Guest guest Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Ive not heard that before, but I can tell you that the shots didnt work for me and neither has the two seperate fusions ive had done so......... rob<html><div>No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or understands. </div></html> neck pain@...: dark_angel_of_mine@...: Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:21:24 +0000Subject: So confused I dont know what to think about my neurosurgeon is he incompetint..or forgetful or just an idiot. first time i went to him about 3 months agohe said he wanted to try the facet injections (befor) doing the spinal fusion..i agreed cause i didnt want surgery if i didnt have to.ive had 2 rounds of these shots with some relief to one spot but worsein others.I went back to him last week.now all of a sudden he sais if the shots didnt work then the fusion wont work either. that is not what he told me in the begining total opposite,so basically he said there is nothing he can do for me.just keep going to my pain mgt doctor.has anyone here heard this befor?that if the shots dont work then the fusion wont work??????? im lost and confused,thanks _________________________________________________________________ Climb to the top of the charts! Play the word scramble challenge with star power. http://club.live.com/star_shuffle.aspx?icid=starshuffle_wlmailtextlink_jan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Ive not heard that before, but I can tell you that the shots didnt work for me and neither has the two seperate fusions ive had done so......... rob<html><div>No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or understands. </div></html> neck pain@...: dark_angel_of_mine@...: Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:21:24 +0000Subject: So confused I dont know what to think about my neurosurgeon is he incompetint..or forgetful or just an idiot. first time i went to him about 3 months agohe said he wanted to try the facet injections (befor) doing the spinal fusion..i agreed cause i didnt want surgery if i didnt have to.ive had 2 rounds of these shots with some relief to one spot but worsein others.I went back to him last week.now all of a sudden he sais if the shots didnt work then the fusion wont work either. that is not what he told me in the begining total opposite,so basically he said there is nothing he can do for me.just keep going to my pain mgt doctor.has anyone here heard this befor?that if the shots dont work then the fusion wont work??????? im lost and confused,thanks _________________________________________________________________ Climb to the top of the charts! Play the word scramble challenge with star power. http://club.live.com/star_shuffle.aspx?icid=starshuffle_wlmailtextlink_jan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Dear , When I first started having my back pain, used the usual diagnostic aids, x-ray, CT, MRI, and diskogram, then started me on a treatment plan. I had used a chiropracter, and stopped after a few visits, as it didn't work. After about a year of different medications consisting of Lorcet, a muscle relaxer, anti-inflammatory, neurontin and the set of three epidurals-none of which put a dent in my pain-I was referred to a spine surgeon. He recommended an anterior/posterior fusion. He said I had about an 80% chance of it easing my pain. So, I was fitted for a back brace, and spent 8 days in the hospital, I was very underweight at the time and had complications, 8 days is not the usual time spent in the hospital for that procedure. I came out of it with some relief, not total, but I was not promised total relief. Had physical therapy, and the dr. concluded I was totally disabled and gave me the paperwork saying that. Then he referred me to pain management, where they gave me a choice of opiates, and 3 years later, I am still on the same medication, but also have a medication for breakthrough pain. I asked about a neurostimulator, but it's not an option for me as I am still too thin. My back pain lead to me having neck pain, which seems to happen a lot, ended up having neck fusion, which did work until I was in a car accident. My point is that I was given meds and then epidurals, then surgery, because they hope that works instead of putting you through the trauma of surgery. They can't promise 100% relief from fusion either-though some people are lucky enough to experience it. I'm no dr. or expert, but think you need a second opinion, or maybe seek out a spine surgeon instead of a neurosurgeon. I have never, ever heard anything about if epidurals don't work, then a fusion won't work either. Please get a second opinion, it's worth it, you don't need confusing diagnoses. My best wishes go to you in your search, and in feeling better. Sincerely Jeannie __._,_ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Change settings via the Web ( ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity 1New Members Visit Your Group Meditation and Lovingkindness A Group to share and learn. Health Heartburn or Worse What symptoms are most serious? Dog Zone Connect w/others who love dogs.. ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 I have never heard that either about if the shots dont work fusion won't... Basically I beleive in second opinions.. I have had two different surgeries on my neck.. I have a few problems still but not near as bad as I did.. But my fusion at c5-c6 didnt do well.. But the fusions at c4-c5 and c6-c7 did well.. But the doctor also put plates on those two.. I also have severe pain in my Lumbar.. I literally have no disc left a L5-S1 and L4 is pushing out badly.. But they wont operate on my lower back so I was referred to a pain clinic.. I went to a top spine clinic in Atlanta for my second opinion and they agreed I was not a candiate for surgery. So I am on durgesci patches and Neurotion for my lumbar pain.. It helps alot but I still get pain if I over do it.. Each person is different and what might not work for one might work for another.. Hugs Babs Re: So confused Dear , When I first started having my back pain, used the usual diagnostic aids, x-ray, CT, MRI, and diskogram, then started me on a treatment plan. I had used a chiropracter, and stopped after a few visits, as it didn't work. After about a year of different medications consisting of Lorcet, a muscle relaxer, anti-inflammatory, neurontin and the set of three epidurals-none of which put a dent in my pain-I was referred to a spine surgeon. He recommended an anterior/posterior fusion. He said I had about an 80% chance of it easing my pain. So, I was fitted for a back brace, and spent 8 days in the hospital, I was very underweight at the time and had complications, 8 days is not the usual time spent in the hospital for that procedure. I came out of it with some relief, not total, but I was not promised total relief. Had physical therapy, and the dr. concluded I was totally disabled and gave me the paperwork saying that. Then he referred me to pain management, where they gave me a choice of opiates, and 3 years later, I am still on the same medication, but also have a medication for breakthrough pain. I asked about a neurostimulator, but it's not an option for me as I am still too thin. My back pain lead to me having neck pain, which seems to happen a lot, ended up having neck fusion, which did work until I was in a car accident. My point is that I was given meds and then epidurals, then surgery, because they hope that works instead of putting you through the trauma of surgery. They can't promise 100% relief from fusion either-though some people are lucky enough to experience it. I'm no dr. or expert, but think you need a second opinion, or maybe seek out a spine surgeon instead of a neurosurgeon. I have never, ever heard anything about if epidurals don't work, then a fusion won't work either. Please get a second opinion, it's worth it, you don't need confusing diagnoses. My best wishes go to you in your search, and in feeling better. Sincerely Jeannie __._,_ Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Database | Polls | Members | Calendar Change settings via the Web ( ID required) Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch format to Traditional Visit Your Group | Terms of Use | Unsubscribe Recent Activity 1New Members Visit Your Group Meditation and Lovingkindness A Group to share and learn. Health Heartburn or Worse What symptoms are most serious? Dog Zone Connect w/others who love dogs.. __________________________________________________________ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2008 Report Share Posted February 18, 2008 Hi , If you have pain from disc problems, which is what a fusion is usually for, then you should have had an epidural injection to calm down nerve inflamation from disc material pinching nerve roots. Fusions are not usually done for the pain of facet joint arthritis -although sometimes are (facets are the paired joints at back of each vertebra). Facet joint injections are done to diagnose which facet joints are inflamed (if they don't show up on MRI or CT scan) and ease pain temporarily. A longer term option for facet joint pain is a radio-frequency neurotomy where the pain nerve from the joint is damaged by radio-frequency waves. Pain relief may extend from several months to over a year. In my opinion, you should look for another surgeon. What he said does not sound right to me. Rochelle ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 18, 2008 Report Share Posted February 18, 2008 all i was told from the mri results was i have degenerative disk disease,L-4 is totally gone and L-3 and L-5 is almpost gone.and all i know is the shots i had were steroid shots....nobody ever tells me poop.and i dont know what questions to ask.all i want is relief to some extent from the pain so i can get back to work and some kind of life outside my house. > > Hi , > If you have pain from disc problems, which is what a > fusion is usually for, then you should have had an > epidural injection to calm down nerve inflamation from > disc material pinching nerve roots. Fusions are not > usually done for the pain of facet joint arthritis > -although sometimes are (facets are the paired joints > at back of each vertebra). Facet joint injections are > done to diagnose which facet joints are inflamed (if > they don't show up on MRI or CT scan) and ease pain > temporarily. A longer term option for facet joint pain > is a radio-frequency neurotomy where the pain nerve > from the joint is damaged by radio-frequency waves. > Pain relief may extend from several months to over a > year. > In my opinion, you should look for another