Opinion from one in remission

[Guest guest]

I agree with Elaine about being impatient. I almost had RAI because I was

led to believe it would fix all my problems - I didn't know it could

worsen the eye disease. Thank goodness I didn't do RAI and I'm now in

remission - have not taken meds for 2 1/2 years!!! AND my eyes are normal.

I can feel the eye muscles act up when I'm stressed, too tired or if I have

too much salt!

Those of you wanting a quick fix because you're tired of dealing with all

the symptoms and the ATDs, please just deal with it a little longer. Think

about it - if you don't like the ATDs, why do you think you'll like taking

hypo meds? FOR LIFE!!

Ultimately it is your decision. I consider myself extremely fortunate and

I'm grateful for people like Elaine, , Becky and others for

being so supportive and answering my endless questions. Please, listen to

the wealth of experience available here!! Take care, Mona

Re: Re: More thoughts

> Hi,

> Just wondering where your doctor gets his statistics. Perhaps his patients

> end up having RAI because he doesn't monitor them properly while on ATDs.

> Used correctly and with proper monitoring before taking someone off the

meds,

> they work very well. More and more doctors are now using ATDs compared to

a

> decade ago.

> And most people who are intolerant of one ATD have no problem with the

other

> one. One important GD symptom you should consider is that of impatience.

> Hyperthyroidism causes people to rush. This is how I ended up having RAI.

I

> just wanted something quick to get things over with. That was by far the

> stupidest thing I have ever done in my life, and I've regretted it since.

> Best, Elaine

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I thought most of people become impatient to seek RAI is that they

are or are afraid to be bothered too much and too long from the

recurrence and GD's horrible symptoms.

I don't think anyone are willing to accept RAI at the very beginning.

They just have no way to go.

Nutrition maybe a nice way but from iThyroid it's only are appliable

to very few people and very personally. People found they don't have

much time and enery to find the right nutrition which is suitable for

themselves, or even it's impossible to find nutrition solution.

Recently I used Vitamin B complex and Calcium and multi Vitamin as

daily supplemental. As expected it's not as good as ATDs. My heart

race become higher and higher everyday.

However, with RAI therapy, according to endo, most of GD's patients

can be much better and as normal as before afte intake of hormone

supplement.

What I say above doesn't mean I support RAI or I will use RAI as

option.

Best wishes to all,

> I agree with Elaine about being impatient. I almost had RAI

because I was

> led to believe it would fix all my problems - I didn't know it

could

> worsen the eye disease. Thank goodness I didn't do RAI and I'm now

in

> remission - have not taken meds for 2 1/2 years!!! AND my eyes are

normal.

> I can feel the eye muscles act up when I'm stressed, too tired or

if I have

> too much salt!

>

> Those of you wanting a quick fix because you're tired of dealing

with all

> the symptoms and the ATDs, please just deal with it a little

longer. Think

> about it - if you don't like the ATDs, why do you think you'll like

taking

> hypo meds? FOR LIFE!!

>

> Ultimately it is your decision. I consider myself extremely

fortunate and

> I'm grateful for people like Elaine, , Becky and others

for

> being so supportive and answering my endless questions. Please,

listen to

> the wealth of experience available here!! Take care, Mona

> Re: Re: More thoughts

>

>

> > Hi,

> > Just wondering where your doctor gets his statistics. Perhaps his

patients

> > end up having RAI because he doesn't monitor them properly while

on ATDs.

> > Used correctly and with proper monitoring before taking someone

off the

> meds,

> > they work very well. More and more doctors are now using ATDs

compared to

> a

> > decade ago.

> > And most people who are intolerant of one ATD have no problem

with the

> other

> > one. One important GD symptom you should consider is that of

impatience.

> > Hyperthyroidism causes people to rush. This is how I ended up

having RAI.

> I

> > just wanted something quick to get things over with. That was by

far the

> > stupidest thing I have ever done in my life, and I've regretted

it since.

> > Best, Elaine

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/23/2003 2:49:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

winMoreLess@... writes:

> Recently I used Vitamin B complex and Calcium and multi Vitamin as

> daily supplemental. As expected it's not as good as ATDs.

