Thyroid question

[Guest guest]

Um, he sees the new guidelines and understands them and yet completely

dismisses them? In my opinion (LOL) you need a third opinion.

The suggestion to do more reading on your own is a good one. For

myself, I just got worse year after year after year. I wish I had

known about my thyroid condition years ago - when I had readings of

7.0 and 11.0 and even 17.2 and it still wasn't considered bad enough

to treat, but I never even investigated it because my doctor told me

not to worry about it. I could have saved myself years of feeling

horrible if I had only read up on it myself and demanded treatment.

Ah, if wishes were horses...

I am now taking a synthetic T3 & T4 combo (couldn't get natural -

there's no supply here!) and I am feeling even better than I did on

the T4 alone. Not only do I feel better physically, I can THINK

clearly again. It's a huge relief.

Anyway, best of luck.

Scout

>

> Today I went for a second opinion, and despite the high level of

> thyroid antibodies I have, enlarged thyroid(goiter), family history

> of hypothyroidism, elevated TSH levels(5.0-7.0), a printout of the

> new TSH guidelines below, and other symptoms, the the doctor agreed

> with the first endocrinologist, and stated that it's not " serious

> enough " for him to prescribe meds. He explained that unless my TSH

> was over 10, " very few " doctors will treat subclinical hypothyroidsm.

>

> http://thyroid.about.com/cs/hypothyroidism/a/undertreated.htm

>

> He did state that because of the " very high levels " of thyroid

> antibodies I have, he " guarantees " I will eventually develop full

> blown hypothyroidsm and require meds in the future, but he can't

> pinpoint when that will be. He requested that I have another test

> for TSH and Free T4 done, along with an ultrasound of the small

> goiter just to be on the safe side. I'll probably take care of that

> this weekend. Well, that's that. I got a second opinion, and as long

> as I'm feeling better while following BFL, and the goiter isn't

> large enough for others to notice, I will accept the conclusion of

> both endocrinologists, and just have a TSH test taken each year to

> stay on top of things. I hate meds, so I was actually relieved.

> Though my energy has increased since working out, it still have to

> really " push " myself to get the energy to workout. Maybe that will

> change at the end of the year.

>

[Guest guest]

If I decide to get a third opinion, I may fax the article to the

doctor, to get his opinion before wasting time going in. Most

endocrinologists seem to share this view of not treating levels

under 10.0.

> >

> > Today I went for a second opinion, and despite the high level of

> > thyroid antibodies I have, enlarged thyroid(goiter), family

history

> > of hypothyroidism, elevated TSH levels(5.0-7.0), a printout of

the

> > new TSH guidelines below, and other symptoms, the the doctor

agreed

> > with the first endocrinologist, and stated that it's

not " serious

> > enough " for him to prescribe meds. He explained that unless my

TSH

> > was over 10, " very few " doctors will treat subclinical

hypothyroidsm.

> >

> > http://thyroid.about.com/cs/hypothyroidism/a/undertreated.htm

> >

> > He did state that because of the " very high levels " of thyroid

> > antibodies I have, he " guarantees " I will eventually develop

full

> > blown hypothyroidsm and require meds in the future, but he can't

> > pinpoint when that will be. He requested that I have another

test

> > for TSH and Free T4 done, along with an ultrasound of the small

> > goiter just to be on the safe side. I'll probably take care of

that

> > this weekend. Well, that's that. I got a second opinion, and as

long

> > as I'm feeling better while following BFL, and the goiter isn't

> > large enough for others to notice, I will accept the conclusion

of

> > both endocrinologists, and just have a TSH test taken each year

to

> > stay on top of things. I hate meds, so I was actually relieved.

> > Though my energy has increased since working out, it still have

to

> > really " push " myself to get the energy to workout. Maybe that

will

> > change at the end of the year.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I will say that at least in my situation, when I had untreated true

thyroid problems, exercise was the furthest thing from my mind. I

mean, I knew I needed to and I knew the weight was piling on and

wasn't going to come off on it's own, but I barely had the energy to

make it through the work day and come home and fix

dinner...honestly...that was about all I could do in a day.

