Lorelei has been diagnosed completly now.

[Triskeliongirl]

Brandi, I know your sister is scared now, because the symptoms of untreated hypothyroidism are indeed scary. I remember once when my mom was in the hospital through an error they had stopped her thyroid meds, and I was summoned because they thought she was dying. But, when I reviewed her meds we discovered what had happened. Thyroid hormones are that important!

I don't totally understand why they are giving her steroids, but perhaps its more complicated than your sister explained on the blog. Perhaps its to calm down her immune response, in which case perhaps its only short term. The thyroid meds are definitely for life but its no biggie, they will only make her feel better, but I am not so sure about the steroids.

Your sister will have to expect changes to the dosage of her thyroid medication, both as the disease progresses, and as she grows. But she is lucky, because thyroid disease is completely treatable with replacement thyroid hormones. In fact, most people with hyperthyroidism have their thyroids completely destroyed and then are given a full replacement dosage. People with hypothyroidism (of which hashimoto's is just one type) usually experience a gradual decline in thryoid function until they too end up on a full replacement dosage. But, with the right medication, she can have a completely normal full life. Its just not that big a deal.

The glucose stuff is more of a lifestyle adjustment. I follow the diet in Dr. Bernstein's diabetes solution. Even though she isn't diabetic yet, if she has problems controlling her blood sugar, the advice there is very appropriate. Basically I eat lots of protein and non-starchy veggies, but don't eat starchy carbs or sweets. My rule is that I don't eat foods that raise my blood sugar higher than 120, 1 hour after eating, and higher than 100, 2 hours after eating. Fruit is touch and go for me, if I have just exercised (cuz exercise improves your insulin sesitivity/glucose tolerance), I can usually tolerate lower carb fruits like strawberries, canteloupe, prickly pears. She may not need to be as strict as me. Obviously this needs to be discussed with her doctors, as I don't have all the specifics of her case. I'll also tell you this kind of nutritional therapy is controversial, but it works. Just, a lot of people would rather take pills so they can eat sweets, but I find my body works best by only eating foods it can metabolize well. Despite what people here may think about carbs and exercise, I can ride a century on my protein shakes with snacks of almonds and hard boiled eggs. Now power bars or gels for me!

p.s. I also have wild curly hair, and I LOVE it!!