Re: New and looking for advice (long)

[Guest guest]

Grace

The T4 to T3 conversion problems you will know by having your doctor run the FREE T3 and the FREE T4 testing together, at the same time. The TSH is useful for diagnosis, but once on thyroid meds, becomes a moot point, except if it goes too high. If Hashi's isn't an issue, that's one thing, but if a person doesn't FEEL right on the mat they are taking and still having symptoms that are pretty proven out by testing also, then it needs to be investigated further. Also, some people are conveting their T4 to T3 just fine, but once the T3 gets to the cellular entrance of each body cell, then there may be a problem of the cell "closing it out", due to receptor problems. You can go in and google many things on the sbjct of "Thyroid Cellular Receptor Problems", and you will probably find a bunch on this. Though I'm on 150 mcgs of T4, I am also on 30 mgs of Armour to go with it, which has 2.5 mcgs of direct natural T3 in it and also another 9 point something mcgs of natural T4 in it. That tiny amt of T3 in there is packing a little more powerful punch to it, and I probably need more of it, but I may very well have some adrenal fatigue left (yes, lol!), but have never tested for it. If I ever do, I will test with the saliva tests for all of these adrenal hormones, not just the cortisol. I do know doctors who use the saliva testing, as well as the blood testing for it. Talk to your doctor about it.

RE: Re: New and looking for advice (long)

,

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

[Guest guest]

Thanks, . I will get in to see Dr. D.

with these additional questions and I also think I will get my dh and myself on

the list to see Dr. R. At this point I only have TSH, T4, T3 Uptake, Free T4

and T3 (not marked as Free, so must be total) and antibodies. Dr. D. must have

had some reason to run the tests he ran, but I do wish I had both Free T3 and

Free T4. I will try to search online to see what I can find to explain the T3

Uptake test.

Looking forward to feeling well,

Grace

_,_._,___

[Guest guest]

Your doc ran the older thyroid panel.

T3 Uptake is an obsolete test which measures thyroid binding proteins, not T3. It is used in a calculation together with the semi-useful Total T4, which yields the Free Thyroxine Index, also called T7: an estimate of free T4 levels. I suspect that your so-called Free T4 is in fact the Free Thyroxine Index.

There is now no reason to run these less than accurate tests when the newer Free T3 and Free T4 tests measure hormone levels directly.

>> Thanks, . I will get in to see Dr. D. with these additional questions> and I also think I will get my dh and myself on the list to see Dr. R. At> this point I only have TSH, T4, T3 Uptake, Free T4 and T3 (not marked as> Free, so must be total) and antibodies. Dr. D. must have had some reason to> run the tests he ran, but I do wish I had both Free T3 and Free T4. I will> try to search online to see what I can find to explain the T3 Uptake test.> > > > Looking forward to feeling well,> > Grace> > _,_._,___>

[Guest guest]

We have known this doc to Rx Cytomel. Why don't you ask him? (He will not prescribe Armour.)

Launius in ville prescribes generous doses of Armour or any other thyroid med you may wish to try, but does not deal with adrenals. No insurance, but has very reasonable fees.

Bessie Owens in Rowlett prescribes Armour. Some insurance.

>> 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]

This is the reason I fired my local family

doctor from my thyroid management. I thought if he does not know enough to be

running the most current tests, then in my opinion he is not qualified to

manage my thyroid issues. At the time, I did not know I had adrenal issues

which would have eliminated him as option anyway.

Kim in No Texas

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On

Behalf Of Jan

Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008

11:44 AM

To:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject:

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

Your doc ran the older

thyroid panel.

T3 Uptake is an obsolete test

which measures thyroid binding proteins, not T3. It is used in a

calculation together with the semi-useful Total T4, which yields the Free

Thyroxine Index, also called T7: an estimate of free T4 levels. I

suspect that your so-called Free T4 is in fact the Free Thyroxine Index.

There is now no reason to run

these less than accurate tests when the newer Free T3 and Free T4

tests measure hormone levels directly.

