“ I won't let an underactive thyroid stop me doing what I love.”

 It may sound strange but I was relieved when I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. My diagnosis came following routine tests after a hospital admission. I had been struggling with tiredness and muscle aches since the beginning of the year. I had attributed this to getting old and looking after my one-year-old grandson three days a week.

I was falling asleep most afternoons and not enjoying running as much as I used to. Not enjoying running was particularly concerning as I have been running for the last 20 years and have taken part in triathlons and half marathons as a way of fundraising for charity. Running is also important for my mental health.

Thyroid problems run in my family. My mum has problems and so does my eldest daughter. The tiredness should have been a real warning as I had advised my eldest daughter to see her doctor when she was continually shattered after a day's work. After listening to her dad she went to see her doctor and was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. I should have followed my own advice! It was easy to accept that getting old, I'm in my 60s, and that looking after my grandson was an explanation for my aching muscles and tiredness. If I hadn't been admitted to hospital, I may still be struggling with tiredness and muscle aches. 

I have been prescribed levothyroxine and have started on a very low dose. I will be monitored over the new few months to ensure the dosage is correct. It has already been increased slightly. The good news is that having started taking levothyroxine, my tiredness has reduced, I haven't had to take an afternoon nap in a while. And my love of running has come back as my muscles aches have decreased. 

I have regained my love of running as my muscles feel much better and I entered the Oxford Half Marathon to raise awareness of, and fundraise for, the British Thyroid Foundation. My posts on Facebook and Linkedin have already provoked some discussion. Two friends have been to their doctor to discuss their thyroid and I have also been thanked for raising awareness of the condition.

Entering the half marathon was, selfishly, a way of me telling my body that I won't let an underactive thyroid stop me doing what I love. 

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Living with hypothyroidism