Moms Homeschooling with Adrenal Fatigue/CFS/Fibro, etc?

[MBentley]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIuj-oMN-Fk

This had the biggest impact for me. Although, it's a bit contra THM. The information was very specific and detailed and was probably the most insightful 36 minutes of information I've ever sat through.

[bean]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIuj-oMN-Fk

This had the biggest impact for me. Although, it's a bit contra THM. The information was very specific and detailed and was probably the most insightful 36 minutes of information I've ever sat through.

IF/ low carb works really well for me.

[3Blessings]

I am definitely not a super hero! At the time I began this "journey" I was recovering from a miscarriage. It had been almost a year since the miscarriage, but this took a toll on my body I could not imagine. (It was not an "ordinary" miscarriage. I only mention this because I remember prior to it I read a blog post about what might happen and it was super scary. Someone told me not to be so worried because what the person posted was likely not to happen. Well, in fact it did and even the doctor commented "this is not ordinary". On day 3 post miscarriage I could not even sit in a chair without getting dizzy. IT turned out my iron levels had dropped to almost iron transfusion level. IT took 4 weeks, but with lots of iron pills (so much my husband was concerned - said something like "you know that is a lot of iron and you only take that much under doctor advisement, right?" I'm guessing he just wanted to make sure I never consumed that much. At week 3 the doctor said, ok, we are going to give the pills one more week, but if the levels are not at x point, we will need to schedule a transfusion. Thankfully, i hit the number at the 4 week mark. However, those 4 weeks were exceptionally challenging. I homeschooled our oldest (then using MPK) from her bed! (we were using a desk in her room at the time as I could lock a gate upstairs and keep the 3 and 4 year olds somewhat contained.)

Anyway, that happened in Feb of 2016, it really took until July 2016 until I even remotely had energy levels close to my pre-miscarriage self. At that point I just needed "something". I found out about THM and it literally took the next several months of reading the book and deciding if it was even for me. I typically start "new things" around my birthday. (which i in Jan) I think around Thanksgiving I decided it was something i thought could work, but I didn't want to set myself up for failure and begin during the busy holiday season. From Jan-March I was very committed and avoided all sugar. At the end of March we went on "spring break" with my sister, her family, our parents and my brother. I did not worry about being "on plan" and enjoyed a lovely donut from a famous donut shop. The difference was I had 1/4 of 4 donuts instead of 4 donuts!

I was pretty committed then again until July and then I decided to enjoy "food freedom". If we are out, or at a party, I simply eat what is served, EVEN CAKE! I still have a very weak spot for cake, ice cream and pizza! The difference is that now, 2.5 years "on plans" I ENJOY the off plans foods and simply move back to on-plan choices at the next meal. So, my mentally has changed. I can choose to eat the cake and ENJOY it and not feel guilty. This has been the biggest change. Enjoying yummy food, but not all the time. The holidays are the hardest, but I have learned to make the THM desserts now and try to "arm" myself with them, or eat before a party so I don't eat as much!

What an awesome story! I knew you were a THM because I remember giving you my 1st edition book at Sodalitas a couple of years ago. One other thing I think it has helped me with is inflammation. I also have an autoimmune disorder, and when I decide to go off plan for a prolonged period of time I realize that everything gets so much more inflamed. It's has been quite an amazing journey.

[3Blessings]

Bumping up this old post ..... because I'm joining your ranks. #sigh

Went to a local functional medicine doctor a few weeks ago and had a big panel of labs drawn. Back today to discuss results and (among other things), I have markers for Hashimoto's.

My doctor is recommending lots of nutrient support, eliminating gluten from my diet (see ya later, pasta), and STRESS MANAGEMENT. (to combat adrenal fatigue)

I've spent the day ordering supplements, thanking God that I already have a housekeeper, and vacillating between being angry and crying. Which is sort of silly, I know. I haven't been handed a fatal diagnosis, but there's a part of me that says, "REALLY? Yet another thing to manage?"

So, just looking for solidarity from you mommas, as I head off to bed and practice working on my stress management.

