Changing Priorities

Miboje--I feel like my body is telling me to slow down, but I can't right now. That's why I wonder if moving would be the right decision. If our expenses are down, I can cut back a bit and have the time I need to rest. That alone has to help, even if I never find a doctor, right? I find meditation very difficult because I just cannot clear my mind. It gets to the point where I want to scream "Shut up!" And then I would be placed in a white padded room so I avoid that whole scenario. lol

I just edited a very interesting article. It is about diet and hypothyroidism. My doctor (in FL) said my thyroid is within normal range but she still felt it was low. She said it was "lazy."

Anyhow, in the article, the author talks about a connection between gluten intolerance and thyroid problems. It mentioned foods to eat such as fiber, foods high in selenium and tyrosine as well as iodine rich foods. It said high gluten foods can interfere with the utilization of iodine in people who are sensitive to it.

It also discussed foods to avoid: soy products, cruciferous veggies (sob!), peaches, peanuts (more sob!), radishes, walnuts and strawberries (sob again!).

Anyhow, it was sort of a light bulb moment considering the recent discussions here with all of you. Cutting out gluten foods will be hard, but if I get results it will be worth it. So that's something else to try, for sure.

I had an idea but it will take time for it to work (regarding earning enough to stay here). I have been talking to some goat people who say meat goat prices are higher than they have ever been. I've been wanting goats anyhow so I thought about gradually building up a meat herd. Naturally, my husband and probably the kids would have to help but I don't think they would mind. I could also add a dairy goat or two for our own fresh milk.

We have a sale barn relatively close where we could sell the meat kids. While this certainly isn't a get-rich plan and it will take time to build up, it just might produce enough income to replace some of mine so I can cut back a bit. I think moving around more (as in, tending to the goats) would help too. Sitting here for hours and hours really is hard on my body.

It's funny because I have friends who think I have an "easy job" sitting in front of the computer all day. I would so rather be outside doing yard work. I can be in excruciating pain after just 30 minutes of sitting here.

So is that an insane idea?

I think it sounds like a good one if you already have the fencing and such. Goats are fairly easy to manage if you have good browse and good fence.

Cannabis treatment for pain doesn't necessarily mean "smoking pot". A lot of people cook with it, making brownies/cookies/etc. I have a friend who lives in pain every day, and cannabis is the only medication she's found to actually help her. And it doesn't make her a bad person. She's a wonderful mother, a hard worker, all around great person.

Something to consider I guess.

Ahhh. That's too bad, but you know, it took me a long time to learn how to shut the thoughts off, too.
So, your body is saying slow down. Yes, cutting back will help regardless of seeing a Dr. You make a valid point about hurting sitting at the computer too long. I can vouch for that. It gets monotonous, too. It is always helpful for me to get up and move around regularly. I also have broken my day up working hours here and there vs. all together.

So yea, go for the gluten free diet. You won't know til you try! I'm all for alternative methods of healing. Sorry about having to give up strawberries! That would tick me off, but hey there are other berries...and nuts.. I know you want to be well, and it will be worth it if it works for you. There is a ton of free info and gluten free recipes out there. Www.Elana'sPantry.com is a good place for recipes as well as www.healthyindulgences.com. The latter one... recipes are noted as gluten free or not.

Your brain doesn't stop, does it? I applaud you for trying to hammer out solutions. Mine never stops, either! I think the goats sound like a plan. Especially with the info that the meat is bringing premium prices. The general public is starting to really be aware of grass fed, free range meats. And hey, if you can go organic, that's the real premium. You know your situation better than anyone. The kids will most likely enjoy helping!

I never said it made anyone a bad person. I said I wasn't interested in it. I have valid reasons for that but I won't go into them. However, I do appreciate the suggestion. It was certainly intended to be helpful and I am not judging anyone for their choices either way.

I gotta tell you, sometimes I wish my brain would stop. There are days when I am more fatigued mentally than physically.

Science fiction and books about ages past are good for that: if I read a modern book there will be problems on it that remind me of mine and then I start thinking again!

I have a stack of them that I read in the evening.

My sister has a goiter on her thyroid. So, she went to an endrocineologist (sp) who ran a test. Her levels are all within the "normal" range, therefore she does not have a thyroid problem. I guess a normal thyroid has a goiter on it? I'm just pointing out that what is in the normal range may not be normal for YOU.

Right, I think that's what my doctor in FL was thinking too. I was on meds but I ran out so I'm on my own. Interestingly, I don't think there was much of a difference when I took it though.

