Hi fellow nice person.
Dropped Simon off at school this morning and stopped by the credit union to deposit a check. At the teller's counter was a framed sign that said,
hi fellow nice person
I love that. Seriously. How can you read that and not smile just a bit? I think it is a brilliant form of putting out there what you want to see in the world. I wonder if it has made an impact on how people treat the tellers? Or if a grouchy person has gone in and come out just a tad less grouchy?
A week ago Chris and I had an interaction with a very nice woman who made a pretty big impact on me. She is definitely on my nice person list.
We were at a local place that sells rocks and mulch and such (we are having our backyard landscaped). After looking around at all the different sorts of pavers we went into the office to talk about price and ask a couple of other questions. At the end of our conversation with the woman at the counter she asked me my name and said the following, "May I say something personal to you?"
Um, ok, thinking maybe she reads the magazine or has a child or relative with autism or wants to know what it is like being married to a politician.
"Sure." I said with a sideways glance over to Chris.
"It looks like your thyroid is enlarged."
First thought: um, what is my thyroid? And where do you see this? She touched her neck to show where it is and I touched mine (thinking I have always just had a big neck which Chris confirmed later on that was what he was thinking at that moment too). My response, "Oh, really?"
She went on to tell us about her mother and her daughter who have both had issues related to their thyroids. She talked about some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and other related issues such as Graves Disease and thyroid cancer. She mentioned words like depression, weight gain, and fatigue and I found myself listening a bit closer.
I could tell that she was somewhat uncomfortable bringing this all up but that she felt she needed to. She was kind and genuine and even though it was strange, it did not feel intrusive.
"You should call your doctor and get it checked out." She said.
I told her that I really appreciated her bringing it up (even though I still really didn't know what she was talking about) and that I would get it checked out. I think I said something cliche along the lines, "better safe than sorry."
Chris and I said goodbye and walked out to the car. Of course I am totally touching my neck the whole time.
We get home and the first thing I do is jump on the computer and google information on enlarged thyroid.
I start reading about goiters and then go into the bathroom and look at my neck in the mirror. My thyroid is totally enlarged. Not noticeable enough to me as I looked at myself every morning and evening while brushing my teeth, but now that I was aware it was definitely there.
So I call my doctor. Get an appointment for that afternoon. And yep, she tells me, I definitely have an enlarged thyroid. I tell her the story of what brought me to this point. We laugh. She schedules an ultrasound to see what's happening with the enlargement and I go have my blood taken to check for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
I call my mama. Of course I do. She tells me that my Grandmother has hypothyroidism and that she has taken medication for years and years. I call the doctor back and have that information added to the file.
The doctor called two nights ago to let me know that the blood test did show that I do have hypothyroidism (low functioning thyroid) and that I will need to take medication (and probably will for the duration of my life). Based on what she saw on the ultrasound results she is also sending me in for a couple more tests (iodine uptake scan) related to the growth issue and to figure out the underlying problem more clearly.
How long have I had this? Who knows? When I look at the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism, depression has been an issue for me for quite a few years now and I take medication to regulate that part of myself. Fatigue? Sure thing, who isn't tired these days? I am busy with a crazy schedule. Weight gain? Check. Irritability? I definitely have my moments...sometimes worse than others. In learning more about hypothyroidism it sounds like people can have any number or combination of symptoms ranging from barely noticeable to severe.
So why in the world am I sharing all this? Come to find out, hypothyroidism (not necessarily the actual enlargement of the thyroid - there are potentially two things going on here with me) is fairly common and often goes undiagnosed. It occurs more often in women than men. Maybe one of you out there will be helped by the information. I guess you could say I am paying it forward.
All of this because a nice woman at the rock yard decided to say something.
Ali,
With 199 so posts before me, i'm sure you probably won't see this one. But should you, THANK YOU for sharing your thyroid story. I've been having health issues and questions lately and many things rang a bell with me. I'll be checking with my dr. soon on this issue.
sherry in tx
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Hi Ali!
I do NOT have thyroid problems, but I DO work at the Credit Union you mention and I am SO glad you are members! =)
Thanks for making my day with your comment!
Have a great day!
Lisa
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Hey, just happened across your site in one of my blog wandering tangents! What an interesting post. So neat that that woman was willing to help a stranger that way!
Anyway, there are a zillion comments so I haven't read throught them to see if anyone else recommended this or not. I am currently reading Dr. David Brownstein's book OVERCOMING THYROID DISORDERS. It's full of interesting information and recommendations for holistic thyroid treatments which seem to be the safest, most effective choice. It's definitely worth checking out. He talks a lot about a natural thyroid hormone versus the synthetic version. Good to know what's out there and have choices. Anyway, just thought I'd put in my two-cents.
