Re: CBC interpretation please

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila, could you interpret what you can please from the alleged Complete Blood Test that I persistently requested.Three ilks within the same practice have stated in similar terms that a Thyroid test, of 2008, came back within range. I had to phone the receptionist and all that was recorded in my notes was a TSH of 2.2.It's pointless advising to move surgeries as one of the 3 practices from 3 other, unconnected surgeries. And who knows if you're going to jump from the frying pan into the fire. I've highlighted what immediately stands out that may explain the cold hands, with pins & needles, breathlessness (air hunger), lethargy and onset of arthritic pains. Coupled with the private Vitamin D test resulting with deficiency at 34 nmol/L (optimal range 75-125) I was finally prescribed only Calceos 2 x daily = 800 iu's. I'm tending to believe that the blood work leans towards Pernicious Anaemia?Sorry if this is not clear but the brain fog on top of the epilepsy doesn't help.Luv, BillComplete Blood CountMY LEVELSEKHUFT LAB LEVELSglobalrph.com/labs rangesHaemoglobin estimation 14 g/dL (13.00 - 18.00 g/dL)14.6 - 17.8Total white cell count 7.10 10*9/L (4.00 - 11.00 10*9/L)3.2 - 10.6 K/µLPlatelet count 270.00 10*9/L (150.00 - 400.00 10*9/L)177 - 406 K/µLRed blood cell count 4.61 10*12/L (4.50 - 6.00 10*12/L)4.69 - 6.07 M/µLHaematocrit .421 ratio (0.40 - 0.50 ratio)40.8 - 51.9%Mean Corpuscular volume (MCV) 91.3 fL (80.00 - 100.00fL)77.8 - 94.0 fLMean corpus. Haemoglobin (MCH) 30.4pg (27.00 - 32.00pg)26.5 - 32.6 fLMean corpus. Hb. conc (MCHC) 33.3g/dL (32.00 - 36.00g/dL)32.7 - 36.9 fLNeutrophil count 4.1 10*9/L (2.00 - 7.50 10*9/L)No DataLymphocyte count 2.0 10*9/L (1.50 - 4.00 10*9/L)No DataMonocyte count 0.6 10*9/L (0.20 - 1.00 10*9/L)No DataEosinophil count 0.4 10*9/L (0.02 - 0.50 10*9/L)No DataSerum Ferritin 55 ug/L (22.00 - 275.00ug/L)Male: 18 - 350 µg/LFemale: 15 - 49 yr: 12 - 156 µg/L> 49 yr: 18 - 204 µg/LSerum Folate 10.7 ug/L (4.8 - 19.00ug/L)Folate, Serum0 - 3.3 ng/mL: Deficient3.4 - 5.3 ng/mL Indeterminate5.4 - 40.0 ng/mL: NormalSerum Vitamin B12348 ng/L (189 - 883.00ng/L)>150 - 590 pmol/L 　　Liver Function TestSerum total protein 70 g/L (60.00 - 80.00g/L)60 - 85 g/LSerum Albumin 40 g/L (35.00 - 50.00g/L)30 - 50 g/LSerum globulin 30 g/L (20.00 - 35.00g/L)Serum bilirubin level 6 umol/L(<29.00umol/L)</= 22 µmol/LAlt source: 2 - 18 µmol/L!Serum alkaline Phosphatase 179 u/L(30.00 - 130.00u/L)M/F: Serum or plasma:20 and older: 40-120 U/L ALT/SGPT serum level22u/L (<70.00u/L) Males 0 - 35 U/L; Females 0 - 20 U/L>> > Hello Bill> > I am very sorry to learn of all the terrible stress you have been> through these last few years and hope that such stress is now way behind> you. However, it does sound as if you would be better leaving your> present doctor and finding one elsewhere who actually cares about> his/her patients. > You might also be interested in all the published studies and clinical> trials relating to Phenytoin Bill:> http://www.druglib.com/druginfo/phenytoin/abstracts/> <http://www.druglib.com/druginfo/phenytoin/abstracts/>> Luv - Sheila> My GP, on the otherhand will not offer me a cortisol or thyroid test > Kind regards, Bill> > > My GP, on the otherhand will not offer me a cortisol or thyroid test> and> > the following is going to astound you. Because I have persistently> > persued the Trust for the truth, I have been labled vexatious and this> > is marked against your records. I can only say, "thank God for the> > internet" as little or no information is available. I did have an> > adrenal saliva test in 2008 and was confirmed stage 2 adrenal fatigue.> > No doubt I'll find the money for private tests to hopefully conclude> > that hypothyroidism is the root of many of my health latest issues.> > However, I did come across an interesting topic; Phenytoin toxicity> and> > thyroid dysfunction http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/122-1303/3810/> >> <mhtml:{56916D17-AF68-4250-928A-85278507C3DC}mid://00000908/!x-usc:http:\> \> > //www.nzma.org.nz/journal/122-1303/3810/> Kind regards, Bill> >>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much Sheila, like many others, I assume, I have nothing but contempt which only exacerbates the anxiety and tension between a Doctor and patient. I've been a long time replying due to the seizures brought on by anger and frustration. I expect we've all been told to stop worrying but, as we know, we have no control over the psychological part of our brain.

I telephoned the surgery, on Friday, for the results and the receptionist stated "nothing was untoward, everything is in range". I asked what the homocysteine was and she replied, "I'm not medically qualified and can't comment". I ended by asking for a print-out.

When I went to collect the results she then stated "the Dr would like to speak to you regarding the LFT's" and asked if I would be at home to receive his call? Totally contradicting her phone call "nothing was untoward, everything is in range".

But, when he did call he asked why I had asked for a callback and what was concerning me? How I remained calm I don't know, perhaps the sedation of the anti-epileptic drugs helped?

However, my Hx of long term use of Phenytoin & Primidone is a major factor. Both drugs deplete vitamin D & B12, B6.

Serum Folic-acid and Vitamin-B12 Levels in Anticonvulsant Therapy

It shouldn't have to be, but I'll gather as much evidence on vitamin deficiency and anticonvulsants to prove the need for B12 injections before I become a CFS victim.

For ease of reading I've put your last comments in blue text.

Luv, Bill

>> I've highlighted what immediately stands out that may explain the cold hands, with pins & needles, breathlessness (air hunger), lethargy and onset of arthritic pains. Coupled with the private Vitamin D test resulting with deficiency at 34 nmol/L (optimal range 75-125) I was finally prescribed only Calceos 2 x daily = 800 iu's. Scroll down Bill Luv - Sheila Complete Blood Count MY LEVELSHaemoglobin estimation 14 g/dL (13.00 - 18.00 g/dL)Total white cell count 7.10 10*9/L (4.00 - 11.00 10*9/L)Platelet count 270.00 10*9/L (150.00 - 400.00 10*9/L)Red blood cell count Anemia is actually a sign of a disease process rather than a disease itself. It is usually classified as either chronic or acute. Chronic anemia occurs over a long period of time. Acute anemia occurs quickly. Determining whether anemia has been present for a long time or whether it is something new, assists doctors in finding the cause. This also helps predict how severe the symptoms of anemia may be. In chronic anemia, symptoms typically begin slowly and progress gradually; whereas in acute anemia symptoms can be abrupt and more distressing.

