New member

[Guest guest]

Dan,

I have to say I went to your website and checked out your photos and read your

band journey...I just want to say that you have done so great and I appreciate

all the volunteer time you spend on this board helping the rest of us through

our journeys...You are great and I just wanted you to know...HUGS from

me...Debbie in Moreno Valley, Ca

New Member

>Hello All,

>I was banded Dec. 13th, 2006. I am looking forward to making new

>friends here and getting and giving advice on this journey to make a

>difference in our lives. My name is I'm 33 years old and live

>in Texas. I have lost 17lbs as of today and am so excited about my

>future and to start to see this weight dropping off that I have

>struggled with for so long. I love to see all the photos of the group

>members before and after. I can't wait until I can post before and

>after photos. The photos really do give me so much encouragement.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, MelissA ! Welcome! You're doing great!

Sandy R

>

> Hello All,

>

> I was banded Dec. 13th, 2006. I am looking forward to making new

> friends here and getting and giving advice on this journey to make a

> difference in our lives. My name is I'm 33 years old and

live

> in Texas. I have lost 17lbs as of today and am so excited about my

> future and to start to see this weight dropping off that I have

> struggled with for so long. I love to see all the photos of the

group

> members before and after. I can't wait until I can post before and

> after photos. The photos really do give me so much encouragement.

>

[Guest guest]

> >

> > Hello All,

> >

> > I was banded Dec. 13th, 2006. I am looking forward to making

new

> > friends here and getting and giving advice on this journey to

make a

> > difference in our lives. My name is I'm 33 years old

and

> live

> > in Texas. I have lost 17lbs as of today and am so excited about

my

> > future and to start to see this weight dropping off that I have

> > struggled with for so long. I love to see all the photos of the

> group

> > members before and after. I can't wait until I can post before

and

> > after photos. The photos really do give me so much

encouragement.

> >

>

good luck with you weight loss.

Belinda

[Guest guest]

Hi - welcome!

Overcoming the emotional eating is hard for all of us, but very

needed for success and maintenance.

I found the keys are these- and I hope others will add what helped

them too:

- keeping a good fill - NOT too much, so we can eat adequate amounts,

especially of the solid protein. We need about 1200-1500 cal a day

(more for heaviuer womne at first and more for men) to meet the basic

nutritional needs - not less.

- adequate solid protein really reduces cravings. Be sure you're

avoiding all liquid calories, especially protein drinks. They don't

work with the band - get your protein from solid sources. The chewing

and the calorie burn with solids is a very impt part of satiety,

feling full, and also wt loss itself.

- don't even have bad stuff in the house. Keep a supply of healthy

snacks - beef jerky, Lit N Fit yogurt, lowfat cheese strings, rice

cakes, small apples, sweet baby carrots. Eat these. They are

satisfying too. You can';t eat ice cream, cookies, etc if there are

none around! And no excuses about " having to buy them for hubby or

kids " They should be eating healthier too. If you have to, Buy one

small box of cookies, or one small bag of cheetos for the others, and

the family can eat them that night. No huge bags of chips or junk

laying around. If you albolutely can't manage without some ice cream,

go out and have one lowfat scoop. then come home. No gallon

containers in the fridge calling our names!!

- plan regular meals and healthy snacks. if you're not hungry, you

won't snack on junk as easily. 3 decent small meals and 1-2

nutritious snacks a day. Don't expect to go more than 3-4 hrs with a

good fill before getting honestly hungry. Plan for thes eregular

meals and regular snacks so you never get " starving. "

- I strongly suggest behavior med type of therapy, as well as the

Bandster Success CD's that I posed about recently and regularly.

- stay active. you can't snack in front of the TV at night, for

instance, if you're not IN front of the TV ! Take a class, volunteer,

start a hobby -you can't eat cookies if your hands and mind are

occupied with knitting or painting or cross-stitch!

- when you're feeling the urge to snack, drink a big glass of ice

water. It numbs the stomach abd really does fill us up, so snccking

isn't as tempting. this will also helps get the needed fluids in -

anothetr thing that decreases snack temptation.

Hope this helps - more tips are in the document in the files here

called " Band Eating rules... " .

Sandy r

at goal x 3+ yrs

>

> I just joined Smarter Bandsters and am glad to see people I knew

from

> another site.

