Intro

[Guest guest]

(from San Diego),

Welcome from another . I learned early on when joining message boards and

such to use " in SC " as my signature because there would be at least one

other on just about every one of them. It used to be a very popular name

and I find most 's are now around late 30's to early 50's in age. I'm in

the middle at 45 yrs.

I can't imagine how you have come so far in terms of dealing with such a sudden

hearing loss. You must be one special woman and a very brave one at that!

I hope someone is taking the sign language class with you so that you have that

person to practice with as well as a person who is communicating with you in

sign language.

How are you able to best communicate with others right now? Do you find the need

to rely on paper and pencil or are you able to lipread a bit. Lipreading takes a

long time for most folks to learn. I have been lipreading since birth

practically. But there are few that just seem to pick it up quickly. I compare

it to learning how to play the piano: some folks practice and practice and can

barely play a simple tune while others quickly learn to play it and you can't

predict who will be in what category. Same with lipreading.

Anyway, I would think you would be an ideal candidate. I'm no expert by any

means as I've just begun the process of hopefully getting a CI. I've been told

there are a few reasons that prevent one from getting a CI done such as

malformed cochlea, unrealistic expectations, not being able to spend time and

energy towards the adjustment and mapping process and some other things. I'm

sure others in this group will have more information on that.

Looks like we might be finishing up with the testing process about the same

time. My last testing is scheduled for Feb. 28th. I don't have it all scheduled

in two consecutive days. I have tests scheduled on various days throughout Feb.

in SC

hopeful that I'll be a candidate soon

" Be a thriver, not just a survivor; be an active participant in your treatment;

investigate every possible avenue; push the medical system to its limit; and

then, no matter what the outcome, you will not have been defeated and will have

lived life as fully (if not more so) than most. " From His Brother's Keeper: A

Story from the Edge of Medicine by Weiner

[Guest guest]

Hello Virg

Glad to see you made it here. I'm sure that someone will be able to

suggest something to be tried in your mapping sessions to give you a

better outcome, than what you have now. But, as we are all told, no

two cases are the same.

Ted F.

>

> Hi all,

>

> I just joined the list. My name is Virg and I live in Oregon in

> the US.

>

> It's been close to 4 months since my implant was activated.

>

> I'm 78 and had managed fairly well with hearing aids for at least

> 40 years but was finally at the point where I couldn't even manage

> one on one conversation in a quiet environment.

>

> I'm usually thankful for the delightful new sounds that I hadn't

> heard for so many years but now and then I'm impatient with

> the " Duck " or " Alvin the Chipmunk " sound of voices. I'd

> hoped that would change but it hasn't. I also get a tad

> discouraged with the far from perfect speech understanding at times.

>

> I *do* understand speech much better than before the implant,

> however, and I *am* grateful for that and I am enjoying being

> scolded by the birds, squirrels and frogs when I go outside.

>

> I have the Advanced Bionics implant, if that's of any interest.

>

> I'm happy that Ted pointed me to this group and am looking forward

> to reading your experiences.

>

> For those awaiting the operation I'd like to say that mine was a

> piece of cake, with virtually no recovery discomfort other than

> wearing the large ear protector for a few days.

>

> Virg

[Guest guest]

Hi Virg,

Welcome to the list. Had to laugh at you being scolded by the birds,

squirrels and frogs. Well, they're talking to you and they're glad you can

hear them! Sounds like you're doing real well, 4 months down the road.

I'm Binns, 51, San Diego, California. I just passed my 1 year CI

anniversary. I also have Advanced Bionics. Life is good, and I'm doing

very well, including talking on the phone, a lot, for my job. It does get

better, as time goes on. Enjoy what you're hearing, and before you know it

you'll be hearing even more!

Binns

----Original Message Follows----

From: " Virg " <jvtomlin@...>

Reply-

< >

Subject: Intro

Date: Sat, 8 Apr 2006 11:30:26 -0700

Hi all,

I just joined the list. My name is Virg and I live in Oregon in the US.

It's been close to 4 months since my implant was activated.

I'm 78 and had managed fairly well with hearing aids for at least 40 years

but was finally at the point where I couldn't even manage one on one

conversation in a quiet environment.

I'm usually thankful for the delightful new sounds that I hadn't heard for

so many years but now and then I'm impatient with the " Duck " or

" Alvin the Chipmunk " sound of voices. I'd hoped that would change but it

hasn't. I also get a tad discouraged with the far from perfect speech

understanding at times.

I *do* understand speech much better than before the implant, however, and I

*am* grateful for that and I am enjoying being scolded by the birds,

squirrels and frogs when I go outside.

I have the Advanced Bionics implant, if that's of any interest.

I'm happy that Ted pointed me to this group and am looking forward to

reading your experiences.

For those awaiting the operation I'd like to say that mine was a piece of

cake, with virtually no recovery discomfort other than wearing the large ear

protector for a few days.

Virg

[Guest guest]

Hello Virg and ,

I remembered my very first time to hear the birds chirp in the morning. I was

visiting my dad at his farm for couple days away from college, and it was like

two weeks after the activation. Very short time after being turned on. I

remembered being afraid that I wouldn't hear the slightest sound, and when I do,

I wouldn't even know it. I was completely wrong when I heard that certain

pattern of sound. It was soft, high, quick, and repeating. I was like isn't

that a bird chirping?