As I have said in several recent posts, the idea is USE THE ATDs TOGETHER

WITH THE NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS. No one here is advocating nutrition and

supplementation alone. By using an ATD and beta blocker we can eliminate all

symptoms of the illness and feel normal while we then begin to treat the

underlying causes of the illness, which is an imbalance. This takes quite a

while to

get right and to take effect--months, at least. However, ATDs usually have no

side effects, and the beta blockers protect the heart. So, this usually gives

us years to work with the alternative methods to bring ourselves back to

health. Once someone has RAI, there is an 80-90% chance of being hypoT w/in 2

years, which means one has to take meds for life. It is difficult to find the

correct dose of these meds, as our body's hormones fluctuate, and there are lots

of symptoms of hypoT that are unpleasant.

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/23/2003 2:25:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

etm1935@... writes:

> Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the clarification. People

> are not reading what we are saying here.

Dear Elaine,

Thank you, thank you for listening to what I said. Lately I feel I have been

speaking to no one. People can stay on ATDs for years while they work to

correct imbalances. Yes, it takes some effort to find your own balance, but it

is worth the effort to preserve a vital organ.

Take care,

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/23/2003 2:45:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

winMoreLess@... writes:

> people don't have time/energy to find their own solution,

> which generally should be the responsibility of endos.

In a perfect world, the endos would have the responsibility to heal us.

Unfortunately, they are not about health, prevention or healing, but about

drugs,

surgery, and making money. Their " solutions " often work for them (e.g.,

keeping us a patient for life by relying on Synthroid forever), but do not work

for

us. I have found in all areas of health that I must be responsible for my

own health, and oversee the work of all those I hire in the health profession.

By listening to my own body, and researching carefully all options (the most

benign ones first), I feel I have the best chance of staying healthy.

Believe me, I wish the doctors would care for us and nurse us back to health,

but they don't usually, and their " solutions " often cause more problems than

they solve.

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the clarification. People

are not reading what we are saying here.

There is no substitution for using ATDs. All other efforts are

supplemental in the hope that they will benefit. BUT, Graves can

almost always be controlled by ATDs and RAI is the very last

resort that should be considered.

Elaine (in remission)

I am not young enough to know everything. -- Wilde

Hello AntJoan

On Friday, May 23, 2003, you wrote

> In a message dated 5/23/2003 2:49:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

> winMoreLess@... writes:

>> Recently I used Vitamin B complex and Calcium and multi Vitamin as

>> daily supplemental. As expected it's not as good as ATDs.

> As I have said in several recent posts, the idea is USE THE ATDs TOGETHER

> WITH THE NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS. No one here is advocating nutrition and

> supplementation alone. By using an ATD and beta blocker we can eliminate all

> symptoms of the illness and feel normal while we then begin to treat the

> underlying causes of the illness, which is an imbalance. This takes quite a

while to

> get right and to take effect--months, at least. However, ATDs usually have no

> side effects, and the beta blockers protect the heart. So, this usually gives

> us years to work with the alternative methods to bring ourselves back to

> health. Once someone has RAI, there is an 80-90% chance of being hypoT w/in 2

> years, which means one has to take meds for life. It is difficult to find the

> correct dose of these meds, as our body's hormones fluctuate, and there are

lots

> of symptoms of hypoT that are unpleasant.

> AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Dear Ant and Elaine,

I don't think I misunderstand those ideas from you. I expressed it

very clear: people don't have time/energy to find their own solution,

which generally should be the responsibility of endos. It's the main

reason while we cannot tolerate GD again we seek ultimate work-around

solution: RAI.

Find personal suitable solution is just like scientists try to find

antibody solution to GD. It's difficult, not apply to everyone or

most of people. That's the reason we rely on modern medication to

treat various disease. I just discuss the psychology in using RAI

here. RAI is last option most of people do agree.

Best wishes,

light_remote

> Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the clarification. People

> are not reading what we are saying here.

>

> There is no substitution for using ATDs. All other efforts are

> supplemental in the hope that they will benefit. BUT, Graves can

> almost always be controlled by ATDs and RAI is the very last

> resort that should be considered.

>

> Elaine (in remission)

>

> I am not young enough to know everything. -- Wilde

>

> Hello AntJoan

>

> On Friday, May 23, 2003, you wrote

>

> > In a message dated 5/23/2003 2:49:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

> > winMoreLess@h... writes:

>

> >> Recently I used Vitamin B complex and Calcium and multi Vitamin

as

> >> daily supplemental. As expected it's not as good as ATDs.

