Mark's Blog

Celeste,
I know I've asked this before, but I'm a bit confused. What list are you
supposed to go by on the GI? The food based group or the GI based list?
I'm just trying to understand this all. I'm totally feeling like this is
the way to go for me. Does anyone else here follow a low glycemic way of
eating. Will you share your thoughts and experiences?
thank you,
Karen

In a message dated 1/3/2003 8:40:10 PM Pacific Standard Time,
blondiewolf2000@... writes:
Dear Diana,
Yeah, it sounds low to me, too. But remember what Celeste said just
yesterday, that it is often better to start low and slowly ramp up to an
optimum doseage. I hope the Armour works for you, though. It would make
life so much simpler. :)
If you feel better for awhile and then relapse, consider asking for an
increased dose of Armour at that time. Or a switch to another T3/T4 combo
medicine. Or a combo of synthroid/cytomel (I hold my breath recommending
that since it gave me ghastly heartburn and didn't help me much, but others
here are doing well on it!). Or plain T3 (timed-release or traditional).
IOW, keep checking in with yourself and asking for more or different
medicines/medicine combos until you hit on something that makes you feel
ALIVE again!! That's the name of this game!
Good luck and good health,
Linda

have broken out into a rash, starting at my feet,
going up my legs, and on my arms.
I have little knowledge of thyrolar, but my first inclination is that you
are having an allergic reaction to the fillers in that particular dose.
Maybe it's the binders or the dye involved. Just a thought. I would call
your doc before taking another dose.
good luck,
Karen

Thank you Linda for answering my post. I think maybe too adding T3
would help me. I called my doctor and he is going to take me off of
synthroid of .88 and I am going to start taking Armour of 15mg. (I
hope this works for me). I need to have another blood test done in 3
weeks. I am concerned about the amount of armour I am going to be
taking. I hope this is enough, it seems low.
Thanks!
Diana

I'm taking Thyrolar 1 (synthetic t3/t4 combo). My symptoms have
gotten better, but I've been feeling sluggish again, so I upped the
dose to 1.25, and have broken out into a rash, starting at my feet,
going up my legs, and on my arms. From everything I've read on the
web, this side effect warrants an immediate call to the doc. My
question is, has anyone experienced the itching, and do I need to
panic, or just lower my dose back to what it was?

THANKS DEBBIE!

Just wanted to let ya's know that there's a new group starting for
people that have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. It's a "spinoff" from one

I think I know the doc that you are referring to, but cannot think of his
name. I think he comes from MIT. I was not real impressed that he uses
all synthetic hormones, prescribes T3 but not in the amount that Armour has.
IMO which I am sure everyrone knows by now! the extra T3 in Armour plus T2,
T1, T0, calcitonen is superior.
Gracia

Melanie, that is so weird that you say that. I also have been very tired
the last 2 weeks and have been taking fish oil. Maybe a coincidence???? I
do believe thought that fish oil has endless benefits :)
Karen

Hi Linda,
I tried taking some fish oil the last two days and all of a sudden I was
extremely tired and I fell asleep for 2-3 hours. I sware it was something to do
with the fish oil because I had plenty of sleep the nights before and today I
didn't take it and I feel fine. I have been depressed though so I would like to
start taking it but not if it's going to knock me out. Have you experienced
that when you first started taking it? Thanks.
Melanie
annah1149@... wrote:In a message dated 1/3/2003 5:26:12 AM Pacific Standard
Time,
stfcch@... writes:
No, you're not alone with this. Depression is one of the symptoms of
untreated hypothyroidism. And sluggishness. And feeling unable to force
yourself to do the things a normal person would be able to do without
superhuman effort.
It does take time to feel undepressed once you get on the right medicine for
you. When the body slows down to the extent it does when you're hypothyroid,
it takes some time to get it revved back up again. So, it's important that
you give yourself time and back off on expecting yourself to perform like a
normal human right away. That said, it's also important to not wait too long
in asking to try a different meidicne if you feel you're not getting better
with the medicine you're been prescribed. A lot of people do better,
depression wise, with added T3. For myself, I didn't begin to get well until
I found a doctor who put me on straight T3, timed-release, even though my TSH
numbers read .07.
One thing you can do to help alleviate depression naturally is take fish oil
capsules. Recent studies done in the mental health community show a
surprising anti-depressant effect with fish oil. You want to get the highest
amount of DHA to get the the best anti-depressant effect. Jarrow Formulas
makes a very good, cost effective, fish oil cap called Max DHA that I like
very much. If you have a tender tummy, then try Nature's Way, Fisol.
All the best,
Linda in LA

Linda, or anyone else..... :)
could you tell me the difference between regular T3 and compounded? Who
would benefit from this and who would not? I'm going to try to get a
referral to this dr. in the Boston area who uses it. He sounds incredible,
but I want to know what I'm talking about if I do see him. thanks so much
for any information!!
Karen

In a message dated 1/2/2003 6:49:53 PM Pacific Standard Time,
blondiewolf2000@... writes:
Dear Diana,
Usually there is a reference range that comes with your blood test numbers
that tells where the majority of patients tested at that lab reside when
they're given those blood tests. Remember that people who are given that
test are likely to have some thyroid hormone irregularity already or there
would be little likelihood of them needing the test! So, "normal" reference
range doesn't really mean normal as in optimum, IMO.
That said, with a TSH as low as yours, no matter what the reference range,
it's unlikely any traditionally trained doc is gonna want to increase your
medicine based on the Old Guard, unenlightened treatment methods taught in
medical school for the past 50 years. IMO, though, if you continue to have
symptoms of hypothyroidism, which you say you do, then you need more
medicine, not less. And you might benefit from added T3.
You need to find another doctor who will treat you according to your symptoms
NOT your blood test numbers! To find a doc who will do that, go to the
doctor referral sites at www.wilsonsthyroidsyndrome.com or
www.brodabarnes.com or (maybe you can find a doc who will do this at)
www.thyroid.about.com or www.armourthyroid.com.
Take care and let us know how you're doing,
Linda in LA

Hi. The good thing is that you know your depressed and why. That I feel is
important. I got this as well but could not work out why as all the Drs were
telling me its not being hypo. I got so bad that I thought I may have done
something silly then went to see somebody who wanted to give me anti
depressants. After a long while I realised that its was the thyroxin or lack of
it I got the empty head syndrome, all I wanted to do was watch the TV and when
this happened my cramps and Neck ache got worse. I am on t3 now the depression
has stopped but the cramps and neck ache are still there.
good luck
John C
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Since being diagnosed no more than about a week ago, I'm not sure if
it is just me but I feel that my symptoms have been intensifying. My
feelings of depression have been rising and getting much worse this
last week...I am at last sleeping, but now I'm getting to the stage
where all I want to do is either sleep or do nothing. At work I do
some lifting and stuff and I have to sit down for an hour to recover.
All this merely adds to the depression and stress I have right
now...I got so frustrated the other day that I slammed my hand into a
closet door!! Is there a light at the end of this tunnell?? While I
do have people around me who care very much, I dont think they really
understand what I am currently going through. Right now I get the
feeling almost that my body is betraying me...I feel trapped unable
to control what is happening to me, and I cannot stand not being able
to control things within myself (one very good reason why I drink
very little alcohol!!). I feel so damned helpless right now I just
dont know where to turn.
I would really be grateful and appreciative if someone who has been
through the same things can give some advice or at least just to know
they have been through similar things would really help.

