Hannah Corbin, a Peloton instructor, has taken to social media to shed light on her struggles with a condition she was eventually diagnosed with after years of fatigue—Hashimoto’s disease.
In a personal essay for the Huffington Post, she recounted her experiences of extreme exhaustion that often left her dozing off on the subway while traveling between boroughs. For years, she visited numerous doctors, only to be met with disbelief regarding the severity of her symptoms, which included significant fatigue and unexplained weight gain.
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting thyroid function, causing hormonal imbalances that can disrupt various bodily functions, such as weight management and energy levels. Although it’s a fairly common condition—impacting nearly 20 million Americans—many remain unaware of their diagnosis.
Corbin described feeling like a mere shadow of her former self, mentioning that teaching her classes felt like scaling a monumental peak. Despite her efforts to improve her situation through diet and exercise, she found little relief until she received an official diagnosis.
Upon learning of her condition, Corbin felt a mix of relief and concern. While it validated her struggles, it also meant adjusting to life with a chronic illness. Following treatment, she began to revel in life again, focusing on what she could achieve rather than what her illness prevented. Now, she aims to cultivate a supportive community where individuals can share their journeys and find joy amidst challenges.
“Life’s too short not to have a little fun while navigating the twists and turns,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of positivity and connection.
Vocabulary List:
- Autoimmune /ˌɔː.təʊ.ɪˈmjuːn/ (adjective): Relating to disorders caused by the immune system attacking the body’s own cells.
- Exhaustion /ɪɡˈzɔːs.tʃən/ (noun): A state of extreme physical or mental fatigue.
- Disbelief /ˌdɪs.bɪˈliːf/ (noun): Inability or refusal to accept that something is true.
- Relief /rɪˈliːf/ (noun): A feeling of reassurance and comfort after a stressful situation.
- Cultivate /ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt/ (verb): To foster growth or development of something.
- Positivity /ˌpɒz.ɪˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/ (noun): The practice of being optimistic or having a positive attitude.
How much do you know?
What condition did Hannah Corbin struggle with before being diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease?
What bodily function is primarily affected by Hashimoto's disease?
How did Hannah Corbin describe her teaching experience before her diagnosis?
How many Americans are impacted by Hashimoto's disease?
What did Hannah Corbin emphasize the importance of?
What did Hannah Corbin liken her former self to?
Hashimoto's disease is a rare condition affecting only a few individuals.
Medication alone was sufficient for Hannah Corbin to overcome her struggles with Hashimoto's disease.
Hannah Corbin was misdiagnosed by doctors before eventually being diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease.
Hashimoto's disease primarily impacts liver function in individuals.
Upon her diagnosis, Hannah Corbin felt only relief and no concern.
Hannah Corbin focuses on promoting negativity and detachment in her community.
Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting function.
The official diagnosis brought a mix of relief and for Hannah Corbin.
Despite her efforts, Hannah Corbin found little relief until she received an official .
Hashimoto's disease impacts various bodily functions such as weight management and levels.
Hannah Corbin aims to cultivate a supportive community where individuals can share their journeys and find joy amidst .
Hannah Corbin remarked that life is too short not to have a little fun while navigating the twists and .