate it! I have taught health and wellness classes at church a couple of times. The first time, I was actually pretty healthy and in a good place. In the middle of teaching these, I got pregnant and miscarried, and couldn't keep teaching. I was just too devastated to continue. I then became really obsessive about eating natural and organic because I felt like I needed to control anything I could so I wouldn't lose another baby. I was off the deep end emotionally and began to live in a crazy cycle of eating/exercising and then overeating/not exercising, depending upon my emotional state.
Last year, a friend asked me to teach health and wellness to our ladie's life group on Sunday morning. I said "yes" but felt like a hipocrite. I did do the things I taught and many of the women were blessed by it, but I condemned myself because I didn't "practice what I preached" 100% of the time. Silly I know, because who does it all right all the time. Then I heard another friend say, "we usually teach and focus on what we really are trying to overcome ourselves." Wow, that was an eye opener.
I am passionate about healthy living, really passionate actually. I love reading about it and helping others. It is a natural passion and I see it more clearly as that now. I heard this past week that many times our "ministry" is formed out of our biggest struggles/hardships/hurdles in life. I had another moment of revelation. Since Noah's birth, our family has faced a lot of physical health issues. We have paid A LOT of our income to medical bills. I have had a really hard time with my thyroid. I have been prayed for A LOT and have prayed A LOT concerning healing. I do believe in the power of healing, 100% even though sometimes it didn't happen the way I would have liked. I will never stop believing that by His stripes I am healed.
I also believe that we have choices to make. Just because I believe in healing, doesn't mean I can mistreat my body. I CAN choose to eat healthy, I CAN choose to not overeat, and I CAN choose to exercise. I am ABLE to do all these things and have NO excuses to not do them. I realize that with having a health challenge, you may have bad days and you may get sick, but it shouldn't dictate the good days! I let my thyroid dictate my good days, even if they weren't that often for a while. I fell victim to the circumstance instead of holding onto the promise of healing. I am holding onto that promise and seeing EVERY challenge as a vehicle to get me to my destiny.
So I am making better choices, and knowing that if I mess up, I am not doomed to stay that way. I have the tools, I know the basics, plus some, and I have the strength of the holy spirit guiding me. I will become healthier and I will share this with others. I will be patient and kind to myself. I will be open to seeing different avenues that I haven't seen before. I know I do not have to believe that because I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition that I have no hope of healing. I will believe as long as I have to that I am healed. If nothing happens, and I believe until I die, so be it. I know that my Father will give me the tools on my path to being delivered from this. I just know it.
I know this post is ALL over the place, but I had to proclaim it. I have already seen the fruit of it since I made the decision to live it. I look forward to feeling even better and seeing how God uses me to minister to others.
Showing posts with label hashimotos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hashimotos. Show all posts
Monday, January 16, 2012
Friday, September 30, 2011
Where is my journal?
So, I can't find my journal from my 30 day log of eating gluten free. I'm blaming it on a kid, probably Ava. It's probably kind of boring at this point anyway, lol. I did make it, with only a couple of instances I accidentally ate it. One was our trip to Boston and that was probably the most challenging days. A few of the meals were you ate what they gave you, so I just hoped they were okay. It was kind of a pain to go on vacation and see all the foods in a different city and not eat them ALL! But I did it. There is a building in the marketplace there devoted to food and it was INSANE all the good food I saw. I had some gelato which was yummy. The awards night they gave us a crusted fish, and I am pretty sure that was bread-type stuff. It was good though.
So when I got back, the next day was my last day of my 30 day commitment. Well I actually made it to 35 days and then ate a burger on toast. I didn't die. lol I did bloat like a whale, BUT I also had a milkshake and we went to the movies and I ate popcorn, so it could have been any of the above. Until two days ago, I didn't eat it again, then I decided to try some pizza...oh my, how I missed pizza! I did get a bloated stomach, so I do know that is one side effect of gluten that shows up really quick for me.
