83: You’re Not Lazy, Broken, or Alone – Real Thyroid Healing Stories from the Modern Thyroid Clinic VIP Retreat

I am coming to you from Paris with the intro for our next podcast episode, and it's super special. So we have a VIP program at Modern Thyroid Clinic where we just go deep. We take participants through an A to Z look at their health, longevity, metabolism, hormones, thyroid, lifestyle, and it all culminates with an in-person exclusive, incredible retreat. So this week's episode, we will be chatting with some of our VIP participants live in person at the retreat, not live in Paris, but at the retreat that we went to a few weeks ago. So I think you'll find it delightful and inspiring, and I hope you enjoy it. Let's dig in. Welcome to Modern Thyroid and Wellness, where we talk about all things thyroid hormones and honestly anything that can help you live a longer, more vibrant life.

So tell me, you are part of our Modern Thyroid Clinic VIP family now, right? You're part of the founding members of the, the MTC VIP family. I would love for you to tell us a little bit about what led you to decide to join our program and what life kind of looked like before you did.

I was aging with hypothyroidism, and I went a little downhill, and I had days where it was hard to get out of bed, and I didn't know where it was coming from. And I found out with a blood work up that I had Hashimoto's, and an endocrinologist just says that you live with it. And I was on my phone and I saw you on Instagram and you were explaining things that I had never heard about, and it was amazing. And I just knew that I had to try to get to you. And in the beginning, when I came, you weren't yet in California. And upon you hiring a nurse practitioner to take care of California people, I was willing to even drive here because I felt so low, and it affects every aspect of your life. And I had no idea that by following a path that you were insistent on and explained so in depth, I just knew that was what I wanted to do. And then I got to meet Nikki, and she She was just so— I was blessed to have her. She looked at my blood work. She knew just what to do. She explained things. She explained numbers. She explained times of how we're going to take it with patience, and it's not a fast fix. We're going to live with this, and we're going to thrive. And I am now I have lost weight, which is always a plus. It wasn't the most important, but I, I wanted that. I have got my sleep back. Things— my appetite is better, uh, my drive, my, my activity, it's, it's just changed. And it's brought about a change in me that is for the better for my family.

Absolutely. We really always say, you know, when you give a woman back her life, that work is generational. And we feel that, and I know you guys too, you know, we are the keepers of so much in our family unit, at work, in life. And when you change the trajectory of a woman's health, you change the trajectory of her marriage and her ability to show up as a mom and a grandmother and at work and with her friends, you know, we're the glue and we just help to solidify that glue, which is pretty special for us too, for you guys.

Karen, this VIP program is a very deep dive into all the things, and you're about halfway through the program now, and I know you've already spoken to some of the shifts or changes that you felt, but I'd love for you to just elaborate on that.

Well, I would say that we started— Nikki explained that it's in stages and you have to take it one step at a time and you need patience. And we're working on things like cortisol and your gut biome. And because, as explained by McCall McPherson and you, that it, it all, it all is one issue. It's these hormones that we have to kind of help guide us through our wellness journey. And I have, thanks to Nikki and I and our talks, that we're diving deeper and we have different aspects that were, that I would have never thought were tied to my hypothyroidism. And it is, it is amazing not to have bloat, gas issues, uncomfortable just feelings in your body, aches and pains, memory loss, fog, headaches. I don't have those now. I don't have them. Wow.

That's incredible.

You guys have done a wonderful job.

You're just—

And you're only halfway through.

I know.

I can't wait.

It has been such a pleasure and an honor working with you, truly. Like, you bring so much light to my life, so I thank you for that.

Aw.

And I would love to hear about what has been the most meaningful and impactful part of the program so far for you.

Well, I've delved deep into what we're working on. And it's working. But you know, in life, life gives you times where things are just hard. And upon losing my father, and you were there for me, you, you were there and you helped me. You just kept helping me every month go, how you doing? And, and what do we need to talk about? I want to talk about this, we're gonna do this, but what about everything else? Because we're still on our journey, and I appreciate that. And, um, you know, with the other illnesses in my family that were huge, um, I, I, I could always talk to you, and you knew that stress was something that we had to deal with. And I just thought she wanted to let me voice my, my hard words that I was living through. You're like, oh no, no, no, no, we have to— we're going to watch your stress levels. And you're— and we started digging into the cortisol, which I really thank you. I, I would have— if how you talk to me on the phone just every time leads me to learn more and more of how deep this journey can be, it's amazing. And I thank you because I am okay. I'm okay. I'm thriving in there.

