Have you ever struggled with something for a really long time? Something that you deal with on a daily basis but never really talk about to others outside of your innermost circle of confidantes? Today I want to discuss my hypothyroid symptoms and my new found health issues.
Since giving birth to my 5th child just over 5 years ago, I have been struggling with feeling like something was “just not right”. After the births of my other children, I remember feeling like I got “my body back”. Do you guys know what I am talking about? It took longer after each pregnancy, but I always felt “back to normal” again.
Pregnancy can cause a lot of unpleasant changes in your body and for the most part I would get back to my normal “pre-pregnancy” state (well…other than wider hips and saggy belly skin, mommy brain, wider feet, stretch marks, etc…). haha
For some reason I NEVER felt like I got my mojo back after my last baby. I still felt pregnant even though I clearly was not. I was tired all the time, I had no energy, and suffered from constipation.
But…I was a mom to 5 busy kids, age 9 to newborn. My husband had a busy job that took him out of town for up to 3 weeks at a time. And I liked to keep myself busy with my projects. So, I just assumed I felt this way because I had a lot going on.
(March 2010—Puffy face)
I thought that when my kids got older things would get better…but it was slowly getting worse. Then 2.5 years ago my hair started falling out in clumps. I was developing some pretty serious carpal tunnel in my wrists and elbows, which I attributed to typing on the computer and my home projects (remember my painting addiction?).
I also developed arthritis in my left pointer finger joints. On top of that, I was freezing…all of the time, like so cold that I would get grumpy if I had to go outside in the cold. Ha! I even slept with a heating pad in the summer. But I had been running at night, so I assumed it was because my body was cold because of the sweating.
I also began to develop some serious anxiety. I couldn’t ride in the car with someone else driving because I was seriously anxious about their driving skills. I mean, I was fine on the outside…but on the inside I was a tangled wreck of nerves. I was also getting pretty irritable. I also suffered from muscle aches and pains. My immune system was terrible. I never used to be sick. And suddenly I was catching every little cold out there. My memory was horrible and I was beginning to forget all sorts of things like picking up my children, appointments and deadlines. Something needed to change and my life and kids were suffering.
(August 2012—Non puffy face)
I was pretty good at looking like everything was okay on the outside. Because really…who wants to hear about how lousy you feel…all the time? I didn’t want to be “that” person. But in the back of my mind I knew I was not “normal”. Or at least I was not “my normal” self. I felt crazy! But every symptom could practically be assigned to being a busy wife, a mother and a wanna-be runner.
So 2.5 years ago I went to see a couple of different doctors. I got the “your getting older and need to eat right and exercise” dismissal talk. One doctor even told me my thyroid was abnormally enlarged but then dismissed all my symptoms (which were classic hypothyroid symptoms). What?? He then and sent me on my way telling me I was just a normal middle-age woman who needed to get some exercise and eat right.
Gah!!! I was so frustrated! Maybe I was just getting older.
By this point, I was waking up tired and was not be able to get through my day without needing to take a nap. I have NEVER been a nap person. I usually lay there thinking of everything I should be doing. On Sundays, I began taking a 3 hour nap and and still be able to fall asleep for the night at 11 pm. I was ALWAYS tired!
After giving birth to my 5th I was able to get back down to my pre-pregnancy weight. But I was slowly gaining weight and gained back 25 pounds. In spite of all my running and efforts to eat right, I couldn’t stop gaining weight.
thyroid gland image source
So we prayed and my husband and I searched the internet looking at reviews trying to find a great doctor that would LISTEN to me. Someone who could help me figure out what was wrong with me. I found an amazing doctor, who I believe I was meant to have. He is not a thyroid specialist but is actually an allergist (which ended up being a huge blessing in disguise). I decided to meet with him since he had some great reviews online from patients who had trouble getting diagnosed with hypothyroidism who claimed to be having great success with his treatment. So in December of last year I finally was able to meet with him.
He listened to everything I had to say and spent a lot of time talking with me and asking me more questions. He ordered all sorts of tests instead of the normal thyroid tests and actually tested my thyroid hormones instead of just my TSH levels, which is all my other doctors had ever done. He wanted to see what was actually going on with my thyroid because of all the symptoms I did have.
Well, it turns out that I was on the high end of “normal” and that…yes indeed my thyroid was not functioning properly. He immediately diagnosed me with hypothyroidism and told me I also was suffering from a severe vitamin D deficiency. He immediately started me on Armor Thyroid. I shared more about that initial diagnosis with you in an earlier post about my hypothroidism here.
(before Thyroid medication)
Well, my diagnosis and taking the Armour Thyroid, of my hypothyroid symptoms have gotten so much better. I haven’t taken a nap since last January! My hair stopped falling out and I felt like I was getting back to normal…Finally! We have made several adjustments got me on a dosage that seemed to be the right amount. It took about 6 months.
However, I hadn’t lost a single pound but I haven’t gained any weight either. I was waiting for my body to regain it’s balance and expected that I would start being able to drop weight again when my body caught up.
But I started to have people ask me if I had lost weight. After looking at pictures of myself before and after the medication, I realized that it my face was loosing it puffiness. My face was most definitely thinner and therefore I looked like I had lost weight.
(after Thyroid medication and same weight)
There was one symptom that I couldn’t seem to get any relief from. My constipation actually started to get worse. Much worse. And then I started having a little bit of night-time bloating. It continued to get worse despite my best eating efforts. I felt swollen everywhere. Gah! I kept saying to my mom and husband, that my abdomen felt puffy and swollen. It was different than weight gain and it was only around my mid-section. At night I looked like I was 8 months pregnant. Not. even. kidding. I was trying to eat so great. I had cut out most sugar and running a ton and I still could not lose ONE single pound. Not one!
This was right at the same time that I was training for my 2nd half marathon this past summer. Was I overdoing it? Was I stretched too thin? Was it stress? I didn’t feel like it was. Running actually made me feel better and helped relieve some of my symptoms. But I knew something else was wrong this time. It was different than my thyroid symptoms. I was so frustrated because I was FINALLY feeling like I was getting back to my normal self.
(August 2012)
So, I shared my new concerns with my awesome doctor (who is a trained allergist) and he decided he wanted to do some food allergy tests. I went in on December 21, 2012 and was tested for 17 of the most common food allergies. I was SHOCKED to find out that I had 7 major food allergies/food intolerances. The normally 3-hour test took over 4 hours because they had to keep neutralizing my reactions.
I had the greatest reaction to corn and tomatoes, and also found allergies to soy, wheat, yeast, peanuts and milk. Say what??? SHOCKED!!
But…at the same time…I felt vindicated. So many explanations for all my crazy symptoms. And? I wasn’t crazy. Maybe, just maybe there is an answer and a solution now. So…I am currently embarking on a HUGE elimination diet.
I was really overwhelmed as I began the diet. How was I going to do this? Pretty much everything I was eating I was allergic too. This was going to be an entire lifestyle change.
As the year was ending, I began going through some major food withdrawl, which I had been told to expect. I was so sick and couldn’t sleep. And I was angry. I spent over two hours searching the aisles of the grocery store for something I COULD eat and there wasn’t much.
So I started to think about what I could eat. I can eat chicken, meat, fish, fruits and veggies (except for tomatoes), rice and oats. I had several people suggest looking into the Paleo diet since it was pretty similar to what I needed to be eating with a few personal adjustments. But everything I eat has to be clean. No sauces, or packaged foods or prepared foods. It is time to get to the basics. I can’t eat gluten free items because they are usually filled with corn and soy to replace the wheat.
So we are in a lifestyle change here. I am currently still making healthy meals for my family like I normally would and then making something for me on the side. I have been eating about 5-6 small meals during the day instead of eating 3 large meals. I have found this works best to keep me feeling more full.
I am not going to lie. At first I was simply overwhelmed and in shock. I felt really sad, but also felt a bit vindicated. But as the holidays set in with the food and the parties I was angry. Haha! I couldn’t eat my Grandma’s Fudge (which I did sneak a little bit). Our culture is so tied into food and I was beginning to realize just how difficult this new lifestyle was going to be. It was going to be a life changing event for me and my family.
But, I feel like I am at the point where I can actually talk about it and be okay with it. I can see now what a blessing in disquise this is going to be. I never ate terribly unhealthy and I have always been a runner. But I can already feel a difference in my body. My bloating has gone way down. I actually look like I have a waist again. And I feel less puffy. My jeans even feel different on the last three days! I had a few days last week where I felt so great that I noticed it. And then it made me realize just how yucky I have been feeling. It happened so gradually that I didn’t realize just how sick I really was.
So the plan is to go off all the no no foods completely. Let my intestines heal from a state of chronic inflammation which could take from several months to a year or two. Then I can start to add foods back into my life one at a time and see how my body reacts. Right now I am not thinking about the adding them back. I am trying to embrace my new lifestyle. I am optimistic and am looking forward to feeling better and maybe finally getting my life back. I have taken a little break from running which I do each year at this time but am ready to get back into it with some new found energy!
I just felt like I needed to share this with you since I have met so many women who are dealing with similar issues. Get checked! And be sure to keep looking for answers. And I would love some awesome new recipes if any of you have any that fit my needs! I am dying for some yummy food again! xoxo
p.s. Let’s not be repinning my puffy face pictures :)…just kidding! haha!!
*Update: December 2022
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Michaela H says
That was fantastic, Amy. Thank you so much for sharing with all of us your struggles and triumphs! Holding you in my thoughts as you head into a brand new chapter (well, book actually) of your life…WELL. Can’t wait to hear the updates!
Amy says
Thanks Michaela! It for sure will be a book :) haha! I appreciate your kind words!
Oh my god this is exactly my life, I thought I was going crazy and people started to say I was a hypochondriac. I was missing out on life due to massive sinus headaches and face swelling and stomach and lower problems., no matter how many naps I took I was so tired I felt all used up and was becoming more and more angry with the world around me. I had my thyroid removed when my fourth child was a few months old. That was after my regular doctor told me “your suppose to be tired you have 4 kids and are working”. 15 years later I find that my vitamin D was an “8” which means it was in the toilet very bad….. And my thyroid medication was still not correct. Went to an allergist and nothing. Tried an ear nose and throat, guess what, she started blood tests and I was up to 10 food allergies before I gave up and ran out of money. So like they say “life is a journey” and don’t let your doctor brush you off. It’s your body you know if something is wrong
Hope you are feeling better now.
Wow, I had my thyroid removed too, it was cancerous. It’s been since 2009 and before that I was heavy, more heavy than I’d ever been in my life. I was having knee problems but after the surgery removal of thyroid, I lost about 20 lbs. now I feel I’ve gained it back over the past 7 yrs. I don’t run because of my knees but I play volleyball twice a week for 3 hrs at a time. If my knees feel ok, I walk the dogs as much as I can. I’m going to see a spirits doctor for the knees but I feel it’s more than that but if I could just get some relief on my bloated tummy I’d feel so much better. I’ve decided to take an enzyme and a orobiotic on a daily basis. If I forget I get the bloating pretty badly and when I remember to take it, which is hard for me to remember, I feel pretty good. I too, feel like I’m 8 months pregnant and I’m 59 yrs old. I truely think I need to find a different avenue, like an allergist! Thanks for sharing all this, I can so relate to you. Wish me luck
Your testimony of your life is a blue print of my life…… everything about you exactly happened in my life . Few months ago I got my self tested with sensitivity and dairy, nuts, gluten protein, all cabbage family, yeast and all refined sugar, and processed foods, soy. So I can eat all meat , and a lot of different veggies . Most all fruit melons I can’t .
I also have IBS so certain foods will bloat me especially the list ( don’t)I mentioned earlier . I have changed my lifestyle . I exercise and eat right and leave out the all the bad stuff.
Running is my passion and have been running for 10 years. Completed my 3 Rd 1/2 marathon . And try to lessen any type of stress. I take yoga and it’s such a blessing .
So eating right , exercise , lessen stress…… I feel like a new person look at life much clearer and to accomplish many things in my life .
Loretta- So glad that you are able to still do all the things that you love to do!
Hi Amy,
I feel like I was reading about myself and my own symptoms. I am so frustrated with the medical world. I got the same brush off from my doc to even saying theres nothing wrong im just depressed.. well yes because im in so much pain, im always sick.. etc my quality of life sucks. I am doing keto currently and i follow it to a tee and only very minimal weight loss. Nothing like my friends. I dont get it. Your page gave me some new hope on how to approach things so maybe allergy testing is the way to go. Did you find a natural or alternative to the armor thyroid?
Daniela- I hope you do get tested for allergies and can find some answers. I do use essential oils. They seem to help along with the armor thyroid medicine.
Hi :)
I’m 51 years old and also look seven months pregnant and have a thyroid that tests on the very edge of normal. Meanwhile I’ve gone for. 130 pounds to 150 pounds. Nothing seems to work but I’m trying bone broth and eliminating all gluten, dairy and sugar. Everything I eat makes me sick anyway so it’s not that hard. I’m always, always, always tired. I had to give up my full-time career because I just couldn’t handle the demands anymore and I couldn’t keep up. It makes me so sad. Can you tell me exactly which essential oils from the Doterra line that you use? And how do you use them? How often? How many drops of each? Do you rub them on or do you drink them? You can email me separately if you want me to order stuff I’m fine with that I just want to feel better. [email protected]
I think it’s crazy how so many women our age are going through this very same thing or a very very similar version. When is the medical community and the medical doctors going to recognize that what we are all experiencing is a real thing and they need to stop telling us to go home and that we’re just having a very bad case of menopause or that we are depressed with another prescription for another antidepressant. I wonder if our food source is to blame or all of the high fructose corn syrup that we all ate for years without knowing any better. Now we’ve learned that high fructose corn syrup is completely illegal in countries like Canada France New Zealand and Australia but of course the United States still has it and mean while everybody’s getting sick. Anyway please help if you can.
Ruth- Here are the ones that I use the most. You can use most doterra oils internally. It will say for topical use only if not. Three to Four drops of each works best. You can put them in water or just drop them in your mouth. You can also rub them on the area you are having trouble with. Hope this helps and I hope you find more answers!
Frankincense is one of my favorite essential oils. Many of the things frankincense essential oil helps with are issues either caused by thyroid imbalance, or like memory issues, can result from thyroid imbalance.
Lavender essential oil is among the most widely recommended essential oils for thyroid dysfunction and for many other ailments, with good reason. Lavender can help diabetes & oxidative stress (free radicals), induce calming, help alleviate insomnia, alleviate depression, reduce inflammation, boost antioxidant activity, and act as an analgesic.
Chamomile addresses a narrower range of symptoms very well, but all common to thyroid imbalance. Anxiety, depression, and insomnia all respond beautifully to chamomile.
Geranium essential oil helps reduce the inflammation associated with thyroid imbalance. Most people who suffer thyroid problems, benefit from reducing overall inflammation in their bodies. Additionally, people often find the rosy fragrance lightens the mood and allows them to let go and relax.
Lemongrass is a powerful ally both to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce allergic and inflammatory disease response associated with thyroid imbalance. This points to a strong anti-inflammatory effect! It brightens any aromatherapy blend, and many say intensifies the effects of the entire blend.
Peppermint is proven to have an instant positive effect on physical performance, as well as improving cognitive performance and mood.
Ginger essential oil is not only energizing itself, but it acts as a catalyst-activating other compounds around it. We also know that many who suffer from thyroid imbalances have digestive irritations or nausea and ginger can help with that.
Wow! What a journey! Good for you to see it through. Good luck on your new lifestyle!
Wow, wow, wow.
That is amazing and to think 7 food allergies.
Wow, your story sounds similar to mine. During my second pregnancy, about halfway through, I started getting random episodes of horrible nausea. My midwife helped me determine it was probably a gluten & dairy allergy. What?! So I gradually cut both out of my diet. I still never felt great and I just summed it up to pregnancy. When I delivered my son I thought for sure my “allergies” would go away. After 5 weeks, my nausea came back. From then, I said “no more gluten, ever!” (I had added dairy back in with no problems) So I stuck it out over 16 months. I finally accepted that this was my new lifestyle. But still after several doctor visits, I was still sick sometimes, losing an unhealthy amount of weight and had a constant burning feeling in my stomach. Finally, a midwife referred me to a GI doctor who did a Endoscopy on me. Turns out, I had an inflamed stomach from too much stress and the flap that keeps my stomach acid down was very open, because of the stress of pregnancy. So with the help of antacids and some anti-anxiety meds, I am feeling SO much better, I’m able to eat gluten (though I eat much less and healthier than I used to) and I’m finally gaining some weight. I can tell you that I sympathize with you not wanting to be “that girl” with all the health problems AND searching everywhere for a doctor that will actually listen. I’m glad you found what works for you and I would definitely recommend taking the time to heal your gut. It worked for me and changed me forever.=) Sorry for the long post, I’m passionate about this subject.=)
Thanks so much for sharing that with me Tami! Sounds very similar indeed. Glad you found what is working for you. I am hoping to be able to get to the point that you are at. I really do need to heal I think before I can think about anything else.
Amy, I had similar issues with my doctor refusing to give a diagnosis of hypothyroidism even when the symptoms match and my family has a history of thyroid problems (2 out of 3 of my sisters & my mom). I finally insisted that he do the test even though he claimed that I was probably just dehydrated. Of course I do have hypothyroidism and am now on medication for it. Reading your story just brings my frustration back to the surface- how many doctors are so caught up in their dogmatic beliefs that they refuse to consider that their patients are right? What is the problem with so many doctors today? How many people go untreated for this problem which severely impacts day-to-day life?
I can’t believe how many stories I have heard that are so similar to yours. I am so glad you were insistent about getting the test. Who knows how long you could have been living in frustration and not getting the help you needed. Thanks for sharing that with me. It really does help me to hear others stories as well. Nice to know there are others who have been before me.
And given medicine that DOES NO work. Proven back in the
80’s like Levinthyroxine with was made for pigs. But doctor’s keep prescribing it knowing it does not work and Armour Thyroid.
SO I am doing natural cures like selenium, vitamin D,B-complex and others. Doctors don’t test you for everything when it comes to your thyroid like TSH,DHEA,T3 T4 & testosterone. Yes women have testosterone. Make sure you get ALL THOSE TESTED.
Laura- Thanks for the suggestion. I will have to try those. Hope you are doing well now.
How much of all these amounts?
Erica- Are you asking about the amounts of each oil?
I also have a hypothyroid. I have been on Armour Thyroid for almost 4 years now. There is foods that a person with a thyroid condition should not eat. Soy being the top one. I just wondered since they tested you for something that you shouldn’t be eating anyway, if they had told you about the food you should stay clear of and the ones you should not eat on a regular basis? Diet is a key thing to people with our condition and you can find many meals that are yummy that you should really just fix for the whole family because they are so healthy. I love the allrecipes web site and taste of home magazine (also have a web base). Also look into Kefer. It is a drink that isn’t very tasty but it helps to regulate your stomach. It is proven that most food allergies are results of other things being wrong in our bodies and Kefer regulates the stomach. Just wanted to bring these options up to you for you to further investigate on your own and talk to your doctor about. I personally do the kefer and watch what I eat (no soy at all not even oils or any kind of soy bi-product), carefully limit the foods that I shouldn’t eat a lot of, etc. I wish you luck and hope that your research helps you feel even better.
