Re: Bad GP appointment need advice and reassurance

[Guest guest]

Glad it's been a better day for you Steve.Yes, I've got Dr P's book - it's just about the only thing I read now. Did you get potassium and sodium tested with your G.P. and did you mention then about taking Florinef?I agree - there's not much hope in expecting understanding from the G.P. but I don't know how else to get the tests done - also I'm very uncomfortable with the idea of misleading her - it just seems unfair.How long have your adrenal problems been going on for? There seems to be a huge variation in how quickly people recover. I wish I'd got some idea of how long it might take. Like you, it sometimes feels like I'm never going to get better.Hope you continue to have a better week, Steve.Best wishes, Alison>> Hi Guys, Thanks for all the replies in the thread ive read them all even if i dont reply to each individual one they mean alot with the >

[Guest guest]

Hi Alison, ive have been on cortisol for just over one year, T3 since october

and florinef around the same time. I do get my sodium and potassium checked

quite a bit, at first i paid £100 for them private but could not afford that. So

when i go my doctors i usually ask for a new iron panel (as mine was previously

low) and then i just say can you check sodium/potassium while im here and the

doc usually has no problem. Maybe you could do something similar if you have

ever been low and supplemented ask to be re-checked on that and just say can you

test sodium/potassium as well plz.

They are important to check while on florinef, mine is 3.6 (3.5-5.3) and i have

been supplementing potassium for around 6 months.

Hope this helps

Steve

> >

> > Hi Guys, Thanks for all the replies in the thread ive read them all

> even if i dont reply to each individual one they mean alot with the 

> >

>

[Guest guest]

They are important to check while on florinef, mine is 3.6 (3.5-5.3) and i have been supplementing potassium for around 6 months.

Hi Steve,

Just a quick note....if you are taking Florinef and your K is down to 3.6, you might want to cut back a little on the Florinef or perhaps you don't need it at all (?). What is your Na (sodium)?

I don't know anything about your history, but if you are taking Florinef (which will lower your potassium and raise your Na) and at the same time you have to supplement potassium to get the K figure up, then it raises the question if you do need Florinef at all.

Ideal figures would be: Na in the middle of the ref range (usually around 143-145) and K should ideally be around 4.3-4.5 (certainly not lower than 4 nor higher than 5)

Best wishes,

[Guest guest]

Hi

Alison

I

would need a VERY good reason from your GP as to why she would refuse to do

these tests. I would request these by letter and print off the information

below to show her just some of the research and studies that have been done to

show the reason why you need these tests to be done. If she refuses after

seeing these, write another letter to her asking her to cite similar references

to studies and research that show there is NO connection between low levels of

these specific minerals/vitamins and low thyroid.

We

have to learn to play such doctors at their own game - and teach the doctors

something into the bargain.

Luv

- Sheila

We

recommend that all members should ask their GP or endocrinologist test the

following to see whether any of the results are returned low within the

reference range. This is because if low, thyroid hormone is unable to get into

the cells, either your own, or through thyroid hormone replacement.

Should

your GP or endocrinologist tell you that there is no connection between these

minerals or vitamin levels and hypothyroidism, then copy the following links

out to show him/her

Good

luck!

Low

iron/ferritin:

Iron deficiency is shown to significantly reduce T4 to T3 conversion, increase

reverse T3 levels, and block the thermogenic (metabolism boosting) properties

of thyroid hormone (1-4). Thus, iron deficiency, as indicated by an iron

saturation below 25 or a ferritin below 70, will result in diminished

intracellular T3 levels. Additionally, T4 should not be considered adequate

thyroid replacement if iron deficiency is present (1-4)).

1. Dillman E, Gale C, Green

W, et al. Hypothermia in iron deficiency due to altered triiodithyroidine

metabolism. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology

1980;239(5):377-R381.

2. SM, PE,

Lukaski HC. In vitro hepatic thyroid hormone deiodination in iron-deficient

rats: effect of dietary fat. Life Sci 1993;53(8):603-9.

3. Zimmermann MB, Köhrle J.

The Impact of Iron and Selenium Deficiencies on Iodine and Thyroid Metabolism:

Biochemistry and Relevance to Public Health. Thyroid 2002;12(10): 867-78.