>

> Thanks, . I will get in to see Dr. D. with these additional questions

> and I also think I will get my dh and myself on the list to see Dr. R. At

> this point I only have TSH, T4, T3 Uptake, Free T4 and T3 (not marked as

> Free, so must be total) and antibodies. Dr. D. must have had some reason

to

> run the tests he ran, but I do wish I had both Free T3 and Free T4. I will

> try to search online to see what I can find to explain the T3 Uptake test.

>

>

>

> Looking forward to feeling well,

>

> Grace

>

> _,_._,___

>

[Guest guest]

I did ask Dr. D. about Cytomel at my first

visit. He said he prefers to try T4 first because it is more “steady”.

He told me T3 causes a lot of spikes in energy and only lasts 3-4 hours so

people have to take it more times in one day. He told me Armour is

inconsistent and has no thyroid hormone, only iodine. (I thought that sounded

kind of funny to me.)

Yes, the free T4 is the Free Thyroxine

Index. I wonder why he didn’t/doesn’t order the other thyroid

panel, or if his assistant made an error. My report shows me as 85 years old

instead of 35…somehow my year of birth got entered as ‘23 instead

of ‘73.

I’m not sure if I want to go back to

Armour or not. I remember getting heart palpitations and not sure I felt all

that much better. If the higher synthroid dose doesn’t work for me, I

will definitely give Armour a try.

I am most concerned with finding someone who

will give me a *complete*

exam/bloodwork panel, etc. I want the full picture!

From:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ]

On Behalf Of Jan

Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008

11:53 AM

To:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject:

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

We have known this doc to Rx

Cytomel. Why don't you ask him? (He will not prescribe Armour.)

Launius in ville

prescribes generous doses of Armour or any other thyroid med you may wish to

try, but does not deal with adrenals. No insurance, but has very reasonable

fees.

Bessie Owens in Rowlett

prescribes Armour. Some insurance.

_

[Guest guest]

Armour has no thyroid hormone? Only iodine? That is unadulterated hose puckey!

Like all other thyroid meds, Armour is required to contain within plus or minus 10% of the stated amounts of T3 and T4.

The only thing that keeps me from removing DeVries from our list is the fact that he has been helpful to a couple of our members, despite his ignorance.

I have never experienced any unpleasant spikes on Armour, because I take it with food, divided into two doses twelve hours apart. If necessary, I would not mind taking it in three doses. It is worth doing whatever it takes to feel better.

>> I did ask Dr. D. about Cytomel at my first visit. He said he prefers to try> T4 first because it is more "steady". He told me T3 causes a lot of spikes> in energy and only lasts 3-4 hours so people have to take it more times in> one day. He told me Armour is inconsistent and has no thyroid hormone, only> iodine. (I thought that sounded kind of funny to me.)> > > > Yes, the free T4 is the Free Thyroxine Index. I wonder why he> didn't/doesn't order the other thyroid panel, or if his assistant made an> error. My report shows me as 85 years old instead of 35.somehow my year of> birth got entered as '23 instead of '73.> > > > I'm not sure if I want to go back to Armour or not. I remember getting> heart palpitations and not sure I felt all that much better. If the higher> synthroid dose doesn't work for me, I will definitely give Armour a try.> > > > I am most concerned with finding someone who will give me a *complete*> exam/bloodwork panel, etc. I want the full picture!> > > > _____ > > From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Jan > Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 11:53 AM> To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > Subject: Re: New and looking for advice (long)> > > > We have known this doc to Rx Cytomel. Why don't you ask him? (He will not> prescribe Armour.)> > Launius in ville prescribes generous doses of Armour or any other> thyroid med you may wish to try, but does not deal with adrenals. No> insurance, but has very reasonable fees. > > Bessie Owens in Rowlett prescribes Armour. Some insurance. > > _>

[Guest guest]

I meant HORSE PUCKEY!

