I haven’t always been as healthy as I am now. In fact, twice in my lifetime, I have suffered serious illness and I understand first hand, the feeling of being caught in a maze of mainstream medicine and the effort it takes to return to health. As a child, I developed a cardiac disorder (more about that here) and more recently an autoimmune thyroid disorder. I thought I’d share my story….
In May of 2004, my beautiful baby girl was born. I’m not exaggerating when I say she was the calmest, most easy going baby ever. She breastfed well, slept through the night from around 4 weeks of age, rarely screamed, spewed or became agitated. As a result, I didn’t really feel that adjustment that parenting brings – at least not right away. But this isn’t a story about babies and for the record my calm baby developed into the most ferociously strong willed toddler (and now a child)- so every rose has a thorn!
However this idyllic child made it very easy for me to fulfil a kind of ‘super mum’ fantasy – and for a while, I pulled it off. I took maternity leave from my naturopathic practice the week before she was due and because she was a great sleeper, I was back at work again when she was just 5 weeks old (pumping breast milk in my lunch break and between patients). ‘My patients need me, rely on me’ I told myself. You see, I am a very committed and loyal person, often to my own detriment. I was also mindful that, like many young families, we were struggling financially and needed my wage to pay the bills. My husband was working in a car yard 6 days (and almost 70 hours) a week and so wasn’t home much to help with raising our new bub. In hindsight, we were on a fast train to disaster (couldn’t see it then, but certainly do now).
My collapse
Not long before my daughter turned two, I got sick with a nasty virus called cytomegalovirus. I was still breastfeeding, working, mothering and doing everything I could do to hold it together. I dealt with the virus herbally and got better quickly, but I didn’t change my crazy lifestyle or consider what made me vulnerable to infection in the first place. As a result, soon after my health really fell apart. I felt exhausted, yet I couldn’t sleep. My heart was racing and I was so anxious all of the time. I managed to keep my focus at work but outside of that, my brain was in pieces. I felt apathetic and lost all motivation to keep going. I was losing weight but couldn’t stop eating. Most of all I felt intense shame and embarrassment- I was a naturopath, ‘we don’t get sick.’ I ate well, exercised regularly but I was still unwell and holding on desperately to my ‘healthy’ image. When I could no longer ignore the way I felt, I sought help.
Dealing with Graves
I had a heap of tests and discovered that I had an overactive thyroid, later diagnosed as an autoimmune disease called Graves Disease. My fast paced life had firmly bitten me on my butt and I was forced to come to a grinding halt. Now I’ve always maintained in life we are given warnings – illness is the greatest warning of all that we need to take stock of our lives, make necessary changes. So I really needed to sort my lifestyle out!
My husband had been offered a job with fewer hours, good pay but (here’s the catch) on the other side of the country. I had absolutely resisted the move, until my Grave’s diagnosis. You see I loved my work, friends and family, I really didn’t want to move. But I just knew I couldn’t keep up the pace and this move would mean I could focus on getting myself well. Without my health, my business, the money, friends, and family meant nothing anyway.
Informed choice…
So first off I saw a specialist, had heaps of tests and sorted through my options. I weaned my daughter, started beta blockers (my heart rate and a history of a heart disorder) were of real concern in the short term I then sought the opinion of my close friend (a naturopath). With all of my options explored, I made an informed decision to attempt to deal with my condition without thyroid medication and I cut a deal with my slightly miffed endocrinologist. We agreed I would do my thing, have blood tests every few months and, as long as my condition trended in the right direction, I would not start medication or any of the radical treatments he was advising I undertake. He told me that given the aggressive nature of my condition, the likelihood of me resolving it (without medication) was highly unlikely. But I had a goal and my main driving force was that I really wanted to have another baby and I wasn’t keen to risk taking any medication whilst pregnant. He had said that given my age and condition, having another child would be unlikely and that even if I did conceive, the pregnancy would tip me back into hyperthyroid. So it was really important to me that I got myself well – fast and permanently! I am a very determined person and I truly believe in the body’s ability to heal. Working with many chronically unwell patients over the years has taught me that the body can and does heal, given the right support.
