Re: Trying to avoid RAI

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Yes, there is a list of supplements and foods that will greatly help you with

your thyroid. I highly recommend you go to into our website

www.ithyroid.com. is a leader of our group and he is highly

recommended. You will find " why " you shouldn't get RAI. Taking supplements

is the best thing you could do for your health!!!

<A HREF= " http://ithyroid.com/ " >http://ithyroid.com/</A>

Best to you,

Kozy

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Please go our Web site at iThyroid.com for the info you requested. Please do

not consider RAI, as it causes many more side effects and symptoms than it

fixes, and the resultant hypothyroidism will be permanent. Also, RAI causes

severe eye problems, even for those w/hyperT who did not have them before. I

think when you read the info on our site, you will agree that RAI is not the

way to go. You can also show the info to your family.

If PTU hasn't worked for you, maybe your endo can prescribe Tapezol. Are you

taking beta blockers, such as Atenol, for your heart?

Give the supplements time to work. Eat lots of tofu and broccoli to slow

your thyroid. Good luck!

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

, check out 's supplement list at iThyroid.com

In your multivitamin, you may be getting too much zinc. The proper ratio for

normal people is 8 times as much zinc as copper, but in hyperthyroidism the

balance is way off with zinc excess so you want to use more like a 3:1 ratio.

Also, make sure there is no iodine in your multi-vite as it too will

exacerbate symptoms. And eat plenty of goitrogens, foods like soy, peanuts,

broccoli, etc which inhibit thyroid hormone production. Avoid saturated fats

and sugar too. Sounds like you're on the right track, but some of these other

tips might help you. So will meditation, yoga and other methods of stress

reduction.

Also, if your doc is only running a TSH, there's no way to tell if you're

still hyper or not. It can take a long time for pituitary TSH to adequately

reflect what's going on with your thyroid hormone levels. Make sure you're

also having at least an FT4 level and better yet, both FT4 and FT3. Too many

docs are too quick to jump on the RAI bandwagon. You might want to direct

your family to the atomicwomen website at onelist. Not only is RAI likely to

make your eye symptoms worse, but the symptoms of hypoT are frequently worse

than those of hyperT. Also, did your doc at least give you a beta adrenergic

blocking agent (beta blocker drug like propranolol or atenolol or metoprolol)

to help with cardiac symptoms? Keep asking questions and good luck, elaine

[Guest guest]

,

Another suggestion: Acupuncture can work wonders for thyroid illness; in

China, about 90% of those with thyroid illness are cured this way. Can you

find an acupuncturist/herbalist in your area?

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I've been up and down with Graves for three years now. This last bout with

severe hyper symptoms took over six months to bring under control with

tapazole. At one point I was taking 65mg's four x's a day. During the last

three months I've developed pretty bad TED too. I almost gave in and said

yes to RAI, but common sense and sel-preservations instincts prevailed. I'm

dowm to 5mg. tapazole a day, and I think I'may be moving to hypo again as I

did the first time. THIS time I know better what to watch for and so take

better care of myself. My bottom line message is; this disease can be very

slow to respond to treatment of ANY kind. One MUST be patient, (I know that

is very hard under the symptoms we suffer) and trust that eventually

treatment DOES kick in. I take all the supplements and try to pay attention

to my body signals. By all means ask your endo for an adjustment of meds,

but don't expect an immediate change as you would with most other drug use.

We've become spoiled and expect instant effects with modern drugs. This

disease is a giant that is hard to change, and that can change in a

heartbeat once it decides to, hence the need for constant attention. Sorry

to go on so, I share your frustration.

