Mark's Blog

what are they made from?
Kathy
. I bought some Raw

In a message dated 03/22/2002 9:00:19 PM Pacific Standard Time, ekjns@... writes:

Thanks for that list Linda, my hypothyroidism never showed up on a test
either but clearly something was wrong with me. It was a relief when I
found a doctor who knew what they were doing and now a support group that
has experienced the same things!

Amen to that, Karen!
Linda
"We are each responsible for our own life--no other person is or even *can* be." Oprah Winfrey

I have the speech problems along with difficulty
remembering what I wanted to say. I have always been
articulate and now I sound like Forest Gump (not that
extreme) but it bothers me and I've lost peoples
interest in a conversation because I couldn't tell the
story right. So, your not the only one.

Thanks for that list Linda, my hypothyroidism never showed up on a test
either but clearly something was wrong with me. It was a relief when I
found a doctor who knew what they were doing and now a support group that
has experienced the same things!
Karen T.
=====

Dear Wendy,
I don't have quite the same symptoms but I thought I was going crazy when
at my last secretarial job I would have "so Much" to say and I just
couldn't spit it out quick enough for them so I would sometimes have to
write down exactly what I wanted to say so I would be ready and also I
couldn't remember things good still can't but my medicine is slowly
helping me. But I know I am still not articulating myself quickly enough
because people still walk away from me when I talk and I just think it
takes me to long and I am a bright person I am not stupid. But it sure
makes me feel dull. So I know somewhat how you feel.
-Karen Thompson
=====

Hi Wendy, I had the same problem for many many years of no medicine after
partial thyroidectomy. You need to be on the right medicine and also cod
liver oil, B vitamins help too.
Gracia

If you are wondering whether to take DHEA or not, or if you are
already taking DHEA, I recommend that you read the information at
http://www.drdebe.com/DHEA.htm before continuing. DHEA is not always
needed, nor is it always safe to take.
Celeste

If you'd like to read about an alternative to the "traditional" ways
of testing for thyroid function please take a look at
http://www.drdebe.com/21stCenturyThyroidTesting.htm
Celeste

If anyone is wondering whether their cortisol level is too low (or
too high, as in my case) and adrenal support might be needed there is
a way to test for it at home. Take a look at
http://www.wdxcyberstore.com/streshortes.html to find out about it.
It's better to know whether you need adrenal support or not. If not
you could end up adding to your problems instead.
Celeste

I just realized the website I recommended is selling
some product. I AM NOT promoting this product. I
just thought the study info and info on adrenal
support supplements was interesting so please don't go
buy this product because I have no clue whether or not
it works. I just know the Adrenal Support I bought
from Whole Foods helped me. I just wanted to make
sure there wasn't any confusion. Thanks.

In a message dated 03/22/2002 9:08:42 AM Pacific Standard Time, dezign4you@... writes:

Has anyone taken Raw Adrenal Support?

Yes, I've taken it and found it to be very helpful especially when I was struggling to find a doctor who would listen to me and my hypothyroid symptoms were being undertreated.
I reasoned since cortisol levels are lowest at night, I decided to take one raw adrenal capsule in the evening at bedtime. If I had trouble sleeping and woke up in the middle of the night, I took another one. If I slept through the night, I didn't. I noticed a big difference quite soon. I felt more relaxed in the morning like I was no longer struggling for breath. My husband reported that my symptoms of sleep apnea and irregular breathing diminished. I don't do it so much anymore since I'm on the T3 and I feel so much better. But when I have increased stress with my family or my life, I go back to taking the adrenal capsules at night.
YMMV of course,
Linda in LA
"We are each responsible for our own life--no other person is or even *can* be." Oprah Winfrey

Hi everyone,
I found this website while surfing and I thought some
of you might find it interesting. I bought some Raw
Adrenal Support Supplements yesterday from Whole Foods
Market and after taking just one I could feel a
SIGNIFICANT difference. I'm the same person who has
been taking Levoxyl for 3 weeks and don't feel a
thing. Hope this helps. Here's the link to the
website http://www.doctorsresearch.com/metthyro.htm.
Melanie

In a message dated 03/22/2002 5:33:58 AM Pacific Standard Time, wendysantee@... writes:

You see I used to be articulate and now I mumble and
people tell me I mumble and it bothers me
dramatically. Like I am uneducated, and I HATE that.
I often notice too that I need reaffirming that
"people" love me so I ask all the time. Kinda dumb
huh-or are these really tricks of the disease???? I
know I am not crazy :} but I just need to know if any
of you all have the same problems I do

Dear Wendy,
Yes! I've experienced this a lot. And it got worse the longer I went without the proper medicine or treatment. (For those of you who don't know, I went almost thirty years with untreated hypothyroidism because the almighty TSH test would always read normal.) I thought it was just because I was lazy or I was getting older. but I've found it is definitely linked to hypothyroid. I notice it definitely gets worse when I'm under stress and gets better when I'm calm and relaxed--not surprising since the one of the jobs of the thyroid is to help the body manage stress, imo. Since I've been on the Wilson's Thyroid treatment, I find my mental focus is improving a lot and I'm catching glimpses of my former, younger, smart self again! I still find I struggle more when I'm under stress but now, I try to recognize that fact and try to spend more time in soothing activities where I directly focus on relaxing my brain and my nervous system (i.e., spine and brain, especially around
my neck and throat). What has helped me most has been getting onto the right medicine for me. The T3 protocol is doing wonders!
I've copied below the symptom list from the Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome site. You can see they consider decreased memory and concentration and anxiety and panic attacks as prominent hypothyroid symptoms.
Linda in LA

Could some one point me in the right direction? I know I saw a list of hereditary conditions linked to thyroid problems. I believe I read MS and dyslexia and diabetes were some of those conditions. Any clues where this list is?

Thanks for any help!

Amber

Good Morning All!
I was wondering if any of you have developed a "fear"
to speak or get nervous when you do have to talk? The
reason I ask is lately I have not wanted to talk just
because it seems hard for me to talk and convey my
thoughts.
You see I used to be articulate and now I mumble and
people tell me I mumble and it bothers me
dramatically. Like I am uneducated, and I HATE that.
I often notice too that I need reaffirming that
"people" love me so I ask all the time. Kinda dumb
huh-or are these really tricks of the disease???? I
know I am not crazy :} but I just need to know if any
of you all have the same problems I do-or if you have
found a solution to help you to develop your speech
patterns back.
Thanks so much for replying.
Wendy

In a message dated 03/20/2002 8:24:51 PM Pacific Standard Time, talleys@... writes:

I am going in to be checked tomorrow for the first time but I am 99% sure this is what I have. My mother and sister both have been diagnosed. What type of tests do I need to ask for? Any questions that I should ask when I go in?

Talleys,
I don't know if you'll get this in time but there is an excellent series of web pages on www.thyroid.about.com you should read before going in. It gives you a list of symptoms, the genetic risk factors, how to interpret TSH tests, etc.
Go to www.thyroid.about.com and select "Basics/Start Here" from the menu on the left hand side. When that page pulls up, select "Thyroid 101" and read those pages through and through.
When you have more time, print off and read http://personal.bellsouth.net/lig/w/u/wurmstei/
And also go to www.wilsonsthyroidsyndrome.com for another perspective and thyroid disease.
The best thing you can do is sit down to your computer some uninterrupted afternoon or evening and read, read, read about thyroid disease and inform yourself. Also, ask questions here and we'll try to answer them the best we can.
Wishing you good health!
Linda in LA
"We are each responsible for our own life--no other person is or even *can* be." Oprah Winfrey

Devie, your tsh is really high, I think you would feel better on T3 plus T4.
It is just too bad most thyroid patients are undertreated and T4 gets too
high, T3 too low. You don't need to be sick for so long. Also high B
complex vitamins, like B50s 1-2X a day, will help with kidney stones.
Gracia

