hypo-

Another check for the bummer column. I have blood draws and labs done on a fairly regular basis given my growing list of medical issues. Well I got a call that my thyroid is kaputz at present. He joked that it's on Craigalist looking for a new home. Just shot.

My existence has always been prefixed by hyper-. Expressive. Sensitive. Talkative. Thinking. Emotional. It's always been excessive, over the top and here I am relabeled. An underachiever in health.

Officially it's hypothyroidism. Basically hypo means under while hyper means over. Throw it in front of "active" and before thyroid and thats's me. Scientifically speaking hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Common symptoms include:

• Hard stools or constipation
• Sensitivity to cold temperature
• Fatigue or feeling slowed down
• Heavier and irregular menstrual periods
• Joint or muscle pain
• Paleness or dry skin
• Sadness or depression
• Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
• Weakness
• Weight gain

And wouldn't ya know I am experiencing all of this things. My immune system has once again decided to turn on itself. As of today I'm on a new medication to revive my system. The dosage is fairly small while my next labs are monitored to determine the appropriate adjustment. This might be a liberating diagnosis that get things back on track so I'm cautiously optimistic.