I kept hearing for couple hours, and it was quite annoying! I called out my

dad and asked him to come. I asked him if that was a bird. My dad listened

very hard as if he was straining to hear something. I asked him why he was

doing that? He said that he didn't hear anything until I pointed out that

patterned sound. He nodded and confirmed that I heard right. This moment

really assured me, and helped me to build faith and trust in my own hearing!

Needless to say, I was quite happy every since.

Regards,

Kent

Binns <treasure43@...> wrote:

Had to laugh at you being scolded by the birds,

squirrels and frogs. Well, they're talking to you and they're glad you can hear

them! Sounds like you're doing real well, 4 months down the road.

--Mekutochi

Left Ear -- Cochlear Nucleus Freedom

Implanted: August 15, 2005

Activated: August 23, 2005

Right Ear -- Pending

---------------------------------

Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using

Messenger with Voice.

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicki:

I am new to the site and had to respond to your message--I had the

same problem you had with my own doctor. I have had type 1 diabetes

for over 22 years now, so had already been regularly seeing an

endocrinologist when the hypothyroidism was diagnosed. I had to

convince my endocrinologist just to test me for hypothyroidism--he

insisted that couldn't be my problem. Boy, was HE surprised when

the results came back showing hypothyroidism...but I wasn't! For

years after, I kept telling him over and over again that I felt

awful and I was sure it was the thyroid--he kept saying no, your

test results show your thyroid level is now normal, so that can't be

the problem. I mentioned this in passing to my ob-gyn, who said,

and I quote: " You can't treat test results, you have to treat the

patient " . That inspired me to find a new endocrinologist, who I

LOVE. I told her how I felt, and she listened and raised my

synthroid immediately. Unfortunately, we've raised the synthroid up

as far as we can go before I start feeling hyper-thyroid symptoms,

and I still feel tired, sluggish and have no concentration...but I

feel good knowing that at my next checkup, my new doctor will be

open to trying other things to make me feel better.

I had to reply to you to tell you that you HAVE to insist to your

doctor, and that if he/she is not responsive, you HAVE to move on!

I'm convinced that no matter we don't have the medical degrees--we

know how we feel and it's our life--the doctor's job is to treat US,

not our test results.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

Teressa

>

> I was diagnosed hypo about 5 years ago. The synthroid/levoyxl

route is not working for me. Can I get doctors to understand this?

Of course not. I did finally get a referral to an endocronologist,

which I was hoping was going to help but he was totally useless. He

said, as all the other doctors do, my tests were normal and there

wasn't anything he could do for me. Okay, this was after seeing me

for a total of maybe a minute. No asking any questions at all. He

said it was like if I was a car that wasn't working, would I keep

putting gas in a car that wasn't working. Can we say idiot here!!!!

He saw in my records where I had been on Effexor (by a doctor who

was tired of hearing me tell him I was not feeling right and it was

totally my fault for taking the effexor which did not help at all,

big surprise), and said I think it's depression but I'm not a

specialist in that area. He then proceeded to walk out. Talk about

disappointment. So I was back to my primary care doctor who put me

on levoxyl, to try something new. It made me feel weird at night, so

I went back to synthroid until I can get back in to see her and

DEMAND the natural stuff which is what I have been asking for. I

have finally realized I have to be more assertive. Why are doctors

so reluctant to prescribe the natural stuff? At least this doctor

knows something isn't right but still won't prescribe the natural

stuff. I have been doing alot of reading and finally am starting to

get it all, I'm a slow learner, lol. I just wanted to be on a list

with those who understand and have advice.

> Vicki

>

[Guest guest]

The endo I went to was a total jerk. He wouldn't even listen to me as I tried to explain what was going on. He demanded to talk to my regular doctor first and was rude with her saying what do you want me to do for her. Well idiot, find out what's wrong. He said it looks like depression but I'm not a specialist in that area. And he's suppose to be a specialist. HA! That's when I found this site and realized I was the only one who was going to make sure I got better. I'm still trying to figure everything else out, making sure I get the right tests and then what I'd need if something is amiss but it's because of ME, not a doctor that I'm feeling 75% better than I ever did on synthetic CRAP. Glad you found a doctor that'll treat symptoms, that's awesome. I would definately tell your new doctor that you want to try natural stuff because I had all those symptoms you mentioned but now I don't and it feels great.