I first went to the DR cause I was very moody and depressed. i thought it
was just depression till he started asking me these questions.
My hair was falling out bad very dry so was my skin, no interest in sex,
cold all the time, very fast heart beat, very tired all the time, my
menstrual cycle was all messed up, my fingers tingled all the time,
retaining water very puffy, weight gain, baby that was still born, hmm
that's all I can remember right now. The only thing that has really changed
in 5 months is my hair isn't dry anymore now its quiet oily, I wasn't
retaining fluid till I got kidney stones, my cycle is very light now and
usually comes a week earlier compared to being 2 to 3 weeks late, I have a
little more energy now, and my interest in sex was slowly coming back till I
got the kidney stones. The DR. just not got me on the right level of
Synthroid after upping the dose 3 times. My first blood check was like 9.5
now it is at 3.6.
I am so glad to have energy just can't wait till all the other stuff gets
better especially the weight gain. He still wants me to wait on the
exercising cause my hear rate is still pretty high (125 bpm) My DR. wants to
wait till we figure out why that is not going down and my blood pressure is
stay up lately but that maybe from the pain of the kidney stones
-:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Devie -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
Mommy to my 3 girls
Brittany 6-15-94
Suzi 8-21-96
Lauren 6-17-99
and my 2 angels ^i^
Amberleigh 5-4-93 - 7-11-93 (Luekemia)
Cory Michael stillborn 7-22-98 (cause unknown)
Married to Michael since 10-17-92
The Howell's Homepage
http://www.geocities.com/devie5
Visit our Church's webpage <
http://www.fellowshipbaptistch.com

Melanie,
Sometimes it does take a little while to get feeling better on the
medicine. But if you don't get better soon, I would suggest you ask
your doctor to switch you to another medicine. Maybe Levoxyl isn't a
match to your system. To me, it sounds like you need some T3.
Linda in LA

Gracia,
I couldn't find any symptom list on the brodabarnes web site . . .
only a lot of literature for sale. I'm hypothyroid and have been on
medication for it for over 20 years. I've never had high blood
pressure . . . not before I was treated and not ever since. My blood
pressure has always been low or low normal.
I have been in a state of hyperthyroidism due to too much medication
and I found it to be very different from my symptoms when hypothyroid.
Reducing the dosage on my thyroid medication resolved that problem
easily. I think you may be confusing hyperthyroidism with something
else. For instance, after a person has been hypothyroid for a while
the adrenals can become overreactive and produce rapid pulse. Then if
you have a pituitary problem then your TSH could be low no matter
what.
Celeste

hi Melanie, it took me 2-1/2 to 3 weeks to START feeling better and then
after that it progressively took about 2 months to start feeling somewhat
"normal" again. I know what you mean about the conversation thing and also
being impatient when you've felt like shit for sooo long (I'm assuming).
For the job interview, my advice is to research the company b/c that always
looks good. Also, have questions for them. If you're really feeling foggy
that day, just be honest with them about what you're going through. You'd
be really surprised at how understanding people can be. and it sounds like
you really want it, and confidence goes a long way. All the job interviews
that I feel have been successful is the ones where the conversation flows
and when I ask questions and know my stuff about them as well. Best of luck
and let us know how you make out :) Things will get better.
Karen-Boston

Thanks for your input...if it happens again I am going to go back to my
OB/GYN thats the only thing bad happening. My friend told me that since I
have been on the pill for quite a while that it might be cervical erosion
so I may get it checked out just to be on the safe side. Other than that
I have had more energy in the past three weeks then I have had all year!
-Karen
=====

Hello everyone,
I have been taking my Levoxyl .075mg each morning for
the last 3 weeks and haven't noticed any differences.
Does it really take 4 weeks for the hormones to start
working? I feel very emotional like I usually do
before I menstruate but that just ended last week.
I'm feeling confused all the time and cannot remember
anything and have a very hard time carrying on a
simple conversation. I'm really worried because I
haven't been working for the past few months and I
have a job interview on Wednesday for a great job.
Unfortunately, I'm worried about saying something
stupid or slurring my speech which seems to be
happening a lot lately. Any advice or comments on
similar experiences would really help. Thanks for
listening.
Melanie

http://www.whale.to/m/madcow.html Refutes the mad cow disease theory.
Ann

I have also looked on the internet and it appears that companies,
including those in Europe and the Channel Isles are willing to send
supplements and drugs, without prescription to America but not to the
UK and the rest of Europe. If you find a source perhaps you could
let me know and we could split the cost.
Linda also from England

me, if I have someone in America, who will just initially receive the
order and then re send on to me. I could send the postage to someone
in American dollars if anyone would be willing.

Hi Karen,
Since I started my thyroid medication I have been
regular as clockwork and they are not as heavy or as
long as they were before I started the treatment. Hope
this helps,
Take Care,
Ali
--- Eric and Karen Thompson <ekjns@...
<HR
<html
<tt
Hi Everyone!<BR
<BR
I have been on my thyroid medication for about three
weeks and my period<BR
started at totally the wrong time.&nbsp; Has anyone
else experienced this? <BR
Please advise.&nbsp; Can the thyroid medication cause
these kinds of changes?<BR
<BR
Thanks,<BR
Karen<BR
<BR
=====<BR
<BR
<BR

Anne,
I wouldn't suggest ordering from europe b/c of mad cow's disease. be
careful with that.
Karen

Hi Earl,
I hope you are still on this list...my mother has cysts on her
thyroid that come and go. Her doctor hasn't done any blood tests,
just ultra sounds...his advice was to see the local healthfood store
and ask them about supplements...I am guessing he is maybe thinking
of a glandular...the first things that come to my mind is estrogen
dominance and food allergy...could you please shed some light????
Thanks in advance.
Donna

I am trying to scource a very good thyroid glandular supplement preferably bovine scource. I want to be able to order from England.

Does anyone know a company that does a good one, or can you pass on the web reference.

I seem to have found a good one, but the company will only supply me, if I have someone in America, who will just initially receive the order and then re send on to me. I could send the postage to someone in American dollars if anyone would be willing.

Regards Anne from Eengland

Hi Everyone!
I have been on my thyroid medication for about three weeks and my period
started at totally the wrong time. Has anyone else experienced this?
Please advise. Can the thyroid medication cause these kinds of changes?
Thanks,
Karen
=====

I'm not sure if that is what caused mine but I have always been right on
time unless I was pregnant. well I started the thyroid meds in Sept and
since Oct I have started a week early every month. Never fails. Instead of
being on a 28 day cycle mine has changed to 21 day. I keep forgetting to
ask my DR about that.
-:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Devie -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
Mommy to my 3 girls
Brittany 6-15-94
Suzi 8-21-96
Lauren 6-17-99
and my 2 angels ^i^
Amberleigh 5-4-93 - 7-11-93 (Luekemia)
Cory Michael stillborn 7-22-98 (cause unknown)
Married to Michael since 10-17-92
The Howell's Homepage
http://www.geocities.com/devie5
Visit our Church's webpage <
http://www.fellowshipbaptistch.com

Karen,
My dosage was increased as soon as the urine test came back positive.
I would start feeling a lot of fatigue almost immediately when I
became pregnant . . . nothing like falling asleep at your desk at work
to let you know that you're pregnant.
Celeste

Celeste, at what point did your dose have to be increased during pregnancy?
I'm 10 weeks and I realize that it will probably happen in time, but luckily
my TSH is 1.4. I know if it goes over 3 then there is more of a chance of
miscarriage.
I also know how you guys feel with the loss of a parent. I haven't
experience anything nearly as painful. My father died of testical cancer in
1996 at the young age of 46 (I was 20). It's been almost 6 years and I have
to say that I haven't stopped grieving, but the first years were the worst.
Anniversaries are always tough still.
Smiles,
Karen

Hello everyone,
Can anyone recommend a good doctor or endo. I live in
St. Louis, Missouri and have checked out the ones
recommended on the websites but haven't had much luck.
Just thought I'd give it a shot. Thanks a bunch!
Melanie

In a message dated 03/15/2002 2:13:36 PM Pacific Standard Time, lynnk528@... writes:

Thank you so very much. I will call him and I have found another Dr.
in the valley - Dr, jace who I am going to try as well. I appreciate
you responding so quickly. And I am happy to hear you are feeling
well.

Good luck! Let me know how things turn out w/ Dr. Jace. I'm always interested to hear of alternatives to my present care giver in case I need them.
Linda in LA
"We are each responsible for our own life--no other person is or even *can* be." Oprah Winfrey

Thank you so very much. I will call him and I have found another Dr.
in the valley - Dr, jace who I am going to try as well. I appreciate
you responding so quickly. And I am happy to hear you are feeling
well.
Lynn

Hi all. I am new to this group. But I was wondering if anyone livig in the LA area or southern CA area knew of any doctor who believes in and treats Wilson's syndrome. I have normal Thyroid tests however I have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism as well as a body temp usually around 96.3 with the highest being 97.3. I would appreciate any feedback or advice anyone out there may have. And thank you all for being so honest with your sharings.