> >> > I did ask Dr. D. about Cytomel at my first visit. He said he prefers> to try> > T4 first because it is more "steady". He told me T3 causes a lot of> spikes> > in energy and only lasts 3-4 hours so people have to take it more> times in> > one day. He told me Armour is inconsistent and has no thyroid hormone,> only> > iodine. (I thought that sounded kind of funny to me.)> >> >> >> > Yes, the free T4 is the Free Thyroxine Index. I wonder why he> > didn't/doesn't order the other thyroid panel, or if his assistant made> an> > error. My report shows me as 85 years old instead of 35.somehow my> year of> > birth got entered as '23 instead of '73.> >> >> >> > I'm not sure if I want to go back to Armour or not. I remember getting> > heart palpitations and not sure I felt all that much better. If the> higher> > synthroid dose doesn't work for me, I will definitely give Armour a> try.> >> >> >> > I am most concerned with finding someone who will give me a *complete*> > exam/bloodwork panel, etc. I want the full picture!> >> >> >> > _____> >> > From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > > [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Jan > > Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 11:53 AM> > To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups > > Subject: Re: New and looking for advice (long)> >> >> >> > We have known this doc to Rx Cytomel. Why don't you ask him? (He will> not> > prescribe Armour.)> >> > Launius in ville prescribes generous doses of Armour or any> other> > thyroid med you may wish to try, but does not deal with adrenals. No> > insurance, but has very reasonable fees.> >> > Bessie Owens in Rowlett prescribes Armour. Some insurance.> >> > _> >>

[Guest guest]

I knew that (that it was horse puckey). I

just nodded and figured I was at least in a better place than I was before.

I agree that I don’t mind taking

something multiple times a day if it helps me feel better. That’s how I

take my vitamins, anyway. We’ll see…maybe I’ll end up back

on Armour again. Funny, I noticed the doc I first went to after moving to

Dallas (who wouldn’t keep me on Armour) is listed in the database with an

emphatic NO, would not recommend. He was recommended by a doctor friend of my

dh’s who probably just thinks he’s a nice guy and knows very little

about endocrinology.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say

it again…so glad to be here! Thank you all for sharing your knowledge

and experience with me! =)

From:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ]

On Behalf Of Jan

Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 1:36

PM

To:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject:

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

I meant HORSE PUCKEY!

> >

> > I did ask Dr. D. about Cytomel at my first visit. He said he prefers

> to try

> > T4 first because it is more " steady " . He told me T3 causes

a lot of

> spikes

> > in energy and only lasts 3-4 hours so people have to take it more

> times in

> > one day. He told me Armour is inconsistent and has no thyroid

hormone,

> only

> > iodine. (I thought that sounded kind of funny to me.)

> >

> >

> >

> > Yes, the free T4 is the Free Thyroxine Index. I wonder why he

> > didn't/doesn't order the other thyroid panel, or if his

assistant made

> an

> > error. My report shows me as 85 years old instead of 35.somehow my

> year of

> > birth got entered as '23 instead of '73.

> >

> >

> >

> > I'm not sure if I want to go back to Armour or not. I remember

getting

> > heart pa l pitations and not sure I felt all that much better. If the

> higher

> > synthroid dose doesn't work for me, I will definitely give Armour a

> try.

> >

> >

> >

> > I am most concerned with finding someone who will give me a

*complete*

> > exam/bloodwork panel, etc. I want the full picture!

> >

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> > [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On

Behalf Of Jan

> > Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 11:53 AM

> > To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

> > Subject: Re: New and looking for advice

(long)

> >

> >

> >

> > We have known this doc to Rx Cytomel. Why don't you ask him? (He will

> not

> > prescribe Armour.)

> >

> > Jo h n Launius in ville prescribes generous doses of Armour or

any

> other

> > thyroid med you may wish to try, but does not deal with adrenals. No

> > insurance, but has very reasonable fees.

> >

> > Bessie Owens in Rowlett prescribes Armour. Some insurance.

> >

> > _

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I’m not sure if this has been

covered before for you, but sometimes Armour intolerance is due to low ferritin

or low adrenal function.