In general, there are three major types of anemia, classified according to the size of the red blood cells: If the red blood cells are smaller than normal, this is called microcytic anemia. The major causes of this type are iron deficiency (low level iron) anemia and thalassemia (inherited disorders of hemoglobin). If the red blood cells size are normal in size (but low in number), this is called normocytic anemia, such as anemia that accompanies chronic disease or anemia related to kidney disease. If red blood cells are larger than normal, then it is called macrocytic anemia. Major causes of this type are pernicious anemia and anemia related to alcoholism http://www.emedicinehealth.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=58899> . 4.61 10*12/L (4.50 - 6.00 10*12/L)

Haematocrit .421 ratio (0.40 - 0.50 ratio)Mean Corpuscular volume (MCV) 91.3 fL (80.00 - 100.00fL)Mean corpus. Haemoglobin (MCH) 30.4pg (27.00 - 32.00pg)Mean corpus. Hb. conc (MCHC) 33.3g/dL (32.00 - 36.00g/dL)Neutrophil count 4.1 10*9/L (2.00 - 7.50 10*9/L)Lymphocyte count 2.0 10*9/L (1.50 - 4.00 10*9/L) Serum Ferritin This is low and you need a course of some form of elemental iron such as 200mcgs Ferrous Fumerate or Glutamate or Spatone. If this was my level, I would start with 200mgs 3 times daily until the ferritin (stored iron) level starts to build up then keep on a maintenance dose of 200mcgs daily with food. Again you need high doses of vitamin C to help with absorption, e.g. 4/5000 mgs or to bowel tolerance. 55 ug/L (22.00 - 275.00ug/L) Serum Folate 10.7 ug/L (4.8 - 19.00ug/L)Folate, Serum 0 - 3.3 ng/mL: Deficient 3.4 - 5.3 ng/mL Indeterminate Serum Vitamin B12B12 is VERY low in such a reference range. B12 should be right at the top of the range and you should speak to your GP about having a course of B12 infusions. If your GP is unwilling to do that, then ask for a referral to a haematologist without delay. 348 ng/L (189 - 883.00ng/L)

Liver Function Test Serum total protein 70 g/L (60.00 - 80.00g/L) Serum Albumin 40 g/L (35.00 - 50.00g/L) Serum globulin 30 g/L (20.00 - 35.00g/L) Serum bilirubin level A healthy liver converts bilirubin and sends it out of the body with the bile that goes to the intestine. Excreted bilirubin gives feces (stools) their characteristic brownish color. When the liver is diseased, bilirubin isn't converted and excreted. Stools might, therefore, be light-colored. The bilirubin that's not properly excreted builds up in the body and gives a yellowish color to skin and eyes (a condition known as jaundice) and dark brown tea color to urine. 6 umol/L (<29.00umol/L) /= 22 µmol/L Alt source: 2 - 18 µmol/L !Serum alkaline Phosphatase When the liver, bile ducts or gallbladder system are not functioning properly or are blocked, this enzyme is not excreted through the bile and alkaline phosphatase is released into the blood stream. Thus the serum alkaline phosphatase is a measure of the integrity of the hepatobiliary system and the flow of bile into the small intestine. In addition to liver, bile duct, or gallbladder dysfunction, an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase can be due to rapid growth of bone since it is produced by bone-forming cells called osteoblasts. One would expect that growing children have higher levels than full-grown adults. The relationship of alkalinity to bone development warrants further discussion because it plays a major role in the prevention and reversal of osteoporosis. Just as calcium builds up around faucets, so is calcium laid down into bone. The reason the calcium deposits on your faucet is because the water is alkaline and calcium comes out of solution and crystallizes in an alkaline environment. The reverse is also true, "Lime -Away", vinegar, or any other acidic solution dissolve the calcium deposits because they are acidic. It makes sense that osteoblasts by creating a local environment of alkalinity via alkaline phosphatase helps build bone. It also implies that in order to slow bone loss, one can not be in an acidic state. Studies have shown that giving bicarbonate of potassium is just as effective as calcium in correcting osteoporosis! One would expect then that in an acidic state, the body will compensate for this by increasing the bone alkaline phosphatase levels 179 u/L (30.00 - 130.00u/L) ALT/SGPT serum level This seems OK Bill 22u/L (<70.00u/L)

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila,

A partial hallelujah. A new GP to my surgery has just rung to my request, upon citing your advice to a receptionist.

He has noticed, and asked why, I've not had a Thyroid test since July 2009. I had to say, without any qualms, that my regular GP had said that the last TSH was within range at 2.2. He said that it should be annually.

Though I stood firm over the Ferritin being just 22 and it is too low within the "normal" range he now believes further tests are warranted, but when I mentione Free T3 he said that the hospital will only check if the TSH is abnormally high.

I just hope it's a turning point.

How you manage time for everyone Sheila, I don't know, but thanks again,

Bill

>> > Hi Sheila, could you interpret what you can please from the alleged> Complete Blood Test that I persistently requested.> > Three ilks within the same practice have stated in similar terms that a> Thyroid test, of 2008, came back within range. I had to phone the> receptionist and all that was recorded in my notes was a TSH of 2.2. > Luv, Bill> > > Complete Blood Count> > MY LEVELS>

Red blood cell count

4.61 10*12/L (4.50 - 6.00 10*12/L)

Anemia is actually a sign of a disease process rather than a disease itself. It is usually classified as either chronic or acute. Chronic anemia occurs over a long period of time. Acute anemia occurs quickly. Determining whether anemia has been present for a long time or whether it is something new, assists doctors in finding the cause. This also helps predict how severe the symptoms of anemia may be. In chronic anemia, symptoms typically begin slowly and progress gradually; whereas in acute anemia symptoms can be abrupt and more distressing.

In general, there are three major types of anemia, classified according to the size of the red blood cells:

If the red blood cells are smaller than normal, this is called microcytic anemia. The major causes of this type are iron deficiency (low level iron) anemia and thalassemia (inherited disorders of hemoglobin).

If the red blood cells size are normal in size (but low in number), this is called normocytic anemia, such as anemia that accompanies chronic disease or anemia related to kidney disease.

If red blood cells are larger than normal, then it is called macrocytic anemia. Major causes of this type are pernicious anemia and anemia related to alcoholism.

Serum Ferritin

55 ug/L (22.00 - 275.00ug/L)

This is low and you need a course of some form of elemental iron such as 200mcgs Ferrous Fumerate or Glutamate or Spatone. If this was my level, I would start with 200mgs 3 times daily until the ferritin (stored iron) level starts to build up then keep on a maintenance dose of 200mcgs daily with food. Again you need high doses of vitamin C to help with absorption, e.g. 4/5000 mgs or to bowel tolerance.

Serum bilirubin

6 umol/L (<29.00umol/L)

A healthy liver converts bilirubin and sends it out of the body with the bile that goes to the intestine. Excreted bilirubin gives feces (stools) their characteristic brownish color.

When the liver is diseased, bilirubin isn't converted and excreted. Stools might, therefore, be light-colored. The bilirubin that's not properly excreted builds up in the body and gives a yellowish color to skin and eyes (a condition known as jaundice) and dark brown tea color to urine.

!Serum alkaline Phosphatase

179 u/L (30.00 - 130.00u/L)

When the liver, bile ducts or gallbladder system are not functioning properly or are blocked, this enzyme is not excreted through the bile and alkaline phosphatase is released into the blood stream. Thus the serum alkaline phosphatase is a measure of the integrity of the hepatobiliary system and the flow of bile into the small intestine.