> I was banded in April 2003. I started at 280 and lost to 205 and

am

> now up to 220. I have had my band checked and it is tight enough

but

> I just can't seem to stop eating ice cream, cookies, mashed

potatoes

> etc. I know this is my problem but the all go down sooooo easy.

Any

> suggestions on how to help this craving. I am a fairly young? 64

and

> really care about my appearance but I just can't seem to stop

eating.

> I have been in therapy off and on for about 30 years and it has

helped

> by self esteem etc. but never my eating problem.

>

> Any advice will be appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Lana

>

[Guest guest]

Hi there Lana...

Oh it is so icky when we have to realize that we have to take responsibility for

our banding success...Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just rely on it to do

ALL the work? I am so like you...I love ice cream so much...so, this is what I

do, maybe it can help you. I allow myself a small scoop of icecream with a

small amount of hot fudge, with a small amount of whipped cream and a sprinkle

of nuts once a month. Yes...once a month....It took me several months to get to

this point...I did twice a week, once a week, every holiday, when I lost 5

pounds, etc. etc. etc... Here's the thing too...I don't keep any in the

house...When I treat myself, once a month, I have to go get it. It sounds like

you are going to have to make a deal with yourself like I did. If you eat

protein first, then your good carbs and then a small amount of fiber, your

cravings do get better and you get full and satisfied faster. You may even want

to have an alternate activity to do when you feel like eating ice

cream...like...take a walk, crochet, do a crossword....Unfortuneatly, you will

have to be the one that fixes this problem. You have already seen what happens

when you give in to the easy going down foods. You have already gained 15

pounds with that result, so it's time to get busy...I know you can do this.

Good job on losing the 60 pounds... HUGS from me...Debbie in Moreno Valley, CA

New Member

I just joined Smarter Bandsters and am glad to see people I knew from

another site.

I was banded in April 2003. I started at 280 and lost to 205 and am

now up to 220. I have had my band checked and it is tight enough but

I just can't seem to stop eating ice cream, cookies, mashed potatoes

etc. I know this is my problem but the all go down sooooo easy. Any

suggestions on how to help this craving. I am a fairly young? 64 and

really care about my appearance but I just can't seem to stop eating.

I have been in therapy off and on for about 30 years and it has helped

by self esteem etc. but never my eating problem.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Lana

[Guest guest]

Hi Lana.. can understand your problem re food. It's so easy to slip back into

the easy stuff to eat,,,as others have said,, I just do not keep icecream in the

house..

If I really cannot stand it, I buy a tiny soft serve cone once every 2 - 3

weeks. But the pay off for that is 1 hour extra workout before it. It's not easy

and never will be but think how much harder it would be without the band,,Take

care,,,Carol In Australia

Debbie <babykitty59@...> wrote:

Hi there Lana...

Oh it is so icky when we have to realize that we have to take responsibility for

our banding success...Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just rely on it to do

ALL the work? I am so like you...I love ice cream so much...so, this is what I

do, maybe it can help you. I allow myself a small scoop of icecream with a small

amount of hot fudge, with a small amount of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nuts

once a month. Yes...once a month....It took me several months to get to this

point...I did twice a week, once a week, every holiday, when I lost 5 pounds,

etc. etc. etc... Here's the thing too...I don't keep any in the house...When I

treat myself, once a month, I have to go get it. It sounds like you are going to

have to make a deal with yourself like I did. If you eat protein first, then

your good carbs and then a small amount of fiber, your cravings do get better

and you get full and satisfied faster. You may even want to have an alternate

activity to do when you feel like

eating ice cream...like...take a walk, crochet, do a

crossword....Unfortuneatly, you will have to be the one that fixes this problem.

You have already seen what happens when you give in to the easy going down

foods. You have already gained 15 pounds with that result, so it's time to get

busy...I know you can do this. Good job on losing the 60 pounds... HUGS from

me...Debbie in Moreno Valley, CA

New Member

I just joined Smarter Bandsters and am glad to see people I knew from

another site.

I was banded in April 2003. I started at 280 and lost to 205 and am

now up to 220. I have had my band checked and it is tight enough but

I just can't seem to stop eating ice cream, cookies, mashed potatoes

etc. I know this is my problem but the all go down sooooo easy. Any

suggestions on how to help this craving. I am a fairly young? 64 and

really care about my appearance but I just can't seem to stop eating.

I have been in therapy off and on for about 30 years and it has helped

by self esteem etc. but never my eating problem.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Lana

[Guest guest]

See comments interspersed below.