Kim in No Texas

From:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On

Behalf Of Grace

Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008

12:05 PM

To:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: RE:

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

I

did ask Dr. D. about Cytomel at my first visit. He said he prefers to try

T4 first because it is more “steady”. He told me T3 causes a

lot of spikes in energy and only lasts 3-4 hours so people have to take it more

times in one day. He told me Armour is inconsistent and has no thyroid

hormone, only iodine. (I thought that sounded kind of funny to me.)

Yes,

the free T4 is the Free Thyroxine Index. I wonder why he

didn’t/doesn’t order the other thyroid panel, or if his assistant

made an error. My report shows me as 85 years old instead of

35…somehow my year of birth got entered as ‘23 instead of

‘73.

I’m

not sure if I want to go back to Armour or not. I remember getting heart

palpitations and not sure I felt all that much better. If the higher

synthroid dose doesn’t work for me, I will definitely give Armour a try.

I

am most concerned with finding someone who will give me a *complete* exam/bloodwork panel, etc.

I want the full picture!

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Jan

Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008

11:53 AM

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject:

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

We have known this doc to Rx

Cytomel. Why don't you ask him? (He will not prescribe Armour.)

Launius in ville prescribes

generous doses of Armour or any other thyroid med you may wish to try, but does

not deal with adrenals. No insurance, but has very reasonable fees.

Bessie Owens in Rowlett

prescribes Armour. Some insurance.

_

[Guest guest]

I could not tolerate Armour the first time I tried it. Once I addressed my adrenals and vitamin deficiencies, I could.

I did ask Dr. D. about Cytomel at my first visit. He said he prefers to try T4 first because it is more "steady". He told me T3 causes a lot of spikes in energy and only lasts 3-4 hours so people have to take it more times in one day. He told me Armour is inconsistent and has no thyroid hormone, only iodine. (I thought that sounded kind of funny to me.)

Yes, the free T4 is the Free Thyroxine Index. I wonder why he didn't/doesn't order the other thyroid panel, or if his assistant made an error. My report shows me as 85 years old instead of 35…somehow my year of birth got entered as '23 instead of '73.

I'm not sure if I want to go back to Armour or not. I remember getting heart palpitations and not sure I felt all that much better. If the higher synthroid dose doesn't work for me, I will definitely give Armour a try.

I am most concerned with finding someone who will give me a *complete* exam/bloodwork panel, etc. I want the full picture!

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

Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 11:53 AM To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: New and looking for advice (long)

We have known this doc to Rx Cytomel. Why don't you ask him? (He will not prescribe Armour.)

Launius in ville prescribes generous doses of Armour or any other thyroid med you may wish to try, but does not deal with adrenals. No insurance, but has very reasonable fees.

Bessie Owens in Rowlett prescribes Armour. Some insurance.

_

-- CauleyHome Cell

[Guest guest]

Oh I don't know Jan-----I kind of liked the Hose Puckey thing-----you know-----up the doc's nose with a rubber hose, hehe.

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

I meant HORSE PUCKEY!

[Guest guest]

Calcium can also be elevated because Magnesium is too low (my

understanding is they balance one another). Most people actually get

enough calcium, but most Americans are really deficient in

Magnesium. It is on my list of top 10 supplements that made a huge

difference for me - in particular muscle pain, getting really bad

leg cramps at nite and TMJ problems dramatically reduced. As well,

the magnesium will calm your nervous system. Here's good write-up on

Magnesium (with references):

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

I find the " Natural Calm " product to be extremely helpful when taken

at bedtime. Also, both my kids were low in Mg and they make a

product just for kids. It's sweetened with stevia.

B.

>

> 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.