surgeon. > What he said does not sound right to me. > > Rochelle > > > ______________________________________________________________________ ______________ > Be a better friend, newshound, and > know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2008 Report Share Posted February 19, 2008 Dear , Please try and find a spine surgeon who will treat you better. I've found that asking people who have already had back surgery can result in finding a good surgeon. Perhaps you can find a physical therapy practice that treats lots of back patients. Usually they can refer you to someone good. (They've seen it all) Also there is something new for back patients that is a surgery but not a fusion. That is called the X-stop which is a titanium metal implant between the bones in the lower back. Supposed to be really good for pain. Rochelle ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2008 Report Share Posted February 19, 2008 Dear , Please try and find a spine surgeon who will treat you better. I've found that asking people who have already had back surgery can result in finding a good surgeon. Perhaps you can find a physical therapy practice that treats lots of back patients. Usually they can refer you to someone good. (They've seen it all) Also there is something new for back patients that is a surgery but not a fusion. That is called the X-stop which is a titanium metal implant between the bones in the lower back. Supposed to be really good for pain. Rochelle ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2008 Report Share Posted February 19, 2008 Dear , Please try and find a spine surgeon who will treat you better. I've found that asking people who have already had back surgery can result in finding a good surgeon. Perhaps you can find a physical therapy practice that treats lots of back patients. Usually they can refer you to someone good. (They've seen it all) Also there is something new for back patients that is a surgery but not a fusion. That is called the X-stop which is a titanium metal implant between the bones in the lower back. Supposed to be really good for pain. Rochelle ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2008 Report Share Posted February 19, 2008 Dear , Please try and find a spine surgeon who will treat you better. I've found that asking people who have already had back surgery can result in finding a good surgeon. Perhaps you can find a physical therapy practice that treats lots of back patients. Usually they can refer you to someone good. (They've seen it all) Also there is something new for back patients that is a surgery but not a fusion. That is called the X-stop which is a titanium metal implant between the bones in the lower back. Supposed to be really good for pain. Rochelle ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2008 Report Share Posted February 20, 2008 Thank you Rochelle, i really appreciate any and all ideas or comments and especially a kind word.i feel so overwelmed by all this,to deal with the pain the doctors the depression and mostly the fact i cant work right now so bills pile up and i just want to give up.I am checking on a new doctor only thing is he or she has to be on our list from the insurance.lets not make anything easy on ya huh...lol again thank you. > > Dear , > > Please try and find a spine surgeon who will treat > you better. I've found that asking people who have > already had back surgery can result in finding a good > surgeon. Perhaps you can find a physical therapy > practice that treats lots of back patients. Usually > they can refer you to someone good. (They've seen it > all) > Also there is something new for back patients that > is a surgery but not a fusion. That is called the > X-stop which is a titanium metal implant between the > bones in the lower back. Supposed to be really good > for pain. > > Rochelle > > > ______________________________________________________________________ ______________ > Be a better friend, newshound, and > know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2008 Report Share Posted February 20, 2008 Thank you Rochelle, i really appreciate any and all ideas or comments and especially a kind word.i feel so overwelmed by all this,to deal with the pain the doctors the depression and mostly the fact i cant work right now so bills pile up and i just want to give up.I am checking on a new doctor only thing is he or she has to be on our list from the insurance.lets not make anything easy on ya huh...lol again thank you. > > Dear , > > Please try and find a spine surgeon who will treat > you better. I've found that asking people who have > already had back surgery can result in finding a good > surgeon. Perhaps you can find a physical therapy > practice that treats lots of back patients. Usually > they can refer you to someone good. (They've seen it > all) > Also there is something new for back patients that > is a surgery but not a fusion. That is called the > X-stop which is a titanium metal implant between the > bones in the lower back. Supposed to be really good > for pain. > > Rochelle > > > ______________________________________________________________________ ______________ > Be a better friend, newshound, and > know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hi Deb I am also new to this group and I beleive every sad word you have written.It is an absolute discrace.Stay around the people here are great and Sheila knows her stuff. Margaret From: "debbie.100@..." <debbie.100@...