' in FLA

Trying to avoid RAI

>

>

> Hi,

> My name is Warren. I'm 44 years old, and was diagnosed with

> Grave's Disease last December. I've been on PTU since then. At my

> last appointment my endo said it didn't look like the PTU was going

> to bring me into remission, so I'm to think about the RAI and let her

> know at my July 26th appointment. I don't want to have RAI, and have

> only been taking 100 mg. PTU per day, along with the bugleweed,

> motherwort tincture four times a day, and supplements. I am taking a

> multiple vitamin, plus A, E, Calcium with minerals, Copper and

> selenium. My question is, how long does anyone out there think it

> will take to get my symptoms under control. I have been taking the

> bugleweed compound for over a month, but just recently started the

> supplements. I don't feel too bad, but have heart palpitations when

> nervous or excited, and my eyes are puffy and protruding. My family

> is bugging me to get the RAI because they think that will solve the

> eye thing. From what I read it doesn't. I've also been searching

> for nutritional supplements but would really like to find a good list

> of what foods contain thyroid inhibiting properties. If anyone has

> such a thing, could you direct me to it?

> thanks,

> nancy warren

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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> 1/5803/13/_/6563/_/963246840/

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>

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>

[Guest guest]

Dear Warren,

While RAI can be a good choice of treatment, you need to know that it can

aggravate TED , which it sounds like you have.

I took RAI and 4 months later, had TED symptoms. Please educate yourself

with the facts. While this is a good group to gather personal experience,

please consult the many sites for medical facts as well.

The Thyroid Solution by Dr. Arem Ridha is a good reference book. I must

tell you that you will be faced with lots of conflicting facts and you must

make the best choice for you.

I wish you the best and please feel free to contact me at temk@....

My best,

Trying to avoid RAI

>

>

>Hi,

>My name is Warren. I'm 44 years old, and was diagnosed with

>Grave's Disease last December. I've been on PTU since then. At my

>last appointment my endo said it didn't look like the PTU was going

>to bring me into remission, so I'm to think about the RAI and let her

>know at my July 26th appointment. I don't want to have RAI, and have

>only been taking 100 mg. PTU per day, along with the bugleweed,

>motherwort tincture four times a day, and supplements. I am taking a

>multiple vitamin, plus A, E, Calcium with minerals, Copper and

>selenium. My question is, how long does anyone out there think it

>will take to get my symptoms under control. I have been taking the

>bugleweed compound for over a month, but just recently started the

>supplements. I don't feel too bad, but have heart palpitations when

>nervous or excited, and my eyes are puffy and protruding. My family

>is bugging me to get the RAI because they think that will solve the

>eye thing. From what I read it doesn't. I've also been searching

>for nutritional supplements but would really like to find a good list

>of what foods contain thyroid inhibiting properties. If anyone has

>such a thing, could you direct me to it?

>thanks,

>nancy warren

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Law.com is the preeminent online destination for legal professionals.

>Visit Law.com for exclusive content from American Lawyer Media, online

>CLE Seminars, Practice Centers and Career Listings.

>1/5803/13/_/6563/_/963246840/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

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>Visit Law.com for exclusive content from American Lawyer Media, online

>CLE Seminars, Practice Centers and Career Listings.

>1/5803/13/_/6563/_/963248229/

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>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Anyone including the physician will tell you the eyes are not refined

by the RAI. In fact, I don't know why physicians don't mention it

but patients taking carbamazole (medication) before RAI have a

40% chance of the RAI not working and having to do it again, and

sometimes again.

My mother kept telling me to see a doctor to let 'him' help while I

was getting the acupuncture done (it took 1 year). I told her " I

would if I gave up on the acupuncture (and I was complaining quite

a bit about my stiff eye muscles). My eye muscles are still a bit

stiff and I will be 44 this January and my eyelids have nearly

disappeared (they say from aging). Anyway, even when I reached

remission my mother couldn't believe it. In fact, I told a grown

woman who is hypo what I had done, remission with acupuncture

and herbs, and she said it wasn't possible. But it happened!!! In

fact it is still happening!!!

I know you don't feel good. FOr me, remission wasn't paradise

reached. It took a good year...I am taking supplements even

though I am in remission and I will continue to for a long, long time.

