Introduction: About this Blog

Hi!  My name is Kelsey.  I am a 22 year old living in the North shore part of Massachusetts.  I just graduated college and am an almost-licensed SLPA.  I'm a sufferer of Hashimoto's thyroid disease and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome who wants to take a healthy step in the next direction. Like I said, I am a newly graduate (as new at May 2017) and have moved home back with my parents in the north shore area of Massachusetts.  I hope to take this time and continue to write and document my life in this transition, and to also motivate myself to follow a healthy, faithful and happy life.

I was diagnosed with PCOS at the early age of 16.  PCOS in short, is a hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.  I had suspected it before though, since I had pretty extreme facial hair on my cheeks and my abdomen. It wasn't until my electrolysis technician recommended me to look into a hormone imbalance as being the reason for my excessive hair growth.  I took her advice, and was directed to an endocrinologist in Boston, where I was formally diagnosed.  As you would have guessed, I was devastated.  I looked for answers on the internet (which they tell you not to do, and I strongly do not recommend) and saw the unfortunate affects that PCOS has on your body, such as infertility, diabetes, obesity, cancer risks and others.  I was put on birth control, was prescribed a nutritionist and was watched for pre-diabetes and insulin increase. Now at 22 years old, I cannot say much has changed in my condition.  I weigh a lot more than I did at 16, but my levels continue to stay the same.

In my 22nd year, I was introduced to another health scenario that will forever affect my life; Hashimotos. I had gone to the doctors, where they checked my thyroid.  My levels were a bit off, and my thyroid was enlarged.  They did tests, and the results came back that I had hypothyroidism, and that I had Hashimotos disease.  It caused similar symptoms as PCOS, such as weight gain, anxiety, fatigue and other symptoms.  I was again, devastated.  I felt that this was another thing t worry about in my life, and I was afraid that this disease was going to consume me.  Luckily, I have a very good doctor, and very good support system of friends and family.  They guided me, and helped me through this news. I also had friends suffering from the same ailments, who gave me fantastic advice and made me feel comforted in this time of stress.

I am very outdoorsy, and love hiking, kayaking and the beach.  I am very spiritual, and believe it is faith that has gotten me through the toughest times in life, including learning about my diseases.  I have a fantastic family and support system, who I love with all my heart.  I know how blessed and lucky I am to have such a fantastic support system, and that my illnesses can be treated with lifestyle choices, as well as medicine.  This blog will be dedicated to these factors, and I (hopefully) will be updating weekly, or as needed!