Dianna, I had no idea you were going through this! I also have a thyroid linked autoimmune disorder. Mine caused my thyroid to swing the other way so it had to be removed 12 years ago now and I'm entirely reliant on synthetic thyroid hormone. One thing to know about thyroid illness is that is takes so.much.time before you see any differences from changes you're making. Sometimes you can feel better quickly, but it is not uncommon for it to take 3-6 weeks for me to see any difference from a medication change or nutrition adjustment. It's just the way the hormone works. Also, if you are struggling with adrenal fatigue I highly suggest turmeric as a supplement. When I am in those seasons there is a turmeric based drink from THM, I will make 1 or 2 a day and it really helps even me out.

The good thing to know about thyroid issues is that once you get them well controlled you will be able to feel shifts coming on sooner, and be able to react faster so that the impact to your life is lessened. I can almost always tell easily now when I am shifting into hypo mode and need to make adjustments to diet or medicine, and the same when when I swung hyper when I lost a bunch of weight recently.

In addition to having a housekeeper come in while my husband is deployed, I have started ordering groceries online and that has made my life so much easier. You probably already do that, but I figured I would mention it. I even splurged for the membership to Shipt so I can get them delivered right to the door when I really need a break.

With homeschooling though I have to admit that for the kids, I keep food ridiculously easy, to the point that I would almost be ashamed for others to find out what they're eating. Since my oldest 2 are old enough to know their way around the kitchen they are also responsible most of the time for getting food for their younger siblings. Breakfast is often eggs or granola bars and yogurt, lunch is a sandwich or leftovers, or more yogurt and fruit, and I only cook dinner about 2-3 nights a week because of schedules. The other nights they have leftovers (I always have enough for leftovers!), or make themselves sandwiches or grilled cheese, salad, or something else simple. My oldest daughter also loves to cook, and I can hand her a recipe most nights if she is free and she can make it (with me coaching from the sidelines) which is a huge game changer. I keep the house stocked with foods I know we can throw together without much fuss, and when I am feeling good I will take the time to prep the fruits and veggies so that they're easy grab and go snacks.

[MBentley]

IF/ low carb works really well for me.

Autophagy -maybe we should call it the "human body audit".

[bean]

Autophagy -maybe we should call it the "human body audit".

Maybe! I'm coming from a problem opposite to high blood sugar. I have reactive blood sugar, probably related to my hashimotos. I scared the tech doing my fasting glucose test. She thought I was going to be passed out in the waiting room between blood draws.

Conventional wisdom is to eat small meals more often, but that just gave my blood glucose more times a day to yo-yo. Sticking to two low carb meals a day works so much better. I'm also doing a strict AIP challenge this month to clear up some joint inflammation I've had for 20 years, so I really appreciate that I don't have to plan/cook more than two meals a day for me! I'd never leave the kitchen.

[DiannaKennedy]

My husband was very reluctant to change the kids' diet, and our family's diet, but now he eats mostly gluten free too, even when he's out of the house. I never thought I'd see that day, though it has taken six years to get to that point.

Can we expand on this a bit more ----- and you can PM me if you would prefer.

When I told my husband my news, he looked at me as if I had 3 heads. "But you don't have Hashimotos. Your thyroid is working fine." Apparently, he has missed my 20 lb weight gain in the past year.

He's slowly coming around to being more supportive, but will bring home crackers and pasta for the children. (while bringing home gluten free crackers for me, so that helps) I've already told him that I want to SLOWLY pull our kids along as well. Partially because it would be easier for me to simply not have it in the house, and also because I have a daughter with asthma who would likely benefit as well.

I'd love to hear more about how he came on board.

[DiannaKennedy]

Dianna, I had no idea you were going through this! I also have a thyroid linked autoimmune disorder. Mine caused my thyroid to swing the other way so it had to be removed 12 years ago now and I'm entirely reliant on synthetic thyroid hormone. One thing to know about thyroid illness is that is takes so.much.time before you see any differences from changes you're making. Sometimes you can feel better quickly, but it is not uncommon for it to take 3-6 weeks for me to see any difference from a medication change or nutrition adjustment. It's just the way the hormone works. Also, if you are struggling with adrenal fatigue I highly suggest turmeric as a supplement. When I am in those seasons there is a turmeric based drink from THM, I will make 1 or 2 a day and it really helps even me out.

The good thing to know about thyroid issues is that once you get them well controlled you will be able to feel shifts coming on sooner, and be able to react faster so that the impact to your life is lessened. I can almost always tell easily now when I am shifting into hypo mode and need to make adjustments to diet or medicine, and the same when when I swung hyper when I lost a bunch of weight recently.

