In college, a friend from a small southern Ohio town often played a country song I can’t get out of my head to this day: “There’s a Tear in My Beer.” And that song has been on my mind this week, as I cry all over the darn house.
It’s all good, though, friends. Happy tears. You see, my mojo has decided to come back after a long hiatus.
I haven’t talked much in my blog about the health issues I’ve had over the past couple of years. Mainly thyroid related. If you’re a woman of a certain age, your thyroid may also have gone haywire. The tricky bit is—you never know if it’s temporary or lasting. And for most women I know, it’s lasting. Which can cause complications with blood pressure, heart function and a host of other critical bodily functions. This tiny, butterfly-shaped gland—less than a centimeter thick–regulates so much of our health–metabolic rate, heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood and bone maintenance.
Without getting maudlin (I’m no ninny), it’s been hellish. I gained 30 pounds while eating like a rabbit. I was so exhausted most days that I needed to nap—and was still in bed by 7:30 p.m. many nights. And when I did try to exercise, my body ached and hurt like I’d been punched. For days on end. The kicker to all of this? My normally sunny, energetic persona became depressed at times. The brain fog that descended—my absolute lack of ability to concentrate—was intense. The longer this scenario went on, the worse I felt physically and emotionally. I thought surely I had cancer or some other deadly disease because I could not imagine feeling as bad as I did.
There were good days and bad days. But “good” was redefined as just not being exhausted.
My doctors were of no help. They just wanted to push pills at me—one to make certain levels go up, another to make them come down. I was told everything from “just eat less” (oh, you guessed it—that doc I wanted to slap) to “this is just a normal part of aging.”
I call bullshit all over that kind of modern medicine, friends. (Now my doctor friends are going to email me indignantly, but so be it.) I’m heading to a very reputable functional medicine practice soon that combines Eastern and Western medicine. I’m done with the pill pushers. I want someone who will help me promote health to prevent illness, not just try to deal with illness as it crops up.
I turned to clean eating, cutting out chemicals, preservatives, gluten and more. I eliminated personal care and beauty products that contained anything but natural ingredients. I put nothing in or on my body that wasn’t clean and whole. Does that sound extreme? You’ll try anything when you feel as awful as I did. All of these measures helped to a point—but I was still far from who I used to be, health-wise.
If you’re nodding and saying, “Yes, this is me too, Kay” then listen up. I found something that has made me feel like myself again. I’m praying the feeling sticks. And I have Gwyneth Paltrow, of all people, to thank for it.
A while back, I wrote a blog on Gwyneth’s site, goop. Yes, they’ve posted some crazy things. They’ve also posted some very wise, helpful things. You can’t innovate and experiment without both, I guess. Anyway, this article on mitochondrial health caught my eye. So, I ordered the supplement mentioned in it, expecting it really wouldn’t help me much. But I was not willing to give up on the search to get back to my former self—and the science made sense to me.
It’s only been one week, folks. That’s my caveat. But this week, I have been to aerobics four times. I have run errands. Not one nap. I go to bed at 10 p.m. when I’m tired, instead of 7:30 p.m. in exhaustion. I’m still taking my doctor-prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone—but the supplement has taken me from just functioning to feeling healthy again.
I’m not here to sell you supplements. I just write this to say—man, does it feel good to be back. I know plenty of people who are struggling with what I have been over the past couple of years. Don’t give up. If you have your health, don’t be stupid with it like I was. I sat at my desk for hours and hours on end, too busy to work out. I ate on the fly. I swallowed stress like nobody’s business.
To sum it up, I was so busy “saving” my kids (financially and otherwise) from the painful events that transpired in our lives that I did not take care of myself. Stupid move on my part.
If you ask most people who know me, they have no idea of the depths of the pain I was in. It’s not in my genes to kvetch about my health. I bet you know someone going through the same thing.
I work in global business. I am all for innovation and speed. But we are only human, folks. Until we all start to pay more attention to our own health–and become more HUMAN in business and our day-to-day interactions with each other–results will be less than what we can achieve. Slowing down and treating each other as humans with lives outside of work–rather than just cogs in a wheel–is a necessary part of a happy, successful society.
If thyroids are our own tiny internal butterfly, I’m going to treat mine with TLC from here on in. As I will my own health and well-being. I don’t know if this feeling will last a week, a month, or years—but I am so grateful for it. I truly thought I’d never feel it again. I cried tears of joy in my kitchen a few days ago because of the sheer joy I felt in my body after aerobics. That feeling was pure goodness. Health. Power.
