Sarah Walcher

Level 27 of Sarah’s Life

The past year of my life has been horrible, at least that’s what it’s felt like.

What you all my not know is that I’ve been struggling with depression. Serious heart wrenching depression for the last 2 years of my life. Why? Well I didn’t use to know. I have the most amazing man in my life, the most beautiful dogs, roof over my head, food in my belly, and I am loved.  Why should I be depressed?
Depression was followed by anxiety.
I have accidentally perfected the art of wearing a mask, out of necessity and survival. Social situations, family get together’s, you name the occasion, I’ve worn a mask. Often times so realistic that I have fooled myself. Only when I am home, in my nest, in our bubble have I been able to let my hair down. It’s been agonizing. Anxiety is crippling on it’s own, but when you mix it with depression it is absolutely paralyzing. The combination of the two are serious, especially when you are a high functioning perfectionist with a type A personality.

When you fall, you fall hard. My mind started taking a toll on my body, and vise versa. I couldn’t function. Brain fog is a real thing, it exists and when you can’t make proper decisions and focus, it kind of sucks.

At the end of July this year I broke completely down and by the beginning of August, I started seeing a psychologist.

I walked out of my first session, diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Which oddly enough felt great.
I have been attending bi-weekly sessions since, and it has been the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. It’s like a spa day for my brain and heart. Some girls go get their nails done, I go to therapy… whatever makes you feel pretty right?

After my first session of therapy I still needed answers for some outstanding issues I was having. The side affects of the depression and anxiety have had a decent affect on my body, so I decided to go get that checked out.

September 1st I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

I started taking my prescribed medicine, and after a few weeks my brain fog started clearing. It’s like waking up for the first time and saying hello to yourself, like an old friend you haven’t seen in a long time.

At the beginning of October, I was sent to see an endocrinologist, to make a game plan on treating my thyroid issue.

This past Thursday I was officially diagnosed with Graves’ Disease.

Graves’ is an autoimmune disease caused by a genetic predisposition. Meaning, there is nothing I have done that could have prevented the outcome of this. It is literally my genetic make up. Thank you family for that!

So… if you do just a simple google search you will find that every symptom of Graves’ disease lines up perfectly with my depression and anxiety. I’ve also struggled with insomnia, joint pain, heart palpitations and just general body aching for no apparent reason… well I have one now.

Everyone will have an opinion on this, everyone will have something to say. So let me just answer all your questions right now really quick..

• No I will not be seeking out any surgery or radio active iodine (RAI)
• Yes I do take daily medication
• No Stephen and I will not be starting a family anytime soon.
• Yes I will be taking a holistic approach to this.
• No I do not take the prescribed beta blocker, they tried to get me to take that but as of right now my vitals do not require anything like that. My heart is in good shape.
• NO I do not want any articles sent to me, I will be doing my own research, and unless you are a medical professional please keep your links to yourself.

I will be having good days and bad days. There is no cure, there is only treatment and patience. 

In the past few days my life has been put into clear prospective. I don’t have time for things that don’t matter. I am putting my health & my family first. I am letting me love myself for the first time in my life.
Therapy is an amazing tool, and I wouldn’t be doing this well without it.
Stephen is the most supportive and caring person I have ever met. From holding the puke bucket when I’m getting my blood taken (yes that happens) to taking the girls up and down flights of stairs everyday to go potty.
He is my rock. My mountain. (Thank you honey for all you do.) Also a shout out to Lilly (because she can read) but she has been the best dog. She can tell when my blood pressure is up and I’m not feeling well. She never leaves my side. We are considering getting her therapy certified. She is my best little buddy. Melody doesn’t give two shits.

Okie dokie, you’ve been updated.