In addition to liver, bile duct, or gallbladder dysfunction, an elevated serum alkaline phosphatase can be due to rapid growth of bone since it is produced by bone-forming cells called osteoblasts. One would expect that growing children have higher levels than full-grown adults. The relationship of alkalinity to bone development warrants further discussion because it plays a major role in the prevention and reversal of osteoporosis. Just as calcium builds up around faucets, so is calcium laid down into bone. The reason the calcium deposits on your faucet is because the water is alkaline and calcium comes out of solution and crystallizes in an alkaline environment. The reverse is also true, "Lime -Away", vinegar, or any other acidic solution dissolve the calcium deposits because they are acidic. It makes sense that osteoblasts by creating a local environment of alkalinity via alkaline phosphatase helps build bone. It also implies that in order to slow bone loss, one can not be in an acidic state. Studies have shown that giving bicarbonate of potassium is just as effective as calcium in correcting osteoporosis! One would expect then that in an acidic state, the body will compensate for this by increasing the bone alkaline phosphatase levels.

ALT/SGPT serum level

22u/L (<70.00u/L)

This seems OK Bill

[Guest guest]

Thanks again Sheila, I did specify fT4 & fT3 when the nurse has just taken the blood at 14.30 today and she said that the only test was for TSH.

Therefore, upon seeing your latest comment, I immediately rang the surgery and told the receptionist who's passing my comment to the GP. I added that anticonvulsants inhibit the T3 T4 conversion.

Because I had my last fit last night I also printed out and asked for it to be placed in my notes. "Intractable Epilepsy as the Presentation of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in the Absence of Macrocytic Anemia "

Vitamin B12 deficiency often produces hematologic and neurologic deficits including macrocytic anemia, myelopathy, neuropathy, or mental abnormalities, which may become irreversible if not promptly treated (1–3).

The diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency can be difficult when the typical macrocytic anemia is absent (1). A few cases with seizures as the manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported, and macrocytic anemia also was noted in these patients (4,5).We report a patient with vitamin B12 deficiency presenting as intractable epilepsy in the absence of macrocytic anemia. The seizure attacks and all other symptoms/signs of vitamin B12 deficiency resolved after an intramuscular administration of cobalamin.

Luv, Bill

>> I hope it is a turning point too, but point out to him that he is absolutely> incorrect in that a hospital will only check TSH and not fT3.They have to> check fT3 in patients they believe are hyPERthyroid, this is very important,> and they can check this too if you are hypothyroid to see where this lies in> the reference range. Ask your GP to INSIST that this is tested - he might> have to write to the Head of Pathology to make this clear. The GMC Expert> Witness in Dr Skinner's Hearing that has just gone told the GMC Panel that> doctors are refusing to get both fT4 and fT3 tested TO SAVE MONEY.> > Don't let them get away with this Bill.> > Luv - Sheila

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sheila, I specifically noted;"Patients taking medications for the treatment of seizure disorders may exhibit mild to moderate changes in levels of thyroid hormones, but the majority of patients do not seem to have a major problem."

Trust me to be to be in the minority? But then, I've never been a conformist. Just a pain in the neck. Other parts of the body are also mentionable???

It will be a week on Friday before I can discuss the results with a GP I've never seen before.

Luv, Bill

>> <http://mythyroid.com/drugs.html> http://mythyroid.com/drugs.html> > Can anti-seizure (epilepsy) medications affect thyroid function?> > Patients taking medications for the treatment of seizure disorders may> exhibit mild to moderate changes in levels of thyroid hormones, but the> majority of patients do not seem to have a major problem. It may be> difficult to ascertain in some patients whether the drugs are causing actual> hypothyroidism, or simply decreasing the levels of free thyroid hormone. See> <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_u> ids=11483395 & dopt=Abstract> Thyroid hormones in epileptic children receiving> carbamazepine and valproic acid. Pediatr Neurol. 2001 Jul;25(1):43-6. and> <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_u> ids=1733749 & dopt=Abstract> Thyroid function with antiepileptic drugs.> Epilepsia. 1992 Jan-Feb;33(1):142-8 and> <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_u> ids=346267 & dopt=Abstract> Thyroid function tests in patients on long-term> treatment with various anticonvulsant drugs. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1978> Mar;8(3):185-91 and> <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_u> ids=11488894 & dopt=Abstract> Thyroid Function in Men Taking Carbamazepine,> Oxcarbazepine, or Valproate for Epilepsy. Epilepsia. 2001 Jul;42(7):930-4> and> <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed & Cmd=ShowDetailView & TermT> oSearch=17643774 & ordinalpos=186 & itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_Re> sultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum> Risk factors for development of subclinical> hypothyroidism during valproic acid therapy. J Pediatr. 2007> Aug;151(2):178-81. Epub 2007 Jun 22> > See also <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1070767/>> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1070767/ sa=X & oi=book_result & ct=result & resnum=5 & sqi=2 & ved=0CD8Q6AEwBA#v=onepage & q=ant> iconvulsants%20inhibit%20T4%20to%20T3%20conversion & f=false

The seizure attacks and all other symptoms/signs of> vitamin B12 deficiency resolved after an intramuscular administration of> cobalamin.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jaki, I don't know if any other members have epilepsy, but by

publicising what's happened with my health might help another member who

knows someone that can identify with me.

If it wasn't for losing my wife and having to use the internet for

research I too would have sailed on in life oblivious to other health

issues.

On the other hand, if it wasn't for the stress of fighting an NHS

complaint for 6 years I would still be working. I had been sizure free

for 19 years. I'll end now to get away from the screen and try to chill

otherwise the palpitations and anxiety creep back.

Thanks again, Bill

>

> Â

> Interesting article by Motylev, RPh, PhD Â CALCIUM AND

VITAMIN D

> Phenytoin and other anticonvulsants can lead to a vitamin D deficiency

in the body.Scientific research cites the following mechanisms as a

possible explanation for phenytoin-associated calcium effects

> Â Decreased intestinal absorption of calcium (a theoretical

approach to the drug’s effects on ion exchange)

> Â

> Drug-induced secondary hyperparathyroidism resulting from the

phenytoin-associated low calcium level in the blood, leading to bone

demineralization...

> http://mythyroid.com/drugs.html

> Â

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila, following todays GP app. I handed your reply to my last CBC when I took issue disputing the low "normal" range of Ferritin at 55ug/L. He's referring me to the hospital's haematologist as it's beyond his capability? Unbelieveably, they were his words? Then I immediately thought how can I wait weeks for a referral and offered to go private. He's given me an app. for 21st Dec. OMG, I had heard that waiting times had increased since Lansley did away with the waiting times,

I think it's now apparent that Prozac has been, and will continue to be, my demon. I might have to try tapering the withdrawal alone as the GP believes I'm still under too much stress to contemplate that course.

My medical Hx began with epilepsy in 1969. The long term adverse effects of Phenytoin/Primidone have contributed to suppressing the thyroid by inhibiting T4. My TSH, in July '09 was 2.2, it's now 4.0.

Circulating free thyroid hormone concentrations are reduced in subjects taking long-term phenytoin, a finding at variance with their euthyroid clinical state and normal serum TSH concentration. It is suggested, therefore, that phenytoin may modify the cellular effects of thyroid hormones.

Also, I was prescribed Prozac because I lost the 3 most dearest and loved people, my wife, father and mother, within 4 years of each other . This has caused more harm than good. One component of the damned drug is Fluoride.

Obviously, it would be incomprehensible to ever think of withdrawing anticonvulsants and their damage to my depleted supplies of vitamins B12 & D can be overcome, as you suggest; This is low and you need a course of some form of elemental iron such as 200mcgs Ferrous Fumerate or Glutamate or Spatone. If this was my level, I would start with 200mgs 3 times daily until the ferritin (stored iron) level starts to build up then keep on a maintenance dose of 200mcgs daily with food. Again you need high doses of vitamin C to help with absorption, e.g. 4/5000 mgs or to bowel tolerance.

