I am thrilled to announce a fellow blogging friend, Rachel, has released her second book related to hypothyroidism, following on from her successful Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate. I’ve shared an interview with Rachel previously. I felt her first book was a fantastic resource that I’d highly recommend, and you can check out my review for that one here. It seems there’s no stopping her, because she’s been super busy prepping a second book, which has recently been released!
You, Me and Hypothyroidism: When Someone You Love Has Hypothyroidism – By Rachel Hill & Adam Gask
“Understanding hypothyroidism and how your relationship can still thrive”
Chapters & Contents
An introduction with a little on the authors – Rachel Hill, from The Invisible Hypothyroidism, and her partner, Adam Gask. They introduce the book and from there it’s divided into 4 main parts, each with sub-chapters to make reading & navigation more convenient.
Part 1 – Everyone is Welcome. General & thorough overview of hypothyroidism, its impact on mental health, understanding the energy levels of your loved one with hypothyroidism, navigating medical appointments and how this condition could affect your life too as a loved one of someone with hypothyroidism.
Part 2 – Spouses and romantic partners. What living with a partner with hypothyroidism in like, issues around libido, sex, pregnancy, fertility and parenting.
Part 3 – This is geared towards friends, family, parents of a thyroid patient, anyone who knows someone with a thyroid condition. It looks at things like hypothyroidism and social events and housework, the challenges with work, the precarious ‘how are you’ question, supporting dietary changes, dealing with seeing your family member or friend struggling with their health.
Part 4 – Support for those who are supporting others. This focuses on looking after yourself and your own mental health because seeing someone you care about struggle, trying to understand what they’re going through and supporting them in whatever ways possible, affects your life, too.
Epilogue – Further support and information is provided.
My Thoughts On This Hypothyroidism Read
When it comes to non-fiction and self-help style books, I like those that can be versatile in how you read them. Sometimes you might want to go from cover to cover, but other times you want to zip to the bits that are most relevant to you at the time. After reading it all, it’s good to then be able to use it as a point of reference, something you can dip back into when you want a pick-me-up.
This can be dipped back into time and time again, as you can head to relevant chapters as needed for words of support and encouragement, and for reminders of tips and suggestions.
The content is varied and expansive, covering a range of topics so as to give a more in-depth, well-rounded view of life with hypothyroidism and the ways in which it affects both the sufferer and their friends and families.
It has a very inclusive, welcoming vibe as you go through the chapters, so you know you’re in good hands with the authors as they lead you through their thoughts and suggestions.
Rachel writes from her own experiences, but she also covers content in an objective way when dealing with basics of thyroid problems and their effects. As she explores hypothyroidism and its myriad of effects, Adam provides his own insights throughout, supplementing the book with his experiences as a partner to a thyroid patient and everything he’s learned as a result. I imagine a lot of people who know a thyroid patient will nod along to thoughts Adam shares, finding they’re not alone in the challenges they’ve faced and the worries they’ve had.
It’s brilliant that there are practical suggestions alongside thoughts and opinions, such as with tips on what a friend/family member/loved one can do to help support the person with hypothyroidism around the house or during a flare up of symptoms. There are also poignant suggestions around what not to say to someone with hypothyroidism and what would instead be helpful. I think a lot of the time people want to be supportive, but they can feel helpless and not too sure what’s best to say or do.
The writing is intelligent yet down to earth, and both authors get the balance just right. It’s not condescending but it doesn’t go over your head either, allowing you to get absorbed by the content and enabling you to relate to what’s being discussed.
In fact, as I was reading this I felt a fair bit of it could apply to other chronic illnesses. Likewise, when Adam discusses what it’s like living with someone with hypothyroidism, I think it’s difficult for many partners who live with someone dealing with various types chronic illness.
Who’s It For?
