My break is over! Yes, everyone, it is time to get back into the game of thyroid disease. Back in July of 2021, I went through a total hysterectomy. My post, “IS THERE A CONNECTION” talks about fibroid tumors and any link to Graves’ Disease.

The hysterectomy is about helping my immune system and boy was I in for a ride! I was approved for a robotic hysterectomy. This is where the surgeon makes one small incision at the belly button or right below with two other small incisions. One is to the right and the other is to the left of the abdomen area.

You can find actual videos of robotic hysterectomies on U-tube. My uterus was enlarged because of fibroid tumors. Some were attached to the outside of the uterus. One major problem when the surgeon began to cut is the uterus is hard as a rock.

She accidentally cuts the bladder! In the process of bringing the uterus down through the vagina, she also rips everything as I give birth to a 13-pound bowling ball! Of course, I am asleep but in due time my body learns what true trauma feels like. What does this have to do with my thyroid journey?

My release from the hospital is the next morning. I come home with a catheter in me for the next ten days. Certain medications were stopped two weeks before the surgery. Since there are different pain medications, the decision is made to hold off on certain supplements and cholesterol medication.

The problem is Graves’ Disease symptoms are coming back. I am shaky, light-headed, and felt panicky! Over the next two months, my activity is light housework. I did some local driving but, in all honesty, anxiety medication is a must.

I kept saying to myself, “It’s just going to take some time because of everything that happened!” The real deal is the days are flying by and struggling is no longer an option. My check-up with the primary care physician is due so maybe I can get some advice there because my break is over.

In the meantime, I find out my endocrinologist is leaving the practice, and I need to find a new one. I am flipping out because I do not want to drive far for appointments. My PCP orders blood work and I start back on the cholesterol medication.

Here is the problem! When you tell a doctor, you are not feeling well, shouldn’t they listen and come up with a solution? I find so often that everyone will say something different. So, I get on the internet, research my questions, and push for answers! Seriously!

Absolutely, supplements and medications other than thyroid replacement medication can cause issues. I am told to take my Euthyrox, thyroid replacement, at the same time every morning. One hour after, I can eat and take any other medications. This might not be the best morning routine and here is why.

Thyroid replacement medication needs time to absorb in the body. If you take certain supplements and or other medications, this can interfere with the absorption process. Depending on how often and what time of the day lab work is done, thyroid levels can change.

My TSH level in a three-month time frame started at 1.64, after surgery a 3.65, and just like that a .76! The levels are all in range but not optimal for me. I like to stay between 1.0 and 2.0 to feel my best. A 3.65 TSH pushes my body into Graves’ Disease mode, an awful place to be.

I realize that I cannot take the cholesterol medication in the morning. What is happening here is the cholesterol medication is interfering with the thyroid levels. I go and get bloodwork done and the endocrinologist decides to increase the medication because the TSH is high for optimal.

If I change the time I take other supplements and medication, the thyroid medication has the proper time to absorb into my body. I go for bloodwork and my TSH is lower, which helps my body to function so much better!

Some doctors do not agree with this, but book smart and people smart are entirely two different categories! I try to take the time to have a late morning snack, and this is when I take my other supplements and medications.

Whatever route you take, make sure you discuss it with your doctors! My break is over, so friends, let’s get back to work on our thyroid journey!