Jackie Bacom Stone,
Thyroid Thrivers
Thyroid Nation
Three years ago, I was traveling around the country and having just the best time with my husband seeing so many new places and meeting so many new people. I had started to exercise, mostly walking, and was eating so good that I actually felt years younger. It was great, the kids are grown and me and the hubby were on our own, living the life….that is, until May of 2011 when all of a sudden, I started having awful digestive problems, my stomach hurt all the time, I was bloated, everything I ate ran right through me…it was horrible and I had no idea what the problem was or how to fix it. Soon after that, I got to where I couldn’t sleep unless I took something and my moods were terrible, one minute I was happy and the next, I wanted to kill
When I was diagnosed, 2012
people!! After that, I started swelling and my blood pressure went crazy high, my hands and legs would shake, I would sweat profusely and was exhausted all the time….what the heck was going on?? I started getting sick, too during all of this with colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia…month after month, I was sick and seeing a clinic doctor…because we traveled so much, I would just see doctors at Urgent Care centers and they would give me meds and send me on my way. No problem, I just had a weak immune system and needed more vitamins and supplements…yeah, like that was really going to control all of this, single-handedly.
Unbearably, all of this went on for months. In November of 2011, I was so sick with a cough, that I couldn’t lay down to sleep. Once again, I saw a clinic doctor and he gave me more meds and sent me on my merry way. I finally felt a little better in January and resumed my walking and healthy eating routine. I was losing weight, getting in shape, feeling strong and feeling better, even though I still had all the symptoms, I guess I got used to them…sad…I know…but I was determined to enjoy my life no matter what!
I honestly felt like I was crazy, no medical authority understood me and that I was losing my mind!!
After a few days of tests and a really good doctor, they found that I had Graves Disease and was in a thyroid storm. Frightening. They told me that if I hadn’t have come back to the hospital, I would be dead. What?? Wait?? What the heck is Graves Disease? Am I going to die? I was so upset that I had my sister, in North Carolina, look it up. Unbelievably, SHE is the one that explained it all to me, my diagnosis and what Graves and Thyroid Storm were.
The dr just said that I would need radiation and after that, a pill everyday and all would be good and well again!
NOT!!! They put me on Tapazole and I think, no, I know, it was too much because, after three weeks, I was hurting all over and was so exhausted that I couldn’t get out of bed. Story of my life at that point. We went back and forth on the dose for a while, but nothing ever worked. I was still very weak and couldn’t really take care of myself. Thank goodness my sister came to stay with me for a month, to help me out. I was falling all the time, my heart was racing and beating out of my chest, I still shook all over and I really felt like I was going to die. That November, I had Radioactive Iodine, RAI, and that was supposed to “fix” everything. It did not. It helped, but I was still hyper for another 6 months. After the 6 month mark, I was just a little hyper and I thought that was ok…I could live with that. Hahahahaha…little did I know about the damage that being hyper, does to your body. I also have Thyroid Eye Disease and that was a whole other mess in and of itself. That is still an issue, but it is way better now than what it was, thanks to taking Selenium every day.