I went back to the doctor yesterday for my follow-up since the initial appointment where I got my labwork done. So I was told again, I definitely have hashimotos. I have been reading the book Hope for Hashimotos, and have learned so much. I feel like I do have hope that I can make some changes to better my quality of health. I also have some low blood sugar issues and will have to make sure I get enough protein in my diet. I am going to be taking a lot of supplements for a while to get my body back to a healthy state. I am deficient in a lot of vitamins and minerals that will help my thyroid to supplement them.
I asked her some questions about being gluten free and she said that I am probably not allergic, as in celiac disease, but cutting out gluten is extremely important to reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland. So if I accidentally eat gluten, or have it every once in a while, it isn't like the effect someone with a for real allergy would have. Hence why when I ate it after my 30 days I didn't have a ton of ill effects. I do know I do better without consuming it, so I have decided to do my very best to not eat it 95% of the time. That's a huge improvement from probably 80% of my diet including it! It's kind of the same approach I have taken with dairy, which has worked great.
Saying that, I am going to commit to a 10 day detox program. I will be eating, but no dairy, meat, sugar, caffeine, or gluten for 10 days. I have a powder to mix in my smoothies too, so I will probably drink a lot of berry and green smoothies those days. It will kind of reset my body and then I will add one thing back at a time to see how my body reacts. I know 10 days isn't a lot, but it is always harder than it seems. So I am trying to find a good time to start and making a plan so I don't get overwhelmed with what to eat.
I am really thankful to have found a place that is helping me beyond handing me a Rx and sending me on my way. I am also thankful that I have a passion for health and wellness and have the tools to really make this a lifestyle change. Trust God to show you a path for healing and He will always provide.
So when I got back, the next day was my last day of my 30 day commitment. Well I actually made it to 35 days and then ate a burger on toast. I didn't die. lol I did bloat like a whale, BUT I also had a milkshake and we went to the movies and I ate popcorn, so it could have been any of the above. Until two days ago, I didn't eat it again, then I decided to try some pizza...oh my, how I missed pizza! I did get a bloated stomach, so I do know that is one side effect of gluten that shows up really quick for me.
I went back to the doctor yesterday for my follow-up since the initial appointment where I got my labwork done. So I was told again, I definitely have hashimotos. I have been reading the book Hope for Hashimotos, and have learned so much. I feel like I do have hope that I can make some changes to better my quality of health. I also have some low blood sugar issues and will have to make sure I get enough protein in my diet. I am going to be taking a lot of supplements for a while to get my body back to a healthy state. I am deficient in a lot of vitamins and minerals that will help my thyroid to supplement them.
I asked her some questions about being gluten free and she said that I am probably not allergic, as in celiac disease, but cutting out gluten is extremely important to reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland. So if I accidentally eat gluten, or have it every once in a while, it isn't like the effect someone with a for real allergy would have. Hence why when I ate it after my 30 days I didn't have a ton of ill effects. I do know I do better without consuming it, so I have decided to do my very best to not eat it 95% of the time. That's a huge improvement from probably 80% of my diet including it! It's kind of the same approach I have taken with dairy, which has worked great.
Saying that, I am going to commit to a 10 day detox program. I will be eating, but no dairy, meat, sugar, caffeine, or gluten for 10 days. I have a powder to mix in my smoothies too, so I will probably drink a lot of berry and green smoothies those days. It will kind of reset my body and then I will add one thing back at a time to see how my body reacts. I know 10 days isn't a lot, but it is always harder than it seems. So I am trying to find a good time to start and making a plan so I don't get overwhelmed with what to eat.
I am really thankful to have found a place that is helping me beyond handing me a Rx and sending me on my way. I am also thankful that I have a passion for health and wellness and have the tools to really make this a lifestyle change. Trust God to show you a path for healing and He will always provide.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Gluten Free Days 11-17
I'm feeling a bit ambitious, so I'm going to catch up on a few more days of my 30 day challenge.
I did a little better this week and food isn't controlling my thoughts so much.
Day 11:
Breakfast: Van's Gluten Free Waffles (really good!)
