I say this throughout the day because there is no other way to explain how I feel and even that doesn't do it any justice. Most will think that my exhaustion is related to my busy schedule and physical demands placed on me by Evie. Yes, that is part of it, but there is so much more going on. My body has been attacking me since the birth of my daughter (2010). When I need it the most, it is in a state of rebellion and each battle destroys a little bit more of my defenses.
First, it was my thyroid. No matter what test was administered it always showed that it was functioning perfectly. But it was also growing. A lot. Like two and a half times normal size for a total weight of 75 grams when they removed it. I almost lost my voice. It has taken years for my vocal chords to recover and even now they are not at full strength. That is what hurt the most. My ability to sing songs to my daughter ceased to be because it hurt. So I hummed. Not the same though.
Losing my thyroid required that I start a daily regimen of synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Great! I'll die if I don't have them. Awesome! Who doesn't love being bound to medication for the rest of your life. But I take them. Then the exhaustion set in. Falling asleep at a stop light is not my idea of optimal balance. It took over a year of constantly saying I still didn't feel right and was too tired before anyone actually listened. My first doctor suggested my extreme fatigue was due to our special needs life. Um...No. That is not an acceptable answer. I found a new doctor. A change in medication (from synthetic to a natural desiccated thyroid) and I started to feel better for a quite awhile. And then I didn't. (seriously, it all becomes a blur)
The fatigue returned. My body just felt weak and tired all the time. I started feeling heart flutters/palpitations. My limbs felt heavy after 20 minutes of exercise. Just everyday simple tasks would leave me out of breath. I thought my thyroid medication was not longer working. I repeatedly mentioned it to my doctor and nothing changed. No additional tests were ordered. I carried on.
The fatigue really started being a problem again after I underwent emergency surgery in 2015. Afterwards, a post op infection basically placed me on bed rest for 4-6 week which was interesting to manage and could not have been done without help from my family and Evie's teachers.
Many parents will tell you that they will lose track of their own health needs because they are overwhelmed by the needs of their child(ren). I was no different. I'm so over going to doctors with Evie that I just don't have the energy to do for myself. I also know that when I go they will want to do something (tests) or send me somewhere else (specialist or therapy) and I seriously don't have time for all that. So, this mystery condition just went unchecked despite my bi-annual appointments with my endocrinologist.
I finally decided I needed to find out what was wrong. I thought I was going to have a freaking heart attack or something. I made an appointment for a physical with my primary care. I gave my blood. They ran their tests. Then I was told I am anemic (iron deficiency anemia). Not just a little. A lot. I have to take iron pills every day and more blood work is in my near future. Lots and lots of blood work.
But I wasn't going to cave into this new condition. I told my doctor I am training for a half marathon and would I be able to run. She said it would be best if I didn't until we determined what was causing my anemia and my levels were back up. Naturally, I ignored her. I am SUPERWOMAN! A little low iron (14...should be about 40 at its lowest) and low red blood count (8.1...should be between 12-15) wasn't going to stop me. Did I mention I'm stubborn and hardheaded?
I completed a 5k while pushing 80+ pounds (Evie and a jogging stroller). The course included a bridge and a 5 or 6 story spiral ramp. (I don't run the entire course. I do intervals of walk/run.) I couldn't breath after I crossed the finish line. I was gasping for air like a fish out of water. I am NOT superwoman. I am a special needs mom who now has special needs of her own. I don't know what this may mean for us in the long run. My body's betrayal has wounded me. When I need my body the most and my life demands more from it than ever before, it has decided to fail me. Repeatedly.Admitting that I can no longer keep up the pace I have been forcing myself to live is difficult. I may have to drop out of my half marathon. I may have to start taking naps more frequently. I may have to get transfusions. It is not just as simple as eating more spinach and popping an iron pill. If only (sigh). What I do know is I may not be superwoman, but I am going to continue living like I am and not let these physical setbacks stop me from being the best I am able to be. Right after I take a quick nap.