Long story short…
We moved to QLD (from Perth) and it was a tough road of managing my illness whilst mothering a now determined little girl without any family support. My treatment plan evolved as the months ticked by and included herbal medicine, reiki, kinesiology and daily meditation. I tried to be kinder to myself. Each blood test revealed a slow but steady improvement and my endocrinologist had no choice but to accept that I was remitting (though each visit he reminded me it wouldn’t last). About a year later I was back to normal. I conceived and carried my son without event and for the second time in my life, proved the medical establishment very wrong (I’ve written about my past heart condition here).
The monkey on my shoulder
It’s been almost 8 years since being diagnosed and I never want to go back to that place, even though I learned so much about myself and my body during that period of illness. When my stress levels elevate, I occasionally feel myself sliding or standing on that precipice. It will always be a monkey on my shoulder but one I’m willing to bear. It has ultimately shaped me professionally and personally, without a doubt, for the better.
Love for you to share your wellness journey and as always, I’d love to receive your questions.
Lucy says
I think you are an AMAZING person. So strong, so determined and just plain brilliant. And I haven’t even met you (yet!). I love this, thank you for sharing your story. xoxo
Lucy says
I think you are an AMAZING person. So strong, so determined and just plain brilliant. And I haven’t even met you (yet!). I love this, thank you for sharing your story. xoxo
Georgia Harding says
Aww thanks Lucy. I’m rather normal really, but yes very determined. In a strange way, I’m sort of grateful for the experience of being unwell. It has really shaped me personally and professionally for the better. G x
Lucy says
I think you are an AMAZING person. So strong, so determined and just plain brilliant. And I haven’t even met you (yet!). I love this, thank you for sharing your story. xoxo
Lucinda says
Thanks for sharing Georgia. I’d be interested to know more about your health plan back to balance. I have the opposite problem. Post pregnancy hypothyroidism. I have also resisted medication. Last year I had a few months of doing well and bringing my health back to balance. This year (particularly the last month) I’ve been sliding backwards again. It can be tough not having enough energy to even respond properly (or at times at all) to my daughters. The lethargy can be debilitating. Thank you for sharing your story.
Georgia Harding says
Hi Lucinda. I’d really recommend seeking the support of a good naturopath. Herbal medicine was an integral part of my recovery as was stress management techniques (I tried a lot until I found what felt right, in my case I found an amazing reiki practitioner). Your thyroid is your barometer of stress so lifestyle changes are a must. In my experience, hypothyroidism is also extremely responsive to herbal treatment. You really need to prioritise your own health, which I understand is hard for a busy mum. But you’re no good to your family feeling wiped out so get to it. It might not be easy, but it is entirely possible! All the very best Lucinda G x
Megan says
Hi Georgia – just wondering who your Reiki practitioner is/was? I am in Brisbane and would be interested in doing to someone too, no diagnosed thyroid but stressed and completely sleep deprived with two sleepless toddlers and wouldn’t be surprised if heading it that direction.