<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/4620/"
Allergy</A

I was wondering if anyone can help me figure out my thyroid test?
I will be going to see my family doc in 2 weeks, but would like to
have some ideas.
My blood test came back reading: T4 9.2 and TSH 0.026.
I have had hypo thyroid problems for years. I don't feel my dose is
right that I am on now, .88 synthroid. A few years ago I was on a
higher dose and felt better. I have gained weight, low energy,
brittle nails, bad depression and a lot of the other symptoms.
Does anyone know what this range may mean?
Thank you!
Diana

Dear Osvaldo,
I know you were writing specifically to Celeste, however, here is some
information from Dr. Denis Wilson's "Doctor's Manual for Wilson's Thyroid
Syndrome" about T4-T3 conversion that might be helpful to you.
"The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to produce Thyroid
Stimulating Hormone (TSH). TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T4
(thyroxine) which is the raw material or precursor used to make the active
thyroid hormone, T3. T4 is also converted to RT3 (reverse T3) which is
physiologically inactive. T4 is not the physiologically active hormone and
needs to be converted by an enzyme called Five Prime (5') deiodinase to
become the active hormone, T3, or liothyronine. At least 80% of the body's
daily production of T3 is produced in this way, not in the thyroid gland, but
in the tissues of the body (liver, kidney, etc.).
"T3 is the physiologically active thyroid hormone and is four times more
potent, and three times shorter-acting than T4. T3 is what goes to all the
cells in the body and tells them how fast to operate, and that determines the
body temperature. Five Prime (5') Deiodinase has two jobs. It converts T4 to
T3 and it converts RT3 to T2. Five (5) Deiodinase (as opposed to Five Prime
Deiodinase) is the enzyme that converts T4 to RT3.
"Note: (Just for trivia's sake, in case you were curious):
1. T4, by far, accounts for most of what is produced in the thyroid gland
itself (about ten times less T3, and about 30 times less RT3 is produced than
T4).
2. More T4 is converted to RT3 than to T3. The fact that serum RT3
concentrations are lower than those of T3 reflects its more rapid metabolic
clearance.
3. And,
4. Like RT3, T2 is physiologically inactive.
"It is clear that there is a glandular autoregulatory mechanism (negative
feedback inhibition), that regulates the thyroid gland's T4 production. It
is clear there is also a peripheral authoregualtory mechanism as well as a
glandual one. This is because under conditions of significant physical or
emotional stress, the amount of T4 that is converted peripherally to the
active T3 can drop by 50%. (emphasis mine) And at the same time, the amount
of T4 converted to the inactive RT3 can increase by 50%. T4 to T3 conversion
is inhibited by stress, acute and chornic illness, fasting, glucocorticoids,
propylthiouracil, and other things. When the body shunts T4 away from T3,
and more toward RT3, the cells of the body slow down. This is done to
conserve energy and that's normal. After the stress has passed, the
metabolism is supposed to come back up to normal but sometimes it doesn't.
"A study has demonstrated that in vitro, RT3 can inhibit the conversion of T4
to T3 presumably by competitive inhibition. When T4 to T3 converstion drops,
T3 to RT3 conversion goes up. It is likely that the RT3 that accumulates as a
result, can then secondarily further inhibit conversion of T4 toT3, resulting
in more T4 being converted to RT3, less to T3, and so on; with the body
getting stuck in a vicious cycle, a sort of coping mechanism gone amuck.
This would explain why the resetting phenomenon is not seen until RT3 is
depleted for a time, and why the resetting phonomenon is not really seen with
the use of T4 but only with T3."
Doctor's Manual for Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome, 4th Ed. pp 20-24.
Hope this information is helpful.
Linda in LA

Pink,
Yes, I have read that if thyroid disease goes untreated for a long
time that the heart muscle can damaged. Usually, though, the heart
muscle will repair itself once treatment is begun. In these cases,
though, the doctor must start the patient on a very low dosage and
slowly ramp the dosage up over several months until the optimum dosage
is reached. I'm wondering if the doctor whose cardiac patient died was
aware of the proper way to administer thyroid meds in that situation.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Osvaldo,
Thank you for your confidence in my replies to your questions. Please also
remember
that I'm not a physician. I'm a person with a thyroid disorder and this forum is
where we share what we know, what our experiences have been, and what has worked
for us.
1) A healthy person would be producing both T4 and T3. T3 plays a very important
role in the production of energy in every cell in the body. Without T3 a person
would not be healthy and would not live long. Metabolism would shut down.
2) It is possible for liver problems to interfere with production of T3 in
normal
amounts.
3) I don't believe that parasites in the bowels would affect T4 production if a
person's thyroid gland is healthy. Parasites in the bowels if left unchecked for
a
long period of time would probably cause some significant nutritional
deficiencies.
These deficiencies could certainly interfere with the function of many organs in
the body and could affect T3 production. There are also parasites which can
affect
the liver (liver flukes, for example) and never show up in the bowel. Your
physician can order tests to detect specific parasites.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Dear Celeste.
You email has been very useful for me. I appreciate your
response and teaching very, very much !!
I have some more questions
1) Is there any chance that a healthy person produces T4
but not T3 ??
2) If liver is not working well, is T3 produced in sub-normal quantities ?
3) What about if bowels have parasites ? does this condition avoid
thyroides from producing T 4 ??
You answer is very much welcome and apprecaited.
Osvaldo

Hi everyone,My doctor now has said he will send me to an
endocrinologist to sort out my problems.I think he is very cautious
about thyroxin because a patient he was treating with thyroxine had a
cardiac arrest and died,although he said that she already had heart
disease.
Another question.Is it true that being hypothyroid for a long period
can CAUSE heart damage(I think I read that somewhere)I have had an
abnormal ECG (EKG IN USA)for at least 10 years,although there is
nothing wrong with my arteries or heart.I wonder if hypothyroidism
has anything to do with this?I have been feeling tired and lethargic
for a long time,but thought it was because it was because I was
working and trying to care for my Mother who had Altzeimers disease
and was really stressed out.When I finally could bear it no longer
and saw my doctor,it turned out that my TSH was 75! Thanks everyone
for all your replies.This group is so helpful and kind.

Osvaldo,
A healthy person's thyroid gland produces T4. T4 is the primary
thyroid hormone and has 4 iodine atoms attached to it. T4 is produced
only by the thyroid gland. A healthy person's body makes T3 (another
thyroid hormone) from T4 by removing an iodine atom from it. T3 is
produced on an as-needed basis as the body needs energy for exercise
and other activities. This is done mostly by the liver and smaller
amounts by the thyroid gland and other organs.
The levels depend on the specific test that is done to check your
blood for T3 and T4. So it's important to know not just the number for
the test result, but also the reference range for the specific test
that's done. This is how you know whether your hormone levels are too
low or not. Even a result that's in the low end of normal might need
supplementation. It varies a lot from person to person and that's why
it's so important to find a doctor who is willing to work with you as
a partner (and not as a dictator).
Best wishes,
Celeste

Karen,
I read somewhere that people with a certain type of heart murmur are
more likely to have thyroid issues. Interestingly, the particular
heart murmur type involved was one which was not often detected (some
heart murmurs are audible with a stethoscope) by doctors, and was
only discovered after extensive testing.
I remember being intrigued by that because when I first started
dating my boyfriend, he asked me if I had a heart murmur because he
was able to hear and feel the "skips" and "double" beats. I've never
been diagnosed as having a murmur, but you are right that mine gets
worse when my throid slips again, and better as we readjust my meds.
Shimiah

