Mark's Blog

Thank you for this most interesting message.
Ingrid

Hi all,
I was wondering something. Can you be hypothyroid( hashimoto's
really ) and follow a vegetarian diet? I would not eat any of the soy
protein of course.
Just wondering really....
Renee P.

Here is a good set of links to alternative health sites taken from
the linkspage at the gettingwell group links page.
Our group and these sites are noncommercial in nature. They are
presented in the hopes that some may benefit.

Since going on Levoxyl a year ago, other than some problems when
taking the drug too close to when taking my birth control pills, I
have not had any major problems. In fact, I have been tested 3 times
this year (most recently in August) and my levels have all been
within the normal range set forth by the lab that tests my T4 and T3
levels.
My question is, if my thryoid is now functioning within a normal
range, should I still get cold? In the evenings, I get cold when no
one else in the room is cold. This is weird for me because prior to
being diagnosed with hypo a year ago, I was always very "hot-
natured." If I am getting cold, does this mean I should get checked
again soon?

After much researching, documenting and a visit with a doctor that is
listening to what I have to say, I've been diagnosed.
I was taking something over the counter, because I had gotten to the
point where I had to do something. It did make me feel better, but I
was concerned about side effects.
The doctor has prescribed Unithroid. Anyone with any feedback on
this? I want to know if there are things I should watch for as I
begin taking this.

I'm breastfeeding and my milk supply is very low. I'm luck if I pump 3
ounces off both breasts :( I've been told that it can be related to thyroid
problems and anemia. Has anyone else had this problem and if so, what did
you do about it b/c I will be devastated if I have to give up on this. BTW,
my TSH went from 2.3 to .08 in one month and I have Hashi's. I decreased my
meds yesterday from .100 to .88. I would REALLY appreciate any help on
this.
thanks,
Karen

Dear Gad,
Here's a link to the <A
HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/mbody.htm"
a lot of good
information about thyroid disease. You can enter "hyperthyroidism" in the
Search engine and it will give you links to all the pages with info about it.
Also, you might want to consider what Gracia's message. It is possible for a
person to go through various stages with their thyroid from hyper to hypo and
back again. Above all, find a good doctor who is willing to listen to you
and think outside the traditional thyroid box. That way, you won't lose your
thyroid unneccesarily until you're sure it's the best course of treatment
overall.
Good luck!
Linda in LA

Mary,
I also have Hashi's. Is cleaning the liver something I should be
doing on a regular basis?
How do you feel this Moducare has helped you with dealing with
Hashi's at all or what Hashi's does to your body?
Renee P.

--- In hypothyroidism@y..., Bunny Sandefur <SadisticAngel@b...
My allergies were also quite bad and I had greater sensitivity to
chemicals and toxins. At one time I had allergy tests and tested
allergic to everything. I had hives and itching, headaches, the sinus
problems etc...
I radically altered my diet - removed all preservatives and processed
foods, sugars and stimulants (ie: coffee), wheat and diary (common
allergins) and started a host of suppliments. Things are much, much
better.
I think the issue is your body is giving you a message - listen!. Are
car fumes and sulfates any good for anyone? Drugs may help with
symptoms temporarily, but they are not the solution.
Mary
so, did they seem to go away or get better once your thyroid was
treated?

Susan - I wish I knew. I only know that I've read it in more than one
natural health type book and they only say be careful with it. So I've
backed off except for occasionally. I'm noticing I have mutliple food
allergies and am going to try and get to the root of the allergies
themselves - my liver and immune system. If I do need anti-histamines I
only take them long enough to get things under control and then quit now.
But they give me UTI's anyway. Sorry that isn't more "scientific." I've
asked my Dr. and he didn't know that there was a relationship. But my
instincts tell me its true from my reactions. I wish they explained it more
in these books. Jeanie

I saw Moducare mentioned in a post. I've been taking it for the last
six months. Just so you know, they make a commercial grade and a
professional grade - try and get the professional grade, which is
referred as "extra strength". I also understand that Moducare becomes
more effective when used over a long period of time.
The book: "Healthy Immunity" by Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe reviews
Moducare, although I wonder if she's being paid for it. She has a
website out there somewhere - it also seems to promote Moducare.
However, her book convinced me about the effective use of plant
sterols and sterolins and Moducare seems to be the best product on
the market.
Mary
with Hashi's

These were my symptoms, plus others. I felt like I was fried and frizzled.
My tsh was low, blood pressure high, but I needed thyroid meds. I am sure
you do too, most docs probably wouldn't give it to you. You need someone
who thinks beyond the numbers. You will do well on Armour, but not T4
alone. Hope you can get what you need. Most hypers are really hypo.
Gracia

Hello Bunny, I have no thyroid. I was ok for a year after the removal it took
about 4 months to get used to the t4 .
I was ok for about a year then in November 2001 I noticed calf muscle cramp,
this moved to my neck and wrists . Then I become sensitive like you to
everything. Travelling on our underground I could smell people it was crazy, If
I went to a shopping centre I could not stand Perfume and those shops that sell
natural soap it was all too much for me. I can remember cutting up some
cardboard and the smell was terrible.
I tried everything t3, armour, Grandulars. nothing worked. Then My endo started
me on a small dose of t4 again just 50 mcg, then when I go use to it I took more
etc.. after about four months I am just getting back to normal. What caused this
I dont know. I am a lot better but still getting tired and my weight has not
dropped as yet.
Best regards
John C Uk
Since my thyroid started acting up in the beginning of this year, I've
developed a great sensitivity to smells, which have been resulting in
horrible sinus headaches. Such scents include perfume, incense
oils/sticks/cones, scented candles, many cleaning products, aroma
therapy items and even certain strong, sweet smells of food or candy. It
has gotten to the point where my mother is annoyed because she can't
make herself or her house smell pretty, and every time I walk into a
mall or store with such items being sprayed or sold, I leave with a
sinus type headache (which could also be a migraine, I'm really not
sure) that lasts for the rest of the day. The main reason I link this to
my thyroid is because my mother recalls having similar problems when her
own started dysfunctioning about five years ago. It's really starting to
disrupt my quality of life, but my doctor blows it off as nothing. I
already take Allegra-D which is a combo of an antihistamine and
decongestant, but yet I feel these headaches between my eyes and the
only thing that really helps is sudafed accompanied by acetaminophen.
Now this brews a problem because I know that I shouldn't be taking more
decongestant on top of the Allegra-D, and also such products shouldn't
even be taken by people with thyroid disorder in the first place.

I feel hot when everybody else is cold - my pulse is high, (100+ BPM)
even when resting or in bed - I easily get nervous, anxious &
irritable - I can't get to to sleep, stay asleep, and going back to
sleep after awakening in the middle of the night is hard - I often
feel fatigued & exhausted, even after waking up - my moods can change
easily - I've lost interest in normal daily activities - my eyes feel
gritty and dry - I have ringing in my ears
In general? Tired, lethargic, and depressed - all stretched out if
that makes any sense.
How did your doctors decide you are hyperthyroid?
Blood test that showed my T3 @ 176
Thnaks Linda,
Gad