I'm not at my optimum level on treatment...it's a slow process. But,

everyday I seem to get just a little better than the day before. At

least I want to and have somewhat the energy to exercise and am

beginning to see some sort of having a life now.

Thyroid can really mess with your entire system...fatigue, joint and

muscles, memory, heart palpitations...the list could go on and on.

It can also take a toll on your emotional health as well...(hubby

and I came so close to a divorce and all he or the kids had to do

was walk in the room and it could set me off). I thought I was

losing my mind. It helps to know there are so many other women (and

men) out there going through the same thing...and sadly some of them

will go their entire lives untreated.

I agree with Scout...one of the best things you can do for yourself

is to research and learn and go in armed with facts for your doctor.

Jaima

>

> Um, he sees the new guidelines and understands them and yet

completely

> dismisses them? In my opinion (LOL) you need a third opinion.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jaima, a few years ago I had all the symptoms you mentioned. It

took a couple of years for me to successfuly complete a BFL

challenge because my energy was so low. When I first experienced

these symptoms, I could barely get out of the bed, my joints cracked

and ached, I experienced heart palpitaions and low mood, and just

about all the common hypothyroid symptoms. I still experience some

of these symptoms, but not as bad.

I noticed major relief when I eliminated a great deal of foods,

products, and condiments from my meals, and started to eat more of a

80% raw vegan diet, with limited seafood, eggwhites, and chicken.

I've read that decreasing processed foods ect, can help to

strengthen the immune system. I've also read of women women

who " claim " to have reversed their hyphothyroidsm, and/or lower

their tsh antibodies from eat a primarely raw vegan diet. I plan to

do more research on that for all the details.

> >

> > Um, he sees the new guidelines and understands them and yet

> completely

> > dismisses them? In my opinion (LOL) you need a third opinion.

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Jaima, when your symptoms were the worst, what was your TSH level?

Mine was about 7.0

> >

> > Um, he sees the new guidelines and understands them and yet

> completely

> > dismisses them? In my opinion (LOL) you need a third opinion.

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I've had labs done so many times over the last couple of years...I'll

need to go back and look. However, I was in a swing for a long

time...meaning one set of labs it might show hyper, the next would be

hypo. I paid little attention to the numbers as I did more research

and learned that symptoms are just as important. I think I have caught

mine before it got as bad as it could be. I also think that goes along

with being in tuned to your body and being able to sense pretty

quickly when something is wrong...I knew early on that I was

not 'right'. I had actually first found out my thyroid was off because

I had went in to have my sugar checked...I thought I was becoming

diabetic or something along those lines.

Let me look back and my labs and I'll let you know...that's

sad...can't remember simple stuff like that and I don't want to tell

you wrong...(forgetfulness...one more hypo symptom, lol)!

Jaima

>

> Jaima, when your symptoms were the worst, what was your TSH level?

> Mine was about 7.0--- In

[Guest guest]

I would love to know more about this...I have read where women have

made major transformations in their lives by eating raw. Can you

give me an idea of how you go about this? If you want to e-mail me

off-list that's fine, or post on here for everybody...would probably

help others out too .

My biggest concern with trying to eat like this is my family. Hubby

is a 'meat and potatoes' kinda guy...and what about my kids? I have

a 14 year old son (who is fairly open-minded, might not be too

traumatic) and a 9-year-old daughter. I think less meat wouldn't be

a problem...none of us except hubby are big meat eaters. But, on the

other hand...getting veggies in my daughter can be an all day

event ;o).

If you could even tell me where all you are researching and finding

the best info would be a tremendous help. The net is full of

different sites...and that seems to be very overwhelming to me right

now...(another hypo problem, maybe?...lol).

Thanks again and any info would be great!

Jaima

> > >

> > > Um, he sees the new guidelines and understands them and yet

> > completely

> > > dismisses them? In my opinion (LOL) you need a third

opinion.

