January- Thyroid Awareness Month

Jess holding Emmy and Elle shortly after they were able to come home form the NICU. Jess is a true southern girl and had their monogrammed onsies made for them! Such a special gift!

Jess holding Emmy and Elle shortly after they were able to come home form the NICU. Jess is a true southern girl and had their monogrammed onsies made for them! Such a special gift!

I am so fortunate to have amazing women in my life who are truly my village. One of these women is my forever friend, Jessica. Jessica has always been extremely supportive of me and my family. From being a bridesmaid in our wedding to the first person I called when we were diagnosed with TTTS and her words were, “we will take Sadie! Don’t worry about her!” She was my first friend to come and visit the girls after they were born. I will never forget her coming all the way to my home, bringing me lunch, and then driving me to the hospital because I was not yet able to drive myself. She said all the right things and for the first time I wasn’t as scared about how tiny and fragile the girls must have looked but instead felt like a “normal” new mom showing off my precious bundles of joy. Moments like that mean the world to any NICU mom. God always has a plan for us and this was true when Jessica’s daughter was born exactly two years to the day after our Ashley passed. Jessica gave me the most beautiful gift of remembering my daughter when she created a special space to honor Ashley at her daughters first birthday party. I will never forget her mom telling me to check out the tribute to our guardian angel. I wanted to tell you all of this about Jessica so you can understand her amazing character, giving heart and why she feels so passionate about raising awareness about Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism in honor of January being Thyroid Awareness month. Here are a few facts about thyroid disease from www.thryoid.org.

·       An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease.

·       Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.

·       Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.

·       One woman in eight will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.

·       Most thyroid cancers respond to treatment, although a small percentage can be very aggressive.

·       The causes of thyroid problems are largely unknown.

·       Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put patients at risk for certain serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and infertility.

·       Pregnant women with undiagnosed or inadequately treated hypothyroidism have an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and severe developmental problems in their children.

·       Most thyroid diseases are life-long conditions that can be managed with medical attention.

 I wanted Jessica to share her story because she is passionate about raising awareness about her disease and because she wants people to feel empowered to take their health in their own hands and push for answers. Thank you Jessica for being so open and honest. I know by sharing your story you will help countless others in their search for answers.

The only person who is in control of my life is God and myself not Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism.

My name is Jessica and I have Hashimoto’s, the most common cause of Hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed with this auto immune disease when I was 29 years old. A quick look at Mayo Clinic’s definition states, “Hashimoto's disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck below your Adam's apple. The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of your body's functions.” My body is basically attacking my thyroid and I had no idea this was even happening! I did not even know what the thyroid did until I was diagnosed. I want to give you an inside look of how this auto immune disease has tried to control my life not necessarily the medical reason as I am still learning a lot about this disease.

 I married the love of my life and best friend in June of 2015. We had a magical wedding surrounded by our close family and friends! We knew we wanted to have children soon after marriage, so I went to the doctor to get a wellness check. Shortly into my physical checkup the doctor immediately felt a lump on my throat/neck. She laughed it off and said if it was thyroid cancer it was the easiest cancer to treat. Cancer? I hate that word. She assured me I was fine and would send a referral to the best endocrinologist in Charlotte, NC. I was scheduled to see him October of 2015 but soon received a call from his office that he had reviewed my medical record and wanted to see me as soon as possible. I do not recall the exact order of events that took place, but he ordered a biopsy to rule out cancer immediately, praise God!! He took an ultrasound where he then diagnosed me with Hashimoto’s. My husband and I were then told we could not try to have a baby until my thyroid levels were within acceptable range.  Looking back, I believe that was harder to hear then the C word. I think deep down I knew I did not have cancer. But being told it could harm the baby and you if you try to conceive was not easy to hear. The doctor explained to my husband and I the chances of miscarriage and infertility. Again words no one wants to hear. But we hung onto hope. I started taking the recommended prescription, would not let my husband get anywhere near me and started trying to understand what I was diagnosed with.

 In November of 2015, four months of taking a small pill every morning, getting my blood drawn often to check the dosage was correct, my thyroid levels were finally within range and we were told we could start trying to conceive. Trying to have a baby is hard, who knew! It became very consuming, mentally and emotionally. We decided to get a puppy in March to take our minds off trying to have a baby and God pulled a funny on us as we learned soon after we were pregnant with our miracle baby!