Since my thyroid started acting up in the beginning of this year, I've
developed a great sensitivity to smells, which have been resulting in
horrible sinus headaches. Such scents include perfume, incense
oils/sticks/cones, scented candles, many cleaning products, aroma
therapy items and even certain strong, sweet smells of food or candy. It
has gotten to the point where my mother is annoyed because she can't
make herself or her house smell pretty, and every time I walk into a
mall or store with such items being sprayed or sold, I leave with a
sinus type headache (which could also be a migraine, I'm really not
sure) that lasts for the rest of the day. The main reason I link this to
my thyroid is because my mother recalls having similar problems when her
own started dysfunctioning about five years ago. It's really starting to
disrupt my quality of life, but my doctor blows it off as nothing. I
already take Allegra-D which is a combo of an antihistamine and
decongestant, but yet I feel these headaches between my eyes and the
only thing that really helps is sudafed accompanied by acetaminophen.
Now this brews a problem because I know that I shouldn't be taking more
decongestant on top of the Allegra-D, and also such products shouldn't
even be taken by people with thyroid disorder in the first place.
Now there are my questions:
-Does decongestants such as pseudoephedrine effect anyone with a thyroid
disorder, or just people taking synthetic thyroid?
-Has anyone else experienced these headache sensitivities, and if so,
did they seem to go away or get better once your thyroid was treated?
-I also have a sensitivity to food and drinks with sulfates, such as
cheese, that has only really developed this year. Has anyone developed
this problem as well?
-Has anyone noticed their sinus allergies worsen with thyroid
dysfunction?
As I write this, I'm sitting her with a box of tissues attempting to
stop the running of my nose which has persisted every day for almost a
month now. It's like living with a head cold.
-Bunny

Jeanie,
I actually already have the Eat Right 4 Your Type book, and I started
implementing
it into my eating habits over the summer. I too am type O, so I know what you're
talking about. Thank you for all the references. I am certainly in search of a
new
doctor. The only experience I've had with alternative medicine doctors was one
homeopathic doctor who treated my mother a few years ago when she was first
diagnosed with fibromyalgia and hypothyroidism, who promptly took her off of
everything and treated her incorrectly only making matters worse. I also saw a
Chinese doctor a few years ago, but do not have the money for the visits any
longer.
It's very true that alternative medicine is taxing on the wallet, though if it
helped me feel alive again I'm willing to pay. I also wanted to mention that
I'm
neurotic about keeping records, as well as requesting them from my doctors. I'm
very
ontop of things and self aware, which makes some doctors upset because they
don't
want me questioning their diagnosis or methods. I never truly understood this
because I'd assume an astute patient would be more preferable as opposed to one
who
didn't give much thought or care on their ailment. I would think that
communication
between doctor and patient would be better because of this, but instead I've
always
been treated as if I'm just a hypochondriac. I guess part of it might have to do
with my age.
-Bunny

Thank you for the reference on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. That is actually
something
I have never heard of before, and I will certainly look into it. As for
Hashimoto's,
that's pretty much already been ruled out. Also I forgot to mention that besides
blood tests, I had a MRI as well as ultrasounds of my thyroid and ovaries, all
of
which came up fine.
-Bunny

If you are 5'10" I wouldn't worry too much : ) Jeanie

Bunny - you've been through a lot. Boy can I relate, but I'm a lot older,
too. I can't imagine dealing with what you are so young already. One
suggestion is to research everything you can on the subject and possibly
look into the blood type diet. I've found out a lot of good info from the
Eat Right 4 Your Type book. They have a website www.dadamo.com In fact,
my blood type is more prone to autoimmune thyroid disease (O) if we eat
wheat products. I stick to spelt now. I would, personally, also consider
seeing someone naturally inclined like an iridologist or Naturopath. Or
alternative MD. I get frustrated with Doctors, too, but we are military and
don't have to pay for it. I was just really frustrated this past week in
fact. You do need to get to the bottom of things and be treated though. If
someone was digging into my arm I would raise hell. Pardon my french.
Stand up for your self. Giving blood shouldn't be that big of an ordeal.
It sounds like that Dr. has an incompetent staff. If your veins were that
hard to find you could be dehydrated, though. Try drinking more water.
Here is another website to check out: www.watercure.com and
www.watercure2.com I really hope you can get to the bottom of things. I'm
still not to the bottom of my problems, although it sounds like I have
typical hashimotos from what all I'm hearing and reading. (Have been dx'd
with it, but weird atypical results). Have you been checked regarding
whether you are autoimmune or not? I would go get copies of all your lab
work no matter where you are seen so you have it to refer to and take to
other Doctors. Check out this website to try and find a Dr. to help you
www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs Let us know how it all goes. Jeanie

Bunny, going from hyper to hypo may indicate Hashimoto's Disease, an
autoimmune form of hypothyroidism. I had similar problems with my period
and my endocrinologist thought I may have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Here
are the symptoms that I got from
http://www.babymed.com/docs/english/136.asp:
Amenorrhea(No menstrual periods)
Anovulation and irregular periods
Hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, etc.)
Hair loss (androgenic alopecia, in a classic "male baldness" pattern)
Acne
Polycystic ovaries
Enlarged ovaries
Increased levels of male hormones (hyperandogenism)
Obesity
Infertility or reduced fertility
Pelvic pain
Insulin resistance
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Lipid abnormalities
Skin problems (e.g. Acne, oily skin, dark skin patches or skin tags)

I am 17, and find myself just now developing in certain areas. I've had large
hips since I started puberty around 12, though my chest never went anywhere
until recently. I'm also barely 5'4, while my mother is 5'8 and my father was
right around 6'. My endocrinologist tells me I should fall around 5'6, yet at
the same time he says that he doubts I'm still growing at this age. I know I
promised an introduction a
week ago, though I've been sick, so I'll turn this into one.
As I stated previously, I am 17 years old and I am female. Since I never knew my
father, and my mother's side of the family does not take care of themselves, I
look to only my mother for family health history. So far she is 44 and developed
hypothyroidism in her late 30s. She's taking synthroid, and everything seems to
be balanced out for her now. I am not quite as lucky. I started developing
symptoms this
year, at only 16. First I went into hyper, which is what I'm told is normal
since the body over produces hormone to make up for the slow thyroid. I had four
blood tests done over the summer, showing the progression into minor hypo. In
the meantime I've been steadily gaining weight despite my rigid diet and
exercise, and mentally I feel like I'm going to collapse. It's like a mood swing
every day. Also I
developed amenorrhoea.
There's another thing I need to throw in here that I have a question about. Last
year I went to see a gynecologist because I have horrible cramps during my
menstrual cycle. Despite the fact that I am not sexually active, she put me on a
light oral contraceptive and sent me away. I never desired to take anything of
that nature, and was actually pretty hell bent on not taking it. Though I
trusted her and took it
by her instruction. The cramps never went away, thus I stopped taking it in
December, about 7 months after I started. Everything was fine up until March
when my period came three times in one month, followed by disappearing all
together in April. I went back to see her, which is when they started testing my
hormones, and eventually was sent to a children's endocrinologist. I've been
seeing him for five months
now, and so far he hasn't put me on anything. He noticed that on my last blood
work my prolactine was slightly elevated, so he ordered yet another blood work,
this time a full one. A night of fasting, seven tubes of blood and an awful
fainting spell later, my prolactine is back to normal and I'm only showing
slightly hypo. Thus he insists I have another thyroid panel done, this time by a
lab out in California.
The catch is that we have to pay out of pocket since insurance won't cover it,
and I also have to let someone in their office take my blood.
This was all fine and dandy. I had the money to pay, and I was eager to be
medicated so that my hormones would be somewhat normal. I go in one day to get
the blood drawn only to sit in the office for two hours because my referral was
expired and my doctor needed to fax over a new one. Finally when I got back in
the room to have my blood drawn, it took two girls just to get the needle in me.
For 30 seconds they
messed around, wiggling the needle back and forth in my arm attempting to find a
vein. My mother was horrified watching this, and demanded we left before they
could try a second time. If this was the only way that lab would get my blood,
then they aren't ever going to see it. My body is extremely sensitive, and stuff
like that leaves me physically in shock. The endocrinologist gave me a harassing
attitude,
seemed confused about the whole thing since he didn't even remember asking me to
have the blood drawn again, and sent me off. There's also a urinalysis he took
that I haven't gotten word about in over a month. End of the story is that after
months of waiting, I am still not being medicated and I just need to find a new
endocrinologist. This is not pleasing since that the visits cost an arm and a
leg and my
insurance company will not be happy paying for a new one. In the meantime my
gyno has put me back on birth control to provoke my period since that it's not
healthy to simply let it go. I feel very frustrated with this all, and just hope
someday soon I'll have a solution and hopefully medication.
I apologize for the rant and lengthy story.
-Bunny

