We have talked about using supplements before, using them for both increasing fertility and overcoming different health issues. I also think that our food just isn’t what it used to be, and taking supplements can help fill that nutritional void. So why then have I not taken any supplements in the last few months?
To make a somewhat long story short, I wanted to see how my body was being supported by food alone.
You see, I’ve actually been trying to get in to see my doctor for the last few months, just for my yearly physical (that I’m two years late for), and I also wanted to get a few different tests run. So I also wanted to see how my body was performing without supplements helping it along.
Now, I had planned on taking a hiatus from supplements for about a month or so. As it turns out, getting an appointment has proven to be difficult. Once I made the call in July, it took almost 8 weeks before they could get me in. Then I had to cancel, with the next time they could fit me in being 6 weeks away. Since I didn’t like my OB anyways I decided to go back to my MD so I could just get it over with already……and they couldn’t fit me in for 6 weeks. *sigh*
So I made the appointment and waited. Shaved my legs the night before (hey…it’s winter!) and woke the next morning to a voicemail saying the doctor was sick and I had to reschedule. Not wanting to wait until the end of January for testing I called up one our holistic DOs in town and made an appointment. (She doesn’t take insurance so I had been trying to get an appointment with a covered practitioner!)
Eight vials of blood, a nasty bruise, and sore arm later, I finally got the tests I’d been wanting done. And I’ve begun taking a few of my supplements again.
Because if the last few months have shown me anything, it’s that I do feel better taking some of them! I have fewer headaches and less dry skin when I take them regularly.
I’m glad I took a break from them though. It was helpful in training myself to look to food to cover all of my bases and not rely on supplements. I was also able to see which ones were helping me feel less fatigued and so I’m interested to get my results back and see how that all matches up. And then hopefully we can get my body to a place where I don’t need supplements to keep myself feeling normal.
Have you ever taken a longer break from supplementation?
Can I also mention a moment how …..annoying it can be to not have a doctor’s office work with you? I try to keep a healthy respect for the medical community, for it is because of them that many people are alive today. And if I break my leg or need stitches and surgery, I’ll be limping my way to their office post-haste. But trying to get an appointment for preventive measures (a yearly exam) that fits in my schedule has just been quite difficult!
It’s been five months since the first call and I still have not been in.
And then my doctor’s office called me yesterday wanting me in by the end of the year, said it was really important that I been seen right away and that my insurance company was requesting it. (This after not working me in earlier when the doctor had to cancel on me) All of a sudden they had an appointment for me next week, and I declined. The girl was adamant that I come in by next week and so I just couldn’t leave it alone. I asked why it was anybody’s business but my own when I get my yearly exam. (Yea, I’m kind of a brat sometimes – I’m pretty sure they have that in my file.) And after much talking in circles about how it was the insurance company requesting it, I just let it go. And called someone I knew who worked in a doctor’s office to verify what I was thinking.
That the practice most likely gets bonuses (maybe not monetary benefits, but accolades they need to look good) from the insurance company depending on the percentage of patients they see for things like yearly visits. (and vaccinations by the way…) So it feels fabulous to know, that in my case, a doctor will work with you more when it’s beneficial to them.
I digress.
So if you have overcome issues with thyroid health, I’d love to hear your story as well as good resources for learning more about overall thyroid health, diagnosis, and treatment. Leave a comment and let us know how you worked through it – or even what hasn’t worked for you. If you’re currently struggling with a thyroid disease but are also looking for answers, let me know if you have any questions that I can somehow get answered for you!
(You can totally use a fake or anonymous name, but please use your real email address! It won’t be listed anywhere, but I’ll be able to email you for further info if needed.)
Thank you all for your incredible support this last year! From my family to yours, have a wonderful and blessed Christmas season. May it be restful and full of peace.
Donielle Baker
Do you have a post describing your daily supplement regimen? I am interested in it. Thanks!
I’ve really enjoyed your blog! I’ve been trying to research the difference b/t synthroid and Armour. My endo was reluctant to use Armour b/c she said there is frequently a shortage and backlog. I have classic hypothyroidism (discovered after my 1st and only pregnancy/birth) and so far, 2 years later, it has never reversed itself.
Now I know why I can’t get any doctors to work with me. I’m self-pay. It used to be that they liked that because they didn’t have to deal with insurance agencies. Not so much anymore.
So interesting about the supplements. I haven’t been taking any for awhile because I want to get an idea what my body is doing by itself when I go for my hormone tests.
Love your website! Looking forward to more info about thyroid. I have lots of the symptoms (I think all…) but have no idea if I will have insurance in the new year – or income… and need to address inexpensively and naturally. My husband also has hypothyroid with Addison’s disease on top of that. Thanks again!
Hello! I am new to your site, and really look forward to learning more as I read along. Thank you for this resource!
I have Hashimoto’s and have been quite unweel for the past 6 years. I’d love to know how to lower cortisol levels. I’ve not worked for 1 1/2 years anmd reduced stress as much as I can and although my levels are much better they are still well above normal. I’m on lots of supplements and working on improving my diet but keen to know more about adrenal exhaustion/cortisol issues!
Which supplements do you take? Thanks!
Donielle,
I just got around to reading your blog about taking a break from your vitamins, I’m sorry I didn’t read it earlier, I would have sent you some of our whole food Juice Plus capsules to try and see if you felt different on them. It could have saved you a lot of money and swallowing, depending on how much you take.
Let me know if you ever do it again.
Denise Romney 502-648-8267
Can you stop all supplements at once cold turkey ?
@Jo, It really depends on the supplement and what you’re taking it for. If it’s something that you notice a huge benefit from and it supporting a specific health issue you’d have to be a lot more careful with than a simple multi-vitamin.