Re: New and looking for advice (long)

[Guest guest]

Hi, Grace. After reading your post I felt I had to reply. While you may have some thyroid issues going on, it sounds like you also have some postpartum depression. I had this (pretty severly) after my only child. No psychosis or anything, just weird thoughts of death and irritability. I was pretty much non-functioning and had the help of my doctor and my husband-plus, no other children. I would certainly talk to a doctor about this as something as small as Prozac can be used while nursing (I think it's a Class and help you immensly.

Take care,

New and looking for advice (long)

Hello! I'm new to the group, but not to hypothryroidism. I was diagnosed in 1992 after getting really depressed all of the sudden and losing about half of my hair. I've been pretty consistently on .05 mg of synthroid, though I did take Armour for some time when I was working with an endocrinologist in Boise, ID (9 or so years ago). I now live in Texas (Dallas) and have been back on synthroid with no armour doc here. I did get off my med completely for awhile, but when I became pregnant 5 years ago and my TSH was high went back on synthroid. I did need to increase my dose to .075 mg during my second pregnancy (probably should have kept it there), but went back down to .05 about 6 weeks after giving birth.

I'm now still nursing second baby who is 19 months and have been feeling terrible for a few months (or actually almost 2 years). It started getting worse before second baby was born. I've been extremely irritable and can flip out angry at my kids too easily, sometimes depressed and preoccupied with death (not suicide, just thinking about death), losing lots and lots of hair, feeling lethargic and apathetic. I also have belly fat, which has never been a problem before. My weight doesn’t seem to change; I’m just getting a belly and love handles with no other changes.

I'll post my most recent tests below. Just found a new doc (Dr. DeVries) who says he likes to get TSH down very low (below 1). He also said too much iodine can burn out thyroid and to avoid it, ie, kelp, etc. I've been trying to improve my nutrition and was going to start a green drink with lots of sea veggies supposed to help thyroid. That source says synthroid will burn out my thyroid and I should do the natural route. I am confused and wonder what to do, if I can do both together and whether I should look for a doctor who will use armour or cytomel or something to help with my poor moods. (I don't want to raise my kids like this - it's not fair to them!) Also wondering if I should add St. ’s Wort or find a different doctor who will look at all hormones, etc.

Here are my labs peformed by LabCorp Dallas. Don’t have Free T3, unfortunately.

TSH 3.689 (range .35 - 5.5)Thyroxine (T4) 7.9 (4.5 - 12.0)T3 Uptake 32 (24-39)Free Thyroxine Index 2.5 (1.2-4.9)Triiodothyronine (T3) 116 (85-205)no antibodies

My main complaints are hair loss and depression and also irritability. I have enrolled my 4 year old in almost full time camps because I get so stressed out by his energy. This makes me sad. I’d like to be able to enjoy my kids. What do you think? Is it possible that increasing my synthroid (dr thinks probably to .112 or .125 to feel well) will solve these issues? How do I know if I have a conversion problem or not?

Sorry this is so long. I’m just feeling a bit frustrated and overwhelmed and wanting to feel better sooner rather than later! (Side note: is Dr. Marina worth the cash or is that level of testing probably unnecessary in my case?)

Thanks in advance!

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks so much for the reply. Depression

has always been my number one symptom of my thyroid (that and hair loss). It

could easily sound like PPD, but I feel pretty confident saying it isn’t.

What I’m experiencing isn’t new, more like flared up again (and was

getting worse before baby was even born). Docs did try Prozac on me at the

same time or before treating my thyroid initially. I hated the way I felt and

I don’t think I’d ever do anti-depressants again for anything.

Sorry if I sound defensive, I’m just

really biased again Prozac, etc. I do appreciate the response, though. Sorry

to hear about your PPD. I know that can be extremely difficult, especially as

a first time mom!

Best,

Grace

From:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ]

On Behalf Of Hilman

Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 10:42

AM

To:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re:

New and looking for advice (long)

Hi, Grace. After reading your post I

felt I had to reply. While you may have some thyroid issues going on, it sounds

like you also have some postpartum depression. I had this (pretty

severly) after my only child. No psychosis or anything, just weird

thoughts of death and irritability. I was pretty much non-functioning and

had the help of my doctor and my husband-plus, no other children. I would

certainly talk to a doctor about this as something as small as Prozac can be

used while nursing (I think it's a Class and help you immensly.

