Wellness Discussion–Hashimoto’s Disease and autoimmune disease
More test results and more testing, Autoimmune Disease.
Wellness Discussion Autoimmune Disease
It’s time for another wellness update! Over the past month I have gone back for more blood work, a fasting glucose test and oral glucose tolerance test. The endocrinologist that I am working with at Dartmouth Hitchcock had scheduled further testing for me after my Hashimoto’s disease diagnosis to rule out the possibility of two other autoimmune disorders including autoimmune diabetes (LADA). Thankfully after enduring these tests and waiting for the results to come back I am negative for these other autoimmune diseases! Phew! The thought of having autoimmune diabetes (LADA or Diabetes type 1.5) was a scary thought as this diagnosis would have been completely life changing and would have required insulin treatment along with other medications, changes in exercise habits, and dietary changes. Thankfully though this is not the case and I can stop reading “Dr. Google” about that!
My thyroid levels were checked again and even though my body is producing thyroid antibodies (hence the Hashimoto’s Diagnosis) my thyroid hormone levels are still within the normal ranges. I have been taking a low dose of synthyroid since my diagnosis and am tolerating it well (thankfully no hyperthyroid symptoms). I still may need to make some dietary changes like looking into the Auto-immune protocol (AIP) which is a way of eating that many people with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and other Immune Disorders follow.
Now I do have another round of testing still to come. According to the Hormone Health Network,
“Cortisol is one of the steroid hormones and is made in the adrenal glands . . . Because most bodily cells have cortisol receptors, it affects many different functions in the body. Cortisol can help control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, help reduce inflammation and assist with memory formulation. It has a controlling effect on salt and water balance and helps control blood pressure. In women, cortisol also supports the developing fetus during pregnancy. All of these functions make cortisol a crucial hormone to protect overall health and well-being.
My cortisol levels were low when they were measured the first time. This could be an indicator of adrenal fatigue and another possible auto-immune issue. As soon as I have my lab slips I will have my cortisol level rechecked. If this test is abnormal then I will need a second test that includes an injection and then another blood draw. I am beginning to feel like a pin cushion but am happy because we are getting to the bottom of why I have been feeling so foggy, tired and just plain off lately.
Despite going through all of this I am trying to keep a positive attitude and to get back on track with my triathlon training for the Timberman Half Ironman. The kids have been at camps over the past two weeks which has allowed for some time to swim bike and run in some of my most favorite places in New Hampshire. You can’t get any better than swimming in a lake right in the heart of Franconia Notch, New Hampshire in the White Mountains.
What are your current wellness goals? What do you struggle with when it comes to your own personal wellness?
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I have Hashimoto’s as well, but no other autoimmune disease was ever identified. I’ve done fine on synthroid for years. Hopefully, everything will be fine for you!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Greek Strawberry Cheesecake Bars {GF, Low Cal}
I think the fact that you’re active, fit, and already a healthy eater is helpful to dealing with Hashimoto’s. I know it will be challenging, but you have a good attitude. And like you said, finding reasons for some of the symptoms must feel good.
Debbie recently posted…How Fascial Stretch Therapy Can Make You a Better Runner
I’m so sorry you’re going through all this. It must be so frustrating. It sounds like you have a really great attitude about it, though! Sending good, healthy vibes as you continue with testing.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Feel Good Pop Running Playlist
I was wondering why I hadn’t seen any posts from you lately. I sure hope you are getting on top of your concerns and are feeling better. No, I”m not good at staying on top of my own wellness. Do as I say, not as I do, right?
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…What Makes You Happy? Deliriously Happy?
This sounds so frustrating. I sure hope they can get it figured out. At least in the meantime you have some time to yourself while the kids are at camp.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Fish Tacos with Greek Yogurt Sriracha Sauce
Thank you for sharing your journey as you learn more about Hasimoto’s and get closer to finding out about your recent health issues. Glad to hear you’re making progress!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Aftershokz Bluetooth Headphones Product Review + Discount!