Lynn

Cath,
The dosage you're on now is pretty low. I'm currently taking .137 of
Levothroid. When I was taking Synthroid I was taking .150 and, when I
was pregnant, my dosage was increased to .2 (pregnancy puts more
stress on the thyroid gland).
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the death of your mother. I
understand what you're going through. I got depressed after my mother
died (of lung cancer) in 1990 and I also had to take an
antidepressant. Depression also runs in my family (my father committed
suicide), but that was the first time I ever had to take medication
for it. Since then I've been off and on antidepressants depending on
what was going on in my life. For instance, I had to go on them again
after my business failed. Please try to be gentle to yourself and to
also find some grief counseling. I found that counseling or therapy
helps a great deal in coping with loss. It's also good to do some
regular stress-reducing technique such as meditation. Daily exercise
is also one of the best ways to help yourself. I run and do weight
training.
I have Hashimoto's so that is what I'm most familiar with. I was first
diagnosed over 20 years ago and never even suspected that I had a
thyroid problem. There are some good doctors out there who understand
thyroid, but sometimes they can be hard to find.
Much aloha,
Celeste

Kathy,
Check out www.coconut-info.com and see if coconut oil might be more
what you are looking for. It is positive to the thyroid and helps
promote natural weight control. The articles will explain in great
detail the benefits of coconut oil.

Welcome Cath,
I'm sorry for the loss of your mother. ;( After I lost my grama (the
light of my life) my thyroid went up to 9. Stress and depression can
elevate the thyroid. I, too, was on anti-depressants and there's no
shame in that for sure. It seems like you have a handle on your health
by educating yourself and that's cool. Keep in touch and take care.
Love,
Reneé and Jerry
rja86@...

Kathy,
I have now ordered Guggulbolic from http://worldclassnutrition.com/
and the price there is $14.99 for 90 capsules. Shipping is extra.
Celeste

Hi everyone,
I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few weeks ago and was
started on Synthroid at .05. The lab's 'normal' range is .38 to 5.5
and my result was 10.
My long term symptoms were mostly tiredness and feeling overheated.
My hands and feet would get cold on occasion but mostly I felt too
hot. I'm overweight to begin with so summers were a killer. I've
had a few major depressive episodes and been treated with anti-
depressants. In the past 5 years I've come to the conclusion my
brain chemistry just slips back down again if I go off the
medication so I've been taking it regularly since then. Depression
runs in my family.
In January I was in a major car accident - but very lucky to come
out with only bruises and soreness - and my mom died just three days
later. It was within a week or more of that when I started to
notice fluid retention. At first I thought it was an unusual side
effect from a heartburn med my doctor had me on but we switched meds
and it only worsened. He put me on a diuretic and advised me to
take a couple of weeks off to rest. In just three days I had
dropped 18.5 lbs and in a week I was down 27 lbs - just fluid! By
then he had the test results that indicated hypothyroidism.
I've found that fluid retention comes back quite easily if I don't
keep my salt intake very low. Basically I take the diuretics 3 days
on, 1 day off if I want to maintain most of the fluid loss.
It was actually quite a relief to get the diagnosis cause at least I
knew something was really wrong and I was hopeful that once I got
the drug up to my proper level that I'd be feeling fine again. Now
I realize that may not be the case. I've read Mary Shomon's book
and visited her excellent site and I'm joining this group to learn
more about how people cope and the differences in symptoms, etc.
I've read some of the archived messages and found a remarkable range
of what people endure.
I've guessed my hypothyroidism was probably set up by long term
stress (my mom had leukemia for almost 5 yrs and I've had
depression) and then triggered by the combined stresses of my car
accident and mom's death.
But I'm curious to know if I've got Hashimoto's disease so I'm
thinking about asking my doctor if I can get tested for that. I
gather there are more health concerns if its Hashimoto's.
Thanks for letting me introduce myself. I look forward to learning
more and welcome any comments.
Cath
(katrusha99)

Guggulsterones are derived from an herb. There is pharmacological
information available. Try doing a search with Google or Alta Vista.
This is something that Dr. Peat missed.
Celeste

Thanks Shelly! I really appreciate the information.
EM.

Renee [rja86@...] thought you'd find this article useful.
Guggul
http://www.findarticles.com/g2603/0003/2603000399/p1/article.jhtml
This is an article on guggul.

What is/are guggulsterones? The only information I can find is
advertisements for these supplements at body-building supplement
sites. No pharmacological information is available.
I have never heard or read of them in Dr. Peat's research which spans
over 40 years or in any medical books or journals...online or
otherwise.
And if you haven't used it, how can you suggest it's use over proven
medicines/replacements?
Popcornhazel

Well, I just got a message back from the company. They don't carry
Guggulbolic any longer, so I'll have to search again.
Celeste

You are correct to say that these hormones are not right for
everybody.
I avoid progesterone because too much of it causes depression (and
other undesirable symptoms since I have adenomyosis) for me and it is
terribly difficult to get rid of.
I have taken pregnenolone and it did absolutely nothing for me (and I
am older than 45).
DHEA can cause liver problems (been there) if it is not used properly.
You can only take it continuously for 30 days (less if you have had
liver problems in the past). And you have to stay off of it for at
least 7 days (more if you have had liver problems in the past) before
you can resume taking it again. KETO-7 is somewhat less toxic, but
caution is still advised.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Discussion of adrenal support and miscarriages on the two hypothyroid-
forums I subscribe to prompts me to share this link.
http://www.efn.org/~raypeat/horm.html
The article title is Three Youth-Associated Hormones and the three
are progesterone, pregnenolone and DHEA.
Read carefully, just because they are in the title doesn't mean they
are right for everyone...and he carefully points out who might have
benefit from their use.
Be sure to check out his other articles as all are pertinent to women
of all ages...and men too.
If you want the information to the progesterone in Vit E oil he talks
about, let me know. I do not sell it, although I use it, but
hesitate to offer the info if it is not appropriate here.

can you share the link? thanks so much
Kathy

Thank You Gracia for your reply.
I went to the site you mentioned,Thank You.I will have my daughters
with kids look at it.Scarey Stuff.
Mary

I think you are right that we are poisoning our kids and causing serious
health problems for them in the future. Have you seen www.909shot.com?
Gracia

Karen,
I have also had ear/hearing problems and vertigo and I agree with you
that it was caused by edema. Edema can be caused by an underactive
thyroid and it can also be caused (or worsened) by PMS. Of course,
thyroid problems can also cause female hormones to get out of whack. I
used an herbal formula to balance my female hormones and that
eliminated or greatly reduced all of my PMS symptoms. I no longer have
vertigo, tinnitus, or earaches.
Celeste

Dear Group,
I too have learned a lot since I joined the group recently. I wanted to
let ya'll know that I recently found out that hearing loss or atleast some
can be a symptom too in addition to tinnitus. I had three episodes of
hearing loss which totally baffled my ear, nose and throat doctor and
allergist their just was absolutely NO explanation yet the tests showed
that I was unable to hear even the "air vibration" test validated it (a
test in which I don't participate in). I just read in a medical text book
that the puffiness of hypothyroidism can affect the inner ear as well
which could also make one more prone to infection of the eustatchian tubes
as well....just thought you might be interested. Luckily I have not had a
hearing loss episode in a long time but they usually lasted for six months
or longer at a time.
-Karen T.
=====

Hi Anne pleased to 'meet' you,
Thanks for the query Anne I am only happy to share my
symptoms in hope that it helps someone (although you
maybe sorry you asked...lol)
Well the doctor thinks I may have been hypothyroid for
about 4 years and looking back I think I started with
it in about 1997 when I was reaching the end on my
nurse training, I just had no energy to do my
assignments.
As most people on here have probably experienced, my
biggest symptom was the tiredness, even when I had had
10-12 hrs sleep I still wanted more but I was still
managing to do 12.5hrs shifts god knows how. I also
had pain in my joints mainly my fingers (I can imagine
the pain would be similar to repetetive strain from
typing)I put weight on, became constipated. My hair
was falling out. I had terribly dry skin and still
have now but not nearly as bad. These were all
symptoms I think I had for a good few years although
the tiredness did get worse as was never being able to
get warm. I also became quite depressed but as I was
going through some painful family trauma I put it down
to that, but since learned that it is also a symptom.
I became more worried when I started getting oedema in
my legs (fluid retention) and even a light elastic
sock would leave a dent in my leg that looked like it
nearly cut off the circulation and then went to the
doctors when I was waking up with numb arms and legs
and chest pain also and I think I had that for about 3
months on and off before I got help.
My doctor just decided to take some blood and an ECG
due to a very high family history of heart problems
they thought it could be that and only did the thyroid
function test as an after thought. They were surprised
that it came back that the problem was my thyroid. My
T4 was 10 and my TSH was 7.16. The doctor did not know
much about it at all and had to ask what dose to start
me on. I was started on 100mcg Levothyroxine. I am now
2 months down the line and my work colleagues cannot
believe the change in me and I feel like I am waking
up from a long sleep. Reading the symptoms of this
group I am relieved I am not alone and realise that I
did have genuine cause for concern. I am still new to
all this and it is still sinking in. Most of the
people I talk to think all hypothyroidism is, is
weight gain and tiredness and even joke 'oh I must
have that' but I have discovered that there is so much
more to it than people realise. I am just so glad I
have found this group you have no idea.
It is a bit of a lengthy tale Anne, but I hope this
answers your question.
Take Care and Stay Well,
Spindrift

Wow...i hope someone can help you ...first of all i
have the inner ear thing....but its menieres
deases....but i have been experiencing a slight
dizziness...when i hit the pillow....so i started
taking my antivert....so....i dont know if its coming
from the new thyroid med...i am taking since sat....oh
my...what do we do...and who do we listen to....what a
dilema.....
susan

Hello All!
I hope this falls on some sympathetic ears. I don't know another soul
who has this disease to discuss it with and my family is just plain
sick of hearing me complain every day. (I'm sick of listening to
myself, too)
In late Novemeber 2001 I was diagnosed hypothyroid and started I
started Levoxyl 100mcg tho I never saw my test results. I originally
went to the doctor feeling really tired all the time. (I'm 42 and
overweight so I figured the Doc would say lose weight. Instead she
sent me for the blood test.) 3 weeks after starting the Levoxyl (and
2 days before Xmas) while sleeping I rolled over in bed and the room
started spinning out of control. Well my wonderful <ahem
out of town for 2 weeks and never bothered to tell her patients. When
I finally did get in to see her she stated I probably had an inner
ear infection but did lower my Levoxyl to 50mcg. I'm still dizzy
everyday (though not as bad) but it's damn annoying and going on for
over 2 months now. Is this a common side effect of the thyroid
medicine? Doctor said my thyroid was only slightly out of wack but
would take the pills forever. The ONLY good thing I have seen come
from the meds has been a regular menstrual cycle.
Then... I went to my dentist for a cleaning a few weeks ago and he
says to get off the Levoxyl and switch to another brand cause it's
making my gums all puffy and he doesn't want to see me lose my teeth!
Happy Happy Joy Joy. Is all this normal? Any suggestions? Anybody
just wanna gripe? :)
Thanks for listening!
Susan

Hello I also live in England and was curious if you got your diagnosis via the usual blood tests? If your blood showed a problem, I would imagine your symtoms must have been quite bad? What other symptoms were you experiencing and for how long.

Thanks Anne from Kent

e_m2613 (sorry, don't have your name!),
I wasn't diagnosed hypo until I complained that I couldn't get PG (have also
ALWAYS had irregular cycles). Once they got my dosage right (and they did
say I would have to take Synthroid for the rest of my life, which to me is
OK if it keeps the depression away, but am finding out there are other
solutions from this listerv), we went to work on the irregular cycle issue.
They started me on Clomid to get me ovulating (I was having a period every 3
months but still not ovulating). You can only take Clomid for 6 months
(guess they figure if it doesn't work in 6 mths, it's not going to). By the
3rd month I was starting to ovulate on a schedule and by month 6 (when I had
to stop taking it) we decided we would wait another 6 months before doing
anything evasive (ie: IVF). I did make an appt. w/ a specialist (my ob/gyn
said she'd done all she could for me) but had to cancel it because I got PG!
My ob/gyn thinks that it was not the Clomid that got me PG because it was my
first month w/out taking it which means I ovulated on my own. I think it was
the Clomid that got me ovulating & having my thryoid under control that
helped me to continue to ovulate. We haven't tried for #2 baby yet so that's
all the history/experience I have on the subject!
Good luck!
Shelly.
P.S. feel free to visit my baby site to read my (brief) story on this & some
great infertility links: www.blakesonline.org/baby.

Are we poisoning our kids????
I have thought for a long time that chemicals and toxins were the
cause of alot of health problems today,but I didnt realize HOW BAD it
was til I joined this new group.
http://www.momsforlife.com/?MC42328
For your kids sake,your health and those you love,please check it
out.
Mary

Dear popcornhazel, thanks for the Ray Peat url--I love Ray Peat. I had
many hyper symptoms and used Armour thyroid plus progesterone (made by a
compounding pharmacy, 100 mg. 2X a day) to get well. Then I read Ray Peat
article that said he had treated many patients who were diagnosed hyper but
were really hypo. I really think hypers are another form of hypo.
Gracia

I took it back out. It wouldn't wrap the text, so would have been
extremely annoying to try to read. Instead I posted links to the
article in the subject "essential fatty acids"?
I should also get permission from the author to put his article in
the files...even excerpts with all references to the author and
location.

Hello,
This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the hypothyroidism
group.
File : / Toxic
Uploaded by : popcornhazel <popcornhazel@...
Description : excerpt of Dr. Raymond Peat newsletter article
You can access this file at the URL

To avoid copyright infringement I will simply give the web address to
the newsletter article 'Unsaturated Vegetable Oils: Toxic' by Raymond
Peat, PhD. www.efn.org/~raypeat/nutri/html
Scroll down to Toxicity of Unsaturated Oils and click on it. You
will be asked if you want to Open this file from its current location
or Save this file to disk.
This article and the other ones on that index page answered the
question of whether flaxseed or its oil or the other oils were
healthful to me and my family. All the articles are relevant to
hypothyroids.
When the original intent of the cold seed and nut oils were
for paint products it made me change what we bought for cooking oils
and fats. Coconut oil, olive oil, and butter cover a wide range of
kitchen needs, with much higher nutritional content than the cold
seed oils.
He does remind us that it is impossible to avoid all unsaturated
oils, as they are natural to whole foods and processed foods we eat,
but I no longer buy the more common oils in any quantities when
butter, extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil are more than adequate
for the entire range of cooking/baking needs.
Sometimes cheap, is cheap.
Also see www.coconut-info.com for more thyroid articles.

I know that sensitivity to MSG is a real problem for many people, but
I don't think it's related to thyroid disease in any way. I have never
had a reaction to MSG. I eat a lot of Chinese take out and I also use
MSG when I cook at home.
Celeste

I agree with this list, however, don't they only pose the risk if
they are raw??? I got the distint impression that cooking them takes
out the danger?
Renee p.

HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-biblio.htm#131.
Chesney AM"
glucosides,<A HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-
biblio.htm#132. Ermans AM"
HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-biblio.htm#133.
Monekasso GL"
HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-biblio.htm#134.
Delange F,"
thioglucosides.<A HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-
biblio.htm#132. Ermans AM"
biblio.htm#136. Langer P"
HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-biblio.htm#138.
Clements FW"
HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-biblio.htm#139.
Peltola P:"
biblio.htm#141. Kilpatrick R"
HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-biblio.htm#132.
Ermans AM"
HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-biblio.htm#142.
Astwood EB,"
HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-biblio.htm#144.
Langer P"
Finland.<A HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-
biblio.htm#146. Arstila A,"
biblio.htm#147. Barzelatto J"
HREF="http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-biblio.htm#149.
Gaitan E,"
biblio.htm#149a. Abel Gadir WS"
biblio.htm#150. McCarrison R:"
Brassica <A
HREF="http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Food_Guide/Vegetables.htm"
HREF="http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Food_Guide/Cabbage.htm"
/A
HREF="http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Food_Guide/Broccoli.htm"
i</A
HREF="http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Food_Guide/Cauliflower.htm"
HREF="http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Food_Guide/Sweet_Potatoes.htm"
weet potatoes</A
HREF="http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Food_Guide/Lima_Beans.htm"
beans</A
HREF="http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Food_Guide/Soybeans_And_Soy_Food
s.htm"
humans."

Wow I would LOVE to know if there can be side effects concerning the thyroid
with MSG. I ate some at a Chinese restaurant and thought I was going to die!!
I couldn't breathe ... dizzy and such.... I would love to hear if anyone else
had this problem... Thanks!
Debbie M

Annah,
Thanks for the information I did not realize even about goitrogens and
your information was quite enlightening!
Karen T.
=====

I just found this group today. Have not been diagnosed yet but by
all the things I have read it looks quite possible. I won't bore
anyone until I get back from the Doc. on Tuesday Mar. 12.
But I wanted to ask if anything has ever been discussed regarding
MSG, Monosodium gluatmate. I have buzzed thru the thread but did not
see any subject lines with that, so forgive me if I'm bringing up a
dead issue.
Thanks and take care everyone.

Here's a list of foods I've found in various website places listed as goitrogens. There seems to be a wide number of them though not all are duplicated at each website. But generally the list with the highest consensus includes:
brussels sprouts
rutabaga
turnip
cauliflower
African cassava
millet
babassu
cabbage
kale
soybeans
broccoli
sweet potatoes
Additional food items considered by some to be goitrogens:
strawberries
spinach
peaches
sorghum
maize
peanuts
radishes
mustard
horseradish
lima beans
pine nuts
Below, I've quoted a few websites and listed the links in case you want to plow through the text:
From: http://thyroid.about.com/library/drugs/bl-goitrogen.htm?terms=goitrogens
"Goitrogenic foods like brussels sprouts, rutabaga, turnips, cauliflower, African cassava, millet, babassu (a palm-tree coconut fruit popular in Brazil and Africa) cabbage, and kale can act like the antithyroid drugs propylthiouracil and methimazole in disabling the thyroid function, so they should not be eaten in large amounts by someone on thyroid hormone replacement who still has a thyroid. It's thought that the enzymes involved in the formation of goitrogenic materials in plants can be destroyed by cooking, so thorough cooking may minimize goitrogenic potential."
Next, from: http://www.geocities.com/cheeaungroup2001/Goiter.htm
"Sporadic goiters are caused by swallowing of large amounts of certain foods or drugs and do not affect any particular segment of the population. Goitrogenic foods contain substances that decrease thyroid hormone production. Examples of these foods are rutabagas, cabbage, soybeans, peanuts, peaches, strawberries, spinach, and radishes. Drugs include lithium, cobalt, iodides, phenylbutazone, and others."
From: http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-2.htm
"Dietary Goitrogens
The discovery of natural and synthetic substances that impair the synthesis of thyroid hormone are landmarks in the history of pharmacology.131 These substances are discussed in more detail in Chapter 20. Although iodide deficiency is, without doubt, the major cause of endemic goiter and cretinism throughout the world, dietary goitrogens may play a contributing role in some endemics, and may possibly be the dominant factor in certain areas. The dietary goitrogens fall into several categories, more than one of which may occur in the same food.Certain foods contain cyanogenic glucosides,132 compounds that, upon hydrolysis by glucosidase, release free cyanide. These foods include almond seeds and such important dietary items as cassava, sorghum, maize, and millet. Cassava contains enough cyanogenic glucoside to be lethal if large quantities are consumed raw. Ordinarily, the root is extensively soaked, then dried and powdered. Most of the cyanide is lost in this process; that
left in the root is liberated after ingestion and converted to SCN-. Chronic poisoning due to cassava is responsible for a tropical neuropathy in Nigeria133 and Tanzania, and is suspected of being a contributing cause of goiter in Central Africa.134,135 Other important classes of antithyroid compounds arise from hydrolysis of the thioglucosides.132,136,137 These compounds are metabolized in the body to goitrin or thiocyanates and isothiocyanates, and ultimately to other sulfur containing compounds, or are excreted as such. They are important in the goitrogenic activity of seeds of plants of the genus Brassica and the cruciferae, compositae, and unbelliferae. Among the plants containing these compounds are cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, kohlrabi, turnip, rutabaga, mustard, and horseradish. Cattle may ingest these goitrogens and pass them to humans through milk, as observed in Australia,138 Finland,139,140 and England.141 . The isothiocynate, cheiroline, occurs
in the leaves of choumoellier and may be related to a focal area of endemic goiter in Australia. The goitrogen is thought to be transmitted from forage to cows, to milk, and finally to children. Although there is considerable circumstantial evidence relating these compounds to endemic goiter, it has been difficult to prove their role with certainty.Thiocyanate is a well-known inhibitor of iodide trapping when in high concentration in blood. The blood levels obtained by ingestion of dietary goitrogens are rarely of this degree. Inhibition of iodide trapping, and thyroid peroxidase activity, and augmentation of urinary iodide loss, as demonstrated by Delange and Ermans and co-workers, all my play a role in the goitrogenic activity.132,134,135 Astwood et al. and Greer142,143 found that turnips contain progoitrin, which is a mustard oil thioglycoside. It undergoes rearrangement by enzymes in human enteric bacteria, or in the turnip, to be converted to goitrin, an active
goitrogenic thioglycoside, L-5-vinyl-2-thio-oxazolidone.144,145 Goitrin inhibits oxidation of iodine and its binding to thyroid protein in the same way as do the thiocarbamides.Several endemics of goiter have been attributed to dietary goitrogens, usually acting together with iodine deficiency. Goitrin is apparently present in cow's milk in Finland.146 In the Pedgregoso region of Chile, pine nuts of the tree Araucaria americana are made into a flour and consumed in large amounts, and may be related to endemic goiter.147,148 In the Cauca river valley of Colombia, sulfur-containing compounds found in the water supply, derived from sedimentary rocks containing a large amount of organic matter, are believed to be responsible for endemic goiter.149 At least, extracts from these waters are goitrogenic in rats. Pearl millet has been reportd to cause goiter development in goats 149a.Other mechanisms may also contribute to dietary goitrogenicity. Thus, diets high in soybean
components or other materials increasing fecal bulk may cause excess fecal loss of T4 and increase the need for this hormone.150-153 These diets are low in iodine content, and soybean has been thought but not proven to contain a goitrogen."
From: http://www.gnc.com/health_notes/Concern/Hypothyroidism.htm
and: http://www.theholisticchannel.com/Concern/Hypothyroidism.htm
and: http://www.laurushealth.com/Library/HealthGuide/CAM/topic.asp?hwid=hn-concern-hypothyroidism
"Some foods, such as rapeseed (used to make canola oil) and Brassica vegetables (cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower), contain natural goitrogens, chemicals that cause the thyroid gland to enlarge by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis.1 Cooking has been reported to inactivate this effect in Brussels sprouts.2 Cassava, a starchy root that is the source of tapioca, has also been identified as a goitrogenic food.3 Other goitrogens include maize, sweet potatoes, lima beans, soy, and pearl millet.4 While some practitioners recommend that people with hypothyroidism avoid these foods, none has been proven to cause hypothyroidism in humans."

Renee, I found this online , but it doesn't say if it should be cooked or
not. Karen
http://www.ehendrick.org/healthy/00052400.html
Because the thyroid makes T4 from iodine drawn from food, an
iodine-deficient diet can cause hypothyroidism. Adding iodine to table salt
and other common foods has eliminated iodine deficiency in the United
States. Certain foods (cabbage, rutabagas, peanuts, peaches, soybeans,
spinach) can interfere with thyroid hormone production.

I am confused....is their a list of Do's and Don'ts with food for people
who are on med for hypothyroidism??? Please advise. Thanks!
Karen T.
New to the group
=====

I'm so glad they are, I thought I was going nuts!
Okay, can you clarify what an EFA is - Omega 3 oil or other??? I take
a multi from GNC - their women formula. I eat at least 1 spinach
salad every day too( I think that has a lot of B in it)
As for the medication, I'm on Levoxyl. I take it at night so that my
multi doesn't interfere with it.
Thoughts?
Renee P.

Renee,
According to my doc it does I was suffering similar symptoms however that
was just one in a line of others. Just my opinion.
Karen T.
=====

Thanks Gracia,
So by Thyroid drug, you mean my thyroid replacement drug
(Synthroid)??
Yes synthroid is T4 hormone alone. Doctors just seem to love it--good
marketing on the part of the drug company. Everyone I have personally known
on T4 alone has many untreated symptoms; T4 gets too high and T3 is too low.
T3 is the most potent thyroid hormone and seems to work with other hormones.
Holistic docs and broda barnes docs know this! My info from Womens
International Pharmacy says infertility and miscarriage can in most cases be
prevented with natural thyroid and progesterone (which is made by a
compounding pharmacy). I think the natural hormones would be preferable to
clomid.
My 42 year old sister just had a miscarriage at 2 1/2 months gestation.
Before that she had been on depo-provera for many years. She was also
taking fosomax for osteoporosis. She was so sick with the miscarriage and
really wants another baby. When she went to her doctor, and asked about
getting thyroid and progesterone, the doctor told her she could get these
hormones at menopause and gave her another shot of depo-provera!!!! I
think this is so outrageous, she will be so sick by the time she reaches
menopause, and what is the depo-provera doing to her?

Hi all,
One question. Does hypothyroidism and REALLY dry skin go together?
Especially the feet?
I don't EVER remember having dry feet like this at all. My fingers
are REALLY aggravated with the heat ( it's been cold here) and
constantly washing my hands. My knuckles have cracked and bled - not
fun.
I'm putting almond oil on my hands at night. Would taking massive
doses of Vitamin fix this or is there something else that can fix it?
It's driving me NUTS!!!
Renee P.

If our Psyc knows what is wrong (and is probably right) Maybe he
knows of a Doc that will treat you with the protocol. You seem to
have a better clue about what is going on than the doc. My rule of
thumb, is that the doc should know a bit more than i do about
something. If i know more than they do, they have to be willing to
look at the information that i present them with. OR they are no
longer my doc.
Yes depression can be a big symptom. the meds for that should work
within a month or 2.
--
anomie
"I would much rather be some ones fun, well used toy than to be an
expensive, impressive collection that they just have to dust"
Winter Solstice 2001
NAMTPT web site
http://www.myofascialtherapy.org

In a message dated 03/07/2002 6:34:35 PM Pacific Standard Time, wendy_mcvay@... writes:

Did you see immediate improvement after going on medications? (I've been on medication about 4-5 months) I know I'm depressed, but I also know that can be a symptom of Hypo-Thyroid. I'm really wondering if it's possibly Wilson's Syndrome. I asked my new doctor if she'd heard of Wilson's Syndrome. She said no. She said that she's a mainstream doctor. And it sound like it's not really main stream, or she would have heard of it.

Wendy,
Yes, depression can definitely be a symptom of hypothyroid. It sounds to me like your symptoms are very much like mine were. Normal TSH, hypothyroid symptoms coming on after major stress in your life and not going away. Depression. Weight loss. See my previous post about feeling well for the rest. (For about 20 years I was very UNDER weight.) I'm not a doctor, but I do think you show symptoms of Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome.
There is a strong bias in mainstream medicine against WTS right now for some reason I can't figure out. I keep wondering if it's because it's simple and it works and it has the potential to take a lot of income away from docs and drug companies who make their living off people like us who never totally get well. I was amazed to read on Mary Shomon's site last week that according to a new article in JAMA, a previously undisclosed 87% of doctors who write dosage guidelines have a connection of some sort to drug companies. That means all those docs out there who swear there is no WTS or that WTS is a crock have been influenced by people who in some way have been paid by drug companies to write biased dosage instructions and medicine guidelines. Since the medicine for WTS is pure T3 mixed with time-released agent at independent compounding pharmacies, there is no major drug company with a patent on it and a financial interest at stake to promote it as health giving or life
saving, which I feel it it.
Interesting, when you think about the economics of health and getting well, eh?
My advice, if you want it, would be to look for a more wholistically inclined doc, even if you have to pay for his/her office visit yourself. Can you attach a price tag to your health and well being? If all you need is the cost of office visits for about a year plus the medicine, which is not all that expensive, but you get WELL, wouldn't returning to health be worth the effort?
What state are you located in? What city? I can send you lists of docs from the WTS and the Association of Preventive Medical Doctors sites privately, if you're interested. There should be one or two near you. I'm pulling for you.
Best wishes for getting well!
Linda in LA
"We are each responsible for our own life--no other person is or even *can* be." Oprah Winfrey

Hi, Dexie,
I am also new to the group. This is my first message, but I really
think the purpose of these groups is to let each other know we are
not alone. YOU are not alone. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism,
insulin resistance, PCOD, stage 3 endometriosis, and hidradenitis
suppurativa all within a matter of months. I am one of those cases
where the autoimmune diseases have taken over, but knowing that I'm
not alone and trying to maintain my sense of humor help
tremendously. I am now going to be working with an
internist/endocrinologist to get to the bottom of a few other
problems that I have going on and hopefully will be on the road to
recovery soon!
Anyway, I wish you the best of luck with your health and please keep
us posted.
Health, Happiness, and Pain free days!
Jamie

In a message dated 03/07/2002 6:48:22 PM Pacific Standard Time, luvmy5@... writes:

Does anyone have a good website with info on hypothyroidism; I have a friend

www.thyroidabout.com
http://personal.bellsouth.net/lig/w/u/wurmstei/
www.wilsonsthyroidsyndrome.com
Good luck!
Linda in LA
"We are each responsible for our own life--no other person is or even *can* be." Oprah Winfrey

Tammy,
I've been totally intriuged ever since you first mentioned them, but I must
have missed the post where you listed exactly what they are and who makes
them. So please can you tell me how to get these vitamins that have seemed to
save your life? I am heavily into healing myself with herbs and supplements
too, but have not yet found one that my body seems to do remarkably well on...
Please let me know!
Thank you so much,
Dolores

Thanks Gracia,
So by Thyroid drug, you mean my thyroid replacement drug
(Synthroid)??

Hi Melanie,
I don't mean to toot my horn but I really don't feel that bad. I felt
pretty bad Tuesday ( brain fog and dizziness) but I it went away the
next day. I think it was really a sleep issue.
To continue, I really don't feel that bad. I'm on a Protein Power,
drinking 80 oz of water, and working out 3X week with weights, and 3X
week of cardio. Also, about 3 times a week, I walk 3 miles with my
neighbors around the neighborhood. Needless to say, I'm very tired at
night and have NO problems going to sleep.
My Levoxyl is at .075 mcg right now ( until the next reading in two
weeks). I take it at night before I go to bed because I take my multi-
vitamin in the a.m. and those two weren't working too well together.
I started working out and doing PP 4 weeks ago and so far I've only
lost 4lbs which I'm NOT complaining about!!!
Well, that's my story@
Renee

Does anyone have a good website with info on hypothyroidism; I have a friend that her grandmother just found out she was hypo and she wants to learn more about it. I have never looked on websites when I found out I had it I knew more about it then I should. LOL My fil is hypo also so I knew the stuff from him.. TIA to anyone that can help me out

-:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Devie -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
Mommy to my 3 girls
Brittany 6-15-94
Suzi 8-21-96
Lauren 6-17-99
and my 2 angels ^i^
Amberleigh 5-4-93 - 7-11-93 (Luekemia)
Cory Michael stillborn 7-22-98 (cause unknown)
Married to Michael since 10-17-92

The Howell's Homepage
http://www.geoccities.com/devie5

Visit our Church's webpage <
http://www.fellowshipbaptistch.com

Hi Devie,

I am 33 and have had thyroid since after the birth of my second daughter Ryanne. I gained 40 pounds in a two week period after her birth! (13 years ago) When you asked about Diabetes I too have that and just recently dx past 6 months. Today after my appointment I went to the pharmacy and received my new glucometer. I bought the one from accu-check(last one I had was freestyle) Accu-check is pretty good, it allows you to use your computer to help keep records straight and monitor, lets you keep track of your ketones, and your excersise. Really neat, now I just have to figure out how to use it all.... :} Kinda like a palm pilot of the Diabetes machines.

I have recently started to work out at the gym. I am now up to five minutes on my bike routine hey ya'll that is up from 2 minutes (applause here) Wow am I outta shape. But willing to work on it to get into shape.

Enough for now. Ta Ta

Wendy

~Devie~ <luvmy5@...

Hi I am new to the list. I am almost 28, I have 3 girls Brittany is almost 8, Suzi is 5, and Lauren is almost 3. I have been married to Michael for 9 yrs. He is a SSG in the Army. We are living in NC right now but will soon be moving to Florida.

