As I read your symptoms I was immediately thinking Thyroid. I am glad they figured it out so quickly. I have Hashimoto (Autoimmune disease that slowly destroys your thyroid) and the symptoms are very similar. Finding the right dosis of medications takes a bit, but they will make you feel much better over time! All the best for you, Matt!
I am also an Australian photographer with a thyroid condition. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on Christmas eve 2014 - happy Christmas you have cancer. Had surgery in January 2015 which cost me $0. Yes we have a wonderful system. I am 10 years post op and in remission. I hear your voice and have been there. Stay positive and happy shooting.
Wow, thanks so much for your comment Alan! So glad to hear you're in remission. Just had my latest blood test so hopefully next week I'll find out how much my levels have come down! Energy is returning but my body feels sluggish when I walk a long way, maybe I'm just out of practice ha ha.
I hope you're soon fully mended. I had to give up work (after 43 years) a couple of years ago. It's hard adjusting to the reality that you've had more years than you've got left but that's the way it is. All the more reason to try to ensure that the best use is made of the time left available. Letting go of the things you don't need is a good thing at any age. I'm in the process of organising hard drives - and rescanning the best of the negatives I've accumulated over the last three decades. Best wishes....
What a wild ride, Matt — I’m so glad you got excellent and quick care when you needed it. We have the same excellent, free healthcare here in Canada and taking that burden out of the equation is wonderful. Looking forward to seeing your eyes open extra wide on your upcoming trip to Japan! 🇯🇵
Yes, we are lucky to live where we live Jess! Thanks so much for the well wishes, much appreciated. Only 50 odd days until Japan, I must get organised!
Matt, wishing you all the best & a speedy recovery from the Netherlands🌷! I had to undergo a thyroid surgery a few years ago and I, too, was thinking about my cameras & scattered legacy as I went under the knife😂. Fingers crossed you feel better soon🤞🏻!
Oh wow, I've read a lot about that surgery Suzy, hope you are now much better? It's funny what we photographers and camera collectors think of in hospital isn't it ha ha.
Ah mannnn, you got some excellent healthcare down under! My boss’ wife has Graves and she’s gone through a few cycles of purging many things from her diet then slowly adding them back. Gonna be some ‘meh’ food days ahead. Good luck and happy to hear the diagnosis was quick.
Thanks Ken! I haven't been told to purge anything yet, but I have read a lot of people talk about what people triggers them, interesting times ahead! And yes, our hospitals are fantstic!
Glad to hear you’re on the mend, Matt. Health scares are not fun, I had one myself recently. I hope you have a great time in Japan, I’m on my way there in October
Yeah, I’m going solely for photography and will be exploring more of Tokyo and I’d like to get to both Kamakura and Fukuoka for a few days as well. How about you?
As I read your symptoms I was immediately thinking Thyroid. I am glad they figured it out so quickly. I have Hashimoto (Autoimmune disease that slowly destroys your thyroid) and the symptoms are very similar. Finding the right dosis of medications takes a bit, but they will make you feel much better over time! All the best for you, Matt!
Thanks Susanne! I've read quite a bit about Hashimoto too! Thanks so much for your kind words :)
I am also an Australian photographer with a thyroid condition. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on Christmas eve 2014 - happy Christmas you have cancer. Had surgery in January 2015 which cost me $0. Yes we have a wonderful system. I am 10 years post op and in remission. I hear your voice and have been there. Stay positive and happy shooting.
Wow, thanks so much for your comment Alan! So glad to hear you're in remission. Just had my latest blood test so hopefully next week I'll find out how much my levels have come down! Energy is returning but my body feels sluggish when I walk a long way, maybe I'm just out of practice ha ha.
I hope you're soon fully mended. I had to give up work (after 43 years) a couple of years ago. It's hard adjusting to the reality that you've had more years than you've got left but that's the way it is. All the more reason to try to ensure that the best use is made of the time left available. Letting go of the things you don't need is a good thing at any age. I'm in the process of organising hard drives - and rescanning the best of the negatives I've accumulated over the last three decades. Best wishes....
Thanks Paul! Wow, that must be a huge change for you. Best of luck and I hope you enjoy rescanning your negs! Cool project!
I'm glad you got to the hospital no later than you did, and that you're clearly on the mend.
Thanks so much Jim!
Hope you continue to feel better. Those activities you’re doing with gear etc sound ideal
Thanks Liam! It's easy writing it down, little harder actually doing it but I'm trying ha ha.
Welcome back. Looking forward to seeing what you do in Japan. Onwards and upwards!
Thanks so much Soren! Fingers crossed for some Japan banger photos! ha ha
What a wild ride, Matt — I’m so glad you got excellent and quick care when you needed it. We have the same excellent, free healthcare here in Canada and taking that burden out of the equation is wonderful. Looking forward to seeing your eyes open extra wide on your upcoming trip to Japan! 🇯🇵
Yes, we are lucky to live where we live Jess! Thanks so much for the well wishes, much appreciated. Only 50 odd days until Japan, I must get organised!
wish you all the best!
Thank you so much! Appreciate it.
Matt, wishing you all the best & a speedy recovery from the Netherlands🌷! I had to undergo a thyroid surgery a few years ago and I, too, was thinking about my cameras & scattered legacy as I went under the knife😂. Fingers crossed you feel better soon🤞🏻!
Oh wow, I've read a lot about that surgery Suzy, hope you are now much better? It's funny what we photographers and camera collectors think of in hospital isn't it ha ha.
I have to say I started organising my photos a bit better after that health scare, so it wasn't all for nothing🤪.
I had half my thyroid removed and no meds afterwards.
amazing!
Glad you are on the mend … tell your wife I’m happy to give her $18.45 for the lot :)
Ha ha, done! :D
So scary. Glad you're getting back to yourself with maybe a few new insights 🤍
Thank you Katya!
Ah mannnn, you got some excellent healthcare down under! My boss’ wife has Graves and she’s gone through a few cycles of purging many things from her diet then slowly adding them back. Gonna be some ‘meh’ food days ahead. Good luck and happy to hear the diagnosis was quick.
Thanks Ken! I haven't been told to purge anything yet, but I have read a lot of people talk about what people triggers them, interesting times ahead! And yes, our hospitals are fantstic!
Glad to hear you’re on the mend, Matt. Health scares are not fun, I had one myself recently. I hope you have a great time in Japan, I’m on my way there in October
Thank you so much! Where are you headed in October? I'm going to lots of places this time for photography and train reasons!
Yeah, I’m going solely for photography and will be exploring more of Tokyo and I’d like to get to both Kamakura and Fukuoka for a few days as well. How about you?
Oh man! I’m glad this got caught and you’re getting back on the road for
Recovery!
Thanks Alex!!
Sorry to hear the bad news. But glad things are panning out to be better and better. Live life mate! Take care my friend. -Clayton Sharp
Thank you Clayton! Appreciate it buddy :)
Sorry to see things have been so rough for you recently, Matt. 🤞🤞things stay looking brighter for you and may the rest of 2025 be a good'n.
Thank you Ralph! :)