When I was 29 I suddenly gained 30 lbs over the summer, despite dieting strictly and dancing all the time. I was stunned and lost almost all my work. Only 1 dancer friend stood by me. She herself had Hashimoto’s. I remember so clearly going to a rehearsal one afternoon and a dancer/choreographer that I had always admired but who had never really acknowledged me suddenly walking up to me and giving me a hug. And without missing a beat she added with a huge smile “Cristina, my goodness, you are so fat now, you’re a disgrace”. I was stunned into paralysis. My friend jumped to my defense but I was devastated. 6 years and many drs later, my numbers were normal but I was still fat. I always felt like the drs I went to just did not believe that I was seriously dieting. When I was 35, I finished what was my most grueling performance ever, where I danced for 45 minutes non-stop. I danced so well that despite still being fat and being old by dance standards, I received so many offers from choreographers (modern) that I had to turn people down! And yet the strongest memory of that experience was an audience member approaching me and saying “how come you’re so fat, I bet you’re eating Ben and Jerry’s all the time” . I sobbed the entire way home. Honestly, that was the end of my career. I had fought so hard for so long, and what I got in the end was the conviction that nothing, not my artistry and not my hard work and technique, would ever matter more than the fact that I was just fat. I danced for 4 more years after that, but I was never the same human being after that cruel comment. I went to grad school and I now work as a dance/movement psychotherapist in an acute forensic psychiatric facility. Being away from the dance world was so helpful. Then I found a great endocrinologist at age 42 (14 years after my symptoms began). At 45 I discovered aerial arts and at 47 I began dabbling in pole (not exotic). At 48 I returned to the stage and did a solo that had been choreographed for me at 27, and received a Bessie Nomination. And I started performing and seriously getting into pole at 49. Luckily the pole and aerial community is super supportive and embraces all female body types, it’s so different than the dance world. I am 51 now and dealing with peri/menopause, which requires extra care when you have Hashimoto’s. I am scared that I will lose all of the mastery I regained over my body, and I have gained some weight now that the pandemic has forced me to stop training 25 hrs/week. Your videos have given me hope. I apologize for writing so much. Hashimoto’s is real, and the way people treat you is devastating. Thank you for bringing awareness and compassion, as well as inspiration and courage.
This breaks my heart. No one should be treated like this. Cristina, you are a beautiful and sweet soul. I hope you've been able to find healing from these comments. No matter your gender, sexuality, age, shape, or weight - Dance is for everyone! If you have a body, you have the right to dance:) Know that your gifts, talents, strengths, beauty, goodness, and light cannot be summed up by a number. You are more than your weight! Your beauty and worth is more than the skin on your bones! Seriously!
@@ktsempai1106 Thank you! Yes, I found acceptance and beauty and endless creativity in the pole dance world. I'm accepted even as a woman over 50! Thank you for your support! Wishing you and yours safety and health
This comment really make me feel like so sad because sometimes we really think our words don't hurt others, but they really hurt and because we don't know the situation we should stop talking without knowing the person was going through, I'm glad you're feeling better and you're so much more than weight, you are a human and you deserve to do what you love no matter what, eventhough I don't inow you, send you lots of love❤️
Please check out barbara hoffman’s youtube channel(she is 70 now) concerning perimenopause/menopause and also thyroid. th-cam.com/video/l4oZ_5SqDjY/w-d-xo.html She trained under the late dr john lee. Dr john lee has incredible books on the subjects as well! (and a website too).
Well, that's sad that you put in so much work to be so good and this nasty thyroid condition robbed you of all the extra applause you were entitled to for your abilities. But some arts and sports and modelling, too are not just about skill which is understood. You must have that. But you also need to look right for your role or art etc. Fat girls can be pretty in everyday life, but the sight of a massively fat female athlete throwing her weight around on a sporting arena or a ballet stage, ice rink etc is a sorry sight for sore eyes, really, no matter how talented she is. She is simply ugly to watch in a short little sports skirt or dance/ skate leotard. Though a tastefully dressed larger sized model with her fat padding nicely distributed and we'll toned from exercise is bearable on a catwalk, in a parade of fashion for fatties (all genders) and I think there should be more such fashion and beauty pageants for fat people, to encourage them to take a pride in their appearance and feel good in nice clothes as they do battle with trying to reduce weight, for health reasons. But I don't t want to see them on a stage, unless it is a comedy act or some film role that requires fat people in its plot. But there is no reason why politically correct groups eg feminists who embrace fatness, can't all have a happy artsy/ sporty sisterly get together to celebrate fatness and gender etc they are primari;y there fore. Just don't inflict such standards on the rest of us, who have different standards from yours. You have no right to do this and we won't tolerate you gate crashing our private artsy/Sporty events where high standards of not just performance but also appearance and conduct are expected and enforced. That is our prerogative and you have no right to interfere and seek to impose your values, standards, ethics, culture, moral standards etc on us. We will neither accept nor even tolerate you. We don't have to put up with you. Just as nobody is forcing you to be slim just to have fun dancing, hitting tennis balls or whatever. You do your fat thing and enjoy it. We do our slim thing and have a right to enjoy our thing, too. Nobody is forcing something like slim ballerinas or beautiful slender firm fit female athletic bodies onto you. So kindly quit seeking to inflict your 'fat' on us. If you want to be the sort of millennial woman who wears black T-shirts in Australia that say 'Fries Before Guys' riding Melbourne trains stuffing your fat faces on cream cakes on some Girls' day out, that's fine (just clean up your fucking litter mess after you, though...). But telling us we must conform to your culture is not OK. It is downright toxic and offensive and you need to learn to keep it to yourselves because the rest of us simply don't care. We expect and demand 'better'. And it is good to see some former sad fat Fe,insists who pretended to love it are now leaving this culture in droves. Some are doing things to improve their female sadness, loneliness and fatness or too skinny problems. They are seeking medical help for potential thyroid problems that can cause these issues and they are doing the smart thing to beat weight issues if there are no underlying medical ones I've eat half as much and move twice as much, and, as you age, you need to eat 3/4 less and move 3/4 more, especially as a female, to retain some semblance of your original body size and shape, especially if you are a petite woman who will be even more prone to weight issues. It'S not fair on women but that's what Mother Nature, the ultimate Fe,inist bitch decreed for us all to have to endure. Men also have their issues, like their big bellies that mysteriously appear around middle age, even on formerly tall and still slender males or slim everywhere, except for big belly that they cannot get rid of, no matter how much exercise they try to do to reduce it. These sorts of weight issues in men and women seem to have a hormonal root eg in the thyroid. But, whatever, it is still no justification to try to lower cultural standards, just to accommodate some who do have such real problems. They need to either drop performing professionally or switch to a related art or sport where a little extra weight will not be a problem and these do exist. Or simply do art or sports for fun, which was their original, true reason for being invented. We need to return to that spirit of fun and joy and emotional and physical release that is so good for physical and mental health which arts and sports can give. But lowering professional performance standards and image will not encourage this community participation in and sharing of such fun and joy as either doers of arts and sports or critical observers, like the elderly who like such events. The aspiring young wannabes need high standard models to imitate and the older observers want to see something that is a truly great entertaining spectacle, be it sporting performance or artistic shows etc. It needs to look good, too.
I was diagnosed with hashimoto 7 years ago and it has been the hardest thing, no one really understand what is like to have an autoinmmune illness. So its refreshing to stumble into this video.
One of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism is depression as well. Maybe that's also why you felt like that (happened to my mother and I, who both suffer from this condition)
I had the same issues, tired, weight, thyroid, dancing, doctors, now as an old ballet teacher, I am grateful for being able to help young people follow their dreams.
It's so nice to hear that other people have been through the same thing as me. Whenever I would tell people that I had a thyroid disease, they would tell me I was over exaggerating and that it "wasn't a big deal" but it has such an effect on your everyday life! Especially with being a dancer.. It truly does drain the energy out of you. I too struggled with the hair loss, so much so that I had to cut half of my hair off; which was scary because at the time I was only 15 years old. Thank you so much for sharing this! Hopefully it will help others that have recently been diagnosed
Yes, I can see them thinking, "That's just her excuse for being obese." because I used to do that. I don't think that anymore nor judge anyone's weight because I don't know their story, nor should I judge anyone, period. 15yrs old! At least I am old enough to be "heavier" and no longer trying to be in my dream career. I hope you are well on the mend!
You are an inspiration to us all. I can't believe people criticised you for this, that is horrendous. God bless you for keeping strong and sharing it with us all.
I know this was 8 years ago, but I’m suffering so much. Panic attacks, depression, weight gain (60 pounds), hair loss, tired, no energy, wake up at 2-3 am and can’t go back to sleep, skin problems, sore joints and muscles. I am on NP thyroid and hormones (Estradiol & Testosterone). I had a hysterectomy in 2016. I still feel bad. Not AS bad as I was, but still not myself. This video helped me. I will ask my doctor about this medication. Thank you so much
Your story is so similar to mine with Hashimoto’s! I’m not a dancer but the lack of energy, weight gain, depression are for real and are life changing.
I teared up when I watched this. I'm going through much of what you detailed in this video, and it has affected my performing abilities and the completion of my college degree. Particularly the "justifying" yourself constantly, the stress, the grief and skepticism from others... Looking for answers when all the medical professionals say everything is "fine" is so disheartening and frightening. It erodes your soul when you can't trust your own body nor the professionals, y'know? I will be immediately looking into everything you detailed here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Same here unfortunately... It's MORE THAN A DECADE all this begins, I keep getting worse, and still no one doctor want or wanted to give me medications because "blood numbers look good"...it's... "devastating" not describes the feeling good enough. Since your comment is five years old I hope you figure this out in the meantime... A hug from Italy, Sara
THANK YOU!!!! I also have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's. They found it because my antibodies were/are SO high...otherwise, my blood levels are in "normal" range too. Thank you for sharing! I am the heaviest that i have ever been. Thank you for the encouragement!
*A good hypothyroid diet doesn’t have to be overly complicated. It just has to naturally support your body’s needs so that it can produce and utilize its thyroid hormone effectively and efficiently*->. Learn more here->www.healthrevenant.com/j55z
I'm so glad you made this video. Although i do not suffer from your conditions, I have had chronic Lyme disease for almost three years now. I have gone through almost 15 doctors and lost many friends over my disease. It's extremely hard for the world to tell you you're making it up when you know something is wrong. Depression hit me hard as well with my disease. I am now on IV antibiotics which helps a lot. But I just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience because it's uplifting to know that I'm not the only one who has suffered this way.
+Lisette Jones It's been quite awhile since you posted this, so I don't even know if you'll see this, but just in case: I recently heard a report about a woman with Lyme disease, who was to the point of deciding to end her life, when she happened to get stung by bees (I think; it might have been wasps). Unexpectedly, she started to improve dramatically, and has recovered much better health and quality of life. She has since continued getting therapeutic sting treatments. I'm not sure exactly where I heard this (probably on a public radio program), but thought you might want to look into it, in case there's anything like this that could help you. Best of luck, in any case.
