The Endocrinologist's Assesment

Well, I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  And I am relieved to know it.  The endocrinologist appointment went relatively well.  He basically told me that if my numbers are normal, then I just have to deal with the symptoms.  But the more we talked, the more he realized that I probably do have an issue.  He did think I may have a B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia), but I didn't.  He made reference to the "autoimmune disorder [I] have inherited" and "hashimotos."  Well, he ordered labs and my TSH levels came back on the high side, but it was my antibody levels that were off the charts, which confirms that I do indeed have Hashimoto's.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Hashimoto's disease is a disorder that affects your thyroid…the thyroid is part of your endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of your body's activities (from digestion to metabolism to reproduction)…Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system creates antibodies that damage your thyroid gland. The disease causes inflammation of your thyroid gland (thyroiditis), which may impair the ability of your thyroid to produce hormones, leading to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Then, your pituitary gland attempts to stimulate your thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones, thus causing your thyroid gland to enlarge (goiter).

So, what does this mean?  Not much, really.  I need to watch my TSH levels.  They need to be kept lower than normal.  My thyroid will eventually "die."  But this means my levels and symptoms will even out and I will be completely dependent on synthetic thyroid hormones (which doctors prefer, I have been told).  It is more reliable.  Hashimoto's, because it is an endocrine, autoimmune disease, can lead to lots of other, unsavory things, but this is extremely unlikely as I am on medication and have been.  

I really am extraordinarily relieved to know what my issue is.  I've known I've had an issue and it feels good to finally have that confirmed.  Having Hashi's is really no different than plain hypothyroidism in regards to treatment and outcome.  But, there is always the possibility of having more endocrine issues.

One final note...I did ask the doc about avoiding goitrogenic foods (this was distressing me as many on the list are regulars in my diet) and he said that I would create more problems than solve by eliminating these foods.  He told me there was no way I'd ever be able to eat enough soy to inhibit iodine absorption at a level that would affect anything.  I'm still breathing a sigh of relief.  :0)

Vegetarian Month: A Recap

Vegetarian month was awesome!  I LOVED it!!  We will be doing it again in January.  My eating has changed dramatically and part of me REALLY wants to become a vegetarian.  But, it's not going to happen.  Too much prevents it for me, at this point in my life.  But, vegetarian meals now play a much bigger role in my life.  For the month of August, I think I've cooked meat three times thus far.  I've eaten it more out, for sure, but at home--many more veggies.

I've got a ton of new recipes I want to try, as well as a bunch of red lentils, french lentils, barley, black beans, quinoa, and other random stuff in my pantry.  I made more falafel this month and it is fantastic.

My body has also really decided it likes vegetarian food.  I have not felt near as good in August as I did in July.  I've had lots of issues and have been more tired and have lacked energy and concentration.  This last week really enlightened me--the conference was in town, which meant my busiest week of the year.  My food choices were not my own (mostly).  I did make turkey sausage, "egg," and veggie burritos for the week as I needed something extraordinarily filling for the mornings.  But, my tummy complained--so much so that I had to take pepto in the mornings before eating them.  I was thrilled to get back to you yogurt and berries.  But lunches were at the conference.  One day, after feeling yucky and really not thrilled about the bacon wrapped, cheesy-filled, artery clogging chicken, I ate three salads for my meal.  They had roasted tomato halves, roasted red onion, and asparagus.  Eaten with the vinaigrette, they were phenomenal.  I didn't even want the dessert.

But anyways, I digress...

So, did I reach my goal?  Yes.  I am much more comfortable cooking vegetarian recipes and incorporating more food in my diet.  I am eating healthier and less, my body is functioning properly, and I've been loosing weight.

How has it changed me?  I am much more opened minded about food (as long as there are no mushrooms or tofu)!  I am happier eating this way and I want to continue it.  I have begun to consider health over low-fat or low-calorie.

Friends were fascinated by our experience.  Some thought we were crazy, some were impressed, and one even joined the fun. Another friend sent us an interesting article that put into words some of what was going through my head when I decided to do this.  The article is about gluttony, but it touches on being willing to give up things, or at least consume less.

All that to say.  Veggie month was a success and I highly recommend it to people.  Choosing to forgo meat for one month is doable for anyone.  Open your mind.  Experience something new.  And learn.

And for something completely unrelated...here's a photo of the Tennessee River taken from the helicopter this past week...

Oh Wine, How I Love Thee

It's late, I'm tired, and I've had 1/2 a bottle of wine.  For me, lately, this is a lot and I am certainly feeling the effects.  I've cut way back since October (bad, bad night) so I normally don't even drink half a bottle.  But, tonight's wine (Sebeka Chenin Blanc) was excellent.  Very light.  Slightly citrusy.  Very mild.  Very soft nose.  Enjoyable.  We drank it with grilled chicken (Hubby's first time grilling chicken--roaring success), tourlou tourlou (adapted from Elly Says Opa), and pearled barley (cooked in veggie broth, with a bay leaf thrown in for good measure).  The veggies were like butter.

Dinner was tasty.  I loved it.  Dinner last night was good too...we went to my favorite restaurant in town and had a great steak with a good glass of cabernet.

That is all.

So Long...

