January is International Thyroid Awareness month, an important time for me and the rest of the world to brush up on our knowledge and understanding of our little butterfly-shaped gland that has the power to completely destroy your quality of life if left untreated and uncared for.
Why is there an entire month dedicated to the thyroid gland? Well, because it seems that pesky gland is causing lots of havoc around the world and yet not a whole lot seems to be happening research/medical wise to fix this.
If you are up to date with my Instagram you would know that I have been posting interesting thyroid facts every day in honor of this month which you could check out here. These facts are backed by research and are factual and accurate. The facts below, however, are realistic, personal and absolutely not backed by research (although I have a feeling they are super relatable to my fellow thyroid fighters).
The Thyroid IS a Pain in the Neck.
Not always literally, but always metaphorically. It is so sensitive, and is usually the root of all your symptoms. I’ve begun to blame my thyroid for everything. Sore muscles? Thyroid, Hormonal issues? Thyroid, House a mess? Thyroid. Okay maybe the last part isn’t entirely accurate but it really does seem that this tiny gland is responsible for basically all my problems.
You’ve Got 99 Problems and Your Doctor is Not Going to Solve Any of Them
Not to sound too negative, but I have yet to find a conventional physician who gives a…darn about that gland and its impact on my health (I had other choice words to use but my grandma reads my blogs). If you disagree, please feel free to send me your doctors information! All backlash aside, finding a doctor who actually cares and is properly educated on the thyroid is one of the biggest steps you can take in your healing.
Your Friends and Family Will Never Actually Understand the Struggle Unless They Are Also Being Attacked By Their Immune Systems
No hate, just the truth. There isn’t much of an explanation I could give to properly describe to the people in my life what is going on in my body, partly because I don’t even really understand it myself, but also because it’s just become my new normal so what is the benefit of trying to explain it to others? Other than of course my mother who I complain to 24/7 and who lays with me on the bathroom floor when I’m crying for no reason at all. You are the BEST.
If You Want To Feel…Better, You Should Probably Give Up All The Foods That You Think Taste Good.
The good news is, your palette changes and all of the sudden you’re craving spinach and cold chicken instead of chips and dip during movie night. Just me?
You Used To Be a Lot Of Fun Until Your Thyroid Made You Absolutely Crazy
The most exciting part of my day is when everyone goes home and I get to take my vitamins and go to bed. Although I feel like this would probably be the case even without my thyroid issues.
You Start To Care Less About What Other People Think of You.
You don’t like that I constantly cancel plans, don’t eat out at restaurants, can’t go on spontaneous adventures or make it out of the house some days? I am too busy fighting my own immune system to care.
Thyroid Disease Is a Grieving Process It may sound ridiculous but chronic illnesses are obviously life-long and just the idea of having to deal with an illness for the rest of your life is devastating. Sometimes laying in bed crying about the reality of your circumstances can be therapeutic to your experience. Host yourself a pity party and then clean up the mess and get back to being the tough fighter that you are.
I could go on for days but I’ll stop here. Also I think it’s imperative that I explain how much I really do love my life and my family and friends. I am thankful that I have been given the strength and the passion to heal my body and to help others heal theirs. This post was in no way intended to discredit anyone or anything but simply to create awareness that thyroid disease is tough, and unapologetic. It is life-long and for lack of a better term, it sucks. Having a platform to share this has made it slightly more bearable and I hope that what you take away from this is just a little more empathy for those who are struggling. Now, I am going to go put my pajamas back on and take a nap.
Everything that has happened in your life has led you to this moment. Thank you for reading.
Victoria Gasparini
thebutterflyeffectblog.org