Take care,

[Guest guest]

Grace,

If Devries is only going to give you synthetic T4, I would look

elsewhere. T3 (and T2 and T1) are really important for a sense of

well being in my experience and that seems to be your biggest issue

with the depression and anxiety. Dr. Christensen in Dallas will Rx

Armour, but takes no insurance. However, she's very knowledgeable

and has had alot of these issues as well. She's an OB/GYN by

training but left that profession when she had health issues herself

and realized the " cut it out or drug it up " approach was really

ineffective and quite damaging to patients overall. Others can

comment on Launius (in ville). He will Rx Armour, but won't

treat adrenals.

Personally, I tried the alternative route at first as I really did

not want to be on thyroid hormone, however, once you've had thyroid

problems for a while and they're getting worse, IMHO, the

alternative route just isn't effective enough. You can eat a

perfect diet and take the perfect supplements those folks recommend

and still feel like c*ap. And, I personally use alot of alternative

protocols for other health issues and believe there's value in both

conventional and alternative medicine. Also, when you say no

antibodies are you saying those weren't tested or they were

negative? In my experience (and that of doctors I see) high normal

values are also indicative of problems. And, contrary to what some

of these alternative folks say, the thyroid hormone won't " burn out

your thyroid " - your body is likely busy enough doing that on its

own and T4/T3 have actually been shown to slow down and sometimes

reverse the autoimmune damage. Like you seem to be doing, I also

really, really wanted to keep the amount of hormone I was taking

low, but I paid a huge price by being miserable for over 3 years.

I have tremendous sympathy for your situation with your kids as I

was there myself when my youngest was about 8 and it was really,

really awful to not be able to enjoy spending time with him and to

have it be such a trial to be around his high energy levels. But,

with adequate thyroid hormone, this problem will resolve. Your TSH

alone is a clear red flag that you need more thyroid hormone (new

standards in 2003 say that anything above 3.0 is hypo). Devries is

right in that you likely will not feel well until your TSH is at or

below 1.0. Many of us need to have our TSH suppressed to feel well.

Also, how is your sleep? For me, not getting enough sleep

contributes tremendously to irritability. If you're not doing it

now, you should consider going to bed very soon after your kids to

get some extra sleep. That was the only way I survived those early

years and my past 5 years of significant health issues.

The one thing I can't help with is the belly fat (that remains my

problem area), although that can be a sign of adrenal issues (high

cortisol), so you may be on the way to having adrenal problems as

well. And, note that not getting enough sleep makes this problem

worse.

Hang in there.

B.

[Guest guest]

Hi Grace!

I just wanted to comment on Dr Laiunus (sp?).. I went to him and I

appreciate that he diagnosed me with thyroid problems.. but in the

long run, I just felt he wasn't listening..

Last week, I visited Dr. Bessie Owens.. and so far so good. I liked

her. she's East of Dallas so a bit of a drive. but she does accept

insurance. I felt like she listened to me. I felt like she

understood. (she is in the doctor list on this site)

She treats with Armour thryoid - which provides that essential T3 and

the other t's

She diagnosed me as having adrenal problems.. and I have been on an

OTC medicine that she recommended for that and honestly, I feel a lot

better.

While I don't have kids. I had no patience with my employees.. and

forget driving in traffic.. I was a huge ball of rage! Only a week

on the Adrenal support med and I feel calmer.

I know that quite a few of the ladies here go to a doctor in

Lubbock.. Dr. and he's wonderful, too - from what I read.

Personally, I needed a local doctor. My fiance and I are getting

married next year and I need someone that's close that can get me

through thyroid problems and pregnancy. Cuz we really want a couple

of rug rats! (crazy, huh?)

Best of luck to you in your doctor search.

[Guest guest]

You're right, Grace. Prozac and some of those in it's class are now DOCUMENTED to be antithyroid, as in causing some hypo symptoms or making a bad situation worse. It was the first one to be found to be doing this, and it is in the literature from some experts, but, of course, not the ones who make the stuff. When I took it and some others in it's class, I had thoughts of being dead, no emotions whatsoever, including a conscentience. As I've said many times before, because I was very hypo at the time, it turned my skin yellow or sort of carrot yellow, and I could have watched a murder right in front of me and never felt a thing. I gave them all "fair time" to work or change, but every single one of them did this to me. That includes Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, and the like. I did have some success way before that with the old TCAs, Imipramine, in my case, but it began to drive my blood pressure up, and I also no longer needed it.