As far as WHEN it will happen for you, I suspect in a year or so

(not in a month). My acupuncturist aimed primarily and keeping

the heart palpitations at null (none!) That is the aim. After that it is

waiting, I think. Swan

[Guest guest]

Hi -

Sounds like your doctor is jumping the gun. You've been on ATD's

(AntiThyroid Drugs, PTU) for all of 7 months now. According to the

New England Journal of Medicine from 1996, 40 to 50 percent of

Graves'

patients treated for a **YEAR** with ATD's remain euthyroid (normal

thyroid levels) after therapy is discontinued. So the least she

could

do is give you another 5 months before she starts her pressure play

for radical, destructive treatment.

And if remission doesn't work, it's not the end of the world.

Several

of us have been on PTU or Tapazole for several years, with no harmful

effects. Personally, I've been on Tapazole for 21 years.

Get tough with your doctor. Tell her it's YOUR body and whatever

you're doing is making you feel better. If she won't let up, find

another doctor, and another -- until you find one that will respect

your wishes. These doctors have GOT to get off this kick of trying

to

nuke everyone in sight!!

Get on over to www.iThyroid.com and start reading everything you can.

has put so much valuable info there, and it's helping so many

people. And listen to the other group members. They're all

wonderful people who have been there and will help you through this.

Relax, keep using the therapy methods that are working to make you

feel good. Take control of your life, and send your current endo

packing if you have to. I've told plenty of them to take a hike. I

finally found a decent endo, so it can be done. You gotta do what

you

gotta do.

The best of luck to you,

Chris

> Hi,

> My name is Warren. I'm 44 years old, and was diagnosed with

> Grave's Disease last December. I've been on PTU since then. At my

> last appointment my endo said it didn't look like the PTU was going

> to bring me into remission, so I'm to think about the RAI and let

her

> know at my July 26th appointment. I don't want to have RAI, and

have

> only been taking 100 mg. PTU per day, along with the bugleweed,

> motherwort tincture four times a day, and supplements. I am taking

a

> multiple vitamin, plus A, E, Calcium with minerals, Copper and

> selenium. My question is, how long does anyone out there think it

> will take to get my symptoms under control. I have been taking the

> bugleweed compound for over a month, but just recently started the

> supplements. I don't feel too bad, but have heart palpitations

when

> nervous or excited, and my eyes are puffy and protruding. My

family

> is bugging me to get the RAI because they think that will solve the

> eye thing. From what I read it doesn't. I've also been searching

> for nutritional supplements but would really like to find a good

list

> of what foods contain thyroid inhibiting properties. If anyone has

> such a thing, could you direct me to it?

> thanks,

> nancy warren

[Guest guest]

I know acupuncture helps but never heard is actually " cures " such a high

percentage...

Re: Trying to avoid RAI

,

Another suggestion: Acupuncture can work wonders for thyroid illness; in

China, about 90% of those with thyroid illness are cured this way. Can you

find an acupuncturist/herbalist in your area?

AntJoan

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[Guest guest]

Dear Mona,

Acupuncture is the treatment of choice in China, where it is very successful.

I don't know the success rates for U.S. practitioners, who may not be as

experienced.

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

You really have to try the ithyroid.com site. I know Deb

Spiritwalker is going to naturopathic medicine and there are others

getting acupuncture and/or herbs who are feel better. My heart

palps subsided within a month of chinese herbs/acupuncture. My

pulse went down to the 60s after a few months. THAT MAKES A

DIFFERENCE. Then it was waiting. I admit frustration and fret

throughout the wait. I thought the day would come it would be

normal and then leave. But it didn't. I am riding my bicycle about

10 miles a day, up and down slopes in Portland, OR. I am so glad I

slowed down and waited. Swan

[Guest guest]

Hi MOna,

I tried acupuncture for several months. My doc said to do something

else, because it wasn't working. I tried it with the CHinese herbs. It

just didn't work. I am on PTU now wth no side effects yet. I have been

on it almost a month.

Deb

[Guest guest]

, Maybe you need a new doc. My endo is treating me with 200mg PTU 3

times a day. He said he would probably lower it my next visit. He said I

could take it for as long as I want. You need someone who will work with

you and give you time to make about what you need.

