Speaker 1:

Welcome to AACE Podcasts. Thanks for tuning in as we elevate clinical endocrinology by taking deep dives into trends and topics that can help us improve our patient care and global health. Find the latest episodes on aace.com/podcasts. And now let's meet the endocrine experts who will be talking with us today.

Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld:

Hi, and welcome to another episode of the AACE podcast. I'm Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld, a practicing endocrinologist in Parsippany, New Jersey. I also serve as an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York and as the Endocrinology Subspecialty Education Coordinator for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Saint Mary's General Hospital in St. Clair's Health, New Jersey. I've had the privilege of working with many patients over the years, helping them navigate their thyroid conditions and achieve their wellness goals. Today's episode is truly special because I have the pleasure of being joined by one of my patients, who will share her personal experience with thyroid disease. She'll also discuss how AACE's Journey for Patients with Thyroid Disease has been a valuable resource in her journey. Welcome, Andree, and I’ll have you introduce yourself.

Andree:

Hi I'm Andree Campbell and as Dr. Rosenfeld said, I'm one of her patients, long time patient

Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld:

It’s so wonderful to have you here with me, Andree. Before we dive in, I’d like to extend our gratitude to our sponsors, AbbVie and Amgen Rare Disease, for supporting this important and engaging discussion. For those who may not be familiar, the AACE Journey for Patients with Thyroid Disease is a patient-centered resource that translates the complexities of thyroid diseases into easy-to-understand information. It serves as a roadmap to help patients navigate their conditions, treatment plans, and wellness goals with confidence. So, Andree, to start, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey with thyroid disease?

Andree:

I underwent surgery shortly before my four-month endocrinology checkup for diabetes, and during that checkup, blood tests revealed irregular thyroid levels. Believing the surgery might have caused the imbalance, my doctor decided to wait six weeks before retesting. However, the follow-up blood test showed no changes. My doctor then ordered a radioactive iodine uptake test, which confirmed that I had hyperthyroidism. I was prescribed methimazole to manage the symptoms. Later, thyroid nodules were discovered during an examination, but fortunately, everything turned out well.

Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld:

I do recall that it took a while to get everything straightened out and make sure that that you're doing well and I'm very glad to hear that everything is going well. So how did you first come across the AACE Journey for Patients with Thyroid Disease website?

Andree:

You had suggested it to me and I went in and I looked at it and it was very informative.

Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld:

Yes, I often tell my patients that since we don’t always have a lot of time during office visits, questions may come up later when they get home—questions they might not have thought of during the appointment. That’s why I believe there’s a lot of value in patient education. One particularly helpful feature of the website is the section that provides questions you can ask your doctor. It helps patients think of things they might not have considered during their visit, allowing them to read more at home and follow up with me later. I think the website offers a variety of resources that are incredibly helpful for my patients. Did you find that the website helped you better understand your thyroid condition and the available treatment options?

Andree:

Yes, I felt that it significantly increased my awareness. I was previously unaware of the symptoms and risks associated with thyroid issues, and this knowledge can lead to earlier diagnosis. It also highlighted the nodules I had, which I hadn’t known about. The information on nodules helped me recognize additional signs of thyroid dysfunction that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld:

Yes, there are many thyroid symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other issues, making it tempting to dismiss them as unrelated concerns. That’s why we’ve outlined some helpful steps for patients. How did you feel those steps helped you when you came into the office for your next visit?

Andree:

I think it empowered me by outlining the diagnostic steps and treatment options, which helped me feel better equipped to seek timely medical care. Understanding the potential complications emphasized the importance of addressing thyroid issues promptly. The clear, step-by-step approach offered by the resource guided me in managing my concerns effectively and supported informed discussions with my doctor. That was really very helpful.

Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld:

Were there any specific sections or resources that you found most helpful or particularly helpful so did you use any of the downloadable infographics or the educational video and how useful were those?

Andree:

The website and videos were incredibly useful, serving as excellent resources for gaining a deeper understanding of thyroid-related issues, including hyperthyroidism and thyroid nodules. Sharing this information enhanced my knowledge and equipped me with essential facts about the symptoms, risks, and treatment options. It encouraged timely medical consultations and regular monitoring of my thyroid health, helping me take control of my health by understanding my medical condition and the available treatments. I would definitely consider recommending this resource to friends and family who could benefit from its insights.

Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld:

You would hope that people have access to this resource even before a diagnosis is made, so they can recognize potential symptoms of thyroid disease, look up relevant information, and present important questions to their doctors. I think it’s crucial for individuals to take control of their health by understanding their symptoms and addressing the potential adverse effects of thyroid disease. Finally, do you have any advice or recommendations for others who might be going through a similar situation?

Andree:

I would say that undiagnosed hyperthyroidism can significantly impact your quality of life and lead to severe health complications. Awareness and timely diagnosis are key to managing this condition effectively, and seeking medical attention is a vital step toward improved health.

Dr. Cheryl Rosenfeld:

I’m certainly glad that you sought medical attention and came to me for care. Andree, thank you again for joining me today and sharing your story. Your insights are not only inspiring but will undoubtedly resonate with so many others navigating their thyroid journeys. To learn more about the AACE Journey for Patients with Thyroid Disease, visit AACE.com/ThyroidJourney. Thank you.

Andree:

Thank you.

Speaker 1:

Thanks for listening to another great AACE podcast. Join us for another episode at aace.com/podcasts and help us in our mission to elevate clinical endocrinology. Together we are AACE.