RE: New and looking for advice (long)

Hi ,

Thanks so much for the reply. Depression has always been my number one symptom of my thyroid (that and hair loss). It could easily sound like PPD, but I feel pretty confident saying it isn’t. What I’m experiencing isn’t new, more like flared up again (and was getting worse before baby was even born). Docs did try Prozac on me at the same time or before treating my thyroid initially. I hated the way I felt and I don’t think I’d ever do anti-depressants again for anything.

Sorry if I sound defensive, I’m just really biased again Prozac, etc. I do appreciate the response, though. Sorry to hear about your PPD. I know that can be extremely difficult, especially as a first time mom!

Best,

Grace

[Guest guest]

Well, girls. I guess I'm just one of the lucky (or unlucky) few who really need the stuff. Paxil was the only one that numbed me. I can feel emotions on Prozac, but it takes most of the depression away.

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

You're right, Grace. Prozac and some of those in it's class are now DOCUMENTED to be antithyroid, as in causing some hypo symptoms or making a bad situation worse. It was the first one to be found to be doing this, and it is in the literature from some experts, but, of course, not the ones who make the stuff. When I took it and some others in it's class, I had thoughts of being dead, no emotions whatsoever, including a conscentience. As I've said many times before, because I was very hypo at the time, it turned my skin yellow or sort of carrot yellow, and I could have watched a murder right in front of me and never felt a thing. I gave them all "fair time" to work or change, but every single one of them did this to me. That includes Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, and the like. I did have some success way before that with the old TCAs, Imipramine, in my case, but it began to drive my blood pressure up, and I also no longer needed it.

[Guest guest]

I’m glad it helps you. They

can be beneficial. For years I was on Serzone. It helped my PMS

immensely. Serzone was taken off of the market due to liver

problems. The negative side effects were so bad from everything else that

was tried that I was better of without them.

Now I find I’m doing fine

without.

Kim in No Texas

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Hilman

Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008

7:06 PM

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re:

New and looking for advice (long)

Well, girls. I guess I'm just one of

the lucky (or unlucky) few who really need the stuff. Paxil was the only

one that numbed me. I can feel emotions on Prozac, but it takes most of

the depression away.

Re:

New and looking for advice (long)

You're right, Grace. Prozac and some of those in it's

class are now DOCUMENTED to be antithyroid, as in causing some hypo symptoms or

making a bad situation worse. It was the first one to be found to be

doing this, and it is in the literature from some experts, but, of course, not

the ones who make the stuff. When I took it and some others in it's

class, I had thoughts of being dead, no emotions whatsoever, including a

conscentience. As I've said many times before, because I was very hypo at

the time, it turned my skin yellow or sort of carrot yellow, and I could have

watched a murder right in front of me and never felt a thing. I gave them

all " fair time " to work or change, but every single one of them did

this to me. That includes Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, and the

like. I did have some success way before that with the old TCAs,

Imipramine, in my case, but it began to drive my blood pressure up, and I also

no longer needed it.

[Guest guest]

Can you tell us where to look for this documentation? I want to show

this to my TSH loving doctor!

TKS!

De

>

> You're right, Grace. Prozac and some of those in it's class are

now DOCUMENTED to be antithyroid, as in causing some hypo symptoms or

making a bad situation worse. It was the first one to be found to be

doing this, and it is in the literature from some experts, but, of

course, not the ones who make the stuff. When I took it and some

others in it's class, I had thoughts of being dead, no emotions

whatsoever, including a conscentience. As I've said many times

before, because I was very hypo at the time, it turned my skin yellow

or sort of carrot yellow, and I could have watched a murder right in

front of me and never felt a thing. I gave them all " fair time " to

work or change, but every single one of them did this to me. That

includes Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, and the like. I did have

some success way before that with the old TCAs, Imipramine, in my

case, but it began to drive my blood pressure up, and I also no

longer needed it.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi!

Thanks for the input and sharing your

experience. I’m curious how one is diagnosed with adrenal issues and how

many different levels of adrenal problems there are. I think I have been told

by naturopaths and chiropractors that my adrenals are fatigued, but have never

had any real test for it, nor any medication. The last chiro told me to hold

my ears and do a special breathing technique while squatting that was supposed

to help, but I didn’t follow through for more than a few days.