I enjoyed being pregnant and I want to be pregnant again soon. I would go and get my blood drawn every 4 weeks and the following week I would see my doctor, so he could check on my pregnancy, myself, and my thyroid levels. The first 12 weeks I lived in fear of the unknown, looking back I wish I didn’t but this was our first baby and a newly diagnosed disease. From the start my OB and Endocrinologist were very positive and stayed that way throughout my entire pregnancy, I am truly thankful for them. Our beautiful baby girl was born December of 2016. The birth of a baby is truly a miracle gift from God.

Jessica’s beautiful daughter wearing a dress from Blue Sage Baby + Kids and photo taken by Caroline York Photography

Jessica’s beautiful daughter wearing a dress from Blue Sage Baby + Kids and photo taken by Caroline York Photography

After our baby was born I felt like my thyroid grew three sizes. My doctor felt it was noticeably larger as well. My doctor ordered another biopsy to make sure it was not cancer. I can remember this so clearly because my precious father took me to hospital while my mother stayed with our baby and my husband could go to work. Having the biopsy in the hospital instead of the doctors office was very intimidating. I was not walking out with a baby this visit. My father was so sweet and loving making me feel so much better. Everything came back negative and another thank you to the good Lord above.

I continued about life day to day, thankful for another day on earth, thankful the disease is being controlled, and thankful for an understanding husband…for the most part.  I believe he forgets sometimes I have this disease.           

I have been told I have changed. I know I am stubborn, have a type A personality, and am not perfect, but what does that mean I have changed? Hypothyroidism can affect every part of the body. Fatigue, memory loss, weight gain, brain fog, ADHD, anxiety, miscarriage, leaky gut, migraines, mood swings, infertility, irritable, chronic pain, ringing ears, PCOS, bad breath, hair loss… the list goes on and on. Was Hypothyroidism affecting me and I did not even know? I didn’t even know I had the disease to begin with.  As hard as I fight this disease I know I am not perfect and part of side effects have changed me. I try very hard for this disease to not control me. I am a career working mother who has struggles with work and unnecessary stress that I know is not good for me. I try and leave it at the office, but I know part of me brings it home. I do feel fortunate that I do not have some of the symptoms some individuals with Hypothyroidism have to live with daily but I still know this disease affects my life.

August of 2017, I started going to see a wonderful acupuncturist, Lotus Acupuncture. I cannot even remember what lead me to her, but I am so glad I did. She helps me understand how different outside factors could be affecting my body, encourages me to eat right, and has an understanding of the wellness of my body, not just my thyroid. I highly recommend everyone to see an acupuncturist regardless if you have Hashimoto’s or not. Especially if you are stressed or having a hard time in life. They will help you find the root cause of your problem.

We have currently been trying to have baby number two for the past year. I believe we have not been successful because of my thyroid and stress. I also believe God has a plan I do not know about and we will be blessed with another miracle when the time is right. I am not sad about this as we have a beautiful baby girl who is my world. I think of it often and try to not let it consume by thoughts. I try to be an advocate for myself and stay strong. I have moments of weakness. I try to think of the positives in life and be thankful.

Since January is Thyroid Awareness month I wanted to give a glimpse into Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism. If you are not feeling like yourself have your thyroid checked. If your levels are within normal range have them check again in couple months. Even if you feel okay get your yearly wellness check, it could save your life. Be an advocate for yourself and never feel like you are alone. I am in control of my body and I want that for others.

To others who are fighting to be in control of your life, my dream is by sharing my story it gives you strength and hope for the future. You are not alone.

To my family, my husband, mother, father, sister, and my grandparents, thank you for always loving me when I am weak and always being supportive.

To our baby girl, Momma and Daddy love you so much, you help us find the sunshine on rainy days. And always be kind to others, you never know what battle they may be facing.

Holding Jessica’s daughter for the first time!

Holding Jessica’s daughter for the first time!

The tribute Jessica made for Ashley at her daughter’s first birthday party. Words can never express the sense of love and gratitude I felt for her to remember my daughter.

The tribute Jessica made for Ashley at her daughter’s first birthday party. Words can never express the sense of love and gratitude I felt for her to remember my daughter.