Editor’s note: This is not medical advice that would necessarily work for you – please see your health care professional/s and work together on a plan that works for you.
My alarm went off at 5.30am this morning. Like it does two mornings each week so I make it to my 6am yoga classes.
There is not even a hint that the sun is close to rising.
But I get up. On auto pilot, yes. But I get up.
Two years ago I would not have even set that alarm. I would have used the lack of sunlight as a sign/excuse to snuggle even further into the loving arms of … Mr SY my doona.
I would have forced myself up an hour later, justifying my slothfulness because of the season.
I would not have had this smug look on my face a hour and a half later either …
I’m not sharing this with you in the hope that you’ll bestow on me some kind of medal of honour. Far from it.
I’m sharing this because like many things in life, it’s a good thing to stop occasionally and reflect back on just how far you’ve come.
And it’s a good thing to stop and reflect on how you’re really feeling health wise, take stock and think of changes you could make (more on that below).
I’ve been consistent at this healthy living business for almost two years now.
{If you’re new to the blog then you can catch up on my health story here, here and here.}
In a nutshell, I’ve had the auto-immune thyroid condition, Hashimotos, for about 17 years. Mine is a frustrating story shared by many with auto-immune conditions. The merry-go-round seeking answers via health professionals is one I’ve wanted to jump off many a time.
But I haven’t.
I’ve stuck at my quest to wake up most days with energy. To not just look at food and put on 3kg – in one day.
In all honesty, I’d forgotten what FEELING healthy felt like. My normal was far from normal.
Now, I finally feel like I’m edging my way to normal-normal.
Writing that sentence scares me though.
I have this fear that I can slip back into the old normal just like that. I’d say it’s not rational but my health history shows that it is.
Over the 17 years I’ve had good and awful health periods.
The last few months have fallen into the VERY GOOD category.
The only change I’ve made – and it’s a big one – is to the type of medication I’m now taking for my thyroid condition.
After a year of working closely with my super GP (email me if you’d like his details) to stabilise my thyroid function levels as best as they could be stabilised with synthetic thyroid medication – thyroxine (artificial T4) and tertroxine (artificial T3) – I was switched in January to a natural desiccated thyroid extract that is made from dried pig thyroid glands and its composition includes both T4 and T3. It’s a prescribed medication that can’t be bought over the counter and is created by a limited number of compounding pharmacists.
It’s not cheap and I’m not having much luck getting my health insurance company on board with a rebate on my extras policy either.
BUT.
I’m very happy to fork out the money for this – and for quality medical advice – that is making a difference.
When we started the new medication, my GP said he’d had a 90% success rate with his patients taking the extract. Only 10% reverted to their previous medication.
I’m always worried when they throw those percentages around. I was in the 10% of (unlucky) women who had their period return 10 weeks after giving birth, even while breastfeeding.
Not this time. It seems to be working.
I noticed a difference within three weeks. And the strength of my prescribed dose was upgraded two weeks ago and there’s been improvement again.
I wake with more energy. I have less slumps throughout the day. There has seemingly been some shifting of weight.
I’m cautiously optimistic about the latter.
My dream is that this medication will put my body on a level playing field – so that all the good stuff I do food and exercise-wise will pay off over time.
A big key to maintaining that good food and consistent exercise focus was ditching the scales two years ago.
I know this is not a motivator for most people but for me it’s enabled me to switch my focus to FEELING healthy.
No longer was the number on the scales dictating those feelings and sabotaging my long-term goals.
Another big lesson I’ve learned on this “journey” is that I’m pretty damn proud of myself for never given up trying to find long-term solutions for living with this condition.
There have been many brick walls in the past 17 years. I’ve left specialist room in tears because of their inability to really listen to me and understand that I wasn’t feeling well, despite what blood tests might indicate. I’ve sat in with GPs who’ve known less about the medication they were prescribing than I did.
I’m a mum, a wife and a business owner. I’ve just had to get on with this thing they call life.
But I did so in the knowledge that I wasn’t going to stop until I found the health support I needed.
That’s my biggest message to you.
If something doesn’t feel right and you don’t feel like you’re being listened to by your GP, go to another, and another, and another. Don’t stop.
My condition isn’t life-threatening, it’s life-limiting but I know that the greatest lesson it’s taught me is that I know my body better than anyone else.
I want you to trust any niggling instinct or unease and seek answers until you find a solution that works for you.
