Fw: [ThyroidNews] Sticking Out Our Necks / August 2001 / # 52

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FYI -- for all of us with thyroid problems!

MM / NSIF

----- Original Message ----- From: Shomon

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Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 10:31 PM

Subject: [ThyroidNews] Sticking Out Our Necks / August 2001 / # 52

- - - - - S t i c k i n g O u t O u r N e c k s !! - - - - - - The Thyroid Disease News Report by Shomon "We're Patients...NOT Lab Values!!"Issue #52 August 2001=================================================Welcome to the fifty-second issue of "Sticking Out Our Necks!" my thyroid disease news report. This newsletter is copyright Shomon, and cannot be legally reproduced without permission. Feel free, however, to forward a single copy to someone who might be interested in reading the newsletter or subscribing to it in the future.ON THE WEB: My Thyroid Disease Information Source and News Report home page is located at http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com , and I also run a comprehensive Thyroid Disease site at About.com, which you can visit at http://thyroid.about.com . SEND NEWS! If you see something thyroid-related in the news or on the web, please feel free to let me know, send me a note, or forward the URL to me if it's on the web. My email is mshomon@... , regular mail is P.O. Box 0385, Palm Harbor, FL 34682, fax is: 301-493-5224.TO SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE AND CONTRIBUTE: This news report is distributed via a list service formerly called Egroups and now managed by , and is never sent unsolicited. (Note: Your email address is sacred and will not be sold or made available to ANYONE!) To subscribe to "Sticking Out Our Necks" visit the Thyroid Disease News Report Subscription Center, at ThyroidNews OR you can send a blank message to mailto:ThyroidNews-subscribe To unsubscribe, send an email tomailto:ThyroidNews-unsubscribe . To contribute information, thoughts or ideas for the newsletter, write to me, the editor, Shomon personally, at mailto:mshomon@...BACK ISSUES: You can purchase a PDF copy of "Sticking Out Our Necks: 1997-2000, a more than 200-page compilation of back issues from July 1997 through August of 2000. To purchase online and download a secure PDF file for $9.95, visit: http://www.mightywords.com/browse/details_bc05.jsp?sku=MWQHZ8 & privateLabel=falseMY BOOK: "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know, was published March 2000, by Harper, and is a bestseller now in its ninth printing. The Los Angeles Times calls it "a first-rate book." The book is available in your local bookstores. FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND ONLINE ORDERS, see http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com/booktoc.htm . FOR PHONE ORDERS IN THE U.S., call Politics and Prose Bookstore, 800-722-0790. =================================================NEW EMAIL NEWSLETTERSI'm launching two new email newsletters -- Autoimmune Update, and Thyroid Diet News -- later this year, which will feature key links and recaps of key information. If you'd like to sign up for either of these free newsletters, please send an email to mshomon@... ( mailto:mshomon@... ), with "Subscribe Autoimmune Update," or "Subscribe Thyroid Diet News" in the subject line. =================================================THE FIRST HOME TSH TESTS ARE COMING ON THE MARKET! Thyroid patients can now take advantage of an exciting development -- the FDA approval of the first home thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test. The test is manufactured by Biosafe, a Chicago-based company that also makes home tests for cholesterol, blood sugar, and several other conditions. Those of you who have read my book know that a home TSH test was something I was hoping would be developed and launched soon, and so when I heard about Biosafe's new home TSH test, I was very pleased to see that a product had finally been developed. With the home test kit, you order a kit, which is then mailed to you, and take the test in the privacy of your own home. You don't need a doctor's prescription, you don't need a visit to the doctor, you don't need to have blood drawn from your arm, and you don't have to pay the sometimes exorbitant markups charged by many doctors and labs for a TSH test! And, you can get accurate results that your doctor can rely on -- this is not a controversial urine or saliva test that may not be considered reliable by some physicians. This is a highly accurate TSH blood test, with the same accuracy as the lab tests that your doctor typically uses. Biosafe's test kit makes doing your own test easy, and almost painless. Using the special finger lancet, all you need is a couple of drops of blood from your finger, which you put into their special collection device. So, no needle in the arm -- a factor which actually prevents many people from getting much-needed diagnostic or monitoring tests. You then send your sample to Biosafe's labs for analysis. Results are mailed back to you quickly. Many doctors and labs charge anywhere from $40 or $50 for a TSH test -- plus the doctor's visit of course -- and some patients report that their doctors mark up TSH tests to as much as $125 -- PLUS doctor's visit fees. Biosafe will begin shipping this new test kit in October, but currently, they are running a special price of $29.95 per kit for anyone who wants to advance order one or more kits. This is a phenomenal price for a TSH test. Even when this introductory price special is over, the regular price of $39.95 is still a quite affordable way to get this important test. Biosafe is ideal for people who are having a hard time convincing their doctor to even perform a TSH test, or if you're being treated for thyroid disease, but are in an HMO where you're only approved for an annual test. Remember, you should always follow up on any unusual results with your own doctor, but the home test can give you information that