I think I’m going to stick it out with

Dr. DeVries for now and at least get the synthroid where it feels best, but I

am still interested in what else might be going on with me. I’m

definitely not finished researching yet.

Best of luck with your marriage and desire

for a couple of rugrats.

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On

Behalf Of headhunter9561

<snip>

..

[Guest guest]

,

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my

post. Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. I have a few questions and

responses to your message.

How do I know if I have a problem converting

T4 to T3? Is it possible that taking the right amount of synthetic T4 will get

me where I want to be and where I feel better? I’ve never been on a dose

as high as what DeVries is suggestion. I think the lowest I’ve ever seen

my TSH is 1. something right after my baby was born, but that didn’t last

long since I was quickly dropped back to the lower synthroid dosage. I’ve

always tried to get them to keep my TSH around 2, which is what I remember my

endo recommending back in the very late 90s. She was the one who put me on

Armour to help with my mood, but we never did try increasing T4 first. I don’t

remember what my labs were and I don’t think I have copies, but I will

check just to know. I don’t remember how I felt on the Armour. I don’t

think it was bad, but I don’t remember it being startlingly different

either. It seems I remember heart palpitations, but probably minor.

I sure appreciate your comments about the alternative

route. I have preferred to try to stay more natural when possible, and like I

mentioned, I’d stopped taking hormones all together until I got pregnant

and my TSH was too high (can’t remember if it was 5 something or 12

something), but I was back on synthroid right away. One question…if I

stay on synthetic hormones is still a good idea to avoid Kelp or foods with

lots of iodine? And you asked about my antibodies…the tests were run,

TPO was <10 and Antithyroblobulin was <20. I am hypo, but not Hashi’s.

I do feel confident that my tolerance for my

little ones high energy will increase as I feel better. Actually, yesterday

was my 8th day on the 1st higher dose (75 mcg) of

synthroid and I felt markedly better than I have been. As I went through the

day I noticed I was much more physically active and I was smiling and laughing

a lot more than normal. Then I thought about it and realized it had been just

over a week on the slightly higher dose. Dr. D. said I would probably feel a

little bit better each time I raised my dose (which he has me doing every 2

weeks to find the highest dose that I can take without feeling hyper symptoms).

Ah, sleep…I haven’t had a full

night’s sleep in over 4 years. I know that has taken a toll on me. I’ve

co-slept and nursed my kids at night, so it’s not full waking, but I do

still wake during the night. And actually when I do get fully awakened, say by

my 4 year old for some reason, I notice it is very difficult for me to go back

to sleep. Sometimes (or usually) it seems to take me an hour. I try to avoid

seeing any light at night and I sleep with a mask on my eyes, but I sometimes

can’t avoid it depending on what he needs. (Is that a symptom of

anything, to have difficulty going back to sleep.)

I am curious about adrenals. I am pretty

sure my adrenals are tired, but I don’t know what level this is at or what

can be done, if it is reversible, etc. My house has been *extremely* stressful for the last year or

more (especially the last 8-9 months when my husband was suddenly self-employed

and working from home). He’s also having strange health issues that the

doctor’s can’t diagnose so that’s been stressful, too. All

of those things are not good for cortisol levels, I’m sure. What should

I do to check more into that?

Thanks again for your response. I really

appreciate finding caring people through the Internet who can help me navigate

my path to wellness.

Best,

Grace

From:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On

Behalf Of mhbarnes_99

[Guest guest]

Hi Grace,

NP on the delay - I only check the group about once a day, that's

why folks will often see my batch responses.

I've snipped some to keep this shorter and put other responses

inline with your response marked with [MB] so it's easier to see my

comments.

Peace and healing,

B.

,

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. Sorry it has taken me so

long to respond. I have a few questions and responses to your message.

How do I know if I have a problem converting T4 to T3?

[MB] My understanding is there's a couple of things to look at to determine

this. In some cases folks convert T4 into reverse T3 (something like the Iodine

molecule is removed from the wrong position), which does nothing. They can

measure reverse T3. Also, if you're just taking Synthroid, then if you're not

converting T4 to T3 your Free T3 shouldn't change (and might even dip), while

your Free T4 should be changing. [/MB]

Is it possible that taking the right amount of synthetic T4 will get me where I

want to be and where I feel better?