Stepping off the soapbox now 😉 I’d love you to share with me your health story. How are YOU feeling right now? What time did your alarm clock go off this morning?
Comments 99
Hi Nikki.I have a friend who has exactly the condition you’ve so generously described and she is at her wits end…she has not been taken seriously.Would it be possible to get your doctor’s information for her?.The only medication that seemed to work was the “pigs ear”type and she can not longer obtain as doctor has moved overseas
Hi Richard, I feel for your friend. Email me … [email protected] and we can share where my GP is located
Hi Nikki I sent an email some months back hoping to get your dr information. I’m a Hashimotos sufferer and I think I have adrenal fatigue now too. It’s been a roller coaster year taking time off work to care for my ASD daughter and family in general. I feel like I’m losing my mind and am so frustrated with my health. I know I can feel better I just need the right gp….. Thank you for sharing your story!
Hi Eva, sorry if we missed getting those details to you – please feel free to email again. We’ve had lots of inquiries.
Thanks ever so much Nikki! I knew that’d be the case. I can appreciate how busy you would be! Xx
Thank you I have just started reading your blog and as a busy mum, wife and business owner I also have a thyroid condition, I have been ignoring that niggling feeling for the last 6 months but it is time to really get all my bloods looked at properly (not just T3 and T4) as the thyroxine just does not seem to be cutting it. Thanks for giving me some motivation to prioritise my health.
Oh good luck Jules – you’re so worth it!
I am on day 40 of NDT after a total thyroidectomy in 2011. I am so grateful every single day that I found a new medication. Thyroxine was robbing me of a healthy and happy life. Thank you for sharing your story and getting the word out there about NDT, the more people who hear about it, the more people can get help and start to feel good about their health again too!!!
That’s awesome to hear Casey – glad it’s working for you too!
i have had a cluster of symptoms for years that are progresssively getting worse…i have been reassured by a specialist that its all real and not in my head but gp’s are another story…in terms of general health i am a 10 out 10 but there is clearly something elese going on…what? thats the mystery at the moment….i just want a label..if i have a name then i can deal with it….like you i decided that i am sick to death of staying with gp’s who want to write you off as mentally unwell….i have a new immunologist to see in september and a dietician who specialises in allergies…i did a year of exercise and i annilated myself….the fatigue became worse despite eating healthy and doing 9 hours a week of weights..zumba and walking..it was frustrating that not on person at the gym or the gp’s could see that that was clearly an indication something was not right in my body….i am just not going to give up..i have htreatened i will visit every single doctor in town until i get some answers or support….
Oh please don’t give up. I hear you – it’s so incredibly frustrating but it’s worth it to get support x
Thank you for sharing your story. I have had Hashimotos for 15 years and have not really felt right the whole time. I’ve been good just not great and no matter what I did I couldnt lose any weight. I tried diets, heaps of exercise etc. Then in January I got another autoimmune disease. I had collagenous colitis. Really awful. So I found a Naturopath and started treatment. Things have really improved. I’ve gone gluten free and it’s really helping. I’ve lost weight. I’m swimming, doing yoga and feeling more energetic. I wish I’d had you suggesting we girls should take control earlier in my life. But I’m doing well now. I’m very interested to hear about your new medication for Hashimotos. I’ll be talking to my GP about it. Thanks Nikki and have a great holiday.
Oh Frances, that’s just not fun at all. Your naturopath may know about NDT too x
I’ve followed your thyroid journey for a while as you know. I’m glad you seem to have found something that works. Mine is still classed as Hashimoto’s, but I have other auto-immune conditions, and I’m really not sure which came first … it’s all so confusing and hard to get the balance right. If one thing goes out of whack, so does everything else. I love that you share, because so often women themselves know more than the medical community – as you point out. No one knows our bodies better than we do.
Oh Bron, sadly, yes once you have one auto-immune condition you’re prone to more. That’s why I’m tested for pretty much everything a few times a year. It only takes one thing to put everything out of whack.
hello,
First I say Thank you….
healthy life is most important part in our life. and you are very very nice healthy story to sharing with us.
Again thanks nikki
http://www.heileigdiamonds.com.au/jewellery/diamond-rings/
Thanks for sharing your health story 🙂 I find you even more inspiring now I know about your Hashimotos! I also have Hashimotos and can relate to everything you have revealed,; expecially the leaving the endocrinologist’s office in tears. Emailing you now 🙂
Deb
Oh Deb, it’s not nice to not be heard in regards to our health x
In another nine days I will have officially lived in Brisbane for 11 months!
