Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Hyperthyroidism

While preparing for my belt test, I started experiencing difficulty getting enough breath when training. I also noticed that my heart-rate was high. I persevered and acheived my black-stripe belt, but it was my greatest belt challenge yet.

My sister-in-law (a medical doctor) recommended blood-work after hearing of my symptoms (shaking hands, resting heart-rate of 100 beats per minute, shortness of breath). Sure enough, the diagnosis came back that I am hyperthyroid. Now what?

Not being particularly fond of Western medecine and it's pharmaceutical solutions, I have turned to my DTCM (Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medecine), a wonderful woman who practices here on the Island. She is looking at my symptoms and working to treat the root causes through acupuncture and herbs. In addition to this, I am making dietary changes to alleviate the strain on my thyroid/body: no caffeine (coffee, tea), chocolate or alcohol, and I am also reducing my intake of sugar.

I have read that the brassica family, soya, peaches, turnip and pears all inhibit the thyroid, so I am incorporating more of those into my diet. Bugleweed (Lycopus Europaeus) is also known to treat hyperthyroidism, so I plan to talk to my DTCM to see if that is included in the formula she is giving me.

In addition to the Chinese Medicine, I am having sessions with Maureen Mason-Edwardson who does Inner Resonance, an energy healing modality which enables the release and "reprogramming" of the body on a celular level. This week I have an energy reading and transformational session with Gini Grey. I'm also contemplating doing some work with Clinton, the shaman.

All in all, I am feeling quite well. The endocrynologist I met with last week wanted me to do a nuclear uptake test to see if I have Graves disease, but I have decided to wait and see how my alternative treatments go. I intend to fall back on the endocrynologist and her proposed treatment if my healing is not happening.