Good luck,

Deb

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb, I'm also on PTU (4 years on and off). I'm leery about herbs so I

prefer vitamins. I guess everyone has a different trigger to what will work

for them! Chances are PTU will work fine for you, good luck Mona

Re: Trying to avoid RAI

Hi MOna,

I tried acupuncture for several months. My doc said to do something

else, because it wasn't working. I tried it with the CHinese herbs. It

just didn't work. I am on PTU now wth no side effects yet. I have been

on it almost a month.

Deb

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[Guest guest]

Hi Swan: Your comment about your eyelids disappearing caught my attention.

I don't know whether this applies to you or not, but it has been my

experience that my eyelids retract (disappear) when my thyroid levels are

higher than normal. Have you had your levels checked lately? Joyce

[Guest guest]

Joyce, there may be something to that particular. I last had the

test done June 5. TSH is normal. I find the TSH does not

fluctuate when in remission. I have been tested about 4 times in 1

year.

The anti-body test would be interesting. I never got that done. I just

know the eyelids dropping is hormonal/health issue. I'll just have to

adjust to my body not being as it was. Still, I am exercising alot

and have found muscle tone filling in the bumps. I am trying to

maintain a weight between 119-129 for my small boned, 5'5 size.

Swan

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the advice. Yes, my doctor did prescribe a beta blocker, but I don't like to take it because it covers the symptoms and I can't tell if I'm doing better or not.

Warren

Re: Trying to avoid RAI

Dear ,Please go our Web site at iThyroid.com for the info you requested. Please do not consider RAI, as it causes many more side effects and symptoms than it fixes, and the resultant hypothyroidism will be permanent. Also, RAI causes severe eye problems, even for those w/hyperT who did not have them before. I think when you read the info on our site, you will agree that RAI is not the way to go. You can also show the info to your family. If PTU hasn't worked for you, maybe your endo can prescribe Tapezol. Are you taking beta blockers, such as Atenol, for your heart?Give the supplements time to work. Eat lots of tofu and broccoli to slow your thyroid. Good luck!AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I'm certainly against taking meds if possible, but I took the beta blocker

when I was hyperT because hyperT can damage your heart, and the beta blocker

protects it. I know it's important to monitor how you're doing, and

generally I don't believe in covering symptoms, but if a symptom is dangerous

and can harm a vital organ, temporary use of meds might not be a bad idea.

I don't know what others think about this--maybe it's discussed on iThyroid.

If not, should know the answer.

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

You are getting wrong info. RAI does not cause eye disease. It can aggravate. Eye disease can surface prior, during or after the thryoid imbalance. RAI has nothing to do with when or if you get the eye disease.

Please be careful of the information you get from some of these sites!

I wish you the best!

K

Re: Trying to avoid RAI

Thanks for the advice. Yes, my doctor did prescribe a beta blocker, but I don't like to take it because it covers the symptoms and I can't tell if I'm doing better or not.

Warren

Re: Trying to avoid RAI

Dear ,Please go our Web site at iThyroid.com for the info you requested. Please do not consider RAI, as it causes many more side effects and symptoms than it fixes, and the resultant hypothyroidism will be permanent. Also, RAI causes severe eye problems, even for those w/hyperT who did not have them before. I think when you read the info on our site, you will agree that RAI is not the way to go. You can also show the info to your family. If PTU hasn't worked for you, maybe your endo can prescribe Tapezol. Are you taking beta blockers, such as Atenol, for your heart?Give the supplements time to work. Eat lots of tofu and broccoli to slow your thyroid. Good luck!AntJoan

[Guest guest]

RAI does both induce and exacerbate thyroid eye disease. This has been

demonstrated in several studies, particularly those of Bartalena et al. And

this info can be found in the current issues of both ' Endocrinology

and Samter's Textbook of Immunological Diseases. If you read anything

published prior to 1998, you'll find this is still a controversial topic, so

you'll have to check current information.

The reason for this is because RAI stimulates the immune system and causes a

tremendous increase in the production of stimulating TSH receptor antibodies

and it causes the release of stimulating TSH receptor antibodies from dying

thyroid cells. With the increased production of these antibodies, many

cytokines are produced. These cause the orbital fibroblasts to differentiate

into cells which produce glycosaminoglycogan, the substance which causes the

congestive infiltration of thyroid eye disease.

