84: You Can Look Fine and Still Be Struggling – Real Stories of Thyroid Healing, Hope, and Finding the Right Support

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. Tell me a little bit about what made you join Modern Thyroid Clinic's VIP cohort.

You're our first one.

We're so excited. And what life looked like before you did. Oh, we're all gonna cry, so feel free. I might, I might.

Um, Life before the program was rough. I, for 20 years, had been trying to find out what was wrong and had so many people tell me nothing. I had thyroid cancer 20 years ago and a complete thyroidectomy and just know now that I was mismanaged that entire time and started to believe that maybe I'd never feel well again. So I joined the VIP program to really dive into how to feel well again and was just so hopeful after everything I'd learned about Modern Thyroid Clinic that that was my future.

I love that. And I always say no one needs us more than people post thyroidectomy. Like it really is, it's tough out there because you don't have any of your own thyroid function. Right? Like you're completely dependent on whatever medication you get. And so 91% of the time it's all, you know, an inactive hormone. So it really is life-changing for you all. And I think the biggest misconception is this is what life looks like for you guys. This is just normal now. This is how life is, is going to be. So thank you for being here to spread a little bit about your journey.

Jen, I think we have, have come to the point where we're about halfway through. VIP program, and so I'm really curious what changes or shifts that you have felt along the way.

This is the part where I may cry. I think the changes and shifts that I have felt since being in the program literally have been life-changing for me. I was at the point where I was having to nap every single day, and I have an 8-year-old son and he does not nap anymore. Wants to play with his mom. And I was giving so much of myself during the day to my clients at work and had nothing left over for my family. And I think literally after our first appointment and getting the meds that I needed, I felt better. I mean, a week later, within that amount of time. And I couldn't believe it because for 20 years I had been in a rut and just felt like I was getting worse and worse. So I just feel so much better.

You deserve nothing less. Thank you. And I think it, when we give you the tools and you're able to take those and run with them, it just doesn't take long before you do feel better. So I'm glad to know that.

And I would love to know, Jen, what has been the most impactful or meaningful part of your journey with the VIP program so far?

Goodness.

The most impactful or the most meaningful. I Honestly have a list of probably 50 different things. Um, truly the way that you guys care for your patients is unparalleled. I have never in my life come across that, um, except with close friends, to be honest with you. Uh, and I think probably so many people can relate to that, going to multiple clinicians and just feeling like a number. Feeling like they're looking at their watch until their next patient comes in. And you guys have been just, I can see the passion and care that you have for what you're providing. And that I think has been the most meaningful. If I had to pick one thing, it would just be the passion and care that you guys have for us and that you truly know we can get better with the tools that you guys have and want us to get better. It's been amazing. We are so honored that you trust us to care for you and that you have joined us on this journey, and we're just so grateful.

So we're wrapping up our first VIP retreat with you all, and as the hosts, it— this has been sacred for us. Truly, it really has. I think all of us are leaving here with our cups equally as filled as you all, but I would love to know some of the highlights, some of what you've gotten out of this, some of your favorite aspects of it.

Tell us. My goodness, this VIP retreat has been absolutely incredible. I really was telling you guys earlier, I came just thinking it would be so fun to meet you guys in person after all of our, you know, Zoom, um, appointments and times we've met there. I didn't expect it to be so transformative. Meeting all of the other ladies in our cohort and realizing how many people feel the same and have gone through a very similar journey is so incredible because it can be so isolating, really is the only word I can think of when no one really understands and you don't look outwardly ill, but you feel awful. And when that happens over and over and over again, day over day, it really pays a toll. And to have women here that are going through similar journeys, um, and for us to all be able to be vulnerable was amazing. Everybody opened up and talked about their journey, what's been hard. You know, ladies that say, I never get emotional, or I've been crying. I mean, it just, and we've all been there for each other. It's been amazing. Um, I think a few of the other parts that I've just loved so much is getting to spend time with you guys and You know, meeting Brandi in, in person after seeing her on Zoom so much. As my clinician, that has been just absolutely incredible. The setup, I can't even explain. It's been wonderful. We felt pampered and well taken care of, and I think it's been something that was really emotional for all of us. And I think we're leaving with a lot more, even more tools than just our thyroid medication and help with our hormones and all the things that you guys do so well in our appointments. But this has just taken it to the next level emotionally, and I feel like spiritually and all of that as well.

There is something really so impactful about women coming together, being vulnerable, sharing our journeys. The collective of us together is just really, really powerful. We are so grateful. That you came, truly. And I told you earlier, this would not have been the same experience without you here. So thank you for making the time and the energy and the effort because you've made a lasting impact on us too.

Yeah, appreciate that so much, you guys.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

So, Ms. Allison, we are so grateful that you made it here and that you're a part of this. And you're so good at rappel. And I wanted to just ask, so what made you decide to join Modern Thyroid Clinic's VIP program? And tell me a little bit about what life looked like before you did.

