Re: Low FT4 and Low TSH

August 19, 2003

Hi Vicki

Need to know the Free T3, which is not the same as the Total T3 to

determine. If the Free T3 is very high and out-of-range, then you could

afford to cut back to 1 1/2 grains, adding a little synthetic T4 to the

potion. If the Free T3 is only in the mid to upper range of normal, then

adding that little bit of synthetic T4 might do it, to bring up your Free

T4.

Low FT4 and Low TSH

> Hi everyone, want you to know I love reading your emails and I read

> them every day. I usually don't post because it seems like I don't

> have much time for anything now days and would hate to start a thread

> and not be able to respond back. I've been seeing Dr. Knopp for the

> past year in Katy. I was miserable until I got on Armour. Problem

> is he isn't comfortable with my readings but yet doesn't know how to

> fix them. I've heard from here that we need our FT4 in the upper

> half of the range. To me, which I don't understand much, it seems

> like if my TSH is showing hyper then I should have the FT4 busting

> through the high end of the range. Isn't that way. I asked my

> doctor about it and he said you're right but I don't know how to fix

> it. Well I insisted for him to test all my other hormones (at least

> the ones I could think of at that moment). Waiting for those

> results. Anyway he wants to cut my amount (2 grains daily) to 1 1/2

> so my Tsh will be normal (he hasn't done it yet since he is waiting

> on my latest results). Of course I went on about all the illness I

> will have if he does that and he came back with heart swelling and

> bone problems. This lasted for 15 minutes going back and forth.

> Needless to say we never settled that discussion. I do want to

> figure out what I can do to get the FT4 up. Any ideas would be

> appreciated. I am currently taking Vit. E, multi-vit, seliumin

> (spelling?), progestorone(spelling?), and andrenal supplement (all my

> own doing).

>

> My last results are:

> T3 Total 144 range 60-181 ng/dl

> T-4 Free .8 range .8-1.8 NG/DL

> TSH .04 range .40-5.50

> Thanks so much everyone and bless ya!

> Vicki in Katy

>

August 19, 2003

Thank you . He doesn't do the FT3. He says the Total T3 is the

same. These dang doctors don't know much. I have read so much on

self medicating here that I about ready to cross over too. Maybe

then I will be healthy. Thanks a bunch and lots of hugs!

Vicki

> Hi Vicki

>

> Need to know the Free T3, which is not the same as the Total T3 to

> determine. If the Free T3 is very high and out-of-range, then you

could

> afford to cut back to 1 1/2 grains, adding a little synthetic T4 to

the

> potion. If the Free T3 is only in the mid to upper range of

normal, then

> adding that little bit of synthetic T4 might do it, to bring up

your Free

> T4.

>

August 19, 2003

I am trying to get to the bottom of why my thyroid is swollen right

now.

I have been under a lot of stress, not sure if that would do it??

But I had my Armour decreased and added Levoxyl. Would that

make my thyroid swell up. Or, do you guys think its the

stress?

I am thinking I need to see Dr. Petak, cause this is really

annoying.

It really feels like I have a noose around my neck, and I am not

sleeping worth a darn. (I am sure stress related)

I just don't want Dr. P to say " lower your stress " Yeah

RIGHT!

Lynn

At 02:14 PM 8/19/2003 -0700, you wrote:

Hi,

Vicki!

For most folks on Armour, it

is impossible to get the Free T4 into the upper half of the range without

sending their T3 through the roof. The solution is to add a little

synthetic T4. Substitute about 37.5 mcg of T4 for 30 mg of Armour.

Many folks find it impossible

to get their Free Ts into the upper half of their ranges without

suppressing their TSH. So the doc reduces their dose and they feel like

cr*p.

I am a survivor of thyroid

cancer. We have to keep our TSH suppressed below 0.1, preferrably at

about 0.05. Yet you only rarely hear of a cancer patient going hyper on

suppression therapy. My TSH has been <.003 for years and my Free T3

near the top of the range, but I have never had any hyper symptoms except

for the one time that my Free T3 was over range, when I tried a higher

dose of Armour. I am 58 years old, but my last bone density test said

that I have the bones of 30 year old. My EKGs look good too.