And we want you thriving, and this is always your safe space to come to no matter what. And I just thank you for trusting me to be a part of it, and I wanna see you thriving, and it means the world to us.

Well, thank you.

No, thank you.

We appreciate it.

So Sally, I'm so grateful you joined Modern Thyroid Clinic's VIP program. I really think you were meant to be here. But I would love to know a little bit about the story as to why and how you ended up joining our program and what life looks like before you did.

Okay, I'm gonna tell two stories because I was— before I joined the VIP program, I was with Modern Thyroid. And, um, so before I joined Modern Thyroid, it was going to doctors every year to have my blood drawn and be told every year, Your labs are normal. And being like, okay, well, I don't feel good, so, so what? And they're like, oh, you need to sleep more, which I do, I know. But I mean, it just, it was frustrating. And like, so this is just life? Because it doesn't feel like a good life. And I see my sisters and they're doing all of the things and they look like they have energy and Oh, I wanted that energy. Um, and then there was a time in my life too where I got colitis. And I mean, I would be on the bathroom floor. I mean, it was coming out both ends. This is probably TMI. And I mean, at one point my husband had to carry me into the emergency room because I'm fainting on the bathroom floor. And come to find out, it was related to everything I had, but I didn't realize that at the time. And so, you know, just trying to figure it all out. And, um, I mean, I probably had Hashimoto's for years, right? But finally I've gone through doctors and doctors, and one doctor is like, you know you have Hashimoto's, right? And I said, no, what does that mean? And, and she's like, well, I mean, it's still your thyroid issues, and some people stop gluten and dairy, but a lot of people don't want to, and I don't really know if it makes it difference. So of course I go home and I'm like Googling, can you really do anything about Hashimoto's, and start reading. And that's where I found your clinic, um, and, and then I followed your Instagram and started listening, and I'm like, oh my gosh, she can actually help people. And so I signed right up, and, and I was getting help, and it was great, um, but it was like an appointment every 3 or 4 months, and I felt like, I mean, I was taking baby steps, but I wanted it faster. And there's things that I like, I mean, when you came on and said, let's dig deeper, I was like, yes, that's what I need to do because we found there's like, or we ruled out some things and found other things and that's what I needed and that's what I wanted. And you know, just being talked to and helping understand what it is that's going on besides just being told I'm normal.

Absolutely. So that's so many of our journeys, you know, it really is.

It's so hard to do this without being emotional. So at this point, Sally, we are halfway through your first VIP cohort time. And so I'm curious if you could reflect on things that have shifted or changed in how you feel.

Yes, I used to come home from work and lay on the couch because I still wanted to feel like I was around my kids and I was there. Like, maybe you can bring me dinner and I'll eat it on the couch. Maybe I'll be able to make it to the table. But like, I was drained and couldn't get myself back up to bed before— I mean, well, I'd pull myself up and eventually go to bed, but, um, it was just, you know, I, I'm a worker.

Yeah.

And so I did my job because I needed to do my job good, and, and I tried to still love on my kids, but I felt very inadequate at home because I didn't have the energy to give them that I wanted to and just felt deflated. And I mean, now we've, we've figured out things with my adrenal and, and taking the pills that I am, I have the energy to get through the day and I'm not laying on the couch every single day when I get home from work anymore. Like, that's a huge change from a couple years ago, and such a difference. I mean, it does— it makes a difference to be able to feel like you can still move at 6 PM.

It's amazing when you go from only being able to pour yourself into your work to then also being able to pour yourself into that and your family and all the things that you find joy in.

Yeah, so I love that.

Taking a big leap of faith, right, to make the investment to work on yourself. And so I'd love to hear what has been the most impactful or meaningful part of the process so far.

Um, this lady. Um, and then don't look at me. Um, really though, Brandy is so awesome.

You all are.

I'm, I, you know, we're not offended.

Um, and, and I mean, I knew she was after the first appointment with her, but one of, one of the first few, I was in the car driving down to, um, to a marching band competition, and my husband and kids were in the car, and, and I just had her on, on my phone. And, and my, I get off and my husband's like, she is amazing.

Yes, she really is.

Um, she builds me up so much. She She is— she's digging into all of the things and she's explaining all the numbers and, and where I was. And I mean, they keep fluctuating all over, but she's helping me figure it out and validating where I am. And she's like my little cheerleader.

I love it.

And, and if I— I mean, she's so sweet. She sent me a cute card and she'll send me messages on Slack, and she's just there for me whenever I need somebody. Um, I mean, all the other stuff is great too, the medicine and finding out all that, that's great. But really You really are the best.