In addition to having a housekeeper come in while my husband is deployed, I have started ordering groceries online and that has made my life so much easier. You probably already do that, but I figured I would mention it. I even splurged for the membership to Shipt so I can get them delivered right to the door when I really need a break.

With homeschooling though I have to admit that for the kids, I keep food ridiculously easy, to the point that I would almost be ashamed for others to find out what they're eating. Since my oldest 2 are old enough to know their way around the kitchen they are also responsible most of the time for getting food for their younger siblings. Breakfast is often eggs or granola bars and yogurt, lunch is a sandwich or leftovers, or more yogurt and fruit, and I only cook dinner about 2-3 nights a week because of schedules. The other nights they have leftovers (I always have enough for leftovers!), or make themselves sandwiches or grilled cheese, salad, or something else simple. My oldest daughter also loves to cook, and I can hand her a recipe most nights if she is free and she can make it (with me coaching from the sidelines) which is a huge game changer. I keep the house stocked with foods I know we can throw together without much fuss, and when I am feeling good I will take the time to prep the fruits and veggies so that they're easy grab and go snacks.

Sending you hugs! It hasn't been too long since my diagnosis ---- about 3 weeks, I think?

Thank you for reminding me that this is a slow process. The first week gluten free, I thought I was going to starve to death. That has settled down, thankfully. I've had a couple of really bad fatigue days, and I'm working on figuring out what set me over the edge there. If I have insomnia, the next day is usually brutal. With homeschooling, it's easier to shift and adjust to that. I've also learned that I don't tolerate being out in heat very well, unless I'm really well hydrated.

I DO drink golden milk (tumeric latte) a few times a week as well. Love those!

As far as food being ridiculously easy, I'm all for it. I'm having the same thing for breakfast every single day --- and you know what? It reduces decision fatigue for me, and makes it easy. Breakfast scramble --- eggs,cheese, sausage, spinach and grated carrots. Leftovers heat well, so one big batch can last a few days. Easy peasy. Your meal plans sound very much like mine.

I ordered a box from Thrive Market this week, and HID IT IN MY CLOSET --- these are Mom only foods, and I don't want them disappearing. (wraps, oatmeal, etc)

[Fireweed Prep]

Can we expand on this a bit more ----- and you can PM me if you would prefer.

When I told my husband my news, he looked at me as if I had 3 heads. "But you don't have Hashimotos. Your thyroid is working fine." Apparently, he has missed my 20 lb weight gain in the past year.

He's slowly coming around to being more supportive, but will bring home crackers and pasta for the children. (while bringing home gluten free crackers for me, so that helps) I've already told him that I want to SLOWLY pull our kids along as well. Partially because it would be easier for me to simply not have it in the house, and also because I have a daughter with asthma who would likely benefit as well.

I'd love to hear more about how he came on board.

Sure. Honestly, it's because a) I refuse to cook more than one dinner so every dinner is GF. My rule is that if I can't eat it, I won't make it. So I do buy the kids GF bread and crackers, even though I can't even eat those! It helps (?) that my kids have significant gut issues. We've done all sorts of diagnostic testing and have ruled out Crohn's and Celiacs but they still get physically and emotionally unwell if they eat dairy and gluten (and my older daughter, soy, corn, and peanuts). It sucks for them, and my husband knows that, so he's fine only eating what they can eat in front of them. The general rule of thumb is that if the kids can't eat it, it doesn't even come in the house. I am also sensitive enough to gluten that I can't have it contaminating knives and cutting boards and such.

I've talked with lots of herbalists and NDs and nutritionists too, and always share that with him. Neither he nor I think that everyone is intolerant to gluten, by any means. But we know that for all of us, it makes a difference. My husband has atopic dermatitis on his fingers that is terrible, and gets worse when he eats gluten. Once he connected that, and saw how it affected the kids, it's been easier for him to stay away from it.

I believe that I prayed about it, too, honestly, because it was causing tension in our marriage. It has caused issues in our parenting...for a long time he thought I was a hypochondriac about the kids' food issues, but after have a pediatric GI doctor tell us "Your daughter needs to stop eating these things or the chronic inflammation WILL give her Crohns" and then seeing the labwork on my other daughter that truly documented her body's fight with the allergens when she had to eat all that stuff again for her diagnostics...it helped a lot that I found doctors who believe that food makes a huge difference. Those can be hard to find. I haven't found one for me yet!