If you log on to our Texas

site, look in files for " a post from Debra " or something like

that which contains a lot of good links on when to look past the TSH for

adjusting meds. You will also find a lot of info in the " Links "

section on our site.

But if this doc is unwilling

to work with you, you may need to find a new doc.

(((Hugs!)))

jan

August 20, 2003

I just had a brain storm (or was it a thyroid storm)! Anyway, I'm thinking

if we get these tests done ourselves and then present them to a doctor and

he/she won't accept them, then, I might say snidely " Oh, okay, I'll be sure

to call up the lab out here at the hospital and tell them you said that

their labs are no good to go by. " Wonder what kind of reaction we'd get.

HealthCheck's local contract for me is right out at my local hospital.

Re: Low FT4 and Low TSH

> Thank you . He doesn't do the FT3. He says the Total T3 is the

> same. These dang doctors don't know much. I have read so much on

> self medicating here that I about ready to cross over too. Maybe

> then I will be healthy. Thanks a bunch and lots of hugs!

> Vicki

>

August 20, 2003

Lynn,

I am getting ready to ask Dr. Petak to do the same for me,

I am hoping he will with out having me come in, did he do so readily?

I've been meaning to write him and fax it over for a week, but my

life has been insane lately which isn't helping any.

I think/feel I am getting too much T3, but just don't want a lower dose

of T4.

As for the swelling, do you have Hashi's by chance? That can cause your

thyroid to swell up from time to time, as for what to do for it when it

does

sorry, but I am clueless......

Oh I love his - get rid of the stress - well I did that as much as I

could - new job

close to home - 10 minutes - now if he can just come up with a solution

for teenagers, lol.

And I have tried just about every herb solution he's mentioned for

sleep and I still

don't sleep with a damn..........

but other than that he is still better than most endos as long as you

don't see him

right after he's back from a conference.

Janie

Lynn wrote:

I am trying to get to the bottom of why my thyroid is swollen right

now.

I have been under a lot of stress, not sure if that would do it??

But I had my Armour decreased and added Levoxyl. Would that

make my thyroid swell up. Or, do you guys think its the

stress?

I am thinking I need to see Dr. Petak, cause this is really

annoying.

It really feels like I have a noose around my neck, and I am not

sleeping worth a darn. (I am sure stress related)

I just don't want Dr. P to say "lower your stress" Yeah

RIGHT!

Lynn

At 02:14 PM 8/19/2003 -0700, you wrote:

Hi,

Vicki!

For most folks on

Armour, it

is impossible to get the Free T4 into the upper half of the range

without

sending their T3 through the roof. The solution is to add a little

synthetic T4. Substitute about 37.5 mcg of T4 for 30 mg of Armour.

Many folks find it

impossible

to get their Free Ts into the upper half of their ranges without

suppressing their TSH. So the doc reduces their dose and they feel like

cr*p.

I am a survivor of

thyroid

cancer. We have to keep our TSH suppressed below 0.1, preferrably at

about 0.05. Yet you only rarely hear of a cancer patient going hyper on

suppression therapy. My TSH has been <.003 for years and my Free T3

near the top of the range, but I have never had any hyper symptoms

except

for the one time that my Free T3 was over range, when I tried a higher

dose of Armour. I am 58 years old, but my last bone density test said

that I have the bones of 30 year old. My EKGs look good too.

If you log on to our

Texas

site, look in files for "a post from Debra" or something like

that which contains a lot of good links on when to look past the TSH

for

adjusting meds. You will also find a lot of info in the "Links"

section on our site.

But if this doc is

unwilling

to work with you, you may need to find a new doc.

(((Hugs!)))

jan

August 20, 2003

Janie,

Why don't you want to see him after a conference. Does he give you

way too much

information? I've gotten plenty of that!

I do have Hashi's. My stress should be short lived. I traded

a truck and now am in the

process of doing the same with my house. Yes we are swapping with

the other home-

owners.

Anyway, I'm thinking that is what he'll say. Jan says that they

keep her's suppressed.

I've had two biopsy's that say I have NO cancer, but no one has mentioned

anything

about keeping them suppressed? The one's they checked were around

the 1cm so

they had to check them.

I have never had a problem with asking him to adjust my med's. He's

always been

pretty open minded about that. I just love his nurse Serpa.

She is the greatest.