I know of a surgeon who ended her career because of Lyme Disease (you can google Dr. Sally Schutz.) Her #1 recovery tool has been CBD Oil. That is Cannabidiol Oil which is medical cannabis. But even if medical marijuana is not legal in your state, CBD Oil can usually be purchased legally on the internet & shipped to you because it is NOT psychoactive. (The component that gets you high with marijuana is TCH. CBD Oil does not contain any THC.) There is 50 years of serious scientific research into the therapeutic benefits of CBD Oil from scientists in Israel. You can google Dr. Raphael Mechoulam who is still leading teams of researchers in Israel. Ideally, if you buy CBD Oil, you want a brand that is organic and that will provide independent 3rd party testing of their product to ensure it contains the CBD it claims to contain.
Your story shows how your hormones can f*ck you up so fast with everyone around being like "I don't see it, so you must be faking it." Thank you for sharing!
No one should have to justify being a human being which you most wonderfully and beautifully are. You have an intrinsic value that is not dependent upon your weight, mood or loss of strength for WHATEVER THE REASON. I sympathize with what you have been through because I also am a ballerina, a graduate of the School of America Ballet and have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease with all the symptoms that you describe. Thank you for sharing your story and helping and inspiring me and others!
Katie, thank you for being vulnerable enough to share your story! I do not have a thyroid issue, but I do work in healthcare and know what an encouragement it is to hear from someone who has gone through an illness. Kudos to you for all your hard work in recovering!
Thank you so much for this. I've had Hypothyroidism for 30 years and my Dr keeps my snythroid low, he doesn't listen to my symptoms of depression, cold, and hair loss, dry skin. I shall go into my next appointment with this information.
You poor poor thing! I just learned that I have it permanently..I am stuck with this...I have moments where I have no clue that I am asleep! I feel for all people who are suffering from hypothyroidism! It's,vicious! Huge hugs to you!! That's gotta be very very hard for a dancer...you use your entire body to dance on stage! I feel for you so much,and I am so sad that we both,including my husband are dealing with this horrible condition! May we all find better ways to function better!!
Hi Katie, Thank you for making this video. While my thyroid isn't the healthiest (I have mild hypothyroidism), I feel a lot of empathy with your difficulties. For almost seven years now, I have been struggling with severe depression and anxiety. Due to this, I too put on weight, lost most of my hair, and my passion for everything. I began to enter recovery about the same time that you began posting videos here on TH-cam. I believe that I can attribute much of my rapid journey to recovery due to the comradeship I feel with you. Thank you for being so brave, Kathryn. Thank you for giving me the hope I desperately needed to remind me that I can get through this. Thank you for everything.
I have hyperthyroidism (discovered 6 years ago), I had to stop dancing a few years ago, this year I came back to ballet, I struggle a little bit, but I'm getting better with treatment now (better late than ever) Thank you for sharing your story, I'm sure a lot of people will be able to relate! May God give us grace and strength to keep going on 🙏🏼
Kathryn, you are such an inspiration. I danced professionally for ten years, and the damage/stress I put on my body during my career led to my chronic illness (ulcerative colitis) and my retirement from dancing. Thank you for all that you are doing for us - I wish I had found you ten years ago when I was so young and sick.
@@rubydube7280 go to 2 endocrinologists. I went to one with hyperthyroidism, supposedly one of the best st one of the top 10 hospitals in the country in St. Louis. My t 5 was almost 8. It is supposed to be about 1. to 1.5. She told me that it was my pituitary gland causing the thyroid problem. She didn't do a baseline sonogram. I didn't know to ask for one. 7 years and on 75 mcg of synthroid and I have gained back all the weight I lost from the hyperthyroidism us an extra 25 lbs. I feel exhausted All the time, bruising, bloated hair getting coarse, digestion problems, thick finger nails. Worst of all, I am having problems swallowing. I pray I don't have nodes. My T 5 is zero. My GPA told me that synthroid is wrong for hyperthyroidism and I may have been pushed into hypothyroidism. Tomorrow I start with a new Dr. at MU. They have a brand new Endrocrinoloy Center that even has a Doctor that treats adrenal fatigue. I am praying that I can get back to normal and be able to take care of my family and myself. I pray you find an excellent doctor and heal quickly and fully.
I had a doctor quietly tell me that selenium can help the thyroid immensely...being gluten free, vitamin D (d3 w K) up around 80, and a good full range vitamin, mineral, amino acid, etc program as well as hydrating using the water cure and little or no caffeine, alcohol and sugar will help too.
You might have just changed my life. I have been battling hypothyroidism for years now. At one point, I was gaining 15lbs/month, but hadn't changed my already good eating habits, and am now way over 100lbs overweight. But my tests were low normal. My hair was falling out (still is a bit), I was super fatigued (I also have another illness, but the fatigue got massively worse), you name it. I am on a pretty high dose now and the crazy weight gain has finally stopped. BUT, the weight hasn't fallen off as fast as it came on, alas. I thought it would come off just as fast as it went on, once I got my thyroid under control, but no, it's just regular old fat. At least that has been my experience. I need to talk to my dr about Hasimoto's! I am a former athlete, figure skater, equestrian, work out person, so was always in shape. I don't even see me as me anymore. I don't look in any mirrors except my makeup mirror. I just can't equate the person in the mirror to ME. After the last dose increase, I have finally stopped gaining, and even lost 20lbs (good, but a tiny drop in the bucket) but my hair is still falling out, and still severe fatigue, so not all is well yet. I have attributed my weight loss to becoming a vegan, as the loss started exactly when I became one (could have been coincidence; I was almost vegan already and did NOT do it to lose weight). One good thing is that I have such empathy for people who are overweight. You are right. I tell people it's my thyroid and I can see them going, "Oh yeah, they all say that!", and sad to say, but I used to be one of those people. This is a very harsh illness, which can have severe health consequences beyond the appearance. I now have high blood pressure thanks to the weight, and I always had low bp before this weight gain. I saw this in Dec 2018, so you hopefully have control of this, but best wishes to get your life back, or life you want NOW.
I was diagnosed at the age of 12 now I'm on my late 20s and yes it is really hard, crying for almost everything and not knowing why you feel that way and always hiding from everyone so they don't judge you (people can be really mean) just so frustrating, I had no idea about the foods I should avoid thanks a lot for the information.
I was diagnosed with a small imbalance in both ends of my Thyroid, so levels were both high and low. But being twelve, it's scary and seems huge! It actually didn't stop me from trying dance; it motivated me to dance because I was missing energy during the day, but being active at night. So dancing somehow increased my energy for the day, and relaxed me at night so I could sleep. Dancing cured me, because my doctor said the imbalance was gone after two months of starting dance. It was literally awesome to learn that something I love actually cured a physical illness I had.
My mom has had thyroid-issues, 2 years ago I started falling asleep at work, even standing up..I'd sleep 10-15 hours a day and still felt tired, I felt like my neck had something extra..it's difficult to explain but I felt like my body wasn't mine anymore, I felt so bloated and my fingers are twice the size..and bc I'm skinny too and looked like anyone else ppl wouldn't take it seriously, I had the bloodtests done once and they were "ok"as far as I know, but the situation is still the same. I know my body and something is wrong and I'm just trying to get enough courage to see another doctor. I'm so glad you actually found something that helped, a good doctor, and feel better! Gives hope to the rest of us with any chronic illness.
I have hypothyroid too! It is a struggle and I have dealt with it for years. It was interesting to see something that related to me so much, so thank you for making this video. 💜💜😘
Although it's not really related, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at the age of 18 and it pretty much destroyed my career prospects and any hopes I had at that time for a happy future. I felt massive grief then for the career I'd hoped for, and it has taken me many years to overcome that, and to be more productive. I think the work you're doing to help other dancers is absolutely fantastic and so inspiring!! It's kind of the road I hope to take. I absolutely love ballet and so hearing your story has struck a particular cord with me. Thank you for all you are doing. I'm loving your blog- it is so interesting to hear about the different roles and dances, and which parts are so crazily difficult! Ballerinas always make it all look so easy!! Thanks again. Can't wait to view more xxx
Wow! It just makes me so sad you suffered while trying to live out your dream. I've been suffering with immune suppressed hypothyroidism since I was a late teen and went through the same thing with seeing doctor after doctor and "normal" lab results after "normal" lab results. As you said you can tell when your body is unwell and I finally, at 29, have found a doctor that has helped me. After 11 years, 150 lbs gained, 1 miscarriage, chronic depression and many other difficult symptoms I'm finally getting well! It's a process but I'm so happy to know I'm on the right road.
I am so glad to know that someone else is going through this! I was terrified when I noticed my hair was falling out:( I am definitely going to talk to my surgeon about Cytomel. Thank you so much!
I can only imagine how difficult this was for you. It sounds horrifying and must've been extremely scary that you had to go through all this especially when you have no idea what's going on, but its probably made you stronger and wiser now! THanks for sharing this with us. We'll all be praying for you to be on your feet as quick as possible, happy and back to doing what you love.
No one knows their bodies like dancers do. I'm so glad you continued to seek additional medical opinions and finally found someone who was knowledgeable enough to diagnose your true condition. I'm sorry that so many doctors let you down through this process.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm 21 and I just found out I have this illness. Your story has given me hope that I will get better. Subscribed
I was misdiagnosed also. Your story is a testament to your character. I'm surprised you performed as well as you did through it all. Your advice to return to exercise and normal activities is so important. The improvement happens when this retraining is adopted by the body. Your point about refraining from judgment is also crucial. I was misdiagnosed with depression and sent to mental health professionals who prescribed psychotropic drugs that made my depression worse. If you are suffering physical symptoms that seem to get worse even with constant personal attention, please get help from a medical doctor who will keep searching until the problem is clearly understood. I LOVE your videos, Kathryn. They are so intuitive. I can turn consistently now, and I'm able to help others using your tips. I send everybody here. You are WONDERFUL...