>

>

>

> ,_._,___

>

[Guest guest]

Grace,

Just one comment below (rest snipped). If you want someone that is

extremely thorough, that will Rx Armour (and any other bioidentical

hormone you might need) and who will look at the whole picture, I

strongly recommend Dr. Christensen:

www.christensencenter.com

She was a top OBGYN (graduating in the top of her class) in the Dallas

area when she herself experienced adrenal fatigue - like many of us

after childbirth (she has 4 kids), nearing 40 with a very high stress

career/life. So, she left that practice and spent two years training

and researching and is now a functional medicine doctor and is a

member of their faculty:

http://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/staff.asp

At this point, she is also okay with my suppressed TSH, since I am

feeling so well at my current dosage, so she does absolutely listen to

symptoms. She also does a fantastic presentation on the history of

women in our culture:

http://www.christensencenter.com/Seminars.htm

She does not take insurance which may be why I'm the only one in the

group (AFAIK) that has seen her. However, she spends 2+ hours with you

at the first appt. and usually an hour on follow-ups. The cost for the

first is $299 and the second around $200. They do provide the forms to

submit to insurance and insurance typically cover about 70% of mine.

She does all the bloodwork by giving you the reqs. for Labcorp or

Quest and almost all of mine (except for a few dollars) has been

covered by insurance. So, IMHO, the amount I pay per hour ends up less

than what I pay for the co-pay goofballs that are on my insurance that

were no help whatsoever.

If I had been to her when I initially was so ill, I could have saved

myself at least two years (and a whole lot of $s) figuring out alot of

things on my own, in particular the nutritional aspect that so many

docs are so ignorant about (a nutritionist helped me the most there,

but they often are not as knowledgeable about nutritional needs

associated with specific illnesses).

She will Rx Armour and has taken it herself. She will test adrenals

but prefers the supplemental route (high quality glandulars), rather

than cortef, but she is not opposed to that if your saliva tests show

the need. She does the enterolab gluten test on all her patients

because the gluten issue is so very common for folks with chronic

illnesses (1 in 6 for those of us with Hashi's). So, she is very big

on looking at one's diet and things that can be aggravating your

condition. She does sell high quality supplements in her office, but

does not at all pressure you to buy them from her.

And, she is now familiar with biotoxin elimination protocol that has

helped me so much. I told her about it on my first appt. and then she

later heard a presentation at one of the Functional medicine

conferences, so she has been using it for some of her other patients.

She recognizes that she too had issues with mold, so she doesn't look

at you like you have 3 heads when you discuss this or any other topic

that glazes the eyes (or irates) the average doctor.

The only negative for me is that she only treats women, however, I am

the guinea pig in my family, so what I'm learning will still help my

kids.

For folks that are interested in seeing her philosophy and how she

approaches problems, she has a mailing list:

http://www.christensencenter.com/MailingList.htm

She's about a year older than me and a little bit ahead of me in the

area or menopause, so she will be extremely useful for me over the

next 10-15 years.

B.

>

>------snipped by MB-------

> I am most concerned with finding someone who will give me a

*complete*

> exam/bloodwork panel, etc. I want the full picture!

>

>

>------snipped by MB-------

[Guest guest]

Thanks, . I happen to have the Natural

Calm with Calcium and the one for kids. I haven’t been taking it,

but I’m interested about your experience with improved TMJ (an issue for

me, too). My husband is taking a magnesium supplement, but I noticed it is a

little less than the Natural Calm. I was very consistently giving it to my son

for awhile, but stopped that, too. He probably still needs it.

This is particularly interesting to me in

light of my current realization that our RO (reverse osmosis) water may be

increasing our mineral deficiencies. I’m considering picking up some

trace mineral drops to add to our water. Anyone else researched or have

recommendations on this?

From:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

[mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On

Behalf Of mhbarnes_99

Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 9:25

AM

To:

Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject:

Re: New and looking for advice (long)

Calcium can also be elevated because Magnesium is too low (my

understanding is they balance one another). Most people actually get

enough calcium, but most Americans are really deficient in

Magnesium. It is on my list of top 10 supplements that made a huge

difference for me - in particular muscle pain, getting really bad

leg cramps at nite and TMJ problems dramatically reduced. As well,

the magnesium will calm your nervous system. Here's good write-up on

Magnesium (with references):

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

I find the " Natural Calm " product to be extremely helpful when taken

at bedtime. Also, both my kids were low in Mg and they make a

product just for kids. It's sweetened with stevia.