4. Beard J, tobin B, Green

W. Evidence for Thyroid Hormone Deficiency in Iron-Deficient Anemic Rats. J.

Nutr. 1989;119:772-778.

Low vitamin B12: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18655403

Low vitamin D3: http://www.eje-online.org/cgi/content/abstract/113/3/329

and http://www.goodhormonehealth.com/VitaminD.pdf

Low magnesium: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC292768/pdf/jcinvest00264-0105.pdf

Low folate: http://www.clinchem.org/cgi/content/full/47/9/1738

and http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/thy.1999.9.1163

Low  copper http://www.ithyroid.com/copper.htm

http://www.drlwilson.com/articles/copper_toxicity_syndrome.htm

http://www.ithyroid.com/copper.htm

http://www.rjpbcs.com/pdf/2011_2(2)/68.pdf

http://ajplegacy.physiology.org/content/171/3/652.extract

Low zinc:http://www.istanbul.edu.tr/ffdbiyo/current4/07%20Iham%20AM%C4%B0R.pdf

and http://articles.webraydian.com/article1648-Role_of_Zinc_and_Copper_in_Effective_Thyroid_Function.html

Ferritin levels for women need

to be between 70 and 90 (for men around between 150 and 170)

Vitamin B12 needs to be at the

top of the range.

D3 levels need to be about 50.

Magnesium levels need to be at

the top of the range, it's one thing that gets missed.

I

am aware that I should go to see my G.P. at some stage to request potassium and

sodium tests. I'm not looking forward to this at all - will probably do it

October sometime - I was just wondering if anyone had ideas about the best way

to approach it with a G.P. Can she refuse me the tests I ask for - I also want

to get bone density tests done? I want to stick with this G.P. and I do need

her on side as my ESA is dependent on her writing appropriate letters to the

benefits people - insidious isn't it.

All

best, Alison

_,_._,___

[Guest guest]

Hi my sodium was 145 it used to be 148 slightly above the range its

always been quite high before i was on florinef.

I feel i still need florinef, it has helped quite a bit and it also helped me to

lower my HC when i first introduced it, but im thinkin about dropping down to a

half soon as my next decrease.

I do not underastand the concept that if i have to supplment potassium then i

dont need florinef ? Most people i know that are on florinef supplment potassium

so that it does not drop too low, also i am unable to eat foods rich in

potassium (bannanas ect) Therefore if i could eat bananas then i wouldnt need to

supplment potassium and it would look like i needed florinef more ?

Thanks

Steve

>

>

> They are important to check while on florinef

[Guest guest]

Hello Steve,

Most people i know that are on florinef supplment potassium so that it does not drop too low, also i am unable to eat foods rich in potassium (bannanas ect) Therefore if i could eat bananas then i wouldnt need to supplment potassium and it would look like i needed florinef more ?

But do those people actually know what they are dealing with?

Florinef is a mineralcorticoid that is designed for the treatment of primary 's, a life-threatening autoimmune condition, where the adrenal glands are no longer able to produce Cortisol (produced by second layer of the adrenal cortex) or/and Aldosterone (produced by outer layer of the adrenal cortex)

Aldosterone is a mineralcorticoid that regulates our electrolytes (Na and K) by promoting the retention of sodium (Na) and the loss of potassium (K) in our bodies and that is exactly what Florinef simulates. It is a life-saving steroid for people whose adrenal glands have been destroyed. Without cortisol (glucocorticoid) and aldosterone (mineralcorticoid) we could not survive more than a couple of days and people (and animals) with primary 's need Florinef to keep them alive and well. Florinef works by making sure that the body does not lose too much sodium and by elevating the sodium it simultaneously lowers potassium levels. It is a very fine balance. Too high a dose of Florinef and the sodium climbs too high whilst the potassium falls too low, and too little a dose of Florinef and the body loses too much salt and the potassium climbs too high... both scenarios are dangerous and can be life threatening, especially for an addisonian patient.

To my mind taking Florinef - unless you suffer from primary 's or critically low Aldosterone levels - is a very risky strategy; in particular without the supervision of an experienced health professional. It is to my mind even more risky than self-medicating with HC.