He was concerned about one of my labs. He thought that I might be

hyper. I told him

I was fine, and that was all he wanted to hear.

I figure, it can't hurt asking. I am just scared that I'm being a

hypocondriac. (sp)

Lynn

At 09:00 PM 8/19/2003 -0500, you wrote:

Lynn,

I am getting ready to ask Dr. Petak to do the same for me,

I am hoping he will with out having me come in, did he do so

readily?

I've been meaning to write him and fax it over for a week, but my

life has been insane lately which isn't helping any.

I think/feel I am getting too much T3, but just don't want a lower

dose

of T4.

As for the swelling, do you have Hashi's by chance? That can cause

your

thyroid to swell up from time to time, as for what to do for it when it

does

sorry, but I am clueless......

Oh I love his - get rid of the stress - well I did that as much as I

could - new job

close to home - 10 minutes - now if he can just come up with a solution

for teenagers, lol.

And I have tried just about every herb solution he's mentioned for sleep

and I still

don't sleep with a damn..........

but other than that he is still better than most endos as long as you

don't see him

right after he's back from a conference.

Janie

Lynn wrote:

I am trying to get to the bottom of why my thyroid is swollen right

now.

I have been under a lot of stress, not sure if that would do it??

But I had my Armour decreased and added Levoxyl. Would that

make my thyroid swell up. Or, do you guys think its the

stress?

I am thinking I need to see Dr. Petak, cause this is really

annoying.

It really feels like I have a noose around my neck, and I am not

sleeping worth a darn. (I am sure stress related)

I just don't want Dr. P to say " lower your stress " Yeah

RIGHT!

Lynn

At 02:14 PM 8/19/2003 -0700, you wrote:

Hi,

Vicki!

For most folks on Armour, it

is impossible to get the Free T4 into the upper half of the range without

sending their T3 through the roof. The solution is to add a little

synthetic T4. Substitute about 37.5 mcg of T4 for 30 mg of Armour.

Many folks find it impossible

to get their Free Ts into the upper half of their ranges without

suppressing their TSH. So the doc reduces their dose and they feel like

cr*p.

I am a survivor of thyroid

cancer. We have to keep our TSH suppressed below 0.1, preferrably at

about 0.05. Yet you only rarely hear of a cancer patient going hyper on

suppression therapy. My TSH has been <.003 for years and my Free T3

near the top of the range, but I have never had any hyper symptoms except

for the one time that my Free T3 was over range, when I tried a higher

dose of Armour. I am 58 years old, but my last bone density test said

that I have the bones of 30 year old. My EKGs look good too.

If you log on to our Texas

site, look in files for " a post from Debra " or something like

that which contains a lot of good links on when to look past the TSH for

adjusting meds. You will also find a lot of info in the " Links "

section on our site.

But if this doc is unwilling

to work with you, you may need to find a new doc.

(((Hugs!)))

jan

August 20, 2003

Thanks Jan!

I agree with you on adding synthetic T4. What funny is I have no

problem firing him as a doctor. I have fired enough doctors in the

past (been told too many times that I'm too old, too crazy, need to

lose weight) that this won't hurt my feelings at all...maybe his but

that's life. The funny part is I didn't get the right diagnosis

until I saw a psychic and he was right on the money!

I also will ask for the bone density and ekg's first and see what he

says. It's amazing how easy it is to stand up for myself since I

have been part of this group and the thyroid group before. Thanks

yall and lots of hugs!!!

Vicki in Katy

> Hi, Vicki!

>

> For most folks on Armour, it is impossible to get the Free T4 into

the upper half of the range without sending their T3 through the

roof. The solution is to add a little synthetic T4. Substitute about

37.5 mcg of T4 for 30 mg of Armour.

>

> Many folks find it impossible to get their Free Ts into the upper

half of their ranges without suppressing their TSH. So the doc

reduces their dose and they feel like cr*p.

>

> I am a survivor of thyroid cancer. We have to keep our TSH

suppressed below 0.1, preferrably at about 0.05. Yet you only rarely

hear of a cancer patient going hyper on suppression therapy. My TSH

has been <.003 for years and my Free T3 near the top of the range,

but I have never had any hyper symptoms except for the one time that

my Free T3 was over range, when I tried a higher dose of Armour. I am

58 years old, but my last bone density test said that I have the

bones of 30 year old. My EKGs look good too.