Luv, Bill

>> I hope it is a turning point too, but point out to him that he is absolutely> incorrect in that a hospital will only check TSH and not fT3.They have to> check fT3 in patients they believe are hyPERthyroid, this is very important,> and they can check this too if you are hypothyroid to see where this lies in> the reference range. Ask your GP to INSIST that this is tested - he might> have to write to the Head of Pathology to make this clear. The GMC Expert> Witness in Dr Skinner's Hearing that has just gone told the GMC Panel that> doctors are refusing to get both fT4 and fT3 tested TO SAVE MONEY.> > Don't let them get away with this Bill.> > Luv - Sheila

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila, could you please PM me Dr P's up to date contact details? I've had about as much as one can take with the Numptie Health Service

Following my GP appointment on Dec 12th, as noted below, I challenged the Ferritin & B12 levels although they were in range. He gladly referred me to the hospitals Haematologist and I was surprised that an appointment came on 21st Dec.

Because of epilepsy my niece was able to take me but, at reception I was asked, "has your GP not informed you that your appointment has been cancelled?" I replied, "if he had, would I be standing here?". The 4 receptionists stated that the Consultant Haematologist used "Consultant discretion"? I can only summise that he checked the levels and saw everything, bar ALP, was in range.

My niece immediately drove me to the GP surgery where they deny any contact whatsoever. One secretary said they're just passing the buck and could only make another appointment with the GP for 6th Jan.

I had 3 invitations for Xmas day but the stress has taken over and I couldn't go anywhere because of multiple panic attacks. It's taken a week for me to sit down and compose this. I paid £12 to my pharmacist for 50 x 50 mcg Cytocon tablets. He recommended 3 daily for a week and step down today to 1 daily. I have felt no benefit at all. The Paresthesia, palpitations amd lethargy have rendered me bloody useless.

If you can recall, I've only ended up in this position because I took advantage of a Vitamin D spot test when my GP stated that it was unnecessary. When the result returned at just 34 nmol/L (optimum >75 nmol/L) I was prescribed Calceos 400IU 2 x daily. Now I discover from The NHS Pathway for Vit D Management I should be have had 50,000IU for 7 days.

I rang the GP surgery today for an update and they have still not had any notification of cancelling the appointment?

Cynicism can't stop me believing that it's the hospital's retribution for my legal action against the health Trust for the erroneous, untimely death of my partner. For those that are unaware, my partner simply went to surgery for a neck mass biopsy and died three weeks later. She was diagnosed with Tongue cancer and her death was recorded as Lung cancer? I spent 4 years pursuing the NHS complaint procedure and 2 Independent Reviews conclude that none of the X-Rays or CT scans show any definite evidence of Lung cancer. The Mid Staffordshire enquiry over why upt o 1200 deaths occurred above norm proves that I'm not alone.

I apologise to anyone in the nursing profession as I'm not vindictive, by any means. Why can't people just put their hands up and apologise? We all make mistakes. As a chippie, if I cut a length of 4 x 2 too short I simply get another length whereas, doctors can bury their mistakes?

Bill

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sheila, I must admit that I've never needed Dr P's advice asap. Even the panic attacks tell me to steer clear of A+E as they won't recognise, let alone treat, the symptoms. Whether this works for others I don't know, but I find relief in downing a glass of water with a few grains of sea salt. Would this be pointing towards the Adrenal Glands?

I've always known the importance of written material as this was the downfall in uncovering 's erroneous death.

A London firm of solicitors advised me to access her medical records and forward them for an appraisal of a case. They declined, returned the med notes and I just placed them in my office desk for future reference. I had previously scanned all 317 notes to the hard-drive. 18 months into the case I accidentally erased a couple of notes from the PC and needed to rescan them.

I opened the A4 envelope and only 200 notes were returned. The solicitors had retained the incriminating evidence, even the unsigned "Do Not Resusitate" notice. A FoI request unearthed their grave error.

I don't trust anyone until proven to the contrary

Never let the right hand know what the left is doing

Never volunteer information, and

Fight fire with fire

There are many cases where a solicitor replies to prospective clients, citing little chance of compensation, only to collate many low value cases in exchange to a Trust with a high value claim. Even my MP's secretary has said that the internet is one powerful machine that many people underestimate, leading to their downfall.

I will obviously keep you informed otherwise we can't learn from other's experiences.

And, thanks for being there.

Luv, Bill>> Hello Bill

> I would not telephone the Haematologist asking for an explanation as to why> your appointment was cancelled without notifying you, instead, I would write> a strong letter of complaint to him personally, sending a copy to your local> Primary Care Trust and to your GP and ask for your letter to be placed into> your medical notes. You should ask for a full explanation in writing as to> the real cause of the cancellation, and give him 7 working days in which to> respond. I would also point out that if he is allowed to use "Consultant> discretion", then patients also should be allowed to use "Patient> discretion" if they wish to cancel an appointment at the last minute without> letting their consultant know. Such cancellations should be accompanied by a> full explanation as to the reason if he believed all your results were> within the so called 'normal' reference range - and we know that blood tests> alone should not be relied on. > I do not how cynical you must feel, but I doubt you are right in your belief> that this is their 'retribution' for you taking legal action against the> Health Trust. Surely they would take great care not to cause you further> upset knowing their reputation is already at stake. > > Remember though Bill, it really is wise to put everything in writing as> doctors can deny anything that has been discussed in a one to one> conversation behind the closed door of a consulting room, and always ask for> letters you write to be placed into your medical notes, keeping copies for> yourself.> > Good luck with getting the vitamin D dose that you need and let us know what> your GP has to say after showing him the above Vitamin D Management> recommendations.> > Luv - Sheila

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila, an update to the cancelled Haematologist appointment.

It was confirmed that the "consultant discretion", to cancel, was because the Ferritin and B12 were within "normal range"? But the consultant did recommend that a transferrin test could decide whether I have an absorption problem.

I've just received the results from the test taken on 6th Jan.

06- Jan-2012 Transferrin Sat. Index 39%

Transferrin saturation <20% may suggest iron deficiency whilst saturation >60% suggest iron overload

06- Jan-2012 ! Routine Tests - (CC) - Normal

Serum calcium 2.4 mmol/L 2.20 - 2.60mmol/L

Serum iron level 20.6 umol/L 11.00 - 28.00umol/L

Serum inorganic phosphate 1.33 mmol/L 0.08 - 1.50mmol/L

!Serum alkaline phosphatase 193 u/L 30.00 - 130.00u/L

Serum Albumin 41 g/L 35.00 - 50.00g/L

Serum transferring 2.12 g/L 2.00 - 3.60g/L

Corrected serum calcium level 2.4 mmol/L 2.20 - 2.60mmol/L

I was referred to hospital when I challenged my GP over the Ferritin, at 55 ug/L (22 - 275), and Serum B12, at 348 ng/L (189 - 883). I arrived at reception, to be told that the consultant had cancelled the appointment.

I'm waiting for Dr P's office to return a call with a view to arranging an appointment.

Luv, Bill>> Hello Bill> > The details you need are:> > Dr Barry Durrant-Peatfield MBBS LRCP MRCS> > The Peatfield Clinic of Nutritional Medicine> > 16A Brighton Road> > Crawley> > East Sussex> > RH10 6AA> > Tel/FAX 01883 6223 125.> >

[Ed]

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila, a further update.

Following todays repeated panic attacks I've finally got an appointment with Dr P in March, but I was asked if I could be available at 24 hours notice if a cancellation occurred. You bet!