With glucocorticoids at least you know exactly where you stand – there are three levels for dosages: physiological, therapeutic and immune-suppressant; all clearly defined.

With Florinef you do not have that level of certainty. Unless one is very experienced with the treatment of Florinef and can read the warning signs, the only way to make sure that the dosage is correct, is to check the electrolytes regularly and at the slightest sign of an imbalance, because the potential consequences if the electrolytes go out of kilter can be serious.

I do not underastand the concept that if i have to supplment potassium then i dont need florinef ?

The properties of Florinef are to elevate and maintain sodium levels and to lower potassium levels. This is what it does. Your potassium level at last check was 3.6 you say.... only 0.1 point above the lowest K level acceptable... and you say you need to supplement potassium to bring the level up.... I am not surprised.

So what you (and all those people you are referring to) are effectively doing is take Florinef which will bring down your potassium levels and then you take extra potassium to bring the level up again.....if you did not take any Florinef, then presumably you would not need to take potassium supplementation.

my sodium was 145 it used to be 148 slightly above the range its always been quite high before i was on florinef.

This is something that does not make sense....- if your sodium levels were 148 before you took Florinef , then Florinef is definitely the wrong drug to bring the levels down. Florinef helps to control the blood pressure by helping the kidneys to maintain sodium levels (it prevents a loss of salt) , which effectively means it keeps the Na elevated, it does not lower it. But our sodium levels fluctuate on a daily basis anyway, depending on dietary and other factors, with or without Florinef. If you wanted to lower your Na, then Florinef is the wrong tool to do it with. It does have the opposite effect.

To my mind – if the object of the exercise is to bring down high Na levels, then that needs to be done with diet or some Na lowering medication. Taking Florinef when the outer layer and second layer of the adrenals are in working order can only lead to fluid retention, potential heart and kidney problems and will have a destabilizing effect on the electrolytes. In short: Florinef elevates Na and lowers Potassium.

http://www.medicines.org.uk/guides/florinef/addison's%20disease

I hope I have explained this clear enough, but if you have any questions, just shout J

Best wishes,

[Guest guest]

Hi

Steve - you need to sit down and take a long hard look at what you are doing

and where you are going. You need to stop trying all these different hormones

that you believe are going to solve your problems - especially without

supervision of a doctor. You don't appear to be doing the necessary research to

ensure that what you are taking and the dosage you are taking are geared to

suit your particular situation, and this could cause you real harm. To be

honest, I'm not surprised you are feeling so rotten being on both HC and Florinef.

I think the biggest problem you need to tackle is which doctor you are going to

listen to - your GP, Dr P, or the members of this forum as it does seem you are

taking a little bit from here, a bit from there and a bit from elsewhere and

putting all of this together is causing you real problems and potentially,

risks to your health.

Have

you had a Synacthen test at the hospital and if so, was this normal? Even if it

was OK, this doesn't mean your adrenals are capable of working correctly. It

may be that you need to get off both the HC and the Florinef as soon as

possible - and then have a 24 hour urinary cortisol test done and at the same

time, get ALL of your nutrients tested again. Find whatever (if anything) needs

supplementing and then 'safely' supplement - but you should NOT supplement if this

is not needed. Only then should you consider your thyroid medication and

whether the dose you are taking right now is doing the job or whether it needs

changing. SPEAK WITH THE DOCTOR YOU FEEL YOU CAN TRUST.

One

last question, did you start yourself on Florinef or are you doing this under

the supervision of a doctor?

Luv

- Sheila

>i

am unable to eat foods rich in potassium (bannanas ect) Therefore if i could

eat bananas then i wouldnt need to supplment potassium and it would look like i

needed florinef more ?

I

do not underastand the concept that if i have to supplment potassium then i

dont need florinef ? my sodium was 145 it used to be 148 slightly above the

range its always been quite high before i was on florinef.

[Guest guest]

and Sheila i think you both have the wrong impression. I am under the

care of Dr Peatfield and i have regular phone conversations with him and i have

my next appointment in person next friday, ALL of what i am doing has been

through Dr Peatfield first including Florinef.