Melanie, you may need more Armour. You also may need something else besides
Armour like DHEA. This seems to be a very hard concept for patients and
doctors to understand
, that sometimes more hormones are involved. Also B vitamins and cod
liver oil help. Here's a quote from an interview Mary Shomon did with Dr.
Brownstein:
out the entire hormonal system. This can include the use of the adrenal
hormones (i.e., DHEA, and pregnenolone), ovarian hormones (i.e., using
natural progesterone and natural estrogens and natural testosterone), growth
hormone, melatonin and others. I find using small amounts of each of these
hormones in combination much more effective than using one hormones
individually. Sometimes, one needs a combination of treatments to help them
achieve their optimum health.
Q. You have chapters in your book for other hormones, such as DHEA, Natural
Progesterone, Natural Estrogens, Natural Testosterone, Growth Hormone,
Natural Hydrocortisone, Melatonin and Pregnenolone. What one hormone relates
most to the thyroid gland?
A. Mary, all of the hormones relate to the thyroid gland. However, there is
definitely a relationship between thyroid problems and DHEA and Natural
Progesterone. I usually find patients with thyroid problems will do much
better when DHEA and Progesterone levels are appropriately investigated. IF
there is a problem with these hormones, supplementation with natural
versions of DHEA and Progesterone are extremely helpful to balance out
thyroid problems.
Gracia, who used to have permanent anxiety
Armour and although I feel a little better at times, for the most part I
feel terrible. I'm very depressed and I feel ashamed because I'm trying to
hide it from my boyfriend and my family. I started a new job on Monday and
want to quit already because I can't think clearly and I have so much
anxiety I can't even talk to people out of fear of saying something stupid
because of the brain fog. I need help fast because I don't know how much
longer I can go on like this. I saw Linda in LA mention something about a
time-released T3? Can I get that online without seeing a doctor ( I can't
afford it right now). Also, I'm thinking about quitting the Armour cold
turkey. Is that a bad idea? Thanks for your support and advice(:

Happy New Year!
Hello everyone,
I'm very concerned about my health right now. I've been taking 90mg of Armour
and although I feel a little better at times, for the most part I feel terrible.
I'm very depressed and I feel ashamed because I'm trying to hide it from my
boyfriend and my family. I started a new job on Monday and want to quit already
because I can't think clearly and I have so much anxiety I can't even talk to
people out of fear of saying something stupid because of the brain fog. I need
help fast because I don't know how much longer I can go on like this. I saw
Linda in LA mention something about a time-released T3? Can I get that online
without seeing a doctor ( I can't afford it right now). Also, I'm thinking
about quitting the Armour cold turkey. Is that a bad idea? Thanks for your
support and advice(:
Melanie

Obviously I would think it is T3 related. You should try Armour; it just
works better.
Gracia

What does anyone else think of this heart
thing?
I don't know if this was an accurate diagnosis, but about 6 or 7 years ago
I went to the dr. b/c it felt like my heart was either skipping a beat or
pausing or something. He had me wear a heart monitor for a day and found it
to be premature atrial contractions and premature fibrial contractions. He
told me they were benign, but they don't feel that way and cause much
annoyance! They actually slowed down a lot when I first went on medication
for my thyroid so I'm pretty sure it was related. That's why I'm not
totally sure if it was the right diagnosis. does that make sense?
Karen

Guys just to add a 2c worth on what I have learned from my own experience and
the group over the last year.
I have spent the last 18 months hurting with this bloodily condition... Mainly
due to losing my Thyroid, due to a nice little drug called amoidaone.
What is strange that I was ok for the first year taking t4, then suddenly I
started getting the feeling of not wanting to get out of bed and lifeless with
cramps and wrist pains . Finding my back really paining me when first rising in
the morning. Feeling heavy like your been up for three weeks
working your butt of with no rest.Then unexpecting getting this awful itchy
right lung so bad that you feel that you want to put something down your throat
to scratch it.. I have not been able to work out why this happened and I doubt
if I ever will.
I have put on 10 lbs. over this time. What is very frustrating going to the Drs
and being told that your blood is ok but you should be ok just keep taking the
meds ad come back in three months and your be ok it will go away.. Oh and by the
way would it help if you see an analyst I can arrange
that..
In the end you feel that your not being listed too and your integrity is being
compromised.. I did and thank God for the NET
( I saw a programme some time ago about VINCE SURF who invented the signalling
system for the net and how people would stop him in the street and shake his
hand. I thought this was strange at the time but not now I would love to meet
him and say thanks)
And a big thanks to all the people that have help me on this group, Celeste Lynn
And sally..
What have I learned, well
1. dont take no for an answer keep digging and asking questions.,
2. Thyroxin takes at least three weeks and longest to work and get into your
system. Its taken me since October until last week to stabilise, I was given
some t3 back in November and it only now last Sat that I started with 10 MCR and
now moved up to 20mcr. I have noticed that I am going to the loo
as I use to before this sorry tail. I have also noticed that I dont have the
Carb binges like I use .
3 Sometime you feel worse for a few days when you take an extra dose but in my
case this goes away,
4. Dont this is important if your thyriod pathology is sound then dont have all
of it removed... I have been told this by many DR to late after the deed was
done..
(Sometimes and this sounds bad but the Dr who told me that all we have to do is
take this galnd out and take this tablet once a day and your feel well. I just
hope one day he gets out of bed and his head falls off.)
Questions
What is free t3 and Free T4 what does this mean..
when you have a back up of t4 can this be got rid of over time when you find the
right dose..
Lastly a New year wish That all the Endos are taught that if you dont feel well
and your spending good hard earned cash seeing them, then you are doing this
because you dont feel well and there is something wrong... Your not going to see
them for a day out and a chat about the weather...
Happy New year to you all and thanks.
John C Uk (Hornchurch Essex)
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In a message dated 12/28/2002 3:37:59 PM Pacific Standard Time,
dett386@... writes:
Dear Bernadette,
IMO, if you still feel sluggish and can't lose weight, you're not on the
right medicine at the right dose for you. You may need more T4, or perhaps a
medicine combining T3/T4, or T3 only. If you doc says your numbers are
normal but you still have multiple symptoms of hypothyroidism, then you may
need to consult a holistic doc who will prescribe medicine according to your
symptoms and not just according to your blood test numbers.
Good luck!
Linda in LA

Celeste wrote
<<Does your doctor know
what your free T4 and free T3 levels are?

Larkin,
what I did was I kept researching and followed my gut - you know what is
best for you. Did you also have your T3 tested? You might need a combo of
T3 and T4. I started feeling better after 2 weeks being on T4. I have a
pretty good doctor, but I've had to tell her what I want along the way.
There's things that she has missed that I would've missed as well if I
wasn't informed. I would say that you are not on the right dosage of
medication or on the wrong meds all together if you haven't noticed a
difference in these 7 weeks. I hope that helps.
Karen

So I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism approximately 1 month and 3 weeks ago.
The doctor put me on 75 mcg of Levoxyll and he told me to expect results in
aproximately 2 months. So I should be feeling at least a tad bit better
especially because my body usually reacts to meds extremely fast...but so far I
have felt nothing. I am still sleeping 15 hours a night, and have no energy to
do anything, I still can't loose the 10 pounds I gained, my hair is still
thinning, I am still depressed and feel just as bad as I did when I was first
diagnosed. Was this the way most of you felt when you first started treatment
or do I just need a higher dosage...I am thinking my dosage isn't high enough
otherwise I would feel at least something. The doctor said it might take up to
a year to find the right med combos and dosages but I am miserable and can't
stand that long of feeling this way, I think I will go out of my mind if I have
to feel this way for so long. I am just wondering if this is how everyone else
felt or if I am just not reacting to my meds. What should I do...should I tell
my doc I feel I need a higher dose or just tell him I don't feel better and let
him do what he feels is best. I am so new to this so I am not sure which is
better, to question the doctor? or to let him do his thing and not worry so much
about it and figure he knows best? Thanks for listening.
Larkin

Bernadette,
I think the dosage on your meds is still not quite high enough. A full
replacement dosage is usually 1 microgram per pound of body weight. If
you weigh more than 100 pounds then you probably need a higher dose.
Best wishes,
Celeste

I have been diagnosed just this week with hypothyroidism, and looking
at what other people have been suffering with, in some cases more
extreme than myself, seems to make some sense now as to what has been
going on with me particularly in the last few months. Maybe in many
respects I am lucky and it has been caught before things started to
get bad quickly. It is taking me a little while to get my head round
what is going on with my body right now and how it realtes to
everything. I am sure that with time I will get to understand a whole
lot more of what is happenin to me and can start to feel better
pretty soon. I certainly look forward to that day!!