can help you in your own efforts to live well and stay well! If you want to order your Biosafe home TSH test kit at the introductory price of $29.95, go to http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com/tshtest.htm or click on the following link:http://www.ebiosafe.com/frame.asp?Current_Category=1 & Current_Product=30 & Affiliate=123483(if the link is broken, cut and paste the entire URL into your browser window to get to the right page)Or, you can call Biosafe toll-free at 1-800-768-8446, extension 123Biosafe is currently accepting advance orders only, but again, they expect to ship kits beginning October 1st, and this special $29.95 price is only good for a short time. (Note: The self-test TSH kits are not currently available in New York.) (Note: I do not accept advertising in my thyroid newsletter. And until now, I've only had one affiliate relationship, with Amazon.com, for books that I recommend. But I'm pleased to announce that I am an affiliate with Biosafe, because I believe so strongly that making safe, affordable and effective home TSH tests available to the public can revolutionize diagnosis and care for thyroid patients.)=================================================NAET, JMT AND BRT: NEW THERAPIES FOR OLD PROBLEMS?I've written a new article at the website about a practitioner I've recently interviewed, Dr. Berg of andria, Virginia. Dr. Berg, a Certified Doctor of Chiropractic, has turned his practice toward several therapies, known as NAET, JMT, and a therapy developed by Dr. Berg himself, known as BRT, or Body Restoration Technique. NAET stands for Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique, an allergy-elimination technique that relies on applied kinesiology muscle testing, Chinese acupressure, and chiropractic approaches. Recipients of NAET treatment claim dramatic reduction or elimination of allergy symptoms. A related therapy is Jaffe-Mellor Technique (JMT), focuses on the symptoms, including joint and muscle pain and inflammation -- that result from various forms of arthritis and degenerative joint disease. JMT's originators identified microorganisms in all of their patients with arthritis and "autoimmune" diseases, and developed a therapy to neutralize the body's reaction to the organisms. Dr. Berg practices NAET and JMT, but uses his Body Restoration Technique (BRT) for hormone and endocrine problems, especially the thyroid. Dr. Berg says, "Many clients that come into our clinic with sluggish thyroids also have a variety of other complaints and we've added these other techniques to address them as well." According to Dr. Berg, estrogens and toxic substances that resemble estrogens found in the food supply may be a reason behind hormonal symptoms and chronic symptoms of endocrine imbalance in some people. In NAET, JMT and BRT, small vials filled with various substances are placed in the patient's hand, and muscle response testing is used to determine sensitivities. Once the various sensitivities are identified, treatment involves holding a vial of the substance, while particular acupuncture points are stimulated, and breathing techniques practiced. This technique is supposed to clear the sensitivity, and if the offending substance is avoided for 24 to 25 hours, the system claims that the sensitivity will be gone. One of Dr. Berg's patients is a recently retired two-star admiral with the Navy, who told me that she had chronic food allergies and sinusitis for thirty years, which were worsened by the discovery of a thyroid problem in her 40s. Suffering from profound fatigue, and worsening allergy symptoms, she felt at the end of her rope when she went to see Dr. Berg. Despite her skepticism, she had immediate improvements in energy, and is now able to eat a variety of foods that previously caused her to have full-body hives and diarrhea. She also was able to go off her thyroid medicine, and her TSH returned to normal, with no thyroid symptoms. In my own case, I've personally had several BRT treatments. I'll admit to being particularly skeptical about it. So much so, that when I was "resisting" during the muscle testing, I ending up pushing back so hard taht I pulled a muscle in my shoulder! Yet despite my best efforts, my arm could offer no resistance when holding certain substances, and even a single finger could push my arm down. So far, my results seem to be positive. After being "cleared "for sensitivity to mycoplasma and the presence of lupus and rheumatoid factor, I've had a fairly noticeable reduction in joint pain and aches, especially morning stiffness. I'm looking forward to the possibility of clearing some further allergies, attempting to balance out my thyroid and endocrine system further, and will keep you posted on my future results with NAET/JMT/BRT. See my full article at http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa090101a.htm, including photos of Dr. Berg performing BRT in action. Dr. Berg's website is located at: http://www.nutrition-n-wellness.comHe has a new e-book coming out in September that explains BRT in greater depth, so check that out.He also holds frequent free health seminars in andria at his office, and various branches of Fresh Fields, so you can call his office at 703-354-7336 for more information. You can also sign up for Dr. Berg's email newsletter, which I highly recommend. Send an email to: welnes1@... with "subscribe newsletter" in the subject. ( mailto:welnes1@... )Also, if you've had NAET or JMT, I'd be interested in hearing your stories, pro or con, so drop me a line!