Starting My Supplements

All my pill supplements are now in my possession.  All that's left is to order the fish oil.

I was able to buy the Kyolic at the vitamin store in the mall and I took my first doses of them after dinner.  Here's to healing!

Official Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Diagnosis

Today, my holistic doctor gave me an official diagnosis:  Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  You can read about it more here:  http://www.thyroidawareness.com/hashimotos
Basically, it is an autoimmune disease (like Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease) where my body mistakes my thyroid cells for foreign invaders and attacks them with antibodies, preventing them from doing their job (which is regulating metabolism).  My immune system is all out of whack, and I've got a ton of inflammation because of it. 

My antibodies should be less than 35u/mL (or 0, as my doctor said) and they were way off the charts at 610!  He prescribed me a new thyroid medication (Armour Thyroid 30mg), which is being ordered by the pharmacy and should be ready in a few days.  I've already sent my labs to Carrie's office, and I'll tell them about my new diagnosis and prescription.  Hopefully they'll be okay with it because, honestly, I know my levothyroxine hasn't been cutting it.  I need to take this new Armour medication - it's my body and my choice to pick up the slack that's been lacking for who knows how long...I still can't believe I was never diagnosed with Hashmoto's before I went to this holistic doctor!  I'm truly thankful that I found them!

Along with my Hashimoto's diagnosis, he told me that in order to cut down on the inflammation in my body and decrease my CRP result (which measures for risk of cardiovascular issues) there are some supplements I need to take that not only serve the purpose of reducing inflammation but will also help improve my blood sugar levels and my insulin effectiveness!  I've been looking into purchasing them but there are quite a few and they are going to be a bit pricey.  They are:

Tumeric/Curcumin (anti-inflammatory)
Chromium (improves insulin resistance and blood sugar regulation)
Boswellia (anti-inflammatory)
Biotin (a B vitamin that promotes healthy skin, hair and nails, and also helps regulate blood sugar levels)
Fish Oil (anti-inflammatory)
DHEA (which is depleted by injected insulin - regulates sex hormone development and metabolism)
Theanine (improves stress levels and sleep)
Aged Garlic (cardiovascular protection/anti-inflammatory)


Once I get started on these I know I'll start seeing improvements in my blood sugar levels, as well as my energy levels!  I'm due to go back for more labs the last week of June to see how things are going, and to get my Vitamin D levels checked.  So in the meantime, I'll be figuring out how I'm going to get these supplements and work on improving my health.  I also need to spend 90 minutes a week doing some exercise, like walking.  Now that the weather is finally starting to warm up, I'll be able to go for walks on the Greenway.  :) 

Lowering my Target Range

So I took the plunge today because it's time to buckle down and get my A1C under 6.  I lowered my high alert on my Dexcom from 130 to 120.  So now when Dex senses that I'm at 120 it will alert me to being high.  

I have noticed that sometimes Dex is off and says I am in my target range when really I'm in the 120s, 130s, and 140s, so I know I can't always go by what Dex says I am...I have to test to confirm and treat!  And usually I test more than 4 times a day, especially when I am unsure of my blood sugar level.  

In doing this, I hope that setting my alert lower will help me stay on top of my numbers better and prevent higher numbers before they happen.  

Here are my stats now that I've changed the Target Range:

 

And here is my 90 day blood sugar graph.  I've been very fortunate to stay under 200, even with holidays, sickness, hormones, and stress.  I know I can do better, and I will!  

 

My next appointment is in June, but it's with a different nurse practitioner because Carrie will be on maternity leave (so excited for her!).  I'm not sure how it will go but I hope it goes well!

Tomorrow I have my appointment with the holistic doctor to go over my blood work results and thyroid labs.  I may be getting a Vitamin D panel done too, since it's been a while since I've had one done.  I pray it goes well and I come home with a health game plan!  Stay tuned!

April Update

I had my blood work from the holistic doctor sent to me.  My results showed high levels of thyroid antibodies and a low free T3 level.  I have an appointment scheduled for next week to hear what he has to say.  I'm expecting to be diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, as I've been hypothyroid for as long as I can remember and have been taking levothyroxin for it.  However, because I have two other autoimmune diseases (Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac disease) he (and I!) feel that it is highly likely that Hashimoto's is what is causing my hypothyroidism. 

I am very interested in hearing what steps I need to take to begin healing, as gut health ultimately impacts my immune system and health.  Your immune system lives in your gut, so the health of your gut affects your immunity!  Super important to know that they are all connected.  I'm actually very excited to begin walking this path toward bodily healing!