I had a return call from the GP for the panic attacks and he offered to prescribe propranolol, I declined. He then offered Valium, I declined and added that I believe my body is telling me that I have too much medication to contend with now. I then informed him that the soonest I could seek the advice of a private endocrinologist was March. I'm expecting a delivery of Swanson's Ultra Activated B Complex which will hopefully help.

It's easy for a GP to say "try not to stress" but it's precisely their ill treatment that exacerbates stress. Can we, the public, develop a vaccine for the NHS ineptitude? Commonly referred to as "a dose of their own medicine".

Luv, Bill>> Hi Sheila, an update to the cancelled Haematologist appointment.> > It was confirmed that the "consultant discretion", to cancel, was> because the Ferritin and B12 were within "normal range"? But the> consultant did recommend that a transferrin test could decide whether I> [Ed]

Luv, Bill

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila, it's not an update I wanted to publicise, but it adds to the

uphill struggle we all encounter.

This morning, I had to dial 999 and went to A+E. I feel as if I'm on the

edge of a breakdown, but they can't or won't believe in the symptoms I'm

describing. Palpitations, extreme lethargy, pins/needles, muscle

tightness, breathlessness etc.

I'm bloody crying now. I initiated a vitamin D test last October after

my GP kept refusing. The report showed a level of just 34 nmol/L when

the optimum is 75 - 125 nmol/L. I made an appointment with my GP, showed

him the result and he had to ask me to leave it with him in order to

phone the hospitals biochemist for interpretation and treatment

protocol. I was given a prescription for 800IU's a day. I've now

discovered that the correct treatment should have been 50,000IU's for 7

days and then another test. Today, A+E have said there's no treatment

for a vitamin deficiency and I should change my GP and consult a

nutritionist. The A+E doc also said that the pins and needles are more

than likely being caused by the Phenytoin (anti-convulsant). What a

bloody numpty. I've been on Phenytoin for 42 years. I feel that it's the

damned Prozac, that's virtually 100% fluoride, that is inhibiting the

T4-T3 conversion. My pharmacist friend is livid. We get denigrated for

knowing too much. I can't get to see Dr P until 12 March. I am at my

wits end having just relayed this to my surgery and whether they return

a call I don't hold my breath because I just can't halt the panic

attacks. If anything appears incoherent, it's the state that they've got

me in. Bill

[Guest guest]

Hi Bill

Sorry you're suffering so much there.

Have you had your testosterone levels checked?

what meds are you on? You mention prozac, it doesn't suit everyone and i got on

with it very badly indeed.

Could you do the Hertoghe questionnaire to see where your problems may lie? I

have found it is quite accurate, despite seeming like generic questions. i

appreciate this is a thyroid forum but it's sometimes (often?) the case that

more than one hormone is out.

Put 0 for never, 1 not much/sometims, 2 in moderation/regularly, 3 a lot/often,

4 constntly/tremendously.

ACTH

I have patches of hair loss

I have very pale complexion

I sunburn easily

I often have memory loss

I am stressed out/I'm facing many difficulties

My blood pressure has dropped

My friends tell me I look thinner

Aldosterone

I uninate too many times a day

I crave salty foods

My blood pressure is low

I feel dizzy when I stand up

I feel much better lying down than standing up

Calcitocin

I have compression fractures in my spine

I've lost weight

My back hurts

I'm very sensitive to pain

I have thyroid problems (goiter, thyroid insufficiency, radiation applied to

this area)

Cortisol

My face looks thinner

My friends call me skinny

I have eczema, psoriasis, urticaria (nettle rash), skin allergies, or other

rashes

My heart beats quickly

My blood pressure is low

I crave salt and sugar (to the extent of binging)

I have digestive problem

I have allergies (hay fever, asthma, etc.)

I'm stressed out

I'm easily confused

DHEA

My hair is dry

My skin and eyes are dry

My muscle are flabby

My belly is getting fat

I don't have much hair under my arm (0 = plenty of hair/4=hairless)

I don't have much hair in pubic area (0 = plenty of hair/4 = hairless)

I don't have much fatty tissue in the pubic area (flat " mount of venus " in

women) (0=padded/4=flat)

My body doesn't have much of special scent during sexual arousal

I can't tolerate noise

My libido is low

EPO

I have a particularly pale complexion

Prolonged physical effort leaves me breathless

I'm anemic (diagnosed with a blood test)

" A sense of well being " What is that?

My blood test shows an increased BUN (blood uric nitrogen) level

Estrogen

I'm losing hair on top of my head

I'm getting thin, vertical wrinkles above my lips

My breasts are droopy

My face is too hairy

My eyes are dry and easily irritated

I have hot flashes

I feel tired constantly

I am depressed

Women with periods: My menstural flow is light (0=moderate/4=none)

Women with periods: My cycles are irregular (<27 days or >31 days)

Women without periods: I do not feel like making love anymore

Growth Hormone

My hair is thinning

My cheeks sag

My gums are receding

My abdomen is flabby/I've got a " spare tire "

My muscle are slack

My skin is thin and/or dry

It's hard to recover after physical activity

I feel exhausted

I don't like the world (I tend to isolate myself)

I feel contineously anxious and worried

Insulin

I crave sugar and sweets, and eat a lot of them

I'm always thirsty

I urinate a lot during the day as well as at night

I have difficulty healing

My stomach and buttocks are skinny

Melatonin

I look older than I am

I have trouble falling sleep at night

I wake up during the night

And I can't get back to sleep

My mind is busy with anxious throughts while I'm trying to fall asleep

My feet are too hot at night

When I get up, I don't feel rested

I feel like I'm living out of sync with the world, going to bed late and waking

up late

I can't tolerate jet lag

I somke, dring, and/or use a beta-blocker or a sleep aid

Pregnenolone

I have memory loss

My joints hurt (fingers, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, knees)

I'm feeling a bit drained and I have a hard time handling stress

I don't see colours as brightly as before

I have lost interest in art; I don't appreciate art as much anymore

I don't have much hair under my arms or in the pubic area (0=plenty/4=hairless)

My muscles are flabby

I have abundant, light-coloured urine during the day

I have low blood pressure

I crave salty foods

Progesterone

My breasts are large

My close friends complain I'm nervous and agitated

I feel anxious

I sleep lightly and restlessly

Pre-menopausal & HRT menopausal women: My breasts are swollen and tender or

painful before my period

…and my lower belly is swollen…

…and I'm irritable and aggressive…

…and I lose my self-control…

I have heavy periods…

and they are contineously painful

Testosterone

My face has gotten slack and more wrinkled

I've lost muscle tone

My belly tend to get fat

I'm constantly tired

I feel like making love less often than I used to

Men only: My breasts are getting fatty

Men Only: I feel less less-confident and more hesitant

Men Only: My sexual performance is poorer than it used to be

Men Only: I have hot flashes and sweats

Men Only: I tire easily with physical activity

Thyroid Hormones

I'm sensitive to cold

My hands and feet are always cold

In the morning my face is puffy and my eyelids are swollen

I put on weight easily

I have dry skin

I have trouble getting up in the morning

I feel more cured at rest than when I am active

I am constipated

My joints are stiff in the morning

I feel like I'm living in slow motion

Vasopressin

I'm thirsty at night

I get up at night to urinate

I bleed a lot when I get hurt

I'm losing my memory

I have a hard time thinking straight

[Guest guest]

Hi Nick, my serum Ferritin on 29/11/11 was just 55ug/L (22-275) which

Sheila advised me to challenge the GP as they should be in the top 75%

of the range. He referred me to the hospitals Haematologist on 21/12/11

and when I attended reception I was asked, " did your GP not advise you

that the appointment has been cancelled " . I think any reasonable person

would have replied, as I did, with " if he had, would I be standing

here? " .

