Why I'm raising funds for the British Thyroid Foundation

Back when I first got diagnosed with Cowden Syndrome at the age of 16 I became aware that I would have possible problems with my thyroid.

In late 2018 I noticed that it became difficult for me to swallow and it felt quite restricted on my breath.

Over time this became increasingly difficult and it began to affect me not just physically but also emotionally on a daily basis. I visited my doctor who advised me to have a biopsy done to ensure that it was not cancerous - thankfully it wasn’t. But they advised it was best to go and have my thyroid removed.

In November 2019, I went for surgery to have my thyroid removed. Upon waking up they told me that the goitre they had removed had been attached to my voice box and they had only removed half of my thyroid.

I was so nervous and upset to think that it would still be uncomfortable for me until I was to get the other half removed. Unfortunately, COVID hit and this delayed my surgery for having the final part of my thyroid removed.

Anxious and upset I was eager to get the last of it removed. In November 2021 I was free from the pain and felt that I could be normal. Since having it removed I am now on medication for the rest of my life which is challenging at times as I’m often quite fatigued and can fluctuate physically as well as mentally. However with the support of the nurses and my amazing
 surgeon, I felt at ease knowing every outcome and what support I could get throughout the process.
It is important to me to make people aware of the possible symptoms of what your thyroid can do by checking your neck regularly. It's also important to get anything that seems out of the ordinary, like tiredness, checked. The British Thyroid Foundation does an amazing job at this and it means a lot to me the work they carry out promoting the importance of this vital organ to the human body.

By doing the London Landmarks Half marathon I want to support a great cause that I believe many do not know about and the amazing work they do. I also want to help others recognise how to check your thyroid and symptoms of thyroid disorders.

Paige Tapson