Dear Diary, Blood draws...



This is the reality of hypothyroidism. This is what living with Hashimoto's looks like. It's blood tests every 5 weeks. It's swollen fingers for no apparent reason. Sometimes my fingers swell and sometimes they shrink. I can never really predict which way my fingers will decide to go in the morning. The swelling / shrinking can be as extreme as an entire ring size. Some days I'm a size 7, some days I'm a size 9. Most days I'm a size 8. Up one entire ring size from high school when my thyroid problems began. I'm blessed to have a fiance who bought me several different engagement rings and wedding sets, each in a different size. So I'll always have one I can wear. Lucky for him, diamonds are not this girl's best friend. Never liked them. Just my own personal preference.

The blood draws are difficult. Each new phlebotomist has a challenge with me. Very few have gotten it right on the first try. The safest bet is my hand. Usually my dominant hand. But the blood comes out slower, and makes it harder to fill the vial. It's also a little more painful typically. I've gotten so used to it though, I don't really notice the difference anymore.

Until my medication is at the right dose, and my T3 and T4 hormones are balanced, blood draws are a must. Once we get it nailed down, blood draws will still be necessary. I just get to space them out a little further than every 5 weeks. This is a lifelong journey for me. Closely monitored. And praying that my doctor doesn't retire anytime soon. But it's a very real part of this weight loss journey. And my individual journey to health.

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