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Hmmm... me again. I guess typepad doesn't allow html links in the comment section? The website for the book I mentioned is: http://www.drbrownstein.com/singleproduct.asp?id=791
Good luck with everything!
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Hi Ali,
Glad you are getting help. I met you in Waco last year right after having PARA-thyroid surgery. Taking your classes really helped me with my recovery. I had Graves 16 years ago when I was 19 and a sophomore at college. Treated with RAI and am now also hypo. So glad you were diagnosed. So many suffer for years not knowing they have it. You'll be amazed how much better you'll feel once treated. Good Luck. Looking forward to your new book!! -G
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Sorry, me again. Just skimmed through some of the comments and Karen B. had a question about TSH Levels. She said:
"well if anyone is still reading these comments, i have a question. for the last several months i've been convinced that hypothyroidism is my problem- i have every single symptom i've ever seen listed and have been on celexa for years. i went in to have a TSH, and my level is 1.2 which is well within normal range, even at the low end of normal. is it still possible this could be wrong? should i pursue additional tests? i'm just not convinced it's 'only' depression....but my doctor seems to be..."
She didn't have a link to respond in so I guess I'll try here. The book that I mentioned in my previous two comments (no, I'm not connected to the author in any way, just think the book has lots of great info)addresses problems with diagnosing thyroid disorders based on blood tests alone. The reasons are complicated and must be read, but basically Dr. Brownstein indicates that "commonly used blood tests miss up to 40% of hypothyroid disorders prevalent today." So, maybe a second opinion with a holistic physician would be in order. Best of luck!
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If you haven't yet found it, check out the thyroid section on www.About.com run by patient advocate Mary Shomon. She also has a few books you can look up.
PLEASE make sure your doc is open to both synthetic(synthroid and such) and other types of thyroid medication, and don't rely solely on lab results, but take your symptoms into account as well.
Don't get nervous by people's bad experiences with blood tests and bad docs.
I wish you success in your health and feel well soon...
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I hope Karen B. and anyone else who went to their PCP for thyroid hormone level testing is still reading this - go to your doctor and get a referral to an endocrinologist, who specializes in treating hormone disorders such as diabetes and hyper/hypothyroidism.
When I relied on my PCP to oversee my hypothyroidism treatment, she was very narrow-minded in just referring to my blood tests with regards to future synthroid dosages et al. At one point, she wanted to take me off the meds entirely, ignoring the fact that I don't have a thyroid. Once I got back to an endocrinologist's care, my health improved greatly.
Good luck!
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Ali,
I wish you good health and peace...
Some goiters don't need meds. I have one too. I've had it for about 14 years now. I took thyroid pills for about 5 years but later on, my doctor decided to take me off it since it didn't seem to be anything. I feel fine. I didn't have any of the symptoms then nor do I now. As a pharmacist, I can tell you that thyroid pills are one of the safest drugs. It's all in the balance of thyroid hormones in your body (T3 and T4). If the dose your doctor starts you on is too high, you'll feel palpitations, sweats. I hope this helps.
Michelle
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I've had hypothyroidism since 1996...it's a constant battle. But knowledge is power! Glad that you're on the road to good health. Peace to you & your family.
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I was diagnosed about a year and a half ago with Hypothyroidism. I honestly feel people who have had this disease ail them unknowingly for some time, and then are diagnosed, feel it a need to tell any other unexpecting "victims".
Since my diagnosis, I have done a ton of reading about it, and because the symptoms are so unobvious, and yet exhausting, we (with hypothyroid) do not want others to continue going on not knowing.
What a huge relief it was, that there was actually something wrong, and a tiny pill could "fix" it. I was just so happy that what I was feeling was NOT just my normal.
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Thank you for posting about this. Thyroid disease is not talked about enough in my opinion. Like you said, all too often it goes undiagnosed. I hope more people will become aware of the symptoms (even things like lack of focus/concentration, hair loss, sensitivity to heat/cold etc.) and be in tune with how they feel. Insist on being tested. It can be life-changing. Wishing you good health - and thank you again for bringing light to the subject.
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wow Ali--talk about a meant-to-be crossing of paths--everything has a reason doesn't it? I wish you well in treating your condition and know that you really are truly blessed! take care!
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You are my very favorite stranger.
Hi, stranger. Fellow nice person.
