My Auto Immune Journey Reactive Hypoglycemia Hypothyroidism & Hashimotos Disease 2023

For my dear family and friends who’ve been following my journey. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in 2017. I was put on thyroid medicine, I was initially having regular blood tests to ensure I’m getting the correct dosage for me to be able to function normally. My former GP (an experienced semi-retired part-time GP who also taught other GPs) wasn’t sure what to say when I asked why did I have Hypothyroidism.

Honestly, the doctor said, she didn’t know. All she could see is that I’m experiencing both Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid symptoms, and couldn’t understand why this is happening. As the initial blood tests came back normal. Given my research background she encouraged me to do some research for myself and let them know what I found. That was a great idea as between us I was hoping together we can find out what the problem was. That was a non starter. Mainly due to being ill.. Severe cognitive symptoms of brain fog and confusion also have hampered then put a stop to my first attempt.. As these symptoms wake me up and prevent me sleeping. My sibling finally understood after saying have I tried various ways of going back to sleep? My words was have you ever tried to go to sleep while running on the spot?

Obviously, although I can’t run on the spot. I can just about stand up without falling over

As my TSH was normal and some of the symptoms improved since I was taking Levothyroxine. I thought my thyroid problems had been resolved. As I started getting other symptoms including my blood glucose levels started becoming a issue. My sole focus went onto Hypoglycemia symptoms instead.

As a consequence I made a mistake by deciding it wasn’t a priority to finish reading this book. That was a huge mistake… Had I read on, I would have found the link to Reactive Hypoglycemia sooner and these group of symptoms are linked to Hypothyroidism and Hashimotos Disease.

So the book was put away and I temporarily forgot about Dr Datis Kharrazian’s book and it’s contents until recently.

In between, this lead to a consultation with an endocrine specialist. I was diagnosed with Reactive Hypoglycemia and what with my dad’s and a friend’s recent passing and their subsequent funerals, I only got as far as reading “the introduction” in this particular book. This was compelling in addition to being upsetting as the introduction starts with a patient experiencing the exact same heart symptoms I experience!

It was like he could see what was going on inside me and had transcribed it to paper. It was a combination of both exciting and terrifying reading this book. As could I dare hope this could be why I’m still experiencing thyroid symptoms, when the TSH results are normal..that I actually have a name for all these symptoms and why I’m feeling this way. However, this morning I did flick through again via the chapter and index to see if I could find any relevant information pertaining to Hypothyroidism and my symptoms..

I found after the first look it confirmed what I already knew. I have an underactive thyroid.(that was kind of stating the obvious as I’m taking Levothyroxine for an underactive thyroid) I was tested and scanned. On examination, l was experiencing nearly all the symptoms. Apart from the obvious fact I’m the opposite of overweight.. Yet when I’ve had blood tests the result are largely normal… As I explained I have noted, when I’ve had these blood tests before the symptoms have been dormant and I’m feeling OK. The result always seem to be normal when I’m feeling well. I’ve also been experiencing a group of symptoms affecting my eyes. When I saw the eye specialist she mentioned had I been tested for Sjögrens Syndrome.

The GP has recently given me a variety of blood tests to have. If these tests come back normal too then I will be referred to a special clinic at King’s College Hospital or at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. I continue to consume my meals upto 4 times daily. I also try to include snacks in between. But I have to be careful not to trigger a Reactive Hypoglycaemic emergency However, when the RH is triggered it usually triggers these “Other Signs That Can Indicate Autoimmune Hashimotos Disease” aswell. So if I can trigger these symptoms & book a blood test maybe something will show itself. As food can affect the thyroxine and absorption of thyroxine medicine I take. I shall have the blood test then take the thyroid medication. then I will wait the usual obligatory hour to allow the tablet to dissolve before I can measure my blood glucose and then eat. Although if I have low blood glucose levels then I have to treat this first with a glucose tablet but my Aim is to ensure nothing is able to ❤️