I don't suffer from hypothyroidism, but I had a very similar experience two years ago. Thank you so much for sharing your story Kathryn. It's so comforting to know that there are other people who can relate to this journey
Kathryn, Thank you, thank, THANK YOU. I have had such similar symptoms, with no results after being on Levothyroxine (generic Synthroid) with no good results, meaning the T3 levels improved, but not me. I was literally dragging myself everywhere . I could not climb six steps without stopping and resting. Like you napping for hours, depressed out of my mind even though I was on super high - read way over PDR recommendations of SSRIs. I feel my muscles have completely atrophied in my legs and arms, and simple exercises which were once easy, are now impossible. I have had to fight with my PCP every inch of the way, so much so that I went to the highest level of my insurance just so I can go to a specialist of my choice without going through the gate keeper. I think we can be our own best doctors, but she wanted to run the show. What she did run was me from her office. A million thanks for your understanding and sharing your wealth of knowledge so generously. Because of becoming severely anemic I was given iron infusions, but still tired. Because of this video, I am going to find myself a empathic endocrinologist and see about the cytomel. I hope one day I am lucky enough to see you dance again. BTW, love your make-up videos. In my mind you are an Etoile.not a soloist. Bonne chance
Dont know if you will get this message bc Katie's vid is from 5 years ago. Im on Armour Thyroid. Doctors never check for T3 they just do TSH. If you havent already, have medical staff check T3 and T4. The 'drug' didnt work for me (synthroid or generic levothyroxine).. I did research and learned about the MDs not bothering with T3. Get THOSE NUMBERS. They are vital. When Katie says her numbers were normal thats the reason..theyre only checking TSH. YOU HAVE TO CHECK T3 and T4. Most doctors dont want to use Armour (they have many reasons - most bc they dont know or dont care)...Armour gave me my life back. I had all the same symptoms as Katie. When i informed my doctor about my research he wanted to disagree. But its my life, my body. As i mentioned, i got my life back. Its now been 8 years. Things not perfect but much better. Wish all patients had this knowlege.
Hi Kathryn, I'm new to your channel and just watched this video for the first time. I just want to say THANK YOU for posting. I also suffer from an "invisible" disorder, and I totally get it when you say you're frustrated by people thinking it's all in your head or you're making things up. I really appreciate your taking the time to share your story and your encouraging words. You go, girl!
This is the one of the most scary stories i'v ever heard. I am moved that you made it thought so strongly! When you ask for feedback and Questions, i wasn't brave enough to ask you what happened. But you are still young and i wish you can come back to stage again, because i think it must make you very happy when you dance!
I feel ya Kathy! I am suffering from hypothyroid for 8 years now. Had serious weight issues but I have managed to lose it and have a couple of pounds to lose to reach my ideal weight and I'm a dancer too. I know it's a huge bane but I think it's a blessing in disguise as it made me super disciplined!
Thank you so much for making this. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's hypothyroid 10 years ago and I'm still struggling with it. I'm dealing with military doctors that seem to think lowering my dose was the answer until they lowered it too far and my TSH shot up to 39.67. So basically they need all the help I can give them, which means I need all the help I can get.
It's definitely comforting to hear other dancers who have serious health challenges. I have MS and it has and still does cause challenges...especially in regards to ballet.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have hashimotos as well and nice to know I have someone I can relate to. It really does make you feel absolutely miserable. There are some days where I literally feel like I have no energy and I don't want to get out of bed or do anything. It affects your entire mood and I feel depressed sometimes for no reason. It also made me gain weight, I was always naturally thin in high school and I've gained about 25/30 lbs since then. I'm worried it's going to be impossible to get back to the weight I was before.
I was a hyperthyroidism patient and I am having hypothyroidism since I went through the thyroid gland removal surgery, and now I need to take medicine for my lifetime. I was retired from being a Taekwondo athlete because of the thyroid problem I was also suffered in sudden weight-gaining after my surgery. I couldn't look myself in front of the mirror and I cried every single night. It was a very tough moment for me, I felt miserable & depressed...Thanks for your video Kathryn! It is inspiring!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Even though I do not have a thyroid problem, my body shape is definitely not for a ballerina (I am a healthy weight, but I have hips). No matter how hard I worked to improve my technique they would still put me down, hearing that part in your story about your teachers l and everyone telling you about your weight gain made me try. Your story in general made me cry. I am so happy that you are feeling better, you look fANTASTIC! Stay strong girl amd I hope to see you back on stage soon! :)
YES! That happened to me!!! I have Hashimoto's and have been increasing my Synthroid dose for years but not feeling better. Blood work has looked fine. Finally they tested my RT3 and found that it was extremely high, so my body has been absorbing the meds wrong the WHOLE time.
I have hypothyroidism, probably all my life but kicked in like a beast about six years ago. I kept gaining weight, I mean literally 3-pounds over night, 2-pounds during the day, up until I had packed on 55-pounds in less than three months. I got tested and there it was, started out on meds, took a good two years to get it leveled out. To this very day I struggle, I have to eat super clean OR ELSE. I finally had a surgery to remove extra skin I gained from all the weight gains up and down. Oh when I was pregnant I gained a massive 89-pounds. I generally eat clean naturally so it’s not that I ate it there, I don’t care for sweets have never even tasted pie, most puddings, cakes, etc. I now have to eat a paleo diet, no sugars, carbs, processed foods, grains, soy, below ground vegetables, legumes, and the list goes on. If I even taste a piece of bread here comes the bloating and it’s gross. If I eat a meal that’s outside the very limited foods I eat, my colon literally expands out and I’m in pain. I’m on 120 mg of Armour Throid. I did have a bad issue with my parathyroid thrown in there, had two tumors removed. Hair is growing back, but it’s no where near what it was. It is a miserable condition and even on meds and eating clean it’s still a struggle. I’m going to ask for the cytomel. Thank you and I hope your struggle gets better. GB. Oh soy, yes hide from it like it will kill you. All those veggie products are stuffed with soy.
Thank you so much for telling your story, it really helps people suffering from this, I know it's not easy but I wanna say you're very courageous and amazing and I hope you'll manage your symptoms! I don't have the conditions you have, but I have an autoimmune disease which is affecting my life and hearing someone going through a situation like this really helps me emotionally, knowing that I'm not the only person feeling miserable.
Have dealt with hypothyroidism all my life, and have on occasion had muscle weakness; You look great, and thanks for sharing your struggles with hypothyroidism.
I have a complete respect and admiration for you, Katie, I found out about your videos like a month ago when I started getting into ballet. Honestly not only have you helped me get started with the whole thing, but now that I see this, I just realize how strong you are, and really how inspiring this is for me. My respects for you, Katie! Best wishes!
Kathryn, I just came across your channel and I felt like I was listening to my own story. I'm older than you, but I also was a student at SAB from the very beginning at the age of 7 when Balenchine was the ballet master. I was going to The High School of Performing Arts, so I also had an extra 4 hours a day to add to SAB's schedule. I did leave Performing arts and took my GED to join the company and yes it was hell. I then developed hypothyroidism it was frustrating and I was so tired of hearing about my weight gain as well as my physical exhaustion. I thought taking Synthroid would solve my problems but I ended up developing an eating disorder. I also suffered from migraine headaches and because of the imbalance of hormones, migraines and taking more drugs became my best friend. Forget about being sick, I was only obsessed with the way my body looked and so was NYCB. I had to stop dancing for about 6 months to get my head back together and during that time I realized I didn't have a plan B if I could no longer dance and the school nor the company prepared me for anything but dancing. I managed to stay with the company until I was 26 and as luck should have it, I was warming up before my master class was about to start and 2 males dancers were playing around and fell on me while I was stretching. I tore my left hamstring and it pushed a couple of vertebrates out of line. They become herniated and that was the end of my career as a dancer. I am so grateful that I found your channel and would love to know what you are doing now.
I had gone through a similar experience. People at my workplace thought I was making this up. thanks for sharing your experience. such a relief! For me, the course of my disease was the most traumatic experience of my life! Glad that I'm over it!
Thanks for sharing your story Katie. While my own thyroid problems have never been as bad as yours, I can understand the frustration; so the fact you are using your experience to help others is really wonderful and selfless. Thank you again for all of your videos and particularly your facts about soy! (That explains a lot for me recently.) You are an inspiration.
Thank you! 15 years and 80lbs later, I was finally diagnosed with Hashimoto's. I used to mail order clothes and by the time I received them, I had outgrown them. A number of doctors blew me off claiming my hormone level was normal so my other problems were my age (mid 30's at the time) or in my head (history of depression). I am 56 and my original endo who Dx'd me has retired. So I am running the gauntlet of doctors again.
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (grave's disease) and adrenal insuffiency (addison's disease) after the birth of my first child over 12 years ago. It's not always easy to feel good or keep on weight or lose weight. I'm glad you're sharing your story.
I haven't realized how hard a thyroid illness can be even though my mother suffers from it (don't remember whether it was hypothyroid or hyperthyroid). Thanks to this video I got so much more information. Kathryn, I just want to say that you are amazing, you inspire me so much! I suffer from chronic illness, and even though I'm a late starter (started taking ballet lessons at the age of 23, and been dancing 4 years now), you give me hope. You are very, very strong person, and I admire how you want to help others - no matter if they are pre-professionals or a late-starters. Thank you for that, Katie!
Your adorable! Thank you for this. I was just diagnosed with this. I start the medicine tomorrow. It sure explained a lot! My hair, my breast doubled in size. Weight gain of ten pounds for no reason. Mood swings and depression. I look forward to being normal again and I am happy it's not the new me!
Love this. Your strength is an inspiration and I'm glad you're back to doing what you love. Another thing for people to think about is to really advocate for yourself in your doctor's office. I was diagnosed initially with hypothyroidism at 19. Thyroxine has worked well for me, but it's also necessary to check TSH/T3/T4 annually and adjust the dose accordingly. Last summer, I developed an issue where I was forgetting everything, felt so tired all the time (I struggled to get out of bed some days), and had moderate depression symptoms. I told my doc this out of concern, and she pinned it on my anxiety and referred me to a psychiatrist. After a few weeks, I was really struggling and sought out a second opinion. I insisted on getting my TSH checked (it had been over a year), and...it was over twice the normal level. Tl;dr you may have to fight to be taken seriously, but if you think something's off, the fight is totally worth it. This is especially important for us ladies because even now, we are still less likely to be taken seriously by our physicians.
I had no idea that this happened to you. I deal with a chronic illness myself so this is very relatable to hear. I used to dance and had to stop due to chronic Lyme disease. It’s also so cool to hear that you’ve danced at Saratoga!! My dad is in charge of all the stage crew there! So crazy to think that you probably passed right by him at some point!
I just watched this video of yours today and I wanted to say a HUGE thanks! I'm so grateful for this video. I took ballet as a child and now again as an adult and I too suffer with hypothyroidism. Always cold, always tired, feeling down and as for the weight gain.....I hardly ate and still got bigger and bigger. Thanks to your video Kathryn, I'm going to take your advice and go back to the doctor to take another look at things. God Bless x
Many people have written you, but I feel so bad that you lost your career, and also are suffering from a real disease. And at the age of 20! Life is so cruel sometimes. You are too sweet and kind to go through this. I hope you feel better and can continue with your life.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It serves as a great reminder to everyone that if someone looks different or starts acting depressed it is best to be supportive first and not criticizes. I know you have had a hard struggle. But I hope you know there are so many people that appreciate where your journey has taken you. You are an inspiration.
This is my story and I'm so glad I found your channel. Someone that can relate to my situation. And you are right, no one believes your weight gain. It's so frustrating and depressing.
I have Grave's disease, or hyperthyroidism! Thyroid diseases are so tough, they're invisible in a lot of cases and it took me so long to get answers until I got bloodwork done, and even then I was still confused. I've been on medication for a few months now and EVERYTHING has changed, it is whole life kinda thing and people just don't get it. Thank you for sharing your story!
