The First Year: Hypothyroidism An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

by Pratt, Maureen; Levy, Elliot G.

• ISBN13: 9781569244968
• ISBN10: 1569244960
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-04-02
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books

Summary

The thyroid, one of the body's most important glands, can become extremely disruptive if it malfunctions, affecting blood pressure, heart rate, fertility, muscle tone, mood swings, and much more. Upon discovering that she'd joined the ranks of the nearly 5 million Americans diagnosed with hypothyroidism, author Maureen Pratt took charge and educated herself on every aspect of her condition. Now, as a "patient-expert," she guides those newly diagnosed step-by-step through their first year with hypothyroidism. She provides crucial information about the nature of the disease, treatment options, diet, exercise, social concerns, emotional issues, networking with others, charts, tables, and much more. The First YearHypothyroidism is an invaluable guide for everyone learning to live with their diagnosis. For everyone newly diagnosed with hypothyroid disease, this is an indispensable guide to prioritizing the key things you need to do and learn.

Table of Contents

FOREWORD BY ELLIOT G. LEVY, M.D.	xiii
INTRODUCTION	xvii
DAY 1
Living: What a Relief! I
Learning: What Is Hypothyroidism?	4	(6)
DAY 2
Living: Why Me?	10	(5)
Learning: All about the Hormones	15	(5)
DAY 3
Living: Telling Others	20	(9)
Learning: The Meds	29	(10)
DAY 4
Living: Lingering Emotional Effects of Hypothyroidism	39	(6)
Learning: Everything's Affected	45	(8)
DAY 5
Living: Identifying Cycles	53	(9)
Learning: Needing and Finding Support	62	(10)
DAY 6
Living: Stress and Hypothyroidism	72	(8)
Learning: The Mind/Body Thyroid Connection: Depression	80	(11)
DAY 7
Living: Your Weight and Hypothyroidism: Myth and Fact	91	(10)
Learning: Diet and Exercise	101	(10)
FIRST-WEEK MILESTONE	109	(30)
WEEK 2
Living: Tired of Being Tired	111	(5)
Learning: Physical Improvements	116	(5)
WEEK 3
Living: Analyzing Information	121	(4)
Learning: More about Autoimmunity	125	(4)
WEEK 4
Living: Work and Hypothyroidism	129	(3)
Learning: Disability and the Thyroid-Friendly Workplace	132	(9)
FIRST-MONTH MILESTONE	139	(40)
MONTH 2
Living: Sticker Shock	141	(3)
Learning: Budgeting for a Chronic Illness	144	(4)
MONTH 3
Living: Feeling Better/Feeling Worse	148	(3)
Learning: Frequently Asked Questions	151	(5)
MONTH 4
Living: Coping Strategies	156	(4)
Learning: Alternative Therapies and Practitioners	160	(6)
MONTH 5
Living: Hormones Wreaking Havoc	166	(2)
Learning: What's Going On Inside Throughout the Month	168	(3)
MONTH 6
Living: Fear and Uncertainty in Intimacy	171	(3)
Learning: Help for Intimacy	174	(7)
HALF-YEAR MILESTONE	179	(44)
MONTH 7
Living: Family Life	181	(2)
Learning: Pregnancy and Parenthood	183	(5)
MONTH 8
Living: Relationships: What Others Can Do	188	(5)
Learning: Relationships: What You Can Do	193	(2)
MONTH 9
Living: Leisure Time	195	(2)
Learning: Making Your Dreams Come True	197	(5)
MONTH 10
Living: Looking Ahead in Health	202	(3)
Learning: Aging and Hypothyroidism	205	(4)
MONTH 11
Living: Who Cares?	209	(5)
Learning: The Latest in Research and Treatments	214	(4)
MONTH 12
Living: You've Come a Long Way!	218	(2)
Learning: What You Can Do to Celebrate	220	(3)
GLOSSARY	223	(3)
NOTES	226	(3)
FOR FURTHER READING	229	(1)
RESOURCES	230	(5)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS	235	(2)
INDEX	237