These are the primary symptoms that wakes me up & keeps me from going back to sleep. I’ve been experiencing these symptoms since 2017. Sometimes it triggers a Reactive Hypoglycemic emergency. I don’t always get the warning signs until its too late. I can’t afford a CGM such as the Dexcom or Libre continuous glucose meter. (CGM)

These are symptoms of a low thyroid function. The only symptoms I don’t have or experience is depression and weight gain. I’m not overweight infact the opposite is true. I find it very difficult to gain weight. I seem to have no problems losing weight. I’ve got or I am 1experiencing all remaining symptoms listed.. Losing weight seems to be part of the heart symptoms I have experienced. ❤️

This is the introduction I was referring to. I have a very similar scenario to this patient. The only difference is that I’m underweight rather than overweight. So while I’m trying to gain weight and gained over half a stone or 9 pounds so far with another 10 pound or 4 to go. I have had another flare of symptoms & then I lose weight again ❤️

The first time I saw this illustration I thought that’s what I was diagnosed with. Why is Reactive Hypoglycemia in a book about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or Hypothyroidism that was caused as a result of Hashimoto’s Disease.

Managing Genetic Hemochromatosis: An Overview of Dietary Measures, Which May Reduce Intestinal Iron Absorption in Persons With Iron Overload – PMC

Hello lovelies, I hope this finds you well.. I been in bed since last Thursday with the same heart symptoms that wake me up at silly o’clock in the morning and continue until about 3pm almost 12 hours or more. So this post is the first post I’ve written since I published last.

Hemotomachrosis is a genetic condition that doesn’t affect me. But it affects some I know really well. I don’t like to mention my family and friends identities when I write. As it is up to them if they wish to share their identity, and personal lives with me. I would always obtain permission if I wanted to introduce you lovely lot to someone I care for.

Anyhoo it is something I didn’t know much about only that you absorb too much haem and non haem iron. Logic told me that there must be a limit on how much iron someone might consume. Especially when living with a medical condition such as this. Therefore you would have to be careful when consuming foods and drinks containing haem iron as they adversely affect people with Hemochromatosis.

This got me thinking if a Hemochromatosis patient has to avoid foods that contain sources or iron. How much iron per day are patients meant to consume? Are there some food and drink products that enhance these negative symptoms causing more problems? Conversely, as non haem iron foods are they safer to consume as they inhibit haem iron more than other products?

Haem iron is worse for patients with Hemochromatosis as haem iron inhibits the foods ability to absorb the iron from the food more quickly. This is better to have sources of non haem foods and drinks as you probably guessed inhibit the rate of iron that is absorbed. This is why the blood test results reveal a high level of iron. Maybe this is why Venus extraction is necessary for patients with Haematomachrosis. But as I said this is all new to me. I will aim to publish a second post titled About Hemochromatosis & Recommending What Food To Eat. I will compile a list of foods to eat and list of foods & drinks to avoid.

This is an interesting study about recommended foods to eat when you have a diagnosis of Hemochromatosis. The study reveals that foods high in haem irons cause more adverse damage to the body than non haem iron containing foods. But also consuming alcohol was to be avoided as these are high in haem irons (ALL red meats, and ALL alcohol) as multiple sources argue that alcohol DAMAGES to the liver especially is higher in patients with Hemochromatosis❤️

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8110241/

Other links that might be useful..

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/haemochromatosis/

Data On People Living With ADHD Self Medicating With Cannabis & Bonus Link 🔗

Hello lovelies! This was interesting read on people living with ADHD who are self medicating with cannabis. This data pertaining to people self medicating with cannabis based medicines that have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD is more commonly known as) for people that subscribe or follow me or even regular visitors know I’m prescribed cannabis flower for pain it also helps regulate my blood glucose levels. It also helps with it’s bronchidilatory effects on my lungs. It’s been very beneficial for my chronic asthma and improved my peak flow measurements by double from 150 to ovet 300 litres per minute. Considering I only have 78% lung capacity due to the damage from 2013.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mamedica_adhd-sufferers-are-self-medicating-with-cannabis-activity-7097851854042062848-eHnN

