DEAR THYROID^TM

“Who Am I This Minute, Thyroid? You Tell Me!” ,  Poignantly, poetically and honestly, Casie, a young adult with Graves’ disease, gifted us with an opportunity to participate in her thyroid journey. At a time in her life when she was falling apart at the seams; enduring far too much heartache, as so many of us have.

As always, our community rallied, not only to lend support, but to share their stories, too. Many shared success stories, while others conveyed unrelenting exasperation. All were from the heart, raw, gritty and unabashed. Thank you for being your beautiful, thyilliant selves today and always.

Today’s comment of the day;

Linda says: April 16, 2010 at 7:57 am

Casie, I loved your letter. It was very true for me too. The only difference is it did destroy a marriage. I am now with a man that tries to understand, but I fear he will not be able to handle the Thyroid Linda much longer. He says he can, but there is always doubt. I am glad you are still fighting. Your letter inspires me to keep up the fight too. Thanks!

“Thyme For Some Literary Healing, And A Few Qs Part III” Casie’s Dear Thyroid Letter got us thinking about a few things. We see ourselves as two separate people: Thyroid {insert name here}, and {insert name here}. Many of us feel as though we’re being swallowed mentally and physically into unrecognizable strangers to ourselves and others. This radically affects our sense of self, relationships and infiltrates every area of our lives.

We asked our beautiful thymmunity, to answer three questions. Each person was so brave and honest about what they’ve been through, the losses they’ve endured, and the unbearable heartbreak. And, and, and, a few thyroid success stories along the way (yay).

Thank you all for jumping in with both feet, getting your hands dirty and going there, to places we simply don’t want to go to. When we do, we learn so much more about our diseases and each other, you connect us with each other with daily reminders that we are not alone.

Today’s comment of the day;

Em says: April 16, 2010 at 1:20 pm

1. How has your thyroid affected your relationships?

My temper is far shorter today than it was. I’m less patient with people and I get tired far more easily. (And my libido is down the pooper! GRR!!) My husband has had to be a lot more patient with me. I’m lucky that I married such a patient and understanding man. Even if he doesn’t quite get the full extent of this disease (though I’m only beginning to learn it).

2. Do you regard yourself as two people, as Cassie did in her letter today: Thyroid you and you?

I remember the old me. Running at a million miles an hour all the time and able to go go go on very little sleep. I miss her! Now if I don’t get at least 7 or 9 hours (preferably 9 but that doesn’t happen a lot) I’m a cranky not nice person. (Am I allowed to say bitch? Cause that’s what I am!) Though I try to keep my mouth shut and be quiet.

I agree with Cassie, I hate that the me now has to depend on medicine, but unlike her, I’m lucky that mine keeps me regulated. (That broke my heart.)

3. Do you worry about what the future brings? If so, what concerns you the most?

I worry about having kids one day. I worry that one day I may progress to where medicine doesn’t control me. But my ultimate worry is that I turn out like my “crazy” uncle. He is hypothyroid as well and refuses to take medicine for it. (He claims he was “healed” but since I know what it is and know the symptoms I see them alive and well in him.) I don’t want to turn out like him!

Tags: Comment of the Day, community building, Dear Thyroid, Health Community, health support community, literary community, literary support, thyroid community, thyroid support community

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