Hi,I,m new here.I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism five months ago.I
am taking 100 micrograms of Eltroxin (T4)a day,but I still feel bad.I
don't know if i'm on the right dose of T4 or if maybe I need T3 as
well.My last tsh was on the higher side of normal,although I can't
remember the exact numbers.
How in Gods name,though,can I lose the weight I have put on?I was
always a slim little thing,and now I am about 3 stones(42 pound)
overweight.Has anybody got any suggestions?No matter how little I
eat,I just maintain my present weight.Please help,as I hate being so
fat and sluggish.
Bernadette

Hi everyone,
Just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year! Also, I
don't know if most of you know this already or not...my sister typed my name on
Google.com and all of the postings for this group came up. This means that
anyone and everyone can read my personal postings which I wasn't aware of.
Maybe this is a well known thing but if I would have known that my personal life
was going to be all over the internet, I wouldn't have joined. Is there anyway
to get it taken off? Maybe one of you knows? Thanks and again...Happy
Holidays(:
Melanie

Hello,
If you would please, write to me on tedstrikeruk@... and I
will talk to you about what to do. I've had problems with my
thyroid for years so I will try and help you.
Please write to me first what is wrong with your thyroid.
Darren

In a message dated 12/20/2002 8:25:06 PM Pacific Standard Time,
amandapatanow@... writes:
Dear Amandapat,
It's truly understandable you would feel like grieving from the news your
body needs thyroid supplement hormone. I think those feelings are part of
the normal grieving process we humans go through when we see something, like
our youth or our image of ourselves having the perfect body, disappear before
our eyes. I would encourage you to allow yourself space for those feelings
for awhile but soon enough, you'll probably begin to be ready to feel relief
at what your new medicine will do for you!
Hopefully, you got the right thyroid medicine for you on the first try and it
will help you feel tons better very soon. More energy, no more lazy
feelings. Not everyone is overweight who has hypothyroidism. I wasn't at
first. The first 20 years I was never overweight yet I still had all the
classic low thyroid symptoms.
Did the doc mention proper thyroid supplementation will be very important to
your fertility? One of my clients eliminated a lot of heartache and
disappointment when she was trying to start a family when she found out she
was hypothyroid. She and her husband had been trying to conceive for over a
year with no success. Once she was put on a good dose of thyroid medicine,
she got pregnant, carried the baby to term, and now has a healthy little
girl! She recently got pregnant again easily and quickly without the
infertility doc's assistance this time because she stayed on her medicine
even though she was "feeling fine." Basically, when you find the right
medicine at the right dose for you, you want to keep on taking it so you keep
feeling fine! It's a pretty cool miracle!
All the best,
Linda in LA

In a message dated 12/22/2002 9:00:46 PM Pacific Standard Time,
dezign4you@... writes:
Dear Melanie,
I'm a little confused...Were you feeling okay until just recently regarding
the mental fog? Or have you had that all along and still haven't gotten rid
of it from before starting the Armour?
Does your whole food vitamin contain powdered goitrogens? (Powdered
broccoli, beet greens, kale, etc., or soy.) Or does it contain calcium or
iron that you might be taking too soon after you take your thyroid medicine?
Do you refrigerate your medicine to preserve maximum potency? Any of these
things could affect whether you are getting th emost out of your medicine.
Still, it sounds like either you are not on the right medicine for you or you
aren't on enough medicine to make the brain fog go away. It's damned
frustrating, for sure to figure out just what it is! If it was me, I'd
experiment on myself and increase my medicine a little at a time to see if it
helped me feel better. But that's just me. I'd call for a refill and then
if it helped I'd go see my doc a little earlier than usual and tell him/her I
found that more medicine helped. My present doc would go with it, I know,
but again, he's come to trust me that I can tell what my body needs, and a
little bit of conservative experimentation helps me find what works.
On the depression, fish oil caps have proven to be an effective
anti-depressant. Here's a rather longish but interesting article summing up
recent interest in using fish oil to assist folks maintain better mental
health. <A
HREF="http://bipolar.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mhso\
urce.com%2Fpt%2Fp981222.html"
http://bipolar.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mhsource
.com%2Fpt%2Fp981222.html</A
I hope you will be able to track down some things that will help you feel
better,
Linda

Hi everyone,
Well, I was doing fairly well and things took a turn for the worse. I'm taking
60mg of Armour and also trying to exercise, although I only seem to make it to
the gym twice a week. I've also been taking Juice Plus, which is a whole foods
vitamin. I've got a great new boyfriend, a great new job and everything is
going well for me so I should be happy, right? I really feel like crap, I'm
tired all the time. I can't remember anything and I'm starting to feel like a
real idiot. I'm afraid to start my new job in a week because they might find
out how stupid I am. I've never had these feelings of inferiority and fear
before but they are overpowering everything I do. I know none of you know what
I used to be like but I was confident, smart, and very sociable. Now I try to
avoid contact with people because I'm afraid I will get nervous and make a fool
out of myself. I'm also experiencing terrible mood swings. Someone suggested I
try progesterone creme or taking a higher dose of Armour. I can't really afford
to go to the doctor right now so I'm just looking for suggestions from anyone
that has experienced this before. I'm only 29yo and I can't imagine living the
rest of my life feeling like this. Thanks for listening, please write back(:
Melanie
annah1149@... wrote:In a message dated 12/9/2002 12:52:25 PM Pacific
Standard Time,
dezign4you@... writes:
Dear Melanie,
I'm so happy to hear you're feeling better and that Armour Thyroid has been
such a help to you! As to the PMS, it sounds to me like you need
progesterone. Your alternative doc likely knows about Women's International
Pharmacy. They make very high quality bioidentical hormone creams and drops.
They require a prescription but I find them more effective and less
expensive, because you use less) than the over-the-counter creams from the
HFS. Plus, you should bet money back if you submit your prescription costs
to your insurance carrier. That's what I do.
All your symptoms sound related to estrogen dominance and progesterone cream
should bring that back into balance fairly easily.
All the best,
Linda

-Dear amanda,
I am shocked to hear that you have hypothyroidism. Due to shaking
it is a major shock. The dry skin and the fatigue says it all but
the under weight puzzles me slightly and what I can't understand is
many americans tend to have one t3 higher than the other or t4
higher than the other which makes it even harder to live with.
You'll be okay, please don't worry about it. okay.
If you wish to talk to me by tedstrikeruk@... you can if you
wish to have someone else to talk to.

I found out today that I have hypothyroidism. I went in for
tremors. Shaking, mostly in my hands that comes and goes for
seemingly no reason. I have been feeling incredibly lazy lately.
That's all I thought it was. So lazy I didn't want to eat, sleep,
shower, or do much of anything. I had all of the physical effects
of depression, but not the mental. I'm 26 and not over weight (I
only weigh 123 lbs.) so I never guessed my thyroid was a problem.
In fact, I don't think I even mentioned the lazy feelings I had to
the doctor because it seemed unrelated. Well, she did a ton of
blood tests and everything else seems fine except my TSH was 6.4.
She started me on Levoxyl. She's not sure the tremors are related,
but she thinks they may be. As I read, I'm finding some of the
little things that were wrong (cramps in my feet, aches in my young
joints, extremely dry skin, uncharacteristic fatigue, and maybe even
low sex drive) are symptoms and I'm not just a whiny person. So now
that I know that all I have to do is take this little pill everyday
to feel better, why I do just want to cry? What more information do
I need to know? How long will it take me to adjust (physically and
emotionally)? Are there other little things that are related that I
hadn't even guessed? How will this affect the family that my new
husband and I want to start in the next year? And why doesn't
anyone think this is such a big deal?