=================================================BARNES FOUNDATION CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 14-16The Broda Foundation will be holding its "Continuing Medical Education Annual Endocrinology Conference," from September 14 - 16, 2001, at the Westin Stamford Hotel, in Stamford, Connecticut. Some of the conference presentations will include: -- A Review of Basic Principles and Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Adrenal and Gonadal Deficiencies -- Hypothyroidism: What To Do When Blood Tests Come Up Normal -- Synthetic vs Natural Desiccated Thyroid Hormones: Review of Recent Issues -- TSH Levels and Myxedema -- Thyroid Deficiency in Teens, Children, Infants and Premature Infants -- Diagnostic Benefits of the 24-Hour Urine Test -- The Intestinal Ecosystem: Digestive Tract & Immune Defenses -- Clinical Signs & Typical Cases of Dysbiosis -- Effects of Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Neurological Disease -- Newest Data on Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder, MS, Dementia and More -- Role of Omega 3 Fatty Acids on Bipolar Depression -- Autocrine Hormone Modulation in the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease -- Role of Inflammation, C-reactive Protein -- Statins as cholesterol-lowering drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs -- An Osteopathic Approach to Structural Manifestations of Endocrine Dysfunction -- Neuroendocrine Response to Systemic Dysfunction / Case Presentations Some of the speakers include world-renowned experts on thyroid disease, including Thérèse Hertoghe, M.D., s Mouton, M.D., and B. Caramagna, D.O., and bestselling Zone diet author Barry Sears, Ph.D. Space is limited, and the registration deadline is approaching, so if you're interested, register now.For registration information, go to: http://www.brodabarnes.org/conferences.html, or to the online registration form at http://www.brodabarnes.org/lay_reg.htmlor call the Foundation, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST, at (203) 261-2101. =================================================THYROID CANCER MAY INCREASE BREAST CANCER RISK According to the Journal Cancer, an article titled "The development of breast carcinoma in women with thyroid carcinoma" reports that treatment for thyroid cancer may increase the risk for breast cancer later in life. The study looked at 365 women who had both thyroid cancer and breast cancer, among which 113 were thyroid cancer that developed after breast cancer. The researchers from the University of Texas M. D. Cancer Center in Houston, Texas found that women with thyroid cancer had an 18% higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer. Those at highest risk were pre-menopausal Caucasian women, who were 42% more likely than average to develop breast cancer, termed a "significantly increased risk" of developing subsequent breast cancer by researchers. Black women with thyroid cancer were not found to have a higher risk of breast cancer, but according to investigators, the numbers studied were very low and are not considered statistically conclusive. These findings were supported by earlier research that linked an increased risk of breast cancer to earlier thyroid cancer treatment. Breast cancer did not increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer. It's important that women who have had thyroid cancer treatment should pay particular attention to preventive factors for breast cancer, including diet, exercise, and healthy body weight. You should also incorporate regular screening - i.e., monthly breast self-exams, regular professional breast examinations, and mammograms and ultrasounds as required - into your health care. Be sure that your health care practitioners are also aware of your prior thyroid cancer treatment and the increased risk of breast cancer. (Source: Cancer, Volume 92, Issue 2, 2001. Pages: 225-231)=================================================JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM NEWSBRIEFSSome important news from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. (For more information on this journal, or to subscribe, see http://jcem.endojournals.org ).L-CARNITINE MAY HELP HYPERTHYROIDISMAccording to the August, 2001 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Italian researchers conducting aq randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 6-month trial looked at whether doses of L-carnitine were able to either reverse or prevent and minimize hyperthyroidism symptoms. The researchers found that the l-carnitine can help reverse some symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and may in fact prevent some symptoms, and can also help prevent some of the bone loss associated with hyperthyroidism. ("Usefulness of L-Carnitine, A Naturally Occurring Peripheral Antagonist of Thyroid Hormone Action, in Iatrogenic Hyperthyroidism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial," Salvatore Benvenga, ria M. Ruggeri, Antonia Russo, a Lapa, Alfredo Campenni and Francesco Trimarchi Cattedra & Sezione di Endocrinologia, Dipartimento Clinico-sperimentale di Medicina e Farmacologia, University of Messina School of Medicine, 98125 Messina, Italy )RAI FOR THYROID CANCER ASSOCIATED WITH EARLIER MENOPAUSE According to the August, 2001 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Italian researchers found that RAI treatment for thyroid cancer may provide sufficient enough radiation to damage damage ovarian function and follicles, reducing a woman's period of fertility and causing earlier menopause. The patients studied were all younger than 45 when they received their first treatment for thyroid cancer. The researchers concluded that the RAI treatment was "probably associated with an earlier ovarian failure in thyroid cancer patients," and that irradiation of the ovaries "might contribute to the process of the follicular atresia, thus inducing earlier menopause." (Atresia is the process by which egg follicles essentially "self-destruct" in the body -- each month, a number of follicles ripen, but only one is released, the remaining follicles are destroyed through the process of atresia.) ("131I Therapy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Leads to an Earlier Onset of Menopause: Results of a Retrospective Study," Ceccarelli, Walter Bencivelli, Donata Morciano, Aldo Pinchera and Furio Pacini, Departments of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine (W.B.), University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy)PRETREATMENT