My Journey with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Finding the Right Support

Understanding Thyroid Nodules and Their Impact

Six months can feel like an eternity. Each week, it became harder to swallow, breathe, and believe that anyone would help. It all began when I learned I had thyroid nodules. After weeks of waiting, I finally found out they were benign. I hoped adjusting to life with a dysfunctional thyroid would be easy. Unfortunately, it wasn't. My relief was short-lived, and my endocrinologist scheduled a follow-up appointment for six months later.

Initially, I thought waiting for six months would be manageable. Yet, each week, my symptoms worsened. Eating or taking pills became a challenge. I often choked as food or pills got stuck in my throat. Breathing became increasingly difficult. I developed a persistent cough, and my voice grew hoarse. I still remember riding in the car with my husband, trying to sing like I always did, only to burst into tears when I couldn't.

The symptoms didn't stop there. My exhaustion became overwhelming, and sleep eluded me. My skin, which had always been on the dry side, became even drier. The worst symptom, however, was the brain fog that settled in. I struggled to remember even the smallest details or focus on one task. My life felt like it wasn't mine anymore.

The Long Wait for Help

Those six months felt endless. I tried to wait patiently, hoping for some medication or guidance from my doctor. During my last appointment, we discussed how we might proceed. The doctor mentioned that if the nodule interfered with swallowing or breathing, surgery would likely be necessary. I dreaded the thought of surgery but hoped there would be a solution to my issues.

Finally, Follow-Up

Appointment day arrived, and I headed to the local endocrinologist. This doctor specialized in hormone-related conditions, including thyroid disease. Although my husband had attended every previous appointment, this time I was on my own. At first, I felt okay about it—until I didn't. The appointment was disheartening. The endocrinologist was dismissive and uninterested in my concerns. He glanced at my chart, confirmed there was no cancer, and turned to leave. I was shocked! He didn't inquire about my symptoms or issues. It became clear he didn't care about me or my health.

As he reached for the door, I found my voice. I expressed my concerns and questions, particularly about my breathing and swallowing difficulties. He held up a hand to stop me, stating he'd see me in six months. He turned his back on me, leaving my concerns behind. When the nurse entered with my paperwork, she found me in tears. I admitted what had happened. She offered to bring the doctor back, but I declined. I would rather suffer than speak to him again. I left the office feeling more broken than I had that morning.

The following week was filled with depression. I felt lost and unsure of where to turn for help. Finally, I decided to make an appointment with my primary physician. I hoped she could refer me to someone else. Living in a rural area limits options, but I was willing to drive into the city to find someone who would treat thyroid patients with the care they deserve.

"I wasn't overreacting. I was advocating for my own health."

The Appointment That Changed Everything

A referral was made, and after another long wait, I arrived for my first appointment with an endocrinologist at The James Cancer Center and Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. From the start, the appointment felt different. The doctor was kind and genuinely concerned. She listened to everything I had to say, leading with empathy.

After discussing my situation, she performed an ultrasound and reviewed the images. My nodule was large, wrapped around the back of my esophagus, and encroaching on my vocal cords. She described it as looking like a cat paw. I had to agree. She asked if I was okay with her using the image in her lectures. In her opinion, I needed to undergo a hemithyroidectomy.

Hemithyroidectomy is a big, long, scary word. But what does it mean? The doctor explained that this surgical procedure involves removing the affected half of the thyroid while allowing the remaining half to function. She referred me to an otolaryngologist, an ENT surgeon with specialized training in neck and endocrine surgery.

The Road to Surgery

Things moved quickly from there. I met with the surgeon within a couple of weeks. I trusted him almost immediately. He was reassuring, a welcome change after my experience with my first endocrinologist. He informed me of all the possible side effects of the surgery. The side effect that worried me most, aside from the usual surgical risks, was potential damage to the laryngeal nerve. This could lead to temporary or permanent hoarseness, a weak voice, and breathing changes. He took my concerns seriously and spent time discussing the odds. As a numbers person, I felt reassured that the surgery was worth the risk, and I believed he was the right surgeon for the job.

Surgery was scheduled, but first, I had to navigate insurance hurdles. At home, I sought someone to care for my daughter during my hospital stay, which could last up to a week. My husband insisted he would be there daily. I tried to focus on my life while waiting for surgery day, but worry and stress loomed large, even as I felt relief at finally finding someone to help me.

Surgery day arrived, and we woke up at an hour that felt unreal to make the 90-minute drive to the hospital. The pre-surgery experience is a blur, but everything went smoothly. I even shared some laughs with the staff wheeling my bed into the operating room. When I woke up, I realized that staying at James Cancer Hospital was a new experience. The staff was amazing, kind, and knowledgeable. As a learning hospital, each morning, a group of doctors and residents would come in, review my chart, and discuss my case. After five days in the hospital, they finally removed the wound drain, and I was sent home with what I initially thought was a terrible scar.

View from James Cancer Hospital

"Sometimes finding the right doctor changes everything."

Was It Worth It?

There were no side effects, and I healed relatively quickly. The best part was that I could breathe easily again. No more choking on food or pills. My voice returned to normal, and I could sing again. I still wasn't completely well, but that was a story for another day. I've healed, and I hardly notice the scar that once seemed so horrible. Was the surgery and its associated risks worth it? Without a doubt. I would do it again, but I hope to skip the time wasted with an uncaring doctor.

The scar does fade. Most days I don't even see it anymore.

Looking back, I realize I should have trusted myself sooner. I knew something wasn't right, but I kept questioning if I was overreacting because a specialist wasn't concerned. I wasn't overreacting. I was advocating for my own health. I've learned to be the person who makes waves if that is what I must do to feel better. I now research everything and seek my own answers. I approach appointments informed and ready to advocate for myself if needed.

If there's one thing I hope you take away from my story, it's this: if your doctor doesn't listen, don't stop searching for one who will. You deserve to be heard. Sometimes finding the right doctor changes everything.

Now, I’d love to hear from you.

How did your first visit with an endocrinologist go? Did you find help right away, or have you spent years searching for someone who truly listens? Leave a comment below, subscribe, or join our community. I’d love to hear your story.

One step at a time.

One day at a time.

You’re not walking this road alone.

With hope,

Chelle

Coming next: Surgery solved one problem, but it didn't solve everything. I'll share how I finally learned I had Hashimoto's—and why my journey was only beginning.

As a final note, every thyroid condition is different, and this is my personal experience. Nothing I have written is intended to be medical advice, as I am not a medical professional.

There's happiness in healing and advocating for yourself.