[MB] It is certainly possible. This would be a good question to post

separately as I know there is at least one other person in this group that is

just on T4. But, again, it's important to keep in mind that your thyroid, when

functioning properly, actually produces some T3 (something like 10-20% of what

is produced) along with the T4, which is converted into T3 in various places in

the body. So, using Armour or adding synthetic T3 or taking Thyrolar (a

synthetic T4/T3 combo with same ratios as Armour) attempts to mimic what a

healthy thyroid would produce. That's why many of us believe that a T4 only

approach is generally not a good idea since your body is still being deprived of

something it would normally be producing if healthy. [/MB]

I've never been on a dose as high as what DeVries is suggestion. I think the

lowest I've ever seen my TSH is 1. something right after my baby was born, but

that didn't last long since I was quickly dropped back to the lower synthroid

dosage. I've always tried to get them to keep my TSH around 2, which is what I

remember my endo recommending back in the very late 90s.

[MB] It's quite variable as to what TSH is best for an individual, but 2 is

considered the upper range if you're being treated, with most doctors

recommending around 1. I personally felt horrid at 1.7 and ONLY feel well when

my TSH is suppressed. Whereas others are quite fine at around 1. So, this is

where you need to pay attention to symptoms, sense of wellbeing and whether you

can do normal activities - like go to the grocery store, take your kids to the

park and clean your house all in one day (and not just do one of those things

and be exhausted). [/MB]

I sure appreciate your comments about the alternative route. I have preferred

to try to stay more natural when possible, and like I mentioned, I'd stopped

taking hormones all together until I got pregnant and my TSH was too high (can't

remember if it was 5 something or 12 something), but I was back on synthroid

right away. One question.if I stay on synthetic hormones is still a good idea

to avoid Kelp or foods with lots of iodine? And you asked about my

antibodies.the tests were run, TPO was <10 and Antithyroblobulin was <20. I am

hypo, but not Hashi's.

[MB] This again is highly variable. Most docs recommend that Hashi's folks

avoid the kelp, iodine, etc. Some alternative docs say Kelp is fine, but avoid

the Iodine, etc. Here again, you have to be aware of how your body reacts. My

experiences were that I would feel great for a few days if I used Iodine or Kelp

and then crash. My theory is that the Iodine or kelp did increase what my

thyroid could produce, but since my thyroid was failing, it just made the

situation worse overall (i.e., it was making my thyroid work harder when it

really couldn't, so it was exhausted after a few weeks/days). Now, that my

thyroid is almost totally gone, I do tolerate Iodine. [/MB]

Ah, sleep. I haven't had a full night's sleep in over 4 years. I know that has

taken a toll on me. I've co-slept and nursed my kids at night, so it's not full

waking, but I do still wake during the night. And actually when I do get fully

awakened, say by my 4 year old for some reason, I notice it is very difficult

for me to go back to sleep. Sometimes (or usually) it seems to take me an hour.

I try to avoid seeing any light at night and I sleep with a mask on my eyes, but

I sometimes can't avoid it depending on what he needs. (Is that a symptom of

anything, to have difficulty going back to sleep.)

[MB] If it makes you feel any better I haven't had a full nite's sleep in 16

years (since I was pregnant with my first child). But, you can still get

quality sleep even if you do have to get up at nite. The poor sleep can also be

related to adrenals. For example, if you have elevated morning cortisol it can

start out high at 3-5 am. Mine did for a while until my adrenals were totally

fried. Here's a good write-up on adrenal fatigue:

http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalfatigue/effectsofhighcortisol.aspx

Another thing that can contribute to not being able to fall back to sleep in

the early morning hours is low blood sugar. I have a rice cake with almond

butter right before bed based on the theory that carbs are good to induce sleep

and protein takes a while to digest, so keeps blood sugar more stable. [/MB]

I am curious about adrenals. I am pretty sure my adrenals are tired, but I

don't know what level this is at or what can be done, if it is reversible, etc.

My house has been *extremely* stressful for the last year or more (especially

the last 8-9 months when my husband was suddenly self-employed and working from

home). He's also having strange health issues that the doctor's can't diagnose

so that's been stressful, too. All of those things are not good for cortisol

levels, I'm sure. What should I do to check more into that?