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I was misdiagnosed for years as having Rheumatoid Arthritis, mainly

because my symptons would come and go. I would get the intense

fatigue, but it was also coupled with intense joint pains, hence the

dx as RA. (acronyms R US. LOL)

Anyway, in between bouts of joint pain, especially in the early years,

I was fine to exercise. That was was actually something which drove

me nuts. I would be working out with weights , walking and/or

running, and feeling good and losing weight (very,very slowly, ,mind

you) and then a month or two or three in, I would start to lose

strength & energy. At first I might only feel blah, but then as time

went on it became just too damn hard to keep working out, and then the

joint pain would flare and that was it. I was down and out for

another few weeks to months until I again felt an upswing in energy.

Diet alone never helped me in any significant, measurable way. Much

of the recommendations for RA patients are the same for thyroid, or

diabetic patients - eat unprocessed foods, lots of veggies, limit red

meat, eliminate white sugar, flour, etc.. I've been there and done

that, and although of course it helps with overall health, it doesn't

fix thyroid problems, although it may help in the long run. Well, I

mean, OF COURSE it helps in the long run - a healthy diet helps

everyone - but it's not a cure for thyroid problems..

I had the depression off and on, and the anger -- whoo! Jaima, you've

reminded me of that. I had the anger bigtime. There were weeks when

I felt like I was living at just below boiling point - anything and

everything could make me boil over with red hot rage. I couldn't

fathom it - this was not *me*. I also had/have the heart

palpitations too.

The fatigue got me real good this past May though, when I started

sleeping 16-18 hours per day. That's when I was finally treated - and

my TSH was in the 'normal' range at that time.

Scout

> >

> > Um, he sees the new guidelines and understands them and yet

> completely

> > dismisses them? In my opinion (LOL) you need a third opinion.

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jaima, I wish I could be more helpful. I originally read about a

few success stories on various raw food message boards, but I

personally don't know all the details. I believe one site was Alissa

Cohen's rawfoodtalk.com message board. I can't remember the other

one off hand. I will definitely post or email you with info I may

come across in the future.

> > > >

> > > > Um, he sees the new guidelines and understands them and yet

> > > completely

> > > > dismisses them? In my opinion (LOL) you need a third

> opinion.

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Jaima and others, below are one set of " past " results. I left my

recent results in the doctor's office yesterday, so I can't post

those until I receive them via mail.

TSH 7.00 (0.45-5.50)

Thyroxine Free 0.87 (0.75-2.00)

Free T3 2.01 (1.45-3.48)

Free T4 0.86 (0.71-1.85)

Thyroglobulin Autoantibodies 41* (range <40 IU/ML)

Thyroid Peroxidase Autoantibodies >625* (range <35 IU/ML)

What is the difference between the Thyroxine Free score and the Free

T3 and Free T4 scores? Also, what do my auto-antibodie numbers mean?

Thanks

Nel

> >

> > Jaima, when your symptoms were the worst, what was your TSH

level?

> > Mine was about 7.0--- In

>

[Guest guest]

I agree, eating healthier definitely helps with " overall health " . I am

convinced, hypothyroid or not, making that one change, along with

exercises is what kept me out of the bed.

- In , " sothicscout "

<sothicscout@y...> wrote:

> Diet alone never helped me in any significant, measurable way. Much

> of the recommendations for RA patients are the same for thyroid, or

> diabetic patients - eat unprocessed foods, lots of veggies, limit red

> meat, eliminate white sugar, flour, etc.. I've been there and done

> that, and although of course it helps with overall health, it doesn't

> fix thyroid problems, although it may help in the long run. Well, I

> mean, OF COURSE it helps in the long run - a healthy diet helps

> everyone - but it's not a cure for thyroid problems..

>

[Guest guest]

I forgot to post the link for you:

http://tinyurl.com/86jlr

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/search.php?searchid=200571

> > > > >

> > > > > Um, he sees the new guidelines and understands them and

yet

> > > > completely

> > > > > dismisses them? In my opinion (LOL) you need a third

> > opinion.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Here is another one, the thread is pretty old though:

http://tinyurl.com/b559j

http://www.rawfoodsupport.com/read.php?f=7 & i=397 & t=397

> > > > >

> > > > > Um, he sees the new guidelines and understands them and

yet

> > > > completely

> > > > > dismisses them? In my opinion (LOL) you need a third

> > opinion.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I don't want to attempt to decipher lab results...I'm just learning

myself. My best advice could be to join the group I posted

before and send this same e-mail. The people on there and their

knowledge is amazing!