>thyroid treatment Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 3:25:41 PMSubject: So confused Hi everyone, I'm new to this group & the wealth of information on here has suddenly become very overwhelming. My thoughts are spinning, their going back & forth over the last 15 years when I had half my Thyroid removed due to cancer. Tears at the moment are tripping me, tears of sadness, confusion, frustration, anger & omg shock. After part of my thyroid was removed due to (papillary cancer) I was placed on Thyroxine 5mcg, no other treatment was given or was any emotional support. A few years later after a slow decline in my mental health & the insistence of my then husband who never failed to tell me that I had the devil within, I went to the Thyroid Consultant here in Belfast, armed with a list of my negative symptoms that had occurred since the operation & being on Thyroxine. When I handed this to the Consultant he slipped it into his file without even reading it & proceeded to tell me that I was just a neurotic woman. Through my own insistence I sought a second opinion & was sent to a different Hospital & Consultant, this Consultant got up from his desk & came round to stand in front of me & asked me to hold out my hands & turn them over then back again, he then took out a pen from his jacket & asked me to follow the pen with my eyes while he moved it back & forth in front of my face, feeling rather stupid I still did as I was asked, He then sat back down & said 'you don't have cancer, I won't need to see you again' this visit just blew my mind as I did not go to him because I felt I had cancer but because of how I had begun to decline mentally & emotionally since being on Thyroxine which neither Consultant would hear off, I am now on 150mcg of Thyroxine, 20mg Prozac & 20mg Pravastatin. I became resigned to believing that maybe I was neurotic. Since then I have been though a divorce, I suffer with Depression, Panic & Anxiety Disorder & have been diagnosed with having Borderline Personality Disorder, I'm unable to function in order to go back to work & live day to day never knowing how I'm going to be. I am now drained mentally, emotionally & physically. On reading posts & the files on here I feel I have been on a wild goose chase. I have been dealing, coping & trying to survive by treating each of my symptoms as separate illnesses when in fact I was on the right track in the first place when I went to the Consultant all those years ago. I have spent 3 years in counseling with no effect, taking every antidepressant going, tried to end my life on several occasions, now I'm beginning to understand why, because of the ignorance of the professionals. I feel that my life has been destroyed. Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hi Debbie, I am so sorry to hear your story, it's so frustrating and upsetting when you feel the NHS has let you down over long periods of time, and knowing that you were right in the first place...and to have felt that the very people you have put your trust in to make you better have made you feel like you are neurotic or somehow making it up. The best way to use the anger and frustration is to try and get yourself well, so read, read and learn, and remember you have made the best first step towards getting a new and better life - joining this group! Things will get better... ((hug)) Leah xx > > Hi everyone, I'm new to this group & the wealth of information on > here has suddenly become very overwhelming. My thoughts are > spinning, their going back & forth over the last 15 years when I had > half my Thyroid removed due to cancer. Tears at the moment are > tripping me, tears of sadness, confusion, frustration, anger & omg > shock. [Edit Abbrev Mod] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hi Debbie, I can relate to many of the things you talk of...my thyroid was removed 14 years ago and since then I have been on thyroxine and everything has been a struggle. I have changed my job like my knickers, moved house trying to get away from the problem, paid for spiritual healing, nearly forced my other half away through my madness etc etc.. all the time it falls on deaf ears when you talk to the professionals and they force you more into a corner, making us feel more mad and useless than before. My dose has been increased and decreased and like you I was just left to get on with it. It came to head for me the end of last year after two miscarriages, presumably because of the many disfunctions going on inside after 14 years of inadequate treatment. Finding this web site and reading the wealth of information has been amazing for me. There are many of us who are the same and everyone on here is really supportive and kind. I have been to see Dr Peatfield and am reading his book, all of this has really helped me. I have just started to take natural thyroid hormone and am just starting to feel well, I can just about imagine what I am going to feel like in time and this is amazing. It is a bit of a journey...but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, Good luck to you emily xx > > > Hi everyone, I'm new to this group & the wealth of information on here > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hello Debbie - and welcome to our forum where I hope you get all the help and support you need. Read everything you can and any questions you need answers to, ask away, and hopefully, somebody will be along to give you these. If you don't get an answer the first time, ask again and at the top of your repeat message, just write " BUMPING " to give us a reminder. Yes, this forum is extremely busy, I have just seen that we have had over 2700 messages posted on this forum in January alone. If you opted to receive Individual Emails when you registered, you may wish to reconsider and edit your membership so you receive either a Daily Digest 9where you get up to 25 messages in one email) or use the option 'Special Notices' where you get no emails (only special ones from me) and you can both read and write direct from the forum website. You can Edit your Membership on the Home Page of this forum at the top, above the dark green bar. After part of my thyroid was removed due to (papillary cancer) I was placed on Thyroxine 5mcg, no other treatment was given or was any emotional support. A few years later after a slow decline in my mental health & the insistence of my then husband who never failed to tell me that I had the devil within, I went to the Thyroid Consultant here in Belfast, armed with a list of my negative symptoms that had occurred since the operation & being on Thyroxine. When I handed this to the Consultant he slipped it into his file without even reading it & proceeded to tell me that I was just a neurotic woman. Through my own insistence I sought a second opinion & was sent to a different Hospital & Consultant, this Consultant got up from his desk & came round to stand in front of me & asked me to hold out my hands & turn them over then back again, he then took out a pen from his jacket & asked me to follow the pen with my eyes while he moved it back & forth in front of my face, feeling rather stupid I still did as I was asked, He then sat back down & said 'you don't have cancer, I won't need to see you again' this visit just blew my mind as I did not go to him because I felt I had cancer but because of how I had begun to decline mentally & emotionally since being on Thyroxine which neither Consultant would hear off, I am now on 150mcg of Thyroxine, 20mg Prozac & 20mg Pravastatin. I became resigned to believing that maybe I was neurotic. Oh dear, what a terrible tale Debbie. Seems the endocrinology specialty is absolutely full of Endoprats. If you were on the correct thyroid hormone replacement (which could mean synthetic T4 and T3 combination - T3 alone, or natural thyroid extract (Armour) which contains all the normal thyroid hormones your body requires, you would be in no need of Prozac or Provastatin. Can you let us know what your cholesterol level was. People who are not on the correct dose or treatment have continuing low metabolism and low metabolism causes high cholesterol. You can treat this naturally yourself by taking high dose Niacin (Vitamin B3) about 350 mgs daily and 300mgs CoEnzymeQ10. My husband had high cholesterol and was prescribed Synmvastatin 40 mgs, and then his GP put this up to 80mgs, which he refused to take, and a good doctor told me about the great benefits of these two products and told me to put him on these immediately. All his terrible muscle symptoms he had on statins stopped and his cholesterol has come down to almost normal. Since then I have been though a divorce, I suffer with Depression, Panic & Anxiety Disorder & have been diagnosed with having Borderline Personality Disorder, I'm unable to function in order to go back to work & live day to day never knowing how I'm going to be. I am now drained mentally, emotionally & physically. Hopefully, we can help you and you can help yourself. Doctors take no account of symptoms (which they declare are " non-specific " to hypothyroidism and don't even take account of all of the " signs " . Have a look at our web site www.tpa-uk.org.uk and click on 'Hypothyroidism' and on the drop down Menu, click on Symptoms and Signs, and compare what you have got with what is there. Before the advent of blood tests, doctors diagnosed and treated by looking at these, taking account of a patients temperature, tapping the Achilles tendon (if slow, this means the patient has low metabolism 'hypothyroidism') and this is specific to hypothyroidism. On reading posts & the files on here I feel I have been on a wild goose chase. I have been dealing, coping & trying to survive by treating each of my symptoms as separate illnesses when in fact I was on the right track in the first place when I went to the Consultant all those years ago. I have spent 3 years in counseling with no effect, taking every antidepressant going, tried to end my life on several occasions, now I'm beginning to understand why, because of the ignorance of the professionals. I feel that my life has been destroyed. But you have survived Debbie, and survived because you so obviously have a fighting spirit inside you determined to regain your normal health again. We will do what we can to help you and believe me, you have come to the right place. We are campaigning to change the way the NHS medical practitioners diagnose and treat this disease, and we will not be going away until we see a change for the better. Can you let us have your last thyroid function test results together with the reference range for each of the tests please? Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Thank you , it's really comforting to know that I have not been the only one that the NHS has failed, I only wished I found this group earlier then I could have felt alone with you all (so to speak) it's so shocking that there has been no movement within the NHS since we both began this nightmare 15 years ago & to think I was diagnosed as having a personality Disorder, not surprised, but you know what I suddenly feel normal, if there is such a thing lol, I feel a normal person with an illness that professionals have not been able to master due to their own lack of intelligence & importance. I took the same path as you with the spiritual healing & drove to Dublin for a soul retrieval, all for the name of SANITY. I am so please that you are beginning to see some light, I have noted down Dr Peatfield's number & am going to call for an appointment, as there is no point in me wasting more years as you have also done, being we have been on the same path I'm following your light x Thank you so much Debbie > > Hi Debbie, > > There are many of us who are the same and everyone on here is really > supportive and kind. I have been to see Dr Peatfield and am reading > his book, all of this has really helped me. I have just started to > take natural thyroid hormone and am just starting to feel well, I can > just about imagine what I am going to feel like in time and this is > amazing. > > It is a bit of a journey...but there is a light at the end of the tunnel, > > Good luck to you emily xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hi Debbie What a terrible story. Welcome to the forum, many of us have lost the best years of our lives to panic, anxiety and physical problems regardless of the causes of our hypo symptoms, mine happens to be hashimotos. Now I do feel that when you are reading the files you will probably be able to relate to the adrenals symptoms, simply because you have been undertreated for so long and you have been under so much continuing stress. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and you will probably find the start of the tunnel with a saliva test for your adrenal function, but of course fill in the questionairre in the files first to get a bit of an indication how they are affecting you. You have started now on the road to recovery simply by recognising that you have been patched up all the time with drugs for symptoms of the same complaint, your hormone problems should have been sorted properly. This is really soul destroying but you have to try and put it behind you and start again lass, many of us have. Onward and upwards lotsa luv Dawnx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hi Debbie, Nice to meet you on the forum. My experience is that TPA-UK is a very supportive group. Good on you for taking positive action to get your health back on course. I was unwell for many years and it wasn't until I 'dumped' my old doctor and found a new one (who respected what I had to say and took my symptoms seriously) that I was finally diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism. Unfortunately that occurred years after I actually first suffered from hypothyroidism, so I think a lot of damage was done while my health was deteriorating. My 'good' doctor also discovered many other problems that other doctors dismissed. Like you, I cannot work. I used to hold down a responsible job, but my memory is terrible - that is the next thing I'm working on. A step at a time is my motto. So onwards and upwards Debbie! In my experience, I've discovered I've had numerous setbacks over time, but some things are improving. It means a lot of work and patience, but it is worth persisting. You wrote that you feel like your life has been destroyed. From what you wrote, it looks like you are very determined to get better and seek good medical advice, so maybe this is just the beginning of a new life Debbie. (o: I wish you every bit of luck in the world and hope that you are feeling better very soon with the assistance of a DECENT health professional. Cheers, P > > ......I'm new to this group.....Tears at the moment are tripping me, tears of sadness, confusion, frustration, anger & omg shock. ......no other treatment was given or was any emotional support.....I went to the Thyroid Consultant here in Belfast, armed with a list of my negative symptoms that had occurred since the operation & being on Thyroxine...When I handed this to the Consultant he slipped it into his file without even reading it & proceeded to tell me that I was just a neurotic woman.....I'm unable to function in order to go back to work & live day to day never knowing how I'm going to be. I am now drained mentally, emotionally & physically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 Hi Debbie This is going to sound so stupid as you all seems to be so informed, but I gather you were all unclear at the beginning as well so here goes. Oh boy yes - I remember when I first started visiting thyroid support groups, everybody appeared so knowledgeable and I had no idea what they were talking about. I had no idea what TSH, FT4, FT3 and lots of stuff meant and felt I would never get the