[MB] Some doctors (and you should ask Devries about this) will do a saliva

test for the adrenals. This is often better for folks in the middle of adrenal

fatigue, because you can have abnormal highs and lows that will make your

cortisol look normal on a one shot blood test or 24 hour urine test even. If the

doctor doesn't have the kit, you can order it yourself via the canaryclub

website: www.canaryclub.org (there's no charge to join, but you get a good

discount on the test). The site was set up by Dr. Shames to educate

patients and to encourage them to take ownership of their health. Note, I'm not

advocating self-treating, BUT some docs don't keep the kits, but are open to

treating using those results AND in the future it will be a good record of where

you were at this point in time. [/MB]

Thanks again for your response. I really appreciate finding caring people

through the Internet who can help me navigate my path to wellness.

[MB] Yes, this has been a wonderful positive, supportive group for many of

us! [/MB]

[Guest guest]

Hi Grace..

Adrenals.. from what I understand.. if you have adrenal problems..

you should address those first and then work on the thyroid meds.. I

don't know exactly the reasons behind it.. someone else might be able

to help with the why's...

Basicially the first test this doctor did wasn't very scientific at

all! She took a flashlight and kinda stood to the side and flashed me

with it.. when she did that, my pupils didn't constrict like they

should, they stayed the same.. she asked if i have sensitivity to the

daylight.. and I do. when I come out of a dark building into the

Texas sun, I'm about blinded.. she said it's because my eyes are

changing their dialation. they are always allowing a lot of light

in..

From there, she took blood LOTS OF IT!! and they did tests. She

tested my DHEA and Cortisol which are both adrenal hormones. My DHEA

was low and Cortisol was high.

She also tested Ferritin (iron) and B Vitamins. I was low on both of

those as well.

I've read where when you have thyroid problems, it kinda drains your

body of all sorts of stuff. I've also talked with ladies who had low

magnesium levels.. and other issues.

Absolutely, stick with the doctor if you like him.. I would never

recommend anyone to change.

We all have different things we like in doctors, everyone is

different.

Best of luck to you in whatever you decide to do! This is certainly a

great place to just come and vent.. or ask deep questions. I've only

been on here a short time. I was diagnosed in February. But they have

all been very helpful and informative!

[Guest guest]

Thanks again, ,

Just one quick reply…I will likely

have more to come.

[MB]<snip> So, this is where you need to pay attention to

symptoms, sense of wellbeing and whether you can do normal activities - like go

to the grocery store, take your kids to the park and clean your house all in

one day (and not just do one of those things and be exhausted). [/MB]

To do all of those things in one day

(without feeling exhausted) would be amazing. I guess I’ve just been

thinking I’m lazy and a little incompetent (for lack of a better word)

that just keeping up with life seems so difficult. It didn’t really

register or even dawn on me that it could be health related!!

I am super interested in the adrenal issue.

The irritability and inability to handle any noise are at the top of my list of

major complaints!

Best,

Grace

[Guest guest]

I’ve been there, done that. I wonder

why we do that…think it is normal not to be able to function. Is it

that it happens so slow and gradual or do we start believing the doctors that

say it is all in our heads??

Kim in No Texas

From:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On

Behalf Of Grace

Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:52

PM

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: RE:

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

Thanks

again, ,

Just

one quick reply…I will likely have more to come.

[MB]<snip>

So, this is where you need to pay attention to symptoms, sense of wellbeing and

whether you can do normal activities - like go to the grocery store, take your

kids to the park and clean your house all in one day (and not just do one of

those things and be exhausted). [/MB]

To

do all of those things in one day (without feeling exhausted) would be

amazing. I guess I’ve just been thinking I’m lazy and a

little incompetent (for lack of a better word) that just keeping up with life

seems so difficult. It didn’t really register or even dawn on me

that it could be health related!!

I

am super interested in the adrenal issue. The irritability and inability

to handle any noise are at the top of my list of major complaints!

Best,

Grace

[Guest guest]

I know exactly what you mean and it's really not until you can do

all that again that you realize how compromised you were and how

impacted your quality of life was. This may sound weird, but when I

feel well, I actually enjoy house work and my job and doing all

those things. But, when you're unwell, each and every one of those

tasks is a chore and it takes so much longer than previously to

accomplish.

