Weight

You know those ridiculous commercials where they say, `It's not you, it's your metabolism'? Well, Gary and I have always laughed about it BUT not anymore! For me, it truly is my metabolism. I can eat and exercise the same way, day in and out, and I can go up or down 5 lbs in a week. I am now at the highest weight in about 8 months. Good thing I have clothes in so many different sizes. I'll be honest, I'm a bit frustrated. I don't like how I feel like I'm in the hyper state but that my weight is acting in the hypo. If you're going to make me feel jittery and sweaty, at least let me lose a pound or something too!

Oh thyroid.

You Know You Have Hyperthyroidism When...

...you have to ask someone if it's hot or cold in the house. I have no idea if my kids are dressed appropriately because I'm overheating all the time.

Endo Visit

Man, these visits get shorter and shorter. Nothing really new but here's what she said:

1. I need to double my PTU (antithyroid meds) because I'm moving further away from the normal range.

2. Once I manage to get into the normal range and stay there for 6 months, then I can come off of my meds. The whole process should take 1.5 years.

3. She gave me a prescription for sleeping pills. I would only use them if there is something important happening the next day. Generally I lay in bed for 2 hours, from 11pm-1am trying to fall asleep. Not as bad as it once was, but still, not ideal when you have to get up at 6:30am.

That's it. Nothing really new....

Latest Blood Test

Latest blood test results (see the normal levels on the side to compare)

TSH: less than 0.01 (LOW)

Free T4: 24 (HIGH)

Still have the stereotypical hyperthryoid symptoms. I've been taking cold medicine (even though it warns `do not take with thyroid disease unless you talk to your doctor') which helps me to sleep at night. Ear plugs have also been helpful in the sleep department. I feel okay using them now because Gary actually hears Koen.

Found out that hot tubs and steam rooms are very bad for me. Heart rate went waaaaaay up.

Football season starts in a few weeks...we'll see how I do at practice. I'd love to play, just not sure in what capacity.

Hair

My hair is starting to fall out again (sign of hyperthyroidism). I'm feeling decent but my eyes are getting worse. They just feel super scratchy and dry all the time. I've being using the lubricant more than the artificial tears and it seems to help, I just can't see for 15 minutes when I put it in:)

It's Time

Yesterday we took some pictures of our family at a local park. I had to delete all the pictures that were taken from behind because wow, I didn't know what was happening back there:) Months and months of minimal exercise (besides walking) and baking just a bit too much (Christmas, birthdays, valentines) have taken it's toll! It is now time to start getting a little more fit. My body can handle a bit more now, so this is the plan:

1. Yoga (half hour) and jogging (maybe just 15 minutes at this point). I will work out 5 days a week choosing either yoga or jogging. I will take the kids out for a 30 minute walk 5 days a week.

2. Make at least one vegetarian meal per week and eat more fruits and veggies throughout the day.

3. Hold off on the baking for a bit, even though my `Cupcakes' book has 3 recipes bookmarked, ready to go:)

I had worked hard in the summer to lose 12lbs and then I got Graves' Disease and lost an additional 15lbs or so. Those 15lbs are back already. I wouldn't mind losing 5lbs and keeping them off. It's so hard when my thyroid is not under control to keep things steady. I have never fluctuated in my weight before, it's quite frustrating.

So, the goal to work towards are; lose 5lbs, run 5km, and I guess not be worried about pictures of my butt:)

17 Minutes

On Tuesday I decided to go for a jog. Kai's preschool is about 2.5 km away and it was nice and sunny out. My intention was to walk and jog but I left just 20 minutes before it was pick up time so I was going to have to do a whole lot more jogging than walking. I popped a beta blocker and was on my way. I decided not to check my heart rate and just go. Fortunately it is downhill the whole way and due to the fact that I didn't really have a choice, I ran the whole way. I felt pretty good! I mean, once I stopped I got that wave of oh-my-goodness-will-I-pass-out? feeling which I think is just my heart rate being up a bit too high. It was exhausting walking them back (in the stroller) up hill the whole way but it felt good to sweat a little.

In conclusion....the longest I had run in the last 6 months, without stopping WAS 5 minutes. On Tuesday? 17 minutes!!!

Please note: I used to be able to run for 2 hours without stopping so I have a ways to go:) Oh well, I will celebrate the little steps along the way.