Every new dawn gives us the chance and the choice, to start over. My goal is to inspire your daily actions and your desire to make changes. Maybe my experiences are reflecting what you're going through; know that you're not alone. Releasing your past allows you present peace and happiness! Maybe my story can help you heal and allow you to embrace your ideal self! Let's share the burdens we carry and the joy of healing from them.
I’m giving a quick check-in here so that I don’t go into deep, self-loathing, hibernation from everyone. LOL! Halfway kidding…halfway there!
Ahh, anyhow, Alopecia areata, hypothyroid, Hashimoto’s – where am I to focus? I began my focus on hairloss. Hair is my work, of course losing patches and large areas of hair is freaking me out. Even if I weren’t a hairstylist, I believe it would still freak me out. Everyone agree?? Current hairloss photos below.
My dermatologist has approved my use of Olumiant, but I’m not a fan of all the risks and side-effects, so I chose to use that as a last resort and try new natural approaches. I also truly need to de-stress..a lot! I’m changing my focus to the real issue; Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
I obediently took/take my levothyroxine with the belief that it would straighten all of me out, but it didn’t; it doesn’t. It only helps a little. It helps with TSH but it doesn’t quite get to the root of thyroid function. As of late, I’ve been deep diving into the thyroid hormone and its job and Hashimoto’s disease (dis-ease). My latest labs, mid-July, showed that my TSH is elevated again while T4 is in the normal range. My doctor increased the levothyroxine a smidge and I return for blood labs next week to see if that helped. Even if my TSH shows improvement, I won’t stop there because my Hashi. symptoms haven’t stopped.
I have started this week, making dietary changes little-by-little. The change is far from what I prefer but it has proven very beneficial for many. Dale is on board and these changes will be good for him too. The change I’m making is not so much paleo or carnivore but more a keto-carnivore WOE (way of eating). I will explain in better detail in my next post, when I can share personal experience after trying it for a few weeks. I too am still learning new ways of eating, even though I’m certified in holistic nutrition.
My favorite WOE is the Mediterranean diet, but for now I need to step back from it. I’m aso trying to limit other’s access to me. I am asked from all directions for help and favors on a regular basis. I have always been a yes person, as a result, saying no is difficult for me. Self-care, baby!!
In the beginning of this saga, I was focused on why this happened, and I was angry. But now I realize that the why is less important as the what now?
Hairloss is continuing. My thyroid is a bit wonky, still. I AM EXHAUSTED ALL THE TIME without good reason. I have a bit of brain fog but I also blame part of that on my willingness to say yes to everyone..that is probably a small part of feeling tired all the time too…here I am talking it out! LOL.
Do you have any of these symptoms? Issues? Dis-ease? Or even a different but equally taxing dis-ease, issue? Check in, let me know in comments below. Let’s talk!
My current hairline/hairloss. The tan makes it pop! Fortunately, I can still hide the bald areas. 8/29/23Still no regrowth around my right ear and the area has expanded. The left ear isn’t as bad but still has some loss. 8/29/23
Just a few weeks ago, I shared that my hair is growing back and doing well. Unfortunately, it isn’t the case now.
I’ve been super tired for no good reason – no good reason in my mind, anyhow. All this time I’ve been focusing intensely on my hair; putting the real issue on the back burner – Hashimoto’s.
A yearly physical, while not the most fun thing to do, is so important. It helps to get a running start on issues that if left unmonitored could lead to an emergency situation. That said, I had blood labs done for an upcoming physical and my TSH and TPO’s are way out of healthy range, again. This explains my exhaustion and jacked-up hair loss.
My doctor contacted me advising me to increase my Levothyroxine to 100mg 2 days a week and 50 mg 5 days a week. It’s only been a week since the increase, so we wait and see. I can list all the normal levels for each thyroid related count but I’ll spare you. For now, I’ll share my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level. Normally, it should be .40-4.20, optimally 1.00-1.20. My level is 5.46. Had my doctor not caught it until my physical in a few weeks, I’d likely be back up to 9 point something and filled with many more bald patches
What am I doing? Maybe I slacked off on supplements a little, taking only the daily regimen of multivitamin, fish oil, D³ and magnesium. I’ve been eating watermelon like crazy, craving it even. What I found out about the things I’m craving is, each of the foods are high in iron. My body wants, no, needs iron. So, back to the basics I go. Taking care of my thyroid as much as I am my hair fallout situation is imperative.