My niece ran be immediately to my surgery where they said that they had

not received a darn thing. My next GP appointment revealed that they

received the cancellation on 3 Jan.

The numpties have forgotten that an audit trail is left everywhere

today.

I'm just trying to remain calm and my pharmacist friend has told me to

phone at any time. Since returning from A+E I've taken 2 x 5000IU's of

vit D and one mega B complex capsule from Swanson.

Thanks for asking, Bill

>

> >

> >This morning, I had to dial 999 and went to A+E. I feel as if I'm on

the

> >edge of a breakdown, but they can't or won't believe in the symptoms

I'm

> >describing. Palpitations, extreme lethargy, pins/needles, muscle

> >tightness, breathlessness etc.

>

> Have you had recent iron labs Bill??

>

> Nick

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks I only came across the similarity of Testosterone

deficiency with vit D def this week and have yet to make an appointment.

Before todays panic attacks I had a similar day on Monday. The GP

returned a call and offered me a beta-blocker. No thanks.

Put me right if I'm wrong please, but thats just putting another plaster

on the wound. My only analogy as a chippie and sparky is if the walls of

a building keep cracking why keep applying polyfilla? Wouldn't it pay to

check the foundations if it keeps happening?

So the gearbox for us all are the adrenals (foundations) Genova's report

puts me at stage 3 fatigue.

I'll do the questionaire now.

Thanks again Bill

>

> Hi Bill

>

> Sorry you're suffering so much there.

>

> Have you had your testosterone levels checked?

>

> what meds are you on? You mention prozac, it doesn't suit everyone and

i got on with it very badly indeed.

>

>

> Could you do the Hertoghe questionnaire to see where your problems may

lie? I have found it is quite accurate, despite seeming like generic

questions. i appreciate this is a thyroid forum but it's sometimes

(often?) the case that more than one hormone is out.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi I think that's it. When you state "sometimes (often?) the case that more than one hormone is out.", if vit D is a prohormone and I'm insufficient at 34 nmol/L surely proves the fact?

Thanks again, Bill>> Hi Bill> > Sorry you're suffering so much there.> > Have you had your testosterone levels checked?> > what meds are you on? You mention prozac, it doesn't suit everyone and i got on with it very badly indeed.> > > Could you do the Hertoghe questionnaire to see where your problems may lie? I have found it is quite accurate, despite seeming like generic questions. i appreciate this is a thyroid forum but it's sometimes (often?) the case that more than one hormone is out.> > Put 0 for never, 1 not much/sometims, 2 in moderation/regularly, 3 a lot/often, 4 constntly/tremendously.

> Put 0 for never, 1 not much/sometims, 2 in moderation/regularly, 3 a lot/often, 4 constntly/tremendously.> > > ACTH > I have patches of hair loss 1 (thinning)> I have very pale complexion no> I sunburn easily no> I often have memory loss 2 > I am stressed out/I'm facing many difficulties 4> My blood pressure has dropped 0> My friends tell me I look thinner 0> > Aldosterone > I uninate too many times a day 0 (not since taking Magnesium 250mg daily)> I crave salty foods 1> My blood pressure is low 0> I feel dizzy when I stand up 2> I feel much better lying down than standing up 3> > Calcitocin > I have compression fractures in my spine (suspected)> I've lost weight 0> My back hurts 4> I'm very sensitive to pain 2> I have thyroid problems (goiter, thyroid insufficiency, radiation applied to this area) (TSH 4.0 fT4 11.00pmols) refuse to do full thyroid because TSH is in range

> > Cortisol > My face looks thinner 0> My friends call me skinny 0> I have eczema, psoriasis, urticaria (nettle rash), skin allergies, or other rashes 0> My heart beats quickly 4> My blood pressure is low 0> I crave salt and sugar (to the extent of binging) 1> I have digestive problem 4> I have allergies (hay fever, asthma, etc.) 0> I'm stressed out 4> I'm easily confused 1> > DHEA > My hair is dry 0> My skin and eyes are dry 0> My muscle are flabby 1> My belly is getting fat 3> I don't have much hair under my arm (0 = plenty of hair/4=hairless) (never have had)> I don't have much hair in pubic area (0 = plenty of hair/4 = hairless) (no difference)> I don't have much fatty tissue in the pubic area (flat "mount of venus" in women) (0=padded/4=flat) > My body doesn't have much of special scent during sexual arousal> I can't tolerate noise 3> My libido is low (what libido?)> > EPO > I have a particularly pale complexion 0> Prolonged physical effort leaves me breathless 0 (minimal exertion I'm breathless)> I'm anemic (diagnosed with a blood test) (just within range)> "A sense of well being" What is that? (No, unable to cope with anything)> My blood test shows an increased BUN (blood uric nitrogen) level (not tested)> > Estrogen > I'm losing hair on top of my head> I'm getting thin, vertical wrinkles above my lips> My breasts are droopy> My face is too hairy> My eyes are dry and easily irritated> I have hot flashes> I feel tired constantly> I am depressed> Women with periods: My menstural flow is light (0=moderate/4=none)> Women with periods: My cycles are irregular (<27 days or >31 days)> Women without periods: I do not feel like making love anymore> > Growth Hormone > My hair is thinning Yes> My cheeks sag No> My gums are receding No> My abdomen is flabby/I've got a "spare tire" Yes> My muscle are slack Yes

> My skin is thin and/or dry Dryer> It's hard to recover after physical activity can not do physical activities> I feel exhausted k-nackered> I don't like the world (I tend to isolate myself) Loner> I feel contineously anxious and worried Definitely> > Insulin > I crave sugar and sweets, and eat a lot of them Never been a sweet eater> I'm always thirsty Like a fish out of water> I urinate a lot during the day as well as at night moderately/ daytime> I have difficulty healing unsure> My stomach and buttocks are skinny no> > Melatonin > I look older than I am (quite the contrary)> I have trouble falling sleep at night No> I wake up during the night sometimes> And I can't get back to sleep sometimes> My mind is busy with anxious throughts while I'm trying to fall asleep (as if the adrenaline won't stop )> My feet are too hot at night no> When I get up, I don't feel rested wake up after 10 - 12 hours k-nackered> I feel like I'm living out of sync with the world, going to bed late and waking up late (trying hard to maintain circadian rhythm> I can't tolerate jet lag ??> I somke, dring, and/or use a beta-blocker or a sleep aid None> > Pregnenolone > I have memory loss short attention span> My joints hurt (fingers, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, knees) yes> I'm feeling a bit drained and I have a hard time handling stress definitely> I don't see colours as brightly as before no> I have lost interest in art; I don't appreciate art as much anymore no> I don't have much hair under my arms or in the pubic area (0=plenty/4=hairless)> My muscles are flabby as expected> I have abundant, light-coloured urine during the day 50/50> I have low blood pressure no> I crave salty foods no> > Progesterone > My breasts are large> My close friends complain I'm nervous and agitated Yes> I feel anxious Yes> I sleep lightly and restlessly Yes> Pre-menopausal & HRT menopausal women: My breasts are swollen and tender or painful before my period> …and my lower belly is swollen…> …and I'm irritable and aggressive…> …and I lose my self-control…> I have heavy periods…> and they are contineously painful> > Testosterone > My face has gotten slack and more wrinkled No> I've lost muscle tone Yes> My belly tend to get fat Yes> I'm constantly tired Yes> I feel like making love less often than I used to Yes> Men only: My breasts are getting fatty Yes> Men Only: I feel less less-confident and more hesitant Always> Men Only: My sexual performance is poorer than it used to be Non existent> Men Only: I have hot flashes and sweats Definitely> Men Only: I tire easily with physical activity Definitely> > Thyroid Hormones > I'm sensitive to cold Definitely> My hands and feet are always cold Definitely