[Guest guest]

That's true, I think I'll start taking the beta blocker.

Re: Trying to avoid RAI

Dear ,I'm certainly against taking meds if possible, but I took the beta blocker when I was hyperT because hyperT can damage your heart, and the beta blocker protects it. I know it's important to monitor how you're doing, and generally I don't believe in covering symptoms, but if a symptom is dangerous and can harm a vital organ, temporary use of meds might not be a bad idea.I don't know what others think about this--maybe it's discussed on iThyroid. If not, should know the answer.AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Hi

I agree with this posting. The RAI does NOT cause eye disease. It can

leave you more prone to it, but the eye disease is not inevitable. Keep

on taking the beta blockers - they're really important.

Best of luck,

Katetemk wrote:

>

> Dear ,

>

> You are getting wrong info. RAI does not cause eye disease. It can

> aggravate. Eye disease can surface prior, during or after the thryoid

> imbalance. RAI has nothing to do with when or if you get the eye

> disease.

>

> Please be careful of the information you get from some of these sites!

>

> I wish you the best!

>

> K

>

> Re: Trying to avoid RAI

>

> Thanks for the advice. Yes, my doctor did prescribe a beta

> blocker, but I don't like to take it because it covers the

> symptoms and I can't tell if I'm doing better or not.

> Warren

>

> Re: Trying to avoid RAI

>

> Dear ,

>

> Please go our Web site at iThyroid.com for the

> info you requested. Please do

> not consider RAI, as it causes many more side

> effects and symptoms than it

> fixes, and the resultant hypothyroidism will be

> permanent. Also, RAI causes

> severe eye problems, even for those w/hyperT who

> did not have them before. I

> think when you read the info on our site, you will

> agree that RAI is not the

> way to go. You can also show the info to your

> family.

>

> If PTU hasn't worked for you, maybe your endo can

> prescribe Tapezol. Are you

> taking beta blockers, such as Atenol, for your

> heart?

>

> Give the supplements time to work. Eat lots of

> tofu and broccoli to slow

> your thyroid. Good luck!

>

> AntJoan

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Elaine -

It's so refreshing to read information from someone who is so well

educated on the subject of thyroid disease. It saddens me to see

other BB's on the net which are pumping out misinformation and duping

so many into believing that RAI is harmless. I've read far too many

testimonials where TED developed after RAI, not to mention other

consequences.

Thanks so much for all of your valuable contributions. I personally

have learned more from you than 90 percent of the endos I've

seen--all

put together!! I am very much looking forward to your wonderful

book.

At least it will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but

the

truth! Please let us know when it's available.

Warmest regards,

Chris

> RAI does both induce and exacerbate thyroid eye disease. This has

been

> demonstrated in several studies, particularly those of Bartalena et

al. And

> this info can be found in the current issues of both '

Endocrinology

> and Samter's Textbook of Immunological Diseases. If you read

anything

> published prior to 1998, you'll find this is still a controversial

topic, so

> you'll have to check current information.

>

> The reason for this is because RAI stimulates the immune system and

causes a

> tremendous increase in the production of stimulating TSH receptor

antibodies

> and it causes the release of stimulating TSH receptor antibodies

from dying

> thyroid cells. With the increased production of these antibodies,

many

> cytokines are produced. These cause the orbital fibroblasts to

differentiate

> into cells which produce glycosaminoglycogan, the substance which

causes the

> congestive infiltration of thyroid eye disease.

[Guest guest]

' -- Hi! I'm a little behind in reading my e-mail (obviously). Since

you have gone from hyper to hypoT, I wonder if you could tell me what the

signs for hypo are.

I'm currently taking Tapazole and Atenolol. My problem is how to tell when

you are at about the right point between hyperT and hypo??????

The only symptom I am aware of for hypoT is sleepiness. Do you have any

good suggestions? Thanks so much. Helen