I did know about not eating soy but they tested me anyway just to see what my body was reacting too. Soy is in EVERYTHING. Thanks for the information about Kefer. I will definitely be looking into it. Thanks so much Leeann.
I second the water kefir suggestion — and it’s possible that it’s an acquired taste, but I think my husband and I have found a way to make it really tasty! My kids call it “fizzy drink” (it’s a fermented beverage so it’s carbonated) and LOVE drinking it, and they don’t even know it’s a power-packed probiotic :) They just think it’s tasty :) If you want more info on kefir (and how we make it tasty) then you can check out our blog post. We sell the grains down here in Provo if you decide you want to give them a try. Here is the link: http://nutritionprinciples.com/what-is-kefir/ Good luck with your new food journey!!
Soy is in everything! It’s even in vitamins and supplements!
Leeann, A Chinese herbalist recently told me not drinking soy if you have thyroid problems (which I have) is a myth. He said drinking soy and eating black seeds was good.
You are truly amazing, and I always love a good bit of vindication. ;)
Thanks Em! You are so sweet! It was a bit of bittersweet vindication for sure. I kind of want to go in and talk to those previous doctors. ;)
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m wishing you the best! That has to be hard, cutting out so many foods all at once. But I feel your pain. I’ve had thyroid issues since puberty, all the fun symptoms: the fatigue, dry skin, hair falling out, weight gain, joint pain, getting sick a lot. The fatigue is the worst. I feel like I’ve had great doctors, but symptoms still present themselves periodically. Maybe I need to get some allergy testing done. I have never considered that. Again, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Christie. I have been learning as much as possible about food allergies and I think the US diet is full of harmful fillers that are causing a large epidemic of health problems. I hope to be able to gain a better grasp on my health issues. Good luck with your food testing.
Well, I am glad you are finally getting some relief, and found a doctor that would listen to you! I had (have) thyroid problems (one lobe is removed and I have nodules on the other)…it’s a roller coaster, and wreaks havoc at times.
I’m sure it’s difficult to change your eating lifestyle, but it will be worth it when you feel so much better:) Best wishes to you!
Thanks Sue! I can’t imagine having your thyroid partially removed. I can only imagine how much more difficult it is to have your thyroid out to regulate and keep your body regulated. Thanks so much for your encouragement. Good luck to both of us!
i had my whole thyroid removed in the 2004 area and i still feel like crap. the numbers stay the same all the time so i still take the same dosage of synthroid. i’ve gained at least 50 lbs. in this time and it’s not because i eat alot and not do anything. i have to have my sleep (a lot more than pre-thyroid) but i still get up and work. i remember them telling me after the surgery that when i get my synthroid in me i will feel just like before. well that hasn’t happened. this is one disease (?) that if you don’t have it or are suffering with it, you have no idea what you are talking about and i mean this in the way of doctors. This is the best cancer you can have they said because you will get through it. WRONG!! i am so sick of feeling not well. i want to feel like I did before. good luck to all who have or will go through this crap!
Rhonda, I am so sorry. I hope that you can find the answers that you need.
Wow! Growing up I was always a stick (as everyone would like to say). When I turned 18 I got on birth control, which the first ones made me very sick and I ended up in the hospital for clots. I seen a different doctor and gyno and was put on a different birth control (Beyaz) which at the time seemed great. I took it for about a year and a half or less, then had to get off of it because I no longer had insurance and couldn’t afford it. I stopped taking it October 2011 and by January 2012 I had gained 40 lbs. I went from weighing around 130 to 170. Before ever getting placed on birth control, I expressed my concerns with my doctor that I believed I had hypothyroidism because I had a majority of the symptoms and it runs in my family. My doctor dismissed my concerns. I am now 20, almost 21, and still concerned with this. I do not know if the birth control has messed with my hormones or if I do for a fact have hypothyroidism. I too have a very puffy face, even when I didn’t have all this weight, my face always looked fuller. I had not even gave it a second thought that the two could be related. I hope that someday I too will be able to find someone to take me and my symptoms seriously because I would love to find the answer to all this. Good luck with everything! Looking forward to updates!
Keep looking for someone to help you. I have learned that your little thoughts in your head is your own intuition and mine has usually proved to be right. I never imagined my puffy face was connected to all this craziness, but it definitely is one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Good Luck! I know how frustrating it is to not know what is wrong!
I totally understand how you are feeling with the new diet! I went gluten free/dairy free the week before Christmas. I was recovering from my worst allergic reaction yet and was eeenormously bloated. I’ve had severe chronic colon inflammation for about 15 years but they never knew why. I wish someone had suggested gluten free years ago. It’s been about a month and I feel like Ive had a gut transplant! SO amazing!! Keeping a food journal the first couple of weeks also helped make it clear what else bothered me, (corn, carbonation, beef, peppers, etc.). Good luck! Feeling great is so worth the food sacrifice even though it’s hard.
While not going through those symptoms, I’ve struggled with horrible chronic pain from endometriosis since high school. Weight, energy, anxiety… All part of the suffering. I tried paleo after having my first, and had great success. I felt like my mind was clearer. Less pain. And weight fell off! My husband also has great weight loss with it so he was enthusiastic about sticking to it. Then came baby #2 and all I could eat without getting sick was bread… Bye bye paleo. When she was 7 months old, I had a horrible random bout with colitis that hospitalized me. Most doctors shrugged it off as a fluke, but my fabulous ob (who thinks outside the box and takes a whole body approach including nutrition and alternative medicine) suggested forgoing all gluten and following an 80/20 paleo plan (I can cheat with rice from time to time and do not have any dairy issues). That was at Christmas… And didn’t happen. We’re back now though an more committed than ever. I have some fabulous recipes, quick meal ideas and even almond flour based breads that even my picky two year old son loves. I’d be happy to share all the websites and resources I’ve found! Also, try adding flax meal and chia seeds to food when you can. It reduces inflammation and is full of fiber- and they taste like nothing.
Random other note: did you know gluten and soy contain estrogens and in some women it hinders us from losing? I didn’t but as someone who is estrogen dominant it really affects me more. If you stick to paleo for a while and don’t lose you could have them look at your estrogen levels.
So glad that you finally found some answers and you are getting on the right track! As soon as I started reading your post with your initial symtoms, I thought Thyroid, so I am glad you finally found a doctor to help you and actually diagnose you. And wow… 7! I would have the HARDEST time giving up bread! Holy cow! I think I would be ok with cheese because I don’t eat it too often but I love me some bread! lol
Good luck to you in this new journey! I hope that you find some delicious recipes and that you figure out what works for you!
Oh, man, I’m sorry. I can kind of understand what you’re going through. I haven’t had any thyroid issues, but I do have eosinophilic esophagitis (basically, my throat swells up, causing severe pain and choking), which is caused by food allergies. It took me years to get a correct diagnosis for that, and then another couple years for my allergies to be diagnosed correctly. The first allergist told me I wasn’t allergic to anything. A few years later I had a bad reaction to the medicine (I got very, very swollen – mostly in my face, but everywhere else too) that was keeping my throat under control, and I decided to get retested by a different allergist. Out of the 72 foods they tested on me, I was allergic to 15 of them. Soy was (and still is) my main one, and it is HARD to avoid. So I am so sorry that on top of soy, you have all those other allergies too!
The one benefit (that I have to remind myself of when I’m feeling blue) is that I’m eating a lot healthier now than I would be if I didn’t have the allergies. As I’m sure you know, to avoid soy you have to avoid most processed foods. So, I’m back to fruits, veggies, very basic pasta, etc. Honestly, I think in the long run it will be better for my health for me to have this challenge.
Good luck! I’m sure it’s going to be hard for you, but you can do it!
I am so sorry you are going through this. I have a similar story, but my children ended up having food allergies and the littlest one had failure to thrive. So at 8 months, when he was bald and tiny, he got diagnosed with Celiac Disease (the body cannot break down gluten). I was more than happy to make changes because this meant my little boy started growing a full head of beautiful blond hair and having a buddha belly :-) Within a few days of eliminating gluten from our diets (since it is an allergy issue, everyone in the house has to be free of the foods, esp. me breastfeeding), I woke up and started crying. My husband thought I was crazy. I told him I had no joint pain. I felt like I did when I was about 10 years old. I could run again without pain, my hands did not have what doctors thought was arthritis, it did not take me 20 minutes to get out of bed. I too had been diagnosed with hypothyrod, but the cause of that condition was Celiac.
So…long story to let you know that there are tons of great recipes for free on the web that are allergen-free and gluten free. My favorite “go to” site is glutenfreegirl.com. She has links to books, other blogsites and has a facebook page where she shares recipes. You can purchase her cookbooks. I have found some great recipes on Enjoy Life’s website (it is an allergen-free brand of great food). If you need to be dairy free, there are many wonderful alternatives out there. Cheese is hard to substitute. But there are dairy-free cheeses out there for making pizza and sliced cheeses for sandwiches.
Good Luck!
/Anne
I can relate. Recently I was at my highest weight ever, feeling tired all the time, achy unable to focus, and physically in the worst shape I had ever been in. I was introduced to The Whole 30 by some friends who have had much success with it, and much improved health. Basically it is eliminating all processed food, sugar, grains, etc for 30 days. A detox of sorts. I learned that many foods cause inflamation in the body.I have a bad foot problem and have been unable to walk/run for the better part of a year. I knew it was time to start with what I could do. I have been doing this since October, have lost 20 lbs. I have a long way to go to be at an ideal weight, but I feel the best and most energetic that I have in quite some time. I have not had a diet soda since October, and that is a major accomplishment for me. Initially I was very strict, and it was hard! I gave myself permission to eat a meal yesterday, that was not a great choice, and my tummy is paying for it today. Knowing how I feel when I don’t make the best choices has made me seriously consider what all that I had been feeding my body had done to me. It is difficult, but has been the best choice ever. Now I am looking into my exercise options, and hope to get the rest of the weight off. So glad you have found answers. How we feel is a really big thing.
I had a goiter in the 5th grade and hair problems, sleeplessness etc followed- I also take vit D and other things- so weird how this affects so many, years later- still looking for that miracle energy boost but with God’s help, getting there! keep your head up! good you got tested!
That is so awesome!! Who knew the thyroid was such a terror!!! I, too, suffered for awhile with a lot of your symptoms. I, like you, dismissed it as being busy. My husband was deployed, I had three kids, one getting ready to graduate, my dad getting ill then passing away. I went to the doctor finally from difficulty of swallowing. Had an ultrasound after. A couple of weeks later I got results back of some nodules. Long story short and many tests later, I ended up having my husband one home early, had surgery and found out it was cancer. Two types. The nodule was follicular variant papillary carcinoma and they found a small amount on the other side of my thyroid. Now almost two years later my meds are pretty stable and so far so good. I do struggle with bit D deficiency and taking synthroid doesn’t help w that. Make sure you don’t miss your D dose!! Glad you found help!! ;) even happier you feel better!
Hugs, Michelle
The food changes must be really hard to deal with. I would be totally overwhelmed too. Hang in there though. You’ll be in my prayers that you find the right ‘fit’ for you.
Kate
Wow, Amy! Seeing your arm like that is crazy! It looks so painful.
– I’m so glad you are getting answers. Nothing is more frustrating than feeling like something is not right without a reason.
I think you are beautiful, puffyface or not.
I’m glad you are feeling better and pray that it continues!
My DIL is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and also has severe nut allergies. She has many environmental allergies as well. It’s really hard for her sometimes to be social with others as it is hard to find places to ‘eat out’ and it’s hard to be invited to someone’s home for dinner, but then have the dilema of whether to ask what they are serving or at least tell them what you can’t eat. Awkward.
We love her and are trying to help her adjust to this clean way of eating. Christmas was one of those times where there were family favorites that she could not eat, but I was pleasantly surprised by what she COULD eat. :)
So glad that you found the cause of all of your symptoms! I had a similar journey because I was dealing with muscle pain, fatigue, etc. and upon my initial dr. visit I was told that I probably slept wrong and to wait a month and if I still had problems they’d do some tests. I decided that only I knew my body and went to a specialist. After months of tests and feeling like I was just a hypochondriac or just plain crazy, I was finally diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Just glad to have a diagnosis and go from there!
Good luck to you and hope that you are feeling better soon!
Wow ! Reading your story is very familar to me. All of those feelings and symptoms is what I have been going through the past few years. I chalked it up to just being a busy mom to 4 boys. I had just had my last baby and was trying to loose the baby weight. My father was diagnosed with cancer and then later passed away. I was grieving his death, was depressed,irritable and tired all of the time. Thought it was a combination of all these things plus I was 41, you always hear its because you are older, thats what happens. I tried dieting and excercising thinking by eating right and staying fit that it would also improve my mood. It only frustrated me because I was still exhausted and could not loose any weight, so I gave up. What made me finally decide to go and check out what was wrong was during the holidays when the family all got together and took a family picture and I saw what I looked like and I didn’t like it. It did look like me at all. I called my doctor, got some blood tests done and found that my TSH levels were elevated. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I schedule an appointment with a specialist and have not been yet, but am anxious to finally get some answers and get back on track to feeling like my old self again. Thank you for sharing your story.
Wow… how frustrating. I’m glad you finally got some answers and can get to feeling better!
I remember talking to you about your issues at Evo last year. I’m so glad you finally found some real answers! I don’t think I have ever been allergy tested myself, but I don’t have all the symptoms you do either. Good luck with all the changes Amy, you can do it! And now you’ll feel so much better for it :)
I’m so glad you shared your story…I think there are many women out there who are brushed off by their doctors when they come in with any of these symptoms. Two years ago I started gained weight especially around my waist even though I was working out. When I got home from work at 3:30 I would lay down and nap and not be able to move. (Very unusual for me!) I couldn’t remember anything and was in a fog. I chalked it up to turning 50 in a few months. Three months later I went for my yearly Gyno exam…I cried when I saw my weight. She tested my TSHand came back abnormally high..she put me on synthroid and sent me on my way. In the next few weeks I started mentioning to people about it and others suffering told me about their NP they go to that had helped them. By this point I ached all over, couldn’t sleep at night, gas pains, etc. got my blood results from Gyno and went to NP..all new blood work plus saliva test. Results…I wasn’t just hypothyroid like Gyno said..but had autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimotos and Graves). Plus very low vitamin D, low ferritin, and my cortisol levels were very low. She put me on Nature-throid (similar to Armour…I knew I didn’t want to be on synthroid..and for the record most regular doctors will not prescribe desiccated thyroid meds..only synthroid $$$$). I’ve also gone 90% GF and don’t eat processed foods or artificial sweeteners. Two years later I feel great, I’ve lost 18lbs on WW this past year as well. My Graves disease is now suppressed, and my Hashimotos should hopefully be soon as well. (FYI the blood tests my Gyno took showed I had Hashi’s but that wasn’t even mentioned). Listen to your bodies ladies, and look online for info and look for health professionals that want to help you. It’s not all in your head..it could be in your neck!! :)
NP = Nurse Practitioner? It’s so hard to find someone like that and I’ve heard about the desiccated thyroid as opposed to Synthroid – and how most doctors won’t prescribe the desiccated thyroid!!
Thank you for sharing! This is where I’m at now :(
Olga- I am so sorry you are dealing with this too.
Thanks so much for sharing. What a great testimony for being your own best advocate in matters of your health. All women need to hear that it is okay to keep trying new doctors until someone takes you seriously and helps you find answers. You know your body better than anyone else does, if you know something is wrong, it likely is. Thanks again for sharing your story.
Thank you so much for sharing this story, Amy. I have a friend who struggles with thyroid issues, and I know how frustrating that must have been. Kudos to you for seeking help and knowing that something was not right. Megan
Good luck to you and your new lifestyle change! I love your attitude towards it.
a year ago I was diagnosed with celiac sprue disease. I imagine you have a pretty good idea of what I’ve gone through. I found a post on gluten free easily about Special Diet Grief, Grieving Gluten: the five stages of grief plus one more. It has helped me with the emotional side of my new diet. It is definitely worth the read and applies to all dietary restrictions. I never realized that anger was part of it. I still bounce between anger, depression and and acceptance. The holidays were a roller coaster of emotions.
Also, at Adventures of a Gluten Free Mom, she has many different allergies in her family(including corn, soy and dairy) and some pretty awesome recipes. Gluten Free Homemaker is where I get most of my recipes that my family love (since i am the cook, everyone eats the way i do at home), especially the corndogs :)(she has a lot of info on different alternative flours as well as dairy and egg substitutes) she also tells about the mental affects of the allergies. since reading about it, I’ve noticed when i’ve been contaminated and why i have the mood swings that i do. good luck, there ARE good foods out there that you can still eat.
Amy, I am so sorry that you’ve been having such a rough couple of years. But also so very glad for you to find the root cause. Through all the tough things that have been thrown at my family lately, I’m starting to feel as if it all is for a reason, some opportunity for something… I appreciate your ability to share this. Imagine all those you are touching by sharing this, one person reads, tells to a friend, sends a link, etc. I think as mom’s, we are too set on everyone else’s health, and too frequently ignore our own. Thank you for reminding us all to listen to our instincts, and get help when we need it. Good luck to you. Stay strong!
Even though you think your face looks puffy in those photos, you still look pretty! Thank you for sharing your story and I hope all goes well with the changes you are making. I love your blog, too.
Thanks for sharing your story, Amy! I wrote on my blog today about some unexplained health problems that I’m having. It’s so frustrating to know that something is wrong and not have an explanation or any idea of what to do about it! So glad you finally got answers! All the best with the changes you’re making!
My sister had secret allergies also. For 15 years she thought she was allergic to dairy. Then her tummy was so upset she went gluten free also. After finally finding a fantastic naturopath she underwent tons of tests for hormone imbalances, genetic diseases and allergies. Turns out the tummy issues she has had since she was a kid were all caused because she is allergic to 1.eggs and 2.fruit combined with sugar. No dairy problems or gluten problems. But her system became so inflamed that it could not properly digest dairy and gluten. After a month of her new no egg diet and careful monitoring of when she eats fruit and sugar {not within 6 hours of each other} she is working both dairy and gluten back in to her diet with no ill effects. She has more energy and is like a new person. Another great benefit is that she realized her daughter suffers from the same allergies and now she can change her diet as well and she won’t have to deal with the years of tummy troubles my sister did.
I don’t know if it has been suggested to you but you should look into the book called It Starts With Food. It’s a program called the Whole 9. It is similar to Paleo but completely back to the basics. You only eat meat, fish, veggies, fruits and eggs. No sauces or marinades, no dairy or lugmens. My mom discovered she had lots of major food allergies when she was in her mid 40s and had to make complete lifestyle changes too. She feels so much better now. Good luck!
