Some people might suggest that the discomforts of middle age are merely figments of your imagination. However, I can confidently say that they might actually stem from your neck.
Just last weekend, while swimming in the chilly Atlantic with my daughters-in-law in Maine, I was struck by how cold the water felt. “Wow, this water is freezing!” I exclaimed. “Wow, you’re a bit strange!” they replied, and we all burst into laughter at my reluctance to submerge my hands in the waves, walking around like an overly cautious toddler. Meanwhile, my companions, both in their late thirties, were happily collecting seashells and spotting fish, blissfully enjoying the warmer water.
My peculiar aversion to the sea came as no surprise, as I’ve been grappling with an array of unusual symptoms since I turned 47. My energy levels have plummeted to the point where I often feel like an ancient ancestor trudging through life. Even my fingernails seem to split at the slightest breeze.
Each symptom could be attributed to various factors. While living in a sweltering desert, I noticed my hair becoming increasingly unruly. Naturally! It was over 110 degrees out. Puffy eyes? A family trait! I splurged on fancy skincare products to combat my dry skin, but my limbs only seemed to worsen by day’s end. I initially blamed the cosmetics industry, then felt guilty for doing so and redirected my frustration toward the climate. My swollen hands seemed to echo my discomfort.
The most troubling symptom, however, has been the brain fog. This isn’t just a passing issue; it runs in my family, with Alzheimer’s disease lurking ominously in our history. My father, a neurologist, succumbed to this condition three years ago. With his expertise and my personal experiences, I recognized when my mind wasn’t functioning properly. I struggled to remember my own to-do list, which filled me with dread, prompting me to increase my life insurance policy.
Over the years, I also noticed extra weight accumulating around my waist. Despite my efforts to exercise, nothing seemed to change. In an attempt to combat my endless fatigue and the feeling of being perpetually bloated, I quit drinking alcohol three months ago. With the elimination of nearly 2,500 calories from my nightly wine consumption, I expected transformation—yet I found myself feeling worse instead. How strange, I mused, to be a recovering alcoholic who felt increasingly unwell.
Before my doctor’s appointment, I diligently noted my symptoms—except for the brain fog, which I genuinely forgot to include until the last minute, scribbling it down in bold along with several other unintelligible words. During my consultation, we reviewed my list alongside my vital signs: high blood pressure, low pulse, abdominal fat, dry skin, swollen hands, aching legs, and irritated, crusty eyes. We also discussed additional issues not included in my notes: feelings of depression and unexplained rage. Even though I was already on antidepressants, sadness lingered, while my irritation seemed justified by the world’s chaos. I even had a rationale for my nonexistent libido—perhaps I’d had my fill.
A simple blood test revealed the root cause: low T4 and high TSH levels. My thyroid gland, situated in the neck and responsible for regulating metabolism, was underactive. How had I overlooked this? I knew people who had struggled with thyroid issues and recognized the signs.
Just four days into my Synthroid medication, I can feel a shift beginning. While it may take months to stabilize my thyroid levels, I’m hopeful I’ll soon be able to play in the Atlantic without hesitation—before the water gets too frigid.
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In summary, as we age, it’s essential to pay attention to the signs our bodies give us. From neck-related issues to hormonal imbalances, understanding these changes can lead to better health and well-being.