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fragrance. But some does not want coffee because of its bad effects
to the body.
Whether you like coffee or not, you can now enjoy DXN LINGZHI COFFEE
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I just had an appointment with Dr. (see there goes the short term memory again -
I have to go look on my prescription bottle) Stanger, in Madison, Wisconsin,
who's on the top doc list on about.com.
Thank goodness for this loop b/c I printed out the hypo and hyper symptoms and
checked all those that applied to me - she was very happy as it told her so much
about how I am feeling and answered tons of the questions she was going to ask!
I told her my 2 largest concerns were weight - I'm now at 347 *gasp* and *sigh*
and I'm 5'10" so I "carry" it well but I'm FAT!!! My other concern is lack of
sexual desire so enters the DHEA question.
The first thing she did is tell me we were going to increase my Armour to 3
grains instead of the 2 I'm taking AND split the dose to 1/2 in the am and 1/2
later in the day. So starting Tuesday I began taking 2.5 grains splitting the
dose and tomorrow will begin the 3 grains as she said.
Then regarding DHEA...the previous DR I saw took blood and checked DHEA - I was
at 100 and the range is up to 4or 500 (can't remember where my thyroid folder
is!!).
The first Dr. said 50mg of DHEA a day, Dr. Stanger said not that much - she's
sending to a pharmacy for over the counter strength. The pharmacy will mail to
me with a bill so I don't even know how much I'll be taking yet.
So I will keep you posted on progress and visits!
Barbara Kreuziger, Avon Representative
Join My Avon Group!!

I would like your thoughts on DHEA and pregnenolone.I have seen a lot
about DHEA and people with thyroid problems who take it and say it
helps.However,pregnenolone is said to convert into
DHEA,progesterone,estrogen.or testosterone which ever is needed in the
body at the time.Have any of you taken progesterone as it would seem to
be the logical choice over DHEA.Neither of these steroids have been
studied long enough to know the long term effects.There is no data at
all that I have found on there effects on thyroid disorders.Any and all
help on this is greatly appriciated.
Thanks,Deneen

Shalom Folx,
I just went to the doctor who happens to be a Palestinian, and was
not as professional as I thought... He took a blood test and I have
yet to find out how low my levels are. I think I need to find a 2nd
Opinion, is there any Jewish Doctors in the Permian Basin, Odessa, or
Midland? Is there any herbal remedies due to cost of medication? I
have no insurance, make 7.00 an hour, with some computer skills. I do
need a doctor to give me a prescription to get the medication, that is
the problem I am running into.. I think I had to be a Palestinian or
well known Arab, or Muslim to get any real service and treatment! :(
If Al Queada is using doctors to misdiagnose American citizens, uh
better watch out your next check up! Jewish doctors are better and
are for Israel! Support Isra'el, and support your local Jewish doctor!
One thing to note the doctor at Midland Memorial took a lot of blood
from me.. I wonder is all part of tracking and tagging the Jewish
people? Hmmm interesting...
Adonai will bless you if you did!
Shalom Rav,
irishmantx (Micha'el)

Jay,
Are you on any medication? If so, what and how much? What have your
lab test results been like?
Best wishes,
Celeste

You should check for Kedney Stones

in the morning, sluggish getting started...is this part of being hypo
or maybe I need to see a Chiropractor again?
-Grey Jay-

Hola Osvaldo, You should be treated for hypothyroidism. Tsh tests don't
mean much but yours is too high. You need to find a doc who knows more
about thyroid. You should not be kept sick because of a test.
www.armourthyroid.com
www.thyroid.about.com
www.smart-drugs.net (click on low thyroid)
Buena suerte!
Gracia

good morning.
I just join this group. I was looking for some info
to see how I can cure my problems.
I live in Argentina, so, my native language is not
english. I ask for your well understanding.
since time ago i feel something is not running well
inside me.
even i do excersises , I eat healthy .. I cannot lose
weight .. year after year I gain more weight.
i feel depressed, dired eyes , muscle pain, cant sllep well,
I have lost part of my short memory ..
I visit a doctor but it says all reading are ok.
TSH is 3,50 . A different test was done
( do not remember its eact name ) they drawn blood
after 25 minutes and my TSH read 18 ...
What do you think about all this ?
I was told of having hypotiroidsm sub-clinical.
I will be very apprecaitive to receive help.
Osvaldo

Renee,
I love Google. Take a look at
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/familyhealth/q_a/page
s/1256.html or do your own Google search. Or use your favorite search
engine.
The pain I was experiencing was in the front, below and to the right
of my breastbone under the rib cage. It might have been gall bladder
rather than liver. They are connected. Whatever it was went away
quickly (as did all the other symptoms) after I discontinued taking
T3. It seemed like the T3 made my entire digestive system overactive.
Best wishes,
Celeste

HI all,
Many of you have mentioned liver pain ( Linda recently). What does it
feel like when your liver hurts??
Why I ask is because sometimes I get this REALLY sharp pain in my
back, lower right kind of, that is so sudden and painful I always
shout out OW!.It takes my breath away sometimes. Now, I've had
muscle problems before and it doesn't feel anything like a spasming
muscle. I thought maybe it was a nerve getting pinched in my back but
it doesn't feel like that either ( I've had off/on sit's with the
sciatia...) Could this be my liver acting up?
FYI...I asked my "wonderful" doc about the cleansing the liver and he
said that it has no validity in assisting the liver. It might make
you feel better just knowing you are doing it but that's it.
If I am having a liver problem, are there any tests to have run to
find out what's going on?
Thanks again guys/gals,
Renee P.

Yes, I've had it. It feels like vertigo and it comes and goes. I have
noticed( I think as Linda from La pointed out...) it happens when I'm
ovulating. In your case it could just be fluctuating hormones( this
is TOTALLY a guess). If you look back through the archive, many say
that progesterone cream can help with it ( I believe Celeste was one
of them...)
It scares me when it happens, I just have to sit down. It isn't as
strong as vertigo CAN get but it's scary just the same.
Is it normal?? Well, I guess in the world of Hashi's it is.......
Renee P.

:Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 14:51:41 -0400
Subject: SSRI-Research · A Resource
SSRI-Research · A Resource

In a message dated 12/11/2002 8:23:05 PM Pacific Standard Time,
nabie67@... writes:
Dear Renee,
Recently I received a link to info about juicing on the Mercola site. I felt
inspired by the encouragement in that piece to think about juicing again.
However, Mercola said you should eat the pulp, too, mixing it back in with
25% of the reserved juice. I didn't want to spend the time juicing if I had
to add back the pulp I just decided to blend freshe greens together into a
breakfast smoothie; I'm liking it so far! I puree fresh celery, greens that
aren't goitrogens, parsely, and a cup of non-sweetened pineapple juice
together in a blender. Then I add about a teaspoon of spirulina, a couple of
tablespoons of rice protein powder shake, and a couple of tablespoons flax
seed I've just ground in an old coffee grinder.
I started this because my liver has been giving me a lot of pain this past
year and I reasoned the greens would help me with that specific problem. The
liver pain has decreased over the past two weeks. Also, the ground flax seed
seems to be helping my skin feel softer and the other greens and spirulina
give me a little more energy. I don't fall asleep on the couch until about
9:30 p.m. For awhile, I was a goner about 8 p.m. if I sat down!
I tried doing just the juice, spirulina, and flax meal alone but the old low
blood sugar swing started in about mid-morning. Adding the protein powder
has made this tolerable for me again and my brain keeps humming through until
lunch. I picked the pineapple juice because it's supposed to be beneficial
for blood type O. Same with the parsley. The D'Adamo guy who wrote the
Blood Type diet book insists spinach has important elements in it for thyroid
balance, so even though I've seen it on lists of goitrogens, I put a few in
that drink every two or three days. I haven't noticed any increased pain in
my thyroid since I've started that, in fact, my thyroid pain may have
diminished a little.
Best health,
Linda in LA