Lord, I never complain, never ask why, please don't let my dreams run dry....

www.mylapband.tk

Dan Lester, Boise, Idaho, USA

Dr. Ortiz, Tijuana, 4/27/03

355/323/210/190

New Member

>I just joined Smarter Bandsters and am glad to see people I knew from

>another site.

Glad you're here. We're loving and supporting, though most of us are the " tough

love " type.

>I was banded in April 2003. I started at 280 and lost to 205 and am

>now up to 220. I have had my band checked and it is tight enough but

I started in April 03 as well...the 28th. Had been up to 355, but 323 at

banding. Within a year was down to 210-215. Had a tummytuck. Stayed in that

area for a couple years. Last year was from hell, two deaths in family, both

after long and stressful illnesses (little brother, and mother). I could DRINK

2 or 3 venti hot chocolates from Starbucks every day. (Could have done more, but

I had SOME judgment, if not much). Also ate plenty of comfort foods....and I'm

tight....but there are plenty of soft things that would go through. I got back

up over 240 and finally said THIS IS NONSENSE....YOU'VE GOT A TOOL SO SHUT THE

HELL UP WITH THE INSANITY AND USE THE TOOL YOU BOUGHT. Gee the back fence won't

fix itself, either. I've got to get out the hammer and nails and then USE them.

Now I'm back below my original goal (222) again, and going down to the 210 area

today, and expect to get " into the ones " in next few months.

>I just can't seem to stop eating ice cream, cookies, mashed potatoes

>etc. I know this is my problem but the all go down sooooo easy. Any

>suggestions on how to help this craving. I am a fairly young? 64 and

As far as cravings for junk, WHY are you satisfying them. WHY do you even have

that crap in your house? If it isn't there, you're not likely to eat it.

Remember HALT. Are you Horny, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? Or some other emotion?

Or just bad habit of " hand in mouth disease " ?

>really care about my appearance but I just can't seem to stop eating.

>I have been in therapy off and on for about 30 years and it has helped

>by self esteem etc. but never my eating problem.

Very few counselors know beans about weight loss. Some get scared with weight

loss...it raises all sorts of issues one has to deal with. So they sabotage.

Some are used to failure, and if they don't fail they're not happy. Obesity is

a handy excuse for many things for many of us.

>Any advice will be appreciated.

Find a counselor who is experienced with weight issues.

dan

[Guest guest]

Hi, !! Good to see you here!! We have to approve all new

members, but your request came thru when I was online, so we got to

it right away.

You're right, Dan is a great guy , with wisdom and truth for all of

us - even if it is hard to hear sometimes. We don't sugar-coat things

here.

Be sure you chose " Daily Digest " or " special notices only " when you

signed up, or you will, by default, get each and every post and

response sent to you individually, and that can be VERY overwhelming.

I suggest people simply bookmark this site, and sign on when they

WANY to read or post.

To cahnge preferences, go to the " edit my membership " above the drk

blue line at the top.

I know you're having a few

problems, and I'm glad we got you in to see Dr Kuri soon.

Sandy

>

> Hi, Sandy and Dan Lester,

> I am a new member to this site and would like to test this email to

see

> if you receive it. Dan, Sandy has told me many wonderful things

about

> you. I will include more info when I learn how to use this website.

> Haldeman

>

[Guest guest]

Thursday, September 13, 2007, 10:49:32 AM, you wrote:

> Hi, Sandy and Dan Lester,

> I am a new member to this site and would like to test this email to see

> if you receive it. Dan, Sandy has told me many wonderful things about

> you. I will include more info when I learn how to use this website.

> Haldeman

Hi

Sure, got the email, and you can feel free to email me privately if

you wish. Or phone. However, for next ten days am in Maui, so I'm 3

hours earlier than Pacific time, so schedule calls accordingly (not

before 1pm eastern time).

Phone is 208-283-7711.

Will be on email intermittently the next ten days, but will be

checking every day or so.

This PM is the " carb loading luau " (lots of pasta) in prep for the

Maui Half Marathon I'm doing Sunday morning. Gail is doing the 5K

tomorrow (Saturday).

Lots of fun

aloha

dan

[Guest guest]

Sorry to give you a shock , we had been discussing dropping that wowBB Forum for some time as it gave us more trouble than we needed. is still a good old group and it is so much easier to direct members to information, links, files, photo's ect.