Amy,
I’m glad you finally have some answers and yes the transition is tough! I HIGHLY recommend you read the book, It Starts With Food as it explains the science behind what these foods are doing to our bodies and it gives an intro into whole30 which is a program that helps you transition your body ( cravings, etc) to this way of life. It is created by whole9 and they have so muc support for people doing this, it has changed so many people’s lives, my own included!
Good luck!
In my mother’s family, they have a history of thyroid issues. She has been on Synthroid for many years.
When my mom starts complaining how she is tired all the time and she starts to gain weight, I always have to remind her to go back to the Dr and get her levels checked. Just want everyone to know that occasionally you will need your dosage changed. Your body will remind you, just look for the signs.
Wow Amy, what a crazy time! I am so glad you’ve gotten some answers and are starting to feel better! I’ve always enjoyed your blog, but never leave comments… This was the first post that I felt really compelled to leave a comment to show you my support as a “virtual friend” :) I am friends with Kristen Duke – she is the one who introduced me to your blog about 2 years ago. I have a baby with peanut, milk, and egg allergies – so I know all about staying away from the “no-no” foods. Hang in there! Making a change for your WHOLE family is very hard…but once you find a rhythm, life will get better. XOXO from Huntington Beach, CA!
I’m going through postpartum thyroiditis now. My baby is five months old. At first I was hyperthyroid, and now it’s swung to hypothyroid. We are waiting a few more weeks to get tested again to see what if any kind of medicine to get on. What you are describing about your symptoms sounds like mine too! Especially the puffy face, although you don’t look “puffy” to me :)
So many of the symptoms of hypothyroid could also be attributed to postpartum depression, baby blues, or just plain mommy exhaustion. Add the allergies that you’ve been diagnosed with, and think how strong you have been to get through this! Plus you run?! Talk about willpower!
I am glad they are figuring things out for you, and hopefully soon you can start adding foods back. At least you are starting to feel better, something that I would welcome in my life any time now! Thanks for posting about this.
thank you for sharing again Amy. I “spoke” to you last year about having the Hashimoto’s disease diagnosis and am also wondering if it’s something more because I too have continued with my symptoms and not lost any weight. I’m going to look into having some allergy tests done. Thank you for being open and helping others with what you’ve learned, I really appreciate it.
Wow, I am so glad you finally found some answers! Thanks for sharing your story. Thyroid problems run in my family so I am always questioning any odd symptoms I have but then brush them off as me overreacting. I need to just go to the doctor and get checked but I’m too busy to do that, lol.
What a surprise to come across your blog this morning! I discovered in May that I also have a long list of good allergies. I started with chronic migraines when I was about 22. I’ve been to countless doctors doctors, had so many tests, and been told I just needed a babysitter. I’ve been told I had fibromyalgia, tested for multiple sclerosis and lupus and totally dismissed. I addition to the horrid headaches and numbness that started coming along with the pain after my son (almost 5 now) was born, I was extremely tired, had been so forgetful and was on around year 15 of hives from sun exposure. Changing my diet has been amazing! I still have a lot of work to do and making my food choices healthier, but I’ve been telling anyone who will give me a chance to consider food allergies. I tried reintroducing corn because I was a little skeptical is was really an allergen and was proved very wrong with more typical allergic reaction symptoms. I’m so happy for you to have found the cause of your health troubles!
Wow! Thank you for sharing! I had an allergy test done when I was in Jr High because I was having asthma attacks all of the time, but they weren’t for foods. Maybe I should get that done! I get stomach aches all of the time. I have always just thought it was because I am not the healthiest eater, which it totally could be, but maybe it is more than that. Thanks for putting it all out there. You are amazing, Amy!
I have been thinking about getting my thyroid checked as well. I have a lot of the symptoms, but I have been explaining them away to myself because I am a tired, stressed out mom. Having all the food intolerances must be really tough. I would have such a hard time with that, but I am sure it is worth it to feel better! Good luck with everything and thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks for sharing your story; please know that you’ve reached many women who are suffering along the same lines and who need to know what other options to try. I’ve been to a few doctors trying to figure out why I am not “me” and feel many of the symptoms you mentioned. I got the celiac test and was negative but never thought to get full allergy testing for other foods. Maybe this is why I’ve had issues for so many years. I am glad to hear that you are back to the road of good health and I wish you all the best!
Wow! A lot of these stories are coming out now. What we consume may really be hurting us. Thanks for sharing. It’s an amazing journey and as inconvenient as it is, I’m glad it’s allergies and diet that will help you feel better again soon.
Amy, I’m so sorry for what you have been going through. I am so glad you have found some answers. You are one AWESOME lady. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thank you for digging deep and sharing this story for the world to read. I am so happy you are on your way to a happy, healthy life!
Carrie
Thank yo so much for sharing your story. What a difficult journey you’ve been on! I’ve got lots of questions for my doctor when I see her next! I hope you’re on the road to feeling as beautiful as you are inside and out.
A couple of years ago I was diagnosed as having a gluten intolerance/possible celiac (every test comes back inconclusive). It’s been really hard to adjust (gluten free foods are expensive!). But it’s been worth it. Within a week of stopping eating wheat, I felt like I had so much energy and that a fog had lifted. I felt like I could think better and faster. It was so strange–in a good way. But I’m grateful for a random doctor I saw for an unrelated issue asked me about the nausea I always felt. Shortly after I ended up changing insurance and doctor, and next doctor was an internal medicine doctor and didn’t even believe me. It was frustrating for sure. But I stick to gluten free as much as possible and I feel soooo much better! Keep with it! It’s totally worth it. :)
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m so glad you final figured out what was the cause and are taking care of it. This is a new chapter in your life and I know that you will be successful. I’ll be praying for you!!
I totally just spent some time trying to find an article about wheat that I read recently. I thought it might be helpful info for when it’s time to start adding things back in. When I find it, I’m going to send you the link. I’ve read a lot of things that make me question a lot of our food sources. My husband thinks I’m crazy when I start to get worried about it, but when uncommon ailments start to become crazy common (ie. celiac, wheat allergies, etc.) it makes one wonder what has triggered a near epidemic in various food intolerances. One blog that I recommend that you check out and consider is thankyourbody.com. That’s all for now. :)
My husband has an intolerance to cheese as well. Perhaps you already know this- but we found some cheese alternatives at Good Earth. Some are soy based so that wouldn’t work for you but maybe one of the other options would. Good luck!
Wow. I am so happy for you that you have answers. Not knowing, wondering you’re imagining things (which happens when doctors dismiss you – happened to me!) is so very difficult. I’ll say a prayer for you and I hope it’s smooth sailing for you from here on out. What a story! Thanks for sharing it.
What a blessing to finally find out what is wrong. That’s no fun to be like the subject of a House episode. Glad you are feeling better and best of luck on your new clean eating journey! My husband has had some issues which I think are due to food allergies and I just showed him the arm pictures from your allergy test to try to get him motivated to finally getting tested. Thanks for being an inspiration!
Wow! I’m right there with you! I felt the same way and then read an article in a magazine. I think it was Womans Day. Called my Dr. and asked him to order me the test and BAM! Hypo! Crap! That gave me the excuse of my memory and hair loss. He put me on meds and like you it took a while. In the mean time my Hubby got Hyperthyroid which eventually turned into Graves and had to get it nucked out. Now we were both Hypo. I made an appointment to a specialist mainly for my Hubby. He was able to add a Rx to his daily routine so his body would obsorb the medicine. On the other hand, he diagnosed me with Hashimoto. Explained only that it keeps growing. This week I started a challenge at a Cross Fit gym. The first day there, they had Robb Wolf, guru of Paleo. He explained the foods and why. Then he said something about thyroid issues and when I told him I had Hashi he said that I would need to follow the Autoimune diet. Autoimune? Never heard I had a problem with that! Well, low and behold not only tomatoes, nuts, pepers, spieces made from peppers (curry, chili…) but I also couldn’t have eggs! So now my diet has been less the rice (which we ate every day), flour, processed foods just as you but now I can’t have my scrambled eggs with the health foods blended in it. I’m mad too! Mad at the ‘specialist’ that failed to tell me! Oh and coffee. coffee comes from a ‘nut’ so I’ll be weening myself off of that delishouse beverage too! It’s going to be hard and I’ll be mad now and then but if it helps me not feel as though my thyroid is pressing against my windpipe and chocking me all day, I’m giving it a try. Thank you for posting all this. It does help knowing others are dealing with the same issues and I’m not the only one that has to cut out the foods that we love. I’m finding out that it isn’t the flour, processed foods or pasta that is ticking me off, but the eggs and nuts :( Oh well, I know there’s others out there that have it worse than me and I have to count my blessings that this is all that’s wrong. Hopefully this Paleo diet will help me not get sicker as in Lupis, MS and other issues due to Hashimoto. Hang in there, I hear it gets better within a week to 3 months!
Thanks for being real! I appreciate your honest post. I am so glad that you were able to figure things out. In your marathon picture you seem to be pulling on the bottom of your shirt to hide your tummy? Its amazing how we always have those worries about our bodies in our mind all the time. My 5th baby is now 16 months old. I finally had the courage to stop nursing her (she is probably my last and I cant bear to stop that closeness! ) Anyway, my tummy has just pooched out since stopping nursing. I totally look pregnant. I hate feeling self concious about it all the time. Thank you for being who you are.
This is just like reading my own story! I have hypothyroidism as well and recently my doctor suggested that I take myself off of sugar (processed), processed foods and just stick to veggies, fruit, and lean proteins….basically whole foods. He mentioned something about coconut oil…but I heard it wasn’t good for you. But, I can totally relate to your story – especially the weird puffiness, constipation, forgetfulness and crankiness. Thanks for sharing your story…..it is reassuring to know that it isn’t all in my head.
Amy, I am SO happy things got figured out!! True, it would have been easiest if the doc was like, oh, here, take this vitamin and you’ll be better by Friday! But you are a tough cookie and after you look back, you’ll realize the lifestyle change wasn’t that hard. My family, all but me, have gone Vegan within the last year. I think I have an addiction to butter :) Anyway, my mom and sister and younger brother have been SO EXCITED about trying new things, eating well, and feeling better. They like the challenge, and you might too! My mom made a Delicious salad the other night, and while eating it I thought about you, and wondered if I could help somehow. Maybe I’ll snatch some of their favorite recipes that I- the omivore- really love and share them with you? I’ll check for the soy, wheat, and yeast- the others are pretty much avoided with their way of eating too.
So, where did you start to find someone?
I’ve been seeing a (good) neurologist for some time about my progressing symptoms, but none of her tests show anything is wrong. She is continuing to work with me. But any advice on how to work within insurance? How did you find your good doctor? What train of thought was your doctor that you found– what he holistic or western or a mix?
Thanks for sharing this, I have so many of the same troubles and have come to think of them as a normal part of aging and post-baby. After reading about your food allergies and comments above (and a few Google searches) – I am curious about the link between thyroid issues and diet (gluten free). Also, what kind of doctor did you go to when they finally tested your hormone/thyroid level? Thanks again!
Oh wow! What a ride! Thanks for sharing your story!
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing. I have had alopecia areata since my twenties. It was about a year and a half ago that it started falling out really bad and I had to wear hats and then to a wig. I had been on Aumour thyroid and then hormones but nothing seemed to be working for me. My husband came across a doctor in Boston that had several case studies on line that he took them off of gluten, dairy and sugar. I started this on August 18th at this point the hair has started to fill in. It’s amazing that I had cortizone shots and years of hearing that there’s nothing the doctors can do and so far it seems to just be e gluten.. Good luck on your new adventure…
Look into the GAPS diet. It’s a healing diet for your gut. It’s pretty intense but after 2 years of being on it…you are likely to return to your old eating habits. Food allergies cause many weird symptoms and its likely your thyroid has been affected by the allergy. Eat clean. Only shop the perimeter of the grocery store, that’s where the whole, clean foods lie. I’ve had a very similar story to yours and changing what I eat made all the difference. I feel like a different person. I’ve been on paleo and love it. My kids are now gluten free and we’ve noticed remarkable differences in my 6 yr olds ADHD and behavior. All that processed stuff out there is horrible for your body. Hang in there…after awhile, you can’t even imagine eating any other way.
I second the GAPS Diet suggestion. People have had a lot of success eliminating their allergies. Also check out the Weston A. Price Foundation. They have a Davis County chapter–it is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to bringing traditional, whole foods back. They focus on eating the correct fats and in properly preparing grains–so they can be digested correctly. They also have a shopping guide that helps when you can’t make things from scratch. You can buy it off their website for a buck or two. They have a campaign against soy and it’s prevalence in our prepared foods–it is NOT a health food.
One more thing…I also have a dairy allergy but I can eat raw milk and raw cheese. Might be something to save your sanity! There are local farms and co-ops around that you can buy it from.
Azurestandard.com delivers to Layton–it’s a lifesaver!
Sometimes it is just so hard to get doctors to listen…or they just make you feel like a big baby because you don’t feel well!! You know something’s wrong with you, but they don’t care to figure out what. I’m glad you found one that would help you.
Honestly, with the foods you’re allergic to, Paleo does sound like the perfect diet for you. You really have to check labels so much, since so many foods contain corn of some sort and also many have soy! To keep those things out of your diet, you really need to start at square one with your food. The wheat part is the hardest for me since I used to love baking things and breads have always been a favorite! You can even find some almond/coconut flour bread recipes for Paleo that aren’t half bad! There are many recipe sites that cater to Paleo diets – chowstalker.com is a good one. Good luck! I’m glad you are on your way to recovery!
I almost never comment and I almost didn’t today scrolling down and seeing how many comments you have. Iam sure Iwill get lost. but here goes nothing. I feel like your story is mine. I am already doing armour. but something still isn’t right. I got the seriously low vit d diagnosis. So they checked for celiac disease. I remember being so scared to get that diagnosis. What was I going to fix for dinner? thankfully that was negative but I keep hearing about food allergies. something is telling me I should look into it. yet I am scared I don’t want to walk the aisles for two hours looking for something I can have. Do you mind sharing your drs name?
I wish I was in better contact with you so I could have been more supportive! I’m glad you found a good solution, even if it isn’t one you like. Hugs to you, friend;)
My sweet friend, I am so glad you had the courage to pursue this issue until you found the cause and then to share your story online. I know that the road ahead will be rocky, but reading your post makes me more sure than ever that you are a strong woman – the type of person I want to be.
I feel so blessed to be your friend and after my months of whining, I hope you will continue to share your struggles with me – sometimes it’s just nice to vent.
xoxo
Oh goodness – what a huge change! So glad you have God in your corner (as do we all! :)
My husband is battling cancer – and it was such a learning experience realizing everything that was related to the thyroid and the foods we eat! Doing the no-iodine diet I thought was going to be the end of us all… but I am so glad some of those healthy habits stuck!
Praying for you – for complete healing and balance and wisdom.
I just found this blog called edible perspectives, it has lots of GF recipes and she uses alternative flours like buckwheat, millet and oat. I love the breakfast bakes, she even tells you how to make your own amaranth puffs! Good luck to you!
Good luck to you. Thanks for trusting enough to open up and share. We’re all in this together!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE email me the name of your DR.!!!!!!! EVERYTHING you talk about in this post is ME!!! I am so tired of being told my thyroid is normal just from simple blood tests. I need a Dr who will listen to me and search deeper. That picture of your thyroid sticking out of your neck is EXACTLY how mine looks. It’s so obvious I have even had random people stop and point it out to me. HELP!
And thanks for posting!
Thank you for sharing! Your story is very similar to mine and my son’s. I agree, this is a huge change of lifestyle but it is possible. With time, things get easier and the good far outweighs the bad. The key is planning ahead and cooking from scratch. It’s easy to adjust recipes to meet your personal dietary needs. I’ve been on my diet for 2 years now and my brain fog has lifted, anxiety/depression/ADD gone, I don’t have anymore GI issues, I lost 44lbs and have energy again! My 6 yr old son has been on his diet for over a year and feels a ton better too. Just stay positive and focus on what you CAN eat. A great shopping tip I read when I first started that helped me a lot was to only shop on the outside perimeters of the store, avoid the middle isles. There you’ll find fresh meat and produce to make your meals and your shopping trip will be a lot less depressing. Good luck!
Thanks for sharing such a personal experience. You could possibly look into purchasing a Thermomix machine if you are into cooking. They are not cheap but they have been a lifesaver for me. I have had mine for about 2 years now and love it. it is great to use all natural helthy products free from packaging and the dreaded additives and preservatives. God Bless. Kylie
I will for sure look into one. I have not heard of a Thermomix. At this point…I am open to anything that will make this transition easier! Thanks so much!
Thank you so much for putting it all out there! I feel like as women we try not to worry others with our issues. We are so busy taking care of everyone else, we but our issues on the back burner. I turn 40 this year and I am really having a hard time with aging and all that comes with it. So again thank you for being real! Love the blog & Instagram pics :) Sarah
I just wanted to share what my mom says. She struggled with hypoglycemia and severe chronic pain for many years. I honestly can’t remember the last time I saw her eat food that was brought to a party, or dunk a cookie in milk. She could never have dairy, sugar, and was starting to wonder if gluten was making her feel bad too. The past year she started seeing an allergy/chiropractor guy (I know that’s not the technical term, but I can’t think of what it is exactly) anyway, he is a doctor who practices Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET). You can check it out at naet.com Anyway, she is now able to eat all of those things!! And it has relieved a lot of her chronic pain. It is amazing! And it was easy she said. They do a treatment (completely pain free!) in the office and then you avoid that food or mineral or whatever for at least 25 hours. I just thought I would share in case it could help you as well. Thanks for sharing your story, I know it will inspire many women who have been struggling.
Wow, what a frustrating journey for you! I’m so glad you finally found a doctor who would listen to you and has helped you to find some answers. I’m sure it’s not easy having to make so many adjustments, but it must feel good to at least know what the problems are and that you have some control now. Thanks for sharing! Good luck!
Sumo:)
There is nothing like getting a proper diagnosis! Even though it’s not always good news, at least you are empowered to act, medicate, make changes, etc… I am so glad you kept it up and got the answers you needed. I had cancer for at least a year before I got a diagnosis. It was frustrating to say the least. I can not stress enough how important it is to trust your gut and what your body is trying to tell you. No one else knows how you feel. Again, happy for you that you got answers!! Much luck with your continued health and food journey.
Things happen for a reason ! I saw a post on pinterest I was going to pin and clicked on the link–yours. I’ve been reading for awhile now the responses to your post on your health issues (and others). Quite an eye-opener !!!!! I was diagnosed with celiac sprue 13 yrs ago. Then, 5 years later, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. When I went gf, I went from 130 lbs. to 170 lbs. in less then a month !!!!!! What a bummer !!!!! I have learned alot from the posts here that I am going to check out more info on. Thank you for posting and I hope you start feeling better soon !!!!
Awww, Amy…what a bummer! I’m glad you’re getting some answers. Good luck with your lifestyle changes. Keep us up-to-date, so we can cheer you on!