Vicki

Re: Intro

Hi Vicki:I am new to the site and had to respond to your message--I had the same problem you had with my own doctor. I have had type 1 diabetes for over 22 years now, so had already been regularly seeing an endocrinologist when the hypothyroidism was diagnosed. I had to convince my endocrinologist just to test me for hypothyroidism--he insisted that couldn't be my problem. Boy, was HE surprised when the results came back showing hypothyroidism...but I wasn't! For years after, I kept telling him over and over again that I felt awful and I was sure it was the thyroid--he kept saying no, your test results show your thyroid level is now normal, so that can't be the problem. I mentioned this in passing to my ob-gyn, who said, and I quote: "You can't treat test results, you have to treat the patient". That inspired me to find a new endocrinologist, who I LOVE. I told her how I felt, and she listened and raised my synthroid immediately. Unfortunately, we've raised the synthroid up as far as we can go before I start feeling hyper-thyroid symptoms, and I still feel tired, sluggish and have no concentration...but I feel good knowing that at my next checkup, my new doctor will be open to trying other things to make me feel better.I had to reply to you to tell you that you HAVE to insist to your doctor, and that if he/she is not responsive, you HAVE to move on! I'm convinced that no matter we don't have the medical degrees--we know how we feel and it's our life--the doctor's job is to treat US, not our test results.Good luck, I hope it works out for you.Teressa>> I was diagnosed hypo about 5 years ago. The synthroid/levoyxl route is not working for me. Can I get doctors to understand this? Of course not. I did finally get a referral to an endocronologist, which I was hoping was going to help but he was totally useless. He said, as all the other doctors do, my tests were normal and there wasn't anything he could do for me. Okay, this was after seeing me for a total of maybe a minute. No asking any questions at all. He said it was like if I was a car that wasn't working, would I keep putting gas in a car that wasn't working. Can we say idiot here!!!! He saw in my records where I had been on Effexor (by a doctor who was tired of hearing me tell him I was not feeling right and it was totally my fault for taking the effexor which did not help at all, big surprise), and said I think it's depression but I'm not a specialist in that area. He then proceeded to walk out. Talk about disappointment. So I was back to my primary care doctor who put me on levoxyl, to try something new. It made me feel weird at night, so I went back to synthroid until I can get back in to see her and DEMAND the natural stuff which is what I have been asking for. I have finally realized I have to be more assertive. Why are doctors so reluctant to prescribe the natural stuff? At least this doctor knows something isn't right but still won't prescribe the natural stuff. I have been doing alot of reading and finally am starting to get it all, I'm a slow learner, lol. I just wanted to be on a list with those who understand and have advice. > Vicki>

[Guest guest]

Really--you use natural stuff and you feel better now? What natural

stuff are you using now, I'd like to mention it to my doctor, since

I've only ever tried synthetic meds. I'm glad you're feeling better

and that you took your health into your own hands. It's just too

bad we have to deal with the jerky doctors before we find the good

ones!

Teressa

> >

> > I was diagnosed hypo about 5 years ago. The synthroid/levoyxl

> route is not working for me. Can I get doctors to understand

this?

> Of course not. I did finally get a referral to an

endocronologist,

> which I was hoping was going to help but he was totally useless.

He

> said, as all the other doctors do, my tests were normal and

there

> wasn't anything he could do for me. Okay, this was after seeing

me

> for a total of maybe a minute. No asking any questions at all.

He

> said it was like if I was a car that wasn't working, would I

keep

> putting gas in a car that wasn't working. Can we say idiot

here!!!!

> He saw in my records where I had been on Effexor (by a doctor

who

> was tired of hearing me tell him I was not feeling right and it

was

> totally my fault for taking the effexor which did not help at

all,

> big surprise), and said I think it's depression but I'm not a

> specialist in that area. He then proceeded to walk out. Talk

about

> disappointment. So I was back to my primary care doctor who put

me

> on levoxyl, to try something new. It made me feel weird at

night, so

> I went back to synthroid until I can get back in to see her and

> DEMAND the natural stuff which is what I have been asking for. I

> have finally realized I have to be more assertive. Why are

doctors

> so reluctant to prescribe the natural stuff? At least this

doctor

> knows something isn't right but still won't prescribe the

natural

> stuff. I have been doing alot of reading and finally am starting

to

> get it all, I'm a slow learner, lol. I just wanted to be on a

list

> with those who understand and have advice.

> > Vicki

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm on Armour. I started out with a half grain and am now up to 2 grains. I don't know what my optimal dose is yet but YEP, I feel 75% better so I know I still have a way to go yet. I am not tired all the time, have taken maybe a nap or two since I started taking it and that was usually when I needed to up a dose (you know you need to up the dose when symptoms return). I have no more brain fog, sadness, etc. Actually started feeling well after the first couple days I started taking it. I went and got flowers at Lowe's and went out and planted them, I think that was on day 2 or 3. I have much more energy. I printed off the info on www.stopthethyroidmadness.com and took it with me to my doctor appt and she said she would start me on the Armour and has been very excited that I feel better. I basically said you know what, I want to try Armour because I have been researching aobut my symptoms and have found that alot of people don't do well on the synthetic stuff and do much better on the natural meds. Thankfully she said yes because alot of doctors say no (and usually for stupid, uninformed reasons). Everyone is different but if something isn't working, it's time to try something else.

Vicki

Re: Intro

Really--you use natural stuff and you feel better now? What natural stuff are you using now, I'd like to mention it to my doctor, since I've only ever tried synthetic meds. I'm glad you're feeling better and that you took your health into your own hands. It's just too bad we have to deal with the jerky doctors before we find the good ones!Teressa> >> > I was diagnosed hypo about 5 years ago. The synthroid/levoyxl > route is not working for me. Can I get doctors to understand this? > Of course not. I did finally get a referral to an endocronologist, > which I was hoping was going to help but he was totally useless. He > said, as all the other doctors do, my tests were normal and there > wasn't anything he could do for me. Okay, this was after seeing me > for a total of maybe a minute. No asking any questions at all. He > said it was like if I was a car that wasn't working, would I keep > putting gas in a car that wasn't working. Can we say idiot here!!!! > He saw in my records where I had been on Effexor (by a doctor who > was tired of hearing me tell him I was not feeling right and it was > totally my fault for taking the effexor which did not help at all, > big surprise), and said I think it's depression but I'm not a > specialist in that area. He then proceeded to walk out. Talk about > disappointment. So I was back to my primary care doctor who put me > on levoxyl, to try something new. It made me feel weird at night, so > I went back to synthroid until I can get back in to see her and > DEMAND the natural stuff which is what I have been asking for. I > have finally realized I have to be more assertive. Why are doctors > so reluctant to prescribe the natural stuff? At least this doctor > knows something isn't right but still won't prescribe the natural > stuff. I have been doing alot of reading and finally am starting to > get it all, I'm a slow learner, lol. I just wanted to be on a list > with those who understand and have advice. > > Vicki> >> > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Hello Teressa and others,

I'm brand new here but was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1987. I

estimate that I had symptoms for 6 years before a sharp lady doctor

diagnosed my condition. The other guy was treating each symptom

individually, never putting the whole picture together.