WITH THE ANTITHYROID DRUG METHIMAZOLE DOES NOT IMPROVE RAI OUTCOMEAccording to the August, 2001 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, some practitioners have systematically provided antithyroid treatment with methimazole in order to increase the effectiveness of radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment prior to providing RAI in patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism. This practice, however, is considered controversial and there is no agreement as to whether it is effective, or perhaps even detrimental. In a Brazilian study, which gave half the subjects pretreatment, and other group no pretreatment, approximately 80% of both groups achieved a euthyroid (normal range) state in approximately 3 months, and after 1 year, and both groups had similar rates of persistent hyperthyroidism (an average of around 15%), euthyroidism (approximately 29.5%), and hypothyroidism (approximately 55.5%). The reearchers concluded that pretreatment had no effect on either the "cure" time, or the 1-year success rate. (Source: "The Effect of Methimazole Pretreatment on the Efficacy of Radioactive Iodine Therapy in Graves' Hyperthyroidism: One-Year Follow-Up of a Prospective, Randomized Study", Vânia A. Andrade, L. Gross and Ana Luiza Maia, Endocrine Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003 Porto Alegre, Brazil Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, August 2001 Volume 86, Issue 8 )=================================================4TH INTERNATIONAL THYROID CANCER SURVIVORS' CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 21-23, 2001 An international conference for thyroid cancer survivors and their families will take place in Chevy Chase, land, on September 21-23, 2001, to highlight Thyroid Cancer Awareness Week. The conference is sponsored by ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association, Inc. This is a very important conference for thyroid cancer survivors, and if you're able to attend, it's highly recommended. For a list of confirmed speakers, the complete program, the registration form, transportation information, and other details, go to the ThyCa web site, at http://www.thyca.org. (Note from : Just in case you haven't seen my recent newsletters, while I'd originally been invited and scheduled to speak at this conference, ThyCa conference organizers suddenly dropped me from the event in early August, and so I will not there to lead a group discussion of "Living Well With Hypothyroidism" as planned. I will be stopping by the conference to cover some sessions, however, so if you were hoping to meet with me, email me and we'll find a good time to chat.) =================================================UNITED KINGDOM SOURCE OF ARMOUR THYROIDPatients in the United Kingdom now have a source to purchase Armour Thyroid, the natural desiccated thyroid drug. A reader in the UK reports that Armour prescriptions are being filled by: Springfield Pharmacy, 124 Sheen Road, Richmond, London TW9 1UR Telephone 0208 255 8096 Fax 0208 940 2661 They accept private prescriptions by fax or post. Prices; 1/2 grain £13.50 per 100; 1 grain £21.50 per 100; 2 grain £31.50 per 100. Postage is about £2, or a little more if next day delivery is required. They will take payment by cheque or credit cards.=================================================SYNTHROID FILES FOR FDA APPROVALOn August 1, 2001, Synthroid's manufacturers Abbott Labs finally made its new drug application for Synthroid, putting an end to speculation that the product might go off the market, or be unavailable after the August 14, 2001 application deadline. Earlier in July, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new guidance that said that all manufacturers of unapproved thyroid medicines -- including Synthroid, the top-selling levothyroxine drug -- would need to phase-out production over two years, allowing for patients to switch to approved products. The FDA's guidance called for unapproved levothyroxine products to be phased out of the market by Aug. 14, 2003. But in reality, the FDA's action effectively extended the approval deadline for Synthroid from August of 2001 -- which itself was extended from the original deadline of August of 2000 -- yet another two years. Two levothyroxine drugs have already been approved by the FDA. Unithroid was approved in August of 2000, within the FDA's original deadline. Levoxyl was approved in May of 2001. A third drug, Levothroid, has been submitted but not yet received its FDA approval. Controversy had centered over the August 2001 deadline, with Abbott Labs maintaining that the deadline was for submission, and consumer groups and official FDA correspondence claiming that the deadline was for approval. The question had been whether the enforcement activities mentioned by the FDA as penalties for failure to meet the deadline would include immediate removal of Synthroid from the market. This guidance resolves that question, and leaves Synthroid on the market, although facing a reduction in availability. The guidance from the FDA requires, in fact, that Abbott reduce its sales of Synthroid by approximately 60% within one year, and to stop all sales entirely within 24 months, by August of 2003. Sales may be normally resumed if Abbott obtains FDA approval of the drug. The phase-out schedule is, according to the FDA "...in order for manufacturers of approved products to scale up their production and for patients and health care providers to make a reasonable transition from unapproved to approved products, FDA has decided to continue to exercise its enforcement discretion by establishing a gradual phase-out of unapproved products..." In their guidance, the FDA added that "...FDA has determined that it will take time for the millions of patients taking unapproved products to switch to approved products, and for manufacturers of approved products to scale up their production and to introduce their increased production into the distribution chain."Ron Steinlauf, vice