Georgia Harding says
Hi Megan. She was actually on the Sunshine Coast but moved back to the UK a while ago, sorry. Perhaps have your thyroid checked and also read my post on adrenal fatigue https://wellnourished.com.au/adrenal-fatigue/ Look after yourself G x
Sandy says
Thanks so much for this, my SIL has graves and has been on medication for over 12 months now, she is looking into having the more drastic options done soon. I suggested a naturopath ages ago and she wouldnt talk to me for weeks, offended her apparently. I wish I could share your story with her because its beautiful 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Thanks Sandy. As frustrating as it is, I’ve found sometimes you have to let others discover their own paths, especially when they aren’t looking for solutions or alternatives to their chosen therapy. Grave’s also messes with your mind and tests your will so you really need to dig deep to tackle it. So lovely of you to take the time to comment. I hope your SIL finds health, G x
Brigitte says
Thank you for sharing your story. Just another reminder to take life a little slower … which I’m starting to. I have a 2.5 year old, who now sleeps well but I was up every 2.5 hours until she was 22 months old (I breastfed until about 1.5 months ago) and have been working from home since she was born. I feel very fortunate to not have to go back to work (outside the home) but finances do put a strain on things so leaves me sometimes working until the wee hours of the morning (graphic designer) to get the work done for the following day. In those times, I am no good to anyone and find myself falling asleep by mid morning. Thank goodness for my daughter sleeping like an angel now as I sooo look forward to her naps where I’m often falling to sleep on the books I’m reading to her. At least i get to have a nap then. Small things like this from different areas in my life are just a reminder. slow down! Thank you.
Georgia Harding says
So pleased to offer a reminder to you to slow down. You know I had treated so many burnt out, stressed out, sick mums over the years – and I still didn’t realise the potential for me to end up in the same boat. I really thought I was bullet proof, then it was to late. So glad your daughter is sleeping well now – sleep is SO important for wellness. G x
Sharon Peters says
Hi Georgia. Thanks for sharing your story. I was diagnosed with graves in 2000. I took medication for 18 mths and was well for 10yrs. Graves returned twice in 2 yrs so I reluctantly had radioactive iodine treatment 18 mths ago – worst thing ever!! I’m back on medication but really want to get off it. I’ve just started my food journey. Tried a few naturopaths but haven’t found the right one so I’m reading as much as I can. Which foods do you think are important to remove from your diet? I am interested to hear why you started eating meat again. Thanks 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Hi Sharon, I haven’t actually removed a lot of foods at all. I strictly limit sugar (especially fructose), moderate gluten and grains, I have loads of variety of good quality whole foods in my diet. My focus is on the quality and wholeness of the food I eat. I also support and nurture my gut health every single day.
I started eating meat more out of intuition really – it has been a gradual process, but I do feel better with a little quality sources of animal based protein in my diet.
Stress management is the key for my wellness, my nervous system is my personal weakness.
I hope you find the right person to work with. Even with my years of experience treating many people with Graves, I still sought a Naturopath to work with. It’s hard to be impartial and end up going around in circles treating yourself. Ultimately I think it also costs more too.
All the very best on your wellness journey, take care, G x
Cel says
Your story is inspiring. We have found out my husband is developing an autoimmune disease and I’ve booked him in to a naturopath straight away. I think this will help prevent his symptoms worsening. I wish to see him healthier than ever and have all the energy to chase after 2 little boys
Georgia Harding says
Thanks Cel. I wish your husband all the very best. I truly believe with determination and commitment to your own wellness, the body can and does heal. G x
Maria says
Hi Georgia, I was diagnosed with Graves 4 months ago. We have also discovered that I am allergic to both prescription medicines for Graves. Can you recommend a Naturopath in the perth area? I am not familiar with any and don’t have money to spare trying to find one that has experience with this. Thanks for sharing your story. I too believe I have the power to overcome this naturally 🙂
Georgia Harding says
I feel for you Maria, I have heard of allergies to meds a lot lately. You’re in luck, my own Naturopath (Chevonne Clasen) has a clinic in Perth. She is on maternity leave but has a lot of awesome practitioners that work for her. Perhaps explain your diagnosis when booking so they can pare you with the best clinician. She is at Remede (Glyde street in Mosman Park). All the very best, G x
Alysha says
Hi Georgia. Have just come across your inspiring story of getting your health back to normal without medication. I was diagnosed with Graves disease Aug 2016 on a trip back to Sydney (was living in China at the time) and had 24hrs to stop breastfeeding and start medication as my condition was so bad. I have been on medication since which has got me back to normal and I believe at my next appointment my doctor will be suggesting I stop medication altogether. I never want to go back to the way I was and cannot afford to do so as I have 5 children who I need to care for. I would love to sit down with a really good naturopath to look at my lifestyle and what changes need to be implemented. Do you have a recommendation for a Sydney based naturopath? thank you
Georgia Harding says
Hi Alysha, sorry for the late reply, I somehow overlooked your comment. Yes I understand it is an awful way to feel, I remember it all too well that’s for sure. Certainly Naturopathy has a lot to offer when coming off meds, it’s a great support. I have it on good authority the Leah Hechtman and also Melanie Koeman are fabulous Naturopathic practitioners in Sydney. Wishing you all the very best G x
Addisons says
Know anyone in Melbourne?