The TSH numbers aren't good by any means, but you know that

already..;o).

Some of the women on that group choose to self medicate...just

something to keep in mind if you can't find a doc to cooperate.

Sorry I'm no help on the labs...please join that group if you can

and talk to them there...I'll bet you will be glad you did!

Jaima

>

> Hi Jaima and others, below are one set of " past " results. I left

my

> recent results in the doctor's office yesterday, so I can't post

> those until I receive them via mail.

>

> TSH 7.00 (0.45-5.50)

> Thyroxine Free 0.87 (0.75-2.00)

> Free T3 2.01 (1.45-3.48)

> Free T4 0.86 (0.71-1.85)

>

> Thyroglobulin Autoantibodies 41* (range <40 IU/ML)

> Thyroid Peroxidase Autoantibodies >625* (range <35 IU/ML)

>

> What is the difference between the Thyroxine Free score and the

Free

> T3 and Free T4 scores? Also, what do my auto-antibodie numbers

mean?

> Thanks

>

> Nel--- In , " Jaima "

>

[Guest guest]

Um, I have the same reluctance as Jaima in doing an interpretation of

labs., especially when every lab has its own set of normal ranges.

I've bounced back and forth between two labs (blood taken at my dr's

ofc then sent out, or one done at a blood clinic) and their reports

have small but significant differences.

Plus, I'm a newbie at this too. I was only diagnosed in May 2005 and

my meds are still being adjusted.

Do try the various thyroid boards. You'll get better (and more

experienced) replies there.

Scout

> > >

> > > Jaima, when your symptoms were the worst, what was your TSH

> level?

> > > Mine was about 7.0--- In

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ladies, I completely understand about the lab results. I joined a

few hypothyroid groups yesterday, and I'm looking forward to the

feedback. BTW, below is a woman named who says a raw food

diet and yoga cured her of hypothyroidsm, ovarian cysts,

hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue, and tons of other issues.

She was so excited about her changes, she went on to medical school,

and her goal is to become a physician so that she can combine

traditional medicene with holistic solutions. It's a blessing she

improved her health at such a young age.

http://www.shazzie.com/raw/transformation/jaime.shtml

> > > >

> > > > Jaima, when your symptoms were the worst, what was your TSH

> > level?

> > > > Mine was about 7.0--- In

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for sending this along. I hope you can get everything regulated and

start feeling better

-- Re: thyroid question

Today I went for a second opinion, and despite the high level of

thyroid antibodies I have, enlarged thyroid(goiter), family history

of hypothyroidism, elevated TSH levels(5.0-7.0), a printout of the

new TSH guidelines below, and other symptoms, the the doctor agreed

with the first endocrinologist, and stated that it's not " serious

enough " for him to prescribe meds. He explained that unless my TSH

was over 10, " very few " doctors will treat subclinical hypothyroidsm.

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/hypothyroidism/a/undertreated.htm

He did state that because of the " very high levels " of thyroid

antibodies I have, he " guarantees " I will eventually develop full

blown hypothyroidsm and require meds in the future, but he can't

pinpoint when that will be. He requested that I have another test

for TSH and Free T4 done, along with an ultrasound of the small

goiter just to be on the safe side. I'll probably take care of that

this weekend. Well, that's that. I got a second opinion, and as long

as I'm feeling better while following BFL, and the goiter isn't

large enough for others to notice, I will accept the conclusion of

both endocrinologists, and just have a TSH test taken each year to

stay on top of things. I hate meds, so I was actually relieved.

Though my energy has increased since working out, it still have to

really " push " myself to get the energy to workout. Maybe that will

change at the end of the year.