>

> > As I have said in several recent posts, the idea is USE THE ATDs

TOGETHER

> > WITH THE NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS. No one here is advocating

nutrition and

> > supplementation alone. By using an ATD and beta blocker we can

eliminate all

> > symptoms of the illness and feel normal while we then begin to

treat the

> > underlying causes of the illness, which is an imbalance. This

takes quite a while to

> > get right and to take effect--months, at least. However, ATDs

usually have no

> > side effects, and the beta blockers protect the heart. So, this

usually gives

> > us years to work with the alternative methods to bring ourselves

back to

> > health. Once someone has RAI, there is an 80-90% chance of being

hypoT w/in 2

> > years, which means one has to take meds for life. It is

difficult to find the

> > correct dose of these meds, as our body's hormones fluctuate, and

there are lots

> > of symptoms of hypoT that are unpleasant.

>

> > AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Hi AntJoan,

You may feel that no-one is listening, but your experience, and the

experience of others on this board, have been a lifesaver for me. While my

gut instinct was that there had to be a better solution than RAI - it was

the information and support from this board and iThyroid that has enabled me

to slowly get better. I feel that I am almost ready now to come off the

ATD's, and I will be very happy when that happens.

So AntJoan please don't despair - although you may feel that nobody is

listening I'm sure that there are heaps of us that are! I always read your

posts as I find them interesting.

Stay well,

>From: AntJoan@...

>Reply-hyperthyroidism

>hyperthyroidism

>Subject: Re: Re: Opinion from one in remission

>Date: Fri, 23 May 2003 14:46:31 EDT

>

>In a message dated 5/23/2003 2:25:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

>etm1935@... writes:

>

> > Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the clarification. People

> > are not reading what we are saying here.

>

>Dear Elaine,

>

>Thank you, thank you for listening to what I said. Lately I feel I have

>been

>speaking to no one. People can stay on ATDs for years while they work to

>correct imbalances. Yes, it takes some effort to find your own balance,

>but it

>is worth the effort to preserve a vital organ.

>

>Take care,

>AntJoan

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/26/2003 12:23:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

anna_vanw@... writes:

> Stay well,

Dear ,

Thank you so much for your kind words. I was feeling like a broken record,

preaching to save thyroids. And then someone accused me of trying to " scare "

people. I tried to explain my motivations, and then I thought, maybe I am

trying to scare people. Because radiating one's thyroid IS scary. The doctors

portray it as a benign solution, but it is neither benign nor a solution.

People in the US are taught to want an easy solution--just take a pill, you will

get well, lose weight, etc. Yet I have learned there are no easy solutions. If

we want to accomplish ANYTHING it takes work, and, as these are OUR bodies,

it is our work. The doctors don't care (at least most of them don't). THEY

want an easy solution (and lots of our cash). Our health is up to us.

Take care and have a nice holiday,

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

AntJoan,

I can only speak for myself. I had the RAI, but not because it was an easy

solution to my problem. I had it because the Endo gave me 2 choices. RAI or

Surgery.

It was my ignorance of this as to the decision I made. If I had to do it

over, I would have had a long question and answer session with my Endo before

making that decision.

I have learned so much since my RAI. If only I had known that before RAI.

But, I am a positive person and I am thinking positive concerning all this. I am

going to be one of those people that do good on RAI.

I have learned from you and other people like you, so all of you keep up the

good work.

Best of luck to all of us, that our problems get taken care of.

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/26/2003 8:10:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

thebetzz@... writes:

> Best of luck to all of us, that our problems get taken care of.

> Betty

Dear Betty,

Thanks for the greeting. I totally understand--my endo pushed RAI also, and

everywhere I read, it was pushed as a solution. I thank God I am so

stubborn--I know others are not, and this is why I feel the need to tell others

that

the medical community has the incorrect approach.

I wish you and everyone the best of health. (Also, sometimes they don't

manage to kill off the entire thyroid the first time around, as they really only

guess as to the dosage of RAI. For those of you who still have some thyroid

function left, and the endos are pushing for another round, count yourselves

lucky, and work with what you have left to regain health.)