[howiecram]

Sending you hugs! It hasn't been too long since my diagnosis ---- about 3 weeks, I think?

Thank you for reminding me that this is a slow process. The first week gluten free, I thought I was going to starve to death. That has settled down, thankfully. I've had a couple of really bad fatigue days, and I'm working on figuring out what set me over the edge there. If I have insomnia, the next day is usually brutal. With homeschooling, it's easier to shift and adjust to that. I've also learned that I don't tolerate being out in heat very well, unless I'm really well hydrated.

I DO drink golden milk (tumeric latte) a few times a week as well. Love those!

As far as food being ridiculously easy, I'm all for it. I'm having the same thing for breakfast every single day --- and you know what? It reduces decision fatigue for me, and makes it easy. Breakfast scramble --- eggs,cheese, sausage, spinach and grated carrots. Leftovers heat well, so one big batch can last a few days. Easy peasy. Your meal plans sound very much like mine.

I ordered a box from Thrive Market this week, and HID IT IN MY CLOSET --- these are Mom only foods, and I don't want them disappearing. (wraps, oatmeal, etc)

We are simple Simons here as well! I do eggs for breakfast most mornings (in my instant pot - love “poached eggs”). I stick them in the pot and put away dishes while I wait. It is about 10 min start to finish. I do sometimes do yogurt with a little granola (my hubby makes it! You can find gluten free oats). I put collagen in my coffee. In the winter I make two soups a week (instant pot) and that is lunch. I frequently put chicken or pork in instant pot and shred. It goes in wraps, on top of salads or rice (also made in a big batch at the beginning of the week). I do a smoothie with spinach for a “snack”. Dinner is taco Tuesday, Pasta Wednesday (there are gluten free options). A form of grilled meat Monday and Thursday, some veggie on the side.... pizza for everyone but me on Friday (I do tomato soup). Sat/Sun “leftovers”. Monday is AHG night 2x per month, so they get hot dogs...???????? I eat something in the fridge. Kids eat sunflower butter sandwiches (we have two severely allergic to peanuts), quesadillas, left over pasta, grilled cheese, cheese and crackers... so butter and apple and some veggies and fruit....so,, yes, pretty simple here!

[DiannaKennedy]

Sure. Honestly, it's because a) I refuse to cook more than one dinner so every dinner is GF. My rule is that if I can't eat it, I won't make it. So I do buy the kids GF bread and crackers, even though I can't even eat those! It helps (?) that my kids have significant gut issues. We've done all sorts of diagnostic testing and have ruled out Crohn's and Celiacs but they still get physically and emotionally unwell if they eat dairy and gluten (and my older daughter, soy, corn, and peanuts). It sucks for them, and my husband knows that, so he's fine only eating what they can eat in front of them. The general rule of thumb is that if the kids can't eat it, it doesn't even come in the house. I am also sensitive enough to gluten that I can't have it contaminating knives and cutting boards and such.

I've talked with lots of herbalists and NDs and nutritionists too, and always share that with him. Neither he nor I think that everyone is intolerant to gluten, by any means. But we know that for all of us, it makes a difference. My husband has atopic dermatitis on his fingers that is terrible, and gets worse when he eats gluten. Once he connected that, and saw how it affected the kids, it's been easier for him to stay away from it.

I believe that I prayed about it, too, honestly, because it was causing tension in our marriage. It has caused issues in our parenting...for a long time he thought I was a hypochondriac about the kids' food issues, but after have a pediatric GI doctor tell us "Your daughter needs to stop eating these things or the chronic inflammation WILL give her Crohns" and then seeing the labwork on my other daughter that truly documented her body's fight with the allergens when she had to eat all that stuff again for her diagnostics...it helped a lot that I found doctors who believe that food makes a huge difference. Those can be hard to find. I haven't found one for me yet!

Thank you for responding so quickly. <3

I agree with you ---- I'm not making multiple meals. It's one of the reasons I stopped eating keto, because it was stressing me out. Tonight, I made dinner (tacos) -- made myself a bowl, and assigned him to feed the children. Divide and conquer.