I should keep growing since I was a late bloomer. I've alread grown 1/2 in the
last year. Plus my parents are 6' and 6'3 and when I was born the docs. said I
should be 6' and right now I'm 5'10 but they say that I should keep going. I
hope the meds. help me to get growing again. I want to be as tall and beautiful
as my mom (6')

I'm 19, but I didn't start my period till I was 15...the doctors tell me that I
should keep growing since I was a late bloomer. I've alread grown 1/2 in the
last year. Plus my parents are 6' and 6'3 and when I was born the docs. said I
should be 6' and right now I'm 5'10 but they say that I should keep going. I
hope the meds. help me to get growing again. I want to be as tall and beautiful
as my mom (6')

Art,
It takes hair several months (6 to 8) to catch up to what's currently
happening in your body. Hair grows slowly and growth starts below the
scalp line.
The iodine and kelp in your multi could interfere with your body's
ability to utilize the T4 in the Levoxyl you're taking. Taking iodine
or kelp on a daily basis could interfere with any thyroid medication.
Do you not eat seafood or salted food regularly? If you do then you
don't need an iodine supplement.
Best wishes,
Celeste

I don't know how fast your hair should respond to
being at "normal" levels. I know mine got so bad that
I finally had to cut it for the first time in 20 years
just to be able to get a comb through it.
That was about a year ago, and it seems to be fine,
now.

=====
*********************
Misti Anslin Delaney
manslin@...
*********************
"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose
recognized by yourself as a mighty one. . .the being a force of nature instead
of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that
the world will not devote itself to making you happy."
--George Bernard Shaw

Hello all. I am taking 50 mg of levoxyl a day for hypothryoidism. I
was diagnosed a year ago. All tests since then have showed I am in a
normal range (according to the range used by the testing lab).
However, my hair is still brittle. I have to conidtion my hair a
lot .. using the new silicone-based conditioners to make it
manageable enough to brush and style. Will my hair ever be normal
again? Or will I just have to live with it being more dry and
brittle than it once was (keep in mind I only blow dry my hair about
2 times a week and I use no other forms of heat products on it). Is
the fact that it is still brittle a sign that maybe I need a
medication adjustment even though I am supposedly in a normal range
according to my doctor??
My other question is .. I just started taking a new multivitamin,
but I notice that it contanis 150 mcg of iodine and 1 mg of kelp. Is
this enough to affect my levels with my levoxyl?

Jul,
Where I live the climate is warm and humid year 'round. My medication
would break down and lose its potency quickly if I did not store it
in the refrigerator. Perhaps where you live it would only be
necessary to do this in the summer months. It depends on how many
pills you purchase at a time, too. If, for instance, you purchase a
bottle of 100 pills then it's probably best to store them in the
reefer.
Much aloha,
Celeste

Yes. Once you get in your good range, you will get it back. I
suffered with low lobido for almost 8 months and then it just kind of
kicked in.
Renee P

feel that for my age I should have a higher libido. It's not that I
have no libido...I do chase after guys ;) and before becoming hypo my
libido was higher but now my sex drive is much lower than any of my
friends sex drives, so I just want to know if having the right
thyroid meds will raise my libido to back how it was.

Can you please tell me why you should store Levoxyl
in the fridge ? ? Thanks

I will be going tomorrow morning for my first TRH test. I would like
to know if anyone else here has had this test done? I'm a bit
anxious about the whole thing, because I don't know if it's going to
be painful/uncomfortable. The Endocronologist told me I will be
getting injected with a serum??!! I want to know if this is
painful? She also said when this serum is injected, I will
become "flush"....and my heart will "race"?!?! Can anyone help me
out here?
Thanks in advance. MaLisa

my thought is that when you feel like sh** all the time (possibly depressed)
why would you want to have sex - that's how I feel anyway. for me,
recently, the romance came back to my relationship and that helped my sex
drive, but I'm also feeling well for the most part - I just have lots of
weight to lose still.
Karen

Thyroid meds will help you grow normally. And yes, they can improve your
libido if that's reduced from feeling poorly.

that taking the thyroid meds will stunt my growth. Does anyone know
if this will happen, do thyroid meds stunt your growth or actually
help you grow since it's providing me with the right hormones??
Also...my libido has been very low and I wanted to know if the meds
will help my libido to increase now that I have been properly
diagnosed.
Hi :) I just too posted a msg about libido...sorry but I'm not sure
about the growth??I'm 5/4.5 ?? if that helps any??
But as for the libido you should read my replys as well as yours and
maybe you'll get any answer, its extreamly frustrating I know..I have
been on meds for just over a year and my libido hasn't changed at all
I feel as if its maybe even lower :( I hope everything works out for
you, I also have asked my X dr about it and she thought it was all in
my head..so hang in there :) sooner or later we'll get any answer :)

I'm quite embarrassed to ask this but I really need to know..I need
help...I'm so in love with my husband but I have never had much of a
desire to make love, slim to none..I'm affraid its ruining my life
and my marriage ..
..we very much want a big family but the spark is just not there???
any advice, has anyone ever delt with this and has a cure so to
speak..I've read that when you have hypo you don't produce many
hormones, but I really wish I coould be normal :(
~Ally~

The doctors keep telling me that I am still growing but I am afraid that taking
the thyroid meds will stunt my growth. Does anyone know if this will happen, do
thyroid meds stunt your growth or actually help you grow since it's providing me
with the right hormones?? Also...my libido has been very low and I wanted to
know if the meds will help my libido to increase now that I have been properly
diagnosed.

In a message dated 11/25/2002 9:45:27 AM Pacific Standard Time,
gadzook1@... writes:
Dear Gad,
What are your symptoms? How are you feeling? How did your doctors decide
you are hyperthyroid?
Linda in LA

And I'm happy to have found this group.
Just found out I have hyperthyroidism:
T3 = 176
TSH W/REFLEX TO FREE T4 = 2.39
I have a Thyroid Scan Dec 10th.
Anything I should be aware of? I'm totally new & uninformed on this
subject but I understand my thyroid gland is putting out too much of
the thyroid hormone and in most cases they kill the gland
w/radioactive iodine. Then I'm put on thyroid replacement meds for
the rest of my life.
I'd prefer a different option if available.
Thanks for any & all input,
Gad

I just found the following website article on Mary's site, and I was
impressed. I believe it is quite recent since one of the references
was based on a Walgreen price quote on October 26, 2002. This doc
explains how a TSH of .02 may NOT be too low, why the TSH test has
limitations, plus the importance of testing the freeT3 and freeT4,
plus antibodies.
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/woliner.htm
Janie
======================================================
UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS
======================================================
To unsubscribe, please send a blank email to

In a message dated 11/22/2002 10:42:32 PM Pacific Standard Time,
jverner@... writes:
Dear Jeanie,
Yes, I've felt that! Not very often, but I've had it from time to time.
Recently I've been taking the Body Restoration Technique treatments meant to
reset my immune system and clear out reactions to endocrine disruptors like
pesticindes, antibiotics and hormones. Since I started the treatments, I've
noticed more spleen pain than previously. So, I'm thinking it's waking up my
immune system and perhaps cleansing the spleen.
Linda in LA

Hi Larkin,
Welcome to the group! Although, I'm sorry to have found out you have
this condition at such a young age.
I'm on Levoxyl currently and I don't remember any side effects such
as hair falling out. It was already falling out because of my
underactive thyroid!! LOL!
There are other medications out there such as Gracia has suggested.
If you do end up taking the Levoxyl, just know that the responce
won't be immediate. Your doctor won't want to test you for another 6
weeks to see how your body is responding to it and see if you need
adjusting, although he probably won't do it at that visit.
THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOURSELF right now is keep a journal.
List how you feel, what foods you ate, any physical activity you did,
how much sleep, etc.... Also, if you are taking any multi-vitamins,
when and what you are taking. I don't know if you know this but
Calcium and Iron block the absorption of the thyroid medicine( this
was my first hard lesson about thyroid meds - I took it and my multi,
with iron, at the same time!!! LOL) If you take a multi with iron in
the a.m., you may have to start taking it at lunch time.( Your
Levoxyl will most likely be taken in the a.m., first thing) Also,
anything with Calcium.
Also, check out Mary Shomon's site at about.com for ANY INFORMATION
you will need to better take care of yourself. I can only pray that
you have a good doctor.
Well, that's about all the info I can give for now! As I said
previously, welcome to the group. We're all here for each other.
Renee P.