The reason i need to use my GP is that i cannont afford the tests private and

have to get them through the NHS, not ideal when im seeing Dr P but its what i

have to do at the minute. I have had a 24 hour saliva test which showed my

cortisol VERY under range and that is when i started HC. ALL of my minerals are

in range apart from zinc which i am supplementing, my iron is just slightly

under in the saturation so im taking a little bit of that also.

I have not had a sync test as i have been on HC for over a year now, i am not

stopping HC/Florinef just for a test sorry i even said this to the endo on the

NHS who wanted me to have this test done recently.

The thing which i have a problem with is diabates, im struggling to find a

doctor who can help me with my diabates symptoms as all my tests are showing

normal, with the GTT possibly pointing to insulin resistance.

I understand florinef how it works what it does and it has helped me

tremendoursly, i dont unserstand how you can say that no wonder i feel rubbish

being on HC and Florinef......... The only thing which i would maybe change

would be to get aldesterone tested before i started florienf (but as we know Dr

P does not rely on blood tests) but i showed ALOT of the symptoms which some

have now subsided.

At the moment i am now on the LOWEST HC i have EVER been on 27.5 so my adrenals

must be picking back up and i am going to contrinue to lower. It could explain

why the HC was making my diabates so much worse as my dose was too high as my

own adrenals are starting to kick in.

Steve

[Guest guest]

I do not mean to be rude when i say this, Val from the adrenals group does

indeed know what she is dealing with, i respect her opinion Second only to Dr

Peatfield first that is how knowledgeable she is.

I had quite a few symptoms of low aldesterone, along with " needing " to be on

40mg of hc and still not feeling the need for more before i started florinef. I

get my Sodium and potassium checked regularly, i eat quite a high salted diet

which is why my sodium would be high, i did not take Florinef to lower my

sodium. I believe i had low aldesterone and i guess Dr P also before i started

it.

Steve

> But do those people actually know what they are dealing with?

[Guest guest]

Hi Steve

i thought i had diabetes too , so ended up having a 72 hr starvation test, which

has proved nothing apart from i am not diabetic ,my mother feels this too with

her thyroid condition. Ask your endo for this test, its not easy and i didn't

cope well and didn't last , i collapsed within 5 hours of the test starting.

love Sha xxxxxxxx

>

> Steve

>

[Guest guest]

Hiya, what made you think you had diabates, high blood sugars or symptoms or

both ? Have you looked into insulin resistance at all ?

There is no way i could ever do that test if it sounds like what it is (72 hours

of not eating ?) i would most probably collapse and be sick lol im one of them

people that eats little and often usually every few hours, so 72 hours of not

eating would be more like torture

One of the links which linked showed a really good example of what to ask

for to help with diagnosis, so im going to ask for Glucose Tolerance Test for 5

hours that also measures insulin levels, hopefully my doctor will agree to this.

Steve

>

> Hi Steve

> i thought i had diabetes too , so ended up having a 72 hr starvation test,

which has proved nothing apart from i am not diabetic ,my mother feels this too

with her thyroid condition. Ask your endo for this test, its not easy and i

didn't cope well and didn't last , i collapsed within 5 hours of the test

starting.

> love Sha xxxxxxxx

>

[Guest guest]

Hiya Steve

my symptoms are the mirror image of my husbands who has diabetes, it was torture

for me too hence why i didn't complete it, but i did collapse so they were able

to do the bloods and everything. i eat at least every two hours as i get

" diabetes like " symptoms and collapse on the spot.

