And so it begins...

So, back in March, I started seeing an endocrinologist due to borderline thyroid issues.  After going through a lengthy process of being taken off of all medications, waiting, having more blood work done, etc., there is finally a diagnosis...5 months later.  A reason for being soooo tired for the last 2 years.  A reason for unexplained weight gain of over 50 lbs. in 2 1/2 years (yes, you read that correctly...5-0.  A reason why I didn't feel like me!  That reason is called Hashimoto's thyroiditis.  It is an autoimmune disease, where basically my immune system attacks my thyroid and causes hypothyroidism.  Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone.  It causes (among other things):  fatigue, depression, weight gain, constipation, constantly being cold, and a whole host of other unpleasantness.

It came on very slowly for me.  I suspect that this has been going on for years now because it's always been difficult for me to lose weight, and I've always gained it back in lightening speed.  I got to the point where I felt like if I looked at a piece of cake, I'd gain 5 lbs.  Can you even imagine?

Hashimoto's is very treatable, although uncureable.  Basically, I will need to be on some sort of thyroid hormone replacement therapy for my entire life.  Unfortunately, identifying the best treatment can be a lengthy process (it's taken 2 yrs for me to get here!).  However, I'm proud to say that I think my endocrinologist has found what will work for me.  Now, we are to the tweaking the doseage stage to get me to a point where I can lose the weight I've gained relatively easily and feel like the vibrant 29 year old I should be.

I started my new thyroid treatment back in June, and I feel like a totally different person now!  I feel like the old me again!  The me I used to be in college.  I have energy to clean my house and spend time with my husband while I'm awake.  I have energy to write this blog post!  It's all really amazing!  As I mentioned, I went to the doctor last week, and he is now tweaking my dose because I still gained some weight.  Hopefully, the dose will get straightened out in the next 6 weeks.

The other thing I'm doing is proactively trying to lose weight.  I am working with a personal trainer/nutritionist to eat healthier and exercise.  She has given me a calendar of what to do each day for my workouts, so I don't have to think too much.  I also downloaded an app called "My Fitness Pal."  It's free on iTunes, and I can track my food, workouts, weight loss, and inches lost all from my phone!

I am well on my way to getting healthy and really feeling and looking like my old self again!  I will report back as this journey continues...