B.

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[Guest guest]

Check this out www.magnesium-oil.com The oil can be used as a foot soak to be directly absorbed into the body. I used the gel on my scalp before washing. It may have helped me to not lose so much hair. The gel has seaweed extract in it (trace minerals) but I did not like the way it smelled. This was a way to use it up, and it seemed to do some good. My scalp has not itched as badly. Marcie Grace wrote: Thanks, . I happen to have the Natural Calm with Calcium and the one for kids. I haven’t been taking it, but I’m interested about your experience with improved TMJ (an issue for me, too). My husband is taking a magnesium supplement, but I noticed it is a little less than the Natural Calm. I was very consistently giving it to my son for awhile, but stopped that, too. He

probably still needs it. This is particularly interesting to me in light of my current realization that our RO (reverse osmosis) water may be increasing our mineral deficiencies. I’m considering picking up some trace mineral drops to add to our water. Anyone else researched or have recommendations on this? From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of mhbarnes_99Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 9:25 AMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: New and looking for advice (long) Calcium can also be elevated because Magnesium is too low (my understanding is they balance

one another). Most people actually get enough calcium, but most Americans are really deficient in Magnesium. It is on my list of top 10 supplements that made a huge difference for me - in particular muscle pain, getting really bad leg cramps at nite and TMJ problems dramatically reduced. As well, the magnesium will calm your nervous system. Here's good write-up on Magnesium (with references):http://www.ithyroid.com/magnesium.htmI find the "Natural Calm" product to be extremely helpful when taken at bedtime. Also, both my kids were low in Mg and they make a product just for kids. It's sweetened with stevia. B. _._,___

[Guest guest]

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Please be so kind as to write her up in the Database, along with all the other docs you have seen for thyroid.

Thanks!

> >> >------snipped by MB-------> > > I am most concerned with finding someone who will give me a > *complete*> > exam/bloodwork panel, etc. I want the full picture!> > > > > >------snipped by MB------->

[Guest guest]

Grace,

I use the Ionic Trace Mineral Drop from http://www.swansonvitamins.com. The bottle lasts me months and I usually put about 9-10 drops in a quart of the R/O water. I even put it in my dog's water since she drinks the R/O water, too.

[Guest guest]

I just added Dr. Christensen. I had previously added Dr. Horsley and

the bad doctor I went to in Flower Mound (Dr. D) that I would only

recommend to someone to just get started with Armour (also don't ask

her too many questions or she'll hand you off to the Nurse

practitioner). I didn't need to add Dr. G. because the other

reviewers had already accurately captured him for me.

B.

>

>

> -

>

> Please be so kind as to write her up in the Database, along with

all the

> other docs you have seen for thyroid.

>

> Thanks!

>

>

[Guest guest]

I also just added the nurse practitioner (in Flower Mound) that

initially diagnosed me as hypo. She seems to have moved practices,

so I thought I'd just make FM area folks area in case you run into

her at your PCP, especially folks with HMOs, etc. who may often end

up seeing a NP. I would only recommend her to get you started

because I at least do have to thank her for my initial diagnosis

given that I didn't really fit the average hypo profile as I was

cycling 70+ miles a week at the time I was diagnosed, so I was doing

a whole lotta compensating.

Also, Grace and Steph, if you could please provide us feedback on

Dr. C. that will help others guage whether she might work for them,

given that Dr. R. is not taking more patients at this time. I think

our experiences with various doctors can be quite diverse depending

our expectations and where we are in terms of recovering our health.

It's also my theory that in general once we at least get started on

the treatment that gives us some stability and consistency in well-

being (e.g, Armour, T4, T3 (commercial or compounded), etc.) that it

is slightly easier to get the next doc to keep you there and work

with you.

B.

> >

> >

> > -

> >

> > Please be so kind as to write her up in the Database, along with

> all the

> > other docs you have seen for thyroid.

> >

> > Thanks!

> >

> >

>