I was also tested for insulin resistance in the test. I definately go into hypo

symptoms but we are now probably going to put it down to the thyroid and

metabolism.Also going to look into candida of the gut xxxxxxx

love Sha xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

>

[Guest guest]

i have read that it can someimes be the speed of the drop in blood sugar, rather

than how much blood sugar drops, that cause the problem.

http://www.doctorslounge.com/endocrinology/diseases/hypoglycemia.htm

The Hypoglcyemic accosiation of Australia reccommends taking glycerine. i've not

tried this yet though. I htink you can get it from Boots or Superdrug as a

throat remedy:

http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/what_is_hypo.html

When you change your diet suddenly, you may be left with low blood sugar levels,

without the highs, causing depression, fatigue and worsening the symptoms

initially. These are withdrawal symptoms, that should not last longer than a

week or so. Nevertheless, these unpleasant feelings can be alleviated, by taking

a tablespoon of glycerine mixed in milk or diluted natural fruit juice or better

still in a glass of water three times a day. When glycerine is metabolised into

" energy " in the liver, it by-passes glucose, and is therefore not recognized by

the pancreas as sugar. Hypoglycemia is a stress symptom. This causes potassium

to be excreted in the urine and salt to be retained. Adelle suggests that

the unpleasant feelings of hypoglycemia may be relieved by taking potassium

chloride tablets. Avocado contains an odd sugar called mannoheptulose, which may

actually depress insulin production. Apart from avocado there are many other

herbs that can help regulate blood sugar levels

I have also been reading lately about carnitine deficency and blood sugar:

http://www.altmeds.com/hypoglycemia/articles/carnitine-may-help-stabilize-blood-\

sugar

Carnitine Deficiency

Carnitine deficiency is a muscle disease that prevents muscle cells from

processing fats needed for energy. This deficiency stems from factors such as

inadequate dietary carnitine, a liver disorder that interferes with carnitine

synthesis or loss of carnitine through diarrhea or increased excretion of urine

such as occurs when taking a diuretic. One of the symptoms of carnitine

deficiency is hypoglycemia, which occurs because the energy-deficient muscle

cells do not release glucose into the blood but instead retain it in the form of

glycogen.

Read more:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/511563-carnitine-hypoglycemia/#ixzz1Wtt0Ev6I

[Guest guest]

Also

there was some interesting research done a while back, which showed that some

foods with a GI (glycemic index) may not reflect it's Insulin index (II). That

is, they may not raise blood sugar much, but this is because they cause a lot of

insulin to be released (not really a good thing?).

May be worth experimenting with low II foods to see if they help you at all?

http://drugfreetype2diabetes.com/blog/2010/03/does-the-insulin-index-diet-really\

-work-to-help-diabetics-lose-weight/

Which foods trigger high release of insulin? Courtesy of the American Journal of

Clinical Nutrition, and researchers Suzanne H. A. Holt, Jenni Brand-, and

Petrocz of the University of Sydney (Australia), here is a ranking of how

much insulin is secreted in response to a 240 calorie (1000kJ) portion of each

food. The higher the number, the more insulin release it triggers.

Breakfast Cereals (served with low-fat milk):

•All-Bran™ 4299

•Porridge (raw rolled oats, microwaved) 5093

•Natural muesli (raw rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts) 6034

•Special K™ 8038

•Cornflakes™ 8768

•Sustain™ 8938

•Honeysmacks™ 9102

Carbohydrate-rich Foods:

•White Pasta 4455

•Brown Pasta 4535

•Brown Rice (boiled) 6240

•Rye Bread 6659

•French Fries (McCain's oven fries) 7643

•White Rice (boiled) 8143

•Wholemeal Bread 11203

• White Bread 12882

•Russet Potatoes (boiled and peeled) 13930

High-Protein Foods:

•Eggs (poached) 4744

•Cheddar Cheese 5994

•Beef Fillets (trimmed of visible fat and grilled) 7910

•Lentils (served in tomato sauce) 9268

•Ling Fish (steamed) 9350

•Baked Beans (heated canned beans) 20106

Fruit:

•Apples 8919

•Oranges 9345

•Grapes 12293

•Bananas 12445

Snacks and Candies:

•Peanuts 3047

•Popcorn (microwaved) 6537

•Potato Chips 8195

•Ice Cream 12348

•Yogurt 15611

•Mars Bar™ 16682

•Jellybeans 22860

Bakery Goods:

•Doughnuts with cinnamon sugar 12445

•Croissants 13097

•Iced Chocolate Cake 14305

•Water crackers 14673

•Cookies (chocolate chip) 15223

http://www.ajcn.org/content/66/5/1264.short

[Guest guest]

have you read about taking konjac fibre meals? it may help with hypoglycemia

http://www.konjacfoods.com/diet.htm#9

How can soluble fiber help hypoglycemia?