As far as Dr. Skinner and the way the GMC are treating him goes is quite appalling, and I hope there will be something all of us will be able to do later. I am pretty certain this case will go to appeal - and more... watch this space. If you haven't read the details about his hearing, I tried to keep on top of things and have made some notes. You can find these in our FILES section under "Some Notes on Dr Skinner's Hearing"

Luv - Sheila

HiI have just come over from the last group - I have been on holiday for the last two weeks, so it was a bit of a surprise to come back and find you had all gone!I was diagnosed as being hypothyroid by Dr Skinner in 2001, after years of deteriorating health at the end of which my GP said there was nothing further the NHS could offer me. And after all I should expect to be tired at my age (I was 45 at the time!)I thought then, as I think now, that being increasingly unable to function was not normal at any age - and I was hugely fortunate in finding my way to Dr SkinnerThe way in which the GMC is treating him is utterly appalling, and I wish there is something constructive I could do other than write letters.

..

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.487 / Virus Database: 269.13.21/1010 - Release Date: 15/09/2007 19:54

[Guest guest]

Hi Stella

Can you post here your thyroid function test blood results, together with the reference range for each test. You can get these (they are yours by law) from your surgery. Can you let us know what amount of thyroxine you are taking and when was the last time your doctor increased this. You don't have to keep "just soldiering along" and I am glad you have joined us, I am certain you will get a lot of help and support here.

Please read everything you can on our website www.tpa-uk.org.uk and also have a look through the information in our Files (you will find these by going to our Home Page thyroid treatment/ and then click on FILES in the Menu. Especially read the information about adrenals and candida albicans. Many hypothyroid sufferers have problems in these areas and if this is you, no amount of thyroid hormone is going to make you well until they have been treated. You will find a questionnaire for Adrenals and another questionnaire for Candida. Answer those questions and let us know what you score at the end.

Luv - Sheila

> I am introducing myself here. I have been treated for hypothyroidism > for about 6 years. However I have not felt very different since taking > the medication. > I have been treated (unsuccessfully) with antidepressants. A > psychiatrist diagnosed me with ABI and I had a brain scan which was > terrifying. Then she denied that she had said that which made it all > even more frustrating.> > It is very frustrating as symptoms have apparently not readily been > recognised. Just been "soldiering on"> > Stella>

[Guest guest]

shannon, if i can be of any help please let me know!

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Be a better friend, newshound, and

know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ

[Guest guest]

Welcome, sharon! Glad you found us!

Yes, there sure is a lot to learn and change, over time. We have to

make many changes in eating , lifestyle, mind-set, and thought patterns

to do well, and to KEEP the weight off this time. We've all lost

before , so it's clear THOSE methods didn't work longterm -so we need

to learn NEW ways of safe and lasting loss.

I'd like to encourage you to join us at the major seattle Bandster Bah

next month. It's a tremendous opportunity to meet many other Bandsters

at all stages of banding, attend the many educational things, take part

in the doctor's Q and A sessions, attend the Bandster

discussion/teaching groups (which i'm moderating and speaking at, as

well as taking part in other things). there is a hosted dinner, lots of

acticities, a great pool, and around 250 people attend - so it's a

great chance to meet people and learn. I'd love to meet you!

Her is the info site:

SeattleSplash/

and here is the registration site: Early registration has been extended

a few more days.

http://barbooch2.homestead.com/SeattleBandsterSplash2008.htm

You can likely share a ride down and find a roommate too. It might even

coincid with the timing for your first fill at NWWL, if you need one at

abou 6 weeks !

also, i know a wonderful fairly-newly banded psychologist in VNC who is

thinking about starting a group - are you interested> If so, I'll put

you in touch. she a is a wonderful gal, nd extremely knwledgeable about

the emotioanl ad psychological aspects of overeating.

there is also lots of good info in the files here, to help you learn -

and post any questions yo migt have! Lots of wise people here to

helpyou and share their experiences!

Sandy r, BSN, MN

Kuri patient educator

at goal x > 4 yrs

>

> Hi everyone. I just had surgery on Jan 10/08 and am trying to absorb

> so much information all at once which I am sure all of you have

> experienced. I am on the 1 week liquid diet and feeling good except

> that I seem to be having alot of shoulder pain still and I seem to be

> having some indigestion as well. I think maybe I may be drinking

> liquids to quickly or perhaps I need to reduce the amount of liquid I

> intake. I had my surgery in Everett at NWWLS (Dr. Montgomery) and I

> live in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Burnaby is a city that

> borders Vancouver, BC.