Anyway, what I mainly wanted to say was at that time it took me 3

years on synthroid for all of my symptoms to go away and be able to

resume working a 40 hour week. I was in pretty bad shape at that

time. But even now, a medication adjustment takes about 2 months to

really kick in.

I don't know how long it's been that your synthroid was increased but

be patient, I have found that results are not usually instant but

they do come.

I am so glad for you that you have a doctor that is going to listen

to you. That makes such a big difference. Most times when I ask for a

blood test because I think my levels are off, I'm usually right. No

one knows a body better than the person living in it. I have also

found my symptoms to be the same no matter which direction my TSH is

off in. I guess, for me, when it's out of whack it's out of whack.

Too much synthroid doesn't give me the symptoms of hyperthyroid, just

makes me ill. I also have learned to chart my results and have found

that my own reference range does not match the textbooks. I had the

doctor make a big note of that in my chart becauses nurses would call

me and say " normal " test result, but it wasn't normal for me. I try

to not go any lower than 2, at 2.5 and lower I get symptomatic.

This invisible bodily malfunction is a terrible thing to go through

life with because no one understands it. I get a lot of blame and

little understanding from family and friends. It's very frustrating.

I'm really glad to have found this group and look forward to learning

what experiences other women have had with this life-altering disease.

Kindest regards,

BuffyB

> >

> > I was diagnosed hypo about 5 years ago. The synthroid/levoyxl

> route is not working for me. Can I get doctors to understand this?

> Of course not. I did finally get a referral to an endocronologist,

> which I was hoping was going to help but he was totally useless. He

> said, as all the other doctors do, my tests were normal and there

> wasn't anything he could do for me. Okay, this was after seeing me

> for a total of maybe a minute. No asking any questions at all. He

> said it was like if I was a car that wasn't working, would I keep

> putting gas in a car that wasn't working. Can we say idiot here!!!!

> He saw in my records where I had been on Effexor (by a doctor who

> was tired of hearing me tell him I was not feeling right and it was

> totally my fault for taking the effexor which did not help at all,

> big surprise), and said I think it's depression but I'm not a

> specialist in that area. He then proceeded to walk out. Talk about

> disappointment. So I was back to my primary care doctor who put me

> on levoxyl, to try something new. It made me feel weird at night,

so

> I went back to synthroid until I can get back in to see her and

> DEMAND the natural stuff which is what I have been asking for. I

> have finally realized I have to be more assertive. Why are doctors

> so reluctant to prescribe the natural stuff? At least this doctor

> knows something isn't right but still won't prescribe the natural

> stuff. I have been doing alot of reading and finally am starting to

> get it all, I'm a slow learner, lol. I just wanted to be on a list

> with those who understand and have advice.

> > Vicki

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Betty, I'm really sorry to hear about your mom. I remember meeting her when

you came and picked up the catfood. Do you remember me? I believe it was last

summer, I remember it being hot. I'm also sorry to hear about all that you are

going through physically. What was your original dose before you cut it in

half? Also, is there anyone on the group that was formally on Cymbalta?

(OKC)

Betty J <o2bquiltn2@...> wrote: My name

is Betty and I'm taking Lexapro. I stumbled onto this group by

accident. I " ve also got an anger/rage problem and battle depression. My

Mom's got severe Alz and it makes me angry that I can't stop her

disease from progressing. I've also got Arthritis, Fibromyalgia,

Hypothyroidism, Chronic Fatigue, RLS, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and a

few things I can't think of right now. LOL!

Lexapro has been causing me headaches, extreme fatigue, extreme

dizzyness, but I'm able to cope better w/my life after I cut my dose in

half. I could barely walk thru my house w/o holding on due to the

dizziness and driving my car became a problem. I'm extremely

independent and need to be able to drive to work/activities that enrich

my life.

Betty J in OKC

Less drama, less rules, More giving and getting! Friendlier moderators!! If

you want to give something for free, or get something for free Check out

http://finance./group/freestuffokc/

Don't want to give it away? Would you rather sell it? If it's $500 or less you

can sell it at http://finance./group/almostfreestuffokc/

---------------------------------

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

Betty,

How much were you taking when you cut the dose in half? Do you or did you also

experience anxiety? How has the Lex helped you? If you dont mind me asking.

Betty J <o2bquiltn2@...> wrote:

My name is Betty and I'm taking Lexapro. I stumbled onto this group by

accident. I " ve also got an anger/rage problem and battle depression. My

Mom's got severe Alz and it makes me angry that I can't stop her

disease from progressing. I've also got Arthritis, Fibromyalgia,

Hypothyroidism, Chronic Fatigue, RLS, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and a

few things I can't think of right now. LOL!