president and owner of Jerome s, maker of Unithroid, wonders how the FDA will possibly be able to monitor and verify a logistically complicated scaledown such as outlined in the guidance. In a July 12, 2001 interview with me, he said: "The FDA is essentially giving them a pass. I would like to see how the government intends to monitor Synthroid distributing less product."According to Steinlauf, "The real issue is, is there a problem or isn't there a problem? Obviously the FDA identified certain issues and concerns with the product, but now they're gearing all their guidelines and regulations specific to that product. It's so totally inconsistent with the initial regulation from 1997, and it's inconsistent with the petition denial letter of a few months ago. I don't know why the FDA is so afraid of Abbott."Levothyroxine approval has been running nine to ten months, so given the August 1 submission, final FDA approval of Synthroid is expected no later than summer 2002.Some critics view the guidance as the FDA caving in to the self-interest of a powerful pharmaceutical company. With a nine month approval timeframe, assurances from Abbott that there's enough Synthroid in the pipeline to maintain a steady supply for patients, and no clear way how to monitor or enforce the phase-out, the FDA's guidance in reality amounts to little more than a slap on the hand for the company, with an extension of the approval deadline. Says Unithroid's Steinlauf, "I think the FDA should be ashamed of themselves. Look at the message it sends to manufacturers for the future. The FDA identified concerns, created solutions to address those concerns. Some adhered to them, some didn't, but now they're bending the rules to meet those who didn't comply, which makes no sense for a government agency that's supposed to be regulating the safety of products."Why would the FDA state clearly that "no currently marketed unapproved orally administered levothyroxine sodium product is generally recognized as safe and effective..." -- clearly pointing to Synthroid -- while at the same time allowing the company even more time to comply with the August 1997 requirement for new drug application and FDA approval? It may be a face-saving move by the FDA. The FDA would understandably be reluctant to withdraw anything from the market that they've allowed to be on the market, because it fundamentally makes them look bad and suggests that they're not doing their job. So, putting in place a seemingly harsh phase-out schedule, but one that has almost no provisions for actual monitoring or implementation, they are able to look like they are taking action, without actually affecting Synthroid's market share, availability and distribution.=================================================STATUS OF SYNTHROID LAWSUIT PAYMENTSThe following is a status report, as of early August, 2001, regarding the payments resulting from the class action lawsuit against Synthroid. According to a spokesperson from Abbott Laboratories, the plaintiffs have appealed the settlement amount, and while this matter is still in court, no settlements will be paid out until there is resolution. There is no estimated date as to when this issue will be resolved. Currently, updated information is not available at the Synthroid Claims website. This site has not been updated for months. Also, the information at the 800 number provided at the Synthroid Claims site, 1-800-853-4853, has not been updated. According to numerous thyroid patients, and confirmed by Shomon, messages left at this number go unanswered. The plaintiff's attorneys assure me that phone calls and messages will be responded to, but they've claimed that before, while messages went unanswered. So, if you have urgent inquiries and have not received any response, you may wish to contact the plaintiff's attorneys, Allan Kanner & Associates, email info@....=================================================SYNTHROID AND LEVOTHYROXINE -- INFO CENTERDespite what some doctors and pharmacists are still insisting, Synthroid is, as of August 30, 2001 NOT an FDA-approved levothyroxine drug. There are two FDA-approved drugs -- Levoxyl and Unithroid. It's a complicated, political battle, and to stay up on the coverage about Synthroid and what you need to know, visit the Synthroid/Levothyroxine Information Center.http://thyroid.about.com/blsynthroid.htm=================================================MARY SHOMON SPEAKS OUT ON BEHALF OF THYROID PATIENTS I've been busy talking with reporters and doing interviews, on behalf of thyroid patients in the U.S. Here are some of the things keeping me busy this summer! (The following links will probably break, so cut and paste the entire URLs into a browser to view, or go to http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com , where there's a link to the news stories.)ABC News World News TonightIn July, I was on ABC World News Tonight, speaking on behalf of thyroid patients. If you missed it on TV, you can watch the clip in RealAudio online. http://abcnews.virage.com/cgi-bin/visearch?user=abc & template=template.html & query=+thyroid "When 'normal' feels lousy," San Francisco Chronicle, August 2001I worked with reporter Ulysses Torassa on this profile of hypothyroidism.http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2001/08/19/LV148057.DTLFDA tussle with drug's maker adds anxiety to thyroid problem, Chicago Tribune, August 2001I was interviewed for and featured in the above article. http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/health/chi-0108190346aug19.story?coll=chi%2Dleisurefamily%2DhedTrouble for An Old Standby, Los Angeles Times, July 2001I was interviewed for and featured in this LA Times article.http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-072301thyroid.story?coll=la%2Dheadlines%2DhealthThyroid drug's demise possible /multimedia, The Tampa Tribune, July 2001Various interviews with the Tampa Tribune that feature my input and quotes. http://multimedia.tbo.com/multimedia/popup/MGA4QN7H1OC.htmlhttp://health.tbo.com/health/MGA4QN7H1OC.html=================================================THYROID