> In the morning my face is puffy and my eyelids are swollen No> I put on weight easily no> I have dry skin thumbs> I have trouble getting up in the morning Definitely> I feel more cured at rest than when I am active Not cured at all> I am constipated alternates> My joints are stiff in the morning occasionaly> I feel like I'm living in slow motion always blamed it on anticonvulsants> > Vasopressin > I'm thirsty at night parched> I get up at night to urinate used to> I bleed a lot when I get hurt no> I'm losing my memory no> I have a hard time thinking straight sometimes (frustrated hitting the wrong buttons on keyboard)

[Guest guest]

Thanks Nick, just like others, I'm banging my head against a brick wall. My late wife's ex-husband, a retired haematologist, has weighed in and criticised the NHS. He was head of Haematology at the Trinity Lurtheran Hospital in Kansas.

I've never had thyroid treatment mentioned, let alone prescribed any treatment, because the TSH is only 4.0. The previous TSH in July 2009, was 2.2. Wouldn't the fact that it's virtually doubled in 2 years flag something up to a GP?

As I previously mentioned, I challenged the GP over the Ferritin and B12 levels, on Sheila's advice, and he referred me to the hospitals Haematologist. I arrived at reception to be greeted with, "has your GP not imformed you that the appointment has been cancelled?". I stayed calm and just said, "would I be standing here if they had?".

My GP rang at 17.20, after todays fiasco and asked me if I wanted him to proceed with the advice that A+E offered him today. He was recommended to refer me to the mental health care dept.

I apologised and told him that they recommeded that I change GP's, or at least see another within the practice. The A+E doc kept saying that this was my right as an NHS client. He was on another planet.

I've managed to get an appointment at 10.45 tomorrow for another blood test for testosterone. The deficiencies are very similar to Vit D and B deficiencies. Only today another footballer was diagnosed with depression from low Testosterone. While 85 per cent of 220 British GPs questioned on a testosterone study considered it a medical condition worthy of treatment, 90 per cent admitted they were not aware of how it should be treated.Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2047662/Disappearing-muscles-lack-energy-mood-swings-snoring--Is-man-suffering-low-testosterone.html#ixzz1jpxrE2mH

My God I'm thirsty but don't feel like eating. Don't worry because it'll be a nice piece of salmon, probably with ginger and lemon? Can't make mind up. I hate the indecisiveness.

Bill

> > >I'm just trying to remain calm and my pharmacist friend has told me to> >phone at any time. Since returning from A+E I've taken 2 x 5000IU's of> >vit D and one mega B complex capsule from Swanson.> >> >Thanks for asking, Bill> > Ferritin is too low, it shows false highs in some people but that low> is almost certainly a problem.> > Low iron can cause anxiety, it can also cause adrenal stress.> > I don't know where you are in this health chase, are you on any> thyroid replacement yet??> > http://thyroid-rt3.com/iron.htm talks a lot about iron, I'm sure there> is a corresponding page on the TPA site that Sheila can point you to.> > Breathlessness is a very common "iron thing", you can breath air in> and out your lungs but feel like you are getting no benefit from it.> > Just a thought, it may be making your already bad adrenal work harder.> > Nick>

[Guest guest]

Thanks and to everyones responses.

As I mentioned in reply to Nicks last message, the GP has made an

appointment in the morning for a testosterone blood test.

It's difficult when my brother, who's never had a day off in his life,

advises me to channel your efforts into other things, but where do you

get the energy to do so. I've cut the dogs walk down because of weak

calf muscles and if I get on the exercise bike aren't you just depleting

what adrenal reserves are left?

Definitely a catch 22 or caught between a rock and a hard place?

Bill

>

> Hi Bill

>

> Sorry you're suffering so much there.

>

> Have you had your testosterone levels checked?

>

> what meds are you on? You mention prozac, it doesn't suit everyone and

i got on with it very badly indeed.

>

>

> Could you do the Hertoghe questionnaire to see where your problems may

lie? I have found it is quite accurate, despite seeming like generic

questions. i appreciate this is a thyroid forum but it's sometimes

(often?) the case that more than one hormone is out.

[Guest guest]

Hi Bill

Please post your testosterone results when you get them. It may be normal, but

that doesn't mean a lot. Ideally, they'd also do your SHBG at the same time to

see how much free testosterone you have, but they may not. If testosterone is

low, then you could get testosterone gel or short or long lasting injetions on

the NHS. (i had to fight for these, but i got them)

> Before todays panic attacks I had a similar day on Monday. The GP

> returned a call and offered me a beta-blocker. No thanks.

Have you looked into natural alternatives, like valerian? there is l-theanine,

too. There is passiflora, too.

> Put me right if I'm wrong please, but thats just putting another plaster

> on the wound. My only analogy as a chippie and sparky is if the walls of

> a building keep cracking why keep applying polyfilla? Wouldn't it pay to

> check the foundations if it keeps happening?

I agree with you.

> So the gearbox for us all are the adrenals (foundations) Genova's report

> puts me at stage 3 fatigue.

Yeah adrenals are part of it, but sometimes people need other hormones too. I

felt better for having DHEA, it's supposed to oppose the bad effects of

cortisol. If i remember rightly your cortisol levels were toward top end of

normal? what was your dhea like?

> I'll do the questionaire now.

What did it show?

chris

[Guest guest]

Bill,

are you treating your Vitamin D levels? I have given up on my gp, and i'm not

the only one to have had to do so.

i got my vitamin D levels up from:

25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D - 22.6 ng/mL 30.0-60

to

25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D 45.6 ng/mL 30.0-60

by taking 10,000 vitamin D3 for a month or two. This brand:

http://www.iherb.com/Healthy-Origins-Vitamin-D3-10-000-IU-120-Softgels/21314?at=\

0

Sorry if i've missed that you are taking Vitamin D3, or i've repeated something

someone else has said

chris

> Hi I think that's it. When you state " sometimes (often?) the case

> that more than one hormone is out. " , if vit D is a prohormone and I'm

> insufficient at 34 nmol/L surely proves the fact?

>

[Guest guest]

Bill, i missed the results, sorry.

Here is the interpretation of the results. Please note that I had to interpret

your response later on as you didn't grade them all 0-4. Please note you can do

the test online, too: http://blog.saravanan.org/?p=40 just click on edit ,

fill in the answers, and the results are on page 2 of the spreadsheet.

chris

ACTH is Satisfcatory

Aldosterone is possibly deficient

Calcitocin is probably deficient

Cortisol is possibly deficient

DHEA is possibly deficient

EPO is possibly deficient

Estrogen is Satisfcatory

Growth Hormone is probably deficient

Insulin is possibly deficient

Melatonin is possibly deficient

Pregnenolone is possibly deficient

Progestrerone is Satisfcatory, if you are menturating or post-menopausal woman

on HRT

is Satisfcatory, if you are post-menopausal woman not on HRT

Testosterone is probably deficient, if you are a woman

is probably deficient, if you are a man

Thyroid Hormones is possibly deficient

Vasopressin is possibly deficient

[Guest guest]

Thanks I'll certainly post them and as you've just mentioned

SHBG, I know to ask the nurse to make sure it's included tomorrow.