Coconut Milk
Snack: Apple
Lunch: El Tap Fajitas (again)
Snack: Veggies and Fruit (from a tray)
Chips and Pizza Dip
1 Chocolate Drop Cookie
Sample of pudding dessert
Dinner: Turkey/Cheese Roll-ups
Chips and Dip
Dr Evil
Today's challenge was eating with the Mom's from our homeschool group. Most snacks are just glutenated. I made good choices except there was some cake in the bottom of the pudding dessert, I didn't eat the cake and stopped eating it once I realized it was there. I did notice my stomach seems less bloated today but still no weight loss because I'm probably just eating too much or something. I was a little moody and tired today, probably from lack of sleep. Still gave in to the Dr Pepper because it is in my house and staring at me.
Day 12:
Breakfast: Chocolate Protein/Banana Smoothie
Snack: Veggie Sushi Roll with Braggs(soy sauce replacement)
Lunch: Baked Potato with BBQ Turkey
Snack: Popcorn and Dr Evil
Dinner: Steak
Roasted Potatoes
Steamed Veggies
Glass of Wine
Desert: 1 G Free Cookie
Okay day, I ate a wide variety today from sushi to bbq to popcorn to steak, ha ha ha. No gluten today but I had a day of focusing on feeling deprived despite eating a plethora of different foods. I really don't miss bread at all, I guess the discipline part is just getting on my nerves a bit, ha ha.
Days 13-17
I did not log anything these days. I did not eat gluten but I was very moody and emotional. I felt physically yucky so I just didn't do much of anything to be honest. I didn't eat much either. I found out during this time that I indeed do for a fact have Hashimotos and I was dealing with overactivity from my thyroid this week. I called my new doctor desperate for help! I am starting a new thyroid medicine next week and some progesterone cream because that came back low as well. I felt a little overwhelmed but I still feel hopeful that I am on the right path to feeling better. It reminds me of that Miley Cyrus song "The Climb"...there's always gonna be another mountain...I'm always gonna wanna make it move...it's always gonna be an uphill battle, and sometimes I'm gonna have to lose. True dat....but the climb will be worth conquering this mountain. I know I will make it and conquer this mountain with guidance from my awesome God.
I did a little better this week and food isn't controlling my thoughts so much.
Day 11:
Breakfast: Van's Gluten Free Waffles (really good!)
Coconut Milk
Snack: Apple
Lunch: El Tap Fajitas (again)
Snack: Veggies and Fruit (from a tray)
Chips and Pizza Dip
1 Chocolate Drop Cookie
Sample of pudding dessert
Dinner: Turkey/Cheese Roll-ups
Chips and Dip
Dr Evil
Today's challenge was eating with the Mom's from our homeschool group. Most snacks are just glutenated. I made good choices except there was some cake in the bottom of the pudding dessert, I didn't eat the cake and stopped eating it once I realized it was there. I did notice my stomach seems less bloated today but still no weight loss because I'm probably just eating too much or something. I was a little moody and tired today, probably from lack of sleep. Still gave in to the Dr Pepper because it is in my house and staring at me.
Day 12:
Breakfast: Chocolate Protein/Banana Smoothie
Snack: Veggie Sushi Roll with Braggs(soy sauce replacement)
Lunch: Baked Potato with BBQ Turkey
Snack: Popcorn and Dr Evil
Dinner: Steak
Roasted Potatoes
Steamed Veggies
Glass of Wine
Desert: 1 G Free Cookie
Okay day, I ate a wide variety today from sushi to bbq to popcorn to steak, ha ha ha. No gluten today but I had a day of focusing on feeling deprived despite eating a plethora of different foods. I really don't miss bread at all, I guess the discipline part is just getting on my nerves a bit, ha ha.