Primarily this is for those with a thyroid condition, namely hypothyroidism, and their friends/partners/families. However, as I was reading this I felt it had a wider reach than that. I think many with chronic illnesses will be able to relate to a lot of facets around how symptoms can affect your life, especially where things like fatigue are concerned. Looking at the emotional impact, and then the ways in which such challenges affect those around us, are, I feel, also applicable to those with other health issues, from fibromyalgia to immune disorders and ME/CFS.
It’s also a book for those wanting to learn more about hypothyroidism. It’s a personal snapshot of life with the condition and it gives you another angle on it that’s not so clinical: that of the patient and that of the ‘other’, whether that’s a partner, parent, sibling or friend.
This book is about life with hypothyroidism, but I feel there are many aspects that those with other chronic illnesses will be able to relate to. It gives a heartfelt twist on clinical books about such conditions, looking at the wider effects for those who live with and support someone with hypothyroidism. It is supportive and warm, while providing practical advice and suggestions, and raising awareness. It shows each and every reader that they’re not alone, whether as the patient or loved one, in the journey they’re experiencing.
Find It…
You can find Rachel & Adam’s latest book on Amazon >>>
Amazon UK : Paperback & Kindle
Amazon US : Paperback & Kindle
You may also be interested in…
Be Your Own Thyroid Advocate – by Rachel Hill : Amazon UK & Amazon US (learn more in my sneak peak here).
Are you concerned about a possible thyroid condition, but struggle to get the tests you need in the UK NHS? Check out my review of the home blood test kits from Medichecks, where you can also get a 10% discount.
A huge thank you to the lovely Rachel & Adam. I received a digital copy of this brilliant book so that I could share my thoughts with you all, and I wish them both every success with it!
Not got Amazon Prime? I always sign up for a month at Christmas to get free next day delivery, access to Prime-only deals and to check out the latest Prime video series on offer. Find out more & see if you’re eligible for an Amazon Prime free trial in the US or Amazon Prime in the UK here.
Caz ♥
33 comments
It’s good to know you’re not alone with this disease and helpful hints on what to expect and what you can do is a very good thing.
Have a fabulous day, Caz. ♥
Absolutely. I think thyroid issues can be so hard to navigate, many people likely end up feeling quite lost and confused and alone in what they’re going through. Thank you for the comment lovely – I hope the week is treating you well so far! ♥ xx
Sounds like it’s a great resource for the many in need.
It really is, Rachel & Adam did a wonderful job with it. Thank you for the comment – I hope your week’s going well! ????x
Wonderful! Your friend knocked another one out of the park.
Absolutely right about that, Darnell! Happy Halloween my friend ????x
This book sounds wonderful, Caz. Amazing job with your review! I know thyroid health plays a role in my issues and I’ve been looking more and more into lipedema and reading about ways to improve thyroid health. I may look into her first book, as it seems more like where I’m at right now and will definitely check out her blog. Thanks so much for the info! Hugs! Xx
I’m glad you liked the review, and I’d definitely recommend the first book & Rachel’s blog as there’s lots of helpful info where thyroid issues are concerned. We really do have to play detective when figuring most of this out if the medics don’t/can’t/won’t! Thank you for the fab comment, Mykie! xx
You did a great review Caz! My husband is having some thyroid issues – not sure what yet. This sounds like a great resource I just might need to get!
Aw, it’s great you liked the review, thanks! I’m sorry your hubby is having some kind of thyroid issue, is his doctor helpful in running the necessary tests? I hope so – fingers crossed he can get an accurate diagnosis and get started on any treatment required soon. ♥ xx
I enjoy books that seem to speak to the reader and relate to them in a personal level. Sounds like this is what they did here.
I’m the same with liking when the authors can speak to your level and make it feel more personal; I think Rachel & Adam did it really well. Thanks for the comment lovely xx
LOVE this review Caz!! I’m a big fan of people who are going through hell with their health sharing their stories. So often, the viewpoint you hear from are those who have never been through it. There’s a BIG difference between living it and reading about it. When you feel the impact day in and day out, along with your loved ones, it changes everything. There is so much clueless information out there!