My god you have given me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes… thank you for speaking candidly… you may be saving many from just existing to actually living.
A lot of people with XX chromosomes, like a lot of women, have a hormonal imbalance regarding the estrogen to progesterone ratio. It is very common, and can han an effect in thyroid hormone production. I suffered from it and I am now recovering.
Hi. Very interesting what you said about the xx chromosomes causing a hormonal imbalance which affects the thryoid. How did you treat your condition or the imbalanced hormones and how are you feeling today? Hope you are fully recovered 😊🙏
I know this video is a bit old, but I started watching your channel close to 6 years ago and when I saw this video it was merely interesting. Fast forward 6 years and I was diagnosed with Hashimotos and it was only becaude I sought out different doctors in my care team to keep testing me because I felt like I was dying. I was only diagnosed because the dr who treated me recognized my symptoms because it runs in her family. I have thought of you since then and you recently came up on my Instagram feed. So I decided to search this video and I'm so glad I did because now I know about the second medication. On synthroid i have lost weight, I have energy and generally dont feel like im dying, but many of my symptoms are still there and I hope Im able to get the help I need. I hope you are doing well and thank you for coincidentally helping a stranger! ❤
Thank you so much for sharing this. I only just found your channel, so this is the first I've learned your story. I had Cushing's Disease twice, so I related to a lot of what you shared here. My case was caused by a pituitary tumor (both times). Its a different disease than Hashimoto's but it's similar in that it changes your body out of your control, with weight gain in the stomach and upper body, neck, buffalo hump, moon face, hair loss, body hair growth, fatigue, anxiety, infertility. It's really wild. I was a ballerina through school, and very very small. Being a petite dancer was part of my identity even when I stopped training, so the weight gain and body changes were really shaming for me. I gained about 22 lbs the first time and about 25 the second time. That was a lot for me. It definitely changed how I view others. I don't assume weight gain is always related to lifestyle anymore, so it got rid of some judgement that I didn't even realize I had. Thank you for sharing, and I'm so glad you're doing well now.
I have Hypothyroidism and Lupus Anticoagulant. Before discovering it, I gained sooo much weight all of a sudden and my hair fell very much as well. I've been on the same medication for about 8 years. It took a while to figure out which was the dose I needed, but when I did, I quickly lost all the gained weight and began feeling normal again. Thankfully, now I lead a completely normal life; the only thing is that I need to take the little pill every morning. :)
This is the second time I have seen this video. I think your advice is so valuable. The part about being critical of others is so important and could be said about so many other things. We all have a story that is worthy of understanding.
When i discovered the pcos.. Me too i was devastate.. Always on a diet, and putting on water retention... Hair loss, acne... Destroyed.... Now im. Back normal, but the fatigue remain, i cannot keep up woth a lot of hours a day... Just few hours a day... I reduved a lot... I chose to rest more, listen to my body, and not to overstress it....
I have hypothyroidism, I was diagnosed about 1 year ago (they did a blood test for something else but instead found that). I've been taking tablets every morning since, but I feel like I need to up the dosage. My main issue is the fatigue. I cannot make it through the day without napping now, even when I get a full nights sleep. It's also awful about the gaining weight, it makes you so self conscious!! I'm glad that I've found a lot more people who have it :) xx
I have Hypothyroid, I'm in my sixties, I Lost my Husband a year ago and a half ago, I Lost weight Since , like 30 SOMETHING pounds, I used to weigh 176 lbs, I now weigh 147! It's been very stressful for me since. And I can't seem to gain at least a little, all my other clothes fit be big, I had to start buying smaller sizes. I USED TO WEAR SIZE 12, AND NOW A 10! EVEN MY FACE IS SLIMMER, I'M taking 50mcg of Levothyroxin, I was on 25mcg for a few years.I know the Thyroid meds make you loose Weight as well, my nurse told me and the pharmacist. Thank you for this information.
I am currently going through a similar situation to this. I do not dance in a professional company but I am in a very competitive training program. It is a large amount of stress and pressure that has only amplified my symptoms. I feel that I’ve been judged and compromised roles because of weight, despite it being completely out of my control. I probably look normal and healthy to a regular person, but I am unhappy with my body in the dance environment. I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and knowing that I can put a “label” to all of the problems I have been having is such a relief. I don’t think it’s fair that my health has to be validated with a diagnosis. I have been struggling with fatigue and depression and muscle aches for months and being able to treat it is a blessing. This video has really helped me and I hope it helps others understand this “invisible” illness.
We're two peas in a pod; I have Hypo and Hashimoto's. I was never a professional but I was dancing 6 days a week, hours each day, eating healthy and I was gaining weight. It took 3 years but I was finally diagnosed by my OBGYN of all people. She ran the blood test and finally sent me to an Endocrinologist. I eventually went to a second Endo who did ultrasounds herself. She discovered I was born with only my right lobe. My entire left lobe is missing. I ended up moving after seeing her only twice and found another great Endo in TX. Like you, I still had all the weight and couldn't lose it, hair loss, fatigue, etc. After doing my own research I chatted with him about taking a natural desiccated thyroid med like Armour or NP Thyroid. He agreed to let me try it and holy cow did it make a difference! The NDTs naturally have T3 in them though it is not as tightly measured as the actual T4 dose. It made a world of difference! I did have a time where I was on Synthroid and Cytomel but my body just does not like the synthetic hormones. The NDTs are absorbed so much better for me personally. I'm glad you found what works for you! I always say there's no tired like thyroid tired. Random question... Did you ever crave green olives before you got your hypo under control? I used to before I was diagnosed with hypo and put on medication. Apparently craving green olives is often your body telling you you need something for your thyroid, specifically iodine. Iodine is naturally found in green olives so many people who are hypothyroid and are having symptoms often grave green olives.
Thanks for taking the time to talk about your thyroid disorder. Just wanted to add that Cytomel provides T3 which is the active form of the thyroid hormone, while Synthroid provides T4. Most people are fine with T4 supplementation alone since normally the body converts T4 into T3 as needed. However, some patients do not convert T4 into T3 efficiently. These patients need T3 in addition to T4. Thanks for highlighting this.
I know I'm a bit late on the video, but my best friend suffers with a thyroid problem. She doesn't tell alot of people about it and she keeps fairly quiet about it. I thought that I should take the time to learn about it and this video really helped. Thank you 😊!
Thank you so much for this video. I have hypothyroidism as well and Cytomel might be an option for me, thank you for opening up that possibility. It's also very comforting to have someone say how hard it is to battle this every single day.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I know several people diagnosed with hypothyroidism and hashimoto's. I've been having some symptoms as well and had blood work done last week to test me for it. I still haven't gotten the results back yet, but I really appreciate you sharing your story and tips. Thank you!
How awful for you to have had to go through all that! I'm so glad that things are much better for you now. Thanks very much for sharing your story, and for the health and nutrition tips. One of my sisters has to take medication every day because her thyroid was removed quite a few years ago. That came about because when she was a baby, having been born quite prematurely in the mid-'50s, for some reason they radiated her thyroid gland; apparently at the time, they thought it would be beneficial(!). Over the centuries, lots of destructive stuff has been done by doctors and other medical professionals, who really thought what they were doing (or failing to do) was best for health. Up to today, it's important for us to do whatever we can to understand these things, and not just take everything told, or diagnosed, or prescribed to us, without question. There are some very popular prescribed drugs these days that can be really harmful, and too often, they get prescribed to try to fix something, rather than addressing the cause of the health issue, when it can be treated better through lifestyle, nutrition, and more natural treatments. Of course, often, only modern pharmaceutical medicine will work, and thank goodness for all the resources there. I'm so glad you're on a regime that's given you back a good quality of life and, of course, dancing!
Katie, Thank you so so much for doing this video. I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's for about two years now, and I had a surgery on my thyroid two years ago as well. Currently, I only have half a thyroid. But anyways, getting to my point, this video was so inspiring. You are truly someone I look up to and to know you have gone through something like me and are giving us all advice just makes me like I'm not alone. I agree too about the thing that you said about people not being able to see it. I came back to school from surgery and people where like "What did you have? What?" And they still didn't know. But you truly have covered a lot of things in this video that I didn't know and I'm so glad I do now. You are so inspiring in the way you are making a comeback as well!! You have been such a fighter and I love how you have never given up. I really appreciate this video and that you shared your story with us. It means the world to me and many others! Thanks for all you do, Julia :)
First signs of thyroid back in 2010... Hope you did enjoy a good stint "fully healthy" as a soloist? I love your testimony. There is nothing victimized about your discourse, in contrast to the enormous impact your thyroid had on your career.
My mom has hashimotos and I’m going to share this with her IMMEDIATELY! Thank you for the past 5 years she has experienced all of these things that you described I hope this can help her!
Thank you so much for making this video! My mom has hyperactive thyroid and is on medication for it. I know what she goes through and I'm glad there's others who have hyper and hypoactive thyroidism. Me also being in the endocrine problems I have type one diabetes. Anyways thank you for making this video it's super helpful! I also want to go on pointe and have loved all the pointe videos you've made! ❤️
I was really looking forward for this video! I have a friend from dance class and she has Hashimoto too, so I emailed her a link to this video and I hope your advice will benefit her. I wish You all the best for your auditions and your future career!!! Love from Germany
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When I was 29 I suddenly gained 30 lbs over the summer, despite dieting strictly and dancing all the time. I was stunned and lost almost all my work. Only 1 dancer friend stood by me. She herself had Hashimoto’s. I remember so clearly going to a rehearsal one afternoon and a dancer/choreographer that I had always admired but who had never really acknowledged me suddenly walking up to me and giving me a hug. And without missing a beat she added with a huge smile “Cristina, my goodness, you are so fat now, you’re a disgrace”. I was stunned into paralysis. My friend jumped to my defense but I was devastated. 6 years and many drs later, my numbers were normal but I was still fat. I always felt like the drs I went to just did not believe that I was seriously dieting. When I was 35, I finished what was my most grueling performance ever, where I danced for 45 minutes non-stop. I danced so well that despite still being fat and being old by dance standards, I received so many offers from choreographers (modern) that I had to turn people down! And yet the strongest memory of that experience was an audience member approaching me and saying “how come you’re so fat, I bet you’re eating Ben and Jerry’s all the time” . I sobbed the entire way home. Honestly, that was the end of my career. I had fought so hard for so long, and what I got in the end was the conviction that nothing, not my artistry and not my hard work and technique, would ever matter more than the fact that I was just fat. I danced for 4 more years after that, but I was never the same human being after that cruel comment. I went to grad school and I now work as a dance/movement psychotherapist in an acute forensic psychiatric facility. Being away from the dance world was so helpful. Then I found a great endocrinologist at age 42 (14 years after my symptoms began). At 45 I discovered aerial arts and at 47 I began dabbling in pole (not exotic). At 48 I returned to the stage and did a solo that had been choreographed for me at 27, and received a Bessie Nomination. And I started performing and seriously getting into pole at 49. Luckily the pole and aerial community is super supportive and embraces all female body types, it’s so different than the dance world. I am 51 now and dealing with peri/menopause, which requires extra care when you have Hashimoto’s. I am scared that I will lose all of the mastery I regained over my body, and I have gained some weight now that the pandemic has forced me to stop training 25 hrs/week. Your videos have given me hope. I apologize for writing so much. Hashimoto’s is real, and the way people treat you is devastating. Thank you for bringing awareness and compassion, as well as inspiration and courage.
