Hypothyroidism, Chiari & Extreme Weight Loss

Today we have the honor of speaking with Evelyn Morales.  Evelyn is a beautiful young mother living in Texas, and has had some physical challenges over the past few years.  I started following her on TikTok due to her super positive "I Can Do This!" attitude. 

​Evelyn's health journey began with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.  Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of the thyroid hormone called thyroxine (T4). This causes the body’s system to slow down and can lead to symptoms like fatigue, feeling cold, weight gain due to fluid retention, dry skin, and hair loss. 

She then was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation. Chiari malformations are structural defects in the base of the skull and cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance.  Normally the cerebellum and parts of the brain stem sit above an opening in the skull that allows the spinal cord to pass through it (called the foramen magnum).  When part of the cerebellum extends below the foramen magnum and into the upper spinal canal, it is called a Chiari malformation (CM). 

This had her struggling for relief from the severe neck and shoulder pain, migraines, dizziness and nausea.  When her doctor said surgery was the best option to help with all of the Chiari symptoms she should have been relieved, but due to the excess weight gain from her thyroid she wasn't a good candidate for brain surgery.  That didn't stop Evelyn!

  Her next step was to drop more than HALF OF HER 498 lbs!  After successfully going through a gastric sleeve procedure and many hours of dedicated fitness routines she achieved that goal and was able to have her decompression surgery to stop the brain from crowding her spinal cord.  Her beautiful daughter helped in her recovery, even to a point of changing the dressings at the base of her skull following surgery!  A very brave young lady (like her mom)!  From what I hear, she might be back on for another episode in the future  (medical mysteries continue)!!