> Cheers

> Sharon

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Sandy. I will look into it. I am sure my husband will come down with

me. He has been very supportive and I think it really helps to have someone you

live with on your side wanting to gain as much knowlegde on the transition as

you. I would love to be introduced to the VNC psycologist you mentioned. I

have heard that there is a support group in the VNC area and have been trying to

hunt them down.

Look forward to meeting you in Seattle.

Sharon

Re: New Member

Welcome, sharon! Glad you found us!

Yes, there sure is a lot to learn and change, over time. We have to

make many changes in eating , lifestyle, mind-set, and thought patterns

to do well, and to KEEP the weight off this time. We've all lost

before , so it's clear THOSE methods didn't work longterm -so we need

to learn NEW ways of safe and lasting loss.

I'd like to encourage you to join us at the major seattle Bandster Bah

next month. It's a tremendous opportunity to meet many other Bandsters

at all stages of banding, attend the many educational things, take part

in the doctor's Q and A sessions, attend the Bandster

discussion/teaching groups (which i'm moderating and speaking at, as

well as taking part in other things). there is a hosted dinner, lots of

acticities, a great pool, and around 250 people attend - so it's a

great chance to meet people and learn. I'd love to meet you!

Her is the info site:

http://health. groups.. com/group/ SeattleSplash/

and here is the registration site: Early registration has been extended

a few more days.

http://barbooch2. homestead. com/SeattleBands terSplash2008. htm

You can likely share a ride down and find a roommate too. It might even

coincid with the timing for your first fill at NWWL, if you need one at

abou 6 weeks !

also, i know a wonderful fairly-newly banded psychologist in VNC who is

thinking about starting a group - are you interested> If so, I'll put

you in touch. she a is a wonderful gal, nd extremely knwledgeable about

the emotioanl ad psychological aspects of overeating.

there is also lots of good info in the files here, to help you learn -

and post any questions yo migt have! Lots of wise people here to

helpyou and share their experiences!

Sandy r, BSN, MN

Kuri patient educator

at goal x > 4 yrs

>

> Hi everyone. I just had surgery on Jan 10/08 and am trying to absorb

> so much information all at once which I am sure all of you have

> experienced. I am on the 1 week liquid diet and feeling good except

> that I seem to be having alot of shoulder pain still and I seem to be

> having some indigestion as well. I think maybe I may be drinking

> liquids to quickly or perhaps I need to reduce the amount of liquid I

> intake. I had my surgery in Everett at NWWLS (Dr. Montgomery) and I

> live in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Burnaby is a city that

> borders Vancouver, BC.

> Cheers

> Sharon

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Never miss a thing. Make your home page.

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

another canadian. welcome. i'm dual. (that's citizenship folks, so

don't get smart. LOL)

don't worry about too much liquid. i hope you're making it interesting

for yourself. i had a pantry full of chicken broth to dilute

everything i put in the blender. don't forget, as long as you can sip

it through a straw( that's a test not a recommendation) its ok. so

have some fun. be inventive with your blender and the broth.

And keep posting.

george---(formerly from toronto, now florida)

In , " sconstable22 " <sconstable22@...>

wrote:

>

> Hi everyone. I just had surgery on Jan 10/08 and am trying to absorb

> so much information all at once which I am sure all of you have

> experienced. I am on the 1 week liquid diet and feeling good except

> that I seem to be having alot of shoulder pain still and I seem to be

> having some indigestion as well. I think maybe I may be drinking

> liquids to quickly or perhaps I need to reduce the amount of liquid I

> intake. I had my surgery in Everett at NWWLS (Dr. Montgomery) and I

> live in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Burnaby is a city that

> borders Vancouver, BC.

> Cheers

> Sharon

>

[Guest guest]

Hi . Yes I am making it interesting. Cauliflower soup, brocolli soup,

squash soup and such. Using chicken broth, beef broth, vegetable broths and

cooking all veggies well and then using blender to puree. I had my first cup of

coffee to today that I could actually enjoy. Since my surgery last week I have

not been able to drink coffee - it tasted awful. I love my morning coffee. 1

cup is usually all I ever have so it was great to finally welcome back that

contented feeling. The other thing I really liked was cream of tomato soup.

For some reason that made me feel content as well - sort of like a comfort food

I guess. I believe it is very important to make sure you are eating food that

you truly enjoy eating. I am really looking forward to starting on soft foods

this Friday.

