Oh, I’m learning so much. For one thing, when you go in to get your blood drawn, make sure that the person that is about to remove 5 vials is an expert blood retriever and not someone new. I am not a good practice person with lots of available blood just teeming to the surface. I am a person with very hidden veins that are deep and roll within my arms. This rolling and deepness is something I’ve known for years. I tell people this on the onset and warn them that I’ve broken perfect stick records before and so don’t feel bad if you don’t get it right the first time. I think the record number of sticks is 8 before switching arms. Yes, that was a beautiful bruise. What I didn’t know, was that if someone says to a fellow lab tech, ‘Hey – you should do this one.’ that they are really speaking in code for ‘This lady has really deep and rolling veins. You should use her arm for a practice dart board.’ I assumed, and that was my problem, that they were getting someone MORE experienced than them to save me pain and green bruising. Sadly, no.
I have an ultrasound next week to check my neck for nodules attached to and near my thyroid. Super fun. My throat has been sore for so long I can’t even remember when it started. And it’s larger than it should be. And bonus, I get a pap smear on Tuesday. You can’t have more fun than that. That appointment is with the nice lady. You know, the one that yelled at me? Looking forward to it. But, I am going to take all y’alls advice and write a list before I go in along with an excel sheet I started that has my blood results from a year ago and little boxes to write the new ones and the next ones and the next ones. I love shit like that. It makes me feel organized. And if she is mean again? I’m going to find a new doctor. But I’m probably getting referred to an endocrinologist anyway, so I don’t know if I’ll need to.
Finding people that have walked this walk is kind of a quest right now. In every situation I go into, the more information I can find out about it before hand, the better. It’s how I find safety and peace. One of my best friends from childhood had cancer in her thyroid and had it removed two years ago. I called her and it was fun catching up, but it was really great to hear how she manages her care. She’s the head coach for a Colorado college girl’s basketball team, so she’s got to keep her energy up. Knowing she’s made it work gives me hope.
I also called all my siblings and my parents. All 9 of them. And jotted down everyone’s medical history as it pertains to me. It was pretty enlightening to find out that all 4 of my sisters have thyroid issues but only one is on medication because her levels were the only ones that finally went out of the ‘normal’ range. The one sister that does take meds takes Armour instead of the synthetic one because osteoporosis runs in my family and the synthetic hormone is supposed to increase your bone loss quite a bit.* My sister that is 44 has the bone density of an 80 year old women, if that gives you an idea. My mom was at one point diagnosed with Grave’s disease, but she rejected it because she thought she could get well by eating right. And one brother has Chronic Fatigue, which in my opinion is really just a thyroid issue. So, there you go.
On the net, I’ve really enjoyed reading both Queen of Spain and Radioactive Girl. Also, Jonniker has been quite enlightening. And all of you that have taken time to comment or email me support, THANK YOU so much. I’ve slept a lot and cried a lot but I do feel your support and it’s made it a bit easier. I’m really struck by how much the physical has effected the mental in my body. It’s something I’m slowly getting to understand and I think I might have some research and a book in me about it.
I’ve read a few books over the past few days and would recommend What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Hypothyroidism by Ken Blanchard. The forward is by Mary Shomon whose book Living Well with Hypothyroidism is also great.
*Those for synthetics and those for natural are quite vehement. I don’t think I’ve quite figured out the truth yet. And the truth might just be that some do better on one thing and some do better on something else.
I share your lovely veins. The only way they can get mine is to use the little butterfly thing, it has a smaller needle and most often results in only one stick. Like you I hate being the guinea pig. I’m thankful I currently have a port-a-cath under my skin so all bloodwork is only one stick. 🙂
We have osteo in our family too. Lot of fun that is. I already have significant thinning and I turn 40 tomorrow. Stupid doctors. I’m glad you have the courage to go back to the mean one too.
I hope all your test go smoothly and you finally get some definite answers and solutions.
I cannot tell you how happy I am that you’re on the road to figuring this out. Oh Leah. Your life will change for the better, I’m sure of it.
It’s so interesting to me how thyroid issues are so hereditary, and yet it doesn’t seem to matter which kind…my mom has Graves disease, which means her thyroid is gone, and I have Hashimoto’s.
If I may put upon one small piece of advice: if they do find nodules (and my guess is that they will…many people with thyroid disease do) and they need to do a biopsy, get yourself some Valium or Xanax or SOMETHING before you have it done. It’s a freaky, painful procedure, and one that would be greatly improved – or at least made manageable – through some kind of narcotic. Lordy.
As for the natural/synthetic issue, I don’t know the truth either, and for all of my insanity around thyroid health, I haven’t a clue what’s better overall. My feeling is that it varies from person to person.
xo and I’m so happy for you. This will make a big difference in your life.
Good luck to you, dude, at those future appointments. Remember to stand firm with that stand offish doctor. Will be thinking about you!
Thanks for updating about this. I have been sending good thoughts your way. I’m happy that this stuff is getting figured out. It’s exciting to imagine you feeling better both physically and mentally.
Hi Leah –
It is two years and a bit since I went through “the thyroid thing”. I had Graves’ disease, and ended up having my thyroid zapped with radioiodine. It has taken this long to get back to what feels like normal. Recently my dosage was reduced from 100 mcg to 88 mcg, and even that small change made a big difference in how I feel. I take Levoxyl, so I guess that is a synthetic. I didn’t know there were two kinds, so have no opinion on that subject.
Hoping the best outcome for you, and hope you will chronicle it on your site.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
I hate to read about this this and I’m sending you positive vibes all the way from down the 405 Freeway.
Hi,
I’ve been lurking for a few months, found you via Dooce.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I was diagnosed with mucoepidermoid cancer October 2005 and have been through the cancer song and dance. No chemo or radiation, but surgery that has left me disabled at 28 because of the inexperience of the surgeon.
If you ever have questions, or would like some pointers, things to look out for, please let me know.
The medical profession is full of people who treat patients like a haze of animals in a dream. They are overworked, overtired, and underempathetic.
If I had known then what I have learned in the past year and a half, I would have made different decisions. You can visit my blog to read about my experiences with cancer, treatment, hospitals, and doctors. Or, I’ll be happy to correspond via email.
Best Wishes to you,
~Josephine