Well, I feel like my story isn't unique. Before Modern Thyroid Clinic, I was tired of being tired. I was working what I consider a demanding job, and I was showing up every single day at home for my family. And on the outside, it seemed like I was doing great. Like, you're getting promoted and you're doing all these great things and like, you're dependable. And on the inside, I was like, I'm not well, I don't feel good. And so I heard you on a podcast being interviewed by another nurse practitioner. And how you were describing your approach just resonated with me. So I started following you on Instagram, and night after night I would just scroll and listen to like whatever you were posting that day. And I thought, I'm sick of just like watching this, I'm gonna do something. And so that's why I signed up. I was like, I'm gonna do this now. No one's gonna come to me and say, here it is, Allison, do this. You're just gonna have to do it yourself. And, and that I mean, that's basically what you did without knowing it, right? You were like, you know, we have this program, this is an option if you're interested, do it.

And so here I am. So glad you are.

So we started working together in the fall, so we're about halfway through the program now, and I'd love to know what things you have felt have changed over the last 6 months.

I feel like clarity. I feel better. But more than that, I think it's— I feel empowered and educated. Like, I feel like when I meet with you, I don't just hear like, okay, what is your symptom? Here's a pill or a prescription to fix it. It's like, here's why this isn't working, and here's why you should try this. And like, let's try to figure out— this is how this is going to work in your body, or how I expect it to work. And if it doesn't, here's another route that we can And so I feel like that's the biggest change is maybe the education piece, which is probably not a normal answer for that. I do feel better, but more than that, I feel more clear and like I understand what's going on and like what is the path forward.

I think that's an amazing answer actually, just because frequently we're very successful in what we know.

And you don't know medicine.

That's not what your specialty was. And so being able to be given the tools to feel better is very powerful.

I'm kidding. Yeah. Yeah.

And it's a leap of faith to trust somebody to really, you know, dive in and teach you all of these things. I'd love to hear what has been the most impactful or meaningful part of the program so far outside of the education piece?

Yeah, I think it's the— it's the time.

It's when you go to an appointment, it's not what you would expect. It's like, how are you doing? What are you feeling like today? You know, like it's what is the labs? What are the labs showing us? But also like, what are you feeling? And you don't really get that other places. And I think that's something that I hope that we can emphasize to people who might be listening, right? Like, there are people who care about you, not just as like another number, but like genuinely who you are and what your goals are and like, how can we support you to get there? And I don't think I answered your question exactly.

That was fabulous.

But that's my experience.

Yeah.

And we keep in mind when we're working with you as a patient too, that You know, we have these ranges, right, for like optimal ranges. But as a person, we can get you in those optimal ranges. But how do you feel?

You know, is there more that we need to dive into?

And so, yeah, that's exactly—

it's a big piece.

It's both of those things together. Yeah.

We just finished our closing ceremony. It was so special. I would love for you to share a little bit about what part of this retreat has been special to you? What are you taking away? What has been the most meaningful?

The connections. It's super cool that we have women from all different generations. Like, I'm 40 and there are women here who are in their 60s and who are very different life experiences. But we all showed up willing to open up and to learn from each other and to learn from you all. And that's been a really neat experience. I just finished writing the letter to myself, my future self, which I think is a really wonderful exercise. And I'm excited to open that in 6 months and see if I am where I hope I am in 6 months from now. So yeah, it's been a really wonderful experience.

Well, thank you for being a part of it. We are so happy you're here.

I'm thrilled to be here.

Yeah, we really are. You were meant to be here.

Yes, 100%.

I would love to know what led you to decide to join Modern Thyroid Clinic's VIP program and kind of what life looks like leading up to that.