Sharon

Re: New Member

Sharon,

another canadian. welcome. i'm dual. (that's citizenship folks, so

don't get smart. LOL)

don't worry about too much liquid. i hope you're making it interesting

for yourself. i had a pantry full of chicken broth to dilute

everything i put in the blender. don't forget, as long as you can sip

it through a straw( that's a test not a recommendation) its ok. so

have some fun. be inventive with your blender and the broth.

And keep posting.

george---(formerly from toronto, now florida)

In , " sconstable22 " <sconstable22@ ...>

wrote:

>

> Hi everyone. I just had surgery on Jan 10/08 and am trying to absorb

> so much information all at once which I am sure all of you have

> experienced. I am on the 1 week liquid diet and feeling good except

> that I seem to be having alot of shoulder pain still and I seem to be

> having some indigestion as well. I think maybe I may be drinking

> liquids to quickly or perhaps I need to reduce the amount of liquid I

> intake. I had my surgery in Everett at NWWLS (Dr. Montgomery) and I

> live in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Burnaby is a city that

> borders Vancouver, BC.

> Cheers

> Sharon

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Never miss a thing. Make your home page.

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

Hi Marje - welcome to our forum. I am pleased you are calling yourself 'Marje' because we have two other 'Marie's' on board, and a third one would have been quite difficult to cope with ;o)

First, can you let us have the results of your last three thyroid function tests? Did they do a full TFT of TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and check to see if you have antibodies to your thyroid? When you post the results, also post the reference range for each test. Sadly, many doctors don't realise the significance of these tests. If your laboratory writes 'normal' against test, your GP thinks you do not have a thyroid problem. We might be able to detect otherwise. As with the message I sent Renny, ask your GP to test your Ferritin level (stored iron).

Read everything in our Files and on our website www.tpa-uk.or.guk and check your symptoms and signs against those you will find on our website under 'Hypothyroidism's. Take your basal temperature for at least 5 days and if it is less than 97.8, make a note of these.

You might want to ask your GP to give you a referral to the endocrinologist at your hospital. Blood results are NOT sufficient to make a diagnosis. You should have a full physical examination, your symptoms and signs noted, your family history taken into account (especially as your Mother had a goitre) and then blood results should be taken into account. Many people can have normal TFT's but be hypothyroid. Your symptoms as you have written them here do definitely sounds as if your thyroid is low.

Unfortunately, many sufferers such as yourself, have real difficulty in getting their doctor to recognise this disease, but it is mainly because they have been badly trained when at medical school, and they then follow the teaching of the British Thyroid Association, whom, I am sad to say, leave a lot to be desired, and I personally blame them for all the suffering there is out here.

luv - Sheila

Hello. I have had thyroid tests probably 3 times over the last 10 years, all biochemically 'normal'. Now my symptoms are much worse and I am having the tests repeated. My hair has become terribly thin and dry and I have muscle ache and yes it has been attributed to age! (I am not that old!) In fact, at the moment my lethargy is so bad I am having to make such an effort. After a work day I am so exhausted, so much so that I can't do anything but sleep. My mother had a goitre (as do I) and underwent thyroidectomy. Although I am a trained nurse, I have to admit to being totally ignorent about the management of hypothyroidism and so will be so grateful to be pointed towards any information that might help me.

Pleased to be on board

Marje (my children call me this - after marje simpson!)

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[Guest guest]

Shari, I found the resources on the CI Hear list great - did you find

a link or spreadsheet that has a comparison chart? It helped guide

my thinking process - I agree with your statement that both brands

are good. Some on the list are a bit passionate about their brand but

you pick the one that is right for you. Welcome and I wish you the

best!

Neely

Dallas Texas

>

> Hi, my name is Shari, I am a new member. Last week I found out that

I failed all my hearing tests and am now a candidate for a CI in my

left ear, the worse one. I am still able to hear a bit with my right,

but it's been going downhill, too.

>

> While I am waiting for insurance to authorize the CI, I am

comparing the features of Cochlear and Advanced Bionics. Both brands

seem very good. I've been hearing from both users and they are very

happy with their CIs. Also, at the next appointment, I will try on

the dummy CI models to see how I like wearing them to finally make my

decision.

>

> Just thought I'd pop in and say hello.

>

> I've already seen a few familiar names on this list from other

lists and/or other blogs. .