The sad part is that I am still driving back down to the GC on a regular basis to see my old doctor with regards to my thyroid. Yes I have been too lazy to find another doctor in Brisbane for fear of not being understood, but your post gives me hope that there are doctors out there who are willing to treat thyroid conditions with natural alternatives! I will be sending you an email toot sweet 🙂
Oh yes, you’ll be in wonderful hands with my GP Mish x
I love your point that your condition is life limiting, not life threatening. Don’t have to be on your deathbed to go to a Dr and try and improve things
So true that Skye – we shouldn’t put up with feeling less that fabulous x
Thank you for sharing your health story, Nikki. I have just started on Thyroxine for an underactive thyroid and until now had no idea about the alternatives. I will definitely start getting more informed about my condition and seek out those who can help guide me to be the best I can be.
Many GPs are not informed Claire but if you start some research online you’ll find out more and be able to ask the right questions. Good luck!
That’s a tough one – a soft pant and a viscose top maybe? I do work up a bit of a sweat in my class though.
Best part of your post (other than you sounding so positive and looking so happy of course!) is your last bit about trusting your niggling instinct regarding your body. This is so important! I’d either have stage 4 melanoma or be dead now if I hadn’t listed to my gut screaming at me about a dodgy spot – was only 2 weeks before Christmas and would have been easy to wait 2-3 months. But then it probably would have been too late. I just can’t emphasise that enough!!
So good to read this Nikki. I had no idea that the health problems had been around for so long. Thank you for sharing your journey. For me, I need to stop eating sugar and eat more fresh stuff. The last year, chocolate has been my friend to help me with night time feeds and feeling tired and overwhelmed but I honestly feel better when I eat better and sleep better and move more. The photos show how amazing you look and must feel. xx
Nikki – your healthiness is radiating from you like sunbeams, its been incredible to watch you transform over the past two years but most importantly you feel the benefits too. I make time to workout most days but have been neglecting yoga & really need to STOP the excuses and just do it. The benefits are far more than the gym will ever give me!!
Great to read Nikki! I’ve been doing a bit of Bikram yoga, might become my winter workout as I seem to be too chicken to ocean swim when it’s cold!! Definitely finding it harder to be motivated in cold weather, esp on rainy days like today. Have a fab trip OS.
Thanks for this post Nikki. I’ve already shared it with a few of my people…
I have been thinking that you have been looking even more beautiful these past few months, so thanks for sharing what has been going on.
I appreciate your candour, and I’m sure your words will help many others who are either struggling with a diagnosis, or a lack of vitality that is overlooked when the bloods are “normal”.
Alison
To all the ladies out there who are searching for answers to questions about your thyroid that you may not have even known you wanted answered I can recommend the blog Hypothyroid Mom – full of really useful information.
Cindy F
Love her blog as well Cindy, loads of info 🙂 She also has a Facebook page.
To all the ladies out there who are searching for answers to questions about your thyroid that you may not have even known you wanted answered I can recommend the blog Hypothyroid Mom – full of really useful information.
Cindy F
I never feel great but am far from healthy. I’m on oroxine but my levels are usually fine when I have blood tests. Each time I get diagnosed with something I think, “This is it, I will NOW feel better.” And yet – after 3 autoimmune disease diagnoses I’m still waiting. However… like I said I’m pretty sure mine’s self-inflicted as eat badly and no longer exercise. (And I know I need to change both of those things!)
You are an impressive lady – which you don’t need me to tell you and you weren’t fishing for compliments. But seriously it is hard enough to do it all when you are feeling well! Good on you for not letting it hold you back. You look amazing! And awesome you have found a doctor who can help you and listen that is invaluable! 🙂
I’m on NDT too, after 13 years on oroxine. After must frustration of my previous GP not listening to me I did a bit of research into alternatives. I called a local compounding pharmacy and had a chat to the pharmacist about finding a dr that prescribes NDT. I feel heaps better, not that I’ve lost much weight, it’s definitely moving easier than before. Muscle aches have gone, no more migraines and I can get up in the morning!