My husband also has thyroid issues, and in my research, it's likely Hashimoto's. But, I think he will have to 'see' that for himself. Going off gluten would benefit him, but I don't think he wants to feel restricted.

Prayers for you, to find a good doctor for you. We were blessed that we have one in our corner.

[bean]

Can we expand on this a bit more ----- and you can PM me if you would prefer.

When I told my husband my news, he looked at me as if I had 3 heads. "But you don't have Hashimotos. Your thyroid is working fine." Apparently, he has missed my 20 lb weight gain in the past year.

He's slowly coming around to being more supportive, but will bring home crackers and pasta for the children. (while bringing home gluten free crackers for me, so that helps) I've already told him that I want to SLOWLY pull our kids along as well. Partially because it would be easier for me to simply not have it in the house, and also because I have a daughter with asthma who would likely benefit as well.

I'd love to hear more about how he came on board.

My hubby has come around and is eating 100% GF now too- it only took him 12 years, lol. He was slow coming around (maybe 4 years?) to a 100% gf house, but has always been supportive of the diet since dd is celiac.

For me for meal planning, I cook once a day, and only plan one cooked meal a day. I don't eat breakfast, so that's always the eggs, costco sausages, frozen fruit, gf oatmeal, already cooked rice, or gf waffles they fix themselves. While dd is practicing piano I'll throw long cooking things in the oven for the evening meal, set up the pressure cooker (I don't have an instant pot brand b/c I wanted a stainless steel pot), chop salad, etc. Monday mornings I'll prep extra veggies either in the pressure cooker (things like long cooking greens) or salad veggies if I've had time to shop over the weekend.

At lunch it's "buffet". As I'm doing those dishes (dd cleans it up), I'll start the pressure cooker/ oven, etc. I write a note about any finishing for dinner (usually something like boiling gf pasta), and go to work. Dd or Dh do dishes for dinner. I eat when I get home and put the clean dishes away.

[jen1134]

Does anyone else experience a weekly "tank day?"

The last few months I've found myself hesitant to schedule various to-do's on Thursdays because I'm usually starting downhill by that part of the week. Bloodwork came back clear of signs of autoimmune conditions and thyroid but I'm about to be tested for hormonal imbalance, including another version of thyroid testing (we're 99% sure hormones are the problem, we just have to figure out which one(s) are out of whack).

If you have weekly days like this, have you found a way to stave them off? I suppose the consistency of it is helpful [insert Mary's weary laugh]; but it's really discouraging to try finishing the week well when you're tired and irritable and gradually getting worse.

[KF2000]

Hey Jen!
Food, stress, overexertion, sunlight, and sleep. Those are usually the strongest culprits of creating a problem for folks. Is there a pattern to your week in any of those areas that would lend itself to such a crash?

One thing I do is that I keep a note on my phone where each morning or evening I make a quick note of issues and progress...helps me keep track more accurately rather than trying to remember, especially when it's time to have a check-up. Maybe there is a pattern going on of something you are not realizing that is zapping you by Thursday. For example, I know if I have a GF pizza for Saturday date night, I will not feel the effects until Monday. It's pretty predictable. You've probably racked your brain already, and that's why you're asking the question though!

I will say both my brain and my desire to do school take a hit by Thursday but that's not medically-based!

AMDG,
Sarah

[Naxi]

Hi Ladies,

I have just found this thread (actually with a Google search! I was glad I found one here.)

There is lots of interesting information that I will read over time, and some great meal ideas. My biggest concern, though, is whether or not classical education is sustainable for our family.

All three of my kids have SLDs, SNs or both, so I am required to be hands on with all of them all day. On top of that both my boys are competing at State and National level in sport so we are travelling roughly two weekends a month. Or we were before Coronavirus.

I feel awful saying it, but lockdowns have been so wonderful for us. With all competition and training stopped, as well homeschool gatherings AND my DH working from home (he was commuting 1.5 hours each way), I have had so much more energy. We have achieved so much more school (we slowed down at first, but my kids got cantankerous, so we started up again.) We are also just enjoying so much more time hanging out.

I am worried, though, that we will be unable to keep up with MP as the world opens up again and I go back to being regularly unwell, up to a few days per week.

How DO you manage it?

Natalie