Saturday, October 10, 2020

My Hypothyroidism Story



I've always had problems with my weight and growing up in the Philippines where most of the girls my age were small and skinny did not help build up my confidence at all. Hence, I tried various diets and exercises until I lost a lot of weight in my 20s(due to starvation and crazy workouts). However, my life has changed when I moved to NZ (New Zealand) where I gradually gained the weight back again. At first, I thought it was due to the change in climate and food but then I started noticing that I was feeling tired all the time, my hair was falling off and then I would get bad headaches which could only be relieved by rest. It would take me a whole day (and night) to recover from an 8-hour night shift and I would take frequent naps all throughout the day. I was gaining weight uncontrollably and was told that I might be 'eating too much' but in reality, I was trying to follow a good diet and exercise regime. I avoided going out because I was afraid of the constant judgment of the people around me specifically about my weight. I consulted GPs (General Practitioners) and then I was told that I was gaining weight due to stress and that I was feeling tired because I was doing shift work. I was made to believe that I was 'normal' for years but then I knew that something was wrong so I tried to find the answers. Hence, I had a noninvasive thyroid test which showed that I have an underactive thyroid which slowed down my metabolism. The doctor initially thought that I have an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's wherein the body attacks its own thyroid gland which is primarily responsible for metabolism. I was told that if I have it, the treatment would be extensive diet and medications. As a nurse, I knew what an autoimmune disease meant, and knowing that I might actually have one was really scary and sad. However, my blood test miraculously showed no antibodies in my blood which meant that I don't have an autoimmune disease but I was still started on treatment based on my symptoms. It was very hard in the beginning, having to give up gluten (most fast foods are rich in flour which has gluten), dairy (which was the hardest to give up because I love milk and cheese) and soy (which is present in most processed foods). Starting the treatment and the dietary restrictions that came with it can be alienating at times but I'm lucky that I came across this book 'Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate' by Rachel Hill. Like me, Rachel also has an underactive thyroid and was diagnosed with Hashimoto's. Her book has not only equipped me with the knowledge I need in order to battle Hypothyroidism, but it has also empowered me to live the best life that I can by seeking the proper treatment for my condition. She has made me feel that I am not alone on this journey and that women with an underactive thyroid like me can still maximize their full potential and live life to the fullest by not only advocating for their thyroid but for themselves.


Wednesday, June 29, 2016

From NZ with Love

Dearest Bloggerbuds, 

It is 8:36 a.m. and I am stuck here at home staring at the blank computer screen in front of me, trying to come up with a long overdue blog post.  As I open my eyes and stare at my surroundings, I notice that I am at a place far different from the home I used to know.  I then try to acclimatize with the unfamiliar winter breeze around me and I finally realize that I am now 5,024 miles away from my beloved Philippines. I am at a beautiful place I could only dream of seeing before.  I am in New Zealand.

As I browse through my timeline, I realize that 10 months has already passed since I started this journey and the memories keep flashing right before my eyes.  I left the Philippines, set foot at the 'Land of the Long White  Cloud,' met new friends, faced a lot of challenges as I was settling in the country and became the person that I am today.

A lot can happen 10 months, really and in case you are wondering how it has been, here is a rundown of the events that happened by then.

1. The Journey Began


September 4, 2015- I left the Philippines with my newfound friends to set foot on an exciting journey in New Zealand.  I met most of my CAPmates Christian, Kei, Jappy, Carlo, Joie and Michy.  We bid our temporary farewells to our beloved Philippines and to our families as well.  We were sad, excited, happy and primarily ambivalent about the future ahead of us.  We set foot on Nelson, New Zealand on the following day and the rest, as they say, is history.

2.  Competency Assessment Program


I was given the chance to study the Competence Assessment Program (CAP) at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.  It is an eight-week program designed to prepare foreign nurses to become New Zealand Registered Nurses.  The CAP has not only equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills that a New Zealand Registered Nurse must have  It has also strengthened me and left me with fun-filled memories I can always treasure all throughout my life.

3.  Exploring Nelson, New Zealand


Nelson is a city located on the South Island in the country.  Dubbed as 'The Sunny Nelson,' due to its pleasant aura, this place is also known for its breathtaking beauty.  I was really lucky that I was given the chance to explore Nelson with my CAPmates.  We went to Nelson City, Cable Bay, Kaiteri Beach, Japanese Garden, Lake Rotoiti, The Centre of New Zealand and others.  It is definitely a place that captures the beauty of New Zealand at its finest.  It is  effortlessly and remarkably beautiful.

4.  Welcome to Auckland


After completing my CAP, I decided to go out of my comfort zone and explore the largest urban area in the country- Auckland.  I went to the Central Business District, Strawberry Farm, Rainbow's End, and others.  I was not really expecting so much when I went here but Auckland gave me more than what I asked for. It has already become my home now.

5.  It's Official!


Great things indeed come to those who wait and believe in God's perfect plan.  I saw my dreams coming true right in front of my eyes this year. I got my New Zealand registration and my first job in the country as well. I am now working as a Registered Nurse at a rest home in West Auckland and I am really enjoying every minute of it. It still feels surreal to me now knowing that I am clearly on my way towards success.