I just love reading about your health journey Nikki. Thank you so much for sharing it. My wake-up call happened nearly 8 years ago when I crashed and burned one day just before school pick-up with moderate to severe CFS and severe anxiety. After 18 months in and out of doctor’s rooms (in tears as well) my CFS got better once I started an anti-depressant (even tho’ I wasn’t depressed, just anxious). And I could then start functioning in my “new normal”. I’m not the same woman weight-wise or energy-wise but I feel so much calmer, and one of these days I’ll be able to start walking again as I used to. I love the look of your fruit bowl – I could eat it right off my screen! Hugs xo
Oh Petra, I feel for you. Not being heard when you’re not feeling well is the worst. I hope you can keep edging your way to a better normal. Baby steps x
Thanks for this post, Nikki. I too have Hashimotos and I’m in the throws of questioning my daily dose of Thyroxine – surely there must be something else that can hep me feel well again! Perhaps your solution may be mine too. Either way, it’s so nice to hear you’re having great success – all the very best to you on this journey! Soph
Oh Soph, I do help you can find a solution – you deserve to feel good!! Everyone does.
So so Happy for you Nikki, after losing my Thyroid 14 years ago to RAI and watching my health decline to bedridden stage on their standard protocol of synthetic Thyroxine meds I too switched over to NDT 12 months ago (I had to fight hard to get them and do my own research though) I am far from “good” but feel I am at least on the right path now 🙂
Oh Tanya, it seems crazy that you had to fight for it. Hope you’re getting the support you need to keep improving? My dose has been changed three times now – we’re still experimenting with it.
Good for you Nikki – for taking responsibility for you health and for generously sharing your journey with others. I have had Hashimotos for a couple of years, but I had long established a pretty healthy routine of diet, exercise and lifestyle, so I don’t think it has affected me that much. The medication has mostly corrected the levels and my GP and I just keep an eye on things. I like feeling fit and healthy. Then I feel more able to manage and enjoy my life as a busy, working mum, plus cope with life’s curve balls! Up at 5.00am most days to combine my ‘me’ time with exercise and socialisation. Ever the muli-tasker!
You’re a great example for us Samantha – you’re so right about “liking” the feeling of feeling fit and healthy. You can manage better. I just have to know when I’m having a thyroidy day and manage that the best I can too. Thankful to have been having more good days than bad this year.
A good doc is vital – one you can trust, and who listens. My rheumatologist is brilliant. So, just waiting on those bloods. And an MRI scheduled now to check blocked ulnar nerves in both arms – suck!!
Hello Nikki, I am a Brisbane girl struggling with Hashimoto’s as well. I am 20 weeks pregnant and my levels have gone absolutely haywire. I have bounced around, initially over-replacing, then going low, and now FINALLY found a happy place. I would love the details of your GP and once I have delivered this precious bundle I may be able to seek their guidance.
Pregnancy is so tricky with Hashis. That was the case with my third pregnancy – I had to come off the Tertroxin because in the first trimester the baby doesn’t have a thyroid so it takes whatever you’re producing. In my case, not much! I put on more weight in those three months than in the rest of the pregnancy!! Email me for my GP details as those levels will keep bouncing around for a while post-pregnancy. Also, breastfeeding may be tricky for you – I now know it was the cause of my lack of supply – also read Fleur’s comment below about this. It’s also why I got my period so soon after giving birth. Fun times!!
Hi Nikki, thank you so much for sharing your health journey with us! You look fantastic and it must be so great to have that feeling of being back in control of your health/hashi. I’ve been reading about NDT and it’s good to hear your positive story. I’ve been feeling pretty much crapiola for the past 13 yrs, since my second baby. I’m sure my pregnancies set off my auto immune issues! So frustrating trying to sort it all out. It’s always inspiring to read about someones success with finding the right balance to it all.
Yes, often these conditions happen following a pregnancy – either Graves or Hashis – mine was after my second baby. Hope you can find the answers you need.
Nikki, what a journey and how wonderful that you are feeling so good just before heading off to Europe, that will make such a difference to your enjoyment.
I think many of us understand the frustration of finding the right treatment and the right medical providers (of whatever type). I have a bad scoliosis and as I have gotten older it has caused me more grief; most recently an inflamed bursa in my hip – very painful at its worst. Allopathic medicine can do not much other than cortisone shots, but having had one of them which provided temporary relief I decided to try not to go down that path again. I have started a long term unconventional chiropractic approach that deals more with the cause rather than the symptoms. It will take time and I have told the chiro that my goal is to be in good shape for France in September – a nice clear motivating goal for me 🙂
Like you I have found that our health insurance covers this poorly – $200 p.a. for a treatment program that will most likely run at around $2,000 I am estimating. But what price good health and mobility.