This breaks my heart. No one should be treated like this. Cristina, you are a beautiful and sweet soul. I hope you've been able to find healing from these comments. No matter your gender, sexuality, age, shape, or weight - Dance is for everyone! If you have a body, you have the right to dance:) Know that your gifts, talents, strengths, beauty, goodness, and light cannot be summed up by a number. You are more than your weight! Your beauty and worth is more than the skin on your bones! Seriously!
@@ktsempai1106 Thank you! Yes, I found acceptance and beauty and endless creativity in the pole dance world. I'm accepted even as a woman over 50! Thank you for your support! Wishing you and yours safety and health
This comment really make me feel like so sad because sometimes we really think our words don't hurt others, but they really hurt and because we don't know the situation we should stop talking without knowing the person was going through, I'm glad you're feeling better and you're so much more than weight, you are a human and you deserve to do what you love no matter what, eventhough I don't inow you, send you lots of love❤️
Please check out barbara hoffman’s youtube channel(she is 70 now) concerning perimenopause/menopause and also thyroid. th-cam.com/video/l4oZ_5SqDjY/w-d-xo.html
She trained under the late dr john lee.
Dr john lee has incredible books on the subjects as well! (and a website too).
Well, that's sad that you put in so much work to be so good and this nasty thyroid condition robbed you of all the extra applause you were entitled to for your abilities. But some arts and sports and modelling, too are not just about skill which is understood. You must have that. But you also need to look right for your role or art etc. Fat girls can be pretty in everyday life, but the sight of a massively fat female athlete throwing her weight around on a sporting arena or a ballet stage, ice rink etc is a sorry sight for sore eyes, really, no matter how talented she is. She is simply ugly to watch in a short little sports skirt or dance/ skate leotard. Though a tastefully dressed larger sized model with her fat padding nicely distributed and we'll toned from exercise is bearable on a catwalk, in a parade of fashion for fatties (all genders) and I think there should be more such fashion and beauty pageants for fat people, to encourage them to take a pride in their appearance and feel good in nice clothes as they do battle with trying to reduce weight, for health reasons. But I don't t want to see them on a stage, unless it is a comedy act or some film role that requires fat people in its plot. But there is no reason why politically correct groups eg feminists who embrace fatness, can't all have a happy artsy/ sporty sisterly get together to celebrate fatness and gender etc they are primari;y there fore. Just don't inflict such standards on the rest of us, who have different standards from yours. You have no right to do this and we won't tolerate you gate crashing our private artsy/Sporty events where high standards of not just performance but also appearance and conduct are expected and enforced. That is our prerogative and you have no right to interfere and seek to impose your values, standards, ethics, culture, moral standards etc on us. We will neither accept nor even tolerate you. We don't have to put up with you. Just as nobody is forcing you to be slim just to have fun dancing, hitting tennis balls or whatever. You do your fat thing and enjoy it. We do our slim thing and have a right to enjoy our thing, too. Nobody is forcing something like slim ballerinas or beautiful slender firm fit female athletic bodies onto you. So kindly quit seeking to inflict your 'fat' on us. If you want to be the sort of millennial woman who wears black T-shirts in Australia that say 'Fries Before Guys' riding Melbourne trains stuffing your fat faces on cream cakes on some Girls' day out, that's fine (just clean up your fucking litter mess after you, though...). But telling us we must conform to your culture is not OK. It is downright toxic and offensive and you need to learn to keep it to yourselves because the rest of us simply don't care. We expect and demand 'better'. And it is good to see some former sad fat Fe,insists who pretended to love it are now leaving this culture in droves. Some are doing things to improve their female sadness, loneliness and fatness or too skinny problems. They are seeking medical help for potential thyroid problems that can cause these issues and they are doing the smart thing to beat weight issues if there are no underlying medical ones I've eat half as much and move twice as much, and, as you age, you need to eat 3/4 less and move 3/4 more, especially as a female, to retain some semblance of your original body size and shape, especially if you are a petite woman who will be even more prone to weight issues. It'S not fair on women but that's what Mother Nature, the ultimate Fe,inist bitch decreed for us all to have to endure. Men also have their issues, like their big bellies that mysteriously appear around middle age, even on formerly tall and still slender males or slim everywhere, except for big belly that they cannot get rid of, no matter how much exercise they try to do to reduce it. These sorts of weight issues in men and women seem to have a hormonal root eg in the thyroid. But, whatever, it is still no justification to try to lower cultural standards, just to accommodate some who do have such real problems. They need to either drop performing professionally or switch to a related art or sport where a little extra weight will not be a problem and these do exist. Or simply do art or sports for fun, which was their original, true reason for being invented. We need to return to that spirit of fun and joy and emotional and physical release that is so good for physical and mental health which arts and sports can give. But lowering professional performance standards and image will not encourage this community participation in and sharing of such fun and joy as either doers of arts and sports or critical observers, like the elderly who like such events. The aspiring young wannabes need high standard models to imitate and the older observers want to see something that is a truly great entertaining spectacle, be it sporting performance or artistic shows etc. It needs to look good, too.
I was diagnosed with hashimoto 7 years ago and it has been the hardest thing, no one really understand what is like to have an autoinmmune illness. So its refreshing to stumble into this video.
Filipe Gomes LIVRE Açores ilha do Pico
In this disorder i lost my all hairs what should I do
Me too. And because my numbers look ok, doctors refuse to medicate me. It's astonishing how little help I have gotten from doctors about this.
i was 2 or 3
@@Ifxithq you were three?! That’s really young
I don’t suffer from this, but I have friends who do, so this helps me understand what they are going through.
you are so strong Kathryn it takes guts to have the mentality to get through this
One of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism is depression as well. Maybe that's also why you felt like that (happened to my mother and I, who both suffer from this condition)
I had the same issues, tired, weight, thyroid, dancing, doctors, now as an old ballet teacher, I am grateful for being able to help young people follow their dreams.
It's so nice to hear that other people have been through the same thing as me. Whenever I would tell people that I had a thyroid disease, they would tell me I was over exaggerating and that it "wasn't a big deal" but it has such an effect on your everyday life! Especially with being a dancer.. It truly does drain the energy out of you. I too struggled with the hair loss, so much so that I had to cut half of my hair off; which was scary because at the time I was only 15 years old. Thank you so much for sharing this! Hopefully it will help others that have recently been diagnosed
Yes, I can see them thinking, "That's just her excuse for being obese." because I used to do that. I don't think that anymore nor judge anyone's weight because I don't know their story, nor should I judge anyone, period. 15yrs old! At least I am old enough to be "heavier" and no longer trying to be in my dream career. I hope you are well on the mend!
You are an inspiration to us all. I can't believe people criticised you for this, that is horrendous. God bless you for keeping strong and sharing it with us all.
I know this was 8 years ago, but I’m suffering so much. Panic attacks, depression, weight gain (60 pounds), hair loss, tired, no energy, wake up at 2-3 am and can’t go back to sleep, skin problems, sore joints and muscles. I am on NP thyroid and hormones (Estradiol & Testosterone). I had a hysterectomy in 2016. I still feel bad. Not AS bad as I was, but still not myself. This video helped me. I will ask my doctor about this medication. Thank you so much
Your story is so similar to mine with Hashimoto’s! I’m not a dancer but the lack of energy, weight gain, depression are for real and are life changing.
I teared up when I watched this. I'm going through much of what you detailed in this video, and it has affected my performing abilities and the completion of my college degree. Particularly the "justifying" yourself constantly, the stress, the grief and skepticism from others... Looking for answers when all the medical professionals say everything is "fine" is so disheartening and frightening. It erodes your soul when you can't trust your own body nor the professionals, y'know?
I will be immediately looking into everything you detailed here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Same here unfortunately... It's MORE THAN A DECADE all this begins, I keep getting worse, and still no one doctor want or wanted to give me medications because "blood numbers look good"...it's... "devastating" not describes the feeling good enough.
Since your comment is five years old I hope you figure this out in the meantime...
A hug from Italy,
Sara
THANK YOU!!!! I also have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's. They found it because my antibodies were/are SO high...otherwise, my blood levels are in "normal" range too. Thank you for sharing! I am the heaviest that i have ever been. Thank you for the encouragement!
*A good hypothyroid diet doesn’t have to be overly complicated. It just has to naturally support your body’s needs so that it can produce and utilize its thyroid hormone effectively and efficiently*->. Learn more here->www.healthrevenant.com/j55z
I'm so glad you made this video. Although i do not suffer from your conditions, I have had chronic Lyme disease for almost three years now. I have gone through almost 15 doctors and lost many friends over my disease. It's extremely hard for the world to tell you you're making it up when you know something is wrong. Depression hit me hard as well with my disease. I am now on IV antibiotics which helps a lot. But I just wanted to thank you for sharing your experience because it's uplifting to know that I'm not the only one who has suffered this way.
+Lisette Jones It's been quite awhile since you posted this, so I don't even know
if you'll see this, but just in case: I recently heard a report about a woman with Lyme disease, who was to the point of deciding to end her life, when she happened to get stung by bees (I think; it might have been wasps). Unexpectedly, she started to improve dramatically, and has recovered much better health and quality of life. She has since continued getting therapeutic sting treatments. I'm not sure exactly where I heard this (probably on a public radio program), but thought you might want to look into it, in case there's anything like this that could help you. Best of luck, in any case.
+AvalonMorley I've heard of that! Definitely going to look into it (: thanks for the sweet words and advice
I know of a surgeon who ended her career because of Lyme Disease (you can google Dr. Sally Schutz.) Her #1 recovery tool has been CBD Oil. That is Cannabidiol Oil which is medical cannabis. But even if medical marijuana is not legal in your state, CBD Oil can usually be purchased legally on the internet & shipped to you because it is NOT psychoactive. (The component that gets you high with marijuana is TCH. CBD Oil does not contain any THC.) There is 50 years of serious scientific research into the therapeutic benefits of CBD Oil from scientists in Israel. You can google Dr. Raphael Mechoulam who is still leading teams of researchers in Israel. Ideally, if you buy CBD Oil, you want a brand that is organic and that will provide independent 3rd party testing of their product to ensure it contains the CBD it claims to contain.
Your story shows how your hormones can f*ck you up so fast with everyone around being like "I don't see it, so you must be faking it."