Days 13-17
I did not log anything these days. I did not eat gluten but I was very moody and emotional. I felt physically yucky so I just didn't do much of anything to be honest. I didn't eat much either. I found out during this time that I indeed do for a fact have Hashimotos and I was dealing with overactivity from my thyroid this week. I called my new doctor desperate for help! I am starting a new thyroid medicine next week and some progesterone cream because that came back low as well. I felt a little overwhelmed but I still feel hopeful that I am on the right path to feeling better. It reminds me of that Miley Cyrus song "The Climb"...there's always gonna be another mountain...I'm always gonna wanna make it move...it's always gonna be an uphill battle, and sometimes I'm gonna have to lose. True dat....but the climb will be worth conquering this mountain. I know I will make it and conquer this mountain with guidance from my awesome God.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
What is Hashimotos? And Food log for days 1-5
"In Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, your immune system attacks your thyroid gland. The resulting inflammation often leads to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It primarily affects middle-aged women, but also can occur in men and women of any age and in children." Mayo Clinic
There is a link between hashimotos and celiac disease(gluten intolerance) and many people have lowered their antibodies by removing gluten from their diets. So that is why I am eating gluten free.
My goal started to eat no gluten foods for at least 30 days.
So the first five days of my journaling look something like this:
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Coffee with coconut milk creamer
Lunch:
A weird sunflower seed recipe that was supposed to mimic tuna salad... it was okay
Almond Nut Thin crackers
Pesto Tomato Salad
Snacks:
Green Smoothie
1/2 of an apple
Dinner:
Chicken Feta Burger on Rudi's Gluten Free bread(so-so)
Roasted Potatoes
Dessert:
Coconut Milk Ice Cream Fudgesicle
Notes for today:
I feel satisfied with my food choices today. Everything tasted pretty good and I resisted eating Doritos left over from our glutenous weekend. Had some stomach discomfort but probably from the weekend of eating or readjusting to Green Smoothies.
Day 2:
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Banana
Snack:
Coconut Milk Yogurt
Lunch: (with Debi Smith <3)
Strawberry Salad
Snack:
Chili Cheese Fries from Sonic (oops)
Dinner: (at Mama's)
Baked Chicken
Black Beans
Corn
Dessert:
Baked Apples with coconut milk ice cream
Notes: Okay so not so hot on the choice to eat cheese fries, but they were yum-o, I must admit. Hope they were gluten free and not fried with the other flour items on the menu. :/ I resisted fresh baked bread and mac n' cheese at my Mama's, that was a little hard, but mentally I feel focused on doing this. I had a bad headache today and still had a little stomach upset.
Day 3:
Breakfast:
Cream of Rice hot cereal
1/2 of a coconut milk yogurt
1 glass of coconut milk (can ya tell I love me some coconut milk!!)
Lunch:
Salad with vinaigrette dressing
left over feta chicken patty
a few veggie stick snacks
snack:
Caramel Moolatte
Dinner:
El Tapatio Enchiladas(in corn shells)
Chips, Salsa
Desert:
1 Udi's gluten free cookie
Notes: Today, I was HUNGRY! I know days 3 and 4 have been rough in the past so I was just easy on myself. I was pretty cranky today. And I am craving dairy big time...hence the moolatte from DQ. El Tap was so good, it made me feel like I won't be so deprived while eating out.
Day 4:
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Lunch:
Whitts BBQ nachos(made with 100% corn chips and GF bbq sauce)
A nice big fat iced tea
Snack:
Envirokids Rice Crisp Bar
2-3 Pirate's booty cheese puffs
Dinner:
Hamburger Steak
Home Fries
Salad
Notes: Really really moody and feeling the detox today. I am not craving bread, which is great, I just feel the physical effects of no gluten. I am not eating the healthiest in the world, but still G Free, so proud of myself. I really hope I am not accidentally getting glutened when I eat out. I think my blood sugar is off too.
Day 5:
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Lunch:
Left over weird "supposed to taste like tuna" sunflower seed salad(this recipe is not returning, lol)
Tias BBQ chips
A few Pirates booty puffs
Snack:
Another Caramel Moolatte
Dinner:
Whitts BBQ nachos...again
Another big fat iced tea
Snacks:
Popcorn
Dr Pepper
A few more Tias Chips
Notes: Today was ROUGH...as you can tell, I started out trying to make healthy choices, but when everything started tasting gross, I went for flavor. When I had my moolatte, I bought the boys a cone, and without thinking licked Eli's ice cream off the side. So I think I got gluten for sure. Later that day, I craved a Dr Pepper for the first time in a while and my moods got worse. I am proud of myself for staying G Free despite my mistake and feeling like poo physically and mentally. I am just relying on the strength of God.