Or that jittery, tense feeling & higher blood pressure
could be that you're T3 has gone too high due to the
amount of it in the Armour. (That's what happened to
me). It would be best to get some bloodwork done.
I was on Levoxyl 175mcg & 150mcg everyother day, went
to Armour & got all these symptoms. Went back to
Levoxyl 150mcg & dr. gave me 5mcg Cytomel 2x dailey,
but ended up at 5mcg dailey is what I feel best at.
Pam
P.S. I am taking "other" hormones right (for
me)hormones to make me feel good.
Message: 7
Date: Fri, 22 Nov 2002 21:47:22 -0900
From: "Jeanie" <jverner@...
Subject: RE: Levoxyll
I take adrenal glandulars along with my thyroid
medicine. (Called
Thryoid -
like Armour - its a glandular) I may need to try more
cause I am a bit
wired. My BP is up slightly too. If I'm upset its in
the low
hypertension
range which scares me cause I have an extremely strong
family history
of it.
Jeanie

Hi Larkin, that is my mother's maiden name (Buffalo NY). There are other
medicines besides levoxyl, which is a T4 hormone med. Natural thyroid meds
from pigs have other thyroid hormones in them. Learn more at
www.thyroid.about.com and www.armourthyroid.com
Gracia

I'm 19 yrs old and yesterday I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and
possible autoimmune thyroid disease. I am so naive and young and have
not really any clue about any of this stuff. The doctor told me some
what about it but can anyone give me information about what is wrong
with me. The doctor was so suprised at how low my thyroid was at my
age. I'm not sure of the exact numbers but he said it was dangerously
low for someone so young. That scares me. They prescribed me Levoxyl
75mg (the purple pills) Are their any side effects I should know
about?? Will I loose the weight that I gained before they diagnosed
me?? I keep hearing about hairloss but is the loss just like having
more hairstrands on your brush or is it like alopecia where klumps
come out? How long does it take until you start feeling the effects
of your medication?? I am soooooo grateful there is a support group
I can turn to. Have a good day.

Have any of you ever noticed pain in the area of the spleen? I asked my
doctor about it and he said it can just be from having a virus or something.
I haven't felt good - but wonder if it could have to do with my haywire
immune system. Jeanie
---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.417 / Virus Database: 233 - Release Date: 11/8/2002

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/t3drugsnejm.htm
GEEZ,..can I blame it on that brain fog thing...?Hehehe...

Kristie, the crazy jitters and feeling tense all the time on Armour means
you NEED something else with it. Your body is trying to ask you for it.
Broda Barnes docs can determine what is missing (like DHEA, progesterone,
cortisol etc). You will have to get the right hormones to feel good again.
Gracia

Here's the link:
http://www.thyoid-info.com/articles/t3drugnejm.htm

Hi guys and gals,
I am also going through the same as everyone and am now in the process
of convincing my GP to perscribe Thyrolar.This is an interesting article
from a study on T3.Might help some of you.It sure helped me with my
doctor.
Have a great day!!

You might need vit A. Cod liver oil might be good to try. Sometimes we
have more deficiencies to correct than thyroid.
Gracia

Has anyone had acne while taking Armour . I have never had it in my
life and now my face is broken out .Andrea

Hi Kristie,
Yes I was on an alternating dose for about 6 months while I was
overseas and couldn't get the exact prescription of Synthroid I
needed at the military pharmacy. When I came stateside I switched to
a steady dose - just the average of my alternating doses. I didn't
notice any difference between the two methods.
Cindy

Ally,
I take Levothroid (which is very similar to Levoxyl) and I used to
experience some up and down in my symptoms. I made a few changes in
the way I take and store my medication and now I no longer have any
problems with it. First of all, I store my meds in the refrigerator
since high humidity and temperature can cause them to break down and
lose their potency. I also make sure I take my Levothroid immediately
when I wake up on an empty stomach. I don't eat anything for at least
an hour after that (I'm usually not hungry for at least that long
after I get up anyway).
There doesn't seem to be any single best medicine for hypothyroid
patients. Some people are allergic to the fillers and binders in a
particular med and have to try another. Some people don't respond
well to meds that contain only T4 and need some T3. It can take some
trial and error to come up with the best regimen for each individual.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Thank you so much! I have only found you all this last Friday and
you have no idea how much better I feel knowing that this is not all
in my head. Now I can finally find someone who will help me.
Huge thanks!
Hugs
Toni

I've been taking Levoxyll for about one year now. I started on Amour,
and I experienced crazy jitters and feeling tense all the time.
Switching to Levoxyll was really good for me. But they still haven't
gotten my dose right - my endo keeps lowering it and increasing it to
get my TSH level in the normal range. Though I still experience
fatigue (and constipation and dry skin and an inability to recover
from exercise and all that stuff), i've also been experiencing what I
assume are some hyper symptoms (jitteriness, tension). But my TSH
has shown that I have been hyperthyroid lately, too. I was just put
on a strange alternating dose of 125 mcg 5 times a week and 137 2
times a week to lower my levels- and that may be affecting me, too.
Maybe an alternating dose won't work for me. Has anyone tried an
alternating dose and had any success?
So I think Levoxyll may be fine for me once we find the right dose.
But if once I'm on the right dose, I still don't feel right, I may
look at other medicines (though for me, not Armour). That's my
experience - I hope it's helpful to have another point of view. -
Kristie in MA

In a message dated 11/20/2002 3:09:23 PM Pacific Standard Time,
toni_lee_f@... writes:
Dear Toni,
I hear your frustration! And you're right; you're NOT fine!! This happened
to me for more years than I care to count. When I found my doctor who
treated me for Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome I began getting well. My doctor had
to treat me according to my clinical signs, most especially my low body
temperature, not my blood test results. You need to find a doctor who treats
you according to your clinical symptoms because there are types of
hypothryoidism that cannot be detected with that stupid TSH test!!
Good luck in finding a caring doctor,
Linda in LA

I was reading the Atkin's book & there's a statement
in there that say's "The solution is to take thyroid
hormone-both T3 & T4 perferably - in the natural form
(rather than the synthetic type). I perscribe the
synthetic kind of hormone ONLY in cases of an
autoimmune disease, when your own immune system might
destroy the natural kind."
Is this true, if you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis or
antibodies, does your own body destroy the Armour or
Biothriod, hence why some folks do better on Levoxyl
or Synthroid ??
Wondering.....
Pam

Alll, any body know anything about TLymph....I have tried taking this and there
is some benifet....What is is made up from I mean chencally..
best regards
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.
**********************************************************************