Thank you for sharing!
No one should have to justify being a human being which you most wonderfully and beautifully are. You have an intrinsic value that is not dependent upon your weight, mood or loss of strength for WHATEVER THE REASON. I sympathize with what you have been through because I also am a ballerina, a graduate of the School of America Ballet and have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease with all the symptoms that you describe. Thank you for sharing your story and helping and inspiring me and others!
Katie, thank you for being vulnerable enough to share your story! I do not have a thyroid issue, but I do work in healthcare and know what an encouragement it is to hear from someone who has gone through an illness. Kudos to you for all your hard work in recovering!
Thank you so much for this. I've had Hypothyroidism for 30 years and my Dr keeps my snythroid low, he doesn't listen to my symptoms of depression, cold, and hair loss, dry skin. I shall go into my next appointment with this information.
You need a new doctor. It's hard to train an old dog new tricks. So doctors are incredibly stubborn and ignorant.
Synthroid never worked for me. A desiccated form of thyroid worked wonders.. ask to be put on Armour Thyroid. It was a game changer for me
You poor poor thing! I just learned that I have it permanently..I am stuck with this...I have moments where I have no clue that I am asleep!
I feel for all people who are suffering from hypothyroidism! It's,vicious! Huge hugs to you!! That's gotta be very very hard for a dancer...you use your entire body to dance on stage! I feel for you so much,and I am so sad that we both,including my husband are dealing with this horrible condition! May we all find better ways to function better!!
Hi Katie,
Thank you for making this video. While my thyroid isn't the healthiest (I have mild hypothyroidism), I feel a lot of empathy with your difficulties. For almost seven years now, I have been struggling with severe depression and anxiety. Due to this, I too put on weight, lost most of my hair, and my passion for everything. I began to enter recovery about the same time that you began posting videos here on TH-cam. I believe that I can attribute much of my rapid journey to recovery due to the comradeship I feel with you. Thank you for being so brave, Kathryn. Thank you for giving me the hope I desperately needed to remind me that I can get through this. Thank you for everything.
I have hyperthyroidism (discovered 6 years ago), I had to stop dancing a few years ago, this year I came back to ballet, I struggle a little bit, but I'm getting better with treatment now (better late than ever)
Thank you for sharing your story, I'm sure a lot of people will be able to relate!
May God give us grace and strength to keep going on 🙏🏼
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Kathryn! I cannot fathom how much strength you must have to have gotten through this experience.
Kathryn, you are such an inspiration. I danced professionally for ten years, and the damage/stress I put on my body during my career led to my chronic illness (ulcerative colitis) and my retirement from dancing. Thank you for all that you are doing for us - I wish I had found you ten years ago when I was so young and sick.
I'm am so fat now. I'm am fatigue. I'm gaining rapidly. I'm exhausted ALLLL the time. three years or more now. I'm on the verge of tears.
Heather Long me too :(
do u have hypothyrodism? talk to ur doc about upping ur dose
I feel the same way but we cannot beat ourselves up!
Please go to an endocrinologist and tell him what you know about Hypothyroidism. You need to be on medication. Show him/her this video. Take care!
@@rubydube7280 go to 2 endocrinologists. I went to one with hyperthyroidism, supposedly one of the best st one of the top 10 hospitals in the country in St. Louis. My t 5 was almost 8. It is supposed to be about 1. to 1.5. She told me that it was my pituitary gland causing the thyroid problem. She didn't do a baseline sonogram. I didn't know to ask for one. 7 years and on 75 mcg of synthroid and I have gained back all the weight I lost from the hyperthyroidism us an extra 25 lbs. I feel exhausted All the time, bruising, bloated hair getting coarse, digestion problems, thick finger nails. Worst of all, I am having problems swallowing. I pray I don't have nodes.
My T 5 is zero. My GPA told me that synthroid is wrong for hyperthyroidism and I may have been pushed into hypothyroidism. Tomorrow I start with a new Dr. at MU. They have a brand new Endrocrinoloy Center that even has a Doctor that treats adrenal fatigue. I am praying that I can get back to normal and be able to take care of my family and myself. I pray you find an excellent doctor and heal quickly and fully.
I had a doctor quietly tell me that selenium can help the thyroid immensely...being gluten free, vitamin D (d3 w K) up around 80, and a good full range vitamin, mineral, amino acid, etc program as well as hydrating using the water cure and little or no caffeine, alcohol and sugar will help too.
hi, chanced upon your suggestion. any idea if this helps for hyperthyroidism and graves disease? tia
You might have just changed my life. I have been battling hypothyroidism for years now. At one point, I was gaining 15lbs/month, but hadn't changed my already good eating habits, and am now way over 100lbs overweight. But my tests were low normal. My hair was falling out (still is a bit), I was super fatigued (I also have another illness, but the fatigue got massively worse), you name it. I am on a pretty high dose now and the crazy weight gain has finally stopped. BUT, the weight hasn't fallen off as fast as it came on, alas. I thought it would come off just as fast as it went on, once I got my thyroid under control, but no, it's just regular old fat. At least that has been my experience. I need to talk to my dr about Hasimoto's! I am a former athlete, figure skater, equestrian, work out person, so was always in shape. I don't even see me as me anymore. I don't look in any mirrors except my makeup mirror. I just can't equate the person in the mirror to ME. After the last dose increase, I have finally stopped gaining, and even lost 20lbs (good, but a tiny drop in the bucket) but my hair is still falling out, and still severe fatigue, so not all is well yet. I have attributed my weight loss to becoming a vegan, as the loss started exactly when I became one (could have been coincidence; I was almost vegan already and did NOT do it to lose weight). One good thing is that I have such empathy for people who are overweight. You are right. I tell people it's my thyroid and I can see them going, "Oh yeah, they all say that!", and sad to say, but I used to be one of those people. This is a very harsh illness, which can have severe health consequences beyond the appearance. I now have high blood pressure thanks to the weight, and I always had low bp before this weight gain.
I saw this in Dec 2018, so you hopefully have control of this, but best wishes to get your life back, or life you want NOW.
I was diagnosed at the age of 12 now I'm on my late 20s and yes it is really hard, crying for almost everything and not knowing why you feel that way and always hiding from everyone so they don't judge you (people can be really mean) just so frustrating, I had no idea about the foods I should avoid thanks a lot for the information.
I was diagnosed with a small imbalance in both ends of my Thyroid, so levels were both high and low. But being twelve, it's scary and seems huge! It actually didn't stop me from trying dance; it motivated me to dance because I was missing energy during the day, but being active at night. So dancing somehow increased my energy for the day, and relaxed me at night so I could sleep. Dancing cured me, because my doctor said the imbalance was gone after two months of starting dance. It was literally awesome to learn that something I love actually cured a physical illness I had.
my sister was born qith a non functioning thyroid and has always had troubles like these i will recomend this video for her thank you
+Patricia Kunsman I hope this helps her! I am sure that is frustrating. Please give her my best!
My mom has had thyroid-issues, 2 years ago I started falling asleep at work, even standing up..I'd sleep 10-15 hours a day and still felt tired, I felt like my neck had something extra..it's difficult to explain but I felt like my body wasn't mine anymore, I felt so bloated and my fingers are twice the size..and bc I'm skinny too and looked like anyone else ppl wouldn't take it seriously, I had the bloodtests done once and they were "ok"as far as I know, but the situation is still the same. I know my body and something is wrong and I'm just trying to get enough courage to see another doctor. I'm so glad you actually found something that helped, a good doctor, and feel better! Gives hope to the rest of us with any chronic illness.
Im glad you found the solution ! And I love how generous you are by sharing this :)
I have hypothyroid too! It is a struggle and I have dealt with it for years. It was interesting to see something that related to me so much, so thank you for making this video. 💜💜😘
Thank you so much for sharing.... so many of us are in the middle of the struggle and this gives hope
What a frightening story. You're so brave! Thank you for sharing
Although it's not really related, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at the age of 18 and it pretty much destroyed my career prospects and any hopes I had at that time for a happy future. I felt massive grief then for the career I'd hoped for, and it has taken me many years to overcome that, and to be more productive. I think the work you're doing to help other dancers is absolutely fantastic and so inspiring!! It's kind of the road I hope to take. I absolutely love ballet and so hearing your story has struck a particular cord with me. Thank you for all you are doing. I'm loving your blog- it is so interesting to hear about the different roles and dances, and which parts are so crazily difficult! Ballerinas always make it all look so easy!! Thanks again. Can't wait to view more xxx
thank you, thank you, thank you!! just got diagnosed soo happy to find this.
Wow! It just makes me so sad you suffered while trying to live out your dream. I've been suffering with immune suppressed hypothyroidism since I was a late teen and went through the same thing with seeing doctor after doctor and "normal" lab results after "normal" lab results. As you said you can tell when your body is unwell and I finally, at 29, have found a doctor that has helped me. After 11 years, 150 lbs gained, 1 miscarriage, chronic depression and many other difficult symptoms I'm finally getting well! It's a process but I'm so happy to know I'm on the right road.
I am so glad to know that someone else is going through this! I was terrified when I noticed my hair was falling out:( I am definitely going to talk to my surgeon about Cytomel. Thank you so much!
I can only imagine how difficult this was for you. It sounds horrifying and must've been extremely scary that you had to go through all this especially when you have no idea what's going on, but its probably made you stronger and wiser now! THanks for sharing this with us. We'll all be praying for you to be on your feet as quick as possible, happy and back to doing what you love.
No one knows their bodies like dancers do. I'm so glad you continued to seek additional medical opinions and finally found someone who was knowledgeable enough to diagnose your true condition. I'm sorry that so many doctors let you down through this process.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm 21 and I just found out I have this illness. Your story has given me hope that I will get better. Subscribed
I was misdiagnosed also. Your story is a testament to your character. I'm surprised you performed as well as you did through it all. Your advice to return to exercise and normal activities is so important. The improvement happens when this retraining is adopted by the body. Your point about refraining from judgment is also crucial. I was misdiagnosed with depression and sent to mental health professionals who prescribed psychotropic drugs that made my depression worse. If you are suffering physical symptoms that seem to get worse even with constant personal attention, please get help from a medical doctor who will keep searching until the problem is clearly understood. I LOVE your videos, Kathryn. They are so intuitive. I can turn consistently now, and I'm able to help others using your tips. I send everybody here. You are WONDERFUL...