I am an example that you can get there. I was near disability when I

went to see doctor #7 in another posting I made today.

Hang in there - if you're determined to get well, I firmly believe

you will do so.

Peace and healing,

B.

>

> Thanks again, ,

>

>

>

> Just one quick reply.I will likely have more to come.

>

>

>

> [MB]<snip> So, this is where you need to pay attention to

symptoms, sense of

> wellbeing and whether you can do normal activities - like go to

the grocery

> store, take your kids to the park and clean your house all in one

day (and

> not just do one of those things and be exhausted). [/MB]

>

>

>

> To do all of those things in one day (without feeling exhausted)

would be

> amazing. I guess I've just been thinking I'm lazy and a little

incompetent

> (for lack of a better word) that just keeping up with life seems so

> difficult. It didn't really register or even dawn on me that it

could be

> health related!!

>

>

>

> I am super interested in the adrenal issue. The irritability and

inability

> to handle any noise are at the top of my list of major complaints!

>

>

>

> Best,

>

> Grace

>

[Guest guest]

Kim,

For me, part of the process in healing was to actually recognize and

accept that for that period of time that was my normal and I had to

accept those limitations. That was very difficult for me as a type A

person. However, I honestly feel these health issues, and most

recently round 3 of Lyme are wake-up calls that I need to get my

priorities in order (again). So, I accept that temporarily, I just

can't overdo it and need to ask my kids for more help, but I will

NOT accept that I can't get well. And, I will not accept a doctor

that says it's all in my head. I do accept that there can be a huge

emotional/spiritual component that can be keeping us from getting

fully well, but that does not mean our physical issues aren't

completely real. I personally think any doctor that tries to tell

you that you have to accept you'll always feel that way and that

there's nothing that can be done or that you just need anti-

depressants, is doing their patients a huge disserve and is

violating the hypocratic oath to not do harm, as that is truly

emotionally and psychologically damaging. I, however, applaud the

doctors that tell folks that it won't be easy and that it will

require tenacity, consistency and compliancy to a treatment

approach, that can involve feeling worse before you feel better,

for a far longer period of time than any of us would like, to

recover. For me, acceptence of this latter point has been crucial

to my recovery.

B.

>

> I've been there, done that. I wonder why we do that.think it is

normal not

> to be able to function. Is it that it happens so slow and gradual

or do we

> start believing the doctors that say it is all in our heads??

>

>

>

> Kim in No Texas

>

>

>

> _____

>

> From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Grace

> Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:52 PM

> To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> Subject: RE: Re: New and looking for advice

(long)

>

>

>

> Thanks again, ,

>

>

>

> Just one quick reply.I will likely have more to come.

>

>

>

> [MB]<snip> So, this is where you need to pay attention to

symptoms, sense of

> wellbeing and whether you can do normal activities - like go to

the grocery

> store, take your kids to the park and clean your house all in one

day (and

> not just do one of those things and be exhausted). [/MB]

>

> To do all of those things in one day (without feeling exhausted)

would be

> amazing. I guess I've just been thinking I'm lazy and a little

incompetent

> (for lack of a better word) that just keeping up with life seems so

> difficult. It didn't really register or even dawn on me that it

could be

> health related!!

>

>

>

> I am super interested in the adrenal issue. The irritability and

inability

> to handle any noise are at the top of my list of major complaints!

>

>

>

> Best,

>

> Grace

>

[Guest guest]

If you're feeling fine, then no worries. But if you aren't, don't be surprised if it could be the Paxil killing your thyroid hormones.

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

Well, girls. I guess I'm just one of the lucky (or unlucky) few who really need the stuff. Paxil was the only one that numbed me. I can feel emotions on Prozac, but it takes most of the depression away.

[Guest guest]

Hi! I understand how bad you feel. We all have been down a very long

road of our own levels of health issues, and it's NO FUN!

I would like to bring up the issue of iron--have you ever had your

ferritin levels checked? Low ferritin levels can cause hair loss, and

all the feelings you're having. I'm not saying thyroid isn't your

issue, just that it might not be your ONLY issue. Also, have you had

your vitamin D level checked?? If it's low, which alot of people are

finding theirs is low, it could impact how you feel, sleep, etc. Just

wanted to throw in possibly more pieces to the puzzle.