There is a link between hashimotos and celiac disease(gluten intolerance) and many people have lowered their antibodies by removing gluten from their diets. So that is why I am eating gluten free.
My goal started to eat no gluten foods for at least 30 days.
So the first five days of my journaling look something like this:
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Coffee with coconut milk creamer
Lunch:
A weird sunflower seed recipe that was supposed to mimic tuna salad... it was okay
Almond Nut Thin crackers
Pesto Tomato Salad
Snacks:
Green Smoothie
1/2 of an apple
Dinner:
Chicken Feta Burger on Rudi's Gluten Free bread(so-so)
Roasted Potatoes
Dessert:
Coconut Milk Ice Cream Fudgesicle
Notes for today:
I feel satisfied with my food choices today. Everything tasted pretty good and I resisted eating Doritos left over from our glutenous weekend. Had some stomach discomfort but probably from the weekend of eating or readjusting to Green Smoothies.
Day 2:
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Banana
Snack:
Coconut Milk Yogurt
Lunch: (with Debi Smith <3)
Strawberry Salad
Snack:
Chili Cheese Fries from Sonic (oops)
Dinner: (at Mama's)
Baked Chicken
Black Beans
Corn
Dessert:
Baked Apples with coconut milk ice cream
Notes: Okay so not so hot on the choice to eat cheese fries, but they were yum-o, I must admit. Hope they were gluten free and not fried with the other flour items on the menu. :/ I resisted fresh baked bread and mac n' cheese at my Mama's, that was a little hard, but mentally I feel focused on doing this. I had a bad headache today and still had a little stomach upset.
Day 3:
Breakfast:
Cream of Rice hot cereal
1/2 of a coconut milk yogurt
1 glass of coconut milk (can ya tell I love me some coconut milk!!)
Lunch:
Salad with vinaigrette dressing
left over feta chicken patty
a few veggie stick snacks
snack:
Caramel Moolatte
Dinner:
El Tapatio Enchiladas(in corn shells)
Chips, Salsa
Desert:
1 Udi's gluten free cookie
Notes: Today, I was HUNGRY! I know days 3 and 4 have been rough in the past so I was just easy on myself. I was pretty cranky today. And I am craving dairy big time...hence the moolatte from DQ. El Tap was so good, it made me feel like I won't be so deprived while eating out.
Day 4:
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Lunch:
Whitts BBQ nachos(made with 100% corn chips and GF bbq sauce)
A nice big fat iced tea
Snack:
Envirokids Rice Crisp Bar
2-3 Pirate's booty cheese puffs
Dinner:
Hamburger Steak
Home Fries
Salad
Notes: Really really moody and feeling the detox today. I am not craving bread, which is great, I just feel the physical effects of no gluten. I am not eating the healthiest in the world, but still G Free, so proud of myself. I really hope I am not accidentally getting glutened when I eat out. I think my blood sugar is off too.
Day 5:
Breakfast:
Berry Smoothie
Lunch:
Left over weird "supposed to taste like tuna" sunflower seed salad(this recipe is not returning, lol)
Tias BBQ chips
A few Pirates booty puffs
Snack:
Another Caramel Moolatte
Dinner:
Whitts BBQ nachos...again
Another big fat iced tea
Snacks:
Popcorn
Dr Pepper
A few more Tias Chips
Notes: Today was ROUGH...as you can tell, I started out trying to make healthy choices, but when everything started tasting gross, I went for flavor. When I had my moolatte, I bought the boys a cone, and without thinking licked Eli's ice cream off the side. So I think I got gluten for sure. Later that day, I craved a Dr Pepper for the first time in a while and my moods got worse. I am proud of myself for staying G Free despite my mistake and feeling like poo physically and mentally. I am just relying on the strength of God.
Friday, September 9, 2011
It is definitely time for some writing therapy. Warning: You may find these series of posts very boring, but it's my blog and I'll write if I want to. HA HA!!