One of the things that I find most helpful is having motivation and, along with being ready for Europe I find getting up each day and challenging myself to play with my wardrobe, put on my lippy and show some #everydaystyle helps me to feel better, no matter how my body is feeling. So, thank you for being part of my healing journey and bon chance and bon voyage to you.
Good luck with your mission Jan … I think you’ve made a good decision that will really help you feel your best. x
Congrats on feeling tickety boo and fighting the good fight in seeking answers. It really does pay off in the end.
I like to believe I’m also a dog with a bone where my health is concerned. After living with IBS for nearly thirty years I finally have it under control thanks to a new GP, a gastro who knows her stuff, a dietician par none and the great work being done by Monash Uni and Sue Shepard in developing the low Fodmap diet. I never give up seeking answers and implementing these to their full potential.
Another health problem which surfaced two years ago, rocked my world and left me bereft but I’m now finally receiving the correct therapy. I knew I wasn’t progressing and I simply wasn’t prepared to just settle and my priority was to avoid surgery. My God it’s taken a mountain of effort but needs must. It often takes oodles of time to seek out the right health practitioners which view you as an individual rather than another text book case.
More power to us!
Oh go Annie – I love hearing these stories – you will inspire others to not top until you get the answers and health care you deserve. More power to you!
Excellent news Nikki. I am so happy that you are happy and healthy.
I have been really sick this week and today I am on the other side on feeling nearly back to my normal self. My mother has been diagnosed with Grave’s Disease and is having her thyroid taken out tomorrow. Which will require new medication for her and hopefully feeling better all round.
Good on you for looking after you and you are looking fabulous. Take care V x
Hey Nikki you might be interested to know those with low Thyroid have lower prolactin levels too – meaning your period would have been triggered into restarting (Ive only just learnt this myself from low prolactin / breastmilk supply issues) Funny how its all related.
Hey Nikki, Just wanted to say what a great read and yes, you have been inspiring me to create my own Healthy story for a while now and I have decided just now, so what, if it takes 2 years to feel fabulous again so be it, it only seems like yesterday you were talking about finding new ways to be healthy with 5:2 and limiting alcohol and look at you now, well done, you look amazing, so I can only imagine how you must be feeling! Thank you x
Two years is really such a short time isn’t it? Just seems a long time at the outset. And it’s not something I’ll stop. It’s something that is my life now. I want to feel the best I can and I deserve that. Good luck to you Jen x
Nikki, I have enjoyed reading your blog for about 6 months but had no idea about the battle you face with your health problems. I have just read your “update” and wish you continued good health. It is so true that we can read a blog, have an acquaintance or work colleague or merely just pass someone in the street who appears so well and healthy without knowing the difficulties they may face under the surface. Take care.
Thanks Sally – it is true – and I don’t dwell on it every day. I recognise when there are days when I have to dwell on it, take stock and rest, but otherwise I just get up and do the day. Working with a health professional who really cares about how I feel every day has been fabulous and I’m stoked that I am having more good days than bad.
As a 30 year old facing a hysterectomy, I am right there with you in needing to listen to my body and understand what it needs. My lifestyle and my mindset are constantly clashing with my need to slow down, and it can get a bit overwhelming at times! Just found my first grey hair too!
Oh Lauren, life is fast and busy, we do need to listen. You’ve got a big thing ahead of you. My girlfriends who have needed early hysterectomies have not looked back if that’s any help to you.
I have the same condition and about 3 years ago I went really down hill; really fatigued, reoccurring random symptoms and just wondering WTF has happening to me. Anyway last July after going to get up for work and feeling physically unable to do so I went back to my GP and guess what, I’ve developed Lupus. It’s very common for people with autoimmune diseases to develop others over time. I’ve spent the last 10 months seeing specialist, new medications, sleeping (oh the sleeping), it’s taking time but I am getting better and feeling better.
Isn’t that just the (NOT) fun fact – if you have one auto-immune, you’re first in line for another. What an awful time you’ve had of it – glad you’re getting better. It’s just not easy.