hang of it, but all you need to do if you don't understand is to ask questions, and questions and yes, even more questions and don't give up until you get an answer, because somebody, somewhere on here hopefully will have an answer. I have absolutely no idea what any of my results have been for my Thyroid or what my cholesterol levels are. All I'm told is that my Thyroid test is normal and that my cholesterol is either normal or slightly high. NEVER accept from either a doctor or a nurse that your tests are " normal " . The laboratory decides whether your tests are " normal " or not and as they have no idea about thyroid disease and have not been to medical school, I fail to understand why it is they who decide and not your doctor. Actually, doctors believe you are " normal " if your results are ANYWHERE within the reference range for each test, whether top, bottom or middle. Doctors believe that once the test has been done and the word " normal " is written next to the figures, you don't have a thyroid problem and send you on your way with antidepressants, told to go on a diet, get more exercise and generally get a life. YOU have your rights, and one of these rights is to have access to all of your medical notes if this is something you desire - and your blood results are part of this. I did ask the Consultant once way back, and got told that I didn't need to know as they were the experts, I never asked again. I have my blood test done by my GP who gets the results, but because of that consultant I have never bothered to ask my GP. This shows you that some doctors don't want their patients to know anything, perhaps it is because they feel vulnerable and know there is the possibility their patient just might have a brain and start to ask questions. Don't ever accept this again, and don't ever allow a doctor or nurse to treat you in such a way. You are equal with them and this is YOUR health after all. The more you read on this forum and gather information, the more you will feel confident because knowledge is power. The Consultant raised my Thyroxine to 150mcg from 5mcg by explaining that he wanted to shut down my Thyroid totally & allow the Thyroxine to do the work. I will go back to my GP tomorrow & ask for the results for both tests & I will come out with them, I will not be fobbed off any longer. Did you mean he raised your T4 from 25mcgs or 50mcgs - as they don't make levothyroxine in 5mcgs tablets. & I am with you in your campaign in any way I can be of help. Your all so right there is only one place to direct my anger & thats at the NHS. We need all the help we can get, so thank you for that Debbie. Luv - Sheila _,_._,___ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 Hi Debbie, Welcome to the forum, sadly your tragic story is not unusual. The problem being that replacing only one ( the levothyroxine or T4) of the around 5 hormones that a healthy thyroid produces just isn’t good enough for most folk. Oh, some do fine on T4 alone- lots suffer in silence, because noone tells them it’s inadequate thyroid replacement. There are docs and consultants who know more than the endoprats that you have seen. Great that the cancer has not reccured, but you do need and deserve the rest of your life back. I had 17 years of declining heath before I took responsibility for my life and saw a doc who changed my life for the better. My husband was very sceptical and muttered about me wasting my money, but even he could not deny the rapid improvement in my health once I changed treatment to Armour natural thyroid instead of T4. Keep reading and learning and we will help you. The depression is inadequate thyroid replacement, the T4 has to convert to T3 to be active and it is this T3 that is the hormone that will lift your mood. The problem being that once you have the depression tag docs tend not to listen and just pat you on the head. Subject: So confused Hi everyone, I'm new to this group & the wealth of information on here has suddenly become very overwhelming. My thoughts are spinning, their going back & forth over the last 15 years when I had half my Thyroid removed due to cancer. Tears at the moment are tripping me, tears of sadness, confusion, frustration, anger & omg shock. After part of my thyroid was ….. On reading posts & the files on here I feel I have been on a wild goose chase. I have been dealing, coping & trying to survive by treating each of my symptoms as separate illnesses when in fact I was on the right track in the first place when I went to the Consultant all those years ago. I have spent 3 years in counseling with no effect, taking every antidepressant going, tried to end my life on several occasions, now I'm beginning to understand why, because of the ignorance of the professionals. I feel that my life has been destroyed. Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 Hi Debbie, you have been through the mill haven`t you, poor you. never mind ,now is the start of the real journey. welcome to a group that understands what it is really like in the real world.It sounds like you may have adrenal problems.go to our main site and read all you can about the thyroid and adrenals,and where you can order tests to tell you how your adrenals are doing.also it may be that your thyroid medicine needs to be increased a bit. have you had any thyroid tests done recently if so post them here together with the ranges, your doctor will let you have them.! ok. hope to here from you soon. angel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 Hi Debbie, Just like to say welcome and that I've only been a member since the beginning of the mth, but I now know a whole lot more than I did thanks to everyone on here. I've not been diagnosed by the NHS yet at all, and been suffering for only 6 yrs compared to your 15! The final straw for me was in December when a new doc to my practice decided within 5 mins that I was just depressed and handed me a prescription for anti deps, which I was sooooo close to sticking somewhere the sun doesn't. I feel though that I now have a bit of hope, and already sent a letter to the doc, who has now referred me to an edocrinologist and taken blood tests I asked for, thanks to Sheila on here, but if that turns sour, I know my next appointment is with Dr P and it wont be a deadend like the other experiences. It saddens me though when relationships suffer because of this, but you now have hope and a future to look forward too. Good luck sweety. Jean " Debbie " <debbie.100@...> wrote: > > Thank you , it's really comforting to know that I have not been the only one that the NHS has failed, I only wished I found this > group earlier then I could have felt alone with you all (so to speak) it's so shocking that there has been no movement within the NHS since we both began this nightmare 15 years ago & to think I was diagnosed as having a personality Disorder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 Oh that's awful & suffer we all have, but your right Nooo more c**p are we going to take, like you & so many here we have wasted enough of our time. Thank you for sharing how things have been for you, I'm also going to make an appointment to see this Dr, I wished he had a clinic here in Belfast, but it won't take much to travel to him & from the sounds of things it will be one of the best journeys I will take, as it will be for you. There is so much information on here I cant stop reading, especially regarding the anger & violence that statin can have on a person, I began to shout at strangers in the street for nooooo reason omg I thought I was ready for the nut house, so I booked myself into therapy & stopped going out. just a few months ago out of frustration I began to refuse to take my statin for no reason, I've been on them for the same length of time as thyroxine, & my daughter & I have begun to notice how much calmer & chilled I am, I never thought anything about any side affects with the pills, until I started reading last night about statin on here & there was I thinking I was calmer because of the hard work I done in therapy & yet it's probably because I stopped taking them pills. Not that therapy was a waste of time because I've learnt so much about myself & life, oh it's just so much to take in. I hope everything goes well with your appointment & plz keep me informed, I'm so glad your getting blood tests done. Thank you so much Debbie x > > Hi Debbie, > > Just like to say welcome and that I've only been a member since the > beginning of the mth, but I now know a whole lot more than I did thanks > to everyone on here. I've not been diagnosed by the NHS yet at all, and > been suffering for only 6 yrs compared to your 15! The final straw for > me was in December when a new doc to my practice decided within 5 mins > that I was just depressed and handed me a prescription for anti deps, > which I was sooooo close to sticking somewhere the sun doesn't. I feel > though that I now have a bit of hope, and already sent a letter to the > doc, who has now referred me to an edocrinologist and taken blood tests > I asked for, thanks to Sheila on here, but if that turns sour, I know > my next appointment is with Dr P and it wont be a deadend like the > other experiences. It saddens me though when relationships suffer > because of this, but you now have hope and a future to look forward too. > > Good luck sweety. > Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 Hi Angel, thank you, yes I will post them here as you will know more than I & I need your knowledge & kindness badly. You say it sounds like I may have adrenal problems, what makes you think that, just that obviously I wouldn't have a clue what to look for. My last test was a few months ago, it could have been nearly 6 months ago, I have them taken once a year. What I'll do is ask for the results of the last tests & ask for another. Is there a best time of day to have the test taken? & is there anything I need to do i.e not take them before hand or anything? Thanks Debbie > > Hi Debbie, you have been through the mill haven`t you, poor you. never mind ,now is the start of the real journey. welcome to a group that understands what it is really like in the real world. > It sounds like you may have adrenal problems.go to our main site and read all you can about the thyroid and adrenals,and where you can order tests to tell you how your adrenals are doing.also it may be that your thyroid medicine needs to be increased a bit. have you had any thyroid tests done recently if so post them here together with the ranges, your doctor will let you have them.! ok. hope to here from you soon. angel. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.