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Well it's no secret I've battled numerous health problems in my years, this time we are going for the felon, the THYROID. Total thyroidectomy, yup slashing my throat. Turns out this could be the culprit of a majority of my health concerns. Here's some background on the thyroid in case you aren't aware just how much that little butterfly shaped gland does in front of your neck.
Thyroid-
It releases hormones that control metabolism (the way your body uses energy). The thyroid's hormones regulate vital body functions, including:
*Breathing
*Heart rate
*Central and peripheral nervous systems
*Body weight
*Muscle strength
*Menstrual cycles
*Body temperature
*Cholesterol levels
*Much more!
Also included in this surgery are the parathyroid glands and vocal cords.
Vocal Cords- These are the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. ... If both recurrent laryngeal nerves are damaged, the vocal cords may close and not allow air to pass from the mouth and nose into the lungs! (This is the most terrifying part of this surgery, hit one of those babies and I'm doomed for at least 3 months (I know this because one of my fellow Rugged Runner's also had it done and unfortunately hers didn't go as well as planned :()!
Parathyroid Glands- regulate calcium levels (critical in living but very important in running or exercise - obviously to build and maintain strong bones but it is also a vital electrolyte, imbalance of electrolytes while racing and you are screwed!)
So why mine? It's malfunctioned since I was born. Lucky me was born with both hoshimotos and graves antibodies- complete opposites. (you can read more about those here if you are interested: GRAVES and HOSHIMOTOS)
I had a rough childhood because my diseases went undiagnosed for so long. They have been the cause for miscarriages the past few years, a few DNF'S in races (Rocky Racoon 2014, Western States 100 2015, and RRR 100 2015, and of course a roller coaster ride no one wants to be on. Although cancer hasn't been detected just yet, we certainly don't want it to get to that point.
TOTAL THYROIDECTOMY - you can read more about the procedure here
So now what?
Of course it totally depends on how the surgery goes. It will be done on January 3rd. Doc tells me I will have to stay overnight at least one night (more if things don't go as planned). From there it will be a slow process to get my endurance back but she is confident I could be racing after 6 weeks (although I'm not so sure she realizes my "marathons" are hundred milers ;) I will have to balance all my levels, be on medication for the rest of my life, but no matter what, I'm hopeful that I will come back even stronger than I ever was!
2019 CONSIDERATIONS
* Make a baby! This HIGHLY depends on what my specialists say. I'm kind of on my "last chance" for a shot at a healthy babe. So grateful for Maya Jo!!!
* Leadwomen
*RRR 100 (no surprise there!)
*National Championships at the trail Distances
*MTB events like Bailey 100, Austin Rattler, and others
*Quad Rock 50 mile
*Road marathon! I never thought I'd be able to consider this again with my hips, however... when training for RRR 100 2018, I've never felt stronger or faster and it would be great to try one last time!
and of course, I still need to be cautious of my hips so no race will be taken lightly, I will make everyone count!
So here's to 2019! And all the joy, success, and health that it may bring. As I pour myself into Rugged Running, a new chapter will also begin with iRUGGED FITNESS (stay tuned :)
Running success has not been possible without: