Mark's Blog

What is pcos?
hannah

Karen,
If your doctor fails to give you a copy of your medical records upon
your signing a release, mention "MY LAWYER". It is ILLEGAL for them
not to give you your medical records! They can charge you a certain
amount for them (I believe 75 cents a page), but they cannot withhold
them.
Also, when you get lab results, you can request that a copy of the
lab results be sent to you as well as to your doctor. That also is
your LEGAL RIGHT!!!
Any doctor who does not want to give you a copy of your medical
records is hiding that they are treating you poorly--get a new doctor
and get your medical records (I switched doctor's from one who would
never let me see my records. That doctor forwarded all of my records
to me and to my new doctor). I now have a copy of my med. records at
home so that I can review all of my results/tests/visits.
Good Luck!
Shimiah

http://messenger.msn.com

She won't even tell me what my levels are.
Hi Lisa,
this is crazy! I would sign a release form with your office and request
that all of your records be given to you. This is a basic patient right.
Karen
P.S. could people start erasing some of the old messages when they reply or
do what I did above. The problem is that these messages are big and take up
a lot of space in my email and then it gets full and I sometimes don't get
all my messages. I'm sure others are dealing with the same. thanks so much
:)

Hi Hannah,
After I had my tubal I started having really heavy periods with alot more pain
with them.I had always had irregular,really light,painless periods up until
then.But at the same time I had a very good sex drive (sorry) while I had the
tubal that I don't have now :( I had a reversal in Dec 2000 because my husband
and I wanted to have a child together.This is my 2nd husband,we have no kids
together.
I know that I have low estrogen and progesterone right now but my gyn. put me
off to an reproductive endo,which my insurance will not pay for,which leaves me
getting no treatment whatsoever for the low hormones.
I have pcos,which the main symptom is high testosterone.My reg endo treats that
with glucophage.
I think I may have always had a very mild case of pcos but it's just gotten
gradually worse as I have gotten older.
I have had unsightly chin hairs since I was in grade school! But now they are
horrible....yikes!
I go next month to have my yearly pap and I think there's a new dr at the
women's clinic so maybe I can get him to do something! My goodness,how hard is
it to do blood tests and give me a little estrogen?!
HTH :)
Jenn
Jenn,
aRe your symptoms now like LIsa's?
Hannah

"I have to
say and feel free to disagree with me that thyroid disease has to be the
most misdiagnosed and misunderstood disease of all time".
Absolutely I agree. I was hypothyroid my whole life but only got Armour at
age 52 when I diagnosed and treated myself. I went to one Naturpath who
was great but she moved out of state, the next 3 were very unhelpful. I am
really happy now with a broda barnes doc www.brodabarnes.org Also
www.armourthyroid.com for doc referral. I think the toxic stupid docs
should be boycotted, and when their waiiting rooms are empty maybe they will
get a clue.
Gracia

I have given up completely on my current doctor and am in the process of
looking for a new doctor. I asked my current doctor to put me on Armour
thyroid to try it and she refused. She wouldn't even listen to me. The
last time I felt really good was right after the birth of my daughter in
1996. I felt great for a couple of months and then started getting a lot of
the symptoms back. I asked her to test me and she did but was told I was
normal. This went on for 3 years. Finally she examined me and found I had
no muscle reflex at all and decided I needed my Synthroid adjusted. She
said, "Well, your level has been low for a couple years but not too low."
She won't even tell me what my levels are. I still have many hypothyroid
symptoms. Tired all the time, cold sensitivity, hair like straw, extremely
dry skin, brain fog etc., etc. I have been trying more natural types of
things and am really hoping to find a good naturopathic doctor. I have to
say and feel free to disagree with me that thyroid disease has to be the
most misdiagnosed and misunderstood disease of all time.
I am here to listen and learn of what helps others. I have lost faith in
doctors over the fact that they will not listen to me. You get treated
like you are a nut case. My symptoms and problems are real. The good
thing in finding a group like this is being validated. I would like to
know what if anything any of you might be using as natural treatments or
supplements. I have heard so much conflicting information over foods,
supplements, medications etc. Thanks!
Lisa

Jenn,
aRe your symptoms now like LIsa's?
Hannah

Hannah,
There are simple blood tests available to test your estrogen,
progesterone and testosterone levels--it is recommended that they be
tested in conjunction iwth the thyroid because they can be related
problems--have you had these? If not, I would recommend getting at
least the estrogen tested. Maybe it is possible that the problems
with your paps are related to hormones. I am only surmising this.
But one thing I do KNOW:
JUST PLEASE DO NOT GET YOUR TUBES TIED IN ORDER TO PREVENT CERVICAL
CANCER!!! IT WILL NOT HELP!!! OF COURSE PEOPLE HAVE TO GET TOTAL
HYSTERECTOMIES LATER BECAUSE TUBAL LIGATION DOES NOTHING TO STOP THE
GROWTH OF CERVICAL CELLS!!! IT ONLY PREVENTS FERTILIZATION OF A
RELEASED EGG. THE BAD CELLS WILL CONTINUE TO GROW!!! IT ALSO DOES
NOT ALTER LEVELS OF HORMONES IN YOUR BODY!!! SO IT WILL DO NOTHING
TO HELP THAT IF IT IS INDEED A PROBLEM FOR YOU!!!
Where are you located? Have you been to the Mary Shomon site at
About.com? It has a doctor finder that can help find a good thyroid
doctor in your area. If you need help finding a good doctor I'll see
what I can do here (maybe my doctor knows someone?).
Good Luck! I hope you find a decent doctor.
Shimiah

days

HI Lisa,
What do your drs say or want to do for you now?
Hope there is something that can help,
Hannah

I have to say this startled me also. I had a bad pap in 1989 and had to
have a colposcopy done. It sounds much worse than it really is and I was
fine. I had no idea of the link to hypothyroidism. I am also going to do
more research. Thank you for sharing.
Lisa

Thanks! will look into that tonight.
I feel so rushed because they are so adament
with calling me to schedule surgeries.
Hannah

I am relatively new to the list and have not posted before now. I have was
diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1987 about 10 months after the stillbirth
of my first child. My husband and I were trying to have another baby and
that's how I found out I had hypothyroidism.
I didn't know much about it and took my Synthroid like they told me. I
never knew so many things going on with me were related to my thyroid
function and my doctor never explained anything. I learned a lot after
getting online five years ago.
I just wanted to say that if you can in any way NOT have your tubes tied I
would try to do it. I had mine done after my last child was born in 1996
due to other health problems. I have always had problems with my cycles.
Heavy flow, painful (labor like) cramping and being terribly irregular. My
periods have been severely painful and the flow is much heavier since I've
had my tubes tied and I sincerely regret having it done. I have not talked
to anyone who has had it done that has not had some problem with it. Just
my 2 cents worth. I don't want to frighten you but I wouldn't do it if I
didn't absolutely have to.
Lisa Myers

Hi and thanks for the info everyone.
I am so thankful for this group because
I so many times feel so outnumbered by
the drs who don't tell me what's happening
and feel so alone with no control or knowledge
of what they want to do.
I am petrified of having the tubes tied
because I do not know ONE single person who
had this procedure that did not later have
to have a hysterectomy later on. Hysterectomy
is my biggest fear overall because it will
triple the problems with hormones and my hypothyroidism.
I am barely accepting the hypo problems now.
Does anyone here know anyone who had thier
tubes tied and no further female problems later?
thanks,
hannnah

Tracy,
Your Doctor is a bit misinformed--it is a well known fact that birth
control pills (or any type of estrogen) block the absorption of your
thyroid medications. However, most people can deal with this by
being sure to take your synthroid separately from your birth control
pills (at least 4 hours). Also, for most people it just means that
when you do go off BCP, your TSH level will go down a bit (by going
off BCP my TSH went from 3.1 to .71). This is not necessarily
catastrophic if you know to keep an eye out and not go HYPER!
For me, though, a lot of my hypothyroid symptoms (ie. migraine
headaches--especially when my period was due, constipation, extremely
low flow) are also signs of too much estrogen. Given that I have a
history of severe drug interactions, I was afraid that I would assume
it was my thyroid going out of whack when it was my BCP, or vice
versa. It just got too nerve-wracking for me.
My doctor also told me that they were fine to take together, though
my gyn. was a little less enthusiastic, she still said it was okay as
long as we were careful. My pharmacist is the one who said NO!!!
Read the information package that comes with your synthroid--it
should say not to take with estrogen.
But if it works for you, it works for you. I have many hypothyroid
friends who still use BCP without a problem. Just be aware if you go
off BCP that your TSH may drop!
Good Luck!
Shimiah

In a message dated 9/3/2002 11:06:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
junk13@... writes:
What side effects did you have from the pill, on your hypothyroidism? I have
a mild case of hypothyroidism, and take a low dosage of Synthroid, and
started taking BCP in March. I haven't had any side effects, haven't felt
any worse while taking both the BCP and Synthroid. My only concern is that
there are no "interactions" so to speak, between the two, so that both pills
do what they're supposed to do. I talked to my doctors about it, and was told
there was no drug interaction, but I guess I'm paranoid that one will lessen
the effectiveness of the other.
I'll quit my ramblings now. LOL
Tracy

Hannah,
I don't think that a PAP test showing possible precancerous condition
has any connection to being hypothyroid. I've never had an abnormal
PAP test result . . . neither before being diagnosed hypo nor after
and being on thyroid replacement. It's always worthwhile to have the
PAP test done again, though, to rule out lab error.
Before I was diagnosed hyper I had amenorrhea. My doctor first put me
on thyroid replacement and then also gave me monthly injections of
estrogen and progesterone for about 6 months. That got my menstrual
cycle re-established and I have not had any amenorrhea since then.
Just be sure to get natural progesterone and NOT progestin
(synthetic) for this purpose.
Best wishes,
Celeste

I am new to this group, though I have been watching for a few days

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!
PLEASE reconsider having a tubal.I did in '95 and have regretted it VERY much
since!
You can e mail me privately if you need to but please think LONG and HARD before
you take that drastic step,ok :)
Jenn
Hi all,
have not been here in a long time.
I need help finding a book or info somewhere regarding
hypothyroid patients and their ob/gyn tendencies ASAP.
I have been knocked around by 7 drs who did not know enough
about hypo, now the OB wants to CUT CUT BURN TIE and God
knows what all else. I am afraid to go back but know
I have to because Pap had "changing" cells
(not cancer but could become someday she said).
I had been through 7 gyns within 2 groups who all have
NO KNOWledge whatsoever of hypo patients or how the hormones
change the mentrual cycle. From what I can see I have
premature perimenopause....which does not surprise me cause
with hypo all symptoms are as if you aged 30+ yrs overnight.
I need to be WELL WELL read before I get back to this woman,
and they are calling my home now to schedule operations.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
Hannah

In a message dated 9/3/2002 3:08:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
msqhanna@... writes:
use colloidal silver

Hi all,
have not been here in a long time.
I need help finding a book or info somewhere regarding
hypothyroid patients and their ob/gyn tendencies ASAP.
I have been knocked around by 7 drs who did not know enough
about hypo, now the OB wants to CUT CUT BURN TIE and God
knows what all else. I am afraid to go back but know
I have to because Pap had "changing" cells
(not cancer but could become someday she said).
I had been through 7 gyns within 2 groups who all have
NO KNOWledge whatsoever of hypo patients or how the hormones
change the mentrual cycle. From what I can see I have
premature perimenopause....which does not surprise me cause
with hypo all symptoms are as if you aged 30+ yrs overnight.
I need to be WELL WELL read before I get back to this woman,
and they are calling my home now to schedule operations.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
Hannah

hello,
I also have goiter. Wish I had answers, but can only tell
you why I am afraid of any drs now, they all contradicted
each other in my experience.
I had one tell me,
after using synthyroid, the goiter (enlarged throid gland)
will shrink back down because the meds will be doing the work
FOR the thyroid so it can relax. It is enlarged because it
is stressed from overworking.
Another told me,
Size of the goiter when beginning meds will remain only.
Damage done is damage done and cannot be reversed.
It will not shrink, but at least it will not get any larger
from the time you started meds to help it.
AT this point then with a big painful neck, NEITHER of
these endos decided to treat me at all because my numbers
were in the
"SO CALLED RANGE OF NUMBERS they use for NORMAL"
Go figure.
I had to go to the regular family dr then who thought it was
OUTrageous that I was not being treated when this goiter
was there and obviously getting bigger. He is not happy
about it though because he does not specialize in it and
would rather I had a "competent" endo, which I am unable
to find around here. He at least put me on armour at my
request, he just monitors it.
I asked him which of the drs were right about goiter size,
and he said he did not know either, but strange they don't
agree. I said "who am I to believe?"
So if you find out who's right,
please email the information where you found the answer.
Good luck,
Hannah

I would buy one bottle of it, see if it worked for me, THEN probably
call that company. No sence in having a whole caseful of soemthing
you aren't going to use.
I'm going to try it though. I believe in CLA, I really think it
works, so if this stuff is similar or better, then Yay for me!
Actually Yay for anyone trying to lose weight!
Renee P.

In a message dated 9/2/2002 2:37:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
whorocks@... writes:
There is a company that buys things for you by the case. IF you are willing
to buy 12, you could probably pay 15 bucks a bottle.
NewEnglandNutritives.com They call the company, make the price, then charge
your card...after that, you own it but you'll get it cheaper and stay out of
the poor house.

Hello,

Renee,
T2-Pro does NOT contain ephedra. I would not take anything containing
ephedra. Both my husband and I started having panic attacks after
taking a product that contained ephedra. Never again!
Celeste

Whoa! You take 1500 mg's of Tyrosine a day. Do you still do this???
Renee P.

Hi all,
Anyone here ever tried a product called thyrostart? Since we were on
the discussion of T2Pro, I thought I'd ask. One of these,( I believe
the T2Pro is a thermogenic but the Thyrostart isn't). There is an
article on Mary Shomon page about it and she doesn't really recommend
it becuase it has ephedra in it.
Anyway, anyone tried it or known someone that tried it??
Renee P.

Ok,
I got back from the endo's office last week with a diagnosis of
hashimoto's thyroiditis. Since I have had a goiter since I was 12 (and I
am not 45) but through some really stupid medical handling have been off
and on synthroid several times in my life.
The new endo has given me a perscription for armour which I am really
happy about and hope to begin feeling better soon. But here is my question,
Diet plans, herbal suppliments, homeopathy, I have been researching them
all in the last 6 months as well as being on this list. My 2 big
concerns are I want to feel like a real person again and I Do Not want
my goiter to grow any bigger. I can find no information on the net or
anywhere else that explains what actually makes the goiter grow. I don't
want to take a thyroid support suppliment and then find out that my
goiter is 3 times its present size next month.
Does anyone know on the list what actions make a goiter get bigger?
Thanks,
Deborah

Tess,
I lost about 15 pounds while taking T2Pro. Of course, I had also
reduced my calorie intake, but I think the T2Pro made the dieting
more tolerable. I found, though, that I could not take the 3 capsules
a day recommended on the label. It would make me feel too wound up. I
do much better taking 1 or 2 capsules a day.
The other thing that I found very helpful is Tonalin CLA. I've been
taking 4000 mg. a day of that for about a month now and I've noticed
the following results:
1. greatly reduced PMS,
2. leaner appearance, and
3. (my favorite) more endurance.
Much aloha,
Celeste

Hi all,
I was wondering. After reading MANY posts about where your TSH levels
and T4 levels should be, I have a question about the T4.
What is a good level for Free T4? I've read that it should be in the
upper numbers of "the range" - is this true?
I think everyone understands the TSH reading but not the T4.
Any enlightenment?
Renee P.

Hi all,
Just wanted to pass along my newest readings. I see my endo every
month. Be aware that the last time I got tested( July) my TSH was
6.46. All he said was up my Levoxyl.
TSH = 5.21
T4 = 1.1
I don't know HOW I'm going to do it, but I'm going to have to get
back in an excercise regimen and diet( which I H A T E!). It's the
only way to survive with this disease.
Renee

Hi all,
In all the time I've been reading from this group (I guess) the
aspect of "resistance to meds" has never come up? Is this real? Is
this why certain meds work better than others with each individual?
Is there any data to back this up?
This could really help me in explaining to my doc that Levoxyl is
indeed NOT the right medecine for me.
Thanks,
Renee

Carie,
The "chemical" (actually a hormone) that you would be taking is
something which your thyroid gland would produce for you if it could.
Not taking it would be akin to a diabetic not taking insulin. You
will end up being quite ill and incapacitated within a fairly short
time.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Kersten,
It is true that if you are hypothyroid then you will most likely have
to take thyroid hormone for the rest of your life. It's one of those
things that your body absolutely cannot do without and, yes, you
could die. Nobody can say when because it's not possible to predict
how long it could take for your thyroid function to deteriorate
further. IMHO, though, you should see another doctor (preferably an
endocrinologist) for a more complete workup. There are medications
other than Synthroid and another med might be more appropriate for
you.
You might also want to check the top docs list at about.thyroid.com
to see if there's one in your area.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Celeste,
Thanks very much for your reply.
When I had my *set back* over a year ago I had stopped having my period,too.My
estrogen and progesterone are both low also.I am going to have a talk with my
endo Fri about this.....among other things!
Thanks again,
Jenn
Jenn,
I think this could happen with hypothyroidism no matter whether the
cause is Hashi's or not. When I was first diagnosed one of my
symptoms was amenorrhea. I was low in both estrogen and progesterone.
My doctor gave me injections of estrogen and progesterone every month
until my cycle was re-established. I've had no problem with
amenorrhea since then.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Hello,
This is my very short and very recent thyroid history:
I needed to have my ears cleaned so 2 weeks ago I went
to the first ear doctor I saw in the yellow pages. He
seemed nice, and after cleaning my ears examined my
throat and said my thyroid was a bit enlarged. He
requested a blood test and an ultrasound. After seeing
the results, he said my pituitary gland is working
twice as hard to try to make my slow thyroid work
properly, and still is not managing; he prescribed
synthroid. I am completely puzzled. I don't have any
of the symptons he asked about and know close to
nothing about thyroid problems. I asked if I would
have to take the medicine for the rest of my life (one
of the few things I had heard about thyroid
medicines.) He answered "either this or you die". He
wouldn't specify when, though (I'm 35). He said there
was no alternative treatment and when I asked if I
could make any lifestyle changes to help the condition
as well (eating habits, exercise etc) he said no, just
take the medicine. Does this all sound right? I'm
very distressed about this. I moved to this small town
recently and don't know where to turn to for help.
Please any advice, tips and information is very
welcome.
Thank you so much and best wishes,
Kerstin

PLEASE TAKE A NOTE IN CHANGE OF MY EMAIL ADDRESS FROM
DAANISHALI@...
TO NEW EMAIL : RDEVSI@...
THANK YOU

Jenn,
I think this could happen with hypothyroidism no matter whether the
cause is Hashi's or not. When I was first diagnosed one of my
symptoms was amenorrhea. I was low in both estrogen and progesterone.
My doctor gave me injections of estrogen and progesterone every month
until my cycle was re-established. I've had no problem with
amenorrhea since then.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Dear Misty,
Here are some supplements I've found to be very helpful with hypoglycemia.
Some of these you can read about elsewhere. Others have come from my own
experimenting over the years.
First, B-complex! Good quality. 50 mg per day. You may be able to tolerate
more, but go easy and don't take after 3 p.m. Take after the meal as it
seems to make you urinate a lot if you take it on an empty stomach.
Vit C. Natch. I like to sometimes use Ester-C or Ester-C Lite which is an
effervescent powder that comes in lots of flavors. Mmmm. Raspberry. But
all the varieties except the Lite are sweetened a little so don't over do at
first.
L-Glutamine. 500 mg once or twice a day.
Chromium. I use it off and on. I don't get a big hit on it all the time.
Aloe Vera juice. 1/4-1/2 cup a day. Stabilizes blood sugar. Swig it plain
and fast as the taste can be nasty but it WORKS! Don't skip a day.
Fiber--I use a couple of tablespoons psyllium every morning mixed in water
b/c I don't drink fruit juice. I just drink it fast. Fiber helps to even
out the blood sugar swings. Make sure you drink lots of water throughout the
day or it will make you constipated!
Minerals of some sort. Just watch not to get too much iodine b/c a lot of
hypothyroid people have become allergic to iodine because it's EVERYWHERE in
the USA!
Green stuff. I vaccilate back and forth on this. I positively crave the
stuff and it gives me energy but since my thyroid kinda went cukoo over this
past two years, it doesn't agree with me as much. So, you might experiment
with barley green, spirulina, green magma or something like that in small
doses at first and see how you do. Don't take after 3 p.m. or it will keep
you awake at night!
Increase oxygen intake. This can and usually means exercise. But, yeah I
know, you feel like crap. But a half-hour brisk walk around the block every
day can really help. Also, I've been lately using a peroxy gel on my skin
twice a day that I make up from a recipe I got at Curezone. It's made w/
aloe gel, glycerin, and 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide. It does sting a
little at first but your skin slurps in the O2 and it feeds into the body
cells directly. If you want to recipe, email me.
Watch out for candida or yeast in your system and take care of it quick b/c
it can contribute to low blood sugar, IMO. You may need to go on a regular
cleanse every so often to kill of candida. There are several types of
candida cleanse products and not all agree with everyone. So, if you try one
and still have the yeast, try another one. The way you know it's working is
you'll feel like you have the flu or a cold for a day or two as the yeast
gets killed off. Take it easy for a couple of days, drink more water, eat
lightly but very well and rest and soon your body will flush out the dead
stuff and you'll start to feel better.
Watch out for brewer's yeast. This is highly recommended in most readings
I've ever found on hypoglycemia but most people are highly allergic to it.
So, be very careful if you decide to try it!
Also, allergies in general can provoke or mimic a hypoglycemic attack. So,
watch to see if certain foods bother you within about a half hour of eating.
Headache, stomachache, racing pulse, sudden exhaustion, irrituability, can't
think, anger storms, can all signal potential allergies. I fixed nearly all
of mine with NAET and my blood sugar stability is significantly improved!
Massaging the neck between cervical vertebre C-5 and C-6 will bring a person
out of a low blood sugar attack. Also, there is a reflex point on the foot
that will do the same. You can find that in a good, alternative health
reference book. My favorite is Linda Rector-Page's "Healthy Healing-An
Alternative Healing Reference." Also James Balch has a good book out that
someone referred to today.
I hope this helps. I know it is quite a download! If you have questions or
I can help further, please write back.
Hugs, Linda

This is an article I just found. I feel like it's something WE'VE
been dealing with for a long time but the government is JUST now
admitting it's really out there. Enjoy.

In a message dated 8/27/2002 3:52:52 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
misty_mouse36@... writes:
Hello Misty,
Yes, this is me. I have had both for about three decades.
(Well, this has become a treatise to answer your question, so I broke it into
two sections but still its long. If you're another list member who isn't
into this topic, be warned!)
Diet, of course, is the biggie with hypoglycemia. The consumption of sugars
and also non-complex carbs that turn right into sugar in the stomach are
avoided--altogether at first at least until you're more stable. So that
means all soft drinks, jelly, jam, cakes, cookies, biscuits (if made w/ white
flour and sugar, which is likely), sweetened cereal, ice cream, etc. It's
obvious that candy is out, crackers, "white" foods of any kinds, meaning
refined flour products, white rice, most breakfast cereals. Also, take a
look at the amount of fruit or fruit juice you consume. Fruit is very high
in natural sugar and quickly upsets blood sugar balance in the
hypersensitive. Eliminate fruit at first, then when more stable, allow only
one fruit per day. No fruit juices of any kind. No carrot juice. If you
must occasionally drink fruit juice, dilute half and half with water.
Turn to complex carbs--brown rice, brown flour pancakes, brown bread,
old-fashioned oatmeal, barley. The truly brown bread, not just the colored
brown by molasses bread next to Wonder at the supermarket! And try to find
bread the is low in sugar. Health Food Stores are best places to shop for
stuff like this. Don't overdo the carbs, but don't skip them either!
Add in heaping amounts of as near fresh vegetables as you can get. Five
generous servings per day! Every day! Stay low and loose on sweet veggies
at first--corn and carrots especially. Don't over consume popcorn at first.
Don't eat a lot of potatos, either at first. When you're better, you can add
in one small baked potato every once in a while, but eat it all when you do,
including the skin. But otherwise, eat LOTS of vegetables! They provide
essential fiber, nutrients, minerals, calories, etc. and they help you feel
full and keep you hydrated, which is very important.
Do use animal or fish protein every day, preferably at every meal. Protein
is very important because it takes longer to convert to glucose which means
you get a slower, steadier delivery of glucose into the brain over a longer
period of time. The brain runs on glucose and you can either get it fast
(carbs, sugar) or slow (protein and to a lesser extent complex carbs). But
slow, for the hypoglycemic, is KEY. And that means protein is essential!
Personally, I find I do best with some protein, complex carbs, vegetables,
and fat at each meal. Except for breakfast, then I lean very heavily on
protein, either eggs or meat with either cooked oatmeal or a whole wheat
muffin or bagel for the carbs and the staying power until lunch.
Get high quality protein. You don't have to overeat protein but I've found
protein at each meal, especially breakfast helps my brain start cranking at
6:00 a.m. Even if I eat a bowl of cereal and milk, even if it's the
greatest, whole-grain, la-tee-da, low sugar, high quality cereal from the
HFS, my mind's a blank in about 30 minutes! And in another 1/2 hour I'm
pasted to the floor, energy-wise! And this after years of moderating my
diet! Frankly, I'm better than I used to be and once and awhile I can get
away with cereal, but 99% of the time, for breakfast, it's meat or eggs plus
some carbs to keep me feeling full til lunch.
About caffeine--really notice how you do with it. Most people with blood
sugar disorders, IMNOSHO, would do best to eliminate it completely from their
diet in any form. Caffeine stimulates the pancreas which is already super
over-worked in blood sugar disorders. It causes the liver (I think--I'm
getting foggy on my physiology) to dump large amounts of glucose into the
system, which causes the pancreas to jump into action to produce enough
insulin to take it all out! So, you get the classic high blood sugar, low
blood sugar swing that causes the trembling, sweating, jitteryness, can't
think, just wanna cry, hypoglycemic phase. Caffeine and the resulting blood
sugar cycle is a definite stress on anyone's already overstressed system.
So, I recommend you avoid it like the plague. And then, if you must, a
teensy bit in early afternoon, after a meal, before three p.m., once a week.
More to follow about supplements that help.
Linda in LA

Hi,
Soy has nearly destroyed my health - fouling up my thyroid and male hormones to
the
point that I can barely function as a normal human being. Stay away from it.
Please!
Jim

Hi Everyone,
I was wondering if anyone had hypothyroidism along with
hypoglycemia
i had my sugar testse three differnt times... the first time it was
54 three hours after eating
the second time it was fasting and ti was 54
so he brought me back to do a fasting blood gluecose again
and it was 69 and i went to eat and was told to come back excatly
two
hours later and i at a sauge patty , eggs, hashbrown, buscit with
grape
jelly along with a large dr pepper.. and it was only 100 ..
anyone know how to help me please do .. i am needing any advise.. god
bless everyone misty

Its ok Linda, I actually enjoyed looking at the website. They were very good
photographers! The pictures are very surene and beautiful! I have to admit i
dont keep up with whats going on in the world but is it ok if i ask - how
did they die? Was it a accident? Thanks for the post tho! Hope

Hi Linda,
I was wondering if it is normal to be low in estrogen with Hashi's?
I have pretty low estrogen that I think is causing bad SE.I am only 31!
I go to my endo Fri so i will talk to him about this in more detail.
Jenn
Soy is BADDDD news for hypothyroids! Really bad news! Unfortunately, the
marketing machine for the soy foods companies have gone into overdrive
touting it's "benefits" that it is everwhere, in everything! It is so high
in plant estrogens! And estrogen and thyroid hormone are antagonists! So,
if you have too much estrogen, your body depletes thyroid hormone. It's
basic physiology!
If I were you I would avoid it for health's sake.
Linda in LA

<PRE
disadvantages of soy, particularly for someone with hypothyroidism. Given
that I am at the perimenopausal stage (with hormone changes for the past 3
years), she recommended that I eat soy -- that the benefits outweigh the
negatives. My cholesterol is higher than I would like it (due to being
hypo), and soy also provides protein for me without eating too much meat.
I'm looking for comments and opinions and experience by other women at this
stage of life. Thanks. Sharon

Thanks alot for this link Celeste :)
Jenn
I found a web site that delivers just the facts (with no sales hype)
about IP-6. It is
www.cancer.org/eprise/main/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Inositol_Hexap
hosphate?sitearea=ETO
Much aloha,
Celeste

Thanks!
I order all of my vitamins and supplements from the vitamin shoppe.They are
great to order from!
I will look it up in my catalog...thanks again!
I hope that you feel better real soon.
Jenn

Hi,
The brand name I have taken is called "Cell Forte IP-6." You can buy it in
many health
food stores. I just ordered some last night from a company called The Vitamin
Shoppe.
They have a website, but I can't remember the URL so you'll need to do a search.
You can order it online, by 800 number or by fax.
I don't know a lot about this product, but I took it every day all winter long
three years ago
and never got one cold or flu. I hope I have the same success with it this
year because
I have a cold as I am writing this and I decided last night it is time to try
the IP-6 again.

stay sick most of the winter and I would like to find something to help them
out.

I think it's time for me to start taking more IP-6. It's something you might
want to try.
I have never heard of this.What is it and where do you buy it?My step kids stay
sick most of the winter and I would like to find something to help them out.
Thanks,
Jenn

Please forgive the error. I sent my memorial for my photography mento to the
wrong list.
Linda

I hope this all makes sense. I'm really sick and overtired.
But thanks for reading this mess.
~Carrie
Welcome Carrie. Tell us more about the medicine that has been prescribed for
you. Although I am not 100% better, I feel 99% better than I did before the
meds. They really made a diference to me. love Julia

Hello,
This isn't about hypothyroidism but I wanted to share this piece since we've
talked about photography and a few other personal things here on this more
intimate list. I consider you my friends and would like you to know about
the art of someone I considered a great man who died recently. Please
forgive the intrusion if you've no interest. Linda

Hello Group,
Just wanted to know what your results or imression about T2PRO?
Thanks,
Tess

Hi. I'm new.. I'm 23 and I've been diagnosed for about 4 years..
with this and anemia. I've never regularly taken the medication
perscribed to me. I've tried... I don't know why I don't. I just
dont.
I guess I was wondering what the changes you've noticed since before
and after you started taking meds.. I've read symtoms and such but I
guess a personal perspective would be appreciated. A lot of things
that are wrong with me I'm not sure if it's attributed to that.. or
not. I simply hate the drs and I refuse to go there to find out that
something new is wrong with me.. or that I'm not eating well enough
or that I'm too fat...ect.. (I know.. i'm irresponsible)
I hope this all makes sense. I'm really sick and overtired.
But thanks for reading this mess.
~Carrie

Renee,
I know how you feel. My son and I have a bad cold right now and we feel
miserable and this comes right after I had a week-long bout with some kind
of intestinal virus!
Echinacea and vitamin C haven't done much for me. But a couple of years
ago, I made it through the entire school year (my wife is a teacher and
my son is a student at another grade school) without getting one cold
or flu. I was taking a supplement that year called IP-6.
I think it's time for me to start taking more IP-6. It's something you might
want to try.
Jim

How do I avoid getting simple colds then?? We have to have SOMETHING
that helps our immune system. I didn't start taking it until I just
got my latest bout of a stupid cold with which I contracted
conjunctivitus. My son got the cold, I KNOW, from the daycare at the
gym ( they NEVER clean anything there). I followed 2 days later.
What do people with Hashimoto's ( yes, I do have Hashimoto's) do to
improve their immune system? I feel as if we are damned if we do and
damned if we don't.
Renee P.

be taking echinacea because it is an immune system
stimulant.Everywhere I have read say not to take it if you have an
immune disease :)

Echinacea 400mg 1
Hi,
If you are like me and have Hashimoto's then you really shouldn't be taking
echinacea because it is an immune system stimulant.Everywhere I have read say
not to take it if you have an immune disease :)
Best wishes,
Jenn

IMO, since you are a man, I would wait & talk to the doctor. But, as I stated:
That's just my opinion. Two weeks seems like a long time. But....it will be
here soon.
Good Luck,
Wendy

Hi all,
Wanted to ask you guys your opinion on this. This is a list of
vitamins that I take. Do you think they are adequate for a
hypothyroid individual or are they overkill?
Vitamins taken by Renee Powell as of July 1st 2002
Quantity
Stress B w/C 1
B-1 100 mg
B-2 100 mg
Niacin 100 mg
B-6 100 mg
Folic Acid 400 mcg
B-12 500 mcg
Biotin 50mcg
Pantothenic Acid 100 mg
Beta Carotene 1
10,000 IU ( as 100& BC)
Co-Enzyme Q-10 25mg 1
C-500 w/Rose Hips 500mg 1
Selenium 200mcg 1
L-Tyrosine 500mg 1
Echinacea 400mg 1
Chelated Cal,Mag, Zn 2 to 3
Cal 1,000 mg
Mag 400 mg
Zn 25 mg
NOTE: 3 pills prescribed
EFA Fish oils 1,000 ea 2 to 3

This was copied from another list.
Ron
http://coral-online.com/txt/products/colloidalsilver.asp?
guid=D235F04F-0491-4E37-A49B-14A856127A36&sectionid=1

Hi,
I am a man and last week I got lab test results showing my estradiol (estrogen)
is five times the normal level for a man my age.
I tried to make an appointment with my doctor, but the soonest I can get
in is two weeks.
I am thinking about going ahead and buying some natural progesterone to
begin to counter the affects of the high estrogen (I have been very sick).
Does anyone know of natural progesterone is as effective as prescription
progesterone? Any advise?
Thanks, Jim

Hi,
Eating a lot of soy products really made me sick. I am certain it affected my
thyroid function as well as other hormones in my body. Unfortunately, the truth
about soy is not widely known. Those of us who know about it should
try to educate others. Here is a good article called "The Other Side of
Soy" that ran on ABC News 20/20:
abcnews.go.com/onair/2020/2020_000609_soy_feature.html

Perhaps it's not listed because it's not considered a carb. Flax seed
is mainly fat with a very small amount of protein.
Best wishes,
Celeste

am counting carbs. I have a carbohydrate gram counter but it is not
listed in there.

Jim,
Estradiol is, of course, estrogen. Progesterone counters estrogen
production to some degree. You may also need testosterone cream and a
change in your diet. Please see
http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1685.53143 and work with
your doctor on these things.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Does anyone know the carb count of ground flax? I am diabetic so I am counting
carbs. I have a carbohydrate gram counter but it is not listed in there.

I got several tales about doc's and office the one that happened just
the other day. I went into the GYN to check if I was going into
menopause, to eliminate that as a possibility for my symptoms. I got
an exam which I was due for as well. She, the doc, kept talking about
STD's. So I said, ok fine do them too. I get a message a week later
that said everything is fine. I should have explored it further
there, but I didn't. So I went to the endo and my tests came out
relatively ok. Just to check I called my GYN to check for myself what
my levels were. (after dealing with so many screw ups I'm learning to
look into things myself) I was told no, we didn't check your hormone
levels. That was the reason I went in there in the first place. They
said, stop in and we'll take blood. "stop in" meant a 45 min wait and
the nurse somehow did something that had the blood dripping down my
arm. Results in a few days.

Hi,
As a man, I didn't think I would be asking questions like this, but......
I got a blood test result last week that says I have elevated Estradiol
(and low testosterone).
From what I have read on the internet, progesterone creme is sometimes
used to lower Estradiol.
Can someone explain to me what progesterone creme is and why
it lowers Estradiol?
Also, could having this female hormone elevated in my body cause me the
fatigue, anxiety and depression I have been dealing with for the past
year or two?
Thanks, Jim

Renee,
my first instinct would be to say "unbelievable", but the sad part is that
it's pretty believable. It's hard to find a good dr. and even harder to
find good customer service anywhere. Keep pluggin' though - you'll find
one.
Karen

Okay, you gotta here this.
I called to make an appointment with my hopefully next endo. Without
having a consultation with him, I had planned to just switch to him
since he was referred as a good doc on the Top Docs page. Well, the
receptionist or office assistant answers as thus:
Me: Hi, I'd like to make an appointment.
Old Bat: Are you a patient?
Me: No, I'd be a new patient
Old Bat: Hold on a minute, ( you can here the stress in her voice).
[Comes back on] Okay, I had to switch phone to get to the reservation
book.( a book??? Who on EARTH uses books anymore?) What is your
er..problem?
Me: Well, I have Hashimoto's disease
Old Bat: ugh...........what? What is that?
Me: It's Hashimoto's diseaase
Old Bat: Can you spell that for me? ( You can tell she is totally
disturbed as she has no clue as what I'm saying)
Me: um....How long have you worked with Dr. Grant?
Old Bat: Oh, a long time.
Me: (Thinking, how can I make this easier for her?) Well, it's
commonly called hypothyroidism
Old Bat: (DING! a light just came on) Ohhhhhhh....hypothyroidism.
Okay, let me get some info from ya.
What is your name? I tell her. What is your insurance?
ME: It's Cigna HMO
Old Bat: Oh, an HMO....do you have a referral?
Me: Well, I was planning on switching to Dr. Grant entirely, so I
wouldn't need a referral.
Old Bat: Oh well, he accepts HMO's but only by referral. Now, if you
can get a referral.
Me: Even if I was planning to make him my PCP?
Old Bat: Only by referral.
END of conversation
Okay, I've learned in the past that if the office help isn't good,
the doctor can't be that good. This woman sounded like she was 80
years old and could barely here and VERY SLOW on the comprehension
side.
Okay, well, hope you enjoyed.
Needless to say, I'm back to square one with finding another doctor.
This might be a story to keep in mind about the Top Docs list. It's
gonna take awhile I think to find a good one.
I'm thinking I should really just find a REALLY good, one who'll
listen to me, Internest. I'm getting the feeling that endo's who
specialize in thyroid problems are far and few between, that they
mainly focus on diabetes.
Well, hope you enjoyed.
Renee P.

Jim,
This could be caused by taking DHEA (when you don't need it), by
being overweight or having too much fat in your diet, or even just by
stress. It could also be indicative of a prostrate problem, a
pituitary disorder, or some other glandular disorder. I hope your
doctor gets back soon so that you can get a more complete picture.
but meanwhile take a look at
http://www.strive4impact.com/massage_files/Articles/male_pms.html and
http://www.slimmeryou.org/older/protocol_male_hormones.htm
Or go to google.com and do a search for other sites.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Hi,
First of all, I am a man, age 48.
Today I got a lab test result that said my estradiol
level is elevated to
twice what is considered normal.
My doctor is on vacation. Does anyone know what this
would mean
to a man?
Thanks, Jim

Yea,I wish that he tested the free levels.I am going to ask him about that,too!
Just wondering,why have the dhea and prog. tested?I am pretty sure that I am low
in prog. and I know I am low in estrogen.I had my dhea tested a long time ago
and it was a little off,can't remember which way,though.They dx'ed me pcos.I
have high testosterone that glucophage has finally brought down.Nothing else
ever worked very good.
Thanks!
Jenn
I think it would be best to get free T3 and free T4 tests. Check DHEA and
progesterone levels.
Gracia

I think it would be best to get free T3 and free T4 tests. Check DHEA and
progesterone levels.
Gracia
lbs,felt great until spring of 2001.My tsh had been creeping up slowly but
the dr had been telling me it was fine.(I get copies now).Well,I finally hit
bottom,my tsh had only went up to 10 but it was horrible.
feeling just a tad better,not much.I was so diappointed because I had heard
just wonderful things about armour and really fought to get it!I travel over
2 hrs one way to this endo.It's worth it,though.
do I convince my endo of that?He has most of my past labwork.I called his
nurse once and asked,she said that he said that it wouldn't help.I go back
the 30th,I am going to try and plead my case face to face and need some
ideas...help!!

Hi,
I have been on armour 90 mg for almost a year now.I still feel pretty bad when I
think that I should be starting to feel better.
I was first dx'ed w/Hashi's in spring '96,went on synthroid .075,lost 20
lbs,felt great until spring of 2001.My tsh had been creeping up slowly but the
dr had been telling me it was fine.(I get copies now).Well,I finally hit
bottom,my tsh had only went up to 10 but it was horrible.
I started seeing an endo,he put me on the armour.I very slowly started feeling
just a tad better,not much.I was so diappointed because I had heard just
wonderful things about armour and really fought to get it!I travel over 2 hrs
one way to this endo.It's worth it,though.
Here's the last 2 labs that I have (I don't have a copy of my last labs yet):
10/30/00- tsh- .325 TT4-3.74 T3RU-37.8
triiodothyronine,total-124 (ref range 60-181)
03/18/01- tsh- .181 TT4-5.0 T3RU-31.5
Here's some labs from 11/1998 when I felt pretty good:
tsh-3.1 TT4-8.5 T-3 uptake-27
Do you guys think that some extra t4 would help me any at all? If so,how do I
convince my endo of that?He has most of my past labwork.I called his nurse once
and asked,she said that he said that it wouldn't help.I go back the 30th,I am
going to try and plead my case face to face and need some ideas...help!!
Thanks so much and have a great day,
Jenn

Thanks to everyone that responded. I made an appointment with an
endocrinologist today and I hope that that will solve some of my
problems. I will be cutting my medication in half until I see the
doctor on Sept. 4. thanks again.

John, this may be useful to you
http://www.drumlib.com/dp/000016.htm

dont blame you ....i felt the same way ...he was giving bad advise and
didin`t make much sense.and i will report him if he sends me another e
mail...Gail

In a message dated 8/19/02 7:22:31 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
ahoy7@... writes:

I have androgenetic alopecia, (hereditory kind) and Synthroid made it worse. I
am on Armour and although I still have alot of hairloss, it is better than when
on Synthroid.
Take care,
Renee

how do we know that he's really gone?
He actually privately emailed you? I feel bad for the people that have to
deal with him on other boards!

HI all, Jus tsome advice please.
I was having trouble with the synthetic T4s, I was on 100mcr of Thyroixn per day
and on alturnative days 125MCR.
I am now been put on 50 MCr of T4 and 10mcr if T3. does this sound about right.
John C UK
**********************************************************************
This message may contain information which is confidential or privileged.
If you are not the intended recipient, please advise the sender immediately
by reply e-mail and delete this message and any attachments
without retaining a copy.
**********************************************************************

*I got the lemon cheesecake.........why? do I like lemon cheesecake, you ask?
No, it sounded gross. I eat them as a meal substitute, so if they are a flavor I
don't really care for, the chances of me sneaking in and eating one like a candy
bar are greatly lessend. Carb bar police. ;) Julia*
VERY good idea!LOL....I never thought of that :)
Have a great day,
Jenn

i just have to say im glad he has left this forum - i know that is bad to
say but i cant help it. He time and time again insulted people on this forum
and whenever someone would try to help by giving him advice or tips on
dieting or anything else he asked he got offended. Also i found it bad that
he would tell everyone who posted about dieting to try appitite suppresents
(sp?) I dont belive in supressing your appitite and like i read in a mary
surmon newsletter a few monthes back its not good to starve yourself if you
have hypo. sorry for ranting i just felt i had to say this....... thanks :)

Gail,
I believe you could report him to hotmail as I think that is where he has he
email listed.
Carol

I love the low carb bars Carb Solutions,I believe is the name.I don't think I
have read that label to see if it has soy in it but I'll bet it does :(
Have a great day,
Jenn
Just read the lables............ and if you don't eat them every day, you should
be ok. I bought some low carb bars tonight on sale at WalMart. I got the lemon
cheesecake.........why? do I like lemon cheesecake, you ask? No, it sounded
gross. I eat them as a meal substitute, so if they are a flavor I don't really
care for, the chances of me sneaking in and eating one like a candy bar are
greatly lessend. Carb bar police. ;) Julia
.

Gail,
You could report him to his internet service provider. If you saved
the message that he sent you then you could track down his provider by
looking at the complete headers of the message. If you're not computer
savvy then you could get some help at spamcop.net. I've been using
them for years to help me report spam and abuse. You have to register
with them to use even their free service, but it is well worth the
time.
Much aloha,
Celeste

that was me he called a fat pig to.....but the mail he sent to my e mail
address was much worse and disgusting...is thereany thing i can do about it
report him or some thing? Gail

In a message dated 8/17/02 6:11:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
juancarloscruz@... writes:
I have just gotten back from a 3 day trip to find all of these insulting
posts. IMHO, these are not helpful to anyone on the group.
Juan, if you are still receiving these posts, I suggest that you seek
treatment for not only your thyroid disease, but for your
pessimism/depression, and anger management. And, yes, I do have a degree in
counseling so I can make this diagnosis.
I also do not find it necessary to email all of the other groups and spread
untruths regarding the group members. But, I will be forwarding this to my
hypo groups so they do know exactly how you feel about the members of these
groups.
I am angry with Juan Carlos' remarks regarding American's, and also for the
one post calling someone a fat pig (?), I think is what he had said.
For those of feeling depressed, or just plain crappy with this disease, to
have to come online and read these type of posts just worsens our
mental/physical condition.

"There you go, then. I have to be careful of the protein powders I use, as many
of them and the low carb bars hae a lot of soy isolate in them. then i wonder
why I feel yuckky. glad you are feeling better. Julia"
Thanks so much Julia :)
It is a shame that we have to really read labels so we won't feel more crappy
than usual.
I love the low carb bars Carb Solutions,I believe is the name.I don't think I
have read that label to see if it has soy in it but I'll bet it does :(
Have a great day,
Jenn

hey guys/gals,
This was posted by JC:
HELLO ALL: I am new in these groups. But i was banned from
hypothyroidism
just because some people there didn't like me, I would like to say
that some
people ruin the whole internet experience for all, i went there for
some
hypothyroidism related topics and along the line and some fascist
like
trashed me just because i asked a question.
Juan Carlos

Jenn,
Ginseng is primarily a stimulant and a tonic for the male reproductive
system. You might want to try Dong Quai (sometimes known as the
"female ginseng") instead. You can find links by going to
www.google.com and doing a search.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Thanks Gracia,I do use AIM's brand of NPC.I really haven't been able to tell a
big difference with it but I'll keep using it.
I read on about.com that men should use DHEA and women should use pregnalone (I
think that's the right name) because of it converting to testosterone in some
women too much.I have problems with high testosterone so I don't want to take
anything that will make them go up anymore!I have pcos and am taking glucophage
for it.It has been the only thing that has gotten my levels under 80.They are
about 35 right now.I was on spiro. for years and then tried saw palmetto.It went
up over 120 when I tried SP...yikes!
I have never heard of triple estrogen.It is a cream right?Is it prescription
only?
I go to an endo that is a pretty good doc.He's treating my pcos and TD.I will
mention this to him at my next appointment,which is coming up very soon.
Thanks so much for your advice:)
Jenn
Try progesterone cream. I take triple estrogen and progesterone from a
compounding pharmacy and it helps a great deal, also DHEA. Herbal stuff
didn't help me at all--I think that is for healthy people (I mean people
without hormone problems). You need a good doc who understands hormones
(most don't). See www.womensinternational.com
Gracia

Don't know about the ginseng, but the soy is not a good idea with the
hypothyroid. It will make you feel crappy, and depresses your thyroid. sounds
like it did, and you feel crappy. Be careful with it! Julia
Can anyone tell me if I should take sib ginseng or not?Or post some
links where I can read up on it?
Thanks so very much,
Jenn
.

Try progesterone cream. I take triple estrogen and progesterone from a
compounding pharmacy and it helps a great deal, also DHEA. Herbal stuff
didn't help me at all--I think that is for healthy people (I mean people
without hormone problems). You need a good doc who understands hormones
(most don't). See www.womensinternational.com
Gracia

I have also been thinking about trying some organic maca root and
estrogen cream.I am just not sure what I am not supposed to
take,like soy or black cohosh or red clover....<sigh
Thanks soooooo much for ANY AND ALL help,
Jenn

yeah but at least I'm not a fat pig
Juan Carlos (adjusting attitudes)
From: gaciv2001@...

Is it ok to take with Hashi's?I have low estrogen and tried soy
supplements for 2 days and today I feel like a zombie!I don't know
if it's from the soy or from a long hard week.....or both!I am not
going to take it anymore without talking to my endo.It was a supp.
similar to Healthy Woman.
I have been on 90 mg Armour for almost a year now.I was dx with
Hashi's almost 7 years ago.I did fine on .075 mg synthroid until
spring of 2001.I had a bad Hashi's attack and still haven't
recovered fully.My levels are ok but I feel so bad.The last time
they were checked my tsh was .1,my t3 he said was a little high but
if I remember correctly my t4 was in the middle/low side of normal.I
mentioned adding some extra t4 but he said it wouldn't help.I am
going to bring it up again.I do have copies of all of my lab
reports,I just don't know exactly where they are right now and
really don't feel like hunting them up :)
I feel pretty bad most of the time still and thought ginseng might
do the trick....or at least help out some.In Dr Balch's
book,Prescription for Nutritional Healing it says that Siberian
Ginseng aids in relieving depression and in the production of
estrogen.
It also states that all of the ginsengs strengthens the adrenal and
reproductive glands.Enhances immune function (me:would that be bad
for Hashi's?),promote lung functioning,and stimulates the
appetite.Useful for bronchitis,circulatory
problems,diabetes,infertility,LACK OF ENERGY,and stress;to ease
withdrawal from cocaine;and to protect against the effects of
radiation exposure.Used by athletes for overall body
strengthening.May help improve drug- or alcohol-induced liver
dysfunction in older adults.
Can anyone tell me if I should take sib ginseng or not?Or post some
links where I can read up on it?
Thanks so very much,
Jenn

Good job to all who accomplished the ridding of Juan Carlos or
WHOEVER he was..........NOW we can get back to helping each other.
Renee

ADIOS..... JUAN CARLOS.....YOU DID NOT MAKE MUCH SENSE anyway

Dear Renee,
I read your post and my heart really goes out to you.
I know exactly how
you feel and, to a certain extent, I still feel the
way you describe.
Also, I know the limitations you face with the HMO
because I'm on an
HMO too.
Recently, it finally got to the point with my doctor
where I felt like I
HAD to make a change - even though it meant switching
to a doctor
who was unknown to me and who was a 40-minute drive
away.
So far, I am glad I made the switch. At least my new
doctor is sincerely
trying to help me and has run three times as many
tests as the old doctor.
I know it's a tough decision to make. My HMO will only
let me change
one time a year. I wish you all the best and HANG IN
THERE! It
really is true that "the darkest hour is just before
the dawn."
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim

why was it offending for someone to ask where you were from. she probably
just wanted to help. how can you say now that USA is a great nation when
you just said that it was the most corrupt nation. you hardly ever make any
sense, no offense.

HELLO: Sorry i was just a little dissapointed because Peaches14845@...
asked me where i am from, sorry i didn't mean to answer like that. I really
love the United States and i think it is a great nation that has endured
despite many problems in history, i like all greatness ;-)
Juan Carlos Cruz
"This is my mistake, let me make it good I raised the wall, and I will be
the one to knock it down" -rem
PS: I am from Dominican Republic, caribbean
From: "nabie67" <nabie67@...

I'm due for my one month appointment on the 27th. The last bloodwork
done was back in July and it wasn't great:
TSH : 6.46
(free) T4 - 1.1
He upped to me to what I'm doing currently: alternating 75 mcg's and
50mcg's.
I can only HOPE I'm back down in the 3's for this month's reading.
Renee

http://mobile.msn.com

Juan,
I don't follow your logic. If you can digest cream of wheat better
then that would make you fatter than oatmeal would. What makes you
think oatmeal has too much fiber? Does oatmeal give you diarrhea or
urgent bowels?
Also, unless you're eating brown rice, rice has almost no fiber. What
kinds of vegetables do you eat?
Celeste

Renee,what dosage are you on now? Have you had blood work recently?
Karen

Hi all,
I called my doctor and asked if I could be switched from Levoxyl to
another medication. I didn't talk to him but a nurse. I said that I
was having reactions to it in that I was very moody ( flat-out
depressed now), I had no energy, and am gaining weight.
His responce was, " up your Levoxyl to .075 to every day except twice
a week.
Okay, what do you think? Should I give him the BOTD and see him in
person or should I just go ahead and switch doctors?
Guys, I hate to sound like a whiny thing but I am absolutely
miserable. I don't want to get out of bed in the morning, I have no
energy, FORGET going to the gym and I have to "entertain" my 2 year
old( who also has a party this weekend I've got to round up and I'm
NOT in the mood for this). I give up, I'm flat-out depressed. I
truthfully haven't felt "whole" in 4 months. I hear about all these
people who have switched meds and are doing SO much better now and
I'm wondering if this could be me too. Could I actually BE happy and
have Hashi's- is it possible?
Well, anyway, I need your opinion about this doctor thing. My
husbands wanting me to get a 2nd opinion - NOT possible on an HMO SO
I'm going to just switch.
Thanks for listening to my babbling.
Renee

Catherine,
This might be a stupid question, but is Sushi style Salmon raw??
Karen

Well, Flax seed either cooked or not has lignans which
have an effect on our hormones. I would talk with an
endocrinologist who knows about them. They're like
soy. The fragile oils in flax are not meant to be
heated and will probably become rancid if cooked. If
you're looking for a good source of omega 3, I like to
eat Sushi style Salmon. It is also high in Co-Q 10
which is very heat sensitive. I find that I have more
energy and am loosing weight. :)
Sincerely,
Catherine

Another thing is to not read everything, and don't watch tv, tv can control
your thoughts, that is why i unsubscribed myself from a lot of e-mail lists
because i think that socialising, and debating a lot is bad because it can
control your own personal thoughts and ways, and I think that we are free to
be like we want to be
That's just my personal view though u don't have to believe it
Juan Carlos
"Something kind of sad about the way that things have come to be, we have
become desensitized to everything, what became of subtlety? How can all this
mean anything to me if I really don't feel anything at all? I'll keep
digging till I feel something" -Stinkfist, Aenima

HELLO I think that we as distinguished humans cannot eat every foods,
because some foods makes us fat and bloated. I think carrots have sugar and
starch, potatoes have high glycemic index, corn flakes also have a lot of
starch so we have to be care ful with the foods we eat, a lot of things out
there makes us fat and ugly, so try not to have too much variety
Juan Carlos
"Something kind of sad about the way that things have come to be, we have
become desensitized to everything, what became of subtlety? How can all this
mean anything to me if I really don't feel anything at all? I'll keep
digging till I feel something" -Stinkfist, Aenima

HELLO: well i think cream of wheat works better for me coz i noticed that i
can digest it better than oats maybe coz oatmeal has too much fiber, i
already eat a lot of fiber in my vegetables and rice. (but that's just me)
juan carlos
From: "a1thighmaster" <thighmaster@...

Hi folks,
I FINALLY got my blood tests run for my new doctor yesterday.
She checked TSH, FreeT4 and Free T3.
What do you folks think about the accuracy of those three tests?
Jim

Juan,
I think you used too much oats. And why cook them? I don't eat
oatmeal, but I do eat uncooked rolled oats.
Best wishes,
Celeste

uncooked rolled oats are good in vanilla yogurt too :)

HELLO ALL:
I just take a Solotron multivitamins, you know how much we hate to
remember so many pills to take.
I am thinking of buying a good appetite suppressant that way i can lose
weight faster, and don't feel bored while dieting
Juan Carlos
From: "Joanne Gainey" <noaj2@...

HELLO ALL: Here is a cool article that i know u will enjoy about fatiguye
and tiredness:
Enjoy
Juan Carlos
Fatigue in Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism
For many patients such as myself, one noticeable sign that thyroid levels
are getting too high and dosages may need to be adjusted is the onset of
bone-numbing fatigue. This sign of hypothyroidism often comes on suddenly,
and leaves you barely able to lift your head off the pillow in the morning.
You may feel like you can't get through a day without a nap, or you sleep
more than usual but still feel exhausted. This fatigue, frequently seen
along with other symptoms you'll find on my Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Checklist, can be a sign that your hypothyroidism is undertreated.
For some hypothyroid patients, even when levels are normal after treatment,
exhaustion continues. I get hundreds of emails a week from readers who are
complaining that they are just plain exhausted, despite being treated for
their thyroid disease, asking WHEN will they get their energy back?
Many doctors will tell you that the fatigue will be relieved by thyroid
hormone replacement, and for some people, it is. But when you're STILL
exhuasted after you've given it enough time to get your levels back to
normal, AND you've investigated whether you are undertreated, then it's time
to look into the first line of attack -- are you getting enough sleep?
Are You Getting Enough Sleep?
According to a survey released from the National Sleep Foundation, one in
three people the United States sleeps for 6 hours or less per night,
substantially less than the recommended 8 hours. The average person gets 7
hours of sleep a night, and 40% of adults say that they are so sleepy during
the day that it interferes with their daily activities.
"The survey findings are a source of great concern," warned Thomas Roth,
Ph.D., Health and Scientific Advisor of the National Sleep Foundation and
director of the Sleep Disorders Research Center at Henry Ford Hospital in
Detroit. "People have no idea how important sleep is to their lives. Most of
us need eight hours of sound sleep to function at our best, and good health
demands good sleep. Conversely, lack of sleep and sleep problems have
serious, often life-threatening consequences. This is a case where what we
don't know can harm us -- and harm those around us."
I am one of those people who does NOT do well on less than 7 1/2 to 8 hours.
But just with the general business of living (and particularly, with a small
child) getting that much sleep is a luxury I've rarely enjoyed in many
years. I keep wanting to blame my thyroid, but after a few nights when I
actually get 8 or more hours and feel much much better and more energetic,
I've realized that, to a large extent, my problem is sleep deprivation,
compounded by a slightly increased general need for more sleep due to the
thyroid problem, even if it is treated. So if I usually needed 7 1/2 -8
hours, and my thyroid disease adds a bit more of a need, let's say a half
hour to an hour a night, that's 8-8 1/2 hours, and if I'm getting 6-7, then
I'm pretty sleep deprived.
Natural Energy Boosters
Among supplements, if you are suffering from flagging energy, you need to
make sure that you are getting enough B vitamins. Vitamin B-12 in particular
is one that is essential for energy. To ensure you're getting enough B
vitamins, consider taking a B complex, plus a separate sublingual B-12.
Another type of supplement useful for fatigue is in the area of substances
that the b