Hippo to Hypo

So here's my story about Hypothyroidism. Well, it's quite long, to be sure. I will go into further detail as in the future.
But here's the short(ish) version for now.
This is my first year teaching, and last semester was rough. And I mean RUFF.
I took on too much, was struggling with things in and outside of work, and felt like I was caving. Everything in my life felt tired and worthless. I was at the end of my rope. Hanging on for dear life. My relationships were suffering, my health was suffering, my heart was empty and I had nothing else to give to anyone.
Everything came crashing down on my 25th birthday. I ruined my own dadgum birthday!
I had no idea what was going on and I felt this hopeless tailspin would never end.

I can honestly say that I had to find a way out of this negative time. I love teaching, my husband, my family and friends, and my 25th birthday was a rude awakening.

So I began test after test to figure out what in heavens was ruining my life.

The problem with Hypothyroidism is that the symptoms seem unrelated until you realize what is going on. Fatigue, irritability, being cold all the time, stomach issues, headaches, fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, hair loss, memory loss, female issues, fatigue and weight gain. Did I mention fatigue and weight gain????
These symptoms made me feel like I was a failure. I would come home, absolutely exhausted and could not even hardly get up off the couch, let alone make dinner for my sweet husband. I could not seem to understand why my body was turning against me. I felt ugly and sick all of the time.
Where I used to sing and dance in the kitchen with my husband, I was crying and complaining all the time.

When three different tests came back positive, I felt a release. It was like  I could finally admit to myself that I wasn't a loser, that I wasn't going crazy and that there was still hope for me.

I've been taking medicine for a couple months now, and have made some serious changes in my life and diet that are really helping. I feel like I'm back. The weight has NOT been easy to lose and it is a daily struggle not to get frustrated and the slow progress, but I have energy!! I get home and make yummy dinners! I can get through a school day with energy to spare.
I want to post recipes and information I find here to help others as they get on their own journey to living life not as a hippo, but with hypothyroidism.