Saturday 9 January 2016

Health

I've not been blogging overly much these past few months. I think I mentioned that I've suffered with Thyroid problems before but never really gone into detail as the medication I take has pretty much dealt with the symptoms over the years. However, over the last couple of months I'd been feeling a little out of sorts but I'd just put down to the crazy/busy of modern life and the big changes we've been going through this year. Writing it all down helps as I tend to keep a lot in while I'm in the process of going through it.

There's been quite a bit going on; Emmy unexpectedly falling pregnant and moving into her own apartment, the horrible bout of illness I had in the Spring that led to low white blood cell count and a six month recovery, my Mum's several hospital stays, Tani's new job along with much longer commute, and  my best friend returning to Albania. Plus of course the ending of our seven year homeschooling journey as our three youngest girls started attending the local village school.

Without homeschooling to worry about I have more time to nurture my own needs but the change still feels very emotional and difficult to come to terms with at times. The house feels very empty between 9 and 3. Homeschooling was an enormous part of our lives and the memories of those years together are incredibly special. Perhaps the transition is particularly poignant as in the same year my eldest begins to found her own family unit. Our nest seems just that little bit barer. I find myself looking with wonder, laughter and a fair few tears at the baby photos. That crazy, messy, magical, wondrous, bleary-eyed, sleep deprived, shimmering time and wondering how it went so fast.

By Boxing day evening while I was tidying up the birthday things (Boo was born on Boxing Day) my heart started to pound and an intense swell of adrenaline flushed across my chest. It really scared me and for the next few hours I felt jittery, shaky and weak. During the following days I began to feel better but  knew I would check my symptoms further. When I spoke to my sister in law who is a OB/GYN she suggested that it could be my thyroid again.
So I have had all the required blood tests and wait to find out for certain.

For such a small gland it sure can cause a lot of problems. I remember when I first went to my doctor  12 years ago and was prescribed antidepressants which did nothing to ease my symptoms. Eventually I moved to another surgery where they did a full blood analysis which revealed that my Thyroid was under-active. Once I began taking Thyroid replacement my symptoms all but disappeared. I often wonder how many people get misdiagnosed and treated due to an underlying Thyroid issue.
Small changes in the function of the Thyroid Gland can lead to myriad of symptoms from lethargy, low mood, difficulty concentrating and dry skin to hair loss, anxiety, palpitations, severe headaches and weight gain or loss.

Since April last year I have cut out caffeine, alcohol and most processed sugar. I've also found benefits from cutting down on my gluten intake too.  I'm exercising a little more (although I usually like to think my life is exercise enough :) been taking multivitamins and pro-biotics and dedicating at least 15 minutes a day to meditation/quiet/prayer time so all in all my body has had to absorb lots of lifestyle changes. 

 I don't know what inspired me to take pictures of my dinner, (below) except from time to time I manage to surprise myself by cobbling together a plate of something reasonably healthy, and not too unattractive. These pictures were taken over the last few months (not days) so I don't always manage both at the same time.

Quinoa, Wild Rice and Mixed Grain with Samphire, Carrots, Garlic, Red Onion, Peas, Chilli and Corriander.

Roiboos Tea with Natural Yogurt, Rhubarb Syrup, Chia Seeds,  Irish Soda Bread and Strawberry Conserve.

Wild Mushrooms with Rocket Salad, Raw Garlic and Irish Soda Bread.

Especially yummy with a poached egg on top!


Simple lunch of Dr. Organic Pitta with Organic Hummus, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Chilli and Milled Black Pepper. Oh and  Wheatgrass Juice.
.
Health is such a precious gift.
This year in particular has made me think especially of those who suffer daily, maybe even for years with ill health. As well as those who have limited access to good medical care. It also makes me very grateful for our hardworking health professionals, healers and the wonders of medicine in all it's forms.
May I never take the gift of health for granted.

Hoping this new year will  be a happy and healthy one for you too  xx






14 comments:

  1. I hope so much your health continues to improve, and I wish your family all the best through their transitions. I can fully understand your grief over the ending of homeschooling.

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  2. Wishing you continued improvement on the health front. You are right our health is a wonderful and precious gift, and we should never take it for granted.

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  3. Beautiful - nurturing our health is a beneift in itself.

    thanks
    Bren
    Life Coaching

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  4. I hope all your tests come out well. My husband suffers with a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis and is a colon cancer survivor. Your dinners do look delicious.

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  5. Your food looks delicious. Our health is precious isn't it, I have just posted about it too ;). I know of several people who have under active thyroids I think it is common amongst women who have given birth but it rarely seems to be tested. I have a great aunt who is 98 she has had an under active thyroid since her 20s! I do hope you get some answers soon.

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  6. Suzy Mae, I am so sorry to hear of your health issues. I am 78 and had 6 children worked all my life in the medical profession and now have hypo (under)thyroid. I am taking a medication only for about 6 months and feel so much better. You are probably going through an empty nest syndrome also. Wow do so understand that. So enjoy your blog hope you can continue to write. Blessings

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  7. I am so sorry to read that you've been suffering and I do hope you can feel better soon. I'm one of the unlucky ones who lives with chronic health problems and I haven't been doing enough to look after myself lately so focussing on my wellbeing is one of my aims for 2016. I think I need to take a leaf from your healthy eating 'book'.

    Wishing you and yours only good things in the year ahead x

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  8. Hi Suzy Mae, I'm sorry to hear about your health issues. I am generally very healthy myself but I am raising a child with chronic medical issues and it can often be very tiring and stressful to make sure he gets what he needs. I feel like I'm always chasing my own tail dealing with doctors, pharmacies, insurance, etc. I think your meals look delicious; I am sure the healthy foods must be helping keep you strong. I hope you find much improvement this year.

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  9. I am happy to hear you are now feeling better, I didn't realize you had thyroid issues. I have had Graves Disease since I was 23 and it seems I am a carrier, I gave it to 4 out of 5 of my children. I spend a lot of time at the Endocrinologist's, sigh.
    Yes, health is a gift!

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  10. i know exactly how you feel suzy... all of your symptoms sounds like mine. i think i had my thyroid tested and i dont think that was a prob (i might be wrong) but i know for sure my adrenals that were nonexistent. taking special vitamins and hormone therapy is what the doc ordered, plus gluten free, etc. i usually hurt still most days- i just assume it's early arthritis, but ive decided i can live with it just fine. we do the best we can daily ! so glad you are better :) ....

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  11. Dear one. I'm sorry this season has been so hard. I think of you often. Especially when I feel a bit bewildered at being a grandmother! I'm so glad you have a little time to care for yourself, though I certainly can relate to the sadness of those emptying spaces. It's so hard to move forward sometimes. I love you, my friend. xo

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  12. sounds like an intense 2015...
    when you've to run after doctors because you see your problem isn't resolved, it becomes desperate. my husband has a chronically illness and it's so hard for him day after day with pain in his body...
    most of times a good life hygiene can help a lot.

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  13. Ah, the little butterfly shaped gland...it much be happy or one won't be....
    I hope you are being guided into all the choices, medical and self care that will maximize your health.
    There are such lovely photos and thoughts throughout your postings...thank you.

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