Cannabis has so many benefits especially with pain. This link below is about studies undertaken on patients who are fighting cancer and these studies have found cannabis to be especially beneficial to people currently undergoing treatment for cancer such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This also seems to help patients experiencing the side effects that comes with such a drastic treatment plan that includes chemo and radiotherapy.. 💚https://35.246.32.45/2023/05/12/new-studies-support-cannabis-as-complementary-cancer-treatment-cbd22/

Cannabis Research Reform By DrugScience UK & New Zealand

Hello lovelies I thought I’d share this with you lovely people an interesting article about cannabis used as medicine and the impact it has in New Zealand.

We in the UK are currently only accessing cannabis flowers and other forms of cannabis based medicines privately. It can only be accessed legally accessible from the private sector via a specialist doctor who is a registered prescriber. Usually the GP prescribes the Fentanyl patches and other controlled drugs. But they’re not able to prescribe in the UK presently.

Mr V and I have signed with Drug Science Project T21 registry. They are conducting research on everyone that participates in this Project T21 registry including the information we provide them. They have a huge database currently collecting everyone’s data on how cannabis effects you whether it benefits you or if you have side effects of consuming cannabis based medicines.

We wish New Zealand good luck with their own progression of cannabis based medicines and it’s regulation and reform making it accessible for all who need it. 💚

https://www.drugscience.org.uk/cannabis-research-reform/?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=VisitAug2023Newsletter&mc_cid=45fd14e233&mc_eid=a8593b52e7

Cannabis Education – Study Shows Since Legalisation Recreational Cannabis Doesn’t Increase Substance Abuse

Recently at CU Boulder Colarado in the USA, research was undertaken into the harms and effects cannabis has had since it was legalised for recreational use. The cohort were twins and were studied over a period of time from when they were adolescents. The results revealed that cannabis doesn’t cause any rise in substance abuse. In fact they found that legalising recreational cannabis at the state level, does not increase substance use disorders or use of other illicit drugs among adults and, in fact, may reduce alcohol-related problems. An interesting read…

Some worthwhile reading not to be missed… as this research shows that legalising and regulating cannabis in a similar same way as alcohol is managed it can only make society a safer place taking cannabis from the illicit market and taxing it in the same way could improve the NHS schools and all the countries infrastructure and peoples way of life. As for cannabis itself it could potential help with chronic pain relief aswell as adults and children with chronic medical conditions… and the endless uses hemp can be used for from ropes to building houses and clothing❤️

https://www.colorado.edu/today/2023/01/24/gateway-drug-no-more-study-shows-legalizing-recreational-cannabis-does-not-increase?trk=feed_main-feed-card_feed-article-content

Biomedicines | Free Full-Text | “Flower Power”: Controlled Inhalation of THC-Predominant Cannabis Floss Improves Health-Related Quality of Life and Symptoms of Chronic Pain and Anxiety in Eligible UK Patients

Hello lovelies this is an excellent resource for anyone interested in taking part in the Project T21 registry this is also excellent for anyone looking for an alternative and much safer option compared to opiates … As you know I used to be on various opiates and other pharmaceutical painkillers such as Pregabalin Tramadol Diclofenic Naproxen Buprenorphine on top of paracetamol and a Fentanyl Patch I felt like a pharmaceutical version of Keith Richards… bless his heart, the Rolling Stones member is infamous for the number of drugs and the variety of drugs he was known to have consumed and survived the experience relatively unscathed… With the exception of the Diclofenac, the rest I took on a daily basis included in this were other medicines to counteract some of the side effects these medications induce. The Fentanyl patch was changed twice weekly but I have no other medicine other than my thyroxine which is a hormone replacement as my body has stopped producing thyroxine which is essential for my life.