[Guest guest]

Wow! You have just described me. I am so tired of being tired and bitchy

(excuse my language)

-- Re: thyroid question

I will say that at least in my situation, when I had untreated true

thyroid problems, exercise was the furthest thing from my mind. I

mean, I knew I needed to and I knew the weight was piling on and

wasn't going to come off on it's own, but I barely had the energy to

make it through the work day and come home and fix

dinner...honestly...that was about all I could do in a day.

I'm not at my optimum level on treatment...it's a slow process. But,

everyday I seem to get just a little better than the day before. At

least I want to and have somewhat the energy to exercise and am

beginning to see some sort of having a life now.

Thyroid can really mess with your entire system...fatigue, joint and

muscles, memory, heart palpitations...the list could go on and on.

It can also take a toll on your emotional health as well...(hubby

and I came so close to a divorce and all he or the kids had to do

was walk in the room and it could set me off). I thought I was

losing my mind. It helps to know there are so many other women (and

men) out there going through the same thing...and sadly some of them

will go their entire lives untreated.

I agree with Scout...one of the best things you can do for yourself

is to research and learn and go in armed with facts for your doctor.

Jaima

>

> Um, he sees the new guidelines and understands them and yet

completely

> dismisses them? In my opinion (LOL) you need a third opinion.

>

>

[Guest guest]

(34, DS) has been taking Synthroid since age 16. There have been problems

on two occasions: 1. When we tried the generic, which didn't work. 2. When her

thyroid went a bit haywire and there was a problem prescribing the right dose.

Is your friend a physician? Is there any reason why you would think she knows

more about Synthroid than your physician?

granny

Thyroid question

>

>My son is 15 and has taken Synthroid for years for his hypothyroidism. My

question is this...

>Recently a friend of mine started questioning the use of Synthroid and has told

me that Armor thyroid is better and that there are numerous things out there

about Synthroid making it unsafe to take.

>My doctor orders a t4 with tsh uptake every year and we adjust from there.

However my friend says that without a t3 you don't get an accurate reading.

>My Endo Dr. says that it is not necessary to do a t3 with children as you will

get a different reading every time that you do it so it is a waste of money.

>Has anyone heard anything out there about Synthroid and any adverse effects?

What are your children on if they are on thyroid medicine. Thanks for any

opinions or information.

>

> Mattern

>

>

[Guest guest]

Mav's Dr. does the T3 and T4 each time. Sometimes more than once a year if I

see that he's having issues.

He and (and my mother) are all on Levothyriod.

[Guest guest]

is on this new one that starts with an L (new to us anyway--levothyroid).

Earlier, he took unithroid for several years and before that synthroid (which

did not agree with a lot of people and we had him taken off of it). He

generally sees the doctor every four to six months. He complains quite a bit

about being hot and cold, which he attributes to his thyroid. His weight is

really good (about 130) compared to most boys about to turn 18. He put himself

on a strict diet a few years ago (without any pushing and prodding) but still

loves his meat and potatoes. He will be 18 April 8 and will graduate June 10.

Dad to , Kristi, (all three who have Down syndrome) and

(who has Cri du chat)

Husband to C. in Mo.

Uncle Daddy to and in Calif.

BIL to in Calif.

" M. FRANK " <michdock@...> wrote:

Mav's Dr. does the T3 and T4 each time. Sometimes more than once a

year if I see that he's having issues.

He and (and my mother) are all on Levothyriod.

[Guest guest]

has had thyroid testing for years. His DS doctor finally said he had

hypothyroidism and then asked his pediatrician to follow up. His ped then

referred him to a pediatric endocrinologist and finally - just was seen on

Friday. We brought more recent bloodwork that was ordered by his neurologist

(who did us a favor to add it with the recent labs for seizure meds to prevent

another " stick " a week later).

I wasn't happy with this doctor. She was not the doctor I thought we would be

seen by. I had a difficult time understanding her, she ordered more bloodwork

(even though we supplied lab results from last week) and said was

borderline hypothyroid. Then she said that synthroid safe and harmless - then

she turned around and said that his pulse was 129 and synthroid would push it up

to 150. We walked out of there with a note to follow up in 12 months. I will

make the appointment for the clinic that is closer to us and it will be with the

doctor whom I thought we were going to see. Meanwhile, I am sure he'll have

another blood draw in May when we see his DS doctor. I will also request a

copy of his lab results to share with his DS doctor.

