Thyroid Schmyroid

I have Graves Disease. It totally and utterly sucks. What that means is that I have an over active thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism is most common among women and can begin because of many different variables, but really it is unknown why anyone gets it. It effects about 8 in every 100 women. Crap..I am totally one of those 8.

Hyperthyroidism can happen how?

*you have had a baby within the last 12 months. 

*suffer from an auto immune disorder already. 

*high stress levels. 

*honestly, who knows why or how..it still sucks. There is no proven reason as to why or how it occurs, but all the above factors or genetics can all play a role.

For me, I was first diagnosed in April of 2011. I had gotten really sick. High fever, rapid heart rate..it was a nightmare. Went to the doctor and discovered that my heart rate at rest was 160! So they took blood work and had me wear a heart monitor for 30 days. 

What they discovered was I had Graves Disease, or also known as Hyperthyroidism. It elevates my heart rate, my body overheats easily, greater appetite, weight loss, irritability. I was officially diagnosed in June of 2011 after my thyroid ultrasound and iodine test. 

It has been a crappy road. I've had goiters develop..they are since gone, PTL! But , having already suffer from an auto immune disorder, and having had a baby, which changes your hormones drastically, all could have played a part. I think I was just doomed, lol. 

While I was pregnant with Avaree everything was good, normal thyroid levels and a healthy pregnancy and baby. But 6 weeks post delivery that changed, they were high but not bad. It has just been a medication battle to fin the right dose to help put it back into the normal range. 

But, it could be so much worse. I could be a lot sicker. I have days I'm incredibly tired and grouchy..Shawn calls them my "thyroid days" ..but if those are the biggest of my problems, they're not so bad. My last blood work results were not in my favor, and my medication dose was upped. I go back in 4 weeks and between now and then my workouts may change. Because my heart rate at rest is so high, I have to really watch it while I work out. So, we'll see how it goes. About a month out from the SLC Half Marathon..can't wait!!

Everyday