My physical world has been turned upside down the past 8-10 months. Despite moving to the homestead, realizing it wasn't working, then moving back to where we started, I've been going through some big health challenges. I would write it off as stress, which I was under a bit more, but deep down I knew something was not right. After years of thyroid troubles, I had become overwhelmed with the symptoms that goes along with this condition. I was having stages of extreme overactive thyroid hormone levels followed by stages of extreme underactive levels. I honestly, at times, felt like I was going a little crazy, maybe bi-polar or something. I knew I had to seek help because I wasn't getting it with my current doctor. My sister, who also has thyroid issues, found a really good place near Nashville that specializes in hormone and thyroid problems, so I made my appointment and waited not so patiently for two and a half months.
So at my appointment, I was immediately impressed. I am a researcher and not that I know more than doctors, but if given a condition that affects me or my family, I pretty much find out a ton of research and learn all I can. So I could tell she knew her thyroid stuff. *big sigh of relief* So she gave me some new information and resources, started me on a few supplements, and did some bloodwork. She mentioned that my symptoms were pointing to a condition called Hashimotos thyroiditis, which is basically an autoimmune condition. She recommended that I start a gluten free diet to see if my symptoms would improve and to get the ball rolling in case my tests confirmed her thoughts.
So after a weekend of really living it up in the eating world, one last gluten sabbatical, I started eating gluten free. I know God is helping me in a supernatural way in this because despite a couple of temptations(which I didn't give into), it has been pretty easy. Thank you Lord!! I have attempted doing this before for health reasons but gave up very quickly. I am on day 18 and so far have not purposefully glutened my body. And I say purposefully because a lot of times foods that are naturally gluten free may contain hidden traces of gluten from cross contamination.
Last week, I was feeling so yucky. Like in the pits yucky. My thyroid had swung into overdrive and it was really difficult to cope with the anxiety and heart racing. I received a call from the doctor's office that my labs were back and that in fact, I do have Hashimotos. My antibody levels were very high. I also was extremely low in Vitamin D and progesterone levels. So, I am now waiting on a mail order Rx for my new thyroid medication and progesterone cream that will help with my moods. My husband is probably saying "hallelujer!!"
So the Sunday before my confirmation of this, I was prayed for at church. I had a great Holy Spirit experience and felt super peaceful that I am on the road to recovery. I have been prayed for with my thyroid MANY times, and while I know the Spirit was present, something in me wouldn't receive it. This time it was all about Him and I TRUST that whatever road to healing I need to be on, that's where He is taking me. No putting God in a box this time, just an open heart and open mind to receive. It is finished, He has done it. :)
So now I am rejoicing in the fact that I have hope and understanding of why my body has been under literal attack for so many years. I am letting go of all the harsh feelings I've put on myself because I couldn't figure out what was "wrong" with me, I just wanted to feel good and enjoy this beautiful life. I have gone from feeling hate towards my thyroid, to learning to be gentle with it, as weird as that may sound. It is not the 'norm" to eat gluten free and live a different lifestyle, but if I want to feel better, I have to be obedient in these things. Just like God has shown me with Noah, the physical body may have flaws, but the spirit man has no flaws and can show us the way to live our best life here on Earth despite the "imperfections". As I've said before, miracles come in many forms. Would I LOVE to wave a magic wand, or lay a magic hand, and fix every.single.thing, to say no would be lying. BUT! I know God is love and TRUST Him to show me where those personal miracles are for my life and for my family as well, outside of the box if I need to, the strength of Christ in me knows no limits.
So because I just love to write, I am going to do a little diary about my journey with Hashimotos. My friend, Audrey, has an awesome blog about nutrition and weight loss and is starting to log her food intake. I have been writing my food intake down since I began in a journal, but what a great idea to share here. If only for myself and accountability, that is okay, but if I can help someone else, all the better. I am not perfect at it, but I am trusting that this road is MY road to recovery. I actually am embracing my imperfections as learning curves, because if I fight them, I only give up and condemn the process of growth. So if this bores your socks off, I understand, but if you are intrigued at how in the world I am doing with my journey, I hope I can inspire you to stay on your path and receive from THE source of life, in each and every moment.