As I said before, many things start from the inside. If I can calm my autoimmune antibodies, they will stop attacking my thyroid gland and hair follicles and whatever other organs they choose to go after. It’s just nuts to me to think of my immune system going haywire. Upon looking at blood lab results a few years back, I noticed that my TSH was slowly rising. Stress can certainly cause that and I was absolutely stressed in 2017, ’18, ’19 and ’20. Knowing my thyroid was already stressed and on the rise, getting the Covid booster while on the verge of a sinus infection and bronchitis, helped those tiny antibodies put on the attack gear.
I’ve learned over the last year that more people have Hashimoto’s than I ever thought. I’ve also learned that 95% of the people with hypothyroid have Hashimoto’s and don’t know it yet due to low to no symptoms – other than TSH counts that synthetic thyroid hormone medication helps balance.
The thyroid is an important organ that we rarely think about until it gets attacked. If you have unexplained symptoms that hang around for a while, don’t hesitate to see your doctor. Be proactive so that you and your doctor don’t have to be reactive.
My most recent visit to the dermatologist was last week. As mentioned in my last update, I opted to hold off on Olumiant because I have been seeing good results with the minoxidil and the supplements I have been faithfully taking. At my last appointment, the dermatologist agreed that things are still moving forward and doing well.
As far as my Hashimoto’s symptoms, I feel mostly good. I now know why I feel exhausted after a full day and I give myself the space and time to recover. As for joint pains, I don’t quit, I keep forging ahead because that’s who I am and what I do. I also know that after so many years of using and abusing specific joints, it’s likely normal to pop, crack and ache from time-to-time. We all ache as time progresses and progression in life is a good thing!
Through this experience, I have learned more about the body, about hair and what makes it or breaks its growth and I have more compassion for those with all forms of alopecia and even those with thinning hair. We honestly take hair for granted until we run into a problem with it. I feel that we all take a lot for granted such as breathing, strength, eyesight, sleep, food, relationships, money and so much more, until we find ourselves with lack of it.
This causes me to pause every day and to be thankful for the new day, the food, air, physical and emotional strength, love of family and friends and all the good things that I have been blessed with. It also causes me to focus and work on what I know I can improve for my personal good.
While it has been a long road, so far, I’m thankful that my alopecia areata situation is turning for the best. I’m thankful that it never got as severe as the dermatologist felt it would..yet, and I’m thankful for all that I have learned through this. I’m keeping a positive outlook and keeping these positive changes I have made as part of me from now on.
I plan to use my experience and knowledge to help others.
If you or someone you know is having hair loss or thinning issues, or wants to improve their diet and lifestyle, please feel free to reach out, I can give you tips or simply be here for support.
Live well, be well.
Photos of the hairloss journey..
July2023 All inside bald patches are growing in and about 2-3″ long. Nape area is showing new growth.January 2023January 2023Deember 2022December 2022November 2022November 2022November 2022
As you may know from previous posts, I got alopecia areata (hair loss in patches) after getting the Covid-19 booster when I didn’t know a sinus infection was brewing inside of me. As the doctor stated, ‘my immune system went into overdrive fighting the infection along with the vaccine’, I ended up with a sinus infection and bronchitis. The lymph glands down my entire left side swelled and burned for nearly a week. Antibiotics and Benzonotate Perl helped and I recovered. Or I thought I did.
During a routine physical months later, and more lab work due to my TSH being super high, I found that I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, yup, for life now; as well as alopecia areata (after finding a small bald patch days after my physical to which I let my doctor know and tests were added to confirm aa). If you read my previous posts, you know that I gained a lot more bald patches and have been seeing a dermatologist for it as well as adding supplements to my daily vitamins. My regimen since then is what I want to share with you today.
I immediately saw a dermatologist but waited on beginning treatment in order to see if thyroid medication, Levothyroxine, would help reverse the hair loss symptoms. Hair loss grew worse so I went back in January. I’ve so far had two courses of kenalog injections since then. I’ve also been using minoxidil 2 % spray and 5% foam daily. The brand I have been using is Keranique [it seems that they have stopped making the 5% foam, unfortunately so I will find another 5% foam that works as well]; I use their shampoo, conditioner and follicle boosting serum as well. I also made a mixture of Witch Hazel, Castor oil, rosemary, peppermint and lavender essential oils in a small spray bottle and I use that at night too – since I found this recipe on a web page for hair loss. It’s refreshing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory.
