Life with chronic illness and pain isn’t easy—but it doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Whether it’s navigating thyroid disease, recovering from spinal fusion, or facing the daily challenges of chronic knee pain, I’ve learned that progress is always possible. My journey is about resilience, education, and empowerment—and I share it so you know you’re not alone.

The Thyroid Warrior Within

I am a Thyroid Warrior.

I fight battles no one sees and carry strength that can’t be measured.
This journey isn’t easy—but I rise with every symptom, setback, and step forward.
Healing is my mission. Progress is my weapon.
I nourish my body, protect my peace, and honor my energy.
I may have a thyroid condition, but it doesn’t have me.
I’m not defined by fatigue, brain fog, or blood work—
I am defined by resilience, purpose, and the fire to keep going.
This is not just survival—it’s a mission.

I am a warrior. And I never walk alone.

My Thyroid Warrior Journey

In 2005, while proudly serving in the U.S. Army, I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease. The doctor who first told me brushed it off—"Don’t worry about it," she said. So, I didn’t.

Even when I collapsed during a two-mile run on my Army Physical Fitness Test...
Even with heart palpitations, hand tremors, and constant fatigue...
I still didn’t understand how serious this disease really was.

It wasn’t until a civilian doctor in Arizona refused to sign off on my orders to Germany that I began to pause. But it was 2007—during in-processing at my new duty station in Kentucky—when a different doctor finally looked me in the eyes and said, “You need to be on beta blockers.” That’s when reality hit.

A few months later, I underwent radioactive iodine treatment, which completely destroyed my thyroid. I was now chemically induced into hypothyroidism—and a whole new chapter began.

There were ups and downs. Confusion. Anger. Frustration. Accepting that I’d have to take a pill every single day for the rest of my life was unsettling. But I accepted it. And that’s when the real work began.

I battled fluctuating weight. Hair loss. Cold intolerance. Mental fog. But eventually, I made a choice—to take control of what I could. I stopped surviving and started fighting back.

The only thing I regret is not taking it seriously from the beginning.

I wish I had asked more questions.

But I’m not stuck in the past—I’m focused now. I’m showing up every day with intention, strength, and purpose.

I still have symptoms. But I also have clarity, direction, and a mission.

This isn’t just a diagnosis—it’s a journey of power and healing.

I am a Thyroid Warrior.

Types of Thyroid Diseases

Thyroid issues are more common than many people think. Here are the most common types:

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I Choose Movement Over Fear.

With the right modifications, strength training, and recovery routines, I stay active—on my terms. Some days that means walking. Other days, it means stretching, foam rolling, or simply giving my body grace.

I also live with hypothyroidism, which you can read more about here ➝.

It’s a lot, but I’m not looking for pity. I’m here to show what’s possible.

You’re Not Stuck. You’re Still Moving—Even If It Looks Different Now.

You can live with pain and still make progress.
You can adjust without giving up.
You can slow down—and still rise strong.

We are not broken. We’re building.

One movement, one moment, one choice at a time.