Kathleen have you looked at Candida as a possible cause for your illness? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mar..._b_657354.html

I had investigated it a few years ago. I had decided it probably wasn't the issue but I can't remember why right now. Maybe I should re-investigate to jog my memory. I used to be able to remember things. I just have so much going on in my head now that things fall out.

If your job is editing, can you use a Kindle reader? (I am techno-illiterate, but it sounded like people read books on it). Then you could walk around while reading, at least you'd not be in the same position all the time.
Just a thought.

From that article it sounds like you could have a pretty good idea after just a week or 2 of following an elimination diet.

I was a court reporter for over 20 years. I had to sit most of my time, driving to assignments, sitting still through the hearing and then, worst of all, locked to my desk transcribing hour after hour. Very hard on the body! I noticed the highest-earning most productive court reporters actively participated in some kind of sport, tennis especially, to counteract all that sitting.
FIRST magazine has an issue on the stands now with an article about thyroidism you might want to read. Also I bought a juicer and am surprised at how much better I feel after making fresh juice (mostly carrot) for several days. Try it you will like it!!!

Well, the thing is, that won't have the software that I need. Good idea though.

I saw that magazine too. I was going to grab it and got distracted (with a child or childish man, no doubt) and forgot it. I was about half way home when I remembered. Did I mention that stuff refuses to stay in my brain?

I'd love to have a sport I can do. I love kayaking and hiking. But it really kicks my butt. And since I don't drive I have to wait for someone to take me. Which leaves walking. lol Guess I should do that more.

I do try to get up often during the day. But deadline week kills me because everyone waits until deadline to submit their work and I have to do an editing marathon. Takes about a week to recover from that...

I am so sorry that you feel so rotten... I don't have much to add to what everyone else has said, I just wanted to say I understand your daily struggle... I have several autoimmune diseases...lupus and dermatomycytis ( a poly condition). I am diabetic as well and yesterday was put on High Blood pressure medicine.. I am only 49...just a year ago, life was good for me..I felt great and did whatever I wanted...this year.. not so much. I literally have been so frustrated with my health limiting me lately.

I only wanted to add that you shouldn't be so hard on your DH.. it is really hard for some people when their spouses are not well... be kinder/gentler...do not assume he could care less..when in fact he may care very much.


Anyway, you came to the right place...The people here on HT are very helpful and they listen really good. I also think you should take Lori's advice.. hike.. walk through the fatigue and pain....I think in the long run it will benefit you... also the gluten free diet is a great suggestion as well..I do like your plans of looking for alternative ways to make money.. Good luck.

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Christanie Farm...living life as it was intended

You sound like you are totally exhausted. You need a break. You have to be able to shut it off. My wife was there last year. I moved her out here and told her to do nothing all spring and summer. It took awhile for her to be comfortable with that. She is doing so well now. No house to clean, we make dinner together when I get home from work (3 days a week now and a lot of vacation) I am home the rest of this week. We take a little walk together each evening, fiddle in the gardens (flower and veg). She knits, listens to music and watches netflix movies. She has lost weight and feels much better. We took a weeks vacation, have another at the coast in August. You are overwhelmed right now. Do what you REALLY have to and leave the rest, take time for YOU. Talk to your husband, tell him you can't continue right now. He will understand and help. My wife just needed held sometimes when she was overwhelmed. She could then settle down and focus on what made her feel better and do that when she needed to. She is in the spa right now enjoying a good soak. Life is good here. We found our dream place. A BIG HUG to you and I hope you can find peace and then get to enjoy your dream....James

Wow! All I can say is you have the luckiest wife on the planet.

But no, he won't understand. I've told him countless times that I can't keep going like this. It's too much for me. He shrugs and walks away or changes the subject. Occasionally he talks about moving someplace cheaper so I can cut back. Then he talks about how he doesn't want to move (meaning I have to keep going anyhow). I don't want to move either. I love it here. Just...yeah...overwhelmed.

Guess I should quit whining about it and get on with it.

BTW, have I told you all how awesome you are? Thanks so much. It really means a lot to have someone to listen for once.

Does your husband think you really DON'T want to give up your dream? Sounds like you both had a dream, but things changed. It took my wife a long time to realize she couldn't do what "WE" wanted. We had to do what she needed, NOW. Make it clear you can't go on. He is tired too. You two have to REALLY communicate. You need to take the time away and relax so you can REALLY find out each others current "dream". Best wishes and you both need a BIIIIGGG HUUUGGG. YOU START IT. Tell him you really need to talk, make dinner, go out, WHATEVER, TAKE THE TIME....James