Yes. You're the best part of this.

Support makes all of so, so much difference.

It's really, it's the human connection that goes along with everything, especially after you've seen clinician after clinician after clinician that basically, you know, kind of makes you think it's all in your head. And then to meet someone that can actually validate biologically what's happening and put you on the right path is, It's life-changing. And then it's just Brandy, who in general is like an angel on Earth. Um, I love it. Well, now we're closing our last night of our first ever VIP retreat. I'd love for you to share a little bit with us about what you've gotten out of this, or favorite memories, or aspects, anything that you want to share at all.

It's like a sisterhood. This has been a sisterhood, and it's, um, I have sisters and and this is still a little different, uh, it's fun to see everybody at different places in the journey because some people are further ahead and you're like, yeah, there's hope, this is possible, right? And I mean, even McCall, you, the reality that, you know, you're— there's still things that you might struggle with, and, and that's okay too. It's okay to struggle through things, um, because you do have support going through it and Um, little things like Mel helping me today learn to breathe. I mean, I'm 46 and I feel like I don't know how to breathe, but being able to work on just little things like that and then just taking the time to relax. It's been a long time since I've had me time, um, because I feel selfish taking that, and I live in a world where so busy, and I needed it.

Well, I hope you got permission, you know, to take that time as you leave here into your regular life too, because you do need it. You know, your, your life is not, not demanding.

I hope that you will now crave that.

Oh, I think I will.

I really do too. Is there anything else you want to add at all? No pressure, but opening it up to you.

It really has been just a neat experience to be able to go through this with, with women who, who are such strong women and all have different talents. And, and to realize that yes, the, the circumstances in my life and what I'm dealing with might be unique, but really it's not so unique that it's like other people go through things too. And, and And it doesn't mean anything's wrong with me because I can't— haven't been able to figure it out till now. And there is a chance to feel a lot better than I think it is.

Yeah. And you're not alone, right, on your journey.

And that feels good to know.

Yeah, right. Heck yeah, it does. Absolutely.

Well, thank you.

Thank you, ladies.

Hola, Sally. Well, Miss Susan, I'm so grateful you came and I'm so glad that you're here. You're like a puzzle piece that fits in with everyone so perfectly. I would love for you to tell us a little bit what made you join the MTC VIP cohort, our first founding members, and a little bit about what life looked like before you did.

Well, I feel like I had hit a plateau with my health and I was looking for a well-rounded approach. That I wasn't seeming to find. And so with much research, I discovered Modern Thyroid Clinic, and I saw that you base things on research. So that was really important to me. So there was backing to what you were doing and discovered you on Instagram, and the rest is history.

But I love it.

And how did you feel leading up to becoming a patient?

Before being a patient, I had lost initiative. I had lost drive. I was tired a lot, took a lot of naps, um, in the pajamas a lot.

Um, pajama town.

Pajama town is— yes. And, um, so that's where I was. And yeah, it wasn't a good place.

It's not, not a good fun place to be, like, by necessity. If you want to choose to be in your pajamas on a weekend, that's great. But like, if you feel like you have to be, it's not the most fun.

So I think our cohort started in the fall, so this group is about halfway through the program, and I'm curious if you could reflect on some of the things that you have felt have changed over this time.

Definitely my energy level and definitely drive to do things. A little-known fact I haven't even told you yet, Nikki, but on my birthday, which was in March, I wanted to— I had ran half marathons in the past, and I had no energy or desire to do that prior. So on my birthday, it was really important, and it was a walk-run. It wasn't a run-run, but I was able to actually get up to do that. And so that was a huge feat for a very special birthday for me. So, um, I was slow, but it didn't matter. I crossed the finish line, and it was a beautiful thing. It was a goal and dream, and I—

that was very valuable to me.

I would love to hear that.

That's the best birthday. It was. It was my present to myself.

Right. I bet you're so proud of yourself and like, it's so hard to imagine when you are like, can hardly get out of bed to put clothes on every day that that kind of thing is possible in the future, much less, you know, 6, 5, 6 months in. So proud of you. It's incredible. Oh, thank you.

It has truly been a pleasure working with you and You're such a light and I get so excited every time I know that I'm about to see you. I would love to hear so far what has been the most meaningful or impactful part of the program so far.

Definitely the clinicians. And by that, Nikki, I mean you, McCall, even Brandy, 'cause I'll watch some of your things on Instagram as well. Because you're always accessible for sure. And you're always, you always have my best interest. And on my health journey. And I feel like there— it's not rushed. I feel like you've taken your time and your goal is the same as my goal, so I can feel better and thrive. So that's been the most important part for me.