·PMS progressively worse (use to be non-existent).
·Periods are bad, bleeding so heavy.
·Inability to concentrate, can't stay focused (this is awful,
especially with the job that I do). Read someone describe on a
Hypothyroid site how numbers they KNOW (like bank numbers, passwords)
simply are gone at the moment they need it. This has just happened to
me twice in the last month and has NEVER happened to me before.
·Uncontrollable food cravings (makes me uncomfortable physically to
say the least). On the days where I don't feel these uncontrollable
food cravings I literally starve myself. That can't be good.
·Difficulty swallowing, food gets caught in my throat.
·So tired that sometimes I feel that I could just nod off immediately.
·Fatigue.
·Slow to heal.
·Acne, off and on.
·Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Lumps in armpit, groin, behind ear.
·Bladder infections.
·Under eye puffiness (what I would consider on the extreme side).
·Cold hands and feet.
·Immune system seems to be shot right now and I am catching
everything.
I find it interesting to see two things mentioned associated with the
thyroid that I have been previously diagnosed with: Mitral Prolapse
Valve and Hypoglycemia.
I also find it interesting that a doctor in Los Angeles describes
himself as an Expert in breast implant/thyroid relationship/treatment.
My GP has done blood tests and then tells me everything is fine. I
am frustrated because I am NOT FINE.
I am so frustrated.
Toni

go to a broda barnes doc www.brodabarnes.org
Gracia
·PMS progressively worse (use to be non-existent).
·Periods are bad, bleeding so heavy.
·Inability to concentrate, can't stay focused (this is awful,
especially with the job that I do). Read someone describe on a
Hypothyroid site how numbers they KNOW (like bank numbers, passwords)
simply are gone at the moment they need it. This has just happened to
me twice in the last month and has NEVER happened to me before.
·Uncontrollable food cravings (makes me uncomfortable physically to
say the least). On the days where I don't feel these uncontrollable
food cravings I literally starve myself. That can't be good.
·Difficulty swallowing, food gets caught in my throat.
·So tired that sometimes I feel that I could just nod off immediately.
·Fatigue.
·Slow to heal.
·Acne, off and on.
·Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Lumps in armpit, groin, behind ear.
·Bladder infections.
·Under eye puffiness (what I would consider on the extreme side).
·Cold hands and feet.
·Immune system seems to be shot right now and I am catching
everything.
I find it interesting to see two things mentioned associated with the
thyroid that I have been previously diagnosed with: Mitral Prolapse
Valve and Hypoglycemia.
I also find it interesting that a doctor in Los Angeles describes
himself as an Expert in breast implant/thyroid relationship/treatment.
My GP has done blood tests and then tells me everything is fine. I
am frustrated because I am NOT FINE.
I am so frustrated.
Toni
To unsubscribe, send blank message to:

Hi, Daryl and anyone else out there who doesn't feel 'right' on
Synthroid.
I recently switched from Synthroid to Thyrolar. I had done extensive
research on both t4 and t3, and after taking Synthroid (only t4) and
feeling better only to feel worse (good for 2 weeks, then worse than
ever),I rallied my docs to switch me. My endo wouldn't, my ENT (who
biopsied my thyroid nodules) wouldn't. I finally went back to my GP,
and told him what I discovered from my research - that I thought I
wasn't converting t4 to t3. This was over the phone - he grabbed a
textbook (hadn't heard of thyrolar) and agreed to let me try it (it
is THYROID medicine after all - not narcotics or something! It is so
darn ridiculous that docs refuse to try a med that can't do anything
but help, AND they can monitor the affects!)
Holy cow - what a difference a little t3 can make. I'm still messing
with the dosage, but I am a different person. I can function again -
incredible! The extreme fatigue, the bloating, even my nodules have
gotten smaller!
I really wanted armour - the 'natural' t3/t4 combo, but I had an aunt
who had a terrible reaction to the animal byproduct. So the next
best thing - synthetic t3/t4.
I like living again. It's a miracle drug.

Hi all,
Well I am sure you all know by now the trouble I have
been having with my GP over getting referred to an
Endo consultant and getting treated properly. Well
just thought you would like to hear about my latest
installment. My usual doc with whom I have been having
problems, is on secondment to another are until late
next year yippee! this has allowed me to legitimately
get to see another doc without causing any ructions at
the practice.
Anyway I went to get my TSH results which were 2.8
(previously 2.49) she said they were normal. When I
pointed out that the result maybe within normal for
the lab but it is on the increase for me and I feel
crap, she said okay then have another test in six
weeks! (normally I just get told it is my homelife not
my thyroid making me crap and sent on my way with a
prescription)
The biggest news though is that after 12 months of
asking I am finally being referred to an Endo!!!!!!
whoooohooooooo! I am soooooo happy! I will let you
know how I get on.
ali

AWESOME!!! You guys are great for helping me out. Gives me some
hope.
Toni

HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa011899.htm?
PM=ss16_thyroid"

In a message dated 11/19/2002 12:54:26 PM Pacific Standard Time,
toni_lee_f@... writes:
Dear Toni,
I have a very good, holistic doctor in Santa Monica. I owe him my life for
spotting and having the courage to treat me for Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome!
He has been right on about my needing the timed-release T3 and the Indolplex
and some other things. But I am wary of some of his other special products
and treatments, especially those that are really expensive. His name is
Keith DeOrio, 310-828-3096.
I've also heard that a Dr. Susser in West LA is good. Someone who used to be
on this list went to him and raved. I figure if I get peeved at my doc for
any big reason, I could try Susser. His number is 310-966-9194.
There is getting to be a fair selection of Top Docs in LA metro area listed
at thyroid.about.com. <A
HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa011899.htm?PM=ss16_thyroid"
Doc Directory.</A
Medical Center and would not recommend him, though he may still be on the Top
Doc list. He's an Old Guard Endo: "Just take your medicine and shut up
about how you feel." He's a nice guy, don't get me wrong. He just doesn't
know what to do with anyone who still shows hypo with TSH numbers in the
basement. That may not be your problem, though. I just didn't get on very
well with him.
All the best,
Linda in LA

Great!! Thanks for the information. I am also in LA, do you go to
anyone good?
Toni

<A HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa091702a.htm"
Syndrome</A
site, and <A
HREF="http://personal.lig.bellsouth.net/w/u/wurmstei/"

My third time in a year and one month. Finally found out what it is,
Hidradenitis Suppurativa. My doctor was not much help but going on

I feel so sorry for what you've been going through. To how I read
here, i think you should change your doctor because to my knowledge
I've been put on high dosage before and they just tell you the
results and say its fine and they don't mean it. Until you see a
doctor who you can comunicate with, then you will know the truth.
Hyperthyroidism is hard to cope with, you should rest more and don't
work as much. Results are hard to understand if your learning and
all labs differ from country to country. The main thing is to learn
how your body is coping and so that you will know what is best for
you.

In a message dated 11/18/2002 4:30:54 PM Pacific Standard Time,
toni_lee_f@... writes:
Dear Toni,
Here's a link to a newsletter page on thyroid.about.com that lists <A
HREF="http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa091702a.htm"
Mistakes Your Thyroid Doctor Might Make</A
keep in mind when you're interviewing doctors.
Also, thyroid.about.com is a good place to browse for information. As is the
<A HREF="www.wilsonsthyroidsyndrome.com"
HREF="www.brodabarnes.com"
HREF="http://personal.lig.bellsouth.net/w/u/wurmstei/"
Good luck!
Linda in LA

Great insight, thanks so much. Great feedback, thanks so much!.
Toni

---Hi Linda, I guess I didn't make the question clear enough. What
I meant was, does TSH rise in response to low T4 in the body or low
T3, or a combination of the two?
My doctor ran a thyroid panel because 6 weeks ago switched from
Synthroid to Armour.
Cindy

Toni,
I would devise a list of questions that are important to you and call the
offices. Ask if you can speak to the dr. If not, I would ask the secretary
or speak to a nurse. You may want to ask if he/she is open to
non-traditional treatment. Maybe you can go in for a consultation and get
a feel for the person. I'm sure others on the list will have other
suggestions for questions to ask. good luck.
Karen
advice on how to choose one of them.