Butterflies are a sign of rebirth, right? I think I hear the flutter of tiny wings . . .
candidkay 
I missed this beautiful post Kristine, but it’s never too late! It’s a great idea to have a featured post if you can❤️ Thank goodness you followed your heart and intuition and began your self live regime. IAM convinced that our body/mind/spirit will let us know quite uniquely when we need to pay attention to ourselves. I feel that all this health experience we’re having is part of our ascension process, as the human goes through a great change, a detox and upgrade that depending on a person affects different organs for them to look at themselves. Knowing that our self love, change and intention will rebalance our body/mind/spirit and bring us into a new experience of wellness and so much more❤️ Unfortunately many get caught up in the doctors belief that we have a problem, lots of medicine and no cure. Of course taking medicine temporarily can help but at a certain stage we have to trust ourselves to bring us into a new balance of wellness.
Your posts always inspire me Kristine and I wonder how your functional doctor looks at the virus we have that can only be cured by vaccine!?
As you wrote it’s important to feed ourself fresh foods, drinks, supplements to keep the stomach balanced and energy flowing via the mitochondrion . AND what else will keep this dis-ease at bay! Maybe the love antidote that we all are in wellness❤️ Much love Barbara x
Ah, yes, Barbara. Never before has a proactive emphasis on health been more important. I definitely need to move more–long hours at my computer during the work day need to allow room for breaks for health. I hope many people who weren’t doing the best for themselves health-wise now begin to. If this isn’t a wake-up call, I don’t know what is . . . Be well and thank you for the kind comments.
What a great post, I really commend you for being so diligent in taking great care of your body. I try and don’t always succeed, you inspire me 🙂 I found out I had an inactive Thyroid over 30 years ago and so I’ve been on medication for this and it’s been great for me. I’m going to check this supplement out, thank you for your honesty and sharing.
I’m so glad the medication is working for you. That’s not always the case. This supplement has been really helpful for me and a couple of my friends now. But, it is back ordered like you wouldn’t believe because so many people are having success with it. So order ahead :-).
Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Getting your energy back is definitely worth tears of joy! I’m crossing my fingers that the supplement and western medicine have got you going to the gym and feeling yourself again for a very, very long time. ❤
Thank you! Me too:).
What an excellent honest soul-searching thought-provoking post! Yes, many of us women have gone through this thyroid problem. I was lucky because about 10 years ago I was encouraged to go to my doctor and ask for a little boost to my thyroid. Even though I was on the borderline edge of normal thyroid production, the doctor did prescribe me a little amount and it helped tremendously-with my energy, my weight, my entire body feeling better. Another friend of mine had it much worse and ended up finding out that she had a para thyroid problem and found an excellent doctor in Florida who does a simple surgery that changed her life. Best of luck to you and so great to find your blog here.
I’m so glad you both found a solution that worked! It’s all trial and error in Western medicine does not seem to help very much. Probably because it is so resistant to change. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I appreciate the visit.
a very interesting post by a sensible woman….congratulations!
have a nice day,
best regards from Italy
(congratulations to your sweet photo)
Grazie! I appreciate you visiting:).
Good that you are feeling better … all the very best !!
Thank you! For the sentiment and stopping by my blog:).
My pleasure Kay. WIll catch up more from you. 🙂
The thought of your crying tears of joy because you feel powerful and healthy again lifted my spirits today, Kay. I am so happy for you. And I admire you for taking control of your health, making adjustments, continuing to search for helpful solutions. and love the metaphor of the thyroid as a butterfly, a sign of rebirth. I remember how happy I felt when I had thyroid issues and eventually heard once more the beat of little wings.
I’m so glad you feel good again! It’s hard to figure out, isn’t it?
I must admit that I’ve fallen off the blog wagon and have been a both a bad writer and reader these days, but I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better and ready to spread your wings. I’ve had some thyroid issues, too–though not what you are going through–but dang that little gland can be an a-hole. May your reasons for hope continue to grow, and may your health continue to improve!
You pegged it, Lisa! That little gland is persnickety, for sure. I hope your troubles stay relatively minor. And I hear you on the blogging wagon–I’ve had to cut back my reading and writing. But love it too much to give it up!
I’m glad you’re still at it! You’re too good to stop!
Good for you for keeping your options open. Equanimity always serves us, no matter how roundabout. I know my exploration of disease in terms of diet and lifestyle turned my life around, and when needed, I have used medicine to support my organic approach. Although I did that late in life, it still serves me well with two chronic and progressive diseases. It allows me to even out the highs and lows. Hooray for your mojo being back!
I’ve long read your blog and while sympathetic, don’t think I knew enough to be truly empathetic. It’s not until we lose our energy, etc. that I think we realize how very precious it is . . .