5 months ago, I was finally given Levothyroxine, 100 mcg for hypothyroidism. I was also diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis…yay me…I can’t do anything the easy way! I like a challenge! Now, I not only have to deal with not one, but three autoimmune diseases and two of them fight constantly to see who is going to come out on top. I have learned that I am super sensitive to all meds and we still can’t get my thyroid medications levels right. It is either too much or too little and that keeps a constant battle going between my being hypo and being hyper. In addition to all the things that go along with Graves and Hashi’s, such as digestive problems, rashes, being too cold or too hot, constant joint and muscle pain, too fast or too slow heart rate, high BP, hair falling out, weight gain, swelling, and now I am seeing a Pulmonary Specialist about a problem with my lungs. (they thought I had asthma, but now aren’t sure what is going on) I do not think the meds that I’m currently on are helping me much. Recently, I have changed my diet to Gluten-free and am trying the paleo diet and that has helped some. Oh, we can’t forget the slew of vitamins and supplements that help too…but…I feel just as sick as I did when all of this began. I’m not sure what it’s going to take to get me back to myself or even close to it, but I am learning all I can so that I am better informed and can make intelligent decisions for my personal care and healing. (We all need to be our own Thyroid advocates)
Something else that I have been doing on my quest to wellness, as per my doctor’s approval, is using Cannabis, to help with my awful symptoms. It has been used for centuries, for medicinal purposes. It is a plant and is all-natural. I know that it isn’t for everyone. I also know that some people may judge me based on this, I hope not, but it truly helps me and I know that if I didn’t use it, it would be a lot worse than what it is right now. I can’t even imagine that! It’s OK to disagree with my methods and it’s okay to not like it. I’m truly OK with that. It is my choice and it helps me to smile and to live.
A year ago, my dr suggested that I try it because I am so sensitive to a lot of the medications that I need to take for my thyroid and my pain. Most of the medications make me more sick or feel worse and I certainly don’t want to feel worse than I already do. Is that even possible? I still take my thyroid meds every day, that one is a given, but the anti-inflammatory meds that I need for my RA, I cannot take. The pain I endure daily is excruciating and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, or would I? 🙂 Those prescriptions make me so very ill. They hurt my stomach so bad that I can’t get out of bed. I don’t do well with pain pills or anxiety meds, either. Honestly, I don’t want all those different drugs in my system. Keeping any needless, ‘extra’ drugs or chemicals out of my system and my body is so important to my overall health and my healing journey. I hurt all over, every single day. I have anxiety, every single day. Not to mention, I have insomnia 80% of the time. Additionally, I can no longer eat a lot of foods due to the fact that my always angry stomach and digestive system do not tolerate them. Oh, and my mood swings are just horrible. I’m so much fun! ha! I do not use cannabis every day, but I would if I needed to. I always take it alone, in the privacy of my own home and I never go out while using it. I have a prescription for it and use it legally. Cannabis has saved me from misery that no one should ever have to go through, be it a Thyroid Storm, RA, Hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto’s.
I stand by my decision to use cannabis and as long as it continues to help me to feel better and to live my life, instead of just EXIST in this life, I will continue to use it.
I’m not sure what the future holds for me or if I’ll ever feel good again, but I am determined to keep my sense of humor about this whole mess and to keep trying new things to help my body to feel better. I get up every day and tell myself to just do it…get on with my life and do whatever it is that I have to, to keep moving forward. If I have a bad day, then I just have a bad day…I don’t unpack and live there, I just take a little break! Every day is a new day.
We all have to take good care of ourselves and our Thyroid’s, Thyroid Nation Thrivers! Do what works best for you.
This article is offered under Creative Commons license. It’s okay to republish it anywhere as long as attribution bio is included and all links remain intact.
Hi Jackie, I’m so sorry for all you have been through. I know first hand how difficult it is to suffer with an autoimmune condition. I’m happy you have found some relief with cannabis.
When I was first diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease and Lupus, I spent three years searching for a cure. The doctors and specialists had no answers, but they all agreed on two things; no one knows the cause of autoimmune disease and there is no cure.
I could accept the diagnosis, but I would not accept the prognosis.
I took matters into my own hands. I quit my business, left my home, and moved to the mountains of Taos, New Mexico with the intention to heal my life.
After seven years, of full time research (and over $100,000 dollars), I was able to identify and remove the stresses on my immune system and reverse my condition. I have been clinically free of symptoms and antibodies for over five years. I have since have developed a protocol that has helped hundreds of other women to do the same.
What I discovered is that complex inflammatory conditions, such as autoimmunity, are caused by risk factors, such as chronic emotional stress, poor gastrointestinal health, nutrient deficiencies, infections and toxins.
