Health Update.

I know you are waiting with bated breath to find out if I am falling apart or not. Well you will not be losing me anytime soon. I have tendinitis & Carpal Tunnel in my wrist (although they are going to re-evaluate the Carpal Tunnel because the original diagnosis was so long ago) and will have to visit an Occupational Therapist twice a week for exercise instruction and therapy.

As for the Charlie Horses - which, in case you are wondering is NOT something that is a recognized diagnosis in the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) world - are believed to be caused by my thyroid (TSH) levels being completely wiggy. We will find out if this is true once my levels are normal.

If you are wondering just what your thyroid does you should look it up and if you have a fully functioning thyroid you should say a little thanks to it every day. Your thyroid is a gland that produces hormones. Thyroid hormones help the body make energy, keep body temperature regulated and assist other organs in their function.

Some of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism are:

• Fatigue - Constant need to nap, always feel worn out? Yep, me too.
  
• Depression - Crazy crying at Hallmark commercials? May not be PMS!!
  
• Modest weight gain - Modest? My ass - I have gained 28 pounds in the last 8 months!
  
• Cold intolerance - Below 72 degrees? Get me out of here.
  
• Excessive sleepiness - Did I mention I need a nap?
  
• Dry, coarse hair - This sucks with the curls - makes them harder to deal with.
  
• Constipation - Well, what can I say?
  
• Dry skin - I own stock in Neutrogena!
  
• Muscle cramps - Did I mention the Charlie Horses?
  
• Increased cholesterol levels - I have been lucky on this one. So far, so good.
  
• Decreased concentration - And I thought is was my ADD.
  
• Vague aches and pains - I truly thought that those "vague" pains were because of Oliver!
  
• Swelling of the legs - Well, doesn't this come with the "modest weight gain?"
• Hoarse or gravely voice - I am starting to sound like "That Girl"
  
• Can't remember things - What is that actress's name that plays "That Girl?"
  
• Need to yawn to get oxygen - Breathing through you nose is for sissy's!
  
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears) - Is that the door bell?
  
• Restless - Hold on, I will be right back.
  
• Moods change easily - Wow, what a beautiful day!
  

There are actually several more that could be listed here as well but these are the primary ones. It sucks, it's hereditary and I have it. Yea! for me!