12 months with AU - now it's time to loose the weight I've put on.

[Cornwall64]

I have always considered myself healthy - I used to enjoy various healthy activities. Two years ago I worked hard and managed to get to a weight I felt really happy with. We went on the holiday of a lifetime and when we returned slowly I lost my eyelashes and brows. My hair started to thin slightly & I didn't really think much about it. But then a year later in a space of a few weeks it all fell out. So now I have AU. Blood tests have shown everything is healthy with me still (thankfully). But now I'm trying my best to get used to this new me. I look in the mirror and it isn't me. Family and friends are brilliant in supporting me. I try to be strong but I also do have moments that are down and I take these moods and try to comfort myself, then pull myself up mentally. Now my anniversary is up, I've decided to tackle my weight. I have become anxious about going out, so this anniversary I have got new energy. Yesterday, I went to yoga and also paid up front for 4 more sessions. (I really enjoyed it.) And I've down loaded a couple of apps from NHS to focus my weight. I'm not going to hide - I want to be ME! I do go to support groups at Leeds for Alopecia UK and I have been to Alton Towers with this amazing charity. I feel like I've gone on a lot but it really does help to be open if possible or when the time is right for you. I you have Alopecia or a family/friend as Alopecia and have read this - I send you my love and support to you x

[shaws]

If you haven't had a Full Thyroid Function Test, I would advise you to. The reason being that many people remain undiagnosed as doctors only check TSH and T4 and say we're 'normal'.

You need a Full Thyroid Function Test which is TSH, T4, T3, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies.

The test should be at the very earliest possible, fasting (you can drink water) and if taking thyroid hormone replacements allow a 24 hour gap between last dose and test and take afterwards.

If doctor will only do TSH and T4, you can get a home pin-prick blood test and I'll give a link - just in case and a list of symptoms which can occur - thankfully we don't get all of them.

TSH means thyroid stimulating hormone which rises as the thyroid gland is sending out diminishing hormones. In other countries we'd be diagnosed when it reaches 3+ but in the UK they make people wait until it reaches 10 by which time they could feel quite uwell.

Also ask for B12, Vit D, iron, ferritin and folate as we can be deficient which also cause problems for us.

The commonest complaint on HU Thyroiduk is unexplained weight gain.

[Cornwall64 in reply to shaws]

I'll write those down and have a word- I've an appointment at the gp later this month. Thank you x

[shaws in reply to Cornwall64]

I missed out the links :-

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

It is surprising that when we develop one Autoimmune condition we're apt to get others. At present I have four.

[mumofn]

What do you mean by your anniversary is up?

My son was told nearly 2 years ago that if there was no sign of his hair coming back in the next 6-12 months then it probably never will. Not really what a 20 year old lad wants to hear. He has AU and we never gave up. He is now about 4 months in to the 1st signs of regrowth. We have never given up, trying alsorts.

He has hair all over his head, some eyebrows and eyelashes, facial hair and some body hair. He is already like a different person, which I think helps as well as he’s not stressing out as much about it. I am so proud of how he has handled it all over the last 3-4 years.

Please don’t give up hope 😊