She is a very spry and healthy 12-year-old. But last Wednesday, Steve and I woke up to Charlee suddenly not being able to walk straight. She kept falling as if she had suffered a serious stroke.
Our gut told us this was not going to end well. Before taking Charlee to the vet to receive her presumably dire prognosis, I went in to teach class. Oddly enough, instead of being depressed, I felt propelled. I am very aware of the very real blessings, challenges and heartbreak of so many women in our community – both LIVE and virtually. I used the class to fuel up for the heartbreak ahead. Instead of sadness, I felt gratitude for the support and strength of all the women around me. I am one blessed lady.
Now the good news, while the doctor said Charlee certainly looked like she suffered a severe stroke, she had vertigo. Initially, the doctor thought it was due to an inner ear infection, and gave her antibiotics. After my research into vertigo for dogs, I found out that having a thyroid imbalance could lead to neurological weakness. They had mentioned it in a previous visit, but she did not have any of the standard side effects, so I passed on the meds. After the first dose of her new medication, you could see the difference almost immediately. Charlee is stronger and more energized than ever. Yay!!! ❤️🐾❤️
The takeaway? Make sure and have your thyroid levels checked!! Having your thyroid checked is not a routine thing in most checkups. You have to ask for it.
There are a lot of typical side effects…But if you are having issues, listen to your body and be aware of the not-so-common side effects as well. Apparently, a lot of thyroid imbalances are misdiagnosed as something else.
Don’t know much about your thyroid? Neither did I, so I did a deep dive. Here’s some info you might find helpful…
Our Thyroid: A Vital Gland,
Resource: American Thyroid Association
Our thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of our neck. It plays a crucial role in regulating our body’s metabolism, which is how your body converts food into energy. The thyroid produces hormones that control our heart rate, body temperature, and other essential functions.
Surprising facts about our thyroid:
Age and gender: Thyroid disorders are more common in women and tend to increase with age.
Autoimmune conditions: Many thyroid disorders are autoimmune, meaning our body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
How to ensure your thyroid is working properly:
- Regular check-ups: If you have a family history of thyroid disease or are experiencing symptoms, consult your doctor for regular check-ups.
- Know the symptoms: Be aware of common symptoms of thyroid disorders, such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, cold intolerance, and hair changes.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can support overall thyroid health.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and depression.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): Weight loss, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, heat intolerance, and bulging eyes.
Alert! Thyroid misdiagnoses are common.
Unfortunately, testing for thyroid imbalances is rare, and only really occurs if you are experiencing side effects…so it’s helpful to know ALL the side affects – including the rare ones.
Rare hypothyroid side effects:
Cognitive decline: Difficulty learning new things, memory problems, and confusion.
Slowed reflexes: Decreased response time to stimuli.
Muscle weakness: Loss of muscle strength and coordination.
Nerve damage: Tingling, numbness, or pain in the extremities.
It’s important to note that these neurological symptoms can be subtle and may sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
More less common side effects of hypothyroidism:
Carpal tunnel syndrome: A condition where the median nerve is compressed in the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand.
Fertility problems: Difficulty conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy.
Heart problems: Increased risk of heart disease, including heart failure and irregular heart rhythms.
Sleep apnea: A condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep.
Hearing loss: Age-related hearing loss may be accelerated in people with hypothyroidism.
Joint pain: Arthritis-like symptoms, including joint stiffness and pain.
It’s important to note that these side effects may vary from person to person, and not everyone with hypothyroidism will experience all of them. If you’re concerned about your thyroid health or are experiencing any unusual symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Exercise is KING
Nutrition is QUEEN
Put them together and you have a KINGDOM
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