A Message of Hope for Hypothyroidism, Thyroidectomy & Thyroid Cancer

I wanted to share a small slice of my own journey through Thyroid health challenges.

My path hasn’t been straightforward. My experiences range from dealing with Hyper and HypoThyroidism and Metastatic Thyroid Cancer to undergoing a Total Thyroidectomy and neck dissection, followed by radioactive iodine treatment in 2017. 

I understand the complexities and daily struggles you face on a daily basis with Thyroid disease—the wide swings in weight, the crippling brain fog, and the overwhelming fatigue that seems insurmountable.

However, what I’ve learned on my path to recovery is invaluable. Despite the rollercoaster of symptoms and emotional turmoil, including anxiety and depression, I’ve emerged on the other side with renewed vigour, health and clarity.

I lead a completely normal life now—free from the haze of brain fog and the exhaustion that once held me back. 

I’m a testament to the fact that you can reclaim your life and return to the sense of healthy self that Thyroid issues may have taken away.

I just want you to know that you CAN recover…

My Thyroid Health Saga

My Thyroid Issues Went Undetected For Years…

It seems, looking back,  I have struggled with Thyroid issues all my life. From being an exhausted teenager to later suffering with Postpartum Thyroiditis after my pregnancies in my 30’s. 

The symptoms ranged from significant fluctuations in weight to intense bouts of brain fog. 

Alongside these physical symptoms, anxiety and depression were formidable foes, contributing to a sense of hopelessness and isolation.

…And turned into Metastatic Thyroid Cancer

My journey took a daunting turn when I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer in 2017. The reality of facing such a diagnosis is a profound experience, filled with uncertainty and the immediate need to confront the issue head-on.

The Decision for Complete Thyroid Removal

I underwent a Total Thyroidectomy to remove my entire Thyroid gland. I fought against having my Thyroid removed but had to give up and go with the flow eventually after several inconclusive fine needle aspiration biopsies {FNA’s}. 

The cancer had spread into my neck lymph nodes so I also had to have an extensive neck dissection removing 42 lymph nodes.

Recovery was slow and painful.

Undergoing Radio-iodine Therapy

Post-surgery, I was treated with Radioactive Iodine to eradicate any remaining Thyroid tissue and to address potential spread of cancer cells. 

This treatment involved isolation due to becoming radioactive.

I was trapped in a lead lined Isolation room in Leeds St James hospital. 

Staff borough food and placed it over a line I couldn’t cross. I had to stand in the furthest corner of the room when they did it due to being highly radioactive. 

It was a really mentally challenging time.

I wasn’t sure if I would be able to spend Christmas with my kids due to the radiation contamination.

Thankfully I cleared the radiation quickly from my body and was safe to spend Christmas back with my family.

Some Info About Radioactive Iodine Treatment

• Radioactive Iodine Pre-Treatment
  • Preparation with a low-iodine diet {LID}
  • Injections to increase the TSH level so that treatment works.
  • If injections aren’t available you may need to stop taking Thyroid medication to raise your TSH. This can be a struggle for many people. 

• Radioactive Iodine  Post-Treatment
  • You may need temporary isolation to prevent radiation exposure to others
  • You have follow-up whole body scans to check the effectiveness of the treatment

Understanding the Signposts of Thyroid Disease

I just want to share some of the things I have experienced in my Thyroid journey

Shifts in Body Weight

Experiencing weird changes in your weight is common, with both increases and decreases being indicators to watch. Through my journey, I’ve encountered both ends of the spectrum, adding and shedding pounds in a seesaw of weight control.

Brain fog

The challenge of maintaining a clear stream of thought or remembering simple details can be referred to as brain fog. This murkiness in thinking was a personal obstacle, often leaving me grasping for clarity and struggling to recall words.

This made it so hard to perform my work tasks and I suffered financially.

Emotional Turbulence

Feelings of nervousness and melancholy can emerge, often without a direct or observable trigger. 

From my experience, the battle with anxiety and dips into depression are real and palpable, affecting your daily life and your sense of well-being.

You may also feel extreme and uncontrollable rage when you are adjusting to Thyroid meds, which can affect your relationships.

Sadly Doctors often don’t warn you that this can happen after Thyroidectomy or Thyroid treatment

So Tired!

Deep tiredness that engulfs you can feel unbearable, and I’ve felt this level of exhaustion first-hand. 

It’s not just being tired; it’s a profound drain that rest doesn’t seem to ease.

• Unrefreshed by Sleep: Even a full night’s sleep does not lead to feeling rested or rejuvenated.

• Mental and Physical Exhaustion: Ordinary tasks can feel overwhelmingly taxing, and motivation to engage in everyday activities dwindles.

The Journey Back To Thriving

My journey has covered the whole gamut of struggles that you can have with Thyroid issues, 

If you are in the middle of Thyroid Hell right now I want you to know that there is light ahead.
I share my story to give you hope that you can get back to having a normal and thriving life

 You can find your path back to wellness and recapture the essence of how you felt before your Thyroid nightmare began.

Helping you back on the road to recovery is why I actively share insights and strategies on managing Thyroid health.

TODAY:

Please recognise your potential to overcome your current health challenges.

Have confidence in the possibility of a complete return to a normal and thriving life.

Thriving After Thyroid Health Challenges

It can feel so isolating to struggle with Thyroid problems.

I remember a feeling of isolation and that no-one understood. I didn’t even meet any other people going through the same thing. There were no hospital support groups or meet ups. 

Plus the fact that most Thyroid problems are invisible. I felt like no-one understood

Thats why community support is so important. 

I have set up a Facebook group to give us somewhere to meet and support each other

This group serves as a safe space to share experiences and offer mutual support, a vital resource when the path to healing can feel lonely.

Join The Thyroidectomy Support Group

I extend a warm invitation to join our exclusive support community—an oasis for individuals navigating the complexities of life after Thyroidectomy.

Please join us by clicking here

Love & Light

Helen x