However, I have a much better quality of life and not constantly laying on the bed spaced out on pharmaceuticals. I can function better without all those medications and cannabis manages my pain, It has minimised the withdrawal symptoms I’ve experienced since weaning myself off of the final pain medication I was taking for neuropathic pain. I used to be on the maximum dose of Pregabalin 3 times per day. Then I dropped to twice daily then once per day. I began to take one tablet every other day which equals to 4 times per week. then I reduced it to three times per week ie I took them Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays. then reduced a day to twice per week. I was waiting until the symptoms dissipated before going to the next stage. By taking it at my pace I was able to reduce my dosage successfully. I’ve even managed to gain a pound in weight, which is great as I lost about a stone (14 pounds)possibly a factor in my weight loss although the weight loss issue existed before the weaning off began. So I’m more than lhappy to gain a little weight… Hope you find these links useful…

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/10/10/2576

https://www.seedourfuture.co.uk/2022/07/03/guidance-for-medical-cannabis-users/

https://myreactivehypoglycemiauk.wordpress.com/

https://cannabishealthnews.co.uk/2022/05/20/cbd22-new-study-confirms-safety-non-toxicity/ https://news.weill.cornell.edu/news/2015/06/food-order-has-significant-impact-on-glucose-and-insulin-levels-louis-aronne https://www.pritikin.com/controlling-blood-sugar-with-food-sequencing https://nellythevegan.wordpress.com/2022/03/02/vegan-gluten-free-plantbased-information/ https://nellythevegan.wordpress.com/2021/11/06/cannabis-the-evidence-for-medical-use-%e2%9d%a4%ef%b8%8f/

Storz & Bickel Crafty + Vaporiser UK Review..

Hello lovelies I was very fortunate to have been given a Storz and Bickel Crafty plus vaporizer by a friend who had bought it, but had changed to oil so the Crafty+ wasn’t required.

This particular vaporizer is the best one I’ve used out of the limited vaporizers I used thus far. I wouldn’t have been able to afford to pay for this particular vape right away. But since using the Crafty plus I would certainly recommend it being one to save or aim for.. However, its competitively priced depending on where you live and if you take advantage of any discounts available.

Let’s start with the size it’s neat compact and easy to use aswell as store in a bag or purse. A similar size to a smaller sized mobile phone with an application available via Android or Apple. The app is user friendly and easy to use you can adjust the temperature by centigrade or Fahrenheit. It also has a find button so if you mislaid or forgot where you left it. It will light up aswell as vibrate. You can also set the automatic switch off timer to a shorter or longer time period as required. You can also alter the vape from as low as 40c.

It has plenty of accessories and is robust enough to take apart and clean. I usually clean the vape and the accessories once week completely. But I clean the mouthpiece the cooling head which attach to the mouth piece the screens and the body of the vape itself after every use.

Sadly I regret to say it was revealed it was secondhand when it was obtained. I knew the friend got it but I didn’t know it was already second and I was its 3rd rather than its 2nd owner. Sadly the vaporiser stopped working while writing this.. Sadly I’m unable to repair it.. So while it didn’t cost me any money I have to say that I used it enough to decide if I would recommend the Crafty+

Sadly I found it was cheaper to save for a new vaporiser than it was to get it repaired. Or if you were inclined to purchase a different branded vaporizer for less than it costs to repair this particular model. ♥️

Stress, Illness and the Immune System – Simply Psychology

Hello my lovelies I was inspired to write about stress and how illness can impact on the immune system. This is one of the links I thought you lovely lot might like to see.. ♥️

https://www.simplypsychology.org/stress-immune.html

What Happens When Your Immune System Gets Stressed Out?

Watch “Dance Routine “Do You Love Me ” – The Contours ” On YouTube

Hello my darlings music has always had a profound affect on me. Music is the backdrop and soundtrack of my life and is another positive mood booster for me.

Music and dancing has always been an outlet for stress. Before I became ill music and exercise was my only go to for destressing relaxing and the opportunity to think clearly. My main form of exercise I used at that time was running with my earphones in..

But as I am unable to Enjoy this short video I know I certainly did ❤️

Cannabis News..