Soluble fiber helps hypoglycemia by delaying gastric emptying, slowing glucose

absorption, and minimizing drastic blood glucose swings.

What is the downside of soluble fiber?

A high-fiber diet causes gas because the carbohydrates in high-fiber foods

cannot be completely digested in the stomach and small intestine.

What are the natural food resources of soluble fiber?

Soluble fiber is found in oats, oatmeal, oat bran, beans, legumes, barley,

citrus fruits and certain fruits, psyllium, vegetable gum include konjac gum,

pectin, guar gum and gum arabic, to name a few. Oats have the highest proportion

of soluble fiber among cereals.

Usually, soluble fiber is hard to get from foods. Normal food has a very small

percentage soluble fiber. The cereal containing highest level of soluble fiber

is oat bran, which has about 14% soluble fiber. All other food grains contain

much less soluble fiber than oat bran.

Glucomannan is soluble fiber derived from the konjac plant (tuber). Fresh konjac

contains an average of 13% dry matter, 64% of the dry matter is glucomannan, 30%

is starch. That makes Glucomannan the richest soluble fiber resource in nature.

Glucomannan has the highest water holding capacity and the highest molecular

weight among all dietary fibers. These properties help to increase its

effectiveness against stroke, cancer, diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders.

>

> Hiya Steve

> my symptoms are the mirror image of my husbands who has diabetes, it was

torture for me too hence why i didn't complete it, but i did collapse so they

were able to do the bloods and everything. i eat at least every two hours as i

get " diabetes like " symptoms and collapse on the spot.

[Guest guest]

Glucomannon is also good for weight loss, you take it before meals with a large glass of water and it sweels up in the gut and fills you up.

I have some but keep forgetting to take it.

iHerb is the man for the job!

Mo

thyroid treatment From: chrisjtaylor46@...Date: Sat, 3 Sep 2011 17:06:12 +0000Subject: Re: Bad GP appointment need advice and reassurance

have you read about taking konjac fibre meals? it may help with hypoglycemiahttp://www.konjacfoods.com/diet.htm#9How can soluble fiber help hypoglycemia?Soluble fiber helps hypoglycemia by delaying gastric emptying, slowing glucose absorption, and minimizing drastic blood glucose swings.What is the downside of soluble fiber?A high-fiber diet causes gas because the carbohydrates in high-fiber foods cannot be completely digested in the stomach and small intestine.

[Ed]

[Guest guest]

This is the general misconception that I have found. I have gathered from

talking to others who have hypo that the problem is NOt eating too much but

eating too LITTLE, I eat very little that is why I put on weight, because my

body has gone into 'famine' mode because I don't consume enough calories.

I am fed up of the constant mantra's such as 'eat less and exercise more' -

doesn't work,neither does the stupid doctor and nurse telling me I am eating too

much and lying about it!!

Glynis

>

> Glucomannon is also good for weight loss, you take it before meals with a

large glass of water and it sweels up in the gut and fills you up.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi all, I'd just like to second what Steve is saying here as I'm in a very similar position.I was (and still am) on a high dose of hc - with limited effect and all the symptoms of low aldesterone - dizziness, bp in low 60's, etc. The addition of Florinef has enabled me to become just a little more active - I'm no longer stuck in bed all day.The effect of adrenal deficiency can't be understated - I look back on the past year and my adrenal problems really have completely disabled me. I'm sure Steve has similar experiences.And just to add that Val's adrenal site together with this group has provided invaluable and expert advice.All best Alison>> I do not mean to be rude when i say this, Val from the adrenals group does indeed know what she is dealing with, i respect her opinion >

[Guest guest]

Also I think that when you are hypo and in my case, suffering depression,

chronic fatigue, cold, brain fog, agonising foot pain and yes massive weight

gain, for someone to say it is simply because you are eating too much, is the

easy way out for them! Its a bit more complicated than that.once when I was as

cold as ice (even in my bones) and really obese, someone came and whispered in

my ear " trying to warm yourself up burns fat " !!! This is what we are up

against. Thankfully I found this group, and although I had to resort ot self

medicating and monitoring my own health by the releif of symptoms, I am warm,

not tired and not depressed,( but still fat). One,or several steps at a time.