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/26/2003 10:54:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

AntJoan@... writes:

>

>

> I wish you and everyone the best of health. (Also, sometimes they don't

> manage to kill off the entire thyroid the first time around, as they really

> only

> guess as to the dosage of RAI. For those of you who still have some thyroid

>

> function left, and the endos are pushing for another round, count yourselves

>

> lucky, and work with what you have left to regain health.)

>

> AntJoan

>

AntJoan,

You touched on a good thing here. I have been thinking about what that second

round.

Between you and me (no Dr.'s) if they tell me that i need a second round, do

I really need it? Can I do like you said and work with what I have left? Of

course I don't know what is left right now. I am 27 days post RAI.

In my case, I have 2 nodules that needs to be gotten rid of.

The Endo told me that he was hoping that the RAI would kill off the nodules

and make the rest of my thyroid start working again. The nodules are on my

right side and my left side wasn't working at all. The nodules were working

overtime to make up for my left side.

I appreciate any info.

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/26/2003 12:11:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

thebetzz@... writes:

> The Endo told me that he was hoping that the RAI would kill off the nodules

>

> and make the rest of my thyroid start working again.

Dear Betty,

I don't know anything about nodules, but I'm sure others on this board do.

To get more info, I think you can post on iThyroid.com. I had straight Graves

disease, which might have been less complicated than what you have. Also,

Elaine has a site that might be able to help (sorry, I don't know the address,

she'll probably reply here and let you know).

Now that you've had the RAI, you probably can use supplements, nutrition and

meds to manage your symptoms (if you have any), while you do the research to

figure out what to do next.

Again, I'm sorry I don't know the answer.

Take care, and feel good,

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Thank you AntJoan, I appreicate the help and I will check out ithyroid now.

Betty

PS If your are expecting an answer from me, and you don't get it, please

email me back with a friendly reminder.

" To err is human; to forgive, divine. "

[Guest guest]

> Hi Remote

You wrote

" However, with RAI therapy, according to endo, most of GD's patients

> can be much better and as normal as before afte intake of hormone

> supplement. "

>

>

> That's what my endo told me too. Then when I started having problems after

the

> RAI all she said was 'it's not your thyroid'! Duh, of course not. But the

> problems were caused directly or indirectly by the use of RAI.

> She then refused to treat other problems because they did not involve my

> non-existant thyroid. In a way I could understand, but I had truly believed

> that all would go back to normal after the RAI. There was such an incredible

> change in her attitude I was stunned. I had asked my husband to come with me

> on my appointments and he had heard the about face too and was furious. Never

> saw her again of course.

> My point is that endo's seem to push the RAI without detailing any problems

and

> without taking any responsibility for other problems they create. We all are

> responsible for what is done to our bodies.

> Kate

>

> light_remote wrote:

>

>> Hello,

>>

>> I thought most of people become impatient to seek RAI is that they

>> are or are afraid to be bothered too much and too long from the

>> recurrence and GD's horrible symptoms.

>> I don't think anyone are willing to accept RAI at the very beginning.

>> They just have no way to go.

>>

>> Nutrition maybe a nice way but from iThyroid it's only are appliable

>> to very few people and very personally. People found they don't have

>> much time and enery to find the right nutrition which is suitable for

>> themselves, or even it's impossible to find nutrition solution.

>> Recently I used Vitamin B complex and Calcium and multi Vitamin as

>> daily supplemental. As expected it's not as good as ATDs. My heart

>> race become higher and higher everyday.

>>

>> However, with RAI therapy, according to endo, most of GD's patients

>> can be much better and as normal as before afte intake of hormone

>> supplement.

>>

>> What I say above doesn't mean I support RAI or I will use RAI as

>> option.

>>

>> Best wishes to all,

>>

>>

>>

>> > I agree with Elaine about being impatient. I almost had RAI

>> because I was

>> > led to believe it would fix all my problems - I didn't know it

>> could

>> > worsen the eye disease. Thank goodness I didn't do RAI and I'm now

>> in

>> > remission - have not taken meds for 2 1/2 years!!! AND my eyes are

>> normal.

>> > I can feel the eye muscles act up when I'm stressed, too tired or

>> if I have

>> > too much salt!