Hello everyone,
I am new here, seems like I have the same story as everyone else. I
have been suffering for longer than a year. Been told I have
everything known to man, Mitral Prolapse Valve, Hypoglycemia, now
Hidradenitis Suppurativa, my imune system seems to be shot because I
catch everything and am always sick.
In all of my own research about my regular (weekly, monthly)
symptoms, as well as these other problems, has brought me here to you
people.
So now I see that I need to find someone (besides my General
Practice) who will not send me home with, "your blood test shows you
are just fine".
I have a list of Endocrinologists in front of me and I need some
advice on how to choose one of them.
Can you give me some advice on this and anything else you believe a
beginner should know about.
Thank you,
Toni

"It turns out that I have something called Gilbert's syndrome, which
showed up on my bloodwork as slightly elevated bilirubin."
I found this very interesting. From the time we first caught my
thyroid problems, they also ran other tests on me, just random
various tests. One happened to be a biliruben test (when I was on
propylthouricil b/c i was having a TERRIBLE thyroid storm) and it was
elevated (as well as other liver enzymes) so they took me off of the
propylthyruicil. I had this test repeated several more times over the
course of the next 6 months and altho my level dropped a little, it
was still a little above normal and my endo had no explanation for
it. I haven't since had it tested, but I'm curious to know what it is
now, and if perhaps it being high has anything to do with this
Gilbert's syndrome.
Eden

Did you also try cod liver oil?
Gracia

Celeste - I wasn't talking about thyroid medications. I was talking about
drugs to help me sleep. Thanks though. I had a miscarriage last year, so
am well aware of the implications of low thyroid and pregnancy. I'm sure
its why I miscarried. (wasn't diagnosed at that point or being treated)
Jeanie

Hi all,
I haven't posted in about a week, so just a brief synopsis of what's
been going on.
I had tried 90 mg of armour after being on 100 mcg of Sythroid for 10
years and never feeling good. I was having a heck of a time with
anxiety and the jitters on the armour, as I had on the synthroid but
had been taking antidepressants/benzodiazapines to try to alleviate
it...which never worked all that well. I then tried a combo of 50 mcg
of levoxyl and 10 mcg of cytomel (split dose), which was suggested by
a doctor who saw me when my usual doctor was in Paris. The anxiety was
better, but I was still pretty much bouncing off the walls.
I saw my usual doctor about a week ago, and we have a new plan. It
turns out that I have something called Gilbert's syndrome, which
showed up on my bloodwork as slightly elevated bilirubin. This
disorder involves the glucuronidation pathway in the liver (it
doesn't work well), and is generally no big deal. That pathway is
resposible for the breakdown of bilirubin, hence my elevated levels,
and would seem to have nothing to do with the thyroid except that this
is the same pathway responsible for the breakdown of T4 in the body,
while T3 is excreted by the kidneys.
My doctor called it "a problem with T4 detoxification", and pulled out
her medical toxicology book to show me. If the glucuronidation pathway
isn't working well, then there is a build up of T4 in the body,
effectively creating a hyperthyroid state when a person is treated
with T4.
We are now trying a lower dose of T4 combined with a time-release T3.
We tried 25 mcg of T4 for a week (plus 10 mcg of T3), and the anxiety
went down, but was still an issue. We just took it down another notch
to 12.5 mcg I will try that for a week and see if my body can handle
it. We may have to cut out the T4 altogether and/or adjust the T3, but
I think that we are on the right track. I am doing much better today
than I was a few weeks ago, when I was a puddle of anxiety.
It's just something to be aware of...the more knowledge you have the
better off you are...so I thought I would share.
Andrea

hello, I was wondering if you guys had suggestions for exercising after
preg. I had a baby less than 4 weeks ago. I want to do some strength
training along with walking and eventually jogging. Is there a video that
someone could suggest? I don't want anything too hard to start b/c I
haven't worked out in over 10 months. Also, does anyone have a
cardio/strength training schedule that would be good to start out with? I
don't want to go too crazy too fast. Thanks in advance for any help :)
Karen

You might feel "the best" on Armour.
Gracia

Jeanie,
Usually a pregnant woman will need an increase in the dosage of her
thyroid medication at some point during her pregnancy. Stopping your
medication could be very dangerous for both you and your baby. What
does your doctor say about this?
Best wishes,
Celeste

Does TSH respond to T4 or T3 levels? I switched from Synthroid to
Cytomel 6 weeks ago...my T3 is "normal", my T4 has dropped (both of
those seem predictable to me) , and my TSH jumped from .7 to 5.4
which is the highest it's been since diagnosis. Oddly, I feel better
than I ever did on T4 (surprise surprise, huh?)
This isn't a big concern for me....how I feel means more to me than
numbers do, but I'm curious.
Thanks ;)
Cindy

No, I don't drink the water but I do use tap water ice cubes when I
drink soda. I drink bottled water. Been here for 19 yrs and will
never be able to, nor would ever want to, drink the water here.
Debbie

I personally take my calcium at night.(1,000mg) If I don't, I don't
sleep that well. I've used kava kava before, and really enjoyed it.
Also, another herb I try to use is ( believe it or not..) marjoram.
It's a cousin of the peppermint/spearamint family( can't remember
which one). I put it in milk or just in water. You don't need to eat
the herb, just the water. It is bitter, but I don't mind.
I'm not a BIG advocate of this BUT you can always try a small amount
of melatonin. I will use it once in awhile when I'm having one
of "those night". Lately I'm so damned tired, I have NO problem going
to sleep. It's getting up that's my problem.
Gracia is right though. I haven't had a problem sleeping since my TSH
levels were good and my medication had kicked in.
Renee

I'm from Florida, central. Yes I drink the water.
Christel

Hi Jeanie,
You really want to sleep???
Beg, borrow or buy a magnetic underlay for your bed. It's a thin cover for
your mattress with very thin magnets all through it.
It seems to have an effect on your circulation, and even on the coldest
nights, it makes you warm. A different type of warm than I've ever felt
before. I don't get hot, just get to a perfect temperature. And sleep!!!! I
don't think I've ever slept as well.
I now sleep every night for about 8 hours and wake up feeling as though
I've had a great nights sleep. My man says the same thing. Also my Mom's
friend's in their 70's - 90's are buying these and loving them, saying they
are finally sleeping through the night. It's really worth a try!
I too am a natural therapy advocate, especially herbs, but I'd read a
little on Magnetic therapy and decided to try this underlay. Best buy I've
made in a long time.
Regards
Linda M
NZ

Hey all,
Anyone here in Florida? If so, what part? Do you drink the water?
Why I ask is this. The last time we went down to Orlando Florida, I
ended up in the doctor's office feeling really bad. Well, it took me
3 months to recover from that. Now, we've gone again for a lot less
time, and I haven't felt good since we got back a week ago. I'm
scared to go to the doc because I don't want to know if my TSH is in
the basement again( however, that's exactly how I feel).
I asked about the stress factor. That could be it. However, wouldn't
I have recovered by now???? I'm wondering if just getting back into
the routine of working out/excercising might do it. I'm going to try
that this week.
The only other thing I could THINK might do it is the water. I try
not to drink a lot of tap water down there simply because I can't
stand the way it tastes. However, that can't be done all of the time.
That's why I'm asking about it to anyone who lives in Florida and has
hypothyroidism/Hashimotos( as I have ).
Well, onward and upward.
Renee P.