Thank you Janelle!Yes, I definitely have some learning to do!
I wish you continued success with getting information about your own situation. It can be so frustrating when you know there is something and you cannot get the answers you want. I have a situation too and have been testing/waiting for about 3 years now and just getting nowhere, slowly! But keep on keeping on! 🙂
Yes, and being an advocate for your own health is so important! I hope that you get your health issues figured out!
I really hope you get some answers soon and get this all figured out so you can feel better. Thinking of you xoxo
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Mid-Year Goal Check In
Thanks Debbie! I am working on it and looking into wether or not I need to start making dietary changes to help. Thanks for your kind thoughts!
I have an appointment to get my gut checked in August. My current goals are just to stop eating processed foods and cut down on sugar so far going well. I hope things work out and you start feeling better.
Thanks Ivanna and I hope that your gut health is good!
Way to go keeping up your half iron training (and I 100% agree – swimming at Franconia Notch is beautiful!). I’m trying to be more proactive about my health/blood work, so I just scheduled a physical next month.
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers recently posted…13 Red, White & Blue Recipes! {Perfect for your 4th of July Cookout!}
Thanks Chrissy! It has been a little rocky lately as I figure out the Hashimoto’s stuff. Being proactive about your health is so important!
Oh, gosh. I’m sorry you’ve been going through all this but glad you are getting some answers. I’ve studied some autoimmune disorders for work but not Hashimoto’s in particular. Good for you for still doing what you can with your training.
Thanks Coco! I am trying to figure everything out and have a great doctor to help! Hopefully the impact on running won’t be too great!
So sorry you’re going through this and all the testing
Carmy recently posted…Benefits to Running Solo
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re going through this, but you seem to have such a positive attitude about everything. Attitude goes a long way in helping us to manage whatever comes our way.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Change of Plans
Thanks Kathryn! Positivity is definitely a key to dealing with all of this!
I know how frustrating trying to figure out health issues can be.
I’m glad you’re making progress to an answer – and I really appreciate your positive attitude about it.
Ange // Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Hello July! My Goals for the Month
Thank you Ange! I was lucky as so far it has been a fairly quick path to diagnosis although there may be more. I appreciate your kind thoughts!
I’m sorry that you are dealing with all of this, but glad you are getting answers. Autoimmune diseases are rough. Good luck with everything including your training.
Toni @runninglovingliving recently posted…Running Inspiration featuring Kim from Running On The Fly #RunningInspiration
Thank you Toni! I appreciate your thoughtful comments! I am still trying to figure this all out and to get it under control so I am not so tired. Hope you are well!
I wish you luck on your new journey into this disease – you’re already doing yourself and your body well with all of the activity that you do. Persistence and listening to your body are key – as well as advocating for yourself with your doctors. I was diagnosed with hashi’s 15 years ago and it has been a very up and down battle since- though i can usually tell when my TSH is creeping up again and it is time to adjust my meds by how I feel. I had many doctors in my 20’s tell me “I look young and healthy” and had to convince them that i did not feel right. Keep at it, and you will get this autoimmune under control!
Thank you for your encouragement! I am still trying to figure this whole thing out.
I’m thinking about you and keeping my fingers crossed you figure things out and it is easy to fix. Lots of hugs from FL your way! xoxo
Jesica @rUnladylike recently posted…Happy Fourth Birthday to runladylike.com
It’s good to know that there are other runners that continue to run, in spite of, thyroid disease. I had a complete thyroidectomy in 2004 and I’m still going strong 🙂
So happy to hear that you are able to run too! I would be so sad without running!
Having Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can be life changing. But you can make this a positive life change instead of a miserable life sentence. Eating better and regular exercise, combined with doctor-prescribed treatment plans including medicine, can make you feel better than you did before Hashimoto’s! With Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, getting motivated to exercise can be hard because you’re just so tired all of the time. I’ve never been an athlete, either, so it took me some time for me to get confidence in my skills.
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