Aloha,
Charlie
I have been suspicious that I have thyroid issues as well. When I was pregnant with my 6th child, I got a thyroid biopsy. I wont lie, I determined then and there I would rather be tired and big than to ever have that test again. Ever. Anyway, I have been researching home helps for thyroid issues, and the one that kept coming back was the water fast. It is done basically to heal the body internally. Not sure what my thoughts are. Still praying about it and pondering it. Anyway, Best of luck in this new lifestyle. Hopefully your body gets a chance to heal.
That is a long time to feel rotten and not get a diagnosis. But I’m really glad you told your story; I’m encouraged to pursue it again when I go to the doctor again next month. I’ve had a lot of the same symptoms, though they come and go. That being tired all the time is the worst. Luckily, my kids are gone so if I can’t make myself get out of bed in the morning, I don’t.
I’ve tried the paleo diet, and have found some really good recipes. The problem I’ve found with most paleo recipes is that so many of them involve frying, even if in a small amount of oil, and even if coconut oil. Still, I’d rather not have fried foods. Good luck as you search for a diet of healthy food that leaves you satisfied too.
I feel your pain! Your symptoms are so close to mine. It has been a bit of a battle to deal with my similar food allergies (I add eggs and a few random things to the no-go list). It’s a little tricky to do gluten free and no milk, but there are some great recipes out there. I find soup is a must have… I just thank my lucky stars that I’m not like my friend Kim; she’s allergic to chicken and many many fruits and veggies. Just awful! Here’s hoping that it gets easier for you. I know the frustration can build. Thank goodness for all the websites and blogs out there that share info and recipes, and thank you for sharing your story! Hugs xo
Can I get the name of your doctor and the number because I have had some similar issues and my children and I am only 27. I have already had to have neck therapy and have never had trama to my neck to even cause it. It seems like so many doctors just say it’s your diet and lack of exercise which I can understand due to how I live and that fact that Amercan’s are known to be over weight but I try and it seems hard to get to feeling normal or like I should with having energy and all. I believe you live in Utah and I do so if you do and can give me the information that would be so great! Thanks for the post, it really made me feel better.
Oh my goodness. Your story is an answer to my prayers! First thing tomorrow morning I am making an appointment with a dr.! I have been having every single problem you named, including the bloating in the stomache. I’m so excited about this and hope that I can have the same help you got! If all else, I may have to fly up to UT and see your exact DR.! Thanks for posting this. Now I know I’m not crazy (Well, at least not as much as I thought I was!)
Also, I was wondering what the carpal tunnel in your wrists and elbows where attributed to? The thyroid or allergies? I have been getting this extremely bad lately as well!
Thanks for sharing your story. I have also been on my own personal health journey this past year. I just knew things weren’t right and have been working with a doctor to try and get things better. It’s really hard. Even though our issues are different it was helpful to read about another woman’s journey. It takes a lot to share these types of things! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing your story. It is the push I need to actually proceed with an elimidation diet I am reading about. I had a goiter had 1/2 of my thyroid removed a few years ago. I have been on thyroid medicine since and have really struggled to keep my vitamin D up also. I get sick a lot and with young kids in school, I get exposed to alot of things. I was really sick all thru last summer and finally got an answer – I tested positive for h. pylori. I am wanting to eat clean but just struggling with the motivate to stick to it. And I just found a book called The Plan which is an elimination diet where you add foods back in and see what your body reacts to. I can definitely tell that what I eat affects how I feel and my energy level. It won’t be an easy road but to hear that eliminating foods that your body is reacting negative to is helping you feel back to normal, I am going to give it is shot.
Hi, You don’t know me but I read your blog. I was interested to read about your thyroid and allergies but was interested that the symptoms you described sounded very similar to those of a friend. She isn’t actually allergic to those foods but to the genetic modification materials that so many foods are now treated with. I know this is a growing concern for many people. I’m suggesting you look into that. Also there is a blood test that will specifically pinpoint your exact food allergies. I have another friend who works with people with allergies and has found that the blood test works much better and more exactly than the elimination diet. The downside is that the test is rather expensive. She did the test herself though and found the exact allergy that had been plaguing her for most of her life. She does help people with the elimination diet and said that it is too general. Good luck. What a pain but you indeed are looking better and obviously feeling more like your old self! It was very smart to not just accept what the first Drs. told you and to continue looking for better answers!
Well this is obviously a hot topic, I’m really glad you shared your story! I was on the edge of my seat reading it because I too have a similar one. Unfortunately, I suffered over many more years and didn’t have much help from the medical field. I did a lot of research on my own then would go to my dr and ask for testing. Often I was ridiculed for doing that but I found the food allergies on my own and also the vit D deficiency. We found the thyroid issue then within a yr or 2; the food allergies, and there are a lot of them, a couple of years after that. I still find I have new sensitivities to foods on occasion and have to be very careful. I can’t eat corn unless it’s organic…so possibly think about foods that are Genetically Modified. Corn that is modified produces it’s own pesticides, I think that is what I react to not the corn. Another thing to consider, possible yeast over growth or Candida that can spread through out your body. It can cause food allergies or sensitivities. I struggle with this issue a lot and need to cleanse regularly. I have also been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia but most of those symptoms have disappeared once I was off the foods that bothered me.
Life is very different now and I grieved for how things were before. But you have to go on and learn to deal with it all. I am thankful for the internet because with out that I would not have had the resources for researching. Perhaps I would still be stuck in a recliner watching my life go by feeling miserable and sick and 50 lbs over weight.
I am so glad you are on the road to wellness.
I have children with severe food allergies and this group helped with information and recipes FANN: the food allergy and anaphylixis network at http://www.foodallergy.org/ . Thank you for sharing your journey.
Lori
Your story is just another example of how important it is to be proactive with your health. If you don’t feel like doctors are listening to you, you have to be willing to do your own research and seek out new doctors.
I had also given birth to my fifth child and when I started to experience many of the same symptoms as you. Weight gain, hair loss, irritable bowel issues, difficulty concentrating and strange aches and pains. I literally felt like I was dying. After seeing a number of specialists for each individual problem I was experiencing, it an orthopedist I saw for foot pain that suggested I have my thyroid checked. The number one sign that my thyroid levels are off is plantar fasciitis which is a condition affecting your feet.
It took me five long years to find doctors willing to listen to me when I told them that levothyroxine was not helping me. Five years to find a doctor willing to prescribe me Armour Thyroid. Five years to get my levels to a comfortable place.
It’s so very frustrating that the medical community doesn’t put more into the study of women’s thyroid problems. So many doctors rely on testing that simply isn’t sufficient in diagnosing the problem. So many want to blame it on approaching middle age or simply tell you it’s all in your head. When you start to research thyroid disorders you quickly discover that you are one of thousands and thousands of women who are being incorrectly diagnosed or incorrectly treated for the disorder. Further proof that you are your own best health advocate.
Hi Amy. I am dealing with the exact same issues. Hypothyroidism (my hair started falling out last year so we’ve been trying to get my medication adjusted. I’ve been on Armor Thyro for 8 years) and food and outdoor allergies including soy, tree nuts, and sunflower. I found a website that has some great recipes. It is for a processed-free lifestyle and it has been helpful. Check out http://www.100daysofrealfood.com. She even shows what she fixes for her kids’ lunches everyday to show that the whole family can eat this way. They have some meal plans to give you ideas as well. Send me any good recipes and tips you find as well. I’ve been trying to get a handle on this for a few years and it has been really hard making the change. Good luck.
Great article Amy. Thank you for sharing your story. Unfortunately pregnancy is one of the three key triggers in a woman’s life when thyroid issues develop or worsen, next to puberty and menopause. I too was diagnosed with hypothyroidism following the birth of my first son, although I’ve had symptoms ever since I was a baby. Unfortunately when I became pregnant again, my doctors were not aware of the dangers in pregnancy and were not aware of the pregnancy guidelines for thyroid function and I miscarried. It has been an uphill battle to get proper diagnosis and treatment. I am happy you have great doctors. Allergies are one of the hundreds of symptoms of hypothyroidism. The unfortunate part is that there are millions of women worldwide who suffer from thyroid disease, but they don’t know it. They live with terrible symptoms never getting the answer to their problems. I love reading articles like yours that help spread awareness.
I have done the elimination diet before when my baby whom I was nursing had severe eczema. It was hard, but I found if I focused on the food I could eat, instead of what I could not, I was a lot happier. Eventually I weaned him, and kept him off of wheat, dairy, corn, eggs, etc… for 6 months to 14 months, depending on the food. Now he seems to be allergy free. It was so hard to avoid all of those foods, but so worth it in the end! Keep it up!
I just found your blog and somehow came across this post (love your blog by the way). I suffer from hypothyroidism as well, except my TSH was a 21. What I’ve come to find out is that the TSH doesn’t matter as much as your symptoms. Mine also came about after the birth of children (in my case, twins #3 and #4). I have to tell you that getting wheat out of my diet is what finally made significantly improve. I am also on armour thyroid. If you haven’t already, I would highly recommend trying a wheat-free diet. It may just be the thing that gets you from feeling better to feeling great. I’ve had my thyroid condition for almost 3.5 years now… if you never advice or have questions, please feel free to contact me ([email protected]).
Thanks for sharing your story—while I’m glad to hear you have a diagnosis and are getting healthier with meds and diet, your experience with the doctors is all too familiar and makes me angry. Unfortunately, the medical profession is still overwhelmingly male and so many male doctors are completely dismissive of women’s complaints and health issues in a way they never would be if a male patient presents with the same symptoms. For years I struggled off and on with seeing doctors for my health problems (many of them similar to yours) and heard, variously, “maybe you should see a psychiatrist,” “have you tried antidepressants?,” “you’re probably just stressed out with everything you do,” “exercise is important for women of your age,” and so on. Arrggh. It turned out I had celiac disease. Finally one doctor took me seriously and I was diagnosed…I feel a lot better now since I’ve been gluten-free. But I also know many women with thyroid problems who spent years trying to get diagnosed. And tell me, since thyroid disease is so prevalent in women, why does it take doctors so long to figure that out and take the time to diagnose it properly? It’s maddening, and needs to change.
Good luck, and glad you are better.
Visit this awesome website about food allergies http://www.keelykitchen.blogspot.com she’s my good friend and she talks a lot about food allergies and autism it has helped a lot of people!
Thank you for sharing! Up until our first post about this, I was accepting what the doctors told me as fact because they know best right? After your first post, I decided to take control of figuring out what was wrong with me. Every time I went to docs and complained about all my symptoms, they told me I was depressed and put me on higher and higher doses of depression meds. After your post, I researched my symptoms and went in to the doc office and told them which tests I would like them to run. They came back abnormal. I told them it was not all in my head! I have done countless tests and still have more to go before a definitive diagnosis, but I credit you for putting me on the right path. Thank you again for sharing.
Wendy
Found your story on Pinterest;) I only have two kids but went through the exact things you described! I was told by several doctors that I was depressed and no one would listen. A very, very frustrating situation! I have been diagnosis end with so many allergies I can’t recall them all. After the birth of my son my hair started to fall out and it was finally determined I had a thyroid issue. After being on medication for it I was told I would spend the rest of my life on it. So not what I wanted to hear so I kept searching. Found ALL of my thyroid, allergies, and gallbladder issues are only symptoms of a hormonal imbalance!!! Through strong vitamins, progesterone, and iodine pills I am feeling better than ever and no longer have to take thyroid meds!!!! I have been on the same long road and pray that you continue to get better.
FYI if you haven’t discovered that peppers and potatoes are also members of the same family as tomatoes. If you have any additional symptoms and haven’t tried removing them from your diet, may want to consider. Oh yeah, tobacco is also a member of the nightshade family as well. I have full blown issues with this entire family and stay clear of tobacco smoke. My sinus and respiratory infections have decreased considerably. Best regards,
JR
That is great to know! Thank you so much for sharing that. It is such a day by day battle!
i got diagnosed with hypothyroidism in March 2013 my allergy dr found my issue as well i went to my family dr and she told me once i started the meds i would lose weight in no time well i lost about 20lbs and that was it then started having stomach issues at first the dr thought it was my gallbladder well it went on thru till March 2014 and was put in the hospital with a small bowel obstruction the dr said it would be a quick fix well it turned into much worse my bowel was swollen 2 times the size it was suppose to be they cut 5ins out and sent it off to be tested 2 weeks later it came to be i have eosinophilic enteritis which is most of the time due to food allergies so im about to go thru food allergy testing myself soon and i know i will have to change alot of what i eat thanks for sharing your story im sure it will help alot of others going thru the same thing and congrats on the weight lose :)
I just read this info about your health and can so relate. I had severe eczema/allergies/asthma as a kid but at 47 I had to quit teaching and became home bound due to my skin/health going crazy; I looked like a monster, honestly. I’ve had 8 doctors over the last 5 yrs, itching 24/7, with no meds to help..have just about gone insane. My swelling and red, raw skin are now better controlled due to going on an immuno- suppressant (our last desperate resort, but I had tried everything..ie Paleo, natural products, herbs, tested for everything…you name it! After ALCAT testing, my results showed I was allergic to hundreds of foods which left me bewildered and impossible to eat ANYTHING! So, along w/ the chemicals and environmental allergies I already knew about, I felt hopeless. (I can’t tell you the research I’ve done and still do.) Presently, I’m looking into histamine intolerance and seriously considering starting my own blog. Meanwhile, I just have to continue to trust God every minute of the day. I can tell you one thing, it’s showed me what true faith and trust looks like! Blessings to you!
Hi Amy,
I want to share the story of my battle to be heard. You see I to have had to fight through doctors who only saw a fat women sitting on their exam table. They didn’t look beyond or listen to what I was telling them. For almost 15 years I kept going from doctor to doctor complaining about the symptoms I was experiencing.
• Thinning hair.
• Dry skin.
• Brittle nails.
• Cold skin.
• Inability to tolerate cold.
• Cough that would last for months (No we’re talking 4-5 months)
• Feeling like I was being choked if I had anything around my neck (i.e.: Turtle Neck, choker necklace) sometimes laying down would be even worse.
• Feeling tired, sluggish, or weak. (We’re talking slug here, I would feel like I had run a marathon my muscles felt exhausted)
• Memory problems, depression (only when I would question my sanity), or difficulty concentrating.
• Heavy or irregular menstrual periods that may last longer than 5 to 7 days.
• An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).
• Modest weight gain, often 10 lb or less. (to date of my diagnoses I was 120 lbs. overweight) I would gain weight even when I dieted and exercised.
• Swelling of the arms, hands, legs, and feet, and facial puffiness, particularly around the eyes.
• Muscle aches and cramps.
The doctors would tell me to “Watch what you eat” and those who did run blood test would only run the blood test they didn’t want to go any further to figure out what was wrong with me. My thyroid test would always come back in the “Normal Range” but where on the normal range was I? I began to believe that they only saw a fat middle age women coming in and complaining they never went beyond that to hear what I was saying. Actually I know that’s what they were doing.
It wouldn’t be until 2006 when I went to see a new OB/GYN for my yearly exam (New insurance = new doctor) and I stepped on the scale. The world came crashing down around me and I couldn’t take another “Watch what you eat” I just spent the last three months on a liquid diet and gained 10 pounds. 10 pounds! Geez! I just spent the last three months drinking liquid meal replacement and exercising and watching everyone around me eating all of the good stuff. Steak, Fish, Chicken, vegetables, pasta. You name it I fixed it for everyone else to eat while I drank crappy meal replacement drinks and I gained 10 pounds. I just broke down right there on the scale in her office. I’m talking hysterical sobbing. She even asked if I needed something to help calm me down. “YES! DAMN IT LISTEN TO ME!” After calming me down I explained once again what my symptoms were and another round of blood test was ordered and I even told her what the results would be before I left her office. A few weeks later when I came back for the results I was right the T4 was in the infamous “Normal Range” but she wasn’t satisfied with the results. She knew there was something going on especially since I had a new symptom.
My new symptom was the feeling of a string being pulled across my neck. I would feel it for hours and would keep rubbing my neck even though I knew there was nothing there. The feeling of being choked was starting to be a little too much and I felt like I was losing my mind. Instead of telling me that I needed therapy which I was prepared for she ordered two tests. An Ultra Sound and Cat Scan and what came back proved that it wasn’t in my mind at all. The results showed multiple nodules and suggested a “Fine Needle Biopsy” which would never be done.
I was referred to an endocrinologist which after waiting almost two months I was able to get in and see. This time I was told that I had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and placed on medication. He didn’t feel that I needed a biopsy and a week later I would receive a letter in the mail telling me that the doctor I was referred to had decided to retire so I was to see him one more time before having to wait six (6) months to see a new doctor. He also didn’t do the biopsy instead he wanted to increase the medication then sent me back for another Ultra Sound which would show that the multiple nodules have disappeared so it seemed. But I was still having the same symptoms.
So after a few months of increasing my medication. During this time I started getting the sensation that the best way to describe it is that it felt like someone had a rope around my neck and choking me. At first it was happening so far apart that I didn’t put it together but it quickly became a problem as I was constantly rubbing and scratching my neck. So I explained what was going on at my next visit and I was given two options I could continue trying the medication and see what happens or have my thyroid removed (Keep in mind I NEVER had a biopsy). I figured I was going to be on medication anyway let’s just remove it. So on February 1, 2007 I would have a total Thyroidectomy. It would be two weeks later that my husband and myself would receive the shocking news from my surgeon. I had Papillary Thyroid cancer and had no idea. The surgeon looked up at us to see the shocked look on our faces. Looking back at my file he realized that I never had a biopsy so we had no idea that I had cancer. This is the same cancer that Roger Ebert had and if I hadn’t had the surgery I could have been looking at the same fate.
Throughout the 15 years of trying to get a doctor to see more than a fat women sitting on the exam table I was made to feel like I was a hypochondriac. I had doctors and PA’s medicating me for depression instead of what I was telling them. They even tried to tell me I had acid reflux. When I asked them how they got “I feel like I’m getting choked when I lay down or if I have anything around my neck like a turtle neck” to being acid reflux is beyond me. Needless to say I didn’t go back to them I did send them a copy of all the lab reports and finding of the ultrasound and cat scans and a letter stating that next time they should listen to their patients and not ignore what they are telling them.
The reason I didn’t give up was because I had seen the movie “It’s Always Something The Gilda Radner story”. In the movie there is a scene where she tells Gene that the doctors are trying to make her feel like it is all in her head. Like she is a hypochondriac and she is so frustrated and angry because no one will listen to her symptoms. In the end one doctor did listen and found she had cancer. She had to fight for a doctor to listen to her and her symptoms. It’s sad that we have to fight to get a doctor to listen to us. I was one of the lucky ones. I caught my cancer in the first stage while others are still fighting to be heard.
Don’t stop fighting to be heard. If you feel you have something wrong and a doctor won’t listen to you. Find another doctor. If you have symptoms fight to be heard.
Hi. I would love to know how you are feeling now? Have you posted any updates? I have the exact same problem as you (thyroid & same allergies). I’ve been on an AIP protocol since Jan 2014. I still feel like something is missing. My joints still ache and my face is still puffy. I did switch to Armour this past June. Thank you.