The supplements I take daily is a long list, for now. I intend on cutting it down to about 7 supplements daily consisting of a daily multi-vitamin, D3(5000mg), Fish oil, Magnesium-complex, B-complex, Black Seed Oil, CoQ10 and/or Quercetine. But for now, until I have fully recovered the hair loss, I will continue with the following list of supplements as well as the 7 or 8 daily that I just listed. -Pumpkin Seed oil -Irish Sea Moss -Saw Palmetto -Gingko Biloba -Extra 5000mg Vitamin D3, 3-4 times a week
If you want to know the amounts, brands and reasons that I take these, or anything else, please email me; I will reply fairly quickly. I have a good amount of knowledge of supplements, the reasons, the better choices and such as well as healing foods since attending nutrition school several years back.
Good News! ********* At my last dermatology appointment on May 2nd, I was scheduled for more kenalog injections but the doctor decided to skip this course due to improved growth on several of the bald patches. I was also scheduled to start Olumiant tablets which have shown amazing results even in people that had alopecia for many years and complete hair loss. This new drug comes with a hefty price tag of over $2200/month, but they currently have a trial running where you can pay as little as $25/month. I went through all the blood work necessary to be sure I am healthy enough to take it, I am, but both my dermatologist and I agreed to wait and see if I am in fact turning the corner to getting back to normal hair growth.
I am still using the minoxidil spray and foam daily and I use the homeopathic spray I made a few times a week. I am finding less hair in the shower drain and after blow drying, so I am hopeful. I’m still bald right above both ears as well as below the occiput, but there is evidence of small spots of hair growing in that area.
I hesitated to keep posting about this because of comments that have been said to me about my hair loss situation but I have come to an agreement with myself to share my experience because I know I’m NOT alone and something here will help someone. I also am sympathetic to those who say negative things or simply don’t care what I’m dealing with because they are dealing with their own issues, anger, selfishness or whatever it is they harbor. I only wish them comfort and self-happiness.
My goal is to get as healthy as I can and to help others and inspire others in every way I can.
The struggles are part of my story. My struggles teach me how to help others.
As you might have read in my more recent three or four posts, I’m dealing with a few autoimmune dis-eases; one being Hashimoto’s and the other alopecia areata. Both are the result of a bad reaction to getting my first Covid booster shot. It happened because I didn’t know that a sinus infection was brewing inside of me as I got the vaccine. One day later, I was in rough shape. So that I don;t repeat myself, you can find the more detailed event in my past posts. I’m not stating that vaccines are bad, I just urge you to know what to expct and the precautions that I was unaware of as I received mine. Had I known, I would have waited until my sinus infection was well gone. A tickle in the back of your throat might not always be allergies.
It has been eight months since I was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata. Since then I have been using minoxidil as instructed and I’ve gotten two rounds of Kenalog injections into my scalp. I still have bald patches and a lot of my hair is turning white, especially in the bald patches that are beginning to grow hair again. Yes, this makes me extremely hopeful. I also made up a mixture of Witch Hazel, castor oil, rosemary, lavender and peppermint spray and I use that on the bald patches several nights a week. Many other alopecia people have used this and have had positive results. I like a natural approach with all wellness if it is possible to do.
It’s also been eight months since being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. If you’re not sure what that is, it happens when your immune system attacks your thyroid as though it was an intruder like sinus infections, bronchitis etc. The one thing I have come to learn is that most people think that once you get on thyroid medications and your TSH levels come back down [in the case of hypothyroid], that Hashimoto’s and all the symptoms are gone, but that is not the case. Also, TSH levels alone don’t fix hypothyroid conditions; many or most doctors don’t focus on T3 and T4 levels, which are very important in overall thyroid health.
My initial thought was once I get my TSH levels down from 9.49 to between .4-2.4, my hair will stop falling out. That is no the case – [Insert anxious sigh]. Last TSH reading was in December 2022 at 1.77 – hopefully it is even lower today.
I’ve been taking a multitude of vitamins and supplements, but I’m trying to keep it simple ith only the necessary supplements that are typically low in the generation, the US, the average healthy person and perhaps worldwide, such as vitamin D and Magnesium. B vitamins can be added to that worldwide list too. I don’t want to make this post about a slew of supplements but I urge you to maybe get a panel done if you’re not feeling 100% energetic or just full of life in general. It’s awesome how a small tweak can make a large difference.
I’ve felt let down all my life by people I thought were kinder and it hurts SO much. I’ve always gone beyond for others, it’s who I am, but I’ve more recently heard and seen their actions so I’ve decided to finally take care of myself first. Stress, anxiety, depression, physical and emotional exhaustion can keep your body from healing. Let go of what you can. Let go of what you cannot control. Find peace from within yourself.