>

> Shari

>

>

>

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

> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with

Search.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi RIchard,

I was givein a comparison sheet on all three models, Advanced Bionics,

Cochlear, and Med El. I was also given information from happy CI users on their

choice of CI. That was resourceful-going to the source.

I've then made my own comparison sheet in an Excel worksheet. I thnk my

final decision will come when I ask to try on the CI dummy models and see how it

feels.

Thanks for responding.

Shari

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

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

I too was given lots of information to read. Mostly on Bionics and

Cochlear. Trying to digest all of it was over whelming. So...I

decided to make a chart of the features that I liked and thought

would be beneficial to me. I did that and found both are very much

alike. So....I decided to make my final decision after I try on the

models to see how they feel if they are comfortable.

Great minds think along the same track!!!!

BJ

>

> Hi RIchard,

>

> I was givein a comparison sheet on all three models, Advanced

Bionics, Cochlear, and Med El. I was also given information from

happy CI users on their choice of CI. That was resourceful-going to

the source.

>

> I've then made my own comparison sheet in an Excel worksheet.

I thnk my final decision will come when I ask to try on the CI dummy

models and see how it feels.

>

> Thanks for responding.

>

> Shari

>

>

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

> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with

Search.

>

>

[Guest guest]

BJ,

One of the most important issues to me is reliability. When I say reliability, I

mean that of the internal portion, which is the part that is surgically

implanted.

Cochlear has a long history of reliable implants.

Most of the statistics for AB only give reliabilty numbers going back for 18

months or so even though they have been making implants for much longer than

this. Have you ever wondered why this is?

Happy Hearing!

Carol

Boca Raton, FL

N24C 3G left ear -12/11/01

N Freedom- right ear- implanted 3/01/06 activated 4/6/06

Re: New Member

I too was given lots of information to read. Mostly on Bionics and

Cochlear. Trying to digest all of it was over whelming. So...I

decided to make a chart of the features that I liked and thought

would be beneficial to me. I did that and found both are very much

alike. So....I decided to make my final decision after I try on the

models to see how they feel if they are comfortable.

Great minds think along the same track!!!!

BJ

>

> Hi RIchard,

>

> I was givein a comparison sheet on all three models, Advanced

Bionics, Cochlear, and Med El. I was also given information from

happy CI users on their choice of CI. That was resourceful-going to

the source.

>

> I've then made my own comparison sheet in an Excel worksheet.

I thnk my final decision will come when I ask to try on the CI dummy

models and see how it feels.

>

> Thanks for responding.

>

> Shari

>

>

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

> Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with

Search.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Try to get to see the doc who said that- docs who will treat adrenals

that are not as low as the addison's level are as rare as hens teeth.

Hi, Recently joined. Was diagnosed hypothyriod after collapsing and

being admitted to hospital. I remember the endocrinologist explaining

my condition to the students and hearing an almost throw away remark '

I expect her adrenal glands are exhausted'.On reading some of the post

here I see that others have adrenal problems. How does one begin to

sort them out? Any help greatfully received.

[Guest guest]

Hmmm!! Something more to consider.

BJ

> >

> > Hi RIchard,

> >

> > I was givein a comparison sheet on all three models, Advanced

> Bionics, Cochlear, and Med El. I was also given information from

> happy CI users on their choice of CI. That was resourceful-going to

> the source.

> >

> > I've then made my own comparison sheet in an Excel worksheet.

> I thnk my final decision will come when I ask to try on the CI

dummy

> models and see how it feels.

> >

> > Thanks for responding.

> >

> > Shari

> >

> >

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

> > Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with

> Search.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hello Keri - you will get lots of help here and lots of experience 'going it alone' with Armour, so dont worry and Dr Peatfield will help you loads Im sure. If you could show your GP the NHS guidance on treating hypothyroidism, which says that where a patient has symptoms compatible with hypothyroidism they can be offered a trial of levothyroxine, do you think she might be prepared to help you? If you were able to tell her that yu were going to treat yourself im just thinking that she sounds as though she might be sympathetic? You've find the right place for support whatever you decide.