Oh Kristine, I hear you. I’ve been taking Synthroid for about ten years and although my symptoms weren’t as bad yours, I also have blood pressure and other issues that have come up I’ll try that supplement on GOOP. Thanks for the tip!
Me too! And I wonder if the BP has to do with the synthroid. Ugh. Doctors have to stop just throwing pills at symptoms and get to the root cause . . . Wishing you luck with whatever you try. Keep me posted!
I am so glad that you are feeling better now!! I am sure that it will stay that way. 🙂
From your lips to God’s ears:).
Flap your wings beautiful butterfly. ❤
They’re in working order again, friend:). Thank you!
I’m grateful you are on the upswing now, Kristine. Really saddened to hear how difficult this journey has been for you. Wishing you good health, happiness, and every good thing, always. And a happy Mother’s Day weekend, too ~ xx
Happy Mother’s Day, Amy! Wishing you some of the beauty you so freely share with others every day :-).
Nice to hear – your positive attitude has hopefully pulled you through Kristine. It’s also a cautionary tale not to put all your faith in conventional medicine. I have a work colleague whose son was slowly slipping away from some mysterious ailment despite visiting the best people available on our little island, but also specialists over the water in England. Eventually she took him to a wellness practitioner who listened, did one or two simple tests, asked what medicine, pills etc. he was being prescribed. The guy shook his head in despair, told his mum to stop his medication and observe a certain diet. Within days he’d turned the corner. 18 months on he’s back to his chirpy, normal, sporty self.
Oh, Roy. If I could only tell you how many stories like this one I’ve heard. Each doc wants only to look at the system he/she specializes in and refuses to look at all from a holistic/systemic perspective. So glad this boy got good advice. I think it will take a lot of us taking our business elsewhere for docs/med schools to take note.
I had a similar experience but with endometriosis! An article in Goop changed my life. I agree with you in that there is a lot we can do to spur healing in ourselves. This past Monday I had a check up and everything was clear. Doctors had insisted on surgeries and things that aren’t solutions. Self education and advocacy is so important. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad everything is clear! Isn’t is amazing that we don’t yet have a better approach to healthcare? I’m glad you advocated for yourself.
Alright…Get out of my head! We really do have so-o-o much in common. Thank you for this advice. Thank you for your stories. Thank you for being you. I am blessed by you feeling better. Cheers to a great weekend and continued energy!
Man, I’m in your head AGAIN? Go figure:). Someday, coffee and chat about all those things in common. Even if it’s virtual. Thank you for the kind comments!
Glad to hear life is on the upswing.
Right? So much easier when you have energy–everything (even the not so great stuff) becomes a molehill instead of a mountain.
Congratulations! I’m thrilled to hear you’ve got energy and feel good again. Yes, the thyroid controls a lot of things in our bodies. It doesn’t get enough respect. I’m going to check out the link to Goop for my husband. I’ve been trying to get him to work with my hypnotherapist to heal things because he’s so chronically tired and has some health issues progressing to the point he needs medicine for them. So far, no go. Kudos to you for finding what works!
I am sure the supplement I found is just helping with one tiny piece of my puzzle. But if it makes me feel human again, I’ll take it! I hope the same or better is true for your husband.
Wow, did I ever need to read this! I am so happy to hear that you are feeling better and went to aerobics 4 times!! HOORAY! I have been dealing with extreme fatigue and inflammation, so I totally understand the lack of energy and early bedtimes. I am going to look into this further because I am excited to hear that it worked for you. Enjoy your new-found energy, I hope it is lasting for you because you deserve a reprieve from all the shit! xo
I’ve heard from so many people that fatigue and inflammation or an issue. And yet, it astounds me that the medical community again seems not to take notes. Our bodies are systems and what we put in the matters. I truly hope you were able to resolve your issues. Just as I hope my resolution sticks :-).
I really really hope the mojo sticks, Kay. Fingers crossed here!
Me too! Thanks for the support:).
Hmm… I may have to try this. I’m on synthetic thyroid meds as well – but am still exhausted. Will check it out. Thanks for the insight and glad you are feeling better!!
Let me know if it helps, friend! I have found most of the things that help me or ideas that have come from other women who are experiencing the same symptoms I am. Smart women who do their own research. Like you :-).
Wow. I wish I could chat with you. Not sure this would help or my crazy cancer drugs which have wrecked me along with steroids but I feel like giving it a go. I ache like that, my thyroid was wrecked but I waited and it improved. Thank you for sharing. 💗🌷🌺🌸
Isn’t it amazing how much we don’t know in medicine? I am so sorry that they don’t have something that addresses your cancer better. I had always had the luxury of good health before this and I now realize what a blessing it really is. This experience has made me much more empathetic to those who are struggling with health issues. Changes your life in ways you can never imagine. Sending you a big hug.