Lexapro has been causing me headaches, extreme fatigue, extreme

dizzyness, but I'm able to cope better w/my life after I cut my dose in

half. I could barely walk thru my house w/o holding on due to the

dizziness and driving my car became a problem. I'm extremely

independent and need to be able to drive to work/activities that enrich

my life.

Betty J in OKC

Luann

---------------------------------

Get your email and more, right on the new .com

[Guest guest]

I'm curious as to what dose you are now on. Studies have shown that the

thereputic effect of Lex does not rise with the side effects for doses over 10

Mg. In other words, there does not appear to be a huge benefit for most people

in upping from 10 to 20 Mg. but some side effects increase up to 81%. Ten Mg. of

Lex on the other hand, had side effects comparable to a placebo, making it one

of the SSRI's with the least side effects.

Betty J <o2bquiltn2@...> wrote: My name is Betty and I'm taking

Lexapro. I stumbled onto this group by

accident. I " ve also got an anger/rage problem and battle depression. My

Mom's got severe Alz and it makes me angry that I can't stop her

disease from progressing. I've also got Arthritis, Fibromyalgia,

Hypothyroidism, Chronic Fatigue, RLS, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and a

few things I can't think of right now. LOL!

Lexapro has been causing me headaches, extreme fatigue, extreme

dizzyness, but I'm able to cope better w/my life after I cut my dose in

half. I could barely walk thru my house w/o holding on due to the

dizziness and driving my car became a problem. I'm extremely

independent and need to be able to drive to work/activities that enrich

my life.

Betty J in OKC

---------------------------------

Stay in the know. Pulse on the new .com. Check it out.

[Guest guest]

good night Betty, you and I have a lot in common. I

also have FMS (which includes with it arthritis,

chronic fatigue and [if I remember correctly]

depression)and sleep apnea. Might I suggest that you

try taking the gloucos/condroiten for the arthritis?

I've been taking it for years and it really has helped

my arthritis. How's the counseling going for the

anger/rage problem? Counseling really helped me get

through a lot of issues and now I can really enjoy my

life a bit better despite the depression.

ak

--- Betty J <o2bquiltn2@...> wrote:

> My name is Betty and I'm taking Lexapro. I stumbled

> onto this group by

> accident. I " ve also got an anger/rage problem and

> battle depression. My

> Mom's got severe Alz and it makes me angry that I

> can't stop her

> disease from progressing. I've also got Arthritis,

> Fibromyalgia,

> Hypothyroidism, Chronic Fatigue, RLS, Obstructive

> Sleep Apnea, and a

> few things I can't think of right now. LOL!

>

> Lexapro has been causing me headaches, extreme

> fatigue, extreme

> dizzyness, but I'm able to cope better w/my life

> after I cut my dose in

> half. I could barely walk thru my house w/o holding

> on due to the

> dizziness and driving my car became a problem. I'm

> extremely

> independent and need to be able to drive to

> work/activities that enrich

> my life.

>

> Betty J in OKC

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I remember you. How're your kitties???? I contacted you recently

about a recliner. Remember? Actually, I stumbled across your 360 and

saw this group mentioned. I know that the dr just put me on Lexapro a

couple of months ago, so I thought I'd join and check out the group.

My origional dose is 10 mg, but due to my Fibro, I'm sensitive

chemically to some drugs. I learn thru trial and error. Lately the

pharmacist has noticed that I am getting extremely sicker when I have

a penicillin-based antibiotic Rx-ed. I've never taken Cymbalta. If

Lexapro doesn't work for me, I'm going back to Amytriptalline. It's

an OLD A-D that I've taken before.

Betty J iN OKC

>

> Hi Betty, I'm really sorry to hear about your mom. I remember

meeting her when you came and picked up the catfood. Do you remember

me? I believe it was last summer, I remember it being hot. I'm also

sorry to hear about all that you are going through physically. What

was your original dose before you cut it in half? Also, is there

anyone on the group that was formally on Cymbalta?

>

> (OKC)

[Guest guest]

I was taking 10 mg and had severe problems staying awake and battling

dizziness and headaches too. I'm better able not to get so furiously

angry and yell at my Mom. She's alot happier that I'm calmer and more

patient w/her. I have noticed that I'm having trouble beginning to

urinate and I'm holding water more, as well as eating like I'm starved.

I'm NOT happy about the wt gain I'm experiencing. Betty J in OKC

>

> Betty,

> How much were you taking when you cut the dose in half? Do you or

did you also experience anxiety? How has the Lex helped you? If you

dont mind me asking.

[Guest guest]

I've never seen anyone professionally for my anger. I do talk w/my

best friend from college daily/weekly and she understands. She was

the primary caretaker for her DM who passed from Parkinson's. Her

sister didn't help her out a bit either. Her sis and my 1/2-sis both

said, " Better you than me taking care of Mom. " My best friend helps

alot, because she's been there, done that. There's not much support

for us caretakers under 45 yrs old and now my social-life is

practically non-existant.

I do take glucosimine/chondroitin when I can't stand the pain

anymore. Making quilts/quilt blocks help alot for me to work thru my

depression, along w/the meds. I was pain-free for 14 days after the

pain specialist injected cortisone into the cartilage around the ball

of my hip. The pain started again after the cortisone leaked out. I

was extreemly happy pain-free and Mom noticed it too. I feel that my

depression is connected to my chronic pain + Mom's Alz.