I found out I had hypothyroidism in Sept. I was first tried on 25 mg of Synthroid but had to be changed as it was doing no good so now I am on 50 mg and it seems to be working up until this week I had my energy back and wasn't as moody but in the last week my energy has went so I went to the DR thinking they needed to up my meds again but my THS was way lower then it had been so they did more test and come to find out I am diabetic is the reason for the no energy.

Not sure what eels to say just wanted to introduce myself. It will be nice to talk with other's with the same thing. Is anyone here also a diabetic?

-:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
((¸¸.·´ ..·´ Devie -:¦:-
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´*
Mommy to my 3 girls
Brittany 6-15-94
Suzi 8-21-96
Lauren 6-17-99
and my 2 angels ^i^
Amberleigh 5-4-93 - 7-11-93 (Luekemia)
Cory Michael stillborn 7-22-98 (cause unknown)
Married to Michael since 10-17-92

The Howell's Homepage
http://www.geoccities.com/devie5

Visit our Church's webpage <
http://www.fellowshipbaptistch.com

Community email addresses:
Subscribe: hypothyroidism-subscribe@onelist.com
Unsubscribe: hypothyroidism-unsubscribe@onelist.com
List owner: hypothyroidism-owner@onelist.com
Community URL addresses:
http://www.thyrodine.com
http://home.sol.no/~dusan/hypothyroidism.html
http://home.sol.no/~dusan/blood_type.html
http://www.onelist.com/community/hypothyroidism
Subscription URL: http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/hypothyroidism
To change status from normal to digest: hypothyroidism-digest@onelist.com
To change status from digest to normal: hypothyroidism-normal@onelist.com
To subscribe: hypothyroidism-subscribe@onelist.com
List Archives: http://www.onelist.com/archive/hypothyroidism
Have a nice day !
To unsubscribe, send blank message to: hypothyroidism-unsubscribe@onelist.com

Antoinette,
You are very welcome. Iodine in trace amounts is essential for good
thyroid function, but in large amounts it can cause or worsen a
goiter.
Best wishes to you for your health.
Celeste

Hi There Melanie!
I have to speak up and say I feel good. I have had only one dosage
change since I have been diagnosed with hypo... ( I have been hypo for over
10 years) . Then it was the very tired symptoms ... muscle pain, fogginess.
But Thank God My doctor upped me on my levoxil and I feel fine.... I walk
everyday... Try to get enough sleep and think positive.... So hang in
there!!!! Things will get better!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Hi there and welcome. You will have to take some form
of Thyroid replacement for all your life....it goes up
with age of the disease(I found)
I am not sure what else to tell you about your tsh..it
does sound as though you may need to be retested to
see if you are taking the current correct amount.
As far as baby is concerned, I would wait till you are
regulated with your thyroid.
An interesting thought too is that once regulated
everything will come into place for you and you should
be able to get pregnant on a regular cycle instead of
taking more drugs.
Hope I made sense, and on my way out the door to get
my thyroid checked! :}
Good Day,
Wendy

Hi everyone,
I was just curious...We have all heard so many horror
stories about this illness. I would like to know...
Is there anyone out there that is feeling good and if
so can you share with all of us what you are doing and
what meds you are on and what the dosage amount is of
each thing you are taking? I'm also curious what your
TSH was before you started taking the med and what it
is now. It would really help. Thanks for sharing
your info with everyone.
Melanie

Hi
Thank you Celeste for your advice. Tuesday I will have
the result for the blood test.
Really I have read that seaweeds are good, but I
didn't like the taste of it, even Nori I don't like.
So only I add a little seaweed powder only one time a
day. Anyway, next week I will see the result
Good health to you all, and thanks.
Antoinette
--- a1thighmaster <teroger@...
<HR
<html
<tt
Antoinette,<BR
<BR
I recommend that you stop ingesting kelp (and other
sea vegetables) <BR
since it contains iodine and is likely to further
suppress your <BR
thyroid function.<BR
<BR
Celeste <BR
<BR

&gt; <BR
&gt; I have appointement next week to check the test
and<BR
&gt; the ultrasound . I will see if something has
changed<BR
&gt; with this diet, plus I add everyday to my food
kelp (<BR
&gt; which I make it myself , I bought sea vegetables
and I<BR
&gt; grind them in poweder,I add it like salt, it
tastes<BR
&gt; salty with a smell of fish). Plus I put 2 times
per<BR
&gt; day a bag of hot water on my neck, I feel with it
the<BR
&gt; goiter became soft and little small. I hope this
will<BR
&gt; work to make it small so I don't need a
surgery.<BR
&gt; <BR
<BR
<BR
</tt
<br
<!-- |**|begin egp html banner|**| --
<table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2
<tr bgcolor=#FFFFCC
<td align=center

Antoinette,
I recommend that you stop ingesting kelp (and other sea vegetables)
since it contains iodine and is likely to further suppress your
thyroid function.
Celeste

Aloha!
I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis and I have been on thyroid medication
for more than a few decades. I started out on the old Armour (which
wasn't much good), then switched to Synthroid, and finally to
Levothroid. I'm having good success as long as I take Tyrosine.
Tyrosine is an amino acid that the body uses to make T3. I take 500
mg. of Tyrosine 3 times a day (always on an empty stomach) for a total
of 1500 mg. a day. If I don't take it then I get constipated,
fatigued, and several other low thyroid symptoms. Has anyone else had
good success with Tyrosine?
Celeste

Melinie,
I'm glad to hear you've already made an appt w/ someone new! My advice (if
he says something similar) is that YOUR goal is not a number but HOW YOU
FEEL. I can't believe your (previous) doctor said HER goal was a 4. Then
again, I guess I can believe it, obviously she's not hypo and has no idea
what a 4 feels like!
Let us know how your new doc does!
Shelly.
P.S. Anyone in the Chicagoland area? I'm wondering if I should see an endo
w/ a brain instead of my family doc (she's good, but I'm not convinced she's
the one that should treat me for this).

Hi All ,
I wish to you joette good health with the new diet.
you are right to start the diet for the blood type .
Really I am on the diet for the blood type O since
June 2001. I feel well with this diet , I lost the
first two weeks 6 kg. The most benefit of it that I
don't have constipation, and I sleep very well no need
to take pills.
the only thing I feel bad after beeing on this diet is
when I eat now something wrong I feel not well and my
stomach doesn't digest it. so if you want to follow
this diet, it is for your long life .
About the tyroid, I can't say how much it helps,
because according to the book, any natural diet you
follow doesn't show for the thyroid not after six
month and to be beneficial and see improvement in the
thyroid function will take one year.
But I can tell you about me. I was hypothyroidism ,but
now all my test are normal , I am not on medication
although the thyroid is enlarged and big and the
doctor suggest to make surgery to remove it, which I
don't like to do it. One doctor suggests to do every
six months ultra sounds to check how much the size is
growing to see if it needs to remove it completly or a
part of it.
I have appointement next week to check the test and
the ultrasound . I will see if something has changed
with this diet, plus I add everyday to my food kelp (
which I make it myself , I bought sea vegetables and I
grind them in poweder,I add it like salt, it tastes
salty with a smell of fish). Plus I put 2 times per
day a bag of hot water on my neck, I feel with it the
goiter became soft and little small. I hope this will
work to make it small so I don't need a surgery.
I wish to you all good health.
Peace and Love .
Antoinette
--- joettet2002 <joettet@...
<HR
<html
<tt
Greetings all,<BR
<BR
Have been reading with interest, just haven't had a
lot of time to <BR
participate in some of the discussions.<BR
<BR
About two weeks ago I bought the book Eat Right 4 Your
Type (Dr. <BR
Peter J. D'Adamo) and am trying to make the switch
over to the <BR
correct diet guidlines for my blood type. Has anyone
out there tried <BR
this? Has it had any effect? After reading it, it
makes sense and am <BR
looking forward to being my own guinea pig. I've also
done some <BR
preliminary reading of an older book of Deepak
Chopra's that focuses <BR
on Auyervedic principals to guide diet. <BR
<BR
Have now been on Cytomel for about two months and
think it's working <BR
fine. Had TSH, free T4 and free T3 tests last week. My
doctor is <BR
reducing my Levoxyl again based on the TSH and is
continuing with the <BR
Cytomel. Since Dec. I've gone from .175 mcg of Levoxyl
daily to .100 <BR
mcg daily. My Dr. said that too high a dose of
Levoxyl/Synthroid can <BR
cause the thyroid to work even less which will cause
the TSH reading <BR
to be low, and that's why we've been reducing the
dosage. Has anyone <BR
else heard this or read this anywhere?<BR
<BR
On the lecithin question...I don't know if there is
anything other <BR
than soya lecithin. Here's what Dr. D'Adamo says about
it in his book <BR
when discussing the the blood Type B diet,
"Lecithin a blood enhancer <BR
found principally in soy, allows the cell-surface B
antigens to move <BR
around more easily and better protect the immune
system. Type Bs <BR
should seek this benefit from lecithin granules, not
soy itself, as <BR
soy doesn't have the concetrated effect. Using the
Membrane Fluidizer <BR
cocktail (6-8 oz. of fruit juice, 1 tbsp. flaxseed
oil, 1 tbsp. <BR
lecithin granules, shake well)is a good habit to
develop, as it <BR
allows you to get an excellent stimulant for your
immune system in a <BR
rather pleasant way."<BR
<BR
Take care,<BR
<BR
Joette<BR
<BR
</tt
<br
<!-- |**|begin egp html banner|**| --
<table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2
<tr bgcolor=#FFFFCC
<td align=center