I hope Rachel and Adam will find this book to be a success. We need their voices. And we *definitely* need yours my friend! Thanks for spotlighting another author that has touched your life. You rock! Saying a prayer that you are well today ????
You are so spot on with that – the view of someone who hasn’t been through it isn’t the same, and I’m not keen on advice from those who haven’t lived it (which, too often, can be pretty lacklustre & condescending). Thank you so, SO, much for your incredibly kind comment, Holly. I think your comments & support here are like your ‘random acts of kindness’ – you don’t know how much it means to me, and how much your enthusiasm will mean to Rachel, so thank you! I hope you’re having a good week so far lovely ♥ xx
Another outstanding review Caz! The book sounds like a valuable resource, and you’ve done a fabulous job of telling us what to expect from it. Sending hugs your way!
Aw, that’s very kind of you – It’s so reassuring when you say you think my reviews are good, it means a lot. Thank you, Terri! I hope the week is treating you kindly ???? xx
Sounds like a really good read. Definately keeping this mind to gift to a friend.
Guess the problem solved. My comment got updated. Happy to know I can connect with you here. Good Luck
The comment did work – thank you lovely! Have a great rest of your week ???? xx
It’s great to read these reviews and learn about such useful books. Loved how you’ve written this review too, Caz 🙂 xx
Aww thanks, Alice! I’m glad you my the review, hopefully it makes sense as my brain is frazzled most of the time these days. Have a lovely week ahead ???? xx
I have Hypothyroidism, but seems to be treated with Levoxyl 112 mcg.
I’m glad your Levoxyl works well for you. Does that mean your symptoms don’t particularly interfere, when well medication, with your day to day life, relationships etc? Seems like things go very differently for everyone and so many struggle with getting the right medication, so reading you get on well with your meds is really positive! xx
Lulu: “This sounds like a very informative book, but you left out how it tastes?”
Chaplin: “Not everyone eats paper and cardboard you big weirdo!”
It won’t be as nice as the cardboard you were eating the other day, Lulu… It’ll be even tastier!! xx
Great, detailed review. You let everyone know how useful this boook can be. And it sounds like it can help others who are not dealing with thyroid problems. Have a grest day my dear friend.
Thank you, Drew, it’s very heartening to read that you thought the review was well done. I think many self-help and thyroid-based books can lack that personal touch and miss out how the condition can affect those around the ‘patient’, much like other chronic conditions and pain can, too. I hope the week ahead treats you kindly ???? x
many congrats & good wishes, Rachel — & tx, Caz for letting us know 🙂
I’m sure she’ll appreciate that – thanks for the lovely comment, da-AL! ???? xx
I definitely have to read this book! Thank you for blogging about it.
I hope you love it and find it helpful if you do check it out, Cheryl! Thank you so much for reading & commenting. I hope your week’s going well so far ???? xx
Thyroid disease has been a part of life for several of my friends and family…. some hypo, some hyper.
My sister seems to struggle the most as it effects other health issues, but sometimes it is the health issues that effect her thyroid. So it is a challenge for the doctor’s to keep a good dosage for her. It’s up and then down, and then back up. Readjusting the medicine is hard on her physically. But it has taught her to better know her body. So much that she has gotten to where she tell before the doctor does about a need for changing her dose again. I will tell her about the book. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
God uses you, Caz! 🙂
I’m sorry thyroid issues have affected so many of your loved ones, both family and friends. It sounds like your sister has had a tough time of it and it’s frustrating when one issue can affect other health issues, it’s not always clear what’s affecting what in the end. I’m glad she’s more in touch with her body and what she needs so she can advocate for herself and let the doctor know what’s what! Thank you for the thoughtful comment, Gail. Wishing your sister all the best with her ongoing treatment, too ???? xx