6.  My New Family in Christ


I've also had my fair share of spiritual and religious battles during my stay in the country.  God has clearly tested my faith, my patience, and my morals but I kept firm with my belief.  I chose to be with the group I really believe in.  I choose to be a part of Singles for Christ.  

Hence, I now finally flip through my post as I notice how far I've come through my journey.  The memories of my life from my beloved Philippines flash by once again and I realize that I am clearly far different from the girl who left her country in order to find her luck at the place Pinoy nurses could only dream of seeing.  I've already become a more mature, independent and confidently beautiful woman on her way towards her dreams.  I know that I'll have more struggles, hardships and problems to overcome as I find my way through the beautiful New Zealand but I know that I'll get there through God's amazing grace.

Lovelots, 
Maica Angelle

Credits:
https://www.befunky.com/create/collage/
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206483204421986&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206544832242643&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1116630551681549&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=527485740760604&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208248777239707&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206842784446766&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1492031694459014&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1486578875004296&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1478442479151269&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1463191954009655&set=t.1265124986&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10208110383949893&set=rpd.100000803372461&type=3&theater


Tuesday, March 10, 2015

That Day Called Valentine's Day

Every year, millions of people from all walks of life from various parts of the globe commemorate love through a widely-celebrated holiday called Valentine's Day or Heart's Day.  Up until now, the exact origin of this day is still uncertain but there is one particular legend that says that it all came into existence during the Roman empire when a priest named Valentinus fought for love as he helped young couples get married. 

I rarely celebrate Vday but this year, I decided to be more bold as I spent the entire day with my twin sister and friends.  We watched Fifty Shades of Grey, ate out and attended the birthday party of a dear friend and I really had fun.


At the end of the day, all I can say is that my Valentine's Day was really memorable this time since I spent it at the place closest to my heart-home.  Henceforth, I really don't know how my next celebrations would turn out but one thing is for sure: no matter where I am or  where I'll be, my heart would always be here.



Lovelots,
Maica Angelle













Saturday, February 7, 2015

Pre-Valentine's Night Out With Friends

Deared Bloggerbuds,

It is February 7, 2015.  In 7 days time, the whole world will be celebrating Valentine's Day once again.  Moreover, while the others are spending their Saturday night preparing for that 'Big' day, I am stuck here at home trying to blog.  I know I haven't been much of a good blogger lately because I haven't updated my site as frequently as I have promised but I hope that all my efforts would count no matter how big or small.
 
Anyway, I've been quite busy these past few days because I've been juggling work, New Zealand application, household meetings, workouts and household chores and I just feel that I need some break. Luckily, my high school friends asked me and my twin sister out last night to catch up in one of the busiest commercial centers at our hometown.



We went to a couple of restaurants/ coffee shops and chitchatted for the whole night and I really had fun.  At the end of the day, I just realized that living in a suburb can be quite boring at times and nightouts with friends really add more color to my stay at my simple hometown.  I really hope that I'll be able to go out more frequently and explore the rest of Calapan.

Lovelots,
Maica Angelle

Credits:
http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_310420580
https://www.facebook.com/glenaguirreg?pnref=story
https://www.facebook.com/glenaguirreg?pnref=story
https://www.facebook.com/glenaguirreg?pnref=story





Saturday, January 31, 2015

First Household for 2015

Dearest Bloggerbuds,

The rest of the world has already bid its farewell to the long and winding 2014 and another year has already come to surface.  With that in mind, I and my new found Singles for Christ Sisters met up last week for our first household meeting for 2015.

I've been with SFC for almost a year already and we have regular household meetings, weekend retreats, formations and out-of-town conferences. I was quite busy last week with work and NZ application that I thought I won't be able to attend the meeting.  However, God must have loved me that much because He allowed me to attend such.

Household with my beautiful Sisters
Selfies
Anyway, I consider household meetings as my escape from all the stresses of the outside world.  This is where I send my deep prayers to God and spend time with m SFC Sisters.  I'm really grateful because God gave me the chance to be with this family and I really feel that our next household meeting will also be memorable.


Lovelots,
Maica Angelle

Credits:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=915241858510704&set=a.525146054186955.122587.100000746940014&type=1&theater
http://muzy.com/#lightbox_post_310024939

Monday, November 24, 2014

Animo Memories

Hello there, my buddies!  How is your week so far, huh? I've been quite busy sleeping, watching cheesy telenovelas and hanging out with my college buddies last week that I forgot to post something in here by then.  Seriously.

Anyway,  I am now making up for the missed blog post by reminiscing my recent trip to my Alma Mater De La Salle Lipa.


Described by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ as one of the third generation Lasallian Schools in the country,   De La Salle Lipa is a is 10-hectare institution situated next to J.P. Laurel National highway (Japan-Philippine Friendship highway) in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines.  It has consistently produced a number of successful young professionals in the country during the past decade as it lives up to its motto 'Great Beginnings Start Here.'

Five years have already passed since I left this institution which has indeed seen me blossom from a meek and shy 16 year-old Mindoreña to a bona fide nurse in the country today.  I've already been to tons of places and I also met lots of people.  However,  although I still have not found my own success yet, I can always say that no matter where I am or where I'll be, I am and will always be a Lasallian.


Lovelots,
Maica Angelle
Credits:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_La_Salle_Lipa
https://www.facebook.com/mykajohara.manzano?fref=ts
http://www.dlsl.edu.ph/