>

> If you log on to our Texas site, look in files for " a post from

Debra " or something like that which contains a lot of good links on

when to look past the TSH for adjusting meds. You will also find a

lot of info in the " Links " section on our site.

>

> But if this doc is unwilling to work with you, you may need to find

a new doc.

>

> (((Hugs!)))

>

> jan

>

August 20, 2003

Hahaha...Thyroid storms are the best! You know that's a great idea.

I think I will do that before my next appointment in three months.

I wonder why doctors have to be so anal sometimes. I really pissed

my daughter's doctor (Encro) off when she said if my daughter is

hypothyroid she would treat her with synthyroid. I said absolutely

not...you would be killing my daughter. She about fell out of her

chair and proceeded to become 'God'. I listened to her rant and rave

and then calming said I won't hire you to treat her when it comes to

her thyroid. She was furious and told me I had no say and couldn't

do that. I said don't push me and the only thing you are going to

treat is her height issue and if you want to continue to discuss this

we will walk out of here right now. She was very very upset but kept

her mouth shut. I have pictures of me before and after armour and

there is such a difference...not even considering how human I feel

now. I should post those pictures here.

Thanks for your support and lots of hugs,

Vicki in Katy

> I just had a brain storm (or was it a thyroid storm)! Anyway, I'm

thinking

> if we get these tests done ourselves and then present them to a

doctor and

> he/she won't accept them, then, I might say snidely " Oh, okay, I'll

be sure

> to call up the lab out here at the hospital and tell them you said

that

> their labs are no good to go by. " Wonder what kind of reaction

we'd get.

> HealthCheck's local contract for me is right out at my local

hospital.

>

August 21, 2003

Janie, if it's any consolation at all, I do know that, generally, most thyroid cancers have been found to be slow-growing and generally contained to the thyroid itsself. I wouldn't dare recommend waiting , that is up to you. Hugs to you, and prayer.

Re: Re: Low FT4 and Low TSH

I have found that when I have seen him after a conference, he is not as open minded, approachable, we have butted heads in a major way, I've aruged with him - he wanted to put me on Prozac - I refused!! He is NOT the same at all when he gets back from them - I have become very good friends with another patient of his who has Cushings- she says the same thing - we both try to find out when he'll be gone and make sure we DON'T see him when he is just back from a AACE conference or speaking in Europe as the appts just are awful. I always joke that I see his evil twin then or the pod people (aliens) have him then. After a week or two, he's back to normal.I have Hashi's too and all my nodules have disappeared except this loner - and my thyrogobulin is high which puts this one at a higher risk for cancer - but it's .8 cm and he wants to wait til it's 1 cm so we will do the ultrasound - again in December and FNA if it's 1 cm, but he said if it's not 1 cm but hasn't shrunk then we should think about going ahead and removing it anyway as it is a solid mass, not a cyst, and been there a while and the thyrogobulin is up. {{Sigh}}. I don't like the thought of surgery, but I am by no means a risk taker either. If it was part of a multi-nodule the risk is less, but now that my thyroid is normal size again and the other nodules have all disappeared except the one - the risk is higher.But it remains to be seen what a FNA will show - anything other than an "all clear" and it's under the knife.Janie, who still needs to write the darn letter..........

August 21, 2003

But where is his mind going each time he attends a conference? Can't he remember each time he goes that that's not his patients, not the REAL world? Maybe he has a thyroid problem like us-----HehHeh! (Tongue in cheek).

Re: Low FT4 and Low TSH

Those conferences have most likely been arranged and paid for by the drug companies. Brainwashing sessions. . . . .Some docs recover, some don't. . . .

August 21, 2003

But where is his mind going each time he attends a conference? Can't he remember each time he goes that that's not his patients, not the REAL world? Maybe he has a thyroid problem like us-----HehHeh! (Tongue in cheek).

Re: Low FT4 and Low TSH

Those conferences have most likely been arranged and paid for by the drug companies. Brainwashing sessions. . . . .Some docs recover, some don't. . . .

August 21, 2003

Thanks Jan,

You are right. So far he has been working with me. I just don't

like the fact he doesn't want to figure