ISSUES IN THE NEWSThyroid Danger will Take 240 Years to Clean Up, Says EPAThe EPA says it's going to 240 years and $111 million before they're able to clean up the groundwater at a California Superfund site contaminated with perchlorate, a chemical known to damage the thyroid gland and potentially cause cancer. Are you at risk?http://thyroid.about.com/library/links/blepasuper.htmThyroid Toxin Endangers Water in California & USPerchlorate contamination and its danger to Californians and Americans and their health -- including thyroid cancer danger -- is detailed in a new report from the Environmental Working Group, titled "Rocket Science: Perchlorate and the Toxic Legacy of the Cold War." If you live in California and have a thyroid problem, you have to read this report.http://thyroid.about.com/library/links/blewgperch.htmWhen Symptoms Worsen After Thyroid Treatment BeginsThis article from the British Medical Journal advises doctors to suspect 's disease if a patient's symptoms worsen after thyroid hormone is given for suspected hypothyroidism. If you're a medical anomaly, it's worth reading this important piece!http://thyroid.about.com/library/links/blbmjaug.htm=================================================ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTSCan Herbal Medicine Help Thyroid Disease?As part of my research for my new book in progress, "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," I had the pleasure of interviewing renowed herbal expert Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa -- known as KP Khalsa. In this interview, he shared his thoughts about herbal treatment for autoimmune disease and thyroid conditions, including advice on whether you can treat yourself for your condition. This is a must-read interview!!http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa072401a.htmDealing With Your Doctor -- Advice from Carol , M.D.Tampa-area holistic physician Carol generously shared an article with us, which includes advice for patients about getting properly diagnosed, finding the right doctor, and working with that doctor to achieve wellness with conditions like hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. Great advice from a great doctor. Don't miss this one!http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa072201a.htmArthritis & Joint Paint w/Thyroid & Autoimmune DiseaseIn this interview with Brownstein, M.D., author of "Overcoming Arthritis," you'll learn more about his innovative ideas and treatments for joint pain with thyroid and arthritic symptoms that can accompany other autoimmune diseases. If you've had rheumatic pain, swollen joints, or joint aches, don't miss Dr. Brownstein's thoughts.http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa081901a.htm=================================================PATIENT EMPOWERMENT AND INSPIRATIONHow to Get Your Dr. To Prescribe ArmourIf it's time to open up the discussion with your doctor about natural thyroid products like Armour, shares this sample letter that you can use. Customizing this letter to use with your own doctor may be the answer you're looking for!http://thyroid.about.com/library/kristen/blkletter.htmRic Blake Update: Now It's Time to Wait, WonderPart 9 in the Eagle-Tribune's series on Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association founder, patient advocate and generally inspirational human being, Ric Blake. With his latest cancer treatment completed, Ric Blake talks about the after-effects, and how to stay on top of the pain.http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blricblake.htm=================================================BOOK NEWS -- A NINTH PRINTING!!!!In early August, two months after its eighth printing, my book "Living Well With Hypothyroidism" went to a ninth printing! The book is now Amazon.com's top-selling book in the categories of thyroid disease AND endocrinology! If you don't already have your own copy, it's a one-stop source for information on how to get properly diagnosed and treated for hypothyroidism (whether autoimmune, or due to surgical removal or radiation of the thyroid), plus help on how to live well, with tips on alternative medicine, other medicines, depression, weight loss, pregnancy, and other issues. It also features a huge Resources chapter featuring organizations, books, websites, TV/radio shows, support groups and more that can help you get information and support...and live well! Here's the info on how to get it: Title: "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You. . . That You Need to Know" Author: J. Shomon ISBN number: 0380808986List price: $13.50 (US dollars)Published by: HarperTO GET A COPY:Available at your local bookstore everywhere in the U.S. and if they don't have a copy, ask them to order you one! Online at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0380808986/scratcthenetwebs Phone Orders: Politics and Prose, 800-722-0790In the UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk , or by order in bookstores More Online Information: http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com/booktoc.htm=================================================NOTES FROM MARY: AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTERAs I mentioned in the June/July summer issue, this month is the last issue of the full-text email edition of "Sticking Out Our Necks." Next month, you'll receive a shorter, news recap version, and full text stories and special feature articles will be available in the subscription version. I know that some people may be frustrated by this change, but the economic reality is that I can't figure out how to spend the huge amount of time it takes to read hundreds of journal articles and research reports each month, answer hundreds of email questions that readers send me every single day, and write and distribute this newsletter, while still working an intensive 60-hour week for a variety of my paying clients, and of course raising