<Have you looked into natural alternatives, like valerian?

No, but I will now thanks.

I'm not sure about DHEA and will have to cross reference for any

interactions with anticonvulsants.

Probably because of the nervousness I misunderstood your instructions on

Dr Thierry's questionaire. My scores are;

ACTH, 5; Aldosterone, 7; Calcitonin, 5; Cortisol, 10; DHEA, 10; EPO,

5; Growth Hormone, 20; Insulin, 4; Melatonin, 12; Pregnenolone, 14;

Testosterone, 25; Thyroid, 19; Vasopressin, 6.

I don't know much, but hopefully the Testosterone blood test will

reflect the score of 25. I don't know about the growth hormone.

If Testosterone deficiency is a certainty I'll go straight to Amazon for

some gel. I've had enough of the NHS.

Is'nt human nature weird though? As much grief that we're going through,

I still worry about the poor vulnerables that can't afford or access

such information. I'm also upset at the sorry state my dogs have been

left for, for today.

Big & soft Bill.

>

> Hi Bill

>

> Please post your testosterone results when you get them. It may be

normal, but that doesn't mean a lot. Ideally, they'd also do your SHBG

at the same time to see how much free testosterone you have, but they

may not. If testosterone is low, then you could get testosterone gel or

short or long lasting injetions on the NHS. (i had to fight for these,

but i got them)

[Ed]

[Guest guest]

Hey Bill

Just wanted to let you know I'm rooting for you after your awful day. Hang in

there and keep going, it will get better and the folk here will help you through

it.

Hope you start to feel better soon - the dogs will cope!

Debs

x

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Bill,

LH and FSH would be good too. LH tells the testes to produce testosterone.

http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/lh/tab/sample FSH tells them

to produce sperm i believe http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/fsh

LH and FSH may be helpful in determining where the problems may lie - ie

pituitary or gland failure

SHBG is also useful because a low level may indicate other problems such as

hypothyroidism : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7749500 - possibly could

help indicate problems with insulin, too.

you also mentioned being thirsty - that makes me wonder about insulin levels.

Chromium helps insulin work better, and low chromium is linked to anxiety so

perhaps being thirsty and anxious could indicate low chromium?

" Make a note of increased anxiety. As the chromium level in your body decreases,

your ability to control anxiety increases. In stressful situations, your heart

may race, your breathing may become labored and you may experience

lightheadedness. "

http://www.ehow.com/how_2322120_identify-chromium-deficiency.html

You can buy chromium over the internet or in some shops - Solgar's brand is

good, it's chromium picolinate i think. www.revital.co.uk normally dispatch

quickly (there are lots of other good online shops too). i would go for a

proper brand with chromium picolinate, the solgar one is good.

in my view, your tsh is too high (it's not a good test anyway), and your t4 is

too low. when do you see dr peatfield? have you tried thyroid hormone before?

did you say you are treating your iron?

I had really bad anxiety once which responded to the amino acid taurine very

quickly. Interestingly there are some links to epilepsy - some say it helps

them, others say it triggers seizures in them so be careful.

it depends of course what is causing the anxiety. have you had sodium,

potassium, calcium, magnesium tested?

> I'm not sure about DHEA and will have to cross reference for any

> interactions with anticonvulsants.

Good idea. Did you ever have progesterone and pregnenolone levels tested? I'm

guessing likely not if it's NHS.

> Probably because of the nervousness I misunderstood your instructions on

> Dr Thierry's questionaire. My scores are;

see my message reply for the interpretation of the tests - interpretation is

from the spreadsheet i got the questions from (which in itself is from TH's

book)

thyroid treatment/message/96945

> If Testosterone deficiency is a certainty I'll go straight to Amazon for

> some gel. I've had enough of the NHS.

I don't think you can buy it from amazon (homeopathic, maybe but not ordinary

strength). Good news though is i know where you can buy it seemingly

legitimately in this country, ( i won't post this link here but you can email me

for it if you want), but the bad news is that it's about 4 times the price it

should be. (120 pounds, versus 30 pounds a box, you may need two boxes a month

*if* testosterone is your problem).

If you are below range, your gp should give it you. there are bodybuilding

sites where you can buy testosterone shots from if necessary, these are pretty

cheap (and some prefer injections to gels). i'd recommend you doing more

research before going down this route though of self treating. but it's an

option.

i think you mentioned prozac in another post - are you on prozac ? that stuff

(and it's chemical cousins) made me feel horrible. if it works, great, but for

some people it makes them worse (be very careful of coming off meds as that can

make you worse though)

> Is'nt human nature weird though? As much grief that we're going through,

> I still worry about the poor vulnerables that can't afford or access

> such information.

maybe when you feel better you can help them by sharing what you've learnt, one

person at a time? it is hard when there is so much suffering , and thinking

about it can be over whelming. many go through life, or most of their life,

suffering unnecessarily.

>I'm also upset at the sorry state my dogs have been

> left for, for today.

Tomorrow's another day, i'm sure the dogs will soon forget and it sounds like

you are normally very good to them. try not to worry about it. maybe get them a

bone or something?!

I hope you feel better soon.

Chris

[Guest guest]

Thats great I bought;

Healthy Kingdoms items : 1 Healthy Origins, Vitamin D 5000IU 360 softgels £11.00 1 £11.00Dispatched via Royal Mail (estimated arrival date: Tuesday, January 17, 2012). I was being cautious because of my epilepsy and bought 360 hoping that doubling up would be ample.

My levels were 34 nmol/s so going by your experience, if you went from 22.6 ng/L to 45.6 ng/L in 4-8 weeks, roughly equating to 56 nmol/L to 114 nmols/L, I might need a bit longer? Plus, I now learn that the anticonvulsants gourge away at Vit D.

I'm not daft enough to follow one mans experience as documented in The miraculous results of extremely high doses of Vit D , but I downloaded it and took the Kindle edition to read in bed.

I received the Vit D last Saturday and I began with 5000 and doubled to 10000 on Tuesday.

Without giving too much information I think another nights visit to A+E virtually confirms symptoms of low Testosterone. I awoke just after 3am, not only with panic attacks, but I was soaked head to foot as if I'd just got out of the shower. I went to bed just after 8.30pm but the brain just wouldn't switch off, as if the adrenaline wanted to keep going. I used to be like that 30 years ago from playing in a group, coming home at 2-3am still wired up. So I must have fell asleep after hearing the midnight news and then bang, panic attacks. But all I could worry about was leaving my two dogs again. It's bloody true that the bigger we are the softer we get. I'm beginning to wonder if burning the candle at both ends has crept up on me?

I apologise if the contents have strayed from thyroid issues but, with Vit D being a pro-hormone, they all tie in.

Bill

>> Bill, > > are you treating your Vitamin D levels? I have given up on my gp, and i'm not the only one to have had to do so.> > i got my vitamin D levels up from: > > 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D - 22.6 ng/mL 30.0-60 > to> 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D 45.6 ng/mL 30.0-60 > > by taking 10,000 vitamin D3 for a month or two. This brand:> > http://www.iherb.com/Healthy-Origins-Vitamin-D3-10-000-IU-120-Softgels/21314?at=0> > > Sorry if i've missed that you are taking Vitamin D3, or i've repeated something someone else has said> > > > chris> > > > Hi I think that's it. When you state "sometimes (often?) the case> > that more than one hormone is out.", if vit D is a prohormone and I'm> > insufficient at 34 nmol/L surely proves the fact?> >>