I have the same condition and about 3 years ago I went really down hill; really fatigued, reoccurring random symptoms and just wondering WTF has happening to me. Anyway last July after going to get up for work and feeling physically unable to do so I went back to my GP and guess what, I’ve developed Lupus. It’s very common for people with autoimmune diseases to develop others over time. I’ve spent the last 10 months seeing specialist, new medications, sleeping (oh the sleeping), it’s taking time but I am getting better and feeling better.
Wow. I needed this today… I had Thyroid Cancer when I was 25 yrs (hmm a long time ago), Oroxine prescribed and was doing okay. Although like you I look at food and I put on weight. Energy levels up and down. Been looking at alternatives as last 6 months definitely not feeling at peak… Checking out your new medication and glad it is working for you! X
Oh keep trying until your find some answers Monique … you deserve to feel the best you can. x
Great to hear how well you are feeling and that so much is from looking after your health rather than the scales.
About 18 months ago, we started getting a fruit and vegetable box delivered by a local co-op once a fortnight and it was the best thing we ever did for our health. It forced us to eat more vegetables, those that were in season and a much larger range than we’d been eating previously. I sourced new recipes, adapted some old ones and we have never eaten better.
I have a problem of sensitivity with my gall bladder. The tests are all normal but a gastroenterologist told me that about 5% of people (and it is mainly women), have an underlying sensitivity from years of low fat dieting, that means they have pain and nausea after eating fatty foods. At this stage, I have chosen just to avoid the stuff that causes a problem (can live without pies and pastries that are the main culprits, no problem) rather than pursue more investigations, but I’m thinking I really should get back onto it when I get back from my holiday to Europe.
What a great way to work with fruit and vegetable deliveries – use them to decide the menu, not buy what you need because of a menu you’ve created! Love it.
And that is very interesting about sensitivity from years of not eating fatty (even good fats) food. Would be worth looking into further, yes.
Love this. And you. Just what I needed to read today. x
Oh great Cheryl … hope you’re doing ok? x
I’m fine. Just haven’t been looking after my self as well as I should be. Timely reminder that it can’t be in fits and starts!! x
I have the same condition, I feel dreadful 80% of the time, I take the thyroxine prescribed but they can’t get it right, I am going to go and keep talking, thanks for the inspiration x
Keep talking or change GPs Lianne. Google for a thyroid support organisation in your city or state – they have lists of GPs who can help
That’s such awesome news. I totally agree with you, it’s so important to have a doctor who is on side. That’s so interesting about the natural thyroid replacement, I’ve heard so many good things about it both here and in the US, where it seems that it’s much more readily available. My alarm went off at 6.30 but only so I could get up and bake a cake… before I go to the gym!
Good on you Niki for searching for the answers. I’ve had Graves disease(over active thyriod) for nearly as many years and only realized how unwell I was 2 years ago when I started to feel better. My old normal was really really unwell. I’ve since had a couple more autoimmune diseases added to my repitoire, part of the right of passage I hear and one day will ended up with low thyriod when my thyroid finally burns itself out. Was it thyroid that made you start gluten free diet?
Well done Nikki for being persistent and for finding a GP that understands you and the condition. With your exercise, could you tell me what you do each week and are you still doing the 5/2 diet?
Great news Nikki – SUCH a relief when a. someone listens, and b. something works! Eight months in with my third biologic, I can say it IS working – I’m more stable than I was. But, I’ve just had bloods to test thyroid function – I have severe sero-neg RA, and there are some things just not adding up lately, so, another round of tests to try and figure it out! Always something, it seems…
Such a great post and story Nikki – thank you for sharing. We were up at 4.30 (just shy of the alarm – hubby is in construction and starts early) thanks to our almost 2yo little girl. Thankfully because we go to bed early and eat well etc it’s really not such an issue. I’m almost 18 weeks pregnant and feeling great after a couple of bad spewy, pregnancy sickness months. Looking forward to taking the small and dog for a walk soon and pregnancy yoga tonight. Big ups to looking after ourselves I say! X
So glad you are feeling better Nikki.