But not farewell...I have not forgotten about you!  Life has been extraordinarily busy the past few weeks, both at work and at home.  It's also been ridiculously hot, which has made me want to be lazy.

Here are some things I owe you, so be on the look out:

-Report on the endocrinologist and diagnosis
-Recap of veggie month
-Recipe for some yummy Glazed Carrot Soup I made last night.

One final note...we drank the Kool-Aid and both got new iphones this week.  They are pretty awesome.

Cheers!

The Endocrinologist

Tomorrow, I will be visiting an endocrinologist for the first time in my life.  I am happy, yet a little nervous about this.

Prior to late December of last year, I had never heard of endocrinology, despite having problems with my thyroid for almost 10 years.  You see, I have hypothyrodism and am dependent on medication.  It runs in my family.

Dear Mom,

Thanks.

Love, 

Your Daughter

Well, for many a year I had it completely controlled.  I rarely suffered symptoms and was able to more easily loose weight (the epic battle of my life).  From September 2006 until February 2008, I lost 40 pounds--five pounds away from my goal weight.  Then, I met my husband, became deliriously happy, began drinking wine and eating good food.  I slowly started putting on weight--that is until my thyroid got out of whack.  It went nuts and I have gained back a ton of weight in a very short amount of time.  I thought I got it under control again, but this only lasted a few months.  My levels went up again.  And again.  Eventually I had to get a thyroid ultrasound and see an ENT.  Everything was normal and my levels stabilized.  But the symptoms have not gone away.  They still exist and dominate my life.  So, I'm seeing an endocrinologist.  Something is off and I'm tired of not knowing what is going on in my body.  Yes, my numbers look normal right now, but my body is screaming to take a closer look.

I am a little OCD about being prepared for things.  I have three pages of questions/documentations, plus a chart listing all of my thyroid levels since my doctor starting checking it.  I think my biggest concern is that he will tell me its all in my head.  I don't like it when people don't listen to me.  What do I do?  What do I say?  What else may this be?  And WHY CAN I LOSE NO WEIGHT, ONLY GAIN, WHILE WORKING OUT AND EATING HEALTHY?!?

Musings of a Dog, by Whatley

A post, by Whatley, the Dog.  Here chronicles his year in married life; not him, silly--his people!

Where are we going, Mommy??

Why do I have to sit back here?!?  I want to DRIVE!!

This doesn't seem like a very good idea to me...

Hmmm...which toy is best RIGHT NOW???  How is a dog to decide...

What more could you ever want than ME!

Whatley, Alabama loves me so much, they named themselves after me! 

OCD?  NOT ME... ... ...

Time to go, Mommy--hurry up!!

The End.  Time for Beauty Sleep.

Another Week, Another Meal, Another Smile

It seems as though all my posts revolved around food--I guess you can see what is on my mind and what I enjoy!

One full week of vegetarian month left!  It is hard to believe it has flown by so quickly.  I've enjoyed it thus far and plan to continue cooking vegetarian most nights a week.  I'm still not willing to give up meat for good, but I do think I'll be buying so little of it that I can afford the "good" (i.e. grass fed, cage free, etc etc) stuff.

16: Dinner was fried polenta, steamed butternut squash, and caramelized green peppers and red onions
17: Almond-Vanilla-Cherry Oatmeal, Lentil Soup (first time having lentils--quite tasty!), foccacia
18: Fruit smoothie; pizza out for lunch with friends, leftovers
19: Tomato Basil Soup and Salad for lunch; Mediterranean Night!  Saganaki, Falafel (woo hoo!  It worked this time), Kafta (only tried a taste as hubby made it), hummus, tzaziki with way too much garlic, cumin brown basmati rice, and pita; lime squares for dessert.
20: leftover greek for lunch; Whole Wheat Grilled Pizza with EVOO, spinach, fresh mozzarella, feta, caramelized onions,  balsamic glaze and sea salt
21: Salad at Earth Fare for lunch; Egg, Veggie, and Black Bean burritos
22: Nothing but Noodles for lunch; Rice and Black Bean Burritos (do you see a theme?) with fresh guacamole
23: leftovers for lunch and Veggie Curry from Surin for dinner.  Yum!

Fresh Hummus
An Original

2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 scant cup dried chick peas (rinsed and cooked on low heat for 8-10 hours) or 1 can chickpeas, 16 oz
1/2 cup tahini, well stirred
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil, or to taste
3 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted
1/2 teaspoon Ground red pepper, to taste
1 1/2-2 teaspoons Cumin, to taste
Warm pita bread

If using dried chickpeas, rinse, cover with water, and boil on low for 6-8 hours, or until done.  Drain whatever chickpeas you are using, reserving liquid; rinse.  On a cutting board, mince and mash the garlic with the salt.

In a food processor, puree all ingredients and ½ cup chickpea liquid, scraping down the sides.  Add more olive oil and/or chickpea liquid until desired consistency is reached.

Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle with pine nuts, if desired.

Serve with warm pita bread.

What are you lookin' at?!?  Eating all that food makes me sleepy!

Any brilliant ideas for the final week of July?!?  Bonus points for being seasonal-veggie filled and fragrant with spices!

I leave you for now with a beautiful sunset and a calm good-night.

Sunset over Lake Michigan (Traverse City, Michigan)