Georgia Harding says
These practitioners come highly recommended to me:
Galia Atteslander (Caulfelid Natural Health)
Wendy Richards (Vital Chi, Blackburn)
Mandi Azoulay (Chinese med/naturopath – Caulfeild)
Joanne Davis says
Hi finding your site was just what i was looking for.
After my Dad passed away in September 2013 I became my Mothers fulltime carer until she passed away in May 2017. After feeling absolutely awful for months and thinking it was just grief and carers burnout, my Dr requested a thyroid panel on a hunch as I wasnt your typical hyperthyroid as I was not losing any weight.
I was diagnosed with Graves disease in November 2017 and have been on medication since.
It has been a bumpy ride so far trying to deal with the Graves and also my grief. I despererately want to get my health back as I feel it is impacting all areas of my life for the worse and I am only 47 years old.
I live in northern nsw close to Byron Bay.
Can you recommend a good naturopath and Reiki therapist either in this area or I am willing to travel to the Gold Coast for treatment.
Georgia Harding says
Oh Joanne, you’ve had such a tough time. I’m so, so sorry for your all your loss, it doesn’t surprise me your thyroid has been giving you trouble. I can recommend Jules (http://julesgalloway.com) and I’m sure she will know a good reiki therapist if needed in the area. It’s not the easiest condition to treat, but with the right support, I have no doubt you can get your health back on track. Meditation is certainly something you need to invest a little time in too. I love a free app called ‘insight timer’ – it has thousands of guided meditations to choose from.
Sorry for the slight delay responding (I have a school holiday backlog on everything). Wishing you all the very best G x
Mariana says
Hi!
Do you recommend any naturopath in Perth?
How about The Lucy Rose Clinic? Are they good?
Thank you!
Georgia Harding says
Hi Mariana. My own wonderful Naturopath that helped me with my own Graves treatment plan is in Perth. Chevonne Clasen at Remede in Mosman Park. She is on maternity leave at the moment but has many great practitioners in her practice. G x
Mandy says
Hi Georgia, I’ve just found your site (and quickly subscribed) and what a breath of fresh air it has been to me to read of your determination and resolve to find a natural treatment for an over active thyroid. I’ve started my own journey to do as many natural treatments as possible to avoid the pharmacological route that has been set out for me. I believe that – “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”, and therefore my body naturally wants to be well. I am addressing my stress levels and out of control diet….(vegetarian, but with a sugar and wheat addiction)….slowly….we can’t rush a lifetime of bad habits and a lifetime of constantly being in “flight mode”. I’m seeing a lovely naturopath who is in leasion with my equally lovely GP. Between them they want this to be resolved as naturally as possible.
I started out with the easiest part, diet WILL be sorted very soon. I’ve been putting a castor oil poultice around my neck for well over a month. Castor oil is “the digger”. It digs into the toxins. I can attest to the fact that something is happening to the benign growth on my thyroid. I started massaging in the residue oil each morning and I woke up one day to find I had “broken out”. Hard lumps all over my throat and neck area. It’s been approx 2 weeks and none of them have formed heads – even after two days of potato poulticing. (Potato draws) Half of them have subsided and the other half are still well and truly just hard lumps. My naturopath says my body will deal with them for me. They haven’t been sore or itchy at all.