In love and peace until next time, be well!
Here are a few recent photos of my hair loss situation. My hope is to help someone, somehow, with their journey no matter what is may be.
Hairline is gone..but fortunately I can hide the bald patchesThis patch is in a bad spot as well as a few more.
Your hair, nails and skin growth and health come from the inside. Each of these is fed from our blood. Sometimes we might be lacking certain nutrients, minerals and vitamins which can be boosted by the food we eat and supplements. My personal go-to choices and suggestions to my health coaching clients are to use whole food-based supplements versus chemical (man-made) compounds. They’re not as hard to find as it might seem.
First, healthy hair, skin & nails vitamins & minerals are A, B – Biotin, C, D3, E, Iron & Zinc. Melatonin is also beneficial especially when applied topically. Topical sprays and foams are available. I can guide you and I will attach links to each supplement I would use and or suggest but first a quick guide to how each vitamin helps.
Vitamin A
Keeps cells healthy, helps produce sebum which keeps hair/scalp & skin healthy. Sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, spinach and kale are all high in beta-carotene, which is turned into vitamin A.
Vitamin A can also be found in animal products such as milk, eggs and yogurt. Cod liver oil is a particularly good source.
Too much vitamin A can cause hair loss, coarse hair, dry rough skin, cracked lips
Recommended daily amount per Mayo Clinic is 700 mcg for women.
Vitamin B & Biotin
B-vitamins help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles
B-vitamins from foods include whole grains, almonds, meat, fish, seafood and dark, leafy greens.
Animal foods are the only good sources of vitamin B12
Niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and pantothenic acid, folate are all B vitamins – a good B complex would be good. I take Thorne myself as it has everything the body requires to function well. Amazon link for Thorne B Complex
Vitamin C
Antioxidant
Helps the body create the protein known as collagen
Helps your body absorb iron a necessary mineral for hair growth
Vitamin D3 (taking magnesium with D will help absorption)
Feeds the cells and aids in the production of healthy hair follicles
Research also shows that vitamin D may help create new follicles — the tiny pores in the scalp where new hair can grow
Food sources are fatty fish, cod liver oil, some mushrooms and fortified foods
Vitamin E
Helps prevent oxidative stress and boost hair growth.
Food sources are sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and avocados
Iron
Helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your cells. This makes it an important mineral for many bodily functions, including hair growth.
Iron deficiency, which causes anemia, is a major cause of hair loss. It’s especially common in women.
Food sources are clams, oysters, eggs, red meat, spinach and lentils.
Zinc
Helps hair and tissue growth and repair
Keeps the oil glands around the follicles functioning properly
Hair loss is a common symptom of zinc deficiency (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source).
Studies show zinc supplements reduce hair loss caused by zinc deficiency
There are some reports that state supplementing with too high of a dose can also contribute to hair loss, so stick with the recommended amount. Also note: {The Tolerable Upper Intake Level is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause harmful effects on health. The UL for zinc is 40 mg daily for all males and females ages 19+ years. More information at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
For this reason, it may be better to get your zinc from whole foods. (Kayla McDonell, RD August 6, 2016)
Foods high in zinc include oysters, beef, spinach, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds and lentils.
Protein
Hair IS protein. It’s made up of entirely protein. Eating enough protein daily is important for hair growth as well as muscles.
Side note: Protein is not always more slimming for the body though it helps. If a person is overweight and doesn’t burn off as much or more energy than they consume, protein can/will turn to fat stored in the body.
I hope all of this helps. A good quality multivitamin is beneficial. AS I stated earlier, a whole food vitamin will be absorbed by the body much better than a typical, cheaper chemical compound vitamin brand.
Daily Multivitamin Supplements: Here are some that I either use, have used and recommend in order of preference
Vitamin Code by Garden of Life – [I use the 50 & Wiser for Women option]
Supplements for hair growth: I have not used but these are in line with needs for thin/thinning hair. They can be found online and some are available at CVS.
Nutrafol – Nutrafol It’s a little more expensive but many reveiwers claim it works.
According to the dermatologist, androgenetic alopecia, hypothyroidism, low levels of vitamin D and iron are among the most common reasons behind hair loss. – (Michelle Henry, clinical instructor at Weill Cornell Medical College)
Bottom line in my professional opinion based on research I’ve done is to take either a daily multi-vitamin and/or one of the supplements I’ve listed. If you choose to take both, I would start with one at a time, giving it 2 months before starting the other one. If you prefer to take only one, I would try the “hair supplements” first. All recommendations I have found in my research recommends to give all focuses at least 6 months to see/feel an improvement. In my holistic nutrition training I’ve learned that every change needs 4 months minimum; whether it be diet, supplements, or exercise.
