Hashimoto's Disease: A Case Study

I have been struggling with the effects of Hashimoto’s disease, GERD, anemia, vitamin deficiency, anxiety, and depression for years without a proper diagnosis and treatment program. Each year a doctor has prescribed something to relieve a symptom, such as an iron infusion for my anemia. But, the relief has been short-lived. Over the last year, I have pushed my doctors to do more testing and now have a combination of medications that manage some of the symptoms more effectively. However, my illnesses have still progressed to a point that I am physically and mentally unable to work. The medications I take for my illnesses have side effects that also affect my digestive system and nerves. In my mind these are mountains I have to overcome everyday. And the …show more content…
I have always been quite strong but, now I struggle to carry groceries, or put items on a closet shelf. Climbing stairs makes me short of breath now. As someone who played sports for years, this is especially humiliating. The joints in my hands and feet have become so stiff that I struggle to type or write now and when walking I stumble more.
My illnesses have led to weight gain which reduces my endurance and adds to my shortness of breath. My inability to absorb vitamins effectively has made me more susceptible to colds and flu. It is also more difficult to recover. I feel like I am running on empty which makes me want to eat more for energy and I gain weight. I have also been affected by Menorrhagia which makes me very weak and tired each month. I had an ablation to reduce the effects but, now it is getting worse again.
Finally, I have always tried to be kind and empathetic with people. Now, I struggle enough with my illnesses that it has become very difficult not be short with people or impatient. I try to limit my interactions with people to minimize this situation. I don’t want to be this way so, when I feel really ill, it is important for me to stay home so I don’t affect