In a message dated 12/16/2002 10:01:33 AM Pacific Standard Time,
missythegoddess@... writes:
Dear Melissa,
Do you take T4 only? Sometimes after a surgery, the body goes into a slowed
down state due to the stress, then forgets to rev back up again,
thyroid-wise. It's a natural physiological response to famine, injury, or
prolonged stress. T3 helps this situation until the body gets going again on
it's own and helps with the extreme tiredness and the aches. For the sex
drive, ask you doc for testosterone cream or drops from Women's International
Pharmacy. It won't make you grow hair on your face; you only need a small
amount. It's very helpful to restore the natural balance in the sex drive.
Also, I would suggest you check to see if your other hormones are in good
balance. Progesterone cream or drops are often very beneficial, too.
Best Health,
Linda in LA

hello - i'm having mild to moderate dizzy spells for a few hours a day - on
and off. does anyone else experience this. i have hashi's and recently had
a tsh of .08 i believe. i can't find where i wrote it down. my dr.
decreased my meds from .100 to .88 about 2 weeks ago and i've been
experiencing this in the last 4 days. it's really bothering me b/c i'm
caring for my newborn. i read something that said that thyroid hormone
fluctuations affect inner ear and cause imbalances. this makes sense, but i
don't want to assume. any suggestions? should i call my dr?
Karen

was curious if anyone knows of any help with lack of
sex drive... I am hypothyroid due to hashimoto's and I
have fibro too. Before I got sick with my appendix
rupturing I felt great... but not I feel tired and
achy all the time. Is there any help especially for
the sex drive part I am 31 and want to settle down and
have a family
Melissa

Get that Rx filled ASAP .You will feel better in a few weeks and be
able to put your life back together . Thyroid medication is very
inexpensive....but there is NO over the counter alternative . Just
being severly hypothyroid is enouigh to make some one feel suicidal ,
you will be amazed by how much better you will feel . Less than $20 a
month will take care of your medication .I felt like I was dying , or
wanted to ,in May, and now I feel like me again!!!!! Andrea

In a message dated 12/13/2002 12:21:56 PM Pacific Standard Time,
nabie67@... writes:
Yes, you can order it over theweb. You can do a search for "medicines
without prescription" or something similar and you'll get listings for
business that sell this stuff. You can buy from Mexico, Canada,(which is
what my medical student friend does b/c she doesn't have health insurance and
it's cheaper to buy what her doc tells her to take from Canada than to go
through a pharmacy with a prescription) or from Europe. I'm traveling right
now and I don't have access to my favorite links but if youdon't have any
luck finding someplace, email the board again and in about five days I'll be
home and I can send you the places what I've used before. Try MedsMex.com.
That's one I think remember.
Linda in LA

In a message dated 12/14/2002 5:52:28 PM Pacific Standard Time,
irishmantx@... writes:
Ask your doctor for a prescription for Armour Thyroid. It's safe, effective,
has stood the test of decades of medical treatment. It has both T4 and T3 in
it, which IMO, is critically important. And it costs pennies a day. Go to <A
HREF="www.armourthyroid.com"
list of docs who treat with it.
Linda in LA

Dear Folx,
For some time, I never heard of hypo-thyroidism, or why at times, I
have been tired, depressed, and have such a pitiful outlook on life.
Since I was 12, I noticed I gained weight, couldn't lose it, and
had felt tired all the time, depressed, causing strife, and doing
things to get attention. I was misdiagnosed with attention deficit
hyperactive disorder, put on ritalin, and cylert, and now 80% of my
issues were related to my thyroids! WOW!
Just recently, I've been accused of driving wedges between my rabbi
and his dad, a wedge between my rabbi and his wife, and other members
of my rabbi's group, and nobody has told me the truth, only that it
was my fault, and did so a good job to throw the past in my face, well
after the fact the issues were thought to be long resolved!
I was treated for depression at Midland Memorial Hospital, and had
my blood drawn. The ER Doctor was alarmed that the thyroid count was
so low that he insisted emphatically to get medication!
With no insurance, a repossessed truck on my credit report, and of
course 28,000.00 in student loans, and 10,000.00 in personal credit
debt, and with constant harassment from creditors, it was literally
pushing me into suicide! I'd really began to believe that suicide is
an answer because I make only 7.00 an hour, and none of the creditors
would accept partial payments, or minimal payments, they want it all
or nothing!
I've got computer skills with Windows 95/98/NT and PC Repair skills
so I need a job that pays 12 to 20.00 an hour, a quality pre-owned, or
donated Ford Ranger pickup (to do on-site computer repair work) or a
kind Jewish soul to pray for my deliverance. If there are any Jews who
see this, I live alone in Midland, and wonder if there is any hope at
all.
My ex-girlfriend who is not Jewish wants to come back to me, and be
married, but the stupid thyroids are putting that into question and
doubt. As you can see, I beg Hashem for a miracle.
Can we all petition Bush to rebuild our economy, and put people back
to work? If the American Economy is shaky, why can't it be fixed? I
know this for a fact, I won't have a Christmas due to lack of money,
and trying to pay off all these debts is next to impossible!
Or, would some kind Jewish soul, would consider blessing me to go to
Isra'el? IS there any healing, or support groups in Midland that deal
and address the issues of hypo-thyroidism? I don't have a car or a
phone, or personal internet, so I have to go to the Library or an
internet cafe to check my email which is sporadic at best!
Forgive me for unloading like this, what are some cheap or cost
effective medication to help me deal with this condition.
Sha'vua Tov,
irishmantx
Micha'el

I got pregnant without trying :) LOL! My pregnancy was free of any
complications too - I'm very fortunate. My TSH was around 1.5 when I
conceived. Also, I got pregnant 3-4 days after my period ended (i thought i
was in the clear!) I never felt better than when I was pregnant, but I
still feel really good. I did go hyper though a few weeks ago, but I still
feel good. good luck Renee!
Karen

HI all,
I'd like to see how easy it was for anyone here with Hashi's to get
pregnant? We've been trying for 3 months now and either my ovulation
times vary greatly each month or something's wrong here.
Any advice?
Renee P.

Shell,
Just don't be surprised if you cannot tolerate T3 meds. Many can't.
They have made me quite ill (flu-like symptoms sort of like thyroid
storm).
I think Bunny's advice on diet and getting enough water is good.
Also, have you tried using a good progesterone cream during the
latter part of your cycle?
Best wishes,
Celeste

Linda -
Hi. Sorry about the typo. The natural "hormone" I'm going to try is
called "Thyodine" and it's different than "Thyrodine." I found it on-
line and will order today. I've read the testimonials and most
everyone had been on either Synthroid or other synthetic thyroid
meds. and have been able to stop taking them in favor of the natural
hormone. I've been reading a lot about my condition (hypothyroid) and
now am really questioning 1)if this is truly a result of taking
Lithium, and 2)if the condition is permanent. I read that if the
medication is stopped or even reduced once it's known that the
thyroid is not functioning properly, the thyroid can be restored to
normal. I still stand firmly on the belief that the body's desire is
to be healthy and was created with mechanisms to get there. I'll keep
you posted about my progress.
Amy

Thanks for the suggestions and I will take note on the foods, Yes i
drink a lot of water 8-9 glasses a day. But sometimes I slip up.
Exactly what are the benefits of the cleaning??.shell