I have found out (the hard way) that mould exposure is the underlying trigger for a lot of autoimmune conditions as it is a biotoxin (used by the US military as biowarfare) and it breaks down your immune function. Most may not even be aware it is hidden in your environment or that past exposure has a long term accumulative effect in your body. I also didn’t know that 25% of the population have a genetic predisposition to a higher susceptibility to the biotoxins triggering the chronic inflammation and will find it more challenging to get better unless 1. you KNOW 2. the mycotoxins in your body are eradicated (not easy to do). Quick easy way to test is to do the VCS test (free online – but don’t use a mobile device) and then the HLA DR gene blood test. I ‘won’ the genetic lottery and have the worst gene x 2 – so got it from Mum AND Dad (what are the odds?) Testing positive then means you are passing it on to your children so my daughter has at least one of the ‘dreaded’ genes from me so TOTAL mould avoidance for the rest of our lives is mandatory. NOT easy to do.
http://biotoxinjourney.com/areyoumoldy/
http://biotoxinjourney.com/deciphering-hla-dr-labs/
Thanks for sharing what you’ve found for you!
Thrilled you’re feeling well Nikki. Finding a medical practitioner that you have faith in makes such a difference. x
Such a difference Amanda … you actually feel like you have a partner in the health battle!
Nikki you look fantastic and I’m so glad you feel good too!
Ditching scales is a great idea we actually don’t own any because of a mishap in the bathroom it got flooded and so did the scales and I’ve never replaced them.I totally understand what you’re talking about I had hashimotos disease and also a multinodular goitre I had mine removed a long time ago but not without many visits to GPs specialist and doctors that told me I was depressed and had nothing wrong with me ,I lost 10kg and I was so skinny and sick but it wasn’t just one thing it was a combination of thyroid,reflux and arthritis,but it was sorted and I have to live and control the other two,also I was lactose intolerant which didn’t help.
You deserve to feel as best as you can and I’m so glad your new meds are working,I hope to feel a bit better once my neck is fused and btw I always wake up before my alarm.Great post Nikki yoga has given you a lovely glow too,wishing you good health and happiness lovely lady Xx
Oh thanks so much Lisa … I hope you feel better soon too. That neck has not been kind to you for a long time x
firstly you are having a gold medal from me nikki! … top of the class!;0
I have been observing your progress for about 2 yrs! … I’m not a stalker though! and your determination has to be applauded and your whole body shape has changed I think! … I say congratulations for doing what is best for you health and wellbeing! your doctor sounds great! … I am also like “a dog with a bone” to get what is exactly right for my health challenges and it is not an easy path! as you know I’ve had graves disease, the flip side to yours!
hopefully it is not coming back!!! … I do anything for my health and wellbeing! especially food wise! …
also we have been walking lots lately! clapping hands and loving it!
my clock is automatic biorhythms! 4.30/5am … all good here!
Namaste! … om love m:)X
Thanks for observing M! I think we have to be like a dog with a bone when it comes to our health. x
Thanks for observing M! I think we have to be like a dog with a bone when it comes to our health. x
So pleased to read this and will be looking into this new medication with my GP.
“My condition isn’t life-threatening, it’s life-limiting but I know that the greatest lesson it’s taught me is that I know my body better than anyone else.” I think this sentence resonated with me the most.
Not all GPs or specialists are on board with it – and will probably dismiss it as experimental – try my old GP I recommended to you – he’s in Perth and is very knowledgeable in a holistic way on all things thyroid.
Hi Nikki, I too have Hashimotos and I’m living in Perth. I’ve not found a supportive ear yet and was wondering if you didn’t mind sharing the GPs name with me??
Hi Renae – I’ll send his details in an email to you. x
Nikki, would you mind sharing this Perth Dr’s details with me also…I don’t have a Thyroid and pretty much have to tell me Dr what I want/need 🙁
Wishing your old GP was a tad closer to me (over an hour away),although all the specialists keep saying the thyroid is the leas of my worries. I’ve only just received the ok to start driving again following my latest MRI, so hopefully it will open up options for me.
Nik – this just makes me so happy. And I know what a massive deal it is xxx
Thanks Kel you do x
You are looking fantastic, it’s wonderful to hear you are feeling as well as you look. xx
Thanks so much Nicole – I can still have tricky days but there are less of them! That’s winning in my books.
You look fabulous and I can see it comes from inside. And you are a shining example of persevering.
I am trying to eat healthier and exercise every day to remain vital and engaged with the world.
My most significant lessons in health have been learnt from loved ones and friends that did not follow their ‘gut instinct’ and get tested/treated early enough.
Stay well and thank you for a fabulous blog.
Oh thanks Cheekie and remaining vital and engaged is a very good aim I feel.