My physical world has been turned upside down the past 8-10 months. Despite moving to the homestead, realizing it wasn't working, then moving back to where we started, I've been going through some big health challenges. I would write it off as stress, which I was under a bit more, but deep down I knew something was not right. After years of thyroid troubles, I had become overwhelmed with the symptoms that goes along with this condition. I was having stages of extreme overactive thyroid hormone levels followed by stages of extreme underactive levels. I honestly, at times, felt like I was going a little crazy, maybe bi-polar or something. I knew I had to seek help because I wasn't getting it with my current doctor. My sister, who also has thyroid issues, found a really good place near Nashville that specializes in hormone and thyroid problems, so I made my appointment and waited not so patiently for two and a half months.
So at my appointment, I was immediately impressed. I am a researcher and not that I know more than doctors, but if given a condition that affects me or my family, I pretty much find out a ton of research and learn all I can. So I could tell she knew her thyroid stuff. *big sigh of relief* So she gave me some new information and resources, started me on a few supplements, and did some bloodwork. She mentioned that my symptoms were pointing to a condition called Hashimotos thyroiditis, which is basically an autoimmune condition. She recommended that I start a gluten free diet to see if my symptoms would improve and to get the ball rolling in case my tests confirmed her thoughts.
So after a weekend of really living it up in the eating world, one last gluten sabbatical, I started eating gluten free. I know God is helping me in a supernatural way in this because despite a couple of temptations(which I didn't give into), it has been pretty easy. Thank you Lord!! I have attempted doing this before for health reasons but gave up very quickly. I am on day 18 and so far have not purposefully glutened my body. And I say purposefully because a lot of times foods that are naturally gluten free may contain hidden traces of gluten from cross contamination.
Last week, I was feeling so yucky. Like in the pits yucky. My thyroid had swung into overdrive and it was really difficult to cope with the anxiety and heart racing. I received a call from the doctor's office that my labs were back and that in fact, I do have Hashimotos. My antibody levels were very high. I also was extremely low in Vitamin D and progesterone levels. So, I am now waiting on a mail order Rx for my new thyroid medication and progesterone cream that will help with my moods. My husband is probably saying "hallelujer!!"
So the Sunday before my confirmation of this, I was prayed for at church. I had a great Holy Spirit experience and felt super peaceful that I am on the road to recovery. I have been prayed for with my thyroid MANY times, and while I know the Spirit was present, something in me wouldn't receive it. This time it was all about Him and I TRUST that whatever road to healing I need to be on, that's where He is taking me. No putting God in a box this time, just an open heart and open mind to receive. It is finished, He has done it. :)
So now I am rejoicing in the fact that I have hope and understanding of why my body has been under literal attack for so many years. I am letting go of all the harsh feelings I've put on myself because I couldn't figure out what was "wrong" with me, I just wanted to feel good and enjoy this beautiful life. I have gone from feeling hate towards my thyroid, to learning to be gentle with it, as weird as that may sound. It is not the 'norm" to eat gluten free and live a different lifestyle, but if I want to feel better, I have to be obedient in these things. Just like God has shown me with Noah, the physical body may have flaws, but the spirit man has no flaws and can show us the way to live our best life here on Earth despite the "imperfections". As I've said before, miracles come in many forms. Would I LOVE to wave a magic wand, or lay a magic hand, and fix every.single.thing, to say no would be lying. BUT! I know God is love and TRUST Him to show me where those personal miracles are for my life and for my family as well, outside of the box if I need to, the strength of Christ in me knows no limits.
So because I just love to write, I am going to do a little diary about my journey with Hashimotos. My friend, Audrey, has an awesome blog about nutrition and weight loss and is starting to log her food intake. I have been writing my food intake down since I began in a journal, but what a great idea to share here. If only for myself and accountability, that is okay, but if I can help someone else, all the better. I am not perfect at it, but I am trusting that this road is MY road to recovery. I actually am embracing my imperfections as learning curves, because if I fight them, I only give up and condemn the process of growth. So if this bores your socks off, I understand, but if you are intrigued at how in the world I am doing with my journey, I hope I can inspire you to stay on your path and receive from THE source of life, in each and every moment.
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