I hope this little bit of information helps you regain healthy hair & skin. Message me or comment with questions if you have any and I’ll do my best to find the answers!
My research is based on my many years of knowledge and experience being a hairstylist and found from reputable websites/universities/government studies from US, UK, Australia.
I’ve put off sharing the most recent advice the dermatologist gave me because it’s honestly hard to accept. Not taking action and not talking about it doesn’t make it go away though.
I am sharing my experience to possibly help someone else. I’m not a person that looks for attention or sympathy. I’m one that helps others. I’m one that tries to fix. The fact that I cannot fix my hair situation, yet, is getting me down. I am taking all the healthy steps; diet, lifestyle, seeking treatment, and strongly following a holistic way.
At my last appointment with the dermatologist, a few weeks ago, I was told to start researching wigs. She also told me to embrace baldness. Long silence. I can’t. Hair is my work. Hair has been my work for 41 years. Simply typing these words makes my stomach feel heavy and sick. Never in my life, and years of working with hair, did I ever think that I’d be in this situation. Also, at this appointment, I got 17-20 Kenalog injections into my scalp. The doctor said she is doubtful it will work based on the pattern and location of the alopecia. I was told to use minoxidil between appointments. I hate chemical treatments and the ingredients in minoxidil. What can I do? I use rosemary and lavender essential oils, vitamins, minerals and herbs, as they help inflammation (the basis of all auto-immune dis-ease). In a future post, I will share exactly which vitamins, minerals, and herbs I am taking.
In my mind, I will beat this before all my hair is gone. Fortunately, at this moment, I can hide the bald patches because most of the hairloss is at the back below my occipital, but there are smaller patches starting in more noticeable places. None of this is fun.
I will remain positive and optimistic. I have been humbled. Put in my place. I also doubt I will ever get another covid vaccine. Research the unfortunateside effects – as my GP put it. I once again thought I was doing the right thing, only to find that I put my immune system in overdrive (as told to me by the PA when I got extremely sick one day, for weeks, after I got the covid booster).
I do realize that there are many more people in worse situations/illness than me but we all matter; all different, all just as human as the other. I pray for healing for myself and for those I know who are dealing with illness of all types.
As you may have read in my previous post, I am dealing with new health concerns. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in early August 2022. Along with that came Alopecia areata. In this post I will share my thoughts and experience and why I think this happened and what I am doing for it.
Last November, four days after Thanksgiving, I was scheduled for a covid booster. I had a minor tickle in the back of my throat but I assumed it was probably allergies so I didn’t give it another thought. I went to my appointment on Monday, my temperature was taken, no fever, so the booster was administered. I had the typical sore arm at the booster site but I otherwise felt fairly normal. Tuesday, my throat was more irritated and my sinus’ were stuffed, pressure in my head was awful, just like every time I end up with a sinus infection. I took vitamin C, echinacea/goldenseal root and began taking Robitussin for the irritated cough. By Tuesday night, my armpit of the booster arm was swelled so much that I couldn’t put my arm against my side; it also burned like mad. I let my doctor know the next day and learned that swollen lymph glands is sometimes a side effect of the booster. It lasted five to six days, slowly deflating each day but my body felt worse. I couldn’t breathe, had a chronic headache and chest congestion.
After about day five I called my doctor for an appointment because I typically get a sinus infection and bronchitis at least once a year. I work closely with people doing hair and while I wore a mask during that time, I still got sick. My doctor didn’t want me in the office so we did a tele-health after I drove to the office for a covid test which returned negative. I explained my entire scenario to the NP that I had the call with and she stated, “never get any kind of vaccine when you’re sick, your immune system is in overdrive“. I wish I knew I was getting sick, I also wish I knew not to get a shot if you’re sick; I don’t recall hearing or reading anything stating that when the CDC was urging vaccines for covid.
I was put on antibiotics and benzonotate perl for the sinus infection and bronchitis. I was sick the entire month of December and I felt exhausted well into February/March. I chalked it up to being overwhelmed with dealing with my parents for a few years prior then handling their passing and all that comes with it. I forged forward throughout last year doing what I needed to do and letting go of self-woes with an I’m fine attitude.
As I mentioned in my last post, we had some exciting times last year. I became a grandmother, (Nonnie!) in April, and I became a mother-in-law and step-nonnie to two beautiful children at the same time on July 9th. My heart is so full!
