** Don't let anyone take away your sparkle **

I have always been Superwoman

At least that was what everyone thought..

 I never thought much about my energy level since I had to juggle work, single motherhood, school. 

Than my father said one day that if he owned a business he would make me CEO.

I was organized, never tired and I just was that type A woman.

Than after my last cancer surgery I lost my energy.  I lost my appetite.  I couldn't sleep well.

I have been trying to figure out why with my doctors.

Fibromyalgia, anemia,. I just thought it is something else. I didn't give up

I barely made it through the day..oh it must be depression.  All the diagnoses and pills and still I didn't feel like me.

I knew that my energy was gone but also I didn't feel happy and I was always irritable.

Finally I walked to my car last Friday and could barely make it out the door.

I was pale and my eyes were blurry. 

Driving was concerning. I just had to have some answers. 

I have been too tired to shop! I actually ordered my groceries and picked them up at the curb.

How was this possible?

I had been clutching my throat thinking for the last few months for some reason 

I got to my doctor's office and they said your appointment isn't until Tuesday.

I said please look at my face ...I  need blood work now.  My doctor had already ordered them

On Monday I got a call from my PCP.  I knew from the past when the doctor calls you listen.

The first thing she asked me was how I was feeling. I said lousy, really tired..

Than I heard what I have been trying to determine , a true diagnosis.

Do you have heart palpitations she asked..I said yes I do 

I heard her say that is because you have a hyperthyroid condition.

I slid off my bed and started to cry. Finally a disease that explains all my symptoms.

I have apparently had a low TSH for five years! 

I want everyone to know that stress can bring on a myriad of complications including medical and emotional.  I know that I have been half dead with exhaus since 2009.

I have been to so many doctors and hospitals telling them how sick I feel.

At last an answer.

I plead with all of you to listen to your bodies.  That is why I was clutching my throat and I didn't know why?  Amazing how our bodies tell us what is wrong.

 I have opted to stay on medication for a month and than have my blood rechecked.  I might be faced with surgery again.   

When you are hurting and exhausted all the time there has to be a reason.  Do not give up !

If you are tired and irritable, exhausted and losing weight, have your thyroid checked.

I have been sick since 2009.

Finally there is a diagnosis and a plan.

 I fell through the cracks even when I was tested over and over.  

I thought I am not imagining this!

I am still in shock that I knew that my body was fighting something.

I CAN NOT WAIT TO BE STEPHANIE AGAIN!

My Dad said Never give up until you have answers.

Thank you Dad.

I want to fly through the air again. I can't wait to run around Italy in a few months.

Never Give Up. 

I fell through the cracks even when I was tested .

I was forgotten for five years.