I don't suffer from hypothyroidism, but I had a very similar experience two years ago. Thank you so much for sharing your story Kathryn. It's so comforting to know that there are other people who can relate to this journey
Kathryn, Thank you, thank, THANK YOU. I have had such similar symptoms, with no results after being on Levothyroxine (generic Synthroid) with no good results, meaning the T3 levels improved, but not me. I was literally dragging myself everywhere . I could not climb six steps without stopping and resting. Like you napping for hours, depressed out of my mind even though I was on super high - read way over PDR recommendations of SSRIs. I feel my muscles have completely atrophied in my legs and arms, and simple exercises which were once easy, are now impossible. I have had to fight with my PCP every inch of the way, so much so that I went to the highest level of my insurance just so I can go to a specialist of my choice without going through the gate keeper. I think we can be our own best doctors, but she wanted to run the show. What she did run was me from her office. A million thanks for your understanding and sharing your wealth of knowledge so generously. Because of becoming severely anemic I was given iron infusions, but still tired. Because of this video, I am going to find myself a empathic endocrinologist and see about the cytomel. I hope one day I am lucky enough to see you dance again. BTW, love your make-up videos. In my mind you are an Etoile.not a soloist. Bonne chance
Dont know if you will get this message bc Katie's vid is from 5 years ago. Im on Armour Thyroid. Doctors never check for T3 they just do TSH. If you havent already, have medical staff check T3 and T4. The 'drug' didnt work for me (synthroid or generic levothyroxine).. I did research and learned about the MDs not bothering with T3. Get THOSE NUMBERS. They are vital. When Katie says her numbers were normal thats the reason..theyre only checking TSH. YOU HAVE TO CHECK T3 and T4. Most doctors dont want to use Armour (they have many reasons - most bc they dont know or dont care)...Armour gave me my life back. I had all the same symptoms as Katie. When i informed my doctor about my research he wanted to disagree. But its my life, my body. As i mentioned, i got my life back. Its now been 8 years. Things not perfect but much better. Wish all patients had this knowlege.
Hi Kathryn, I'm new to your channel and just watched this video for the first time. I just want to say THANK YOU for posting. I also suffer from an "invisible" disorder, and I totally get it when you say you're frustrated by people thinking it's all in your head or you're making things up. I really appreciate your taking the time to share your story and your encouraging words. You go, girl!
This is the one of the most scary stories i'v ever heard. I am moved that you made it thought so strongly! When you ask for feedback and Questions, i wasn't brave enough to ask you what happened. But you are still young and i wish you can come back to stage again, because i think it must make you very happy when you dance!
I feel ya Kathy! I am suffering from hypothyroid for 8 years now. Had serious weight issues but I have managed to lose it and have a couple of pounds to lose to reach my ideal weight and I'm a dancer too. I know it's a huge bane but I think it's a blessing in disguise as it made me super disciplined!
I have the same disease, i was diagnosed at 11, and this video was very educational thank you mam
Thank you so much for making this. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's hypothyroid 10 years ago and I'm still struggling with it. I'm dealing with military doctors that seem to think lowering my dose was the answer until they lowered it too far and my TSH shot up to 39.67. So basically they need all the help I can give them, which means I need all the help I can get.
It's definitely comforting to hear other dancers who have serious health challenges. I have MS and it has and still does cause challenges...especially in regards to ballet.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have hashimotos as well and nice to know I have someone I can relate to. It really does make you feel absolutely miserable. There are some days where I literally feel like I have no energy and I don't want to get out of bed or do anything. It affects your entire mood and I feel depressed sometimes for no reason. It also made me gain weight, I was always naturally thin in high school and I've gained about 25/30 lbs since then. I'm worried it's going to be impossible to get back to the weight I was before.
I was a hyperthyroidism patient and I am having hypothyroidism since I went through the thyroid gland removal surgery, and now I need to take medicine for my lifetime. I was retired from being a Taekwondo athlete because of the thyroid problem I was also suffered in sudden weight-gaining after my surgery. I couldn't look myself in front of the mirror and I cried every single night. It was a very tough moment for me, I felt miserable & depressed...Thanks for your video Kathryn! It is inspiring!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Even though I do not have a thyroid problem, my body shape is definitely not for a ballerina (I am a healthy weight, but I have hips). No matter how hard I worked to improve my technique they would still put me down, hearing that part in your story about your teachers l and everyone telling you about your weight gain made me try. Your story in general made me cry. I am so happy that you are feeling better, you look fANTASTIC! Stay strong girl amd I hope to see you back on stage soon! :)
YES! That happened to me!!! I have Hashimoto's and have been increasing my Synthroid dose for years but not feeling better. Blood work has looked fine. Finally they tested my RT3 and found that it was extremely high, so my body has been absorbing the meds wrong the WHOLE time.
Jessica Bush Jessica I COMPLETELY understand! SO frustrating!
Such a relief to know I'm not alone. You are my inspiration!
Totally know what your going through!! I have Hashimoto's as well.
Natural Thyroid seems better for me
What do you take? Did your doc prescribe it? I am so tired of taking meds that I know aren't helping.
I have hypothyroidism, probably all my life but kicked in like a beast about six years ago. I kept gaining weight, I mean literally 3-pounds over night, 2-pounds during the day, up until I had packed on 55-pounds in less than three months. I got tested and there it was, started out on meds, took a good two years to get it leveled out. To this very day I struggle, I have to eat super clean OR ELSE. I finally had a surgery to remove extra skin I gained from all the weight gains up and down. Oh when I was pregnant I gained a massive 89-pounds. I generally eat clean naturally so it’s not that I ate it there, I don’t care for sweets have never even tasted pie, most puddings, cakes, etc. I now have to eat a paleo diet, no sugars, carbs, processed foods, grains, soy, below ground vegetables, legumes, and the list goes on. If I even taste a piece of bread here comes the bloating and it’s gross. If I eat a meal that’s outside the very limited foods I eat, my colon literally expands out and I’m in pain. I’m on 120 mg of Armour Throid.
I did have a bad issue with my parathyroid thrown in there, had two tumors removed. Hair is growing back, but it’s no where near what it was. It is a miserable condition and even on meds and eating clean it’s still a struggle.
I’m going to ask for the cytomel. Thank you and I hope your struggle gets better. GB.
Oh soy, yes hide from it like it will kill you. All those veggie products are stuffed with soy.
Thank you so much for telling your story, it really helps people suffering from this, I know it's not easy but I wanna say you're very courageous and amazing and I hope you'll manage your symptoms! I don't have the conditions you have, but I have an autoimmune disease which is affecting my life and hearing someone going through a situation like this really helps me emotionally, knowing that I'm not the only person feeling miserable.
Have dealt with hypothyroidism all my life, and have on occasion had muscle weakness; You look great, and thanks for sharing your struggles with hypothyroidism.
I have a complete respect and admiration for you, Katie, I found out about your videos like a month ago when I started getting into ballet. Honestly not only have you helped me get started with the whole thing, but now that I see this, I just realize how strong you are, and really how inspiring this is for me. My respects for you, Katie! Best wishes!
Kathryn, I just came across your channel and I felt like I was listening to my own story. I'm older than you, but I also was a student at SAB from the very beginning at the age of 7 when Balenchine was the ballet master. I was going to The High School of Performing Arts, so I also had an extra 4 hours a day to add to SAB's schedule. I did leave Performing arts and took my GED to join the company and yes it was hell. I then developed hypothyroidism it was frustrating and I was so tired of hearing about my weight gain as well as my physical exhaustion. I thought taking Synthroid would solve my problems but I ended up developing an eating disorder. I also suffered from migraine headaches and because of the imbalance of hormones, migraines and taking more drugs became my best friend. Forget about being sick, I was only obsessed with the way my body looked and so was NYCB. I had to stop dancing for about 6 months to get my head back together and during that time I realized I didn't have a plan B if I could no longer dance and the school nor the company prepared me for anything but dancing. I managed to stay with the company until I was 26 and as luck should have it, I was warming up before my master class was about to start and 2 males dancers were playing around and fell on me while I was stretching. I tore my left hamstring and it pushed a couple of vertebrates out of line. They become herniated and that was the end of my career as a dancer.
I am so grateful that I found your channel and would love to know what you are doing now.
I had gone through a similar experience. People at my workplace thought I was making this up. thanks for sharing your experience. such a relief! For me, the course of my disease was the most traumatic experience of my life! Glad that I'm over it!
Thanks for sharing your story Katie. While my own thyroid problems have never been as bad as yours, I can understand the frustration; so the fact you are using your experience to help others is really wonderful and selfless. Thank you again for all of your videos and particularly your facts about soy! (That explains a lot for me recently.) You are an inspiration.
Thank you! 15 years and 80lbs later, I was finally diagnosed with Hashimoto's. I used to mail order clothes and by the time I received them, I had outgrown them. A number of doctors blew me off claiming my hormone level was normal so my other problems were my age (mid 30's at the time) or in my head (history of depression). I am 56 and my original endo who Dx'd me has retired. So I am running the gauntlet of doctors again.
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (grave's disease) and adrenal insuffiency (addison's disease) after the birth of my first child over 12 years ago. It's not always easy to feel good or keep on weight or lose weight. I'm glad you're sharing your story.
I haven't realized how hard a thyroid illness can be even though my mother suffers from it (don't remember whether it was hypothyroid or hyperthyroid). Thanks to this video I got so much more information. Kathryn, I just want to say that you are amazing, you inspire me so much! I suffer from chronic illness, and even though I'm a late starter (started taking ballet lessons at the age of 23, and been dancing 4 years now), you give me hope. You are very, very strong person, and I admire how you want to help others - no matter if they are pre-professionals or a late-starters. Thank you for that, Katie!
Your adorable! Thank you for this. I was just diagnosed with this. I start the medicine tomorrow. It sure explained a lot! My hair, my breast doubled in size. Weight gain of ten pounds for no reason. Mood swings and depression. I look forward to being normal again and I am happy it's not the new me!
Love this. Your strength is an inspiration and I'm glad you're back to doing what you love. Another thing for people to think about is to really advocate for yourself in your doctor's office. I was diagnosed initially with hypothyroidism at 19. Thyroxine has worked well for me, but it's also necessary to check TSH/T3/T4 annually and adjust the dose accordingly. Last summer, I developed an issue where I was forgetting everything, felt so tired all the time (I struggled to get out of bed some days), and had moderate depression symptoms. I told my doc this out of concern, and she pinned it on my anxiety and referred me to a psychiatrist. After a few weeks, I was really struggling and sought out a second opinion. I insisted on getting my TSH checked (it had been over a year), and...it was over twice the normal level. Tl;dr you may have to fight to be taken seriously, but if you think something's off, the fight is totally worth it. This is especially important for us ladies because even now, we are still less likely to be taken seriously by our physicians.
I had no idea that this happened to you. I deal with a chronic illness myself so this is very relatable to hear. I used to dance and had to stop due to chronic Lyme disease. It’s also so cool to hear that you’ve danced at Saratoga!! My dad is in charge of all the stage crew there! So crazy to think that you probably passed right by him at some point!
I just watched this video of yours today and I wanted to say a HUGE thanks! I'm so grateful for this video. I took ballet as a child and now again as an adult and I too suffer with hypothyroidism. Always cold, always tired, feeling down and as for the weight gain.....I hardly ate and still got bigger and bigger. Thanks to your video Kathryn, I'm going to take your advice and go back to the doctor to take another look at things. God Bless x
I'm so glad that you're getting better now and that you persisted in getting a correct diagnosis.