I would love to know the name of the doctor! I live in SLC and have autoimmune diseases. Going paleo has changed my life! My mom has RA, osteoporosis, and hypothyroidism. I told her that changing her diet could help her too but she thinks it is in my head. I think she needs a doctor to give her a kick in the pants! Lol :)
I just found your website and love it! I had to suddenly give up dairy, gluten, refined sugar, and much more. It was hard, very frustrating, and upsetting at times. I turned to the paleo lifestyle, and I discovered many yummy meals I could now eat! One of my favorite paleo bloggers and authors is Danielle Walker at Against All Grain. Check her out if you haven’t heard of her! God bless!
Thank you so much! I will have to check her site out!
o my word!!! Suffice to say It sounds like I need to go see a allergist!!! I take armour thyroid as well but I look nine months pregnant I’m so bloated and miserable. Thank you. Thank you for sharing
You are so welcome! I hope you can find some answers! I know how miserable it can be!
Hi,
Thankyou for sharing with us. I have been going through the same symptoms after my 2nd baby in 2005.The doctors earlier blame that to hypothyroid (postpartum).Now they think its hashimoto thyroid but all the symptoms are exactly like yours. Bloating, constipation,hives,puffy face,aches and muscles pain.i don’t no what to do now its been almost 10 yrs.
Hope you are able to get it under control. So sorry.
Wow, Thank you for sharing your story. Mine is very similar. I have had Hoshimotos thyroiditis since 2006. Which was 4 years after my son was born. Always have had issues of not feeling well. My immune system is always lower than it should be. I had issues this year with my throat feeling like something was stuck. Ended up going to the allergist. I’m allergic to 5 major foods that are in everything! Corn, yeast, garlic, coconut, and fish. It has been such a challenge to find good food to eat. I understand your struggle and pray that you are doing well. Thanks for letting me know I’m not walking this path alone! :)
It is definitely challenging. Thank you so much for your kind words. Hope you are doing well. Have a wonderful day!
Sounds so similar. I’ve heard the word “epidemic” used by a friend that just had a cancerous thyroid removed. Did you ever find some yummy paleo-esq recipes?
I feel like I’m reading a blog written about myself. Although in addition to all of the puffiness, I also have tongue swelling that has gotten worse and worse over the years, often landing me in the ER because it gets so bad.
I have been so so many doctors and no one will listen or help. They try to give me more prescription meds and nasal sprays, but I know my issue is exactly the same as yours – thyroid and food allergies.
Can you PLEASE tell me the name of your doctor? I’ll go anywhere to find someone who cares and doesn’t want to put a band-aid on my health issues, that have literally debilitated me over the years. My list of “can have” foods is around 25 at this point. Very frustrating.
Thank you for sharing! And for possibly changing my life!
– Kristine
Wow. Finally I see that I am not alone in this battle. For some years now I have been fighting the symptoms of hypothyroidism – dry skin, weight gain, constipation, exhaustion….. The weight gain and inability to lose it is the most frustrating part. I gained over 70 pounds in one year and had not changed my diet or exercise regimen. My doctor kept patting me on the hand and asking me if I was sad (I was getting close to the menopause age). I finally told him that no, I was not sad…I was mad. I was angry because he was not listening to me and my every concern was attributed to menopause. I was angry because I was not over eating and yet still I continued to gain weight. I was angry because I was abnormally tired all of the time. I was annoyed by the dry skin…the constipation…the inability to judge distances correctly…the list goes on. I used to be very energetic and active. Even on the Synthroid I have not felt like myself. It is better….but I do not have anywhere near the level of energy I used to have. It seems that the medical world assesses the TSH levels in a range of “normal” for all……rather than a normal for the individual. I’m not sure how they would ascertain what was normal for each of us, but I do know that just reaching that range considered a low norm is not enough, at least not for me. I have never considered a food allergy to be contributing to the problem. I will have it checked out for sure. Best wishes to all of you as you continue to fight it.
Good Luck to you as well. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing. I have been dealing with hypoglycemic for years and all I have ever been told was to stay off sugar and high starches. It has been only by freak accidents and starting to read my own syptoms that I am learning there are foods the I am allergic to. Two of them is milk and any thing with caffeine rather artifical or natural. After reading this I am going to see if I can find a doctor who will run s I me allergies test on me. Again thank you for sharing.
I was diagnosed hypothyroid 23 years ago and have been taking medication since then, but still have so many symptoms, most noticeably and frustrating constipation and bloating, I definitely look 8 months pregnant at night for sure. I had no idea this could be related to food allergies, but are the allergies also related to the hypothyroid condition? It is so frustrating to have every doctor tell you that your thyroid levels are normal and there is nothing else they can do to help with the symptoms. And every single doctor I have told of my constipation ( literally go once every week or even two!) tell me that’s normal – for me. Really?! What is the other test that I can ask for beside the tsh levels? Thanks for reading and for posting this! I know it helped me.
I loved hearing your story. It inspires me. I have felt lowsy for years with alot of the same symptoms. I would love it if you send me the name of your Dr??
I’m 21 years old and I have all the same symptoms you started out with. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, but I was always too scared to take synthroid-levothyroxine and the organic medications only because my sister reacted badly to them and she is a RN (who decided to stop taking them ) just reading your post made me feel more aware of the things I’ve started to ignore that affect my everyday life this is a great post! Very enlightening thank you !!!
Hope you getting feeling better. It can be very frustrating at times.
Hi Amy
I am on a similar journey as yourself. I didn’t like my new found eating plan, neither! But, I found its VERY helpful to concentrate on all that we CAN eat vs. ALL that we cannot eat. The benefits far outweigh the food which I miss. I just enjoyed an amazing recipe with lentils, sweet potatoes, garlic, cumin and smoked paprika :) I wish you continued success and great health for you and your beautiful family! !!! Blessings to you :)
Sandee
Great attitude! Good Luck to you in your journey!
I had a lot of the same symptoms, especially the bloating and intestinal issues. A few years ago I started eliminating chemical sweeteners and eventually I switched to completely clean eating. No chemicals, no canned, bottled, boxed foods etc. I am 100% better now. Amazing, in comparison to how sick I had felt. It makes you wonder what garbage are being put into our foods
Makes me wonder also. Hope you are feeling better now!
I felt like I was reading my life!! After my second child my life was just not quite right! I workout constantly, run and lift weights. I can sleep 8 hours and feel like I have not rested at all!! I just had an ablation for irregular menses and have an appointment to see gastroenterologist this month for chronic constipation. I too, have been tested and told my thyroid levels are normal. I changed my diet to paleo two years ago and found it to be extremely helpful. I still have fatigue issues as well as constipation?. Check out against the grain cook book? .
Thanks for the book suggestion! I will!
Hi! I was wondering if you are a type O blood type, it seems to me there is some chance that all type Os may be suffering from our diets. You should read the Blood Type diet/and/or the genotype diet book. Very informative and there are recipes.
Amy – your story is so helpful for people like me. I am 22 years old and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 2 years ago. Although the long journey of making my levels normal has occurred, I constantly feel sick (bloated and exactly like your baby description above). I CANNOT find a doctor that takes me seriously. I’ve searched and feel like I’ve given up because I do not have the time or money to figure it out. In terms of allergies… where would you start? Is it similar if I take out food options one by one and see if I feel better? Otherwise is it easy to get referred to an allergist? I’ve seen SO many doctors and the range of answers they give me is actually quite comical… Like old age and this is just how I am supposed to feel… I was diagnosed at 20 years old…. This is not old age! Any words of wisdom would be grateful! Happy New Year!
Thank You so much for writing about your journey! You’ve inspired me to shop around for another doctor…and maybe write about my own journey with chronic illness. I wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter! :-)
Your Story could be mine…… For ten years I have a had a myriad of health problems all written off by my doctors, even with a growth found on my thyroid 8 years ago they were not proactive and told me we would follow it yearly…. I finally began seeking help of a naturopath and she could identify with some testing that my thyroid needed further investigation… It was then that the GP decided to look at the growth closer….it had grown and they were afraid it was cancer. I had the benign tumor and my left thread removed in August with no follow up care for what to expect with half my thyroid…..I had a thyroid crash that was the final straw….I took the approach of interviewing doctors until I found one that would actually work with me and listen to everything I had to say…. after addressing the thyroid with appropriate medicine we did food allergy and sensitivity test and like you I was shocked at my results.
I feel so hopeful now to know that diet ( paleo) can be the answer to helping my Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Syndrome, Estrogen Dominance, Fatigue, low immunity, brain fog etc……
The answer seems so simple but we have all had to be our own advocates to find the answer!
Best of Luck!!
Best of Luck to you as well! Thanks for sharing your story
Amy, thanks so much for sharing your story. As I was reading through it, especially the part about finding out your food allergies, I felt like I was reading my own life story. I had been feeling the same way you had in the past- just not myself, no energy, wanted to sleep all the time, just yucky all over. And just like you I ended up going to an allergist after realizing that my primary doctor was just giving me meds to mask my problems and not help reduce or get rid of them. My breaking point for me was when I broke out in hives all over for a month straight. Finally went to an allergist, and was tested for everything. Thank God all my tests came back normal, although I still do believe my thyroid may be the major issue going on even though my tests can back normal. Thyroid issues runs on my mother’s side- she has it, my grandmother, my aunt, uncle and a lot of cousins all have thyroid issues. I also took a food allergy test and found out I’m allergic to corn, soy, oats and barley. I’ve already been eating gluten free for awhile now, which has helped my energy level a lot. But now factoring in my new allergens, its been hard and frustrating grocery shopping, cooking… just like what you experienced. I’m so glad I came across your post today, it really helped me out a lot. I just have to remind myself that my new eating habits will be a definite lifestyle change and a challenging journey, but I’m all for it if it’ll make me healthier. Thanks again!!
So glad my story has helped you. Hope all goes well with your new challenges. Thank you!
This sounds so much like me. Please keep me informed. I’m going to start getting more tests than I have been given in the past. You are the first person that has given me hope. Thank you.
Good Luck in your journey!
I have had some of the same struggles. I found the Whole30 books and eating lifestyle very helpful threw my healing process. Good luck stay strong it gets better.
Thank you so much and good luck to you as well!
Hi! I noticed your article about hypothyroidism on Pinterest and wanted to see what it was about. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in March of 2014 but have been chronically ill since October of 2013. I still have on going symptoms that are extremely painful and brought me to the point that I don’t work anymore. I also have a ton of food restrictions but not one of my doctors have ever recommended getting an allergy test. My 3rd GI in the last two years just gave up on me and thinks this is all in my head. I just want you to know you aren’t alone. It sucks to have to give up so much food that we love!!! I also write a blog; specifically about my pain and journey and food recipes. The majority of the food posts I put on there you should be able to eat. I’m still trying to figure out if tomatoes are a no no for me. If you want some more help with meals you can also check out AIP (auto-immune protocol diet) because I bet that is the diet you need to be on! Hope this help.
Thank you so much! I will look into the AIP. Hope you can figure out what is going on with you as well! So sorry. It’s frustrating.
I started on a paleo diet 3 years ago after having chronic hives for most of my life. I dropped 50 pounds without really trying and my hives disappeared. Also had some constipation and acid indigestion and those disappeared as well. I have reintroduced a small amount of dairy (raw, organic) into my diet and that seems fine. Added CrossFit 2 years ago. I HIGHLY recommend paleo for people with digestive issues and allergies. I can be customized to work with various chronic conditions and the “clean” eating really makes sense for everyone. Processed foods are poison!
So glad you found what works best for your body. Great tips and advice. Thank You!
I felt your pain!!! I too suffered, knowing something was terribly wrong, while doctors too quickly dismissed me. Even though my thyroid tests finally were in the normal range, I was not normal. It took 3 years of hell…before my own research into medical journals helped me understand all the things the thyroid affected. Then I found a book, the thyroid solution, with many women who experienced the same frustrations. Once I convinced my doctor to try the new protocol of medicine that the book identified…my self…came back…and nearly all of the many symptoms went away.
So glad you are doing better and that you were able to figure it all out!
Hi, I went through a lot of what you went through with a bit more unfortunately. After my second child, I had tunnel vision and I didn’t have any strength, especially in my arms. I was losing weight like crazy, terrible thin, overly warm, headaches, vision problems, going a hundred miles an hour totally exhausted. I found out I had Graves Disease, a type of Hyperthyroidism. I was able to maintain for ten years. Then I started to lose my vision, so I underwent Radio-active Iodine treatments. I was severely allergic to the treatments. They thought I would die and I, at times, wished for it. But I slowly over three years regained some of myself. I now have Hashimotos Thyroiditis. I was caring for my family, extended family, ect. Being there for everyone but myself. A few years later I started to have bad allergies to my place of work and environmental things. A few years later my family was in a car accident and after that I hit the mother load of autoimmune disease, at least five that can be certified. I was allergic to food, environment, animals, chemicals and medications. I was down to water and peas and I couldn’t leave my home/bedroom. After many doctors who told me I was mentally unstable, an Allergist put me on the right path to health again. Through the Allergist and colleges of his, I am able to leave my home and eat more than peas. I will never be the old me, but at least I have a me to be. I have a lot of health issues, more than some think is possible and still be sort of standing. The adjustment has been very difficult and my marriage is stronger and my children are kind-hearted souls who care for humanity. So I am lucky, I know others who have not been so. You are your own best advocate, you are worth fighting for. Good luck and God Bless.
Thank you for your story and encouraging words!
Your story touched my heart! I pray for you & hope that things are getting better for you! God bless you & your family!
Hi! Are you still on thyroid meds? I was recently told from my ent that I had a hyperthyroid…. I have a nodule on my right thyroid ( have had it since I was pregnant with my third baby) nodule is benign but I have it checked yearly. I was surprised when he said I had a hyper thyroid… I feel pretty good. No insomnia, no rapid heart rate, ect. Anyway he wants to do the iodine test but I decided to go back to my gluten free diet and no caffeine to see if that helps before putting radioactive iodine in my body!! I’m so happy you were diligent about getting your health back!
Hope the gluten free diet works for you. Best of luck in your journey!
I have suffered for years with hypothyroidism and have had extreme issues with low sugars, and gastrointestinal stuff. I will most definitely look into allergy testing. Thank you.
Great. Hope the testing helps you figure out what is wrong. It can be so frustrating.
I love you. I have the same problem and the same problems.
I hope you are able to figure your healthy issue out!
Reading your post was such an encouragement. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. God bless you, and your family.
Thank you for sharing. I have had a similar experience with how I have felt for years and thyroid tests that came back high. The doctors always wanted to “keep and eye” on it. I have eaten mostly Paleo for several years. Just a month ago I was diagnosed hypothyroid. Please look into Whole 30.
I will, thank you for the suggestion.
Hi thanks for your story.
I fully understand I am in a similar situation -hypothyroid coeliac. Also on armour thyroid which is a vast improvement on levithyroxine.
But even after keeping to a strict gluten free diet I found I was still getting the tell tale stomach symptoms.
Then I spotted a website that suggested that you can cure coeliac. Yes it is drastic and eliminates so much however I have really enjoyed the benefits and have not been overly strict.
I do therefore understand what it’s like to feel like you are missing out and it sometimes feels unfair. But when you summarise what you can eat you still have lots of choice and you will be the winner long term.
Keep going and those sad moments will become fewer.
Good luck
Kay
Thank You for the words of encouragement. That was very thoughtful!
I could have written this story! My 5th threw everything out of whack, and then there was #6. Getting checked for hypothyroidism is on my to-do list.
Good Luck. I hope you find some answers.
We are an allergy & thyroid family. A few great resources to get & keep you on the road to health include THE ALLERGY-FREE COOKBOOK NO Eggs No Dairy No Gluten No Nuts by Alice Sherwood. This cookbook will equip you to read labels, shop, stock the pantry, host/celebrate & where to eat out. Quick-fix Healthy Mix by Kellar & Kellan Munoz let’s you customize your own shelf-stable mixes for the time-crunch days. Another that is helpful may be WHAT YOUR Dr. MAY NOT TELL YOU ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA by Dr. St. Amand…this will surprise you with the many parallels to your own story, allergies, sensitivities and energy deficiencies. Thank you for your courage to share your story, both the challenges & the victories!
Thank you so much for the book recommendation. I will have to check it out.
All of this (including the thyroid malfunction) sounds like a gut issue. Heal the gut, and many of these problems should go away. I hope the elimination diet is helping with that process for you.
Thank you It is getting better slowly.
Thank you so much for posting this. I feel for you every step of this journey, and have lived a very similar story myself. Hopefully your story will help other young women that are casually brushed aside by the medical community!
Thank you. I hope so too!
Wow Amy dear! You have just described me! Those are the exact same symptoms that I began having somewhere after the birth of my second or third child in 2005-2006.
It began with hair loss. My shower would get clogged. I would blow dry my hair outdoors because there was so much of it landing on the bathroom floor. I’ve suffered anxiety and irritability for years. I was just diagnosed with thyroid last October 2105. Exactly one year before in 2014 I developed a horrible skin rash on my arms and legs that worsened over time and spread to my whole body. It was accompanied by carpal tunnel in both arms. I had also gained 20 pounds. I was a runner too! I thought it was due to my job sitting at a computer after a year in that field. Then I got extremely cold all of the time! I was wearing cardigans in the summer! It gets to 125° at the hottest point where I live.
Oh I’ve gotten bloated in the same way you’ve described. Yup. I look ready to give birth.
Although I’ve been on a thyroid pill since October and have noticed that the eczema is not as bad ( it was baaad), but I continue to break out. I asked my doctor to refer me to an allergist but she thinks it’s pointless. She sent me to a dermatologist instead. They have me on Claritin and a topical cream for my skin. Again, I’ve seen improvement. But. I know I need to see an Allergist. I’ve had eczema all of my life but it tends to flare up during stress and just before my menstrual cycle but it’s been consistent since my thyroid and doesn’t go away.
I’m trying to get a referral to see an Allergist. But having medical insurance thru government assistance is impossible.
I’ve been failing over and over to do an elimination diet. I have some books to get me started. I’m asking for the Lord’s help amd believing for a miracle.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Thank you for sharing your story.
God bless you!
Marcie
I hope you find the answers that you are looking for! It can be so frustrating.
I am so glad to find this post. Your story sounds just like mine. It has taken almost 10 years and me actually doing my POA because I truly believed I was going to die before finding the answers. Which were, my thyroid and severe allergies to wheat, dairy, tomatoes and all peppers. I am about three weeks into armor thyroid treatment and 7 months into a new eating regimen. I am already feeling much better. I did the same thing in reverse. Found the allergies and thought they were the problem. Lost a bunch of weight really fast and after a couple of months just felt like crap again. Began struggling hard physically. Sleeping all the time and I mean all the time. Foggy brain, horrible memory, horrible joint pain all the time. Luckily, I have an amazing dr that also did a thyroid hormone test bc of my symptoms.
Hope you are doing better now! It can be a long journey and very frustrating. Hope you are finding the answers you are looking for!