Sue

[Guest guest]

Would like to add one more possibility--having your calcium level

checked. If it's high, it could cause hair loss, depression, anxiety,

and other things. Just want you to be aware of all the possible

endocrine problems that can contribute to these symptoms!

Sue

[Guest guest]

Iron is good, was just checked (don’t

know the exact result). Haven’t had Vit D or calcium checked. I somehow

doubt calcium would be high – don’t drink a lot of milk or eat a

ton of greens or take calcium supplements (actually, was just recommended that

I start), but anything is possible…

Thanks for the suggestions of things to

check!

From:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On

Behalf Of earth_friendly_farms

Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 6:19

PM

To:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject:

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

Hi! I understand how bad you feel. We all have been

down a very long

road of our own levels of health issues, and it's NO FUN!

I would like to bring up the issue of iron--have you ever had your

ferritin levels checked? Low ferritin levels can cause hair loss, and

all the feelings you're having. I'm not saying thyroid isn't your

issue, just that it might not be your ONLY issue. Also, have you had

your vitamin D level checked?? If it's low, which alot of people are

finding theirs is low, it could impact how you feel, sleep, etc. Just

wanted to throw in possibly more pieces to the puzzle.

Sue

[Guest guest]

Your iron can be good (normal) but your

ferritin poor. Has a ferritin blood test been done?

Kim in No Texas

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Grace

Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 7:00

PM

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: RE:

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

Iron

is good, was just checked (don’t know the exact result).

Haven’t had Vit D or calcium checked. I somehow doubt calcium would

be high – don’t drink a lot of milk or eat a ton of greens or take

calcium supplements (actually, was just recommended that I start), but anything

is possible…

Thanks

for the suggestions of things to check!

_

[Guest guest]

Hmmm…I doubt it. Was at my

annual that I was checked for anemia. I mentioned to the midwife (at an

ob/gyns office) that I wanted to have my thyroid and hormone levels checked

cause I was feeling really out of whack. She told me that she knew my

hormones were normal because I’ve had kids, I’m menstruating and

nursing and that seeing hormone levels wouldn’t tell her anything because

the levels are so individual – basically gave me a lecture that I needed

to be sure I was getting some me time and not just taking care of my kids,

etc. Said she was going to check iron, cbc, thyroid (was only TSH).

She called me with my results said iron was “great”, everything

else normal. TSH was 3.9, which she thought was fine. I asked her

to increase my dose from 50 to 75mcg and she said we could try it for 6

weeks. In the meantime, I’d started researching and found Dr.

DeVries. I didn’t fill the new script as to not confuse Dr. DeVries

blood tests. Saw him about a week later and started the titration

upwards.

I wonder if I should ask Dr. DeVries to run

more tests to check these things or take a trip to Lubbock or see someone else…???

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On

Behalf Of Kim in No Texas

Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 7:14

PM

To:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: RE:

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

Your iron can be good (normal) but your

ferritin poor. Has a ferritin blood test been done?

Ki,___

[Guest guest]

Sue, just went back to reread your comments

and wanted to add…I’m pretty convinced thyroid is not my only

issue. I’m just not quite sure how to identify/take my next steps.

Thanks again for your replies.

From:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On

Behalf Of earth_friendly_farms

<snip> I'm not saying thyroid isn't your

issue, just that it might not be your ONLY issue. <snip>

[Guest guest]

Why I mentioned calcium was some people get parathyroid tumors(benign)

that pull calcium out of the bone and make people feel awful. It's

just one more piece of the endocrine puzzle.

[Guest guest]

Hmmm…there are a lot of pieces. I was

thinking as I was putting my kids to bed that there must be a lot of things

that affect calcium other than what I ingest. I remembered my dh’s

calcium is elevated and the ND said it’s because he is not absorbing it.

I also thought about it and realized my

symptoms started to worsen (and the hair loss started back or increased enough

for me to notice) shortly after I stopped taking the really good vitamins I

used to take. (Fairly expensive and mail order & I just stopped ordering.)

I do wonder what the connection is there, too.

I have been drinking way too much coffee,

too. I had stopped for quite a few months, but have felt so dependent on

coffee again lately.

From:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On

Behalf Of earth_friendly_farms

Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 8:58

PM

To:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject:

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

Why I mentioned calcium was some people get parathyroid tumors(benign)

that pull calcium out of the bone and make people feel awful. It's

just one more piece of the endocrine puzzle.