Although I haven't had this problem to the extreme you do and I'm not an expert
on
the subject, I would highly suggest two things.
1. Watch your diet closely and keep a log. Make sure you're getting plenty of
water
and you're not over doing it on the starchy carbs (which includes bread, pasta,
potatoes, rice, ect). I look about 3 months pregnant every now and then (which
does
NOT look flattering on a 5'4 17 year old), and I find that cutting out these
items
reduces the bloat considerably.
2. Consider a colon cleaning. I have yet to go for one, but both my mother and I
look forward to doing so sometime next year when we have the money available.
-Bunny

what in the world is leaky gut?.................thanks....shell

Hi all, hope someone can help me out. I've been all kinds of
thyroidism's. Right now my blood work says I'm where I belong, but my
stomache is so bloated that i look as if I'm 5-6 months pregate. A
couple of weeks agao I changed my meds from Synthroid to Levothroid
and I instantly lost twelve pounds. Then after about 2 weeks I've
started to regain it back and I'm all bloated again, none of my
clothes will fit!!!!!!!!Has anyone eperienced this and if so, do you
know how to control it?? Help please. Thanks........shell

Hi,
I am interested in the Thyrodine (?) you are mentioning. But you say there
are two supplements with different names yet you mentioned Thyrodine,
Thyodine and Thydodine. Is this just spelling mistakes, or are you talking
about different products. You didn't specifically mention the two different
supplements names.
Please keep in touch and let me know how you are getting on with your "trial".
I come from New Zealand and have a homeopathic Thyrodine that I have been
using, although to what effect I don't know. I have cleaned up my diet and
started taking a multi vitamin supplement and now use a natural
progesterone cream, and really feel great. I have back a thick head of hair
& have less than 10lbs to get to my ideal weight.
I believe that our bodies are always working to be well and healthy and can
often heal with natural products. It's the reliance on a life time of
drugs,that scares me. The wealthy pharmaceutical industry has a lot to gain
with that scenario.
Linda
NZ

Thanks to all who responded to my "hi - I'm new post." I know one
person had concern about Thyrodine - I looked into it a little and
found that there are two supplements with similiar names. I
found "Thyodine" at this website: www.naturalhormones.com. Thyrodine
comes from New Zealand. Thydodine contains the following:
Dulse, Bladderwack, Irish Moss, L-Tyrosine, Calcarea Fluorica and
Lycopus Virginicus (both homeopathic remedies) in a base of freeze-
dried granulars. I won't go any further into the measurements etc.
I've read as much as I can find and I'm going to try it. I'm good
about monitoring any weird symptoms so if I feel the least bit funny -
I'll not take it. I have to try though - there must be something else
besides synthetic hormones. Also, I fully believe that the body can
heal itself. I was only on the Lithium for about six months so
perhaps the damage was not as bad as it would have been for someone
who took it longer.

Renee,
I avoid drinking juices. Juices affect me like any other refined
carbohydrate. I gave them up many years ago and find that I feel a
lot better for having done so.
And I don't trust much of anything that Gary or Greg Null says.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Hi all,
Anyone here do any juicing or combination juicing for the immune
system?? I'd always heard that juicing is actually very fattening as
it is all high carbs. I was watching a show on Greg Null ( ??)
talking about alternative medicines and eating correctly which
includes juicing 3-4 times a day. Interesting, but I'm not sure if I
buy it.
going to do some more research on this.
Renee P.

I think your treading on dangerous ground with thyrodine if you
don't know what your doing. I almost went in coma with my thyroid.
If you don't know much about the thyroid I should get professional
advice. If you use the wrong medication. Your doomed.

Karen,
It's not good to drink distilled water. Drinking distilled water can
cause you to lose electrolytes (calcium potassium, magnesium, and
sodium) because dw acts like a diuretic. Please don't give your baby
any distilled water. It can make her very sick.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Hi to all. My name is Amy - I'm new to the group. My thyroid troubles
began last fall. After taking Lithium (for misdiagnosed bi-polar
disorder I should note) for six months, I began experiencing severe
depression, hair loss, skin problems etc. My doctor decided to check
my thyroid and found that my level of T3 (I think) was at 7. He had
my regular doctor prescribe Synthroid and also prescribe Wellbutrin.
Last January, I decided to stop taking both the Lithium and the
Wellbutrin and have done great. I quit taking the Synthroid last
month and have noticed an increase in hair loss. Frankly, I never
felt much different while taking the Synthroid. My doctor told me the
thyroid was permantently damaged from taking Lithium and that I would
take Synthroid for the rest of my life. I am looking into a natural
horomne called Thyodine that I found on-line. Does anyone have any
experience with this? And, is it possible that I can "repair" the
damage from the medicine? Help!!!

In a message dated 12/10/2002 10:11:48 AM Pacific Standard Time,
eakagain@... writes:
Dear eakagain,
I would suggest you do some reading at the Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome website.
I'm not sure I agree about the lithium permanently damaging your thyroid.
I'm not sure it can be regenerated totally, either. But if it can be, I know
the Wilson's people hold that some types of hypothyroidism can be cured. And
yours might be that type. Especially since you were on lithium only a short
time. My own experience with Wilson's has been that my thyroid functioning
has come back to about 90% over the past year on their program and that's
after going 30 years untreated for hypothyroidism! Also, I was on lithium
briefly in the mid-80s.
The thyrodine people also support the idea of regenerating thyroid health, so
that would be another good route to investigate. I've not tried their
program, though, so do me a favor if you try it and let me know if you have
success! I'm very curious about their products and protocols.
Good luck and best health!
Linda in LA

go to
http://www.thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa011899.htm?PM=ss16_thyroid
www.thyroid.about.com had great info on thyroid.

Hi!
New to the group. Does anyone have a good resource for finding doctors in
the area that are up-to-date with hypothyroid and that will work with you
on weight loss as well?
Jodi

Hi guys, I found this article and wanted to see what others thought. I
consider Dr. Mercola a great resource, but I was surprised to read an
article on his website (not written by him but still). It's weird b/c it
mentions that prolonged use of dw can cause hypothyroidism, but regular
water has fluoride which is bad for the thyroid. I'm soooo confused. I was
going to start putting dw in my baby's formula (she has half breastmilk and
half organic formula), but now I don't know what to do. I don't want her
little body being overridden with fluoride, lead and other toxic substances.
can anyone shed light on this? thanks!
Karen
http://www.mercola.com/article/Diet/water/distilled_water.htm

Oops! Forgot to say where I'm from. I live in Calgary, Alberta.
-Grey Jay-

Hi, are you in the UK? There is a good thyroid message board for the UK, I
think you can find it at www.thyroid.about.com
There are other drugs besides T4 only which work better IMO.
Gracia

In a message dated 12/9/2002 12:52:25 PM Pacific Standard Time,
dezign4you@... writes:
Dear Melanie,
I'm so happy to hear you're feeling better and that Armour Thyroid has been
such a help to you! As to the PMS, it sounds to me like you need
progesterone. Your alternative doc likely knows about Women's International
Pharmacy. They make very high quality bioidentical hormone creams and drops.
They require a prescription but I find them more effective and less
expensive, because you use less) than the over-the-counter creams from the
HFS. Plus, you should bet money back if you submit your prescription costs
to your insurance carrier. That's what I do.
All your symptoms sound related to estrogen dominance and progesterone cream
should bring that back into balance fairly easily.
All the best,
Linda

There are definite advantages in joining a large group! I've already
learned alot of stuff just by reading a few posts. I missed the
definition of "leaky gut". Can someone explain that one to me?
I'm a 45 year old mother of three boys and was diagnosed with
Hashimoto's just after my oldest was born in 1984. I was given
Synthroid in 1986, changed to Eltroxin a few years later, back on
lower dose of Synthroid early this year and back on higher dose
Eltroxin in September. I think I have (but cannot prove) Fibromyalgia.
My doctor is reluctant to agree. I also have wide-spread Vitilago,
which began as small spots on my wrists when I was about 13 years old.
I am now almost completely white.
Considering I've had this for so long, I know very little about how to
make myself feel better. I do know (and sometimes ignore) that I
cannot eat any processed meats (bacon, lunch meat, canned ham flakes,
etc.) I'm afraid you are going to tell me that many of my favorite
foods are no-no's, but, if it's going to make me feel better, I'll try.
-Grey Jay-