Hehee! Had to laugh, my adult children thought it was “gross”, I was ecstatic….and my husband just doesn’t understand…..I am taking medicinal mushrooms, getting my gut in order, having colonics and infrared sauna’s, working out and starting to remember what it’s like to have energy – that’s ancient history – but definitely happening every now and then.
I also had to laugh…..my GP said given my diagnosis…..I should be as skinny as a rake…..ppppfffttt! My body didn’t get THAT memo!
I know once I can quit the sugar, dairy and wheat (gluten) then I should have a positive review for the endocrinologist in July. And maybe some coverted weight loss?
The stress factor is always an issue. My Mum has Alzheimer’s and even though now in a wonderful Nursing Home, it still takes its toll….and there are the other life long stressors that majorly impact my day to day living. My faith has kept my head above water, as does a sense of humour and 4 amazing children and now five grandchildren. So blessed!
Oh my….just thinking about the path ahead….that’ll mean I will be a gluten free and sugar free vegan!
Never ever thought that would happen…..just goes to show…..”never say never”!
Yup! I can ramble…..
Thank you for sharing your inspirational journey. We all have one and I’m feeling very positive and pro-active about mine.
??
Georgia Harding says
Hi Mandy, thanks for sharing your own journey too. Yes stress is inextricably linked to the development of any auto immune disease, especially thyroid disease – I’m so glad you’ve identified that. All the very best, I’m always so thrilled to hear your resolve and proactive approach. Well done for taking control of your health. G x
Dr. Wayne Gard says
Great story Georgia, you didn’t give up for many challenges that you been through. When you look back 8 years ago, you are much better now. You doing well, you have a nice and great family, I truly believe family is very important.
Georgia Harding says
Yes my family always motivates me
Kate says
Hi Georgia,
Thank you for your story! Would you say the removal of Gluten and Dairy from the diet is absolutely necessary to heal the thyroid? I have just been diagnosed with Hypothyroidisn and as a Mum with two little ones (and running off not as much sleep as I’d like due to breastfeeding and a wakeful baby!) I believe a huge part is lifestyle and stress. It’s just a little daunting dealing with food and lifestyle (and everything else) with a young family!
Love your site and all the wonderful information you share.
Thank you 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Hi Kate, I really believe it’s really important to have professional support, especially when you already have so much on your plate. Thyroid disease is tough to deal with and yes, in every case I’ve seen stress has played a huge role. Removing gluten and dairy is often but not always advisable. I personally moderated both but didn’t totally eliminate (I try to have as much variety as possible). All the very best Kate, G x
Tara says
Hi Georgia
Thanks for sharing such an inspiring story. I have just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, most likely Graves. I am really determined to try natural methods first but of course my Endocrinologist whilst open to natural medicine does not want me to try this alone as the my blood levels are quite high. I feel like natural methods will work better and be more successful if I don’t jump in the medication roller coaster at all (which I am so reluctant to do) and wondering if you think this would be true?
Also I have a lovely naturopath who I trust but wondering if it would also be beneficial to see one that ‘specialises’ in thyroid health? I am in the Blue Mountains but can travel to Sydney if you can recommend anyone.
Many thanks in advance 🙂
Georgia Harding says
So sorry for the delay responding Tara. I’m currently on holiday in Sri Lanka and the past two weeks I’ve been staying in a small town where I haven’t been able to get a good enough wifi connection to log into my site to respond to comments.
I feel for you – Graves is such a challenging condition. I can only speak based on my own personal experience with treating Graves, which as you’ve read worked out very well for me. I too had very high blood levels and my treatment wasn’t a quick fix, but with each blood test, they trended in the right direction until, finally my TSH registered and normalised. The rest they say is history.
Working with a skilled Naturopath is very important (as is finding your best way to manage stress) – perhaps speak with your Naturopath as you trust her. He/she will understand the importance of having an effective treatment plan and be able to gauge if she feels able to help you. I do know a few practitioners in Sydney (but no one that I know of specifically specialising in Graves). Email me if you do decide to go with a new practitioner and I can send you contact details so you can enquire with them.