So that's a great question. I just turned 60 this past February, and my 59th year was very hard, very challenging. And I think it was the pinnacle of an accumulation of undertreated health for probably almost 20 years. And what I was looking for was the next season of my life to be a period of time where I felt good, that I had energy, that I could play with my grandchildren, that I could keep up with my husband who's super active, that I didn't feel like Every afternoon I just had to crash into my bed for 3 or 4 hours just to make it to dinner so then I could go to bed again. And for those 20 years, I've seen many doctors, functional medicine doctors, holistic doctors, endocrinologists, you know, GPs, you name it. And when you go to these doctors, very traditional medicine, when you're going in, they're never really hearing you. You know, it's all about the blood work, the testing, but they're not hearing me and what I'm trying to express to them. And after a while, you just kind of give up and say, this is just the way I was designed to be. But you don't— you know, in your heart of hearts, that's not true. And so when I stumbled upon McCall McPherson McPherson, and started listening to you, listening to your podcast, listening to your reels. I'm like, here's this confident woman who has information that is just soaking into my being. It is feeding my soul in a way that I've never been fed before because I'm like, this is a woman who knows what she's doing. She has the answers. You know, so I, you know, I'm a knowledge hound. So I watched for a long time and listened for a long time. And then as I was looking at my upcoming 60th birthday, I was like, there's no time like the present. What am I waiting for? And so I made that discovery call and I met this beautiful, charismatic, compassionate woman. You know, spent 30, 40 minutes with her asking her lots of hard questions because I didn't wanna continue to recycle the same experiences that I had had over and over again that really didn't get me to the place where I wanted to be. And so after talking to Nikki, and then I talked to Carl for a little bit, I was fully convinced. I said, "This has gotta be the path for me." And so I was planning on doing the, just the traditional route through Modern Thyroid, but you were launching this Founders VIP Modern Thyroid Program. And I was like, "This sounds really fascinating. This is what I need. I need kind of a head to toe looking at all the systems." not just one. Because again, you know, I'm 60 years old. I got a lot of years ahead of me and I want them to be the best years of my life. So I said to myself, this is worth it 100% for me to commit to it financially, time-wise, to agree to things you're asking me to do, because it's not necessarily an easy process and it's not a fast process. There's a big commitment on your part. But when you're working with people like Nikki McCall McPherson and Brandy, you make it easy because we're partners in this. I'm no longer leading my own healthcare, bringing to the table, I want you to do this. I have a provider coming to me and says, this is what we would like to do. What do you think about this? What are your concerns? And then making a plan going forward. So it was a pretty easy decision ultimately, and I'm I'm so thankful that I made that decision.

And, you know, it's a reminder for me because I look at you and I think most people would look at you and say, gosh, this woman is the epitome of health. Like, you would think she has it together, like she is thriving, right? And it's just a real reminder that people can be deeply, deeply struggling and you would never know. At first glance, second glance, when you're just casually interacting with them in the world.

That you are spot on, McCall. I mean, I think having gone to the doctors and they say your lab work is perfect, keep exercising, lifting weights and eating your fiber and your protein. You're all doing great. And then my question is always, but why do I feel so bad? Why do I feel like I'm dragging myself through my day every day? And I'm not the only one noticing it. It's my husband. You're not yourself. You're not keeping up. You're not enjoying and thriving in life the way you're designed to be. Something's missing. And that's what we're working on. Right.

And it's funny, like with women, you can look like the epitome of health and they don't believe you that you're sick, or you can look sick and they think it's your fault. You know, it's like, it's like this weird lose-lose situation where we just need to believe the women that they really are struggling. But yeah, that, that came to mind. I wanted to share it.

Yes.

I think one of the things I always think of there is I like the hard questions. Ask me the hard questions so that you can feel confident in the partnership that we can create. And then I'm sure that's what you did with Nikki. So I know that we started working with our founding VIP group in the fall, so we're about halfway through the program. Yes!

I can't believe it already.

Isn't that wild? It is wild. So I'm curious if you could reflect on some things that you have felt have changed since starting the program.

Quite a bit has changed. You know, it is a journey and it's a long journey. Lots of steps involved. But I think even just with the first meeting with Nikki, she uncovered things that no one else had uncovered. She looked at my labs and my health and my situation and was able to pinpoint some simple things to change to help me pivot in I remember texting you 4 months ago at this point, and I was like, you know, I'm trying to get my house ready to go on the market. And normally that would be devastating, like the energy that that would take to, you know, clean and organize and get rid of stuff. And I texted Nikki and I said, I have had so much energy to focus on what is ahead of me every day, and I'm not crashing and burning at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. And to me, that was like a revelation. Because I had never had that experience in my life raising all 3 of my kids. I remember every day it being a struggle and every day saying, is this the way motherhood's supposed to be? Is this the way marriage is supposed to be? That I have to dredge up all this energy to just make it, to meet the bare minimum and not really enjoy it ultimately. So that has been life-changing in so many ways. And we're working on other things. And I know some of those things are gonna take time and some of them are little tweaks and some of them are big tweaks. But I have full confidence in Nikki and this program that it's going to get me where I need to be because I already feel, you know, if I started out at a 2, I'm at a 7 already and we're only 6 months in. So I'm, I'm thrilled.

Really, really thrilled. Put a pin in it because that is exactly what we are trying to do. Like make women not have to drudge through and survive their day, but actually be able to have joy. In it, especially in those special moments that I think so many women miss out on because they're in survival mode of motherhood and raising kids and building the life and doing all the things. And it just— it's heartbreaking that they're surviving and they don't get to live the joy of that experience so much of the time.