Greetings all,
Have been reading with interest, just haven't had a lot of time to
participate in some of the discussions.
About two weeks ago I bought the book Eat Right 4 Your Type (Dr.
Peter J. D'Adamo) and am trying to make the switch over to the
correct diet guidlines for my blood type. Has anyone out there tried
this? Has it had any effect? After reading it, it makes sense and am
looking forward to being my own guinea pig. I've also done some
preliminary reading of an older book of Deepak Chopra's that focuses
on Auyervedic principals to guide diet.
Have now been on Cytomel for about two months and think it's working
fine. Had TSH, free T4 and free T3 tests last week. My doctor is
reducing my Levoxyl again based on the TSH and is continuing with the
Cytomel. Since Dec. I've gone from .175 mcg of Levoxyl daily to .100
mcg daily. My Dr. said that too high a dose of Levoxyl/Synthroid can
cause the thyroid to work even less which will cause the TSH reading
to be low, and that's why we've been reducing the dosage. Has anyone
else heard this or read this anywhere?
On the lecithin question...I don't know if there is anything other
than soya lecithin. Here's what Dr. D'Adamo says about it in his book
when discussing the the blood Type B diet, "Lecithin a blood enhancer
found principally in soy, allows the cell-surface B antigens to move
around more easily and better protect the immune system. Type Bs
should seek this benefit from lecithin granules, not soy itself, as
soy doesn't have the concetrated effect. Using the Membrane Fluidizer
cocktail (6-8 oz. of fruit juice, 1 tbsp. flaxseed oil, 1 tbsp.
lecithin granules, shake well)is a good habit to develop, as it
allows you to get an excellent stimulant for your immune system in a
rather pleasant way."
Take care,
Joette

Gritsmom, hello and welcome. try visiting this page:
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/fibromyalgiacfs/
Karen

Hello-

I am new to this list. I have Hashimotos Disease/Hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed in 1996. I had/have a small multi goiter. I am currently taking Levoxyl .1mg. I have never had a weight problem before in my life until now. I am miserable to say the least!

I don't understand why my TSH levels are never within the normal limits. I was checked the end of last December and my TSH was 10.09 (high) Cholesterol is 247. Triglycerides are 217. LDL Cholesterol Calc is 133. All are high. <shaking my head!

I still have many symptoms that just stay with me no matter what. Am I supposed to be eating certain foods? How did I get Hashimotos? I know it is hereditary but there is NO history of any one in my family ever having this. I have had 28 blood transfusions that are on record. I have always wondered about IF I could have gotten it this way.

I have been told that I have Fibromyalgia. I have done a LOT of research on Fibro and have found nothing that says Fibro is related to Hashimotos/Hypothyroidism.

Fibromyalgia has been around for many years. They just keep changing the name. It is not something that is a new problem. Please keep in mind I do my research by using medical TEXT books, not over the counter books. I have spent a fortune on these medical text books but I enjoy learning. I always wanted to be a nurse but I have been sick since the day I was born with other problems not related to Hashimotos/Hypothyroidism. I did work for a Doctor when I was much younger.

I would appreciate any suggestions/comments that you all would be willing to share. I don't know who else to turn to and I really don't know what to do.

Thank you for your time.

Gritsmom

Hey guys/gals,
Anyone here ever tried Thyrostart for weight loss? If so, what was
the success? Also, if you have, what kind of multi vit do you take,
if you even take one, because it appears to me that Thyrostart is
VERY loaded.
Thanks,
Renee

Thanks Shelly,
I got my results from the new endo today and she said
she would start treating me with a higher dosage of
the Synthroid then I was receiving before from my
family doctor. Before I was getting .025mg and now
she is giving me .075mg. She said her goal though is
to get me around a 4.0 (which I guess isn't going to
make much of a difference?). When I asked her about
Armour she said it wasn't necessary and when I asked
about a increase in the risk for breast cancer with
the Levoxyl she said she has never heard of that. I
don't know what to do now. Has anyone else experienced
this and is there a possibility I may feel better with
this dosage? Thanks for your support.
Melanie

Hey,
I don't mean to sound like an idiot ( hmm maybe I am :-)) but what is
the difference between whole food supplements and vitamins? Can you
give me examples?
Thanks,
Renee P.

Melanie,
Your doc said you were "borderline" but I just want to say again - you are
not. If most ppl feel normal around 1.0 or 2.0 on a scale from .5 to 5.5 -
then a result of 6.96 or even 5.96 or even 4.96 is WAY TOO high - NOT
borderline. I'm sure you've already decided to find a new doc by now - but
just remember that most ppl on this list (that I've seen) say "normal" is on
the low end of the scale - not high end. So even if your test results come
back "normal", if they are at the high end of normal AND you do not feel
normal (of course you have to way about 4 wks to judge that), then you are
not normal yet! It's only when you feel normal that you can really be
considered normal! And that's when you find out what your test result is -
so the next time you're not feeling normal & the numbers are not the same as
when you did feel normal - you will both in feeling & w/ numbers what the
results mean.
Did I just make sense? Sorry for the ramble.
Shelly.

Gracia - I don't think Synthroid helped me to get PG. My problems might not
have been infertility as much as I just wasn't ovulating. I think much of
that is due to my thyroid problems - but not fixed by the Synthroid. I used
Clomid to force my body to ovulate (which you can only take for 6 mths) and
it was the 7th month (w/out Clomid) when I got PG. I don't think it was as
much due to my Synthroid as it was to my thyroid getting back into balance -
I think if I'd used a different hormone besides Synthroid it prolly would
have been the same - but who knows!
Shelly.

Hi folks,
I just got Mary Shomon's e-newsetter which contains a news article of importance I think every thyroid patient needs to know when they talk to their doctor about what kind of medicine they need. Here are the first three sentences of that article:
Most Doctors Who Set Guidelines Have Industry Ties
[INLINE]
Thyroid News / From Mary Shomon Your Thyroid Guide
February 2002 -- According to researchers, the vast majority of doctors who are involved in the process of establishing national guidelines for treatment of various diseases are financially tied to the pharmaceutical industry, and that relationship could inappropriately influence their recommendations. The research, reported on in the February 6th issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association," found that 87% of guideline authors had some connection to the drug companies, but these relationships frequently were not disclosed. As many as 38% of those doctors surveyed had served as employees or consultants for pharmaceutical companies, 58% received financial support for medical research, and 59% were linked to drug companies whose drugs were covered in the treatment guidelines developed.
This could mean that instead of getting the thyroid medicine that is best for you, you are getting what a drug company is paying for your doctor to believe is the best thyroid drug for you. And we all know those could be two different things! So the next time a doctor tells you that Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome and its treatment are a hoax, remember they are likely to have been influenced by powerful drug company interests to sway you toward Synthroid (or Levoxyl's or whatever brand) and to do or say whatever they need, including scare you, to keep you in Synthroid's pocket.
Here's the link for the full text of the article:
http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/bldocties.htm
Linda in LA
"We are each responsible for our own life--no other person is or even *can* be." Oprah Winfrey