I have been diagnosed with a hypothyroidism and I have most every symptom that you do, I feel so encouraged after reading your story, thanks for sharing!
Thank you and good luck in your journey. Hope all is well now!
Omg I’m going thru so much of the same thing. Just today I was basically made to feel I was crazy and was told to talk to my other doctors about the weight gain and other issues. And they will be doing a biopsy of a nodule found in my thyroid, but my TSH levels are normal so it can’t be my thyroid that’s what I was told. I’m so frustrated! Thank you for this story!!!
So sorry! It can be so frustrating!!! Hope you find out what is going on.
I have been researching a lot lately hypothyroidism due to taking levothyroxin for 18 years and i am tired of struggling everyday to feel normal. I feel like im getting new and worsening symptoms. I now i need a specialist just not sure where to turn. My anxiety ,memory, aches and pains also appetite, immune system and so on getting out of control. It’s hard to find understanding if you aren’t going through it. It’s nice to know I’m not alone. Glad you have your husbands support. I will be looking into finding an allergist or specialist to help me get back to being me. ❤Linda
I hope you find some answers. It can be so frustrating!
Thank you for this. I have been “suffering ” with a thyroid condition for 27 years. (coincidentally after my child was born). It used to be hyperactive where everyone, including the doctor, were trying to get me to gain weight. When i hit menopause it flipped to hypo. I gained 60 pounds within three months and haven’t been able to lose any of it. It’s been very difficult. I had a food allergy test done and i have the same problem that you do. No corn, wheat, dairy (what else is there )! I cannot get on track. The mid section bloating is terrible and now i have been diagnosed with diverticulitis. I am always tired. There Is no end to my feeling of depression about the way I look. Could You please post some of your menus so i could try that. Thank you again.
It can be so frustrating. I hope you find some answers as to what is going on! Here are some gluten free recipes you could try: http://www.theidearoom.net/2015/03/gluten-free-dinner-recipes.html
I have hypothyroidism and feel exactly the way you do, same symptoms, everything! I have been battling this for 15 years. I live in Weat Virginia and cannot find a doctor that will even listen to me and none will prescribe be armours thyroid. Glad to hear your story, very encouraging!
I hope that you find the answers you are looking for. It can be a long journey and so frustrating at times. So sorry!
I was born with hypothyroidism and have struggled all my life exspecally when i became 14 and the doctor informed me t hst i have an eptopic underactive thyroid which i will have to live with. Im now 21 and pregnant with my first and since becoming pregnant the medication has stopped working I’m now on 525mg of levothyroxine a day with all the symptoms, did your medication ever feel like it’s stopped working?
I would say no…that my medication is working but if I were her I would seek out another doctor that specializes in Endocrine and Hypothyroidism. That is a high dosage of meds. The pregnancy could be changing it as pregnancy can be stressful on the thyroid.
Got really teary reading this. I have unofficially been diagnosed with underactive thyroid , I say unofficially as here in Ireland unless your thyroid is at absolute rock bottom they won’t even consider giving you medication. So I am trying to do it holistically but progress is very slow and ive been getting really frustrated with all the symptoms. I also went to be allergy tested and gluten, dairy, yeast, sugar, soy, tomatoes, peppers and mushrooms came up.being vegetarian already this feels like the last straw as I struggle some days to know what to eat and I get so frustrated and angry. I know I need to do this to get well but it so easy to say than do. ? thanks for your post xx
This journey can be so frustrating. Hope you find more answers and food that you can eat! Positive thoughts sent your way!
This is exactly what had been going on with my 25 year old daughter. I can’t even tell you how much pain and frustration she , and I , have been through!! Finally got a diagnosis with an allergist a few months ago. Thank God for a physician that listens. This has gone on for years. Im going to forward her your article!!! Thank you so much!!!
So glad you found answers. It can be so frustrating. Sending positive thoughts your way!
I am 23 mother of 5 with similar problems but have yet to find a doctor who listens to ALL of my problems, they usually hear one and just treat the one, now I’m stating to think all could be linked, because of my hard time finding foods I agree with I have pretty much given up eating except in times I’m starving (yes I know this is also not good but I would rather not eat then deal with the problems and I’ve put up with them for long enough.)
Thank you this gives me hope that maybe I’ll find a doctor who will listen and I can start to be my old healthy self again.
I hope you can find answers also. It can be so frustrating!
This could have been my story. It mirrors my experience almost identically. You have probably been told this already but look up AIP paleo diet. (Autoimmune paleo) and if you are looking for fantastic recipes… Check out Danielle walker, against all grain. Her stuff is amazing. It has allowed me to replicate almost anything I am missing to stay eating healthy.
I will have to check that out. Thanks for the suggestion! Good luck on your journey!
Where was the doctor located that you went to?
In Layton, Utah.
Thank you for sharing. I might need to see an allergist now. I have a lot of the same symptoms. I struggle with dishydrotic eczema and have been having constant battles with it for one year now. I’ve always thought it was stress. Now I’m beginning to think its food. I’m always tired. I crash after I eat. On and off Constipation has been an issue for two years now. The list goes on. I feel crazy sometimes but have chocked it down to premenopausal symptoms. Which, it could be. I just want to thank you for sharing.
Hope you find answers!
Where did you start with the gut healing
3 moths ago I began allergy shots for seasonal and indoor stuff.things went haywire now with insane food allergies. Soy all legumes melons sesame. Cashew
And many oas issues with nightshades.
No idea where to begin. Migraines so no nitrates tyrammine msg fermented sulfites either now
Any suggestions would be great. Waiting for some. Consulting as labs way out of wacky since this started.
So sorry. It can be so frustrating! Finding a great doctor that will listen is huge. Good luck in your journey!
I’m on the same journey, unfortunately I wasn’t diagnosed until I was well into my 50’s with auto immune Hashimoto’s disease and several other auto immune issues. I’m seeing a functional medicine Doctor (holistic). And had to go through two of them because the first one had me on so much T3 I was itching all over with folliculitis for an entire year before I ditched her and was blessed enough to find my new doc. Still working on healing the gut and weight loss. I totally relate to your initial emotional state. Angry (why didn’t they know this?) Sad (this just wasn’t fair). Frustrated and overwhelmed (such a HUGE lifestyle change). I get it. Emotions all over the place. And yet, at last…there were answers. I dug in and began reading. My friends now say I should hang out my own sign and charge people for the knowledge I now have about this subject. It’s funny how you can now detect the symptoms in others. Although not everyone is like you and I, and willing to do the work. I recently purchased an EBook that has some great Paleo recipes by a great gal. Her book is He Won’t Know It’s Paleo. You’ll love her story and her recipes. That said, I think your success is due to your original comment. You prayed with your husband and your plans were successful. Proverbs 16:3. God bless you and all your new healthy lifestyle endeavors.
The journey can be so frustrating. I will have to check out that book. Thanks for the suggestion!
Hi. Thank you for this info. A naturalist doctor tested me about five years ago and figured out that I have hypothyroid, he prescribed Armour Thyroid which seemed to work problem is he retired and my PCP will not continue the process. So now they claim I have sleep apnea and uses a cap machine but I am still exhausted in the morning. . I will start to look for another Naturalist. I also notice that eating cheese and rice leaves me bloated (foods that I love ) I have to be committed to stay away from them to feel good. Thanks again
Hope you get some answers. Thanks for sharing!
I went thru something similar.. I started Synthroid AND a tiny dose of liothyronone to help my T3 free level for weight loss.. As you described, I have the problems you have been having with bloated tummy and constipation.. And still some energy problems despite my buto is being fantastic.
This article encouraged me to see an allergist. Thank you for sharing!
Wow! I thought I was reading my own story. I am still not “fixed” yet. One dr after another feels like if they make changes to my meds or anything else that they ” are stepping on the other Dr’s toes”!! Really! Are they not here to help me? My health, mind and body has been going down hill for the last 6-7 years. My last dr visit he told me I should concider weight loss surgery! I’m 70 pounds over weight but just losing weight isn’t my issue! Loved your story, and happy you and your dr’s figured it out! Thank you!!!
Hope you can find some answers! It can be a long journey and very frustrating! Prayer sent your way!
Wow, it’s like reading what I have just been through, well am going through, still have not found a doctor willing to look at my thyroid even though my hair samples came back with long term stress and my bloods were .2 below what my doctor said is the high level, so frustrating. I am however taking a herbal supplement to assist my thyroid and had food allergies test done, no dairy wheat corn garlic or onion for me arrgghhhh noo!!!! Garlic and onion were my staple, only 1 week in and still finding my way but feeling a lot better ?? Onwards and upwards from here ?
Hope you find the answers you need. Positive thoughts sent your way!
Amy!!! Thank you so much for this article. I am going through this exact same thing since this last December. I am so frustrated. My acupuncturist shows my thyroid is all over the place but I went to see a specialist and he was awful and condescending and told me to wait another 6 months before he will do anything. Ugh. I will try an allergist now. I am so frustrated but have hope now because of you. Thank you.
MJ
I truly hope you find answers. It really can be frustrating!
Wow! Thanks for writing this post. I have many of the symptoms you had and I really want to get an allergy test now. Sorry that you have to go through so much :(
Hope you find answers with your test. It can be a long road. Good luck to you.
i am still in search of that great dr who will help figure things out…i was reading everything i go through in your post its crazy…i have had my thyroid checked and its still on the normal scale..whatever normal is it was on the end of normal however and i was VERY low on vitamin D so they had me taking a huge dose of that to help but things still arent great. hopefully i can be as successful as you and find that dr who will listen (im not a real fan of going to drs though so the thought of searching and going to many different ones doesnt sound too appealing haha :D)
Hope you find the answers you are looking for!
Love your story. I’ve been dealing with thyroid for twenty two years and I noticed that I was also having alot of food allergies and with certain spices as well. My major problem was losing weight and still is. I have spent so much money joining gyms and health and nutritional diet aide but nothing really worked. But I started to research what are good foods for thyroid and what I should avoid. I have to say, it’s a working.progress and I’m looking forward to learning more.
Thanks for sharing your story! Good luck on your journey!
Thanks for this article! I have struggled with hypothyroidism for years… Still haven’t been able to lose weight after about 5 years of trying, no matter what I do! I also experience the severe food baby bloating, I will definitely be getting tested for food allergies after reading this article!
I hope you find answers. Good Luck!
So great! Just what I needed to hear…I’m going through the bloating stage right now and am misrable! Do you mind me asking what doctor you saw?? Id love to check him out. THANKS!!
Your story is exactly what’s been happening to me over the last eight years. Everyone dismisses it because I had a son and they said you’re getting older. I have a round face but it is alway puffy. I literally have every symptom you have. Doctors say you’ve gained weight you just need to exercise and lose it. I can exercise as much as I want and still feel like tired And lose nothing. I am also allergic to almost all foods. I can only have chicken, meat, fruit and veggies. I did go paleo and it helped. I take a ton of vitamins and that too has helped be I have yet to find a doctor that will help me. I wish you the best.
Thank you so much for sharing your story , I also have a thyroid problem and my hair has being falling out like crazy . I will look into the thyroid test immediately .
Oh my god! I felt your stort was mine! I dont have kids, im a 26 years old girl that is always tired, moody, allergic to new stuff everytime, my stomach is swallen, my wrist and elbow hurt so much and no one knows what it is… they have discovered my thiroid problem i think like 4 or 5 years ago but since then every two months im taking blood test because they have not been able to find the right medicament dose for me! Im exhausted!!! It reasures me to know im not the only one… i hope i could find a good doctor to help me solve everything!
Linama- I hope that you find answers!
Thank you for sharing! What is your dose of armour? It’s so hard to get regulated to the correct dose. :(
So glad I read this. I”e been going through a lot of the same and when they put me on tje low FODMAP diet I just about lost my mind. Don’t even think of eating anything in front of me if you wanted to live to see the next day. The stress of it was only compounding the issues. Off that for now but still got a long way to go to fix these issues.
Amy, Hope you find answers! Hugs!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I have my husband read it. For the last few years I have been experienced a lot of allergies and have been taken to the hospital several times. Today I carry two EpiPen with me. I still haven’t found a doctor that can diagnose me. So i decided to change my diet completely. I’m Spanish so we use a lot of herbs like cilantro, culantro, garlic, sweet peppers and onions. I mixed up my diet with the mediterranean and thai meals. Which are very healthy. Today I drink a lot of water and mix it with lemon, ginger and sometimes fruit. It not easy not being able to go out to eat with my husband. But I’ve learned to make many different foods. Like a chickpeas Burger it’s made with chickpeas and vegetables, it’s awesome! Thank you again.
It can be so frustrating. Glad you are finding foods that agree with your body!
Wow I needed this! Since I had my third baby I have had crazy stuff going on with my body and my story is long and frustrating. I am so grateful you shared your story! I have felt so off and have been treated like a nut case by doctors. I am currently pregnant but will be searching out a doctor that is like yours. If your in Utah maybe you could share him? ?
I think you and I are living the same life! I am right now 3 months in to incredibly miserable reflux and stomach issues. No help from any stomach/gerd meds….no help whatsoever! My stomach literally never feels good. From the time I wake until the time I just may fall asleep. I am a 20 year Graves turned hasimotos survivor on levothyroxine. Thinking I may be headed to the allergist….recently had an endoscopy that looked good. Tired and cold!
Patricia, hope you find answers!
Thank you. I had been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid at the age of 10 – my mother noticed a decrease in my activity and shethought I had diabetes.
I was told that of all the illnesses to have this was the best one as it was SO simple to treat. Just a pill a day!
Here I am now, in my 30’s, pouring over any and all thyroid related articles. No one mentioned food sensitivities. No one mentioned Hashimotos. No one talked about hair loss or consistant weight gain besides my medication. Despite my thyroid still being viaibly swollen. In 18 years it was a simply blood test for TSH levels and that was good enough.
I have switched doctors numerous times. I have struggled every day (not to sound dramatic) with criticisms and eye rollings when i mention how I don’t feel that eating a certain food sits well with me or that I get hives. No one believed me.I was a hypochondriac. I liked the attention.
Thank you for your story. Thank you for helping validate my own.
Diana, it can be such a frustrating journey. Hope you find answers!
Your symptoms and my own are so similar. During my pregnancy I told my Ob I was having terrible anxiety, something I never had before, it continued after I had my baby. I also had serious weight loss right after (which I now know was post partum hypothyroidism). I have just been diagnosed and my baby is 9 months. But I’m also having this odd bloating like you had, I think maybe I should see an allergist. Thanks for sharing
Lena, hope you find the answers you are looking for.
Amy, this was a great article! Thank you for sharing your experiences and findings :). I have Hashimoto’s–which is an autoimmune disease that attacks your thyroid–and symptoms are all the same as someone in the hypothyroid range like you. If you are ever in need of new recipes, check out AIP recipes, too! There’s a huge Paleo and AIP community with lots of recipe sharing (including creative ways to still enjoy all the things we love) and great ideas!
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. This is a hypothyroid condition. Sounds like what you have. It is horrible and no fun. I too have to change my diet. It is hard. Good luck with it all. It took me 2 years and numerous Dr’s, including a thyroid Dr, who told me the same things you were told. It was finally and Ent who diagnosed me. I saw a different thyroid specialist and he said that my thyroid would just die and nothing could be done. Really? Finally found a Dr who listens and has helped me a ton.
Jennifer, so glad you found someone that can find some answers!
I am facing the same dietary changes right now, and keep backing down. I lack the energy and cognitive focus to make it happen on a consistent basis. Reading your story helps me see that people can do this and I will survive an attempt to do the same. Thanks for sharing your story.
I feel like you just told my story. I too suffered from thyroid disease that went undiagnosed for years. It was finally my allergy doctor who after diagnosing me with 36 allergies (food and environmental) that said “I’d bet money it’s your thyroid.” He won that bet and I won my life back. Thanks for sharing your story as there are many of us suffering from the symptoms and feeling like no one believes us or wants to hear the whining.
Ann, hope you are able to find some answers!
Thank you sooooooooooooo much. I have been so down with this situation. I’ve found hope in God and he never leads me to a dead end. Thank you for these words of wisdom! I will be making appt a to get more test ran ect! Thank you and may God bless you and your family in his timing!
I truly hope you do find answers. It can be so frustrating!
It is so wonderful to know someone else is experiencing the same issues with food allergies. I have the same food allergies and many more. I am currently looking for an allergy nutritionist but I am not having any luck.
I have recently been tested for my thyroid but the doctor says it is fine. I am curious to see if this fits hand in hand with the allergies. I would love any input or experiences you may have come across. Thanks for your time! God bless you and your family.
Hello, I have been having a lot of similar issues and would love to see your doctor but no idea wwhere you are located, I am in seattle area can you advise if he is near here?
Janine
Janine- He is in Utah. Hope you find a doctor closer that can help! So frustrating!
My family made me have an alzheimers test, the Dr put my mind at ease I carried on as you did for 4 long years. On the up n up now thankfully. Thanks for a fabulous post
Amanda- So happy to hear you are doing well now!
Im suffering from Hypothyroid and my doctor gain me some medicine but I kept forgetting to take it & just stopped all together. I’m like u were, can take 3 hour nap & be ready for bed by 10 and then wake up ok but then come 9 o’clock be tired again. It’s miserable and I stopped taking the medicine because I noticed my hair starting getting thin at my forhead, at the corners. I know I should talk to my doctor and see if there is something else but I kept forgetting to make my appointment. It’s like things just totally slip my mind and it’s so frustrating and sad & nobody really knows what it’s like & my husband gets so angry with me for it & it hurts he doesn’t understand but I can see the frustration in him. This article has really helped me as I thought I was alone on this, well feeling all the same ways I do. Thank you so much for this!!!
I hope you can find answers. It can be so frustrating!
I am totally amazed because it sounded very similar to my own autobiography. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism almost 23 years ago. After several doctors and many years of yo yo symptoms and terrible weight gain, I finally convinced a doctor to allow me to try Armor Thyroid about 4 years ago. It has helped with many of the horrible symptoms but my brain fog, lack of organization and bloating has been miserable especially over the last six months. I had finally lost a considerable amount of weight in late 2015-early 2016 through praying and fasting. But I’ve had a tremendous amount of stress these last six months and gained so much of the weight back, which I thought that stress possibly was the culprit to continued weight gain. However, I am beginning to wonder with what you mentioned, that maybe I have developed food allergies. I need to look into this further and I thank you for your testimonial.
Brenda, I hope that you are able to find some answers. It can be a long and frustrating process. I know that there is help out there though. Good luck in your journey.
I thought I was crazy or it was all in my head! I struggled for a couple years with hair loss, sleepy, brain fog etc. I’ve lost at least half my hair, luckily I had a ton or I’d be bald (one doctor kept saying “normal shedding is 1-100 hairs per day.” She repeated it for everything I said including that I avoided combing my hair.). I could nap three to four times a day for an hour or more then sleep all night. I recently discovered a functional medicine doctor, he’s a family practitioner but certified in functional. He tested tsh, t3, t4, free t3, etc. I tested low normal, he said low normal wasn’t optimal and put me on Nature Throid plus b12 and D, both very low. One of those has helped with napping, I get sleepy but if I fall asleep it’s a 10 minute cat nap, huge improvement. This guy tested for gut health, had an issue, so antibiotics and Probiotics.