>> >

>> > Those of you wanting a quick fix because you're tired of dealing

>> with all

>> > the symptoms and the ATDs, please just deal with it a little

>> longer. Think

>> > about it - if you don't like the ATDs, why do you think you'll like

>> taking

>> > hypo meds? FOR LIFE!!

>> >

>> > Ultimately it is your decision. I consider myself extremely

>> fortunate and

>> > I'm grateful for people like Elaine, , Becky and others

>> for

>> > being so supportive and answering my endless questions. Please,

>> listen to

>> > the wealth of experience available here!! Take care, Mona

>> > Re: Re: More thoughts

>> >

>> >

>> > > Hi,

>> > > Just wondering where your doctor gets his statistics. Perhaps his

>> patients

>> > > end up having RAI because he doesn't monitor them properly while

>> on ATDs.

>> > > Used correctly and with proper monitoring before taking someone

>> off the

>> > meds,

>> > > they work very well. More and more doctors are now using ATDs

>> compared to

>> > a

>> > > decade ago.

>> > > And most people who are intolerant of one ATD have no problem

>> with the

>> > other

>> > > one. One important GD symptom you should consider is that of

>> impatience.

>> > > Hyperthyroidism causes people to rush. This is how I ended up

>> having RAI.

>> > I

>> > > just wanted something quick to get things over with. That was by

>> far the

>> > > stupidest thing I have ever done in my life, and I've regretted

>> it since.

>> > > Best, Elaine

>> > >

>> > >

>> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi Ant Joan,

I wanted to add too that you have helped countless people. You've been a true

inspiration in helping people understand what may have triggered their GD and

how lifestyle changes can help in maintaining remission after using ATDs.

Keep up the good work, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Nodules in mutated thyroid tissue frequently occur after radioiodine. Dr.

Francis Greenspan recommends evaluating patients post-RAI annually for nodules.

My web site is http://daisyelaine_co.tripod.com/gravesdisease/

and I have a few articles discussing thyroid nodules on www.suite101.com

Just do a search there for thyroid nodules. Best to you, Elaine

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/26/2003 4:07:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

daisyelaine@... writes:

> Keep up the good work, Elaine

Thanks, Elaine. I appreciate those who wrote back to me when I felt bad and

let me know my ranting has done some good.

Elaine, I don't know if is involved in the site anymore, so that leaves

you our resident expert. You patiently answer all questions, and are much

more knowledgable than most medical professionals. As someone wrote recently,

there is a disclaimer at the iThryoid site asking people to consult a

professional, but speaks of seeking out a nutritionist, not an MD, as MDs

have no

interest in, or knowledge of the nutritional approach to healing.

Do you know if is still around, either here or at iThyroid? He may be

involved in his cancer research now rather than this. Any word?

Hope everyone had a good holiday,

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/26/2003 4:17:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

etm1935@... writes:

> I also want to mention

> that I have refused RAI and am in remission. I did take PTU and

> Tapazole (different times) and did not have any problems with

> either ATD.

Congratulations! Did you have Graves disease? How long did it take to go

into remission?

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Joan, yes, Graves Disease. I have had two bouts, one following

my husband's death, clearly a crisis-driven onset of Graves,

tremendous loss of weight, anger, nervousness, caught early by my

regular physician who sent me to an endo who never ever suggested

RAI, put me on PTU, monitored my condition for a bit more than a

year, at which time I went into remission.

The second bout was approximately seven years later and much more

severe. It was preceded by noticeable TED which is what led me

to seek medical advice. By the time the HMO I was using referred

me to an endo (not my original endo, I was now covered by a

different insurance system), I was experiencing muscle wasting,

diarrhea, TED, extremely rapid heart, etc. The new endo

immediately suggested RAI. I knew of my previous experience and

I was unwilling to accept that as a solution. I began using PTU,

eventually the TED was severe enough that I was experiencing

double vision, I did undergo orbital radiation and a short

term use of prednisone and have gratefully had no eye problems

since. The endo eventually switched me to Tapazole because it

has a longer life and I waned from that about a year ago. I

currently have no Graves symptoms.

I believe that both Graves bouts were driven by crisis situations

in my life, the death of my husband, and later the possible loss of

health insurance coverage without likelihood of being accepted by

another insurance company. As it is, the HMO did survive long

enough for me to reach Medicare. But it remained a serious worry

and took its toll on my health with another bout with Graves.