Yeah, I, I'm truly honored that you trust and have chosen me to be a part of that journey. And this will always be your safe space.

Thank you.

And I'm just so happy to hear your goals coming true.

And yeah, thank you.

Big things to come.

I appreciate everything that you guys have done.

No, it's a half marathon. It's like any gauge of trajectory. Like, thanks.

You're doing great.

We're working up to a half.

I did it.

You did the whole, the whole half.

Wow.

Yeah.

Right?

Your knees are good, mate?

Yeah, I'm good.

I did it.

Yeah, I love it.

So we just are wrapping up our first VIP retreat here, and it was, in my opinion, incredible and spectacular and so memorable. I would love to hear some of your highlights or takeaways or favorite parts.

Well, for me, it was life-changing. Um, I now know I'm not alone, I'm not isolated, that there are other people, women probably been as well that have, um, health journeys to go on. And I don't feel like I'm alone on my health journey. So that was huge. And just the, um, bonds that I made here and also the tips and tricks, that was great as well. Um, so those things were very impactful and it will change— gives me inspiration for when I go home as well. So thank y'all very much.

I love that. Thank you for sharing all of that. Is there anything else at all that you want to add?

I don't think so. I just, I, again, I want to thank you for continuing to get me on my journey and get where I want to go, and I'm getting there. And thank you so much, seriously.

It is our pleasure, and big things to come.

Yeah, big things to come. You have to keep us posted. On like your next adventures because you held that card really tight. So I can't wait to get updates.

Si.

Well, Ms. Vinny, thank you so much for coming. I know that it's not easy. It's never easy to leave behind home and your kids and your life and go into a completely new vulnerable environment where you have absolutely no idea what to expect, to take the leap and join our program. I would love to know a little bit about what made you ultimately decide to join Modern Thyroid Clinic's VIP program and a little bit about what life looked like for you before you did. Okay. Uh, well, thanks for having me.

Um, so I decided to take the leap to join the VIP program because I felt like even though I had been a patient of Modern Thyroid Clinic since March of '24, I felt like I needed more accountability and a one-on-one approach with someone that could really dig in deep to my issues and get to more of a root cause and figure out what else was going on behind the scenes to help fix my thyroid.

So we started working together in the fall and say we're about halfway through the VIP program for this cohort. And I'm curious if you could reflect on some of the things that you have felt have changed. Over that time period?

So the biggest change for me has been a huge increase in energy from where I started, even though I felt like my medication was pretty well dialed in before I joined the program.

We really—

Nikki helped me really fine-tune things and get my afternoon meds just situated perfectly. And I feel like that has changed my life because I don't feel like I'm just dragging through the day. So that's probably been the best part.

Nice when you get those just—

Yeah.

Yeah.

And so it's definitely a leap of faith to trust us to, you know, handle your care and really dive deep. And so I'd love to know what's been the most impactful or meaningful part of the program so far.

I think the most impactful part is knowing that I have an amazing support system that I can just reach out at any time and know that there's no judgment of what's going on and that you guys are there to just really support and help me figure things out. That's probably been the most impactful.

Yeah.

This will always be your safe space.

Yeah.

Where whatever you need, even on those days where we don't need to talk about medicine, but you're like, I just need to talk about this. Like, this is your place.

Yeah.

And so I'm so grateful that you allow us to be a part of that.

I'm curious too, I know we just finished our closing ceremony and it was really sacred and special. I would love for you to share with us a little bit about what are your biggest takeaways, what you've enjoyed the most as part of specifically the retreat in the last few days.

So specifically the retreat, I, I didn't have an expectation, and so I just came openly. Just, I thought it was just gonna be a fun time with the girls, and what I wasn't expecting to get out of it was a deeper understanding of myself. And I've loved that I was able to be taught by such great women of how to, you know, deep breathe and do meditation and things that are going to help connect my mind with my body to help support my thyroid. So I think that's, that's been amazing.

I love that. I so want you guys to leave with tools, you know, that I know we all do, that you can go back to in times where you need them. That's, that's the goal, is to build the tools in the toolbox. Is there anything else you want to share with us at all about anything?

I just think I'm, I'm so grateful that you guys have created this program because I feel like It feels like a community and like you said, a safe space, and there's just endless support now. And I feel like it's given me hope that I can live with this and continue life and thrive and just be happy.

I think being able to feel physically better and then to be able to make that connection with your mind, body, and soul all at once is that deep dive that we talked about in the beginning, and it's very powerful.

Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Thank you for sharing all of that.