my toddler and having any sort of time with my husband -- not to mention sleep! ;-) . Many of you have been receiving my free newsletter since I started it, back in July of 1997. It's been immensely gratifying to me to be able to help my fellow thyroid patients in any way, as we continue our search for wellness. Unfortunately, every spare moment -- I'm not kidding, ask my husband and child ;-) -- I'm researching thyroid disease, answering emails, reading medical journals -- so I can bring you the latest news on conventional and alternative diagnosis and treatment options. I work every night, every weekend, in addition to my regular job, and it's gotten to a point where I can't continue doing it this way.So, some will ask, why don't you keep it free, and just take ads for the newsletter? The truth is, I've turned down advertising from drug companies and supplement companies, because I simply don't believe that it's fair to produce a patient-oriented newsletter, and then have to edit myself or feel constrained about what drugs and supplements I can and can't talk about, based on where the funding comes from. And when a pharmaceutical company puts an ad in your publication, there are ALWAYS some major strings attached. Just witness how quickly all the patient groups receiving Synthroid funding fell over each other to issue press releases defending Synthroid this summer, despite the FDA's own concerns.So "Sticking Out Our Necks" is not a place for pharmaceutical propaganda. If I'm going to do this, I need to continue to be free to report on the news that the pharmaceutical industry and medical establishment frequently don't even want you to hear. If you have been reading "Sticking Out Our Necks," you knew back in 1997 that Synthroid and its competitive levothyroxine drugs were not FDA-approved -- you didn't have to wait until the recent spate of national media coverage to find out this crucial information like many unfortunate patients -- AND their doctors! If you have been reading "Sticking Out Our Necks," you knew in 1999 about the studies that showed that some patients needed additional T3 in order to feel well. Some doctors -- and many patients -- STILL don't even know about these studies! And if you have been reading "Sticking Out Our Necks," you have been finding out all along about the connection between thyroid problems and chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, miscarriage, hair loss, and more. You've learned about low-glycemic diets and CLA, long before they were talked about in the popular press as effective ways to lose weight. Think of it like public radio or television...they can't survive without their pledge drives to get supporters who make donations. Magazines and newspapers charge their subscribers. Cable TV charges a monthly fee. Even thyroid patient organizations like the Thyroid Foundation of America -- a group that receives many thousands of dollars in funding from powerful pharmaceutical companies -- also require you to join and pay a membership fee before they'll even send you their quarterly newsletter. So, I am asking that you become a subscriber. Your subscription support -- only $25 a year -- for six 12-page issues (we're expanding from 8 to 12 pages!) -- will make it possible for you to get a large, information-filled newsletter, with quality, unbiased information, as always -- without my having to cram the newsletter full of drug company advertising. You'll get in-depth versions of the stories, along with special features and news you won't find anywhere, including at my website.Only with your help can I can continue to independently bring you, and the rest of our thyroid community, the information on how to live well with thyroid disease. FREE GIFTS WITH SUBSCRIPTION! If you order a print subscription by September 15, 2001, you'll be ordering in time to get the September/October issue, which will feature a VERY special personal report, "How I Lost 25 Pounds in 3 Months" (that's right, I did...from May through July of this year, and still losing!!) -- PLUS you'll get a free report, "10 Vitamins and Supplements Thyroid Patients May Need," valued at $15. And, as a special additional free gift, we'll include a free "Health at a Glance" emergency health card for your wallet. The card is designed by patient advocate Marie Savard, MD, bestselling author of "How to Save Your Own Life," who is a frequent contributor to my website and my books. It's a handy way to organize critical medical information, and carrying it might even save your life! SUBSCRIBE NOW!! For the online subscription form, see http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htmOR, you can print out the order form on this page.CALL TOLL-FREE TO SUBSCRIBE Or, call our toll-free subscription, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, at 1-888-810-9471. (This number does not reach me, so please, subscription calls only.) Remember, the scaled-back email version of the newsletter will still feature valuable news summaries, so even if you don't subscribe to the print version, you'll still receive the free email version. It's just that the lengthier, detailed, in-depth coverage, special interest stories and features that you've enjoyed in Sticking Out Our Necks will be included only in the subscription version.I look forward to continuing to bring you the best independent information, news, interviews and ideas on thyroid disease, as together, we continue to live well! Thanks in advance for your support.Live well, (Note: some people have written to ask why I don't do a paid email newsletter, but to date, I haven't found an affordable, technically feasible way to do this while protecting copyright. If anyone has any feasible and cost-effective ways this can be implemented, please send them on, as I know some people would prefer an email version of the paid newsletter.)= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =STICKING OUT OUR NECKS SUBSCRIPTION -- ORDER FORMFill out the following order form, and mail by September 15, 2001 to:Sticking Out Our NecksP.O. Box 0385Palm Harbor, FL 34682or, CALL our toll-free subscription, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, at 1-888-810-9471. Place Your Order by September 15, 2001 to receive your one-year subscription, free special report, and free emergency health card, for only $25. __ Please process my one-year subscription to Sticking Out Our Necks, and include my special report and free emergency health card. __I live in the U.S. -- Rate $25.00 per year, U.S. __I live outside the U.S. -- Rate $35.00 per year, U.S. Name: ______________________________________________________Street Address: ______________________________________________City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________Country: _____________________________________________________Phone #: ____________________________________________________Email Address: ______________________________________________ Payment by Check____ Check attached, made out to "Sticking Out Our Necks"Payment by Credit CardPlease charge my ____MasterCard ____ Visa Number: ____________________________ Expiration: ___________________________Signature: _____________________________________________= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = ==================================================MORE NOTES FROM MARYI promised you all that I would provide a brief recap of my "lunch with Synthroid" earlier this summer. Abbott Labs staffers Rob Hoff, MD, Smoter, and former staffer Pizzuti, MD (who has since left Abbott) flew to Washington, and joined me for lunch to discuss their product, Synthroid. It was interesting, as it was the period before they'd filed their new drug application, and confusion still reigned as to whether or not the FDA deadline was for application filing or approval, and whether Synthroid would still even be on the market after the August deadline. Unlike their predecessors at Knoll Pharmaceuticals, who would rarely even return a phone call, I have to give these folks credit for having at least gotten started with a more proactive attitude about patient relations, and making an effort to get in touch with me and open a dialogue that had never existed in the past. But needless to say, they all stuck fairly close to the official Abbott party line -- "Synthroid is safe", "We're certain that the FDA's deadline is for application and not approval," "Patients will not have trouble getting Synthroid," "Synthroid won't be off the market." etc. When I asked Dr. Pizzuti point blank, "Can you guarantee patients that Synthroid will still remain available after the FDA deadline," he finally admitted that he could not, despite all his confidence.But of course, we know how it worked out, and it seems that Abbott pulled a rabbit out of the hat, and managed to strike an agreement with the FDA that did make the deadline for their application, and not the drug's approval. A half-hearted sanction by the FDA has instituted a stepped down production schedule while Synthroid awaits approval, but an influx of the drug onto the market means that availability will not be affected, and the company is not likely to suffer much from what amounts to a penalty without any real enforceability. And with their submission of the new drug application in early August, it's likely to be about 9 or 10 months and Synthroid will receive its approval.So, ultimately, rather than argue about things to which no answers were clearly going to be provided, I instead used the opportunity to share what I think that they, as the top seller of thyroid medicines, SHOULD be doing to prove to us that they are concerned about us. They may have the unquestioning loyalty of doctors and the various professional and patient organizations who enjoy their funding and perqs, but why do they deserve loyalty from us customers? Especially, given all the recent situations with the FDA approval, situations that rightfully could cause some patients to distrust them.I said that a responsible, concerned, caring company could earn customer loyalty by embarking on an intensive program of supporting research that will impact our lives -- not just the standard research to identify more undiagnosed patients, which just expands the market for their drugs. I talked about quality of life research, research into optimal TSH, T4, and T3 levels, research into causes, research into the need for T3 research, research into new delivery systems such as patches and creams, looking for real cures, studies on whether varying dosage pills should be designed for women who are having menstrual cycles (like a birth control pill pack), the need for a patient council to get input from consumers (not just from the "patient organizations" that get so much money from them to start with, and who therefore have no incentive to be honest) -- and many many more ideas...I can only hope that something of what I said about the problems of getting diagnosed, getting treated, and then living well when on thyroid hormone replacement was conveyed to them, and hope that even one of the ideas I suggested might plant a seed for further action. One idea we discussed did take root, however. I mentioned that patients had many questions about Synthroid, and they agreed to take patient questions I assembled and provide responses, so I could publish a Q & A at my website. I sent a list of questions -- some of them fairly tough and hard-hitting -- and answers are supposedly on their way soon. We'll see what they come up with...but at least a dialogue has been started...Live well,================================================="Sticking Out Our Necks" email edition is published monthly by Shomon. Please invite your friends to subscribe! Send them a copy with your recommendation. "Sticking Out Our Necks" is copyright 1997-2001 by Shomon. Web: http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com'>http://www.thyroid-info.com Email: mshomon@..., mailto:mshomon@...Regular mail: Shomon, P.O. Box 0385, Palm Harbor, FL 34682.=================================================