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Wow...how nice that the woman looked past what might be an uncomfortable conversation to give you information that might really help you!
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in February of this year. I had been suffering the symptoms for at least 5 years, but no one put it all together, including my doctor, until recently. I gained 50 pounds in years, while dieting and exercising! I found a list (a very long list) of possible symptoms associated with this, and I have almost all of them.
I hope your course of treatment is successful for you! But it may take a while to really see the difference...
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Wow! So many. I, too was diagnosed recently with hypothyroidism. So so so tired....but, as women, we tend to keep going...not listening to our bodies as soon as we should. I am also anemic...which doesn't help... so I figured that was the reason for my exhaustion...and the fact that I am in my mid-forties....pre-menopausal....yada yada yada.
I have been on synthroid for about 6 weeks. My levels have improved...but I don't feel much different. So we are trying some additional medication...
All the symptoms...yep! Had them.
I have never been on any kind of regular daily medication...don't like it a bit... but I am tired of being tired.
Good luck. Thanks for sharing your experience. I have learned a lot just from reading your comments.
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Hi Ali. I've followed your blog for months now, but never post. Mostly just inspired by your work and ability to 'get it done.' I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when I was pregnant with my first in 2002. (We now have three!) Apparently that test is standard with a pregnancy as it could cause issues with the baby - not sure what, but I know that's why they checked. At any rate, I too wondered how long I had the condition. I've always loved to sleep, but just thought that was me. Now on Synthroid, I still love naps (if only I could find the time!), but more often than not find that I am not actually tired anymore. Remembering to take it daily can be challenge for me and at have had a couple episdoes where I just stop - thinking "I don't need this anymore" HA! About four weeks later, I'm exhausted, start taking the meds again and four weeks later am back on track. Wishing you the best as you address this issue and excited for you to feel exhaustion-free. Can you imagine?!
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Ali, I know I'm late to the thread, but I have had hypothyroidism for about 20 years now...I have lots of great links for more information, (and feel free to email if you'd like them) but I wanted to just let you know that there's lots of support for us...and you! Thanks again for such an honest and inspiring blog. I really appreciate how "real" you are.
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i already commented once but i just wanted to mention something after reading through all the comments:
please do not rely on suggestions to go totally homeoptahic or try to change your way of eating. i too searched ofr natural remedies, but the longer you play with it, the harder it is to properly treat it! There is nothing wrong with taking thyroid meds, they are just synthetic thyroid hormone coming from a pill rather than your thyroid (almost like taking an extra vitamin) and after your symtpoms go away, you can ENHANCE how you feel with naural things like diet and homeapathy.
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Wow! What an amazing story! I am so glad you ran into that woman. I definitely believe everything happens for a reason... Good luck with your treatment and thank you for sharing your story.
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Ali, this is the first time I've come to your blog and I can't believe I'm finding this post! I just had my thyroid tested last week for thyroid disease. I won't know the results until sometime next week because my Dr. went on vacation, but before he left he said he was almost certain that's what I have. Talk about coming to the right blog at the right time. I will pray for you as well as my own results. I commend you for posting such a personal story. I think the more people are aware the more active they can be. I have had the symptoms for years, if I had known sooner what was going on I could have been treated sooner. At least I know now! God led the woman to you to tell you her story and I believe God led me to your blog tonight to comfort me in knowing that this is something common, and I'm not "abnormal", if that makes sense. :) Anyway, I saved your blog to my favorites and I will be praying for you health. God bless you Sister.
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hey there, sorry to hear about your thyroid issues. As you found out, many women suffer from this. It is estimated that as many as 10% of all mothers suffer from postpartum thyroiditis which can lead to lifelong thyroid disfunction. I just wanted to mention that there are alternatives. I'm seeing a Naturopathic Physician for my thyroid disfunction in hopes to avoid daily pharmaceuticals for the rest of my life - there is usually a reason for the disfunction and figuring that out can actually solve the problem. I hope your condition improves quickly!
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Ali, just wanted you to know that because I came across your post when I did, I've been in to see my doctor for a recheck on my thyroid.
I've gone through a second ultra sound and a needle biospy just yesterday 8/13. My mass is one solid lump so it is promising.
Thank you for the gentle push to call my doctor! If you would like to keep up to date with me, please see my blog post.
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Ali,
Just got my email newsletter from Mary Shomon on thyroid.about.com and the first story listed was how Oprah also has a thyroid disorder. Unclear what type. Hopefully, with her influence, more can be done concerning thyroid diagnosis and treatment.
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