All the very best, G x
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alis says
SO grateful I found your site! I’m currently in Australia on the working holiday visa from the UK. I’ve suffered with CFS for 8 years and more and more symptoms, so just really want to find the answers now. I’ve recently found out I have hyperthyroidism (although weirdly my antibodies for graves came back negative?) I’m seeing an endocrinologist on friday but I know already that they’re going to say medicine is best! I’m going to try to see the naturopath that you saw!
how long did it take before you felt like you were improving?
Which tests do you recommend definitely having?
Do you see a naturopath in the UK? I’m wondering if I need to go back home to the UK to get better.
<3 <3
Thanks!!!
Georgia Harding says
Hi Alis. Sorry for the delayed response, I’ve been on holidays. I feel for you, nothing worse than not feeling at your best. So it took me a full year of dedication to my healing (supplementation but also meditation, adressing some emotional baggage, managing my stress levels closely) to fully remit. I then waited 8 months, weaning myself off herbs contraindicated in pregnancy before conceiving my son (i wanted to make sure I could function of them before conceiving).
My Naturopath is actually in Perth, West Australia (not the UK). Whoever you get to help you, you are within your rights to question them about their experience in treating hyperthyroidism. I initially tested negative to antibodies, then later +ive. All the very best, it’s a tough journey, but in my case, one I learned a lot from. Georgia x
Sheenie says
Wow, thank you for sharing your story- it really resonates with me and I am sure many other super mums out there too! Staying well through pregnancy and when you have a newborn is so important, and it doesn’t take much to ‘tip the scales’.
Georgia Harding says
Your welcome, yes, it’s so tough to get the balance right (but so important) G x
Nilima says
Hi Georgia
I’m so grateful to God that I bumped into your blog.
I’ve recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. I saw an endocrinologist a few days ago but she scared me when more, by saying that if meds don’t work, surgery is our next option. I am quite stressed and it doesn’t help.
Do you know any good naturopaths here in Sydney who has experience in treating hyperthyroidism/graves.
Please continue your beautiful work.
Thank you so much for writing this blog.
❤❤❤
Nilu
Georgia Harding says
Hi Nilima, so glad to help. I have been in contact with a friend (my own Naturopath) who is a mentor and very well connected in Sydney and she has said Leah Hectman or Melanie Koeman are both very experienced practitioners. I feel for you, it’s a rotten condition when you are in the midst of it. All the very best G x
jan says
HI Georgia I hope you aren’t getting annoyed that there are ppl STILL commenting on this old post!
I have been hyperthyroid twice now, not autoimmune related and because I go ‘back to normal’ levels within a few months, Im finding DRs arent really giving me the time of day to work out why this keeps happening to me. Because I don’t need treatment in the long run at least (I avoid any medication anyway and prefer to treat things naturally). The first time was after my 3rd child, the second time was another stressful relationship event. So what I find is I have a stressful situation I get all the debilitating hyperthyroid symptoms which you know all about.. insomnia, racing heart, sleeping hot, anxious, irritable, etc, and am just left to deal with it until it go aways and returns again which can be months. I also have adrenal fatigue although Im not aware if this can be a cause.
Do you have any tips on how I can tackle this? Or how to better care for myself when something gets triggered?
Ive seen integrated GP, naturopath, endocrine specialist (they said the same things to me as they did you!) etc but I haven’t got much help.
The symptoms are just awful and I dont want to have to deal with it forever.
Thanks for reading,
Georgia Harding says
It’s no problem at all Jan.
I find that 100% of autoimmune disease have stress/ nervous system disorder as an underlying cause. Adrenal fatigue absolutely impacts on endocrine function too. From what you’ve said, stress management is absolutely your priority. For me this was a massive part of my treatment and recovery. You have to prioritise rest and self care.
Wishing you all the very best, it’s a terrible condition to deal with. Look after YOU! G x