Having a doctor take issues seriously is huge.
Glad you’re better.
It really is huge! Thanks so much!
It looks like his was written a long time ago but I would love to know how you are doing now? I was finally diagnosed after seeing my family doctor, a gastroenterologist, my OB, and a cardiologist, and endocrinologist. Not a single one of them could put my symptoms together. After begging my OB for more tests and an ultrasound it was found that nearly all of my thyroid was abnormal except for a few small normal spots. I am finally finding relief with a treatment plan from a chiropractor (I kinda lost hope in western medicine) and supplements. I do take synthroid but am a little uncomfortable with what it does to my different levels that the endocrinologist feels are “normal”. I follow and have started teaching the Daniel Plan which has a great cook book and guide for eating. It’s all faith based and gives a better perspective on getting healthy. One thing I teach and am a BIG advocate on is cooking one meal for the entire family. I have 3 children (ages 6,4,3) and they eat what I can eat. My biggest restriction is gluten. My husband has lost 30lbs and my kids are the healthiest snackers! My motto is if it’s not good enough for me then it’s not good enough for my family. The types of foods that make me sick will most likely end up making them sick in the future. So the whole family did an overhaul on eating. I especially don’t ever want my kids to think I’m “dieting”.
Anyway…it’s a long journey but I love any opportunity to connect with people on the same road.
Sounds like you are getting things under control. Good luck on your journey.
I’ve been going through the same since I was 23. I lost eyelashes, then eyebrows, felt achy like I had the flu most days…couldn’t lose weight. I had anemia that started in my late teens, heavy periods. Never took vitamins because my mother didn’t believe in them!?
Doctors were worthless and I had no interest on medication… so I finally did the elimination diet. Gluten and sugars are my biggest causes of inflammation. I’ve cut them out completely and finally feel better. I also quit meat and dairy…and only eat organic whole foods. My kids are big, though my 18 year old son chooses to eat the same way. When my kids were young, like yours, it was hard to focus on myself. Now, though, I wish I’d raised them all eating this way, too.
Good luck with your struggles…and hope you find a comfortable new normal, soon.
Hilary-So glad you are finding some help!
Had many of the same symptoms, my doctor started by treating my guy! Robyenzyme and a vsl3 probiotics. Prior to this I would take some type of stomach medicine, Prilosec, tagement, Roland’s for indigestion, in the last 18 months I have not had indigestion but 2 or 3 times all along eating the spiciest foods known to man!!! Might give these two things a try!
Hey you should definitely look into the blood type diet. It’s really interesting. I wouldn’t be surprised if many of the things you’re allergic to are on the “avoid ” list for you blood type!
Dru- I will look into that. Sounds interesting. Thank you!
What you went threw is exactly where I’m at, very over whelmed. I haven’t started the elimination diet, because what I’m I going to eat? I would be eliminating almost everything. I wish I just had someone to tell me what I can buy at the grocery store, and make it taste good. Ohhh, the biggest is finding the well power to do it and sick to it. I applaud you for your successes!
Paige- Good luck. I hope you find answers.
Hello, I’m glad you were prescribed the Armour thyroid right off the bat! Which is pig thyroid….but anyways I was not so lucky. I got handed synthetic drugs for 10yrs, terrible experience…. Im so much happier on Armour now! I’m not currently allergic to anything, according to my blood test of 50 plus items. But I am experience arch pain sometimes ..I think its old age? I just turned 54yrs…lol Oh! Im currently taking 135.mg. I was on 120mg. But I try to keep my levels of TSH, close to the lower 1. range. Every 6 months my blood work helps me keep track. They might tell you that a 3.5 or a 4.5 is in normal range? But its not! That’s guidelines they have to follow…I’m real fine at a 1.2…it makes a difference. So recently tweaked it up 15.mg. I do split these up, so I take them twice a day. It says they have an life expectancy of only 7hrs in the body. Good luck to you!
Cheryl- Good Luck to you as well!
Celia- Thank you for the suggestions.
You might look up Hashimoto’s Disease. I have been through almost the same experience over the past several years. Now if I indulge in a no-no food, I wake up to a very noticeable puffy face. Basically, it’s nothing grown underground, gluten, or tomatoes. Much as you’ve discovered! Thank you for sharing and wishing you continued peace!
Robbi- Thanks for the suggestions.
Thank you for sharing! I was amazed how similar our stories are, down to the arthritis in my fingers and the carpal tunnel in my wrists and elbows. I would barely be able to keep my eyes open after breakfast so i would have to nap. Never taken a nap for 45 years prior!!! I have aches in my muscles that have no reason to be sore. I am an athlete so I know when muscles should be sore from workouts, LOL. My husband just says I am out of shape but I know something is wrong. I also have 5 children but I didn’t start experiencing symptoms until my youngest was in middle school. I kept chalking all the non-related symptoms to menopause and aging. HA. It has been 5 -6 years now of dealing with issues. I too, found an allergist who helped me through a serious infection “episode” (seeming to catch things when I am normally never sick) and I have been taking my 2 college age daughters to him as a GP. So I think I will go to him and have my thyroid checked. Hopefully I can get some help.
Thanks again.
Gina- It can be a long elimination process. I hope you find answers and the help you need.
Amy – I went through the same thing and even I had a biopsy done too. I take 4 allergy shots every week and I am a vegan and I love running but after diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency and broke my foot after training for half marathon- got a strict advise from my doc – not to run. so I do stair climbing races. Also, I hv developed IBS n so I am taking now align. Perhaps you should ask your doctor about it. It is actually helping my bloating n other food issues. I can’t eat food outside and I can see the problem immediately. So avoid eating outside.
Lexie- Thank you! I will have to look into your suggestions. Glad you are figuring things out!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I, too. have hypothyroidism and Crohs – and feel puffy and bloated all of the time. I haven’t look yet to see where you are located, but I’ve recently moved and pray to find a doctor like that!
Jo
Jo- I hope you find the help you need.
Thank you so much for writing this article. This past year I reeled from both a hashimotos diagnosis and similar list of food allergies but also eggs, fish, oats and rice. I’m struggling to adjust to a compete elimination lifestyle and approaching my first holiday season with food limitations. I’m glad to know there are others like me out there…it feels so excluding to be in a food centered society and unable to fully participate. Glad I’m not alone.
Allison- It is so difficult! Especially this time of year. Hoping that you can keep pushing through. Glad I am not alone too. Just wish no one had to go through this!
Oh my gosh, this is the story of my life! Thank you for letting me know I’m not crazy and that there’s a doctor that will listen.
Cassie- It is so frustrating. I hope that you can find some help and answers.
OMG. So 16 years ago I diagnosed with hypothyroidism. 8 years ago a better endocrinologist changed that to Hashimotos thyroidtis. I totally feel your frustration of not being listened to. I have started a modified Paleo diet and am looking for an allergist to do some deeper digging.
Tammy- I hope you are able to find more answers and help. Good Luck on your journey.
I’m seriously struggling with all of the same symptoms…I’ve been to the ER with what I believe was a thyroid issue. I started tqkung a daily auplllimw t with iodine in it thinking that i just was lacking aime in my diet. But nowI have high and low symptoms wich I believe was triggered but taking the iodine. When I show symptoms my neck and face swells and aches I feel like my neck is swollen. I feel like I swallowed si.ething and nd it’s stuck where your thyroid is. I’ve seen like 4 different doctors in like 8 months. I’ve been told there’s nothing wrong with me and at 23 I should feel good but I feel awful. I am so exhausted. I have sugar issues and anxiety issues. It’s so frusterating feeling like this. I have two young children and I feel like I haven’t slept a wink when I wake up. I have almost every textbook symptom of hashimotos and the doctors have told me it’s all in my head. It’s very aggravating. I hope I can get help soon because my symptoms are getting worse…glad to hear I’m not the only one! Oh and I had gestational diabetes with my daughter wich makes you highly likely to develop a thyroid or sugar issue if not both wkithin a year after having the baby and thats about when this started…
Hope- It can be so frustrating. I really hope you can find some answers and help.
Thank you for writing this. I was undiagnosed hyper thyroid after my first baby, a year later I was undiagnosed hypothyroid. After my second baby I was very hyper thyroid and then the dramatic shift to hypo, and finally I was diagnosed. It’s been 7 years since then and even on medication it’s hard to feel “good”. Lots of symptoms can also be equated with other things and it’s overwhelming to think about this little gland and how it makes me feel. I appreciate this article!
Sarah-
Sarah- I hope you can find some more answers and relief.
Thank you so much for sharing. I have been on NDT for about ten year, but still seem to have symptoms and they are getting worse. A couple of years ago, I started gaining weight for seemingly no reason (ended up going up 20lbs). I was working out CrossFit 5 days per week and eating very clean. I have always had a hard time losing weight, but now it is pretty much impossible. Before, the gain a couple of years ago I had maintained my weight at 126lbs for about 7 years (after the birth of my last child). I have spent so much on trying to figure out what is really going on and nobody seems to be able to figure it out. I wonder if I should get allergy tests as well (gluten free already)? I am just feeling defeated at this point.
Tiffany- How frustrating. I would consider getting an alllergy test. This was a huge help to me. Hope you find some answers.
And do not drink tap water one of the worst for your thyroid
Laura- Good to know. Thanks for the suggestion.
Wow. Your a strong person. I wanted to add that you may benefit from a eating lifestyle called Trim Healthy Mama. I’m doing it for the most part. But it sounds like you would be able to enjoy good food again with this plan. Their cookbooks are very helpful and I’ve found pinterest to have an amazing selection of recipes as well. But google them, and their website explains more. Hope this will help some. Best wishes
Anna- Thanks for the great suggestion. I will look into that.
This happened to me after my second child was born .I also had the horrendous rash and aching bones .After falling down the stairs because of exhaustion I spent a week in hospital. There at last I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I ended up having an operation and now take levothyroxine daily.It seems I was also allergic to natural asprin.I too went on an elimination diet and after 6 weeks the rash had all but gone.I am so lucky that I feel back to normal but this was a very traumatic time in my life .
Hilary- I am so happy that you are feeling better!
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your story. It is encouraging as it is frustrating to me too. I was just diagnosed with Hashimotos. A couple of resources that I have found and have good receipts.
Lauren Geertsen, NTP
And
Micky & Angie auto immune wellness.
Even if you don’t have an autoimmune the receipts are great for what you are doing now.
Samantha- Thank you for the suggestion. I will look into that. Hope you are doing better!
Thanks for sharing. I didn’t realize the foods you noted could be working against me as well.
Rhonda- Thanks for following along!
This is exactly me! My thyroid came out “normal” and now I asked for food allergy blood work. My Dr said I was getting older (46) and needed to exercise more. Thanks for sharing! Helps validate that I’m not totally crazy!,
Thanks
Kelli- Hope you can find some more answers and help.
I would like to find a Dr like this. Any suggestions for Edmonton Alberta Canada?
Sue- I don’t have any referrals. So sorry. I sure hope you can find someone to give you answers.
I am so glad I read this, I am an RN and I still don’t know all that could be related to hypothyroid. my symptoms are and were exactly the same!! I was just actually going to schedule an allergist appointment because I think there are a lot of foods that are bothering me. Thanks for writing this!
Lauren- I hope that you can find the answers that you are looking for!
Dear Amy, I have recently been diagnosed to have hypothyroidism. Initially I thought it is not so bad as there’s medication to help make up for the lack of the hormone. A month or so before the diagnosis, I found myself having frequent red, itching small swellings that resembled mosquito bites. Then, to my horror, I discovered that I am allergic to certain food such as pork, butter and peanuts, and very likely, MSG. My doctor and I thought the food allergy was not linked to the hypothyroidism but, after reading your article, I’ve begun to have second thought.
May I ask if your doctor link the cause of your food allergy to your hypothyroidism? Did he recommend any medication or treatment?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Lily
As far as the hypothyroidism, No one is really sure since autoimmune diseases all kind of lump in together. They think one can trigger another. Because the systems are all connected with the immune system it is hard to pinpoint exact answers or causes. They don’t know much about it since auto immune diseases are new in their development. I personally think it is the toxins and modified genetic food. Not sure that helps. I think a clean diet is our best answer.
Omgosh! I’m so glad to have come across this post. I have had almost your exact experience. The one symptom that I was too afraid to ask the doctor about was my belly looking and feeling like I am 8 months pregnant! I was way too embarrassed to say anything about it to anyone even though I knew people could see it! I am going to check on the food allergies as I do feel funny after certain foods. I wish you the best on your continued road to health and happiness. Thank you!
Natasha- I hope you find the answers that you are looking for.
I am on Synthroid 100 mg a day, and Cytomel, 5mg. My thyroid was totally removed. Problems: many. I am so cold all the time it is torture. I dress in pure wool sweaters, and I am still not comfortable. I know there is something wrong. They won’t give me Armour thyroid because I had thyroid cancer. I am overweight and have very high blood pressure. Help!
Vicky- I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. I hope that you can find some answers and help.
Thank you for sharing your struggle as I feel one with you..i am in such a battle now with my hyperthyroidism that it is making me very depressed at times and I am an upbeat happy person.
But I’m exhausted, weight gain is overwhelming, you name it. It took the doctors I went to which were many to diagnose me, finally they said it was Hashimoto Syndrome.
I’m currently on Levothyroxine for the last year my dosage gas been changed more times than I can count, and still im not losing the weight, puffiness, you name it and as a nurse its tough being so wore out all the time, catching colds which I never did before, GI issues galore..and I do work out, yoga and walking but it is also become a struggle and that was my stress relief…UGH! Been praying hard on this and ran across your blog…so thankful.
I’m going to try what you did and see if that will help me as well.
Wishing you well.
Isa, Wishing you well too.
Did you have nodules on your thyroid and did you have to have surgery or just the medication
I do not have any nodules. No surgery. Just taking the medication!
Thank you very much for sharing your story. I felt like I was reading my life! After having my 5th, everything changed with ME. I did not recognize anything that my body was going through. It was like I was given a whole new body after having my last child! So, thank you for writing this! I don’t feel so alone or crazy!
Jamie- It can be so frustrating. I hope you find some answers.
Thank you for sharing your story. It is empowering. You didn’t stop until you got the help and proper diagnosis. Way to go girl! I too suffered for years until i finally found a Dr. in Katy, Texas who knew what to do. He saved my life, literally. That was 20 years ago. I see an Endocrinologist now as along with my thyroid disease i also have several other auto immune diseases. I was just diagnosed with Addison Disease or AKA, Adrennal insufficiently. A very rare life threatening, cronic disease. I eat a ketogenic diet and I’m now trying to find my new normal to avoid an adrenal crisis which untreated could kill me. I’m scared but knowledge is power. Keep it up, your so worth it and support is everything!
Paula- Thank you and so glad you found help!
Thank you so much for sharing your story!! I have been trying for years to find a doctor that will listen to me. I have the complete list of hypothyroid symptoms. I sleep in thick socks and a hat every night because I’m so cold. But since I’m still in the “normal” range (although at the highest end) I get no relief. I even have 2 significant nodules. Maybe I can find an allergist in my area for some help.
Anne- I sure hope you find some help.
I’m so glad you were able to figure out why you had been feeling so sick. Your story is also very similar to mine- but I was not as lucky as you finding a doctor who was educated on thyroid disease. I was testing in the “normal” normal range (just barely) and repeatedly told I was fine- while I was very sick. thus went in for years. I was finally able to find a doctor to help.
Wondering if you could share your doctor and what area your in?
Thank you and so glad you’re feeling well.
Jessica- I live in Utah. Glad you were able to find a doctor.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I’ll join the throngs of other women saying this could be my story! My greatest frustration right now is finding a practitioner who is well-versed in the treatment of thyroid disorders. Do you have any suggestions for how to go about finding somebody who fits the bill? Going from doctor to doctor to doctor and constantly being dismissed is exhausting, especially since most of us with this problem are extra exhausted in the first place!! Any tips or advice to this end would be so appreciated!! Thanks and praying your journey brings healing!
Jen-Praying for your journey as well. I hope that you can find a practitioner that could help you find the answers you are needing.
Amy, Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I have been on the exact roller coaster ride as you! I have been on my meds almost a year now and I still have blotting and no weight loss!
Kim- So sorry that you are going through the same thing. It can be so hard some days. Hope the medication starts working for you!
Your problems, my problems — IDENTICAL! The only grain I can eat is oats. I do well on meat, but can’t go vegetarian — did that for five years and got myself up to 200 lbs. I’m at 165 now and stuck at that plateau — I’m only 5’5″ tall, and need to get down to just below 140#. I still need a nap every day, but it’s only for one hour, and I’m 65, never been super-energetic, and hate exercise.
I muscle-test for food allergies and have quite a list of what’s good for me, bad for me, and neither good nor bad. I haven’t totally gotten away from gluten, though I want to and am working toward it. I have to have pizza once every 2 months — yeah, I know, bad bad bad. One of these days, I’ll realize it’s been more than six months since my last pizza fix, and I’ll be over it.
Just this minute, I discovered that tomatoes are bad for me — I tested for them because of your article. Body says they’re bad for me. Dang! And I’ve been enjoying gazpacho, but not feeling too great afterwards. Time to ramp up my good-food game. No more pizza — gluten, dairy, and tomatoes, bye bye. Have to find another way to get my pizza fix.
Thanks so much for all the details you put into your post. Food allergies and thyroid problems definitely go hand-in-hand. I’m not on any thyroid meds, but probably should be. I have a good naturopath, so I’ll get with him on that… as soon as my finances settle down. :-)
Becky-I hope you are able to get everything figured out. Glad you have a good naturopath too!
OMG I thought I was the only one that expressed certain things you described. Especially what i have been saying for almost 13yrs now . how that after I had my daughter I felt the IMMEDIATE change in my body.like I went in the hospital but came out feeling like a whole mother person. Tired (like exhausted )was getting bad migranes,I had passed out shortly after having her,my blood pressure all of a sudden was super low and this just what I can remember….I chalked it up to being a new mom thinking this just how a woman feels after having a baby. Never went to the Dr for myself.until 2yrs later when I was dozing off soon as I would get in the car after work like we wouldn’t even pull off before I doze off.and constant headache,dizziness,thinning hair . They diagnosed me but I never followed up due to being young&ignorant to hypothyroidism and it’s effects. Till another 2yrs went by and I could barely function like you said the cold at that point my body was hurting soooooo bad anytime like in my bones .
But what I never thought about is the carpal tunnel type symptom when I was working I would wake up crying my wrists would hurt soooooo bad in my sleep I would have to shake them get the blood circulating etc. And yes the job I had was very manual esp hand,arms wrist movement very redundant. Your story seem so similar.thank you for sharing
Bridgette- I hope that you can find the help that you are needing. It can be so difficult to go through this. You are not alone. Thanks for sharing you story.
