Thyroid Check-up
Today I went for my referral appointment to see the endocrinologist. It was the first time that I'd seen this kind of specialist.
In grade school, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I struggled with fatigue, illness, feeling cold, and other things. Today, the doctor diagnosed the cause as Hashimoto's Disease. From what I understand, this means that my body is attacking its own thyroid gland and thus decreasing the levels of thyroid hormones that are produced. It's similar to an allergy - but in this case, my immune system is attacking itself! Wikipedia tells me that Hashimoto's was the first disease to be recognized as an auto-immune disease - interesting.
The doctor ordered some bloodwork and is considering switching me to a new medication. I've been on the same one since I was 14 years old and it seems likely that I would do better on a different medicine. My Mom has already switched over and feels a lot better. I hope I will, too! It would be great to get my energy back. I've felt so drained these past two years. I've taken more naps this year than I took in my whole childhood, I think, hehe! So, I'm hoping that things will get better soon :)
In grade school, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I struggled with fatigue, illness, feeling cold, and other things. Today, the doctor diagnosed the cause as Hashimoto's Disease. From what I understand, this means that my body is attacking its own thyroid gland and thus decreasing the levels of thyroid hormones that are produced. It's similar to an allergy - but in this case, my immune system is attacking itself! Wikipedia tells me that Hashimoto's was the first disease to be recognized as an auto-immune disease - interesting.
The doctor ordered some bloodwork and is considering switching me to a new medication. I've been on the same one since I was 14 years old and it seems likely that I would do better on a different medicine. My Mom has already switched over and feels a lot better. I hope I will, too! It would be great to get my energy back. I've felt so drained these past two years. I've taken more naps this year than I took in my whole childhood, I think, hehe! So, I'm hoping that things will get better soon :)