Betty J in OKC

>

> good night Betty, you and I have a lot in common. I

> also have FMS (which includes with it arthritis,

> chronic fatigue and [if I remember correctly]

> depression)and sleep apnea. Might I suggest that you

> try taking the gloucos/condroiten for the arthritis?

> I've been taking it for years and it really has helped

> my arthritis. How's the counseling going for the

> anger/rage problem? Counseling really helped me get

> through a lot of issues and now I can really enjoy my

> life a bit better despite the depression.

> ak

>

[Guest guest]

Betty, I suffer from chronic pain and I've been told that depression goes with

it. I have a rare painful skin condition I have had since birth. Not a day goes

by that I don't have burning throbbing pain from somewhere on my body. I have

been on AD's since the late 80's because of my depression which probably started

when I was about 9 years old. I'm 58 now.Lexapro is the only AD that has worked

for me. I've been on every thing else out there and Lexapro is the one that

works for me.

Sue C

Re: Intro

I've never seen anyone professionally for my anger. I do talk w/my

best friend from college daily/weekly and she understands. She was

the primary caretaker for her DM who passed from Parkinson's. Her

sister didn't help her out a bit either. Her sis and my 1/2-sis both

said, " Better you than me taking care of Mom. " My best friend helps

alot, because she's been there, done that. There's not much support

for us caretakers under 45 yrs old and now my social-life is

practically non-existant.

I do take glucosimine/chondroitin when I can't stand the pain

anymore. Making quilts/quilt blocks help alot for me to work thru my

depression, along w/the meds. I was pain-free for 14 days after the

pain specialist injected cortisone into the cartilage around the ball

of my hip. The pain started again after the cortisone leaked out. I

was extreemly happy pain-free and Mom noticed it too. I feel that my

depression is connected to my chronic pain + Mom's Alz.

Betty J in OKC

>

> good night Betty, you and I have a lot in common. I

> also have FMS (which includes with it arthritis,

> chronic fatigue and [if I remember correctly]

> depression)and sleep apnea. Might I suggest that you

> try taking the gloucos/condroiten for the arthritis?

> I've been taking it for years and it really has helped

> my arthritis. How's the counseling going for the

> anger/rage problem? Counseling really helped me get

> through a lot of issues and now I can really enjoy my

> life a bit better despite the depression.

> ak

>

[Guest guest]

I think you're right about the depression being a

result of the pain and Alz. I think lots of people are

there. I suggest that you take the glouc/cond. on a

regular basis in order for it to work to its full

ability. I've been taking it for years and it has

greatly helped my walking and standing. I can actually

walk more than a block w/o pain. Too bad about the

cortisone leak. I had a shot in both of my knees at

least about 10yrs. ago and that has helped a lot too.

Getting counseling for anger management from a regular

counselor will get you the tools you need to recognize

the triggers sooner and how to deal with them and

control the anger. It's good to have someone that

understands you and will listen to you but

professional help will help you control it.

ak

--- Betty J <o2bquiltn2@...> wrote:

> I've never seen anyone professionally for my anger.

> I do talk w/my

> best friend from college daily/weekly and she

> understands. She was

> the primary caretaker for her DM who passed from

> Parkinson's. Her

> sister didn't help her out a bit either. Her sis and

> my 1/2-sis both

> said, " Better you than me taking care of Mom. " My

> best friend helps

> alot, because she's been there, done that. There's

> not much support

> for us caretakers under 45 yrs old and now my

> social-life is

> practically non-existant.

>

> I do take glucosimine/chondroitin when I can't stand

> the pain

> anymore. Making quilts/quilt blocks help alot for me

> to work thru my

> depression, along w/the meds. I was pain-free for 14

> days after the

> pain specialist injected cortisone into the

> cartilage around the ball

> of my hip. The pain started again after the

> cortisone leaked out. I

> was extreemly happy pain-free and Mom noticed it

> too. I feel that my

> depression is connected to my chronic pain + Mom's

> Alz.

>

> Betty J in OKC

>

>

> >

> > good night Betty, you and I have a lot in common.

> I

> > also have FMS (which includes with it arthritis,

> > chronic fatigue and [if I remember correctly]

> > depression)and sleep apnea. Might I suggest that

> you

> > try taking the gloucos/condroiten for the

> arthritis?

> > I've been taking it for years and it really has

> helped

> > my arthritis. How's the counseling going for the

> > anger/rage problem? Counseling really helped me

> get

> > through a lot of issues and now I can really enjoy

> my

> > life a bit better despite the depression.

> > ak

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

I'm sorry to hear about your health problems.

I also came across this group by luck (and I'm so glad I did-I have learned A LOT about c-toma). The people in this group are very knowledgeable (and friendly too).

Welcome to the group!

---------------------------------------

Original E-mail

From: shannon759@...

Sent: Sep 18, 2006 04:48 AM

cholesteatoma

Subject: intro

Hi, my name is . I just came upon the group by sheer dumb luck. I was born with a cleft palate and have many many many many ear operations. I don't think that I can count the amount of cholesteatomas I have had. I have had doctors who were butchers and doctors who were God-sends. I am now at a point where there is pretty much nothing more possible to do for me. I am very slowly losing my hearing and there is nothing I can do about it. I don't know if I am here for support or what. I will try and help anyone who has any questions to the best of my ability.

Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more.

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

Welcome! I am in no way an expert on iodine, so I am sorry but I can't

answer any of those questions. But what intrigued me was your

mentioning candida. You said you are watching your diet, so does that

mean you are on a " yeast-free " diet. I myself did it in 1994 and cured

myself after only 8 weeks. Hard as Hell, as far as diets go, but it

worked and cured all problems I had since a dermatologist put me on

tetracycline for 1 1/2 years. I have been yeast free ever since.

Anyhow, I just wondered, I still buy and then give away at least two

" yeast connection " books a year! Oh, and I just read an article

yesterday where Dr Truss did some studies on iodine and candida.

Intriguing stuff...

I really do hope your health just gets better and better, and I will

keep looking for you to see how you are doing!

Take care!

Amy

On Feb 21, 2007, at 5:34 PM, Carol wrote:

> Hi group. Thought I should introduce myself. A few of you know me from

> NTH and I see Gracia from the other thyroid group is here (please

> don't mentiont testosterone LOL).

>

> My problems began at birth and progessively got worse over the years.

> I will be 58 in June. I've tried MANY MANY things over the years

> including 6 grains of Armour, expensive supplements and hormones and

> NOTHING has worked. Well the first time I tried HC for adrenal fatigue

> it helped for a few weeks. then quit working after I crashed for 3

> weeks (history of a below normal temp dropping as low as 96 and

> leaving me flue like and fatigued. I won't go into all the details

> unless someone really wants them. I've currently come full circle in

> my search and I'm working on eleminating my candida using a product

> called Three lac and watching my diet. I'm also currently taking 1

> grain Thyroid S every other day. Testing and symptoms w/o meds show

> the need (at least to the alternative doctors) but it never does me

> any good. I even have delayed reflexes. When I go completely off I

> start to gain weight again (the ONLY good thing it did) so I'm staying

> on a little till I get completely well, then I will test probably

> through Health Check to see where my levels are. Iodine is something I

> haven't tried but was reading about it on NTH and decided maybe I

> should check it out. After all, I've tried everything else (long

> story). I have Brownsteins book comming and I'm slowing reading the

> posts here.

>

> I'm also on 50 mg of DHEA (since I couldn't get a script for

> Testosterone and I have a number of low symptoms)

> Some of my symptoms are: LOW to NO energy, muscle problems, chronic

> sinuitus with swelling and puffy eyes and facial/head pressure that is

> unbelievable (I am a litteral barometer), IBS, gluten intolerance

> (according to Entero Labs), osteoporosis, tinitus, ADD, memory

> problems, sinus/allergy (I'm currently back to allergy shots), NO sex

> drive and an inability to you know what (have these two symptoms for

> years) and probably some others. I also had my amalgams out 3 years

> ago or so (11 of them). Just getting them out did NOTHING. I did some

> ALA, and chlorella and noting happened either good or bad. I have

> since given up on that. I'm interested in the thread about iodine and

> detoxing heavy metals. The hair test from Doctors Data Lab showed a

> mercury problem (after the removal) and I couldn't decipher the rest

> of the test. I just read also that Iodine is good for candida killing.

>

> Look forward to learning and getting to know everyone. Carol B

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh, Carol I have to tell you also, I too gave up on Doctors, but I kept

praying and you know what...drumroll please....I just found the best

Doctor ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today!!!!!!!!!! She actually even said,

" were you ever tested for systemic yeast? " I almost cried. Get this,

I had a complete physical scheduled today, and you know what...they

took 5 hours with me!!! It was a doctor, a nurse, a nutritionist,

psychiatrist, and sports physiologist, and only me!!! I was teh only

patient!!! They did every test imagineable, and the things they have

ordered on my blood work I have never had any doctor order before, even

after I asked. And teh first thing they did, was sit with me and ask

about my medical history. ( After they drew blood, and bought me

whatever I wanted for breakfast! ) They took copious notes, and asked

questions, and talked to me for about 2 hours before anything else even

happened. I am giddy, I am eternally grateful, and I just wanted to

share the message of not giving up hope. I was told there are no MD's

that are also CAM practitioners near me. And lo and behold, the head

of the Women's Wellness Center at Hoag Hospital right here in Newport

Beach, CA is. She is 10 minutes from my home! I am elated!!!! It did

come with a price of $500. but I am so worth that!!!!!!!!!!!!! And

she also has tested some of her patients, in her family practice

office, for iodine Deficiency, it didn't sound like a lot, but she has,

and she even has some of them on Iodine supplements. It would be so

amazing if you lived in Southern CA, Oh I so hope you do, she is worth

any drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

take care again...and I only shared my story so you would be inspired

that your perfect Doctor match is out there!

Amy

> I forgot to mention that I did test positive for candida on a stool

> test from GSDL about 7 years ago. It wasn't treated to well by two

> doctors. i also went to Dr. Amand (What Your Doctor May Not Tell you

> about Fibromyalgia) and he confirmed I had fibro with fatigue being

> worse for me. I have also GIVEN up on doctors so I'm on my own (with

> the help of my Lord). LOL Thanks, Carol B

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Amy your message intrigues me. I live in San Diego and could get to Newport Beach easily. I had been planning to see a doctor in La Jolla about iodine deficiency and about hormone replacement, but I forgot to mention that I think I have some candida problems too. Could you tell us what they are doing about candida for you, if that is what they found? I'm wondering if I should go to the clinic you speak of instead of this Dr. H. I have had a coated tongue for years... my doctor says oh I know how to fix that! You just brush it daily with your toothbrush. Grrrrrrr...

