Benign

I've had some of the same problems lately that I had all last year, but some new ones too!

• Feeling like I swallowed a rock that won't go away.
• Trouble breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Trouble concentrating (The last two times I taught RS, I noticed I couldn't follow someone's comments longer than the beginning statement or two. It takes EXTRA energy to focus on breathing, not passing out, seeing, not vomiting and standing).
• Insomnia
• Burning from the neck up and freezing from my arms down
• Increased weakness and fatigue
• Severe nausea
• Shakiness
• Increased appetite
• Hair falling out a little more
• (Plus all my regular stuff...stabbing pains, heat intolerance, walking issues, vision/hearing, etc)

All last year I had doctor after doctor say, "There is definitely something wrong with you, but I'm stumped/don't know what to do." Each doctor I would ask, "I feel like my hormones are off," and they'd respond, "Oh, I'm SURE your hormones are off. But, I wouldn't know what to do if we tested them. Take this..." ($100 cream, birth control, nausea pill to counteract the side effects, steroid injectections into my head, etc). Since I had no insurance for a while and then insurance that only covered doctors in my town (and NO endocrinologist in the town and only ONE dermatologist), I had to wait. I went to my family doctor and told him I wanted a referral to an endocrinologist and had done my research. I gave them the number and info. But, I had to push off my November appointment and move it to February. 

I almost didn't go to the endocrinologist, but felt like I should. I was surprised when the doctor called in another doctor. They both felt growths on my thyroid and lined up tests to check for cancer. One doctor hurried to see if they could fit me in that day. No luck. I knew my uncle and aunt had their thyroids removed (one fully, one half), but didn't know the specifics. The endocrinologists said I needed to do an ultrasound, but the tech makes a big difference. So, I had to come back to KC to do it. (3 hour drive one way). It's been lots of tests, waiting, tests, waiting. I learned that my aunt, cousin, uncle and grandma had to have their thyroid taken out. Humph. I also learned that for the first time EVER, I have HYPERthyroidism. I've had Hashimoto's thyroiditis-HYPOthyroidism for almost 2 decades. I always needed MORE medication. I would be on one medication for years, then it would stop working, I'd have to change and increase, increase, and then change. (3 different thyroid medications since 2002 when they finally found it). But, now I need LESS! I don't know if it is because I was eating the Word of Wisdom way or if there is something else going on. But, I find it interesting. 

I did have to get a biopsy at a neck surgical place. I felt so bad for so many people there with things hanging out of their necks. I was so grateful for my less invasive test. There was a pathologist, doctor, student, and nurse. They were supposed to do two pulls, but ended up doing more. They first numb your neck (feels like lots of bees stinging you and then burning). The student did the first two pokes/shaking/pulls. But, they didn't get enough cells. So, they had to do it again. The student did the third and the doctor did the last. She was a young doctor who obviously was out of practice. She just kept digging and digging that needle, moving it all around, moving the ultrasound wand, pushing it harder on my neck, and trying and trying UNSUCCESSFULLY. You can't swallow or talk or else it will move the thyroid and needle. I can deal with lots of pain and am patient, but she was taking SO long that I had to raise my hand to stop her. She never got anything, but I was glad when the pathologist announced that we had enough cells and could stop. YAY. My husband had to use one of his 10 vacation days to take me, but it ended up being a good time to spend with him. My in laws are SO wonderful to help us with my daughter. The day started a bit rough, but ended well.

After time, we got news that the nodule/growths are benign. No cancer. I know my aunt and uncle had the same results but had to get their thyroids (full and half) out. My aunt had to do a biopsy every six months for 2.5 years before they took hers out!!! They still don't know why I'm having some problems and I have to see an ENT next. But, for now...good news and I will TAKE IT! =) 

You can tell the two places they went into on my neck

Here are the POSITIVE things that have come from it all (so far, I'm sure the list will grow):

• Connecting and understanding others who have had similar(ish) situations.
• Learned new things about the human body (maybe I should have gone into medicine).
• Support and love from many (Until 5 years ago, I rarely, if ever, shared my struggles or issues. I am naturally an introvert and don't like people worrying about me. Most people have been really understanding, loving, and supportive. I feel so blessed). 
• Priesthood blessings have been a real power and relief to me!
• Some weight loss (ha)
• I will take hypothyroidism over hyperthyroidism (I don't know if it's because I've had 18 years to get used to HYPO or just because I went up and down and all over the place. But, it looks like I have at least the heart issues under control, for the most part (kind of). Some have to go on heart meds! Ugh)
• Appreciation...and again, CONNECTIONS! I just can't thank all of you enough.