I’ve always been struggling to be consistent in my projects. My blog is an excellent example of it. End of 2018, a blog post from Matthew Roche opens a new door to me. — It is ok to talk about your issues and your struggles. It is even useful for other people, and in fact, it was to me.
A year ago, I was diagnosed with a thyroid issue, and it turned out that I have Hashimoto disease. Long story short, this one really drains my energy level to a minimum. And this explains why it was so hard to maintain an acceptable level of performance. Typically, I was going to bed at 8 PM some days.
I am from the “never explain, never complain.” generation. And supposedly badass, because you know, women in IT are badasses. Not even to mention the MVP stuff and the solo-mother other stuff.
It is not comfortable to write this post. And I am only writing it because I feel better. I now have a lot of energy, and I enjoy each moment of work and particularly the fact that I can realize more of my numerous ideas and activities.
I am better because life taught me something.
Last November, I was at the airport in Brussels, waiting to board on a flight to Orlando for the Ignite conference. Suddenly, half of my body started to tingle. I knew this wasn’t very good. One ambulance later, I was in the ER experimenting with their fast-track. And then waiting for 24h in the particular stroke unit of the hospital. I was lucky, and I suffer only some paresthesia in my right hand, cheek, and toes. Three days after I was back to work– with a few days off for all the medical appointments.
We are still investigating the causes… It looks like it can be a PFO, but in the meantime, I managed to change my health routines. Like going to my customer office by public transportations– which involves walking 10000 steps a day.
It does pay immediately in my well being, my thyroid level, and from that, my stamina.
I feel better.
My mood is better.
My energy is thriving.
I wanted to share this because your mind and your body are strongly connected. Your issues and mental struggles can be related to a metabolic cause. It is essential to investigate the root cause, if possible.
Hormones are really really powerful to twist the way your entire body and mind are working.
Now I need to find the courage to post this article, and I hope it can help someone someday.
DatAtypical 
❤ I also was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and thyroid issues last year. Nowadays, I wonder when I’m depressed if my recurring MDD (major depressive disorder) is the problem or if it’s my thyroid. I tend to to believe it’s usually MDD with a dash of Hashimoto’s.
More than one SQL community member has thanked me for slowing down and being vocal about it, all without a second thought. I’m tired nowadays and I really value my day-to-day well-being. I also think it’s important to be open, honest and vulnerable (tho to a degree with the vulnerability 😅) with others.
I’m very happy to see you are feeling better and consciously taking those steps to feel better. You have been a really wonderful part of my Belgian experience and I’m happy to have you both active and not-as-active in the community, always.
– Chrissy