I hope this link will take you to this short video clip of Sky News reports on Cannabis and Cancard UK. Millions of people are unable to gain access to cannabis based medicines despite the UK legalising Cannabis for medicinal purposes.. The Cannabis Bill is again rescheduled for the 25th February 2022 at Parliament ❤️

https://fb.watch/b9Sh2X6J4f/

Cannabis & Mental Health

Cannabis and mental health is a emotive issue for several reasons to be discussed here.

Thanks to the damage caused by Harry J Anslingers war on cannabis then as history shows as a direct result of Anslinger’s propaganda machine. Of “Reefer Madness” posters, newsmedia of The War On Drugs. The seed of doubt was sown about cannabis and psychosis and that it causes Schizophrenia in anyone that used it.

Then it went from being a medicine for more than a millennium. To being seen as something as harmful to mental and physical health. To anyone who has read about Harry J Anslinger the racist cannotations pertaining to his dislike of people of ethnicity and in particular people of Carribean American African American and Mexican people. This is where the racist slang Marijuana (Mary Jane) came from.

After this it was classed as a dangerous drug then banned in the UK from 1971 with the Misuse Of Drugs Act.. Although there is some evidence that it can effect a very small minority of the population.

There is various scientific evidence that shows cannabis to be efficacious in anxiety PTSD and other mental health issues. There is also a post I wrote a few months ago which I’ll attach here. https://nellythevegan.wordpress.com/2021/11/06/cannabis-the-evidence-for-medical-use-%e2%9d%a4%ef%b8%8f/

There is various scientific information available in the above link regarding Dr Mike Barnes et al that cannabis and the published report pertaining to studies and how cannabis helps people living with many different conditions.

It is used as an alternative medicine for people with cancer. It also helps conditions such as chronic pain including Neuropathy/Neuropathic pain Multiple Sclerosis Epilepsy ADD ADHD and other psychological and neurological conditions ❤️

Please note I will add link to science based evidence as I find them… 🥰 🍀

Water & Hydration Information & How To Get Enough…

Hello my lovelies do you drink or consume enough fluids to keep hydrated? Me ? I mostly stay hydrated with mainly water and the occasional glass of plant milk. However, I find it very difficult to drink enough when I’m unwell with a RH attack.

I thought this chart would be useful to assess at a glance to see how hydrated you are. As for the amount of fluids you need daily it always been a greyish area for me. As I’ve read differing amounts.

There are various factors that need to be considered. The amount you drink, the type of foods you eat that contains a certain amount of water too. the signs to show you’re dehydrated.

The benefits of drinking enough water are touted as being good for you let’s go into some of these benefits and the signs you may need to drink more.

The obvious sign primarily is a dry mouth and feeling thirsty. However the colour of your urine is also a sign. Naturally it should be a pale yellow colour anything darker is a sure sign of dehydration.

As I said depending on where you are the average amount seems to vary.. As women need less water than men do. It can depend on how active you are aswell.

I found a calculation on Net Doctor UK in which you divide your weight by 30 and the answer is how much you need daily. Their example states “For example if you weigh 60 kgs then you need 2 litres of fluids per day”

Finally for me if I were to spread my drinks over the day having 5 210ml glasses I would get my quota of water I have a glass after each meal or before then a glass upon waking and one before bed usually around supper time ❤️

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-eating/a36000012/how-much-water-should-drink/

Squirrel Antics

Morning lovelies I thought I’d share this with you. As while I was filming him or her, you could see the little guy or gal watching me while they were eating.

So delightfully sweet and joyful to watch them. Before I started filming there was a big black crow who swooped down to the grass and began eating too.

It was almost twice the size of the squirrel but the squirrel didn’t flinch just sat eating and watching. The crow flew off before I could record him.. 🥰 Oh well maybe next time.. Enjoy ❤️

A very short clip of a local squirrel.. For people with sight issues he’s grey & white sitting eating turning the food in its tiny hands before eating again.. 🥰