Early last week, we had to get blood work done for Boaz. It was just routine endocrine blood work and he did AMAZINGLY getting it drawn. Then we got a call that some of his levels were elevated and we needed to do a repeat. So we went back to Nemours (which thankfully is only 30 minutes away now) and had more blood drawn. I got a call from his doctor ealier today telling me that his levels were indeed too high, and that he officially has Hashimotos's. We are starting him on some thyroid hormone therapy, and....yeah, that's all I've got to say. We have a lot to learn!
Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are abnormally low. Thyroid hormone deficiency slows body processes and may lead to fatigue, a slow heart rate, dry skin, weight gain, constipation, and, in kids, slowing of growth and delayed puberty.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which results from an autoimmune process that damages the thyroid and blocks thyroid hormone production, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in kids. Infants can also be born with an absent or underdeveloped thyroid gland, resulting in hypothyroidism. It can be treated with oral thyroid hormone replacement.
Sweet Ali, you are amazing and God has called you to a great task, but he already knew you could handle it. That does not mean you will not grow weary at times, but you will rally and God will be faithful. I have had Hashimoto's sense childhood. Its a journey, an if anyone tells you its a quick fix with synthroid, run! Try the natural desiccated thyroid hormones they work best. In children they often present lethargic and sometimes sad or blue when their levels are off. I do not claim to be an expert, just a survivor of this crazy autoimmune disease. Beckie Kramer
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