BTW, behaved very well this time. We had a great morning and afternoon.

He did have a tough time at dinner (it was loud and crowded) - even with his

sister and cousin joining us. We then drove home and hit a snow storm that had

us moving very slowly in the mountains. Halfway home, the snow stopped (Lower

elevation) and eventually so did the rain. slept the whole time

--

cindysue@...

Re: Thyroid question

is on this new one that starts with an L (new to us

anyway--levothyroid). Earlier, he took unithroid for several years and before

that synthroid (which did not agree with a lot of people and we had him taken

off of it). He generally sees the doctor every four to six months. He complains

quite a bit about being hot and cold, which he attributes to his thyroid. His

weight is really good (about 130) compared to most boys about to turn 18. He put

himself on a strict diet a few years ago (without any pushing and prodding) but

still loves his meat and potatoes. He will be 18 April 8 and will graduate June

10.

Dad to , Kristi, (all three who have Down syndrome) and

(who has Cri du chat)

Husband to C. in Mo.

Uncle Daddy to and in Calif.

BIL to in Calif.

" M. FRANK " <michdock@...> wrote:

Mav's Dr. does the T3 and T4 each time. Sometimes more than once a year if I

see that he's having issues.

He and (and my mother) are all on Levothyriod.

[Guest guest]

My son has been on meds since birth. We started with Synthroid since the

" studies " said the generics were not effective equivalents. I then read

that the " studies " were sponsored and paid for by the makers of Synthroid.

I asked my Dr. and she said the generics were fine, and we immediately

switched. He has been monitored quarterly and has never had a problem with

the generics. His only adjustment has been because of his growth. The only

thing the Dr said was not to jump back and forth between the two as that may

be problematic...which leads me to believe they must be different somehow!

All I know is we do fine with the $4 generic prescription (Levothyroxine).

BTW, we always get T3, T4 and TSH at every visit.

Karla in Texas

Thyroid question

> My son is 15 and has taken Synthroid for years for his hypothyroidism. My

> question is this...

> Recently a friend of mine started questioning the use of Synthroid and has

> told me that Armor thyroid is better and that there are numerous things

> out there about Synthroid making it unsafe to take.

> My doctor orders a t4 with tsh uptake every year and we adjust from there.

> However my friend says that without a t3 you don't get an accurate

> reading.

> My Endo Dr. says that it is not necessary to do a t3 with children as you

> will get a different reading every time that you do it so it is a waste of

> money.

> Has anyone heard anything out there about Synthroid and any adverse

> effects? What are your children on if they are on thyroid medicine.

> Thanks for any opinions or information.

>

> Mattern

[Guest guest]

has been on Synthroid for over a year now and I really can't

see any difference. But he likes the way it makes him feel. But the

instruction say to give it to him 2 hours before he eats anything in the

morning.

Actually the instructions af first confused me, but I do give it to him when he

has been up a little while and then wait awhile for breakfast. He's fine with

this. He hasn't been on any generic or any other thyroid med so there is

nothing to compare it to.

I do have one suggestion, if you have a good pharmacist, ask him or

her for advice. They often know more about these things than doctors do.

Jessie, mom of , 43 with DS.

**************

Wondering what's for Dinner

Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food.

(http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)

[Guest guest]

I think you're right, . If giving it to him at bedtime doesn't help,

perhaps you should discontinue until you speak with his physician.

granny

On Sat, May 17, 2008 at 5:38 PM, CINDY MATTERN <cindymattern@...> wrote:

> A few hours after Ben takes his thyroid (they switched him to

> Levothyroxin and was on brand name) his blood pressure goes up, he gets

> chest pain, throws up and sweats. This happens if he exerts himself. I'm

> thinking either give it to him at bedtime when he is at rest and then on

> Monday call the Dr. and demand brand name because the generic isn't

> absorbing properly.

> Any thoughts? Thanks for any input.

> M.

>

>