Today is December 28th of 2022 and I haven’t written half as much as I had planned to this year. To say so much got in the way would be a poor reason/excuse. Things happen to all of us. I’m not special or different or targeted. I got lazy. I procrastinated. Then I didn’t want to share what I am dealing with quite yet. Sharing helps though. It helps me and it may help you to know what it is that I’m working through.

I’ll recap the good things from this year first. On April 1, 2022 my first grandchild was born. He is perfect in every way. On July 9th, my son married a beautiful woman inside and out and on that day, I gained a daughter (in-law – but in my heart she’s my daughter); I also gained two amazing and sweet step-grandchildren. I became Nonnie this year!

Early August I learned that I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. My thyroid TSH was super high (9.49) and I had found a bald patch on my scalp under my occipital area. That was and still is super upsetting. Upon telling my doctor, she ran autoimmune panels which cofirmed Hashimoto’s. Of course I dug in deep learning, still, all I can on how to at least get the symptoms under control. The bald patch has increased as well as another patch forming and growing wider. Why can this happen to the hair follicles? In short there are several reasons including inflammation, heavy metal toxicity, the immune system attacking the hair follicles just as it has attacked the thyroid gland, and an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata. I’m working on supporting my immune system with hopes that it will calm down. I have a strong feeling about why this all may have happened but for now I will keep my theory to myself.

This past year has had its ups and downs but I remain positive and hopeful, always. My glass is half-full every day. I try my best to be proactive and responsible. I plan to increase self-awareness, help for others and much more mindfullness to what I am doing, how I am feeling, acting, and releasing. I will work on letting go of people in my life who sap my physical and mental health. I will be helpful to others and thankful for something every day.

I plan to keep a blog journal about my new reality with Hashimoto’s and always be thankful that I don’t have severe symptoms that many others I have read about…at least not yet and hopefully not ever. My TSH levels are healthy now at 1.77 but that doesn’t fix Hashimoto’s and its symptoms.

I’m grateful for life, family and friends. I’m thankful for mostly good health and the opportunity to improve every day.

Have you been diagnosed with hypothyroidism? Hashimoto’s or another disease that has scared, worried or changed your life? Please feel free to share your story here.

God bless now and in the new year ahead!

~ Dawn