Life with no thyroid! How will I feel and handle my life in the days to come? My first night at home, after I get in bed, many thoughts are roaming in my mind. When the morning comes, am I going to feel like a brand-new person?

Expectations are high since so many people are telling me, “you will feel so much better”. The morning finally comes, and I get up to realize it is still me. I feel lethargic, and yes, I need my coffee! My routine is still the same. Take your thyroid pill and wait one hour before eating breakfast. It is only a different pill now.

The day begins just like any other. I remember saying, “this is a piece of cake”, “I just need to keep moving”. I am trying to be careful because I still have a large piece of tape on my neck to protect the area where the surgeon made the incision. What will happen when I remove the tape?

I was told to only take showers until the stitches come out. The appointment is a whole week ahead! The surgeon does not want me to emerge the incision area in water. Showers are not my preference, and I decide if I am careful my usual bath will help rejuvenate me. I am still waiting on the “feeling so much better” part.

It is time to remove the tape. Removal is not difficult. The tape comes off easy, and I am careful not to pull at the stitches. Bath time here I come! In all honesty, I am nervous that the area will burn when I dunk my head to wash my hair. I am fine and my routine is back to normal beginning my day.

In the days to come, I am experiencing a different kind of fatigue. The feeling is like someone gave me medication to fall asleep only there is no medication. Fighting off afternoon napes becomes a nuisance. I want to keep moving so when bedtime comes, I can sleep.

My hands are shaky sometimes but only if I push myself too much with household chores. One great aspect now is no more heart palpitations. Hopefully, that part of my journey with Graves’ is over. I am told that Graves’ will always be there. Many symptoms will get better in time once we get the medication dosage correct.

Time to head to the surgeon’s office for the removal of stitches. Life with no thyroid is a real thing now. Everything looks good. The scare is right in the crease of my neck. Friends and family tell me, “if you didn’t mention it, I would not have noticed”! I am feeling good except for extreme fatigue.

With COVID 19, I need to take extra precautions on remaining healthy because having an auto-immune disease puts me at risk for catching the ugly stuff! I try to keep errands to a minimum. Wearing a mask too long is creating congestion in my chest. The doctor does not want to prescribe anti-biotics yet.

In all reality, this is a time for me to rest, maybe do some lite yoga, and plan healthy meals. After weighing myself the first week, I have a gain of ten pounds. A routine is important because I must also keep my body active!

A symptom that is not resolved yet is muscle weakness. My upper thigh area is extremely weak. Somedays, I have a difficult time walking. Engaging in yoga or simple stretches helps with lower back pain and strengthening muscles.  My vitamin D and calcium will be monitored often since the thyroid is gone.

Feeling passionate about my health journey now means so much to me. A piece of me is gone, and one simple pill will keep life going. The amazing new lifestyle is challenging but new doors are open for recognizing how we treat our bodies determines the outcome of our health journey.

Living with no thyroid is a way of life for so many individuals. Some will handle things well, and some will endure new challenges. Keep the focus on what works and does not work for you. Allow all doors to remain open trying new options in your health journey. We can move forward together!