Gill

I am full of hope from yesterday when I made contact the TPA and had an email from Sheila. I have made an appointment to see Dr Peatfield at the end of March and ordered some armour thyroid - I feel very brave but a bit scared. I have just told my doctor what I am about to do and she has asked me to be careful.I have been having problems for nearly a year now but to be honest I think much longer. I have been to a naturopath, Budd and recently a nutritionist, resisting anti depressants from my doctor for a whole year. I don't have much fight left in me.Sheila suggested I post my levels:I had private tests from Genova Diagnostics at the end of November 07TSH 3.96Free T3 2.69Free T4:Free T3 ratio 5.32Peroxidase over 1000Saliva Cortisol tests:Total daily cortisol 13.9 (their reference range 20-40)Just recently I had some tests at the hospital with a synacthen test but this came back normal.Free T3 4.2TSH 4.1Peroxidase 1073I was told that I was normal but I have a tendency towards an underactive thyroid.I have just realised from typing the above that my T3 has increased. However, I am feeling worse:Exhausted but unable to nap anymore (feel wired)InsomniaSkin getting dryer and itchierFoggy head with headaches developingPoor short term memoryPoor concentrationVery coldWeight on the increase (don't dare get on the scales as I am in recovery from an eating disorder)Leg pain and general achesAnxiety/low confidenceToday I left a pan on the stove to boil dry and it hasn't been the first. What next. I am scared.I am grateful in advance for support.

Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.6/1192 - Release Date: 21/12/07 13:17

[Guest guest]

HI Keri - and welcome to our forum where I sincerely hope you will get all the help and support you need. Go to our FILES from the Home Page and read, read, read and make sure you understand everything - and if you don't, just shout and solmebody will be along to try to give you an answer.

I'm glad you are feeling so positive now and as I said to you, this could be the first day of your life, as it is for most people who have been left in a big black hole in not getting their health back within the NHS. Anyway, it seems your doctor is willing to work alongside you so that is a real bonus.

Please don't go down the antidepressant route at this stage as it is very likely what you are feeling and going through is because you are not getting the T3 that your brain and body requires. Once you get the dose of T3 you need, you will feel so much better. When I started Armour, the first thing that came back to me was my brain - and what a wonderful feeling that was.

From your results, I can see that your Free T3 last November was outside the reference range, and extremely low as is your cortisol too was low. Your Free T3 has risen now, but so has your TSH. You have a high antibody count and this means you have Hashimoto's. The antibodies see your thyroid tissue as public enemy number one and therefore set about destroying it. This is the reason you are unable to put out the amount of hormone your body needs. Once your thyroid has become destroyed, your antibody level will subside as there is no more use for them. Why didn't they test your Free T4.

You are probably feeling wired because of the antibody activity - this can make you hyperthyroid and hypothyroid at different times. Your cortisol is far too low. It should be highest in the morning when you wake to allow you to get through the days activities. You need a 24 hour salivary adrenal profile to see where your cortisol and DHEA levels are at other specific times during the day. You can get this done through NPTech Services. Look in our FILES again, and scroll down until you fiond "NPTech Services" and you will see the tests they do and the prices they charge. Your adrenals obviously need supporting. You can do this by taking Nutri Adrenal Extra (but don't take any after 1.00p.m. because the extra adrenalin might keep you awake at night. You can also use liquorice and Siberian Ginseng. Again, I bet your leg pain and general aches are caused through a lack of T3.

It will be interesting to watch your case once you start on Armour.

Luv - Sheila

I have been having problems for nearly a year now but to be honest I think much longer. I have been to a naturopath, Budd and recently a nutritionist, resisting anti depressants from my doctor for a whole year. I don't have much fight left in me.Sheila suggested I post my levels:I had private tests from Genova Diagnostics at the end of November 07TSH 3.96Free T3 2.69Free T4:Free T3 ratio 5.32Peroxidase over 1000Saliva Cortisol tests:Total daily cortisol 13.9 (their reference range 20-40)Just recently I had some tests at the hospital with a synacthen test but this came back normal.Free T3 4.2TSH 4.1Peroxidase 1073I was told that I was normal but I have a tendency towards an underactive thyroid.I have just realised from typing the above that my T3 has increased. However, I am feeling worse:Exhausted but unable to nap anymore (feel wired)InsomniaSkin getting dryer and itchierFoggy head with headaches developingPoor short term memoryPoor concentrationVery coldWeight on the increase (don't dare get on the scales as I am in recovery from an eating disorder)Leg pain and general achesAnxiety/low confidenceToday I left a pan on the stove to boil dry and it hasn't been the first. What next. I am scared.I am grateful in advance for support.

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.20.8/1289 - Release Date: 20/02/2008 10:26yway, it seems your doctor will work along side you