Take care. Jan xxx

[Guest guest]

Janine

Lose the gluten and the weight will fall off you.

Trust me. I went on the Paleo diet and lost 4 stone in 7 months or thereabouts.

Mo

ps and it is best not to go for the gluten-free products as they are high in carbs, I use oatcakes for my 'bread', nut butter is good on them particularly almond butter sold by Holland & Barrett.

Mo

thyroid treatment From: janinewilkinson39@...Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2011 03:36:53 -0700Subject: Re: Re: Bad GP appointment need advice and reassurance

Also I think that when you are hypo and in my case, suffering depression, chronic fatigue, cold, brain fog, agonising foot pain and yes massive weight gain, for someone to say it is simply because you are eating too much, is the easy way out for them! Its a bit more complicated than that.once when I was as cold as ice (even in my bones) and really obese, someone came and whispered in my ear "trying to warm yourself up burns fat" !!! This is what we are up against. Thankfully I found this group, and although I had to resort ot self medicating and monitoring my own health by the releif of symptoms, I am warm, not tired and not depressed,( but still fat). One,or several steps at a time. Take care. Jan xxx

[Guest guest]

Thanks Month. I know this is what I need to do. I tried it for a while and felt

incredibly well, but then gave in to sugar! Don't know why, wish I hadn't. I was

a size 14 gym goer on t4 , then crashed. Have been on the ndt track for a few

years now and feel ok but a size 22!! People from my gym days just don't know

what to say when they see me, its upsetting, but only I can fix it. Thanks. Jan

xxxx

[Guest guest]

Steve

Can you afford to get your own glucose monitor? The cheapest option is to pick

up a freestyle lite monitor as you can get their 50 strips for about £14-15

(other brands charge more) on ebay. You can get the monitor for about £7-9 on

ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40 & _trksid=p5197.m570.l1313 & _nkw=freesty\

le+lite & _sacat=See-All-Categories

If so you could reassure yourself by running your own glucose tests at home and

check what your bloods are doing when you are symptomatic. You could also run

your own version of the GGT at home by testing, then doing a glucose challenge

(use pure glucose syrup or lucozade) and then testing 1 hour and 2 hours later

and even four or five hours if you think that would show something.

Here is a protocol explaining the amount of glucose or lucozade you would need

to use....

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v & q=cache:Qs8kYbTI_wEJ:www.nhsgrampian.org/nhsgr\

ampian/files/75g%2520Oral%2520Glucose%2520Tolerance%2520Test.doc+GGT+protocol & hl\

=en & gl=uk & pid=bl & srcid=ADGEEShrEr0-q25M6eeLToOZPsGbUDwQ7hO8KaEpww-Vrp3IoqTwk5kBQ\

hANE6yt7YKX5HefVgYtrHIiqyxRkvCJo243feopqsfiMYk5EnPyyNmqTBgWgCvbVZFz3pIIfdOvBG5JO\

73_ & sig=AHIEtbRQR5PQma09AbN0uxKVeZ-73jINyA

I'm diabetic (type 1) and the GGT really is the gold standard for diabetes.

[Guest guest]

Jan, have you considered the diet many of our members are using

and losing stones in weight. Go to our Chat group (if you are not a

member yet, let us know and we will send you an invitation) and check out how

many members are meeting with success.

Luv - Sheila

Also I think that when you are hypo and in my case, suffering depression,

chronic fatigue, cold, brain fog, agonising foot pain and yes massive weight

gain, for someone to say it is simply because you are eating too much, is the

easy way out for them! Its a bit more complicated than that.once when I was as

cold as ice (even in my bones) and really obese, someone came and whispered in

my ear " trying to warm yourself up burns fat " !!! This is what we are

up against. Thankfully I found this group, and although I had to resort ot self

medicating and monitoring my own health by the releif of symptoms, I am warm,

not tired and not depressed,( but still fat). One,or several steps at a time.

Take care. Jan xxx