I recently switched from Levothroid to Thyrolar to get some
T3's. Just started two days ago and wondering if anyone else has good
results with Thyrolar.
Daryl

In the beginning I experienced something like that, and I thought that with
increased cell respiration I was dumping a lot of toxins. I felt quite
toxic for a while, but not now.
Gracia

Has anyone experienced dizzy spells since taking Armour? Thanks.
Melanie

Renee,
I've read a number of articles that show a link between stress and
thyroid function. You can read one of them at http://www.advance-
health.com/HypoThyroid.html
I think that stress management is an important part of treating
thyroid disorders. Stress is an important part of life, so by stress
management I don't mean eliminating stress necessarily. I think it's
important to change the ways in which we react/respond to stress.
That's what I've found that really makes a difference.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Thanks for the link Linda,
I am sorry it doesn't offer much help to all you
Wilson's sufferers out there but I am pleased with it
because I think it is going to give me some ammunition
when I go for my results on wednesday (oh the joy! I
sooooooo look forward to results days to be told I am
normal and it's just my home life making me like this)
I am going to print out the whole article and give it
to my doc and hope it helps her understand where I am
coming from for once.
Thanks again,
Ali
--- annah1149@... wrote:
<HR
<html
<tt
To all,<BR
<BR
Here is a link to Mary Shomon's article in today's
Thyroid.About.com <BR
newsletter.&nbsp; &lt;A HREF="<a
href="http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blguidelines.htm"
ut.com/library/news/blguidelines.htm</a
href="http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blguidelines.htm"
ut.com/library/news/blguidelines.htm</a
It's <BR
tells that the National Academy of Clinical
Biochemistry has issued new <BR
guidelines for TSH testing saying that a TSH test of
2.5 should be considered <BR
above normal!&nbsp; <BR
<BR
Personally, I still feel the TSH test is bunk unless
someone actually has a <BR
malfunction of or in the thyroid gland.&nbsp; For
other hypothyroid disorders <BR
involving faulty conversion of T4 to T3 like Wilson's
Thyroid Syndrome, it is <BR
useless.&nbsp; Actually, it is worse than useless, it
is an instrument of torture! <BR
Nevertheless, this artile shows the old paradigm of
thyroid treatment in <BR
mainstream circles is changing--albeit slowly--but
changing nevertheless.&nbsp; I <BR
suspect that change is coming due to increased
pressure brought by hapless <BR
patients sick of being patronized and marginalized by
their Old Guard <BR
Endocrinilogists and Physicians.<BR
<BR
Linda in LA<BR
<BR
<BR
[Non-text portions of this message have been
removed]<BR
<BR
</tt
<br
<tt
To unsubscribe, send blank message to:

Hi Jeannie: I read your post about fibromyalgia and boy could I relate! I had
it bad two days ago and was pretty sick there for awhile but I'm doing better
today. Have you ever tried Malic Acid for fibro? Works pretty good. A
--

from what I've heard, stress raises cortisol levels.
Karen

Okay, let's discuss this.........
Does stress really have an affect on the thyroid? I TOTALLY believe
it does. Now, I don't know if it is because of the adrenal thing or
not but I know after having a particular stressful event( IE a
trip...) I'm dead for a week( as I am now...)
My doc( yes, I'm getting rid of him..) says that stress has no effect
on the thyroid.
Thoughts or past experiences?
Renee

Have you had your blood pressure took? It sounds to me like what I
had a few months ago but my thyroid levels where slightly high.
What your experiencing from my point of view is anxiety or stress
which is causing your dizziness and possibly other things. The
thyroid levels can be normal and its up to you to sort out your life
with your blood pressure. If your pulse is raising your blood
pressure should be high also. Have it checked.

dear jeanie,
i usually dont write back on these msg boards but thought that I might in your
situation because it sounded like mine. I am a 33 year old female and about a
year ago...I too had some strange symptoms. I had never been diagnosed with any
endocrine disorder prior but was having hyper and hypo symptoms. My extensive
labwork revealed that I had hashimotos and not long after that a hot nodule was
discovered also.My doctor wanted to biopsy this and the results came back
abnormal. He assured me that most hot nodules are not cancerous but that I
should take it out anyway....I had surgery last October and the pathology report
came back that i had papillary cancer.(altho, no further treatment was necessary
because of the size of the tumor<1.0 cm)....6 months later, the other side of my
throat was starting to swell and I thought it was just my hashimotos symptoms,
but, since I was going to be laid off from my job and going back to college, I
decided as a precaution to have a total thyroidectomy..The path report came back
with mixed papillary and follicular cancer of the thyroid....the tumor had
spread rapidly as follicular cancer is more aggressive. I was advised by my
oncologist to do radiation asap, which I did in June this year. now I am on
synthroid 150mcg with a tsh of 2.5...which, I was on 200mcg with a tsh of 0.4
which is what the cancer docs want it to be so that no more growth can occur but
synthroid has raise my pulse to over 110 resting...so they decided to lower my
dose to 150mcg...It was the lesser of the two evils so to speak as they didnt
want my heart to blow up!I hate synthroid, feel i am probably allergic to it
since i have had a rah on my lower extremities since I have been on it, but my
docs dont like the natural approach, armour, etc. I am at their mercy now as i
have no insurance but as soon as i get some I will change to a doc that listens,
right now I am just trying to get by this year. I have a body scan scheduled for
every 6 months for the next two years and then once a year after that for the
next 5 years.Your symptoms sounded familiar to me because before I knew what was
going on with all of this I would go from being extremely heat intolerant,
weight loss, weight gain, cold, hair falling out, skin dryness, sweating, etc
all within weeks.My thyroid was definitely trying to tell me something and it
did!My simple advice to you is to get a biopsy of that nodule....make them order
it for you even if they dont want to. It is your health. It is difficult when
you have hashimotos or graves because most docs want to blame everything on
that.I wish you much luck in the future, and hang on for the ride, it is a bumpy
one! Nicole
Jeanie <jverner@...
I was wondering if any of you might be able to help me understand lab
results since the Doctors can't seem to figure things out. I'm military so
have one main Doctor - but they leave here and there so I see others when he
is gone and am, now, seeing an Internist as well. I've literally seen about
6 Doctors lately about all this. I have atypical results. My TSH is low.
Last check it was .003 which would indicate hyperthyroid. Also have a tiny
hot nodule on my thyroid. Also have autoimmune factors - so it was first
thought I had Graves. But an internist and ENT guy determined I have
Hashimotos with atypical lab results. I switched to an osteopath who could
crack me and he hasn't worried about the TSH. My T4 was WNL for a while -
but then started showing low. He figured my thyroid was sputtering out - so
this verified his theory and he started treating me. Being an osteopath he
was open to using Armour vs. synthetics and that is what I've been using.
Now another Doc and another Internist are concerned about my TSH levels and
that I seem to be bouncing. I know my last 60 mg. jump was too much. I was
up to 180 mg. of thyroid and lost 10 pounds right away. Still losing but
slower. I jumped up to 240 mg. which was a mistake cause it threw me into
hyper symptoms. That may be all there is to that - am back down to 180 mg.
now and starting to calm down. But why the low TSH? One Dr. brought up the
possibility that there is pituitary involement and my D.O. brought that up
in the past but said there is nothing that can be done about that. Anyone
on here have any kind of insights on this scenario? One guy thought maybe I
was overmedicated - but before on 180 my T4 still wasn't WNL (withing normal
limits). Yesterday my DO was saying my normal could be lower. But he also
tried to tell me I had no autoimmune factors - another Dr. found that and he
finally found those lab results so, yes, I do. The army keeps all labs on
the computer and is supposed to print them out when you move. I may ask for
a print out now. Maybe I won't concern myself so much with all this and
just work on trying to heal my immune system instead. I also know I have
mercury poisoning and that it can affect the whole endocrine system. Any
insights would be appreciated. Don't expect diagnosis. But sometimes
people who are actually dealing with the same type of problems actually
understand better than Doctors. Most of the guys I see are pretty new at
this. The first guy who thought I had graves was actually looking things up
in a text book when I was in his office. That was a little scary : ) He is
a sweetheart though. I'd rather someone admit when they don't know
something than make assumptions. The guy now is a bit casual about it all.
My BP is up which scares me. My whole family has a history of
hypertension. I'm a bit ticked that this guy upped my dosage so
drastically. I even called to tell him that I was jittery and he just left
a phone message to keep taking it to adjust and if we had to we would go
down to the old dosage. Then he went out of town. And I went into a
thyroid storm. Which is why I saw another Dr. and then an Internist. Now
the Internist wants to follow me for my thyroid problems. Except my D.O.
lets me have more say (like using the glandular concentrates). I've
probably thoroughly confused everyone now from my ramblings. But would
really appreciate any insights whatsoever. Thanks. Jeanie