In my best selling book, The Thyroid Cure, The Functional Mind-Body Approach to Reversing Your Autoimmune Condition and Reclaiming Your Health, I share the keys to reversing autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s, Graves’ Disease, Lupus, Celiac, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue.
I know my book can help you heal!
Jeepers! Are males allowed to purchase your book?
I would like to talk with you i habe thyroid cancer (mtc meddulary and pappilary and so do my kids we all are thyroidless. I habe did the rai treatment and nothing but surgery for the mtc. I have endometriosis hoshimotos chronic back pain and more i started cbd and small thc doses. Are you able to contact me. ???
Chemotherapy kills more than cure. What little I’ve been able to get has made a big difference for me I have just about kicked the cancer that I have please listen to these story’s and help the folks fighting for our rights. i just want to use this Opportunity to thank Dr Kaviraj for his cannabis oil used in saving peoples life.
I was battling with Thyroid cancer for roughly 2 years, but thank God today i am alive and healthy.
I cured my Thyroid cancer with the use of cannabis oil.
Thanks to Dr Kaviraj cannabis oil.
I and my entire family are grateful to you for your good work
to get your cannabis oil Email Dr Kaviraj at doctorkavirajcannabisoilcure@gmail.com
Mr Stewart,
Honolulu, USA
Do you have to have a prescription to get from this Dr. Kaviraj. Or will he just sell it to you.
You can now purchase hemp-sourced cannabis products and ship interstate. Farm Act
i too, have hashiimoto’s and graves. i have been self medicating for a while and wonder what cannabis oil works the best. there are many on the market. i am a medical patient in oregon. do you use RSO? or PHO? or BHO? or what works the best? i do not want to be consuming things that will add toxins or irritants… i had been smoking cannabis for many many years but have a growth on my thyroid. please give me more details on the cannabis oil. thank you!
I have been diagnosed with Hypothyroid disease for years now. They tell me my levels are finally good, and they do look good and I do feel a little better, but I think it’s because I make myself. I have to take name brand synthroid (can’t tolerate generic) and I take 200 mcg’s 5 days a week and 225 mcg’s 2 days a week. I also take atenolol for the heart palpatations, nexium for the horrible reflux, neurontin for pain and headaches (but I also have Chiara malformation), meloxicam, numerous ointments, creams, and shampoos for eczema and psoriasis. My digestive system is horrible, I have joint pain a lot, I have gained lots of weight and no matter how little I eat I don’t lose much weight and I swell all the time (especially when I travel [does anyone else have that problem when they travel]), I still have hot and cold flashes, I break out with horrible rashes, I have recently been diagnosed with rosacea, oh, and I have been diagnosed with chronic vertigo and constantly have ear infections, sleeplessness even when I’m tired and sometimes I have sharp pains in my legs. Doctors always want to just treat my syptoms, but I’m tired of that. First question I have is do you think this could be Graves Disease too? Second question, would exploring the idea of CBS be beneficial for my symptoms?
Hi Jackie did the Cannibis oil regulate you thyriod back to normal??
Hello Jackie.
What a long and frightening journey you have been on. I stumbled upon your website while searching for the use of cbd oil for hypothyroidism.
You may want to check out Dr. Janet Starr Hull’s book, “Sweet Poison.” She almost died from Graves Disease. She discovered that the cause was drinking diet Coke for many years. The “sweet poison” is the artificial sweetener aspartame. I share this information with you just in case you are drinking eating any of the 5,000 foods, vitamins, gum, toothpaste, etc. that contain aspartame, which may be affecting your healing process.
Blessings. May you one day be free of this dis-ease.
I just got released Wednesday from a weeklong stay in the hospital for a Thyroid Storm. I’ve been diagnosed in August of this year with Hyperthyroidism, Graves Disease, Type 1 diabetes, Auto-Immune Disease, A-Fib, Leaky Heart Valve, Enlarged lower part of heart, not to mention my other current diagnosis’s that I’ve had for a few years. Ended up with a pacemaker being put in this last Tuesday also. Seems like the list just keeps multiplying.