Is there an epidemic going on? You are far from the first I hear re: thyroid problems. It is a scary situation and I am ever so happy you are finding relief (and continue doing so – for that I send good vibes). Wonderful of you to share this Kristine. Who knows how many you may have helped to not despair and to keep trying to find that thing that works for them.
Hugs!
Right?! Thyroid problems now seem to be running rampant. I have to believe that a big part of it is our diet and the chemicals put into the products that we put on our bodies. Also, stress. Who knows? But, you would think that with so many people experiencing the symptoms, doctors would have figured out a solution other than just pushing pills. Thank you for the kind words, Dale! I hope all is well.
Jeezus! Like Gluten intolerance/celiac… I’m truly starting to believe that all these health problems are related to the crap they feed our food. The hormones. The poison. Not good.
I can assure you that once I find my new house, there will be room for a garden and I will work that baby…
All is ok. Am sick with a major cold and still have issues with stuff but I am not going to complain. Nothing compared to what you are going through.
Lotsa love!
Oh, I love that you will have a garden :-). And yes-I have become a very picky and cynical consumer. Most of what you find in the grocery store really is not good fuel for our bodies. I spend a lot of time in the produce section and very little time in the package food aisles.
Absolutely! It’s a royal pain in the patootie… reading labels, trying to find out just where the food comes from!
Love your post Kay! It’s exactly what I believe too and I’m so glad you were patient and searched for the right healing for your body. Sickness in any form is here to teach us about something we are ignoring in ourselves! Welcome back butterfly girl 🍀🌸🍀
Thank you! I am sure that I still have some issues to take care of, but feeling normal again is such a blessing.
Congratulations. Well done all around. A maxim: if you don’t care for yourself, you cannot care for others. But you know that.
Right! Well, now I know it :-). I think I always did but it’s different knowing it experientially.
I have been dealing with the same issues for almost 9 years. It began shortly after I had a stroke. My health has worsened over the years and I have had many tests done. My thyroid is fine. I now have about 9 chronic diagnoses but nothing that can truly be cured of pain and fatigue that is off the charts. Several years ago, like you, I removed all chemicals from my home and body…still, my health has worsened.
I am so sorry to hear that. It’s frustrating when you’re doing all you can, but you don’t have a partner (read: doctor) on the other end who can help sort through the symptoms and is curious/passionate/intuitive enough to get to the bottom of things. Wishing you returning health at some point–hopefully sooner than later.
There is nothing worse than being in a fog that keeps you from being ‘alive’ Kristine. A constant drag on you to such a degree that doing basic things becomes a torture and reality some vague notion off in the distance. And scary to boot.
The second thing is my ex rang me last night to say her thyroid has been causing her much angst like you and they found it had a couple of growths on it so they are operating next week. Now the synchronicity of this is amazing so I had better pass this on to her so that at least her ‘getting over’ this situation may be helped rather than hindered by the 20th century’s attitude to bury everyone in pills for their symptoms instead of finding the cause.
And welcome home young lady, literally. And thank you for your message 😀 ❤
Oh, my heart goes out to her. It’s not fun and amazes me they haven’t nailed this one yet–so many women affected by it. This supplement doesn’t claim to help thyroid, but it does help mitochondria in cells–hence, energy. It’s been enough to give me a bit of my life back and I hope it does the same for her–and supports her thyroid. I hope the synchronicity means something!
Me too Kristine. Like you she has been struggling with it for years, not realising what it was because of so many symptoms. Hopefully it will help with recovery. Thank you ❤
My wife developed an enlarged thyroid gland that had to be removed. (It had gotten to the point where she had difficulty swallowing.) The surgeon intended to shave it back, but took the whole thing when he saw cysts all over. Judy’s been on thyroxin ever since, but it took two years before they got the dose right. She suffered from depression during that period even though her numbers read in the normal range. She eventually researched her symptoms and convinced her endocrinologist to up her dose slightly. She soon regained her normally sunny disposition. But she also discovered that stress, and monthly hormonal changes still could affect how her body interacted with her medicine. Some folks are hypersensitive to slight variations in dosage, environmental factors and the effects of stress.
I am so glad she has gotten the dosage right–at least for now. And I’m glad her doctor listened. My doc just kept being imperious via her nurse (email), telling me raise or lower my dose based on labs only. It wasn’t until I emailed back a message telling her I felt she was ignoring one of the largest indicators of my health–HOW I FEEL IN MY OWN BODY–that she then wanted me to come back to see her in office. I’m not sure if I will . . .
I’m glad you’re mojo’s back. Having our health is a precious gift.
It truly is. And now I see that as more than trite saying.