Marji AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Hi Marji,

Actually, I am there because I have a goiter, and was wondering if I am

Iodine Deficient. In our lengthy health history assessment, she had

asked if I was ever on a broad spectrum anitbiotic for a long time, and

I took Tetracycline for a year and half, which destroyed my system for

years. So, that is how systemic candida came up. anyhow, I just had

blood work done on 1/30/2007, so they ordered more blood work for a

complete thyroid check up, I noticed they had written down to check my

blood for mercury, magnesium, intracellular magnesium (i think I have

that right?), yeast, and quite a few more, that aren't coming to me.

The girls at teh blood lab had never had a Doctor request most of these

tests, so they had to keep looking them up as to what viles to use for

collecting my blood, and they even said they were going to have to call

teh Doctors office to check on some they couldn't find! Then the news,

10 viles and teh suggestion that I might want to lay down for

it...gulp. Now then , just so you know, this is a Women's Wellness

Facility in Hoag Hospital, and insurance doesn't cover any kind of

preventative health screening or care. So, you have to pay teh $500.

for teh assessment. they can draw blood there, but they knew I am on

an HMO and they were trying to save me some money. Don't know how much

of the blood work is even going to get covered, but I just don't

care!!! It is worth every penny for a peace of mind.

So, I am waiting for my results and have an appointment scheduled in

two weeks to go over what is found, and I am also hoping to have the

Iodine test done and results back from Dr Flechas by then. (I didn't

know they would do that there until yesterday!) Anyhow, about the

tongue, they even check that too!!! I was told my little tongue was

fat or swollen, and that it was a little shaky...huh? So, I can't wait

to go back to get some answers. She is a very bright doctor, awesome

bedside manner, great laugh, laughs easily too, kind hearted, and did

such a thorough examination, I tell you Ijust have never felt so taken

care of in my life from anyone in the medical industry..It was just an

amazing experience!!! So, if you can...ABSOLUTELY GO!!!!!!! If you

find you really love her, her family practice office is in Aliso

Viejo, which is even closer to you!!!

So, the info is The Sue & Bill Gross Women's Wellness Center at Hoag

Hospital in Newport Beach, CA. The number is 949-764-5437. It is

right off of PCH, with beautiful views from every room even. And it

goes from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, or longer like me. I didn't get out

until 1:30. Please let me know if you go and your experience, and if

you want you can say Amy Lerbakken raved about them and recommended

them!!! Oh and one more thing I really liked, she said " if all your

tests come back that your thyroid is fine, I want to do a different 24

hour urine test, to see if you are secreting (I cant remember teh word,

I had never heard it before) and check that. Because that too could be

causing your heart palpitations, because you said you get them hours

after you exercise right? And if that is it, that can be fixed with a

simple supplement! " So, that means to me, she really wants to get me

back in total working order. And I just love that idea!

So, take care, sorry for the length, I am just over the top about

finding such a great Doctor!!!!!!

Amy

On Feb 22, 2007, at 8:52 AM, marjij@... wrote:

> Amy your message intrigues me.  I live in San Diego and could get to

> Newport Beach easily.  I had been planning to see a doctor in La Jolla

> about iodine deficiency and about hormone replacement, but I  forgot

> to mention that I think I have some candida problems too.  Could you

> tell us what they are doing about candida for you, if that is what

> they found?  I'm wondering if I should go to the clinic you speak of

> instead of this Dr. H.   I have had a coated tongue for years... my

> doctor says oh I know how to fix that!  You just brush it daily with

> your toothbrush.  Grrrrrrr...

> Marji 

>

>

>

> AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free

> from AOL at AOL.com.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy. I'm so happy that you have found a good doctor. I lived in So

Calif till I was 11 and my parents divorced. We lived in La Crecenta

and my father had a gift shop in Montrose (back in the 50's). I

currently live in Sonora (3 hours east of the Bay Area in the

foothills of the Sierra Nevada). I'm sitting here with at least 6

inches of wet snow out side and wishing for summer. LOL It is

beautiful to look at though. Another thing I didn't mention in my

other post was S.A.D. I remember sleeping 12 hours a night in the

winter and sitting around all day wrapped in a blanket. Talk about a

BEAR. LOL I'm not quite as bad these days but still prefer sunshine. I

can be sitting in misery and all of a sudden I will get up and start

doing dishes. Then I realize the sun is trying to come out. HMM. Even

if I can't keep it up. Full spectrum lighting is on my wish list.

A friend of mine called a while back and asked if I was still looking

for a doctor (she works at the hospital). I told her no. He is a new

D.O. I believe in the county and I may change my mind and go see him.

Esp if he takes Blue Cross. haven't decided yet. If the candida is

truly what's wrong I can do that on my own. I might try iodine but not

till I have more info. Carol B

P.S. As to yeast and candida, Crook himself said before passing away

that one DIDN'T need to avoid yeast UNLESS you had a problem with it.

There's so much controversy over how to treat this.

[Guest guest]

I keep thinking of things. LOl When I went Gluten Free I also went

dairy free for a time. Didn't solve any of my problems. I'm now back

on dairy and seem to be doing ok. There was one other thing but I've

forgotten. Off to take a nap. Carol B

--