Wow! I totally know how you feel. I’m a guy and I’m sure your situation was more complicated than mine. I know the struggle is real.
Veluz- I hope you are finding the help and answers you are needing.
My thyroid was removed in 2006 and for years despite my best efforts I could not feel well or lose weight. Actually had one doctor say that I was predestined to be larger. It took a chiropractor practicing holistic medicine that through testing found I was not converting my t4 into t3 effectively. In one year I have lost 26 lbs and feel great. I too was tested for intolerance to foods and the change in diet is hard. Some foods i have tri d to add back but cannot. It is a learning curve. Seek answers. Know your body.
Terri- It is a learning curve. Glad you found some answers and help.
I had the same things happen. I got so mad when they said I was “just getting older”.
I went to a diet center where they found I had hashimotos disease. Only after doing allergy testing. You might want to look into hashimotos too. Seems to fit with the allergies too.
Mp- So frustrating. I will have to look into that. Good Luck to you on your journey.
Hi, i hv all the symptom. Hairloss tired gaining weight im having hives most of the time. I dont know to what i am allergic to. Do u think i should see a allergies doctor too….?
Margie- I don’t think it would hurt to go see a doctor. Hopefully, you can find the answers you are looking for.
Thank you so much for all this great information!!! I’ve just been diagnosed maybe a month ago after I was feeling tired For two weeks (it was great they caught it rather early). I’ve been feeling discouraged and really trying to get better. I’ve also experienced carpal tunnel.. or sucks, and can be painful and I just sit here wondering when I’ll feel better. Your post and your optimistic attitude really made me so happy and ready to get myself back to normal as well! This was really helpful and I’m glad I came across this ❤️
Gaby- I sure hope that you start feeling better. It can be so frustrating. Good Luck on your journey.
Omg! These are my exact symptoms. I found that tomatoes were hazard for me. I really need to check my Vit-D levels & go find me a super doctor.
T Kimbro- I hope you are able to find some answers.
Nice article and blog. I too, had a problem with my thyroid that went undiagnosed for a while. There is also a thyroid disease, missed a lot called Wilson’s Syndrome. Not Wilson’s Disease-but Wilson’s Syndrome. This is very interesting and helpful to read up on. Thanks for your blog and article. God Bless.
Marsha- I will have to look into this. Thanks for letting me and others know about this.
I can relate. For anyone who has moved past the initial cleanse phase and sometimes craves a snack or treat they don’t have to make themselves: try Enjoy Life products. Free from the top 8 allergens. Even their chocolate chips are soy lecithin free!
My hypothyroidism is secondary – adrenal and hormone issues are causing my symptoms. The key is to find a dr who doesn’t dismiss you. There is hope!
Daphne- I will have to try those products you mentioned. Thanks for sharing!
This sounds exactly what I’ve been going through! I have hashimoto’s and wanted to he put on armour, but was told it is no longer available. I’m very interested in doing an allergy test now as I have always felt that some foods are worse then others for me. I have a lot of the bloating, puffiness, and as well look like I’m 8mos pregnant even though I’m Def not :( thank you so much for sharing your story!
Nicole- So sorry that you are going through this too. Hope you can find the answers and help that you are needing.
Oh My! This all sounds so Familiar! I was misdiagnosed 4 Times! When they found it, they said I had the smallest amount of thyroid they have ever seen in a person. I have never gotten back to my old self. Thank you so much for sharing your story!! What an Absolutely Darling Family!!
( you seem like a utah girl like me?, I could be wrong!). I think i should try the Armour Thyroid? Much Love and Success to you in the Future!!
Carolee- You are right…I am a Utah girl! I am glad that they were able to finally diagnose you. So frustrating and scary. Hope that you are able to find more help and answers. Thanks for following along.
Amy, thanks for sharing. Did your constipation issues resolve themselves when you changed what you ate?
Kristie- Yes, it has. I really think eating clean helps with so much.
I just ran across your story. You have described my life since 2002! I saw so many doctors as I am sure everyone who suffers from this has. I struggle every single day. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at age two in 1953. My mother decided I was well when I started kindergarten and I spent my life sick. It wasn’t until my Family Doctor advised me that it was a life long illness that I became gluten free. Back then there wasn’t much information on Celiac and not many food choices. I am better but it was a long struggle that became my normal! Then only a few years ago did I learn about Soy (since I was lactose intolerant) and life has improved but I fear all the years of damage, I will never feel good again. You have inspired me to keep trying and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your experience. I don’t know how you do it with five children but you certainly are a Godsend! Bless you for being You.
Sandra- I am so sorry that you have gone for so long with not feeling well. I sure hope that things are getting better or are better than they once were. Thank you so much for your kind words.
You are allergic to most of the things I am too. It is really hard and I’m about a year into it. I will tell you eating a little of any of it is a bad idea for quite a while. It will make you more sick than before you quit eating them. I’m so glad you got answers! It took almost 2 years and multiple doctors for me to finally get food allergy testing!
Laura- So sorry that you are experiencing this too. It can be so frustrating at times. Glad you got tested though.
Omgoodness! I have been feeling the exact same way! I do not feel good most days! I HAVE to take a nap everyday at the same time. If i don’t I’m far worse feeling! The straw that is breaking the camels back is the fact that i cant drop a pound!!! I am 5’1, and as of right now 150! I’m so upset…i looked n felt my best at a size 3, 110lbs! Now size 10 m feel terrible, look it also!
Debbie- So sorry you are going through this also! It is so frustrating. I hope that you can find some answers to your questions.
Hi Amy, I cant thank you enough for sharing such a personal struggle! As I read your post it was as if I had written it, about myself. I too have Hypothyroid (Hashimotos.) I’ve been taking Synthroid for 12yrs. now. Still exhausted no matter how much sleep and/or naps I take, bloated abdomen, puffy face, etc. Did you seek a general allergist? Also, what exactly did you say was your reason for making the appointment? I’ve seen one allergist before because I am convinced I have a gluten allergy but he said no tests for anything like that, only just an elimination diet. I’d love to be tested for a variety of allergies like you did. I just want to be sure I contact the correct type of allergist and request the correct tests. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much. Keri, N.J.
Keri- So sorry you are going through this! I would find an allergist and not a thyroid specialist.
Maybe ask if he/she can ordered all sorts of tests instead of the normal thyroid tests and actually test your thyroid hormones instead of just your TSH levels.Hope this helps and that you are able to find help!
I am kind of in the same boat with possible thyroid issue. I have been going to a nutritional practitioner and she said my adrenals were weak and thinks I might have the MTHFR gene mutation. My regular dr. Kind of scoffed at those diagnoses but agreed to test for thyroid and MTHFR among other things. MTHFR can create many difficulties in the body because methylation is comprised due to difficulty with processing Folic acid which isn’t able to be used and needs the Methyl-folate form instead. Mthfr also can cause histamine issues in the body as well, like you’re experiencing. Wouldn’t hurt to get your adrenals and mthfr checked.
Angela- I will have to look into that. Thanks so much for the suggestion!
Wow, what a great post! It looks like it’s from a few years ago. How are you doing now?! I’ve had hypothyroidism for almost 20 years, and feel my symptoms getting worse, despite my medicine dosage being within normal range. I’ve dabbled in the WHOLE30, and for the week and a half I followed it I felt fantastic! But then life got in the way and I’m trying to make my way back to it. It is just incredible what a difference food makes. I’m so curious to know how eliminating those foods has gone for you over time :) Very inspirational.
Kristal- When I eat clean, it helps so much. It is very difficult to do it all the time though. I just try to do my best. I hope that you find more answers and the help you are looking for.
It was wonderful reading your story. I feel so lost in my journey as it’s just now beginning. I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s but my TSH levels are low instead of high. I am experiencing symptoms of adrenal fatigue and have been told to go gluten free. I am not sure how to handle everything but like you my symptoms appeared after the birth of my last child. Although I only have 3, it was after her that I started to lose my hair and couldn’t lose the weight. Prayers for you as you continue your journey.
Rayna- I am so sorry that you are going through this too. I hope that you can find more answers and help!
I had a similar situation when I was diagnosed with thyroid issues. After my 3rd child was born I kept telling the doctor I didn’t feel right and he just kept telling me it was post partum depression…. I had it with my 1st daughter and just knew it wasn’t the same. When I went in for my annual check up (at a clinic) the nurse practitioner actually noticed that my glands were extremely swollen and was then referred to a family doctor. All my levels came back normal but he luckily decided to send me to get an ultrasound done on my thyroid where they discovered nodules on both sides and a goiter. They ended up removing the whole thing… so I still have problems especially when I forget to take my meds or during hormonal changes. I didn’t realize how many problems I was having until after the surgery…. my legs weren’t hurting all the time anymore, my hair wasn’t falling out all the time, I didn’t feel hungry all the time, and surprisingly I could swallow like normal (due to the enlarged gland it had made it difficult for me to swallow even water). I still have issues with weight gain and have tried many diets, eating healthy, cutting out sugars, exercise. Nothing seems to work. I do have a lot of issues with foods so thank you for your story it gives me another direction to look into. Hopefully I will come out with some explanations and results.
Jen- I am so sorry for all that you have gone through. I hope that you are able to find out more answers to questions.
You’re experiences are so similar to mine that I am literally crying to think that someone else out there understands what I’ve been through and am still going through! Thanks for sharing! It gives me renewed hope and motivation!
Jeanie- I am so very sorry that you are going through this too!
Thanks for sharing. I have had a similar experience, but without the resolution. I live in the UK so don’t have any option for medication other than levothyroxine. I have been to my doctor so much but dismissed every time that I’ve stopped going, there’s no point. I’m just getting fatter, more tired and more down as the years pass by.
I totally get all those feelings of anger and resentment, when you look around at others who can eat what they want and are still fit and healthy, but when you’re eating healthily and restricting what you’re eating and increasing exercise, you still feel pants!
Its such a curse of a disease, I’m really glad you have found a solution for you.
Carla- I hope that you are able to find some answers for yourself. I am so sorry that the doctors keep dismissing you! So frustrating!
Where is your doctor located? I need an allergist who will listen to me. I’m having very similar issues.
Thanks
Laura- He is in Layton, Utah.
This is me so what test do I need to tell my doc to run? I’m tired all the time. Recently has to be put on prescription vitamin d and tsh is usally low. Also have nodual on thyroid. Deal with depression and anxiety also.
Ask them to run the T3 and T4 tests and and antibody test! Good luck! Keep pushing for your answers!!
I’m currently taking synthroid 125mg for 8 years and have recently began to gain weight. I’ve also had chronic constipation since the birth of my last child, now 17. I get the same comments from doctors: eat more fiber, exercise more and drink more water. I do all of those things. Any suggestions for constipation? Also, feeling so tired and have bloating as well.
Elizabeth- I would go and ask for an allergy test. Maybe eliminating some foods that you may be allergic to may help. I hope that you find answers soon!
This is me to a T except I still struggle to use the bathroom even with laxatives. How do you get a western doctor to do a full panel thyroid and allergy test on food?
Briel- I just asked him. I hope you can find the help and answers that you are looking for.
I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and felt just like you, (overwhelmed and angry that I couldn’t eat things I loved). I can’t have gluten, soy, or corn. I found Danielle Walkers “Against All Grain”, “celebrations”, and also cookbooks by Sphie Van Tiggelin. I also follow a blog by Meghan Livingstone who is
A Hoistic Nutritionist ( awesome recipes).
Annette-Thank you for the great suggestions!
Hi! I read this on Pinterest about 6 months ago, but did not save it! I have searched frantically for it ever since, and thankfully I found it this morning.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few months ago with rather large nodules on both sides of my thyroid. I’ve been to an ENT and an endocrinologist that both act like it’s what I eat and or everything else but the true thyroid problems. I’m at my wits end!
I think that you are located in Utah? If you are could you please share with me the allergist that you went to? I know I have a gluten and soy intolerance, but I think it’s actually a full blown allergy to them because of the bloating and discomfort they cause!
Any help would be grateful! Thanks for the wonderful article.
Dr. Anderson, he works at the Tanner Clinic in Layton, Utah.
Hi,
I’m actually going through something very similar and have many of the same symptoms and food allergies. If your symptoms continue, I highly suggest being tested for SIBO since prolonged thyroid symptoms can cause it and they lead to food “allergies or sensitivities” due to the breaking down of your stomach lining. Just something to keep in mind!
Emily- Great suggestion! Thank you.
Watch Netflix the magic pill and paleo way u will see and understand about foods that tastes good that are natural . Doctor don’t learn how heal us just how to treat us. I’m hypothyroidism was once Graves’ disease. Did my first body building show at age 40. Hardest thing ever accomplished. I now eat ketogentic for last 2 yrs I feel better with this and yes I did Igg allergy food test amazing
Helpful! Good luck I would love to try armor thyroid I hear so many good things.
Dana- That is so amazing! I will have to watch those shows too. Glad you are doing so well.
Hello,
I struggle with pretty much everything you’ve written about here and a huge underlying factor for people with thyroid issues that are left untreated for a long time is SIBO. SIBO cases much of the allergies you referred to since it means bacteria is in your small intestine and has broken down your stomach lining-thus allowing food to get through and create sensitivities. If your gut issues persist I highly recommend doing the breath test for SIBO.
Emily-Great suggestion! Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing all of this! I am going through a similar situation. I e been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and am on medication for it which has helped my energy. I have a puffy face, puffy hands and fingers, and general bloating all over. I have not been tested for food allergies. I’m thinking I should try that next after hearing your story.
Mary- It is worth a shot getting tested for food allergies. It has helped so much knowing what I am allergic to.
I have been so unhappy with myself for longer than I can remember. It’s so hard when you know that something is wrong with you but these dang doctors think that it’s all in your head or you must not be telling them the truth. I too suffer from the symptoms you have discussed. I haven’t been lucky enough to find a doctor that will listen to me. After reading about your plight I will again try to find one . I have been so down for so long I’m not sure what I would do if I was to really feel good. I tire of always trying to put on a happy exterior so not to be thought of as a complainer. I hate complainers . Thank you your article and I will start again. Vicki
Vicki- I am so sorry that you are going through this! I sure hope that you find the answers that you are looking for.
Wow. Can you share the name of your new doctor? I am going through the same life right now.
Leslie- Dr. Anderson, he works at the Tanner Clinic in Layton, Utah.
I went through something very similar, but eventually found that something was compromising my immune system. Went on a Candida diet, and after one year did not test allergic to anything when before I was allergic to almost everything. Had problems with the Armour Thyroid. Found a doctor who prescribed a compounded thyroid and feel much better.
Your story will be a topic of conversation at my doctor appointment tomorrow as I am currently going through a very similar situation! Thank you so much for sharing! I commend you on your tenacity & wish you all the best on your journey!
-Amy
PS- I am doing AIP right now & am just starting the “Blood Type diet” stage of the protocal. If you get the chance, read about it. It is extremely interesting!
I appreciate this insight. I’m at the front end of dealing with thyroid issues, and still trying to find direction. Im tired of the way doctors have treated me.
You should try the Fast Metabolism Diet from Hailey Pomroy. It takes out all these allergens and trains you to schedule eating in a way that helps you lose weight and heal many things. It sounds like you are almost doing it anyway. She has a cookbook as well, and there are plenty of compliant recipes online.
I am going to see an allergist. I don’t have constipation but intestinal issues are horrible. I’ve had blood work, urine samples, ct scan and nothing. My doctor recommended I see one. Im so glad I read your story. This gives me hope. From one hypothyroid mom to another.
Precilia- I hope that you are able to find some more answers and help.
Thank you for sharing. I have had thyroid problems for 31 years. It was hell. I still am not regulated. But thank you for telling the truth about this condition!
Mary Ann- I hope that you are able to find more answers and help. It is so difficult!
Hi Amy,
Thank you for sharing you story. And unfortunately I believe this is more common than we know these days. But the doctors are ignoring it and so we keep burying it.
I feel a lot of the same way you do. I am ALWAYS tired. Never have the energy to do much of anything and if I push it I get a headache or end up with a bad cold. My hair is thin and brittle and I feel like my face is puffy too, plus my weight is a constant issue. I have very high anxiety. I do not like things doing loops around me or me spinning in anything. So no carnival rides for me. And I recently lost my support/therapy dog so my anxiety is even higher than usual.
I have tried like you finding someone that would help me with no luck. I went to a doctor at Vanderbilt who did nothing and actually said it was just me getting older and that I need some counseling. I agree we are all getting older and all have our issues but that was not the whole case with me and it was not the solution. He ran blood tests on me but not the ones I requested so my thyroid came back “normal” in their terms, which I had already had it run correctly years ago with the markers I wanted and it came back as Hashimoto’s. Unfortunately, the one that came back with Hashimoto’s was a natural doctor and he could not prescribe a thyroid medication for me. I have also gone to a special clinic and they wanted to run some tests on me and put me on a plan that could help but it was going to cost 10k and insurance would not cover it. I can’t do that and don’t know too many people that could. I have gone totally Paleo for a while and also did the no sugar for a while, both were good, extremely hard but never helped fix it enough to make me feel like I had the energy to keep it up. So here I am suffering and trying to take it one day at a time.
Luckily, you seemed to find someone that has helped you. And I am hoping you would share your doctor’s name and location with me. And was it really expensive? I live in Nashville, TN and am really hoping he just maybe close. Having someone that already knows something about these issues and that as you said will listen to my symptoms is worth a whole lot.
Thanks for any of your help.
I hope that you can find some help and answers. My doctor is in Utah. Not sure if you are wanting to travel that far or not. Hugs.
I have had Hypothyroidism since about 3 years old. I am 70 years now. As a child i do remember wanting to have the energy to play outdoors , runnimg, playing tag, ring around the Rosy , hop scotch, Red rover red red rover, etc. Instead i set on the porch and watched. When my parents notice this, they took it i was a well disciple child. Eventuality, they noticed my sluggishness. They took me to the doctor. I was started on PROLOID, which i think is off the market, now. I Remember it was a green triangle pill. Thru the years my medicine has changed. Nevertheless. i have been fine. I just wanted to share this
Thanks. Follow doctor orders. Blessing to you. You will be fine. It is a treatable condition.
Irma- Thank you for sharing your story. Glad there is hope!
Wow! Your story is exactly the same as mine! Diagnosed after 5th pregnancy, armour, bloating! Have not been tested for food allergies though! Maybe that should be my next step
I have the same problems. My doctor told me something was wrong with my thyroid and brushed it off as to say that it’s my age and I’m not taking care of myself. I’m tired all the time and take naps during the day and still fall asleep at night. The depression has been serious for me and i don’t feel like myself. I don’t have any energy or drive to do anything. I’m going to make me a doctor appointment. Thank you
Sarah- So sorry you are going through this too!
I have been dealing with thyroid issues as well as liver. This thought has come to mind to seek out an allergist to try to find if I am missing something. I have had the bloating and such myself. This…this was what I needed to read. I need hope that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I went from exercising and chasing my kids to having to take daily naps & can no longer exercise. Thank you so very much for posting this.
Anya- I hope that you find the answers that you need. It can be so frustrating at times.