I just started reading “Stop the Thyroid Madness” book by Janie Bowthorpe. I’ve only read a few chapters, but so far I can identify with her. In her intro chapter, three things stick out at me. She describes how:
- she had low stamina
- had extreme reactions to exercise or the sun
- could not stand on her feet for more than 30 minutes without extreme tiredness setting in
- had brain fog
That’s me. I’ve come a ways in my thryroid journey, but these symptoms are so familiar and I do still feel them, although not necessarily in the extreme I once did.
I remember how alot of things made me feel tired. Walking up and down one flight of stairs in my home would tire me out. Carrying a laundry basket would tire me out. Standing to do dishes would tire me out. When it was time to set the table for a meal, I had to work quickly because I would soon tire of standing/walking.
When I exercised I would be so fatigued, all I could do was lie on the couch afterward. My whole body felt limp. I felt sick and sometimes nauseous. Telling people this is embarrassing because most would think I was just out of shape. I wasn’t necessarily, it was just that exercise made me extremely tired. I the early days (before it got worse) I remember exercising on an elliptical machine at the gym and wanting to fall asleep. That’s not normal.
I would feel so fatigued that even driving was hard. I wanted to fall asleep some days. It was tough.
Add in brain fog. In addition to my body feeling extreme tiredness, when you add in brain fog, it makes everything worse. It took alot of effort to focus to take care of the kids. It was hard to focus enough to figure out what to make them for lunch or dinner. It was hard to focus on setting the table. The kids used kid plates and kid utensils. I would sometimes stare at the utensil drawer because I couldn’t figure out which ones to pick up. If everyone used the same exact plate and utensil, it would have been easier on my brain, but it wasn’t. At this point, I think my husband felt left out. I didn’t always get his plate because I couldn’t focus enough. It was hard enough to get the kids settled with food that by that point I couldn’t think anymore. It took every ounce of energy and brain power I had just to do little things.
My fatigue was even worse when pregnant. I remember forcing myself to sit down on the couch to rest, but felt scrutinized by visiting family in my home who may have thought I was lazy. I felt bad resting. I felt like no one understood. My husband didn’t, family didn’t. I hated to complain because I didn’t want to be labeled a complainer. I should be able to have life all under control – being a mom and housewife. It was hard.
Fast forward to now after seeing a naturopath to help me. I do have less fatigue. I can stand for long periods of time. I still have to be careful about exercising because it can make me tired for days after. I’m not where I’d like to be yet, but I’m getting there. I can’t wait to read more of the book and glean some new information that might be helpful for me.