Hello all,
It's been awhile since I've written since I have been feeling a little better.
I started taking 1 grain of Armour a couple of months ago and although I'm still
not a 100% it has helped a lot. One problem I have been experiencing is
irregular menstrual cycles and PMS symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness and
irritability are more severe and lasting for well over a week. I used to have
them just for a few days. Has anyone else experienced this and do you think
maybe I need more or less Armour. I haven't been to the doctor in a few months
because it's so darn expensive for my out of network alternative medicine
doctor. Thanks for any advice.
Melanie

Yes Donna,
For the first time last winter (I live in the Southern Hemisphere) I had a
finger go white. The middle finger on my right hand. It happened when I was
out on the farm. I lost all feeling and there was obviously no circulation
in the finger at all. I ended up coming back to the house and putting my
finger in a cup of very warm water. Everything returned to normal from
then. There was a sign of like dark bruising at the base of the finger so I
assumed I'd burst a blood vessel which had interfered with the circulation.
The same thing happened about three times last winter to the same finger.
Didn't happen every time my hands were cold, but when it happened my
fingers were really cold. Gosh does that make sense?
Now we are getting into summer. No problem!
Linda

Donna,
What you're describing sounds like Raynaud's Syndrome. It's an
autoimmune disorder. If you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis (or any
autoimmune disorder) then you are more likely to develop other
autoimmune disorders. Take a look at http://www.raynauds.org for more
information about Raynaud's.
Best wishes,
Celeste

I wanted to ask about a potential symptom. It's winter here, well not
yet technically but it sure feels like it. Anyway, when I go outside
my fingers, specifically the middle finger and ring finger on my left
hand, turn white and I mean white not pale, like there is no blood in
them. Today it happened to the ring finger on my right hand too. Has
anybody else had this happen. I suppose if you live where it's warm,
it probably wouldn't.
Thanks,
Donna

Interesting, thanks! I thought you might be a child of my Samoan cousins,
whom I've never met. I've always loved the name Larkin for a girl. I think
we are related from way way back. My great grandfather started the Larkin
soap company in Buffalo NY, and I just found some Larkin bottles on ebay.
Gracia
indian...her name was Hazel Larkin. But there are also 4 other family
members whose names are Larkin all on my mothers side also. They are all
male though and they are Irish and Indian. So basically it's a family name
and I was named after my great grandmother.

Well my mother named me after her grandmother who was native cherokee
indian...her name was Hazel Larkin. But there are also 4 other family members
whose names are Larkin all on my mothers side also. They are all male though
and they are Irish and Indian. So basically it's a family name and I was named
after my great grandmother.

Hey Larkin, can you tell me why your name is Larkin? I do have
relatives that were born in W. Samoa.
Gracia
think that reading this book and following the guidlines would be important
to me or should I just stick to eating low carb high protein? I'm only 19
so I don't want to deprive myself of dairy or things that are essential to
my growth. But would it be a good investment to look into??

Larkin - I would say yes. Because some of the ways we eat can cause disease
to develop - like eating wheat, etc. for O blood types. And I'm at the
point I'm nearly asthmatic when I have dairy now. I weaned my youngest onto
this stuff called Vita-mite. I'm so glad now that I didn't do it onto
soymilk! Ricemilk would be a better alternative if need be. The Vitamite
isn't perfect - I still react mildly to it after a while - but nothing like
milk. I use it on a limited basis or for cooking and she uses it in cereal
now, (She is 11). I could tell both my girls had a reaction to dairy. My
youngest would get ear infections or lung problems if I had milk when I was
nursing. Most just wouldn't see the connection. And sure enough. When we
have something they get congested. I don't even think you have to be
allergic - its just so mucus forming and for O's at least - not good. Check
out www.notmilk.com Don't know what type you are - but there is so much
useful stuff to glean from the book whether you do it all or not that I
would read it. Jeanie
think that reading this book and following the guidlines would be important
to me or should I just stick to eating low carb high protein? I'm only 19
so I don't want to deprive myself of dairy or things that are essential to
my growth. But would it be a good investment to look into??

I've been reading that a lot of you have invested in this book. Do you think
that reading this book and following the guidlines would be important to me or
should I just stick to eating low carb high protein? I'm only 19 so I don't
want to deprive myself of dairy or things that are essential to my growth. But
would it be a good investment to look into??
Larkin

In a message dated 12/5/2002 9:46:02 AM Pacific Standard Time,
kristiekarlof@... writes:
Some people respond well to caprillic acid. It works for me.
Linda

I've read that the glycemic load of a food is more useful to consider
than the glycemic index. it takes into consideration a food's
Glycemic Index as well as the amount of carbohydrates per serving.
you can read more about it at :
http://vanderbiltowc.wellsource.com/dh/content.asp?ID=655
hope this is helpful and doesn't just confuse the issue - kristie

Primrose is great for PMS and all those symptoms.

Celeste, which ones are best? Omega 3's? I have evening primrose oil
capsules left over from pregnancy - would that help?
thanks,
Karen
acids in your diet

Renee,
His table seems pretty straightforward to me. The higher the GI
number the more insulin your body will generate from eating a
particular food. You want to stick mostly with the foods having the
lower GI numbers. What part of it are you having difficulty with?
Best wishes,
Celeste

I never sweat....sometimes when I try to in the summer
time I sweat, but not usually in the winter time. I
would have to sit on top of a stove to get this body
going. hehehe
Wendy

If you eat yogurt (or anything else with live acidophilus) regularly
then you probably won't ever have any problem with candida. If you
double your yogurt while taking antibiotics then you will maintain
your beneficial intestinal flora. If you don't like yogurt or kefir
or the like you can buy acidophilus in capsules and just take the
capsules.
Best wishes,
Celeste

Hi all,
Does anyone know how to interpret Mendosa's Glycemic Index ( download
from his webpage).
Is this the most used one or is there an easier one to read?
Renee P.

YES! But I'm sure I have a candida issue, too. Beware anti-biotics! I try
and go natural unless practically dying now. But sugar is a big culprit,
too. Jeanie

heres a hint
Parrifen (Sp) Wax Dips- also small amount Petrolium
Jelly with socks helps dry skin.

the only thing that I've experienced is peeling skin on my feet. I used to
get athlete's feet alot between my toes. I've tried everything to exfoliate
the skin. I'm thinking of going to a foot dr. for it possibly. Has anyone
experienced this?
Karen
any experience with this?

in response to wendy's question about fungus issues
- yes - i have hashimoto's syndrome, diagnosed for a two years now.
and this is the first time i've ever had a fungal infection on my
feet (thought it was a toenail fungus, but it seems to now be going
away with tea tree oil applications) and a gum infection (also
hopefully going away with tea tree oil). so this is making me think
that i may have system-wide candida, but i'm not willing to go on an
anti-candida diet at the moment. i'm considering taking an herbal
anti-fungal supplement like olive leaf capsules (i'm allergic to
grapefruit so i can't take grapefruit seed extract). has anyone had
any experience with this?
thanks, everyone, for continually sharing information, advice, and
encouragement! - kristie

I have been vegetarian for 14 years. I really depended on soy
produts for my protein as well as pasta, rice, potatoes, ect...daily
in my diet. Since becoming ill with hashimotos, I have decided
not to eat any soy products. I also have developed hypoglycemia
this year, so now I cut out all refined sugars which has left me
with fruits and vegetables...no protein. I don't think at this point I
personally can be a healthy vegetarian, so I am trying to eat eggs
and chicken again(organic, free range)...which is soooo difficult
for me. Anyway, since cutting off all starchy, carbohydrate filled
foods and just eating some meats and a ton of vegetables, I feel
awesome...better than I have in 2 years! The biggest difference
is I no longer experience ANY hypoglycemia! Also my energy
level feels back to where it used to be before the hypothyro