The only major changes I have made in my life were to watch for

iodine. I don't want ANY extra iodine in anything I ingest. I

enjoy seafood but am a bit more careful about the amounts I eat

than I was previously. I have always taken vitamins and minimal

supplements.

Never once was I told that RAI could and probably would

exacerbate my TED. It was during a final argument that was

probably going to result in my leaving the endo that my HMO

" gatekeeper " physician authorized a visit to a neurologist. That

neurologist confirmed my suspicion that TED would be exacerbated

if I were thrown into a hypo condition. What else would have

occurred after RAI? It is astonishing to me that the suggestion

was ever made to someone suffering with TED.

I am grateful that the same " gatekeeper " physician allowed me to

see specialists dealing in eye diseases, they were the physicians

who recommended the orbital radiation, they did cure the double

vision. The only fallout of that may be an earlier occurrence of

cataracts (within ten years of radiation), something at my age

that wasn't a great worry (I tend to think someone my age

probably is headed for them anyway <smile>).

I continue on vitamins, supplements, rarely exceed the RDAs for

any of them, often take less than recommended of the less known

items. I do take a small amount of copper, selenium,

anti-oxidants, one-a-day-type-vitamins, and increased to double

intake of calcium because of the Graves effect on bones.

I come from a family that has suffered from allergies, arthritis

and thyroid problems. Two sisters are naturally hypoT, never had

RAI, both take synthroid. Both say they are slugs.

I have always said that if I had my druthers, it is better to be

hyperactive than a slug. My sisters agree.

I have not participated in yoga or any other calming exercises,

suspect they might help. I am again stressing over recent loss

of income and increased living expenses, something which might

possibly force me to return to the job market. I am trying to

hold down panic since I do believe drastic lifestyle changes can

bring on crisis-driven Graves bouts.

Elaine

Hello AntJoan

On Monday, May 26, 2003, you wrote

> In a message dated 5/26/2003 4:17:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> etm1935@... writes:

>> I also want to mention

>> that I have refused RAI and am in remission. I did take PTU and

>> Tapazole (different times) and did not have any problems with

>> either ATD.

> Congratulations! Did you have Graves disease? How long did it take to go

> into remission?

> AntJoan

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/26/2003 8:46:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

etm1935@... writes:

> Joan, yes, Graves Disease. I have had two bouts, one following

> my husband's death, clearly a crisis-driven onset of Graves,

> tremendous loss of weight, anger, nervousness,

Dear Elaine,

Thanks for the interesting post, which I'm sure will be helpful to lots of

folks w/Graves. The symptoms you describe remind me of my bout with the

disease. The only good thing was that I could eat heaps of the foods I had

avoided

for years due to their fat content, and I would still wake up thinner the next

day. I hated being ill, but I sure enjoyed the Fettucini Alfredo!

Take care and be well,

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Hi Ant Joan,

I haven't heard a word from since his wife passed away. With such a

terrible loss, he may be avoiding any aspect of medicine for a while. Do you

think

we need to write and encourage him to return? I must admit being remiss in

that I didn't send a condolence card, not knowing his snail mail address.

Perhaps if someone has it, it wouldn't be too late to show him our support. Or

even

via email. This is more in your line of work so let me know your thoughts,

Elaine

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/27/2003 4:59:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

daisyelaine@... writes:

> I haven't heard a word from since his wife passed away.

Dear Elaine,

After his wife passed away, I think wrote to say he would dedicate time

to continue his cancer research. I don't know what his plans were for the

thyroid sites.

I sent my condolences to him at this site, but I don't know if he still

visits here. It is a good idea for us to reach out to him--he certainly gave to

all of us, and he might need us now. I don't know his snail mail, either.

Maybe, if he reads this, he will know he is in our thoughts, and will let us

know

how to reach him.

Take care,

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Hi Joan,

Hopefully, he will see this. He devoted so much time and energy to patients

with hyperthyroidism and has helped so many people. In case he doesn't still

read the board, I'll email him tonight. Elaine

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/27/2003 10:26:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

daisyelaine@... writes:

> , I'll email him tonight. Elaine

Thanks, Elaine.

Best,

AntJoan