At the end of July I had a yearly physical where I learned, from my blood labs taken a week earlier, that I have hypothyroidism. More labs were to be taken in two weeks to be sure the readings were accurate. About a week after my physical, I found a small bald patch beneath my occipital bone, it was about the size of a quarter. I alerted my doctor who then added autoimmune testing to my upcoming blood draw. The lab work for my thyroid level was the same, 9.49 (0.4-4.25 is in the normal range), and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis was also confirmed. I felt relief that I would quickly get back to normal once the thyroid medication, levothyroxine, kicked in. But as time went on and I was retested to make sure the dose of levothyroxine is correct, my thyroid levels were improving but the hair loss wasn’t, in fact, it was/is increasing. I have a large area at the first spot, it is now slightly larger than the diameter of a golf ball, a second spot is the size of a silver dollar and I recently discovered hairloss above my right ear. I saw a dermatologist in September who offered a steroid cream, injections or the use of minoxidil. I told her I would wait to see of the thyroid medication improves/stops the hairloss.
Second spot 2022first spot Sept. 2022Second spot January 2023January 2023 First area
I have been digging deep into the why? My curiosity began with why my immune system is attacking my hair follicles. Still. Through my holistic health via nutrition schooling, I learned that things begin within. In my recent deep dive into why, I am learning that the gut has a lot to do with what is going on in and on the body. Toxins and heavy metals also play a role. I have started proper supplements for the immune system and Hashimoto’s. These are simple, necessary supplements, vitamin D3, Fish oil, Magnesium, vitamin C, Zinc, and probiotics; all good quality brands. I learned thise from the book Hashimoto’s Food Phamacology by Izabella Wentz. I also made a second appointment with the dermatologist to bridge the gap, at least until I get back to normal. My glass is half-full, I expect to get back to healthy.
Losing hair is a scary thing. I’ve worked in the hair industry for forty years as of 2022 and I have never come across a client with alopecia areata. Fortunate for me? Maybe. I work with hair so how my hair looks is a big deal. Not that I fuss with it much throughout the day, it has always looked good with the styles I wear. I’m not vain, I think of myself as average.
If you’ve had personal experience with thyroid issues, autoimmune dis-ease (Hashimoto’s, alopecia, psoriatic arthritis, eczema, IBS..) comment below.
Also, here are a few Informative Articles I have read:
I have allowed myself to be consumed by my current situation. I hate feeling this way. I hate the fear within me. I feel like I’m losing. I have to snap myself out of it and realize that the proper steps won’t make a change overnight. I know why I’m consumed with hair loss, hair is my work. Hair matters to all of us.
It is a confusing feeling when you don’t feel sick but your insides aren’t working as they shouldit shows on the outside.
I’m taking steps to improve change my already healthy eating habits. I’m trying to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, but it’s not easy when you love to cook, when you cook for another in the house (who could benefit from the same diet too), and when you’re angry that something came in and took over. I can find a hundred excuses, but that won’t help me get better. State of mind and determination and education will.
I thought I needed ALL the supplements that help autoimmune dis-ease. I have been searching and studying and causing myself sleepless nights. I stopped though. Sometimes less is more. Bloodwork to find what vitamins and minerals I am low on, is the answer. Eating foods that have abundant vitamins, minerals, proteins and good fats is what I need to do; it’s what we ALL need to do.
I keep thinking, “if I can just flush out my entire system, I will be better.” Maybe true, maybe not, but it can’t hurt to try.
Healthy starts on the outside, (food, air, sunshine, earth, water) and on the inside, (food, air, water, mindfulness, peace, sleep). I find myself serving others, helping others find inner peace, outer comfort, and encouraging food habits, but I don’t always make the time to practice the same.
Hashimoto’s and Alopecia Areata. I hate saying those words. I tried to ignore the words, especially the AA alopecia. I am worried that I will lose all of my hair. I’m worried that it is it’s own autoimmune disease and not connected to Hashimoto’s; which hair loss is also a symptom. Time will tell. While I move forward, I will snap out of my fear and anger and make necessary changes.
Habitually, I shame myself for being absorbed with my own conditions, but I’m allowing myself to be absorbed and to care about my health, both physical and emotional – for now.
If my experience teaches me to help others with similar situations or diagnosis, then I’m here for them. I’m here for you; we can learn and move forward together.
Just another day in the life. Thankful for another day, despite my stuff.
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.
Every New Dawn 