I last had my stuff all checked about 3 weeks ago or so. My dr.
called me and left a message on my voice mail saying my levels were
all normal and stuff, but didn't say my numbers. I finally decided to
call today and they told me as follows:
TSH 1.65 (normal: 0.47-5.01)
T3 0.87 (normal: .72-1.24)
T4 9.95 (normal: 4.50-12.0)
T7 11.44 (normal: 4.50-12.0)
First of all, I don't remember EVER having my T7 checked, therefore I
don't know what it is. Also, I looked back at old lab results and the
numbers, especially for T4 was all lower...like I had a lower T4
number than that and the correct levels for T4 were lower than that.
Are there different kinds of T4 tests? I'm just really confused right
now. And as much as I hate the endo I saw last year, I'm really
considering going back to him, b/c yes, according to this, all my
levels are normal, but I'm still experiencing some side effects of
hyper, w/ the exception of high blood pressure. I'm also still
experiencing the dizziness and stuff as well. HELP!!???
Eden

Guys just seen the mail I sent out sorry , this is a good indication that my
thyroid is not working as my eyes go.
I do get bad with the cold and my finger tips on my left hand go numb.. I also
get a rash in my groin when I am no doing well but the worst of all is my neck
and really gets stiff. I am trying taking t4 the large dose in the morning and a
smaller dose when I get in from work. As for me T4 works with
in 20 mins all the Drs say this cant happen but it does for me.
Its as though I have no reserve... I am starting to think that perhaps there is
something else missing??
Armour was no good for me as it upset my heart , if the T3 goes above 3.5 I get
really short of breath...
john c UK
-I use the armour type medicine myself so it has the full spectrum of the
hormones already. I feel it soon after taking it too. In fact I just had a
thyroid storm from raising the dosage by 60 mg. too quickly. Still calming
down from it. Sorry - don't know about the exercise thing - except I am
having a major Fibromyalgia flare up and have a couple of questions. Do you
guys hurt more when its cold (for those of you who hurt?) I live in AK and
we are just now getting arctic - although not below 0 yet. But I hurt so
bad all over. Haven't had an episode for some time so its got to be the
cold. We are moving to Atlanta in May and I hope I feel better. I can
hardly move. I'll ask my other question on another post so I don't
overwhelm : ) Jeanie
Does anybody kno wif you need more Thyroxin if you excercie.. I recently
have started going to the gym and noticed that my heart has started going
slow and feeling really tired, usually next day. should you take more t4 on
the day you excercise or the next day or just leave it to the normal dose.
john
**********************************************************************
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.
**********************************************************************
To unsubscribe, send blank message to:

Hi thanks for the information... I suspected this but I have had trouble with
my heart and all I do is 30 of walking at 6.2KPH and although I feel ok boy do I
pay for it the next day, I feel really hypo..
Thanks and I will let you know what the Dr says.
john C UK
John,
I'm not sure how long you've been working out. I too am plagued with
this. I think the advice I was given a while ago is the best. Ease
into it. I know you're gonna hate to hear this but....maybe back off
on what you do. You may want to try some strength training like
Pilates or Yoga or something of that nature - you don't strain
yourself as much as you would say hard aerobics. If you're anything
like me, you probably push yourself and then at the end you realize,
oops, I did too much.
Well, good luck and let us know what the doc says.
Renee P

told before but I can tell a dose change with in 20 mins. I have no
thyriod so I have no reserve etc. I have a consutation with a dr not
an endo that specialises in thyriod problems, lets hope he can sort
it out...

John,
I'm not sure how long you've been working out. I too am plagued with
this. I think the advice I was given a while ago is the best. Ease
into it. I know you're gonna hate to hear this but....maybe back off
on what you do. You may want to try some strength training like
Pilates or Yoga or something of that nature - you don't strain
yourself as much as you would say hard aerobics. If you're anything
like me, you probably push yourself and then at the end you realize,
oops, I did too much.
Well, good luck and let us know what the doc says.
Renee P

told before but I can tell a dose change with in 20 mins. I have no
thyriod so I have no reserve etc. I have a consutation with a dr not
an endo that specialises in thyriod problems, lets hope he can sort
it out...

I was wondering if any of you might be able to help me understand lab
results since the Doctors can't seem to figure things out. I'm military so
have one main Doctor - but they leave here and there so I see others when he
is gone and am, now, seeing an Internist as well. I've literally seen about
6 Doctors lately about all this. I have atypical results. My TSH is low.
Last check it was .003 which would indicate hyperthyroid. Also have a tiny
hot nodule on my thyroid. Also have autoimmune factors - so it was first
thought I had Graves. But an internist and ENT guy determined I have
Hashimotos with atypical lab results. I switched to an osteopath who could
crack me and he hasn't worried about the TSH. My T4 was WNL for a while -
but then started showing low. He figured my thyroid was sputtering out - so
this verified his theory and he started treating me. Being an osteopath he
was open to using Armour vs. synthetics and that is what I've been using.
Now another Doc and another Internist are concerned about my TSH levels and
that I seem to be bouncing. I know my last 60 mg. jump was too much. I was
up to 180 mg. of thyroid and lost 10 pounds right away. Still losing but
slower. I jumped up to 240 mg. which was a mistake cause it threw me into
hyper symptoms. That may be all there is to that - am back down to 180 mg.
now and starting to calm down. But why the low TSH? One Dr. brought up the
possibility that there is pituitary involement and my D.O. brought that up
in the past but said there is nothing that can be done about that. Anyone
on here have any kind of insights on this scenario? One guy thought maybe I
was overmedicated - but before on 180 my T4 still wasn't WNL (withing normal
limits). Yesterday my DO was saying my normal could be lower. But he also
tried to tell me I had no autoimmune factors - another Dr. found that and he
finally found those lab results so, yes, I do. The army keeps all labs on
the computer and is supposed to print them out when you move. I may ask for
a print out now. Maybe I won't concern myself so much with all this and
just work on trying to heal my immune system instead. I also know I have
mercury poisoning and that it can affect the whole endocrine system. Any
insights would be appreciated. Don't expect diagnosis. But sometimes
people who are actually dealing with the same type of problems actually
understand better than Doctors. Most of the guys I see are pretty new at
this. The first guy who thought I had graves was actually looking things up
in a text book when I was in his office. That was a little scary : ) He is
a sweetheart though. I'd rather someone admit when they don't know
something than make assumptions. The guy now is a bit casual about it all.
My BP is up which scares me. My whole family has a history of
hypertension. I'm a bit ticked that this guy upped my dosage so
drastically. I even called to tell him that I was jittery and he just left
a phone message to keep taking it to adjust and if we had to we would go
down to the old dosage. Then he went out of town. And I went into a
thyroid storm. Which is why I saw another Dr. and then an Internist. Now
the Internist wants to follow me for my thyroid problems. Except my D.O.
lets me have more say (like using the glandular concentrates). I've
probably thoroughly confused everyone now from my ramblings. But would
really appreciate any insights whatsoever. Thanks. Jeanie

About changing the dose when you exercise - I've been told that your
body will not feel today's dose change for a few weeks (or more). So
in that sense, it would not make sense to increase your dose on an
especially active day. For example, right now, I am on an
alternating dose (125 one day, 137 the next day - of levoxyll), and I
was told that my body does not know the difference - it will feel the
cumlative dose over the course of the week. I assume it's the same
with Thyroxin. Do others agree?
For me, exercise leaves me much more fatigued now than before my
thyroid imbalance. In fact, I feel like I have to "pay for" my
exercise/exertion for a couple of days now. Maybe things will
improve once I'm on the right dose of levoxyll (they keep increasing
and decreasing my dose according to my TSH)? Any suggestions?
Good luck with everything, John! - Kristie

Does anybody kno wif you need more Thyroxin if you excercie.. I recently have
st