Yes. Yes. And you all are making that happen. Having seen all these women that we met this past week, It makes you very sad that there's so many women in that position, but you're changing their trajectory. You're giving them hope that they can have that joy each and every day, that they have the energy to face the things that they are meant to live out in their families, in their work, whatever that God has put in their life. And to me, that is the most priceless gift that you can give. To these women. And I know you walked the journey yourself, that it's come from your own experience. That's your testimony. And that testimony is changing lives across the United States. Every state, right?

48.

48 states. Pretty darn close. 48 of 50. We'll take it.

Yeah. Thank you.

And it's truly been an honor of mine to support you. And I think about every text and Every trip you take with the grandbabies going to Mexico. And I'm like, "Gosh, I just want you to feel so good on those trips so you can enjoy those little babies in your family and just this next phase of your life." And I'd love to hear just some of the meaningful, like what's been the most impactful, meaningful so far throughout the program. I know we've kind of touched on it a little bit.

Yeah, I think it's that partnership And I think that this is not just medical care. This is compassionate care that you're providing these women, that it goes beyond just, you know, here's some medicine, here's a test. It's how you doing today? What's going on? What's on your mind? You know, it's the emotional, it's the spiritual, it's the physical. It's all the pieces. And you don't get that in traditional medicine anymore. That piece has been lost years and years ago. And so even though the journey is hard, it's a joy to be able to do it with you because of what you bring to the table for me. I don't dread it. I look forward to it.

Me too.

Even if we don't have perfect answers, I know that you're in it with me and that you're not going to just brush me aside or gaslight me or tell me it's all in my head or exercise more, eat better, or whatever.

And you're more than a lab value. Exactly. And we don't all fit inside a pretty box. And that partnership, you know your body and just guiding you and helping to educate. And so we're— I'm grateful to be a part of it.

It's that individualized care that I don't think exists in traditional medicine anymore, especially for people like me, for women who have come to you that just need to be heard and need to have a program designed just for them and not fit in that cookie-cutter box of a diagnosis. And that's what you provide. I mean, that's fantastic. We love that.

Thanks for sharing that. So we are wrapping up our Founders VIP Retreats, and it's been incredibly special. And I would love for you to tell us a little bit what you've got out of it, some highlights, a special moment, a takeaway, whatever it is you want to share?

There's so much. I mean, you know, we had a little share time tonight before with the closing ceremony. And I think we all kind of shared a little trepidation about what to kind of expect, even though you all laid out what it was going to be, you know, hour by hour. It was very well organized. But when you're with a group of virtual strangers, you don't know what the interaction is going to be. And I have found these women and yourselves to be some of the most authentic, real, vulnerable people I have met in a long time. I mean, here are these women who are walking very hard journeys, and their hearts were just open. They're open to each other to share the hard stuff and to celebrate the victories too along the way. So that has been very impactful for me. And I think also, like I mentioned about your program being not just dealing with the medical and the physical. This fed my emotional state, my spiritual state, my mental state, because we went to so many different levels in activities that you provided. And to me, I think that encompasses what Modern Thyroid is, the whole program. And so I left here— I came here with a little bit of trepidation. I leave here overflowing, truly. I feel refreshed. I feel invigorated. I feel just thankful for the friendships that I've been able to form here and getting to know you three. Obviously, I know you. Yeah. But getting to meet McCall McPherson McCall McPherson and Brandy and Joy. No, it's just— it's been transformative. And I think I really hope that this is something you continue in the future, because I think it just adds such a beautiful dimension to the program, bringing these women together and to share their stories and share some time together and just leave feeling enriched and emotionally connected and just better off for it.

Yeah, I think we feel the same way. We really do. Like, thank you.

Seriously said.

So beautifully said. Is there anything else you would like to add?

I think we've covered a lot, haven't we? We've covered so much.

We've covered so much.

I just want to say thank you. I just want to thank you for being you and being bold and courageous to put yourself out there, because I know social media is not a pleasant place and you just do it with such courage and confidence because you know where you came from. And you have the tools now to share with other people to make their lives better, just like your life was made better. And that, I mean, that's just, that is such a gift to be able to give people. So I encourage you, keep doing it because like me, one of many, many, there's thousands of women out there that are going to benefit from what you're offering. I had a girlfriend today. She's a friend of mine I've known for about 20 years, and she has been struggling with her thyroid probably for 20 years. And I've been like, "Hot on thyroid, had to call Monica, discovery call, it's free, right? Make that call." Right. And she texted me while we were in the closing ceremony. She's like, "I just scheduled my discovery call." I was like, "You go, girl. Best decision of your life, right? It'll be life-changing." So thank you.

Thank you for that. Thank you for sharing all of this. Thank you for being so vulnerable and willing to come here with a bunch of strangers and a house, you know, and, and break yourself wide open to build such a beautiful little community.

Well, it's been my pleasure because I have fully benefited from it as well. So thank you. Yes. Thank you, ladies.

I made it the whole time without crying.