Many people have written you, but I feel so bad that you lost your career, and also are suffering from a real disease. And at the age of 20! Life is so cruel sometimes. You are too sweet and kind to go through this. I hope you feel better and can continue with your life.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It serves as a great reminder to everyone that if someone looks different or starts acting depressed it is best to be supportive first and not criticizes. I know you have had a hard struggle. But I hope you know there are so many people that appreciate where your journey has taken you. You are an inspiration.
This is my story and I'm so glad I found your channel. Someone that can relate to my situation. And you are right, no one believes your weight gain. It's so frustrating and depressing.
I have Grave's disease, or hyperthyroidism! Thyroid diseases are so tough, they're invisible in a lot of cases and it took me so long to get answers until I got bloodwork done, and even then I was still confused. I've been on medication for a few months now and EVERYTHING has changed, it is whole life kinda thing and people just don't get it. Thank you for sharing your story!
My god you have given me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes… thank you for speaking candidly… you may be saving many from just existing to actually living.
A lot of people with XX chromosomes, like a lot of women, have a hormonal imbalance regarding the estrogen to progesterone ratio. It is very common, and can han an effect in thyroid hormone production. I suffered from it and I am now recovering.
Hi. Very interesting what you said about the xx chromosomes causing a hormonal imbalance which affects the thryoid. How did you treat your condition or the imbalanced hormones and how are you feeling today? Hope you are fully recovered 😊🙏
I know this video is a bit old, but I started watching your channel close to 6 years ago and when I saw this video it was merely interesting. Fast forward 6 years and I was diagnosed with Hashimotos and it was only becaude I sought out different doctors in my care team to keep testing me because I felt like I was dying. I was only diagnosed because the dr who treated me recognized my symptoms because it runs in her family. I have thought of you since then and you recently came up on my Instagram feed. So I decided to search this video and I'm so glad I did because now I know about the second medication. On synthroid i have lost weight, I have energy and generally dont feel like im dying, but many of my symptoms are still there and I hope Im able to get the help I need. I hope you are doing well and thank you for coincidentally helping a stranger! ❤
This video has been more helpful than I had expected.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I only just found your channel, so this is the first I've learned your story. I had Cushing's Disease twice, so I related to a lot of what you shared here. My case was caused by a pituitary tumor (both times). Its a different disease than Hashimoto's but it's similar in that it changes your body out of your control, with weight gain in the stomach and upper body, neck, buffalo hump, moon face, hair loss, body hair growth, fatigue, anxiety, infertility. It's really wild. I was a ballerina through school, and very very small. Being a petite dancer was part of my identity even when I stopped training, so the weight gain and body changes were really shaming for me. I gained about 22 lbs the first time and about 25 the second time. That was a lot for me. It definitely changed how I view others. I don't assume weight gain is always related to lifestyle anymore, so it got rid of some judgement that I didn't even realize I had. Thank you for sharing, and I'm so glad you're doing well now.
I have Hypothyroidism and Lupus Anticoagulant.
Before discovering it, I gained sooo much weight all of a sudden and my hair fell very much as well.
I've been on the same medication for about 8 years. It took a while to figure out which was the dose I needed, but when I did, I quickly lost all the gained weight and began feeling normal again.
Thankfully, now I lead a completely normal life; the only thing is that I need to take the little pill every morning. :)
you are my biggest, person in my life right now. I will never not look up to you. In my eyes. You are my hero
This is the second time I have seen this video. I think your advice is so valuable. The part about being critical of others is so important and could be said about so many other things. We all have a story that is worthy of understanding.
When i discovered the pcos.. Me too i was devastate.. Always on a diet, and putting on water retention... Hair loss, acne... Destroyed.... Now im. Back normal, but the fatigue remain, i cannot keep up woth a lot of hours a day... Just few hours a day... I reduved a lot... I chose to rest more, listen to my body, and not to overstress it....
How is your hair now ?
I have hypothyroidism, I was diagnosed about 1 year ago (they did a blood test for something else but instead found that). I've been taking tablets every morning since, but I feel like I need to up the dosage. My main issue is the fatigue. I cannot make it through the day without napping now, even when I get a full nights sleep. It's also awful about the gaining weight, it makes you so self conscious!! I'm glad that I've found a lot more people who have it :) xx
I have Hypothyroid, I'm in my sixties, I Lost my Husband a year ago and a half ago, I Lost weight Since , like 30 SOMETHING pounds, I used to weigh 176 lbs, I now weigh 147! It's been very stressful for me since. And I can't seem to gain at least a little, all my other clothes fit be big, I had to start buying smaller sizes. I USED TO WEAR SIZE 12, AND NOW A 10! EVEN MY FACE IS SLIMMER, I'M taking 50mcg of Levothyroxin, I was on 25mcg for a few years.I know the Thyroid meds make you loose Weight as well, my nurse told me and the pharmacist. Thank you for this information.
I am currently going through a similar situation to this. I do not dance in a professional company but I am in a very competitive training program. It is a large amount of stress and pressure that has only amplified my symptoms. I feel that I’ve been judged and compromised roles because of weight, despite it being completely out of my control. I probably look normal and healthy to a regular person, but I am unhappy with my body in the dance environment. I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and knowing that I can put a “label” to all of the problems I have been having is such a relief. I don’t think it’s fair that my health has to be validated with a diagnosis. I have been struggling with fatigue and depression and muscle aches for months and being able to treat it is a blessing. This video has really helped me and I hope it helps others understand this “invisible” illness.
As a professional dancer and person with hashimotos, this video really hit home. Thank you for making it
We're two peas in a pod; I have Hypo and Hashimoto's. I was never a professional but I was dancing 6 days a week, hours each day, eating healthy and I was gaining weight. It took 3 years but I was finally diagnosed by my OBGYN of all people. She ran the blood test and finally sent me to an Endocrinologist. I eventually went to a second Endo who did ultrasounds herself. She discovered I was born with only my right lobe. My entire left lobe is missing. I ended up moving after seeing her only twice and found another great Endo in TX. Like you, I still had all the weight and couldn't lose it, hair loss, fatigue, etc. After doing my own research I chatted with him about taking a natural desiccated thyroid med like Armour or NP Thyroid. He agreed to let me try it and holy cow did it make a difference! The NDTs naturally have T3 in them though it is not as tightly measured as the actual T4 dose. It made a world of difference! I did have a time where I was on Synthroid and Cytomel but my body just does not like the synthetic hormones. The NDTs are absorbed so much better for me personally.
I'm glad you found what works for you! I always say there's no tired like thyroid tired.
Random question... Did you ever crave green olives before you got your hypo under control? I used to before I was diagnosed with hypo and put on medication. Apparently craving green olives is often your body telling you you need something for your thyroid, specifically iodine. Iodine is naturally found in green olives so many people who are hypothyroid and are having symptoms often grave green olives.
Thanks for taking the time to talk about your thyroid disorder. Just wanted to add that Cytomel provides T3 which is the active form of the thyroid hormone, while Synthroid provides T4. Most people are fine with T4 supplementation alone since normally the body converts T4 into T3 as needed. However, some patients do not convert T4 into T3 efficiently. These patients need T3 in addition to T4. Thanks for highlighting this.
I know I'm a bit late on the video, but my best friend suffers with a thyroid problem. She doesn't tell alot of people about it and she keeps fairly quiet about it. I thought that I should take the time to learn about it and this video really helped. Thank you 😊!
Thank you so much for this video. I have hypothyroidism as well and Cytomel might be an option for me, thank you for opening up that possibility. It's also very comforting to have someone say how hard it is to battle this every single day.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I know several people diagnosed with hypothyroidism and hashimoto's. I've been having some symptoms as well and had blood work done last week to test me for it. I still haven't gotten the results back yet, but I really appreciate you sharing your story and tips. Thank you!
I wish I had the time to tell you my extensive health history. Thank you for telling your story. It gives me hope that I'll get better.
Hi Kathryn! Thanks for sharing your experience. I was wondering why you were not performing anymore. Great to hear that you are getting better!
How awful for you to have had to go through all that! I'm so glad that things are much better for you now. Thanks very much for sharing your story, and for the health and nutrition tips.
One of my sisters has to take medication every day because her thyroid was removed quite a few years ago. That came about because when she was a baby, having been born quite prematurely in the mid-'50s, for some reason they radiated her thyroid gland; apparently at the time, they thought it would be beneficial(!).
Over the centuries, lots of destructive stuff has been done by doctors and other medical professionals, who really thought what they were doing (or failing to do) was best for health. Up to today, it's important for us to do whatever we can to understand these things, and not just take everything told, or diagnosed, or prescribed to us, without question. There are some very popular prescribed drugs these days that can be really harmful, and too often, they get prescribed to try to fix something, rather than addressing the cause of the health issue, when it can be treated better through lifestyle, nutrition, and more natural treatments. Of course, often, only modern pharmaceutical medicine will work, and thank goodness for all the resources there. I'm so glad you're on a regime that's given you back a good quality of life and, of course, dancing!
Katie,
Thank you so so much for doing this video. I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's for about two years now, and I had a surgery on my thyroid two years ago as well. Currently, I only have half a thyroid. But anyways, getting to my point, this video was so inspiring. You are truly someone I look up to and to know you have gone through something like me and are giving us all advice just makes me like I'm not alone. I agree too about the thing that you said about people not being able to see it. I came back to school from surgery and people where like "What did you have? What?" And they still didn't know. But you truly have covered a lot of things in this video that I didn't know and I'm so glad I do now. You are so inspiring in the way you are making a comeback as well!! You have been such a fighter and I love how you have never given up. I really appreciate this video and that you shared your story with us. It means the world to me and many others!
Thanks for all you do,
Julia :)
Meant :) * not .. Oops!!
First signs of thyroid back in 2010... Hope you did enjoy a good stint "fully healthy" as a soloist? I love your testimony. There is nothing victimized about your discourse, in contrast to the enormous impact your thyroid had on your career.
My mom has hashimotos and I’m going to share this with her IMMEDIATELY! Thank you for the past 5 years she has experienced all of these things that you described I hope this can help her!
Ohhh! I have the opposite. I suffer Hyperthyroidism but it's under control now and my doctor took me off my meds.
What does that do to your body?
What meds were you on?
Thank you so much for making this video! My mom has hyperactive thyroid and is on medication for it. I know what she goes through and I'm glad there's others who have hyper and hypoactive thyroidism. Me also being in the endocrine problems I have type one diabetes. Anyways thank you for making this video it's super helpful! I also want to go on pointe and have loved all the pointe videos you've made! ❤️
Katie . Thanks so much for this . My western dr was clueless . My functional medical dr got it , forever thanks ❤️
I was really looking forward for this video! I have a friend from dance class and she has Hashimoto too, so I emailed her a link to this video and I hope your advice will benefit her. I wish You all the best for your auditions and your future career!!! Love from Germany