I’m going to go on a insulin pump, and cgm to help me to control my irratic blood sugars. Pain has become my “NORMAL” all the time. Some days better than others.
I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism almost 4 months ago. I had to do my own research for treatment as my doctors only solution was HRT. I found that going on a whole food, plant based vegan diet has helped me immensely. I have lost weight, I have energy, I dont have the mood swings, I am not swollen or bloated anymore. My brain fog has diminished completely. Most people don’t want to be told what to eat. It sounds like you are just about there with the paleo diet and going gluten free. Kick it up an notch and kick meat to the curb! Eat clean, eat with purpose. Try it for just a month and see how you feel!
hi Jackie,
Thanks for sharing your story. I’ve had some of your same experiences. I’ve been especially troubled with insomnia and joint pain. In the process of being diagnosed with another autoimmune disorder, on top of my Hashimotos/hypo thyroid. I’m presently on a T4/T3 compounded Synthetic thyroid hormone and extra T3 in the afternoon. I’m getting ready to try CBD Hemp Oil tomorrow, but just found out about P450 enzymes in the liver (like the whole grapefruit this and certain medications), an issue which makes me concerned about how Cannabis will affect my thyroid meds. Did you notice any difference when you are taking the Cannabis if it changed your med needs (more or less)? Did your numbers go up or down? Did you have to readjust after you started using the Cannabis? I’m kind of scared now since I am so close to a good dose. Any thoughts and/ or experiences would be welcome. Thank you
I have been taking CBD product for a year and a half now. I started when I got diagnosed for thyroid cancer. I just returned home from my cancer surgeon in which he gave me clean bill of health. I truly believe that the CBD products work and I will continue to take them and pray for the same “no cancer” on my next visit to my doc.
Penny,
Did you have conventional thyroid cancer treatment, i.e. surgery and synthroid, or just cbd oil in place of that?
There are many issues to look at in Thyroid disease. The condition could be cancerous, there could be an excess or deficiency in iodine, there could be an infection and fluid build up, a benign tumor, cancer, infection or hormonal disorder. The absolutely amazing thing about the Cannabinoids in Marijuana is that they have been shown – in clinical settings – to help every one of the listed conditions. However, too much of the research evidence relies on animal trials.
Hello. I can relate to this story. I have been sick most of my life. Mine started when I was a teenager. First thing that happened to me was a fainting spell. I’ve have these spells for most of my life. Allopathic doctors have been no help. I’ve seen countless doctors and they either couldn’t figure it out or didn’t even try to help. I now know that it has been my thyroid all along. I am now on Armour thyroid meds. It has helped a little but also has created other symptoms. It is a constant struggle everyday. The key to living with this for me is that I just get up every day and keep moving forward. I have every symptom you can imagine. Some days I can barely function at all physically or mentally. I can tell you this.Never give up. I’m not going down without a fight!
Everyone who posts a comment here please go to cwhemp.com and realmofcaring.com and do your research about the benefits of cannabis oil. This isn’t an advertisement or spam. I take Charlotte’s Web cannabis oil for my anxiety and it has helped me tremendously!! I was directed here because I was doing research for my nephew who had a thyroidectomy a year ago and who just found out his thyroid levels are high again(?) I’ve advised him to start taking cannabis oil. Please, please, please everyone! Please look it up and try it! It breaks my heart to read about all the pain and hurt and frustration! I hope you all find wellness!
These comments have been very informative.
I would like to talk with you i habe thyroid cancer (mtc meddulary and pappilary and so do my kids we all are thyroidless. I habe did the rai treatment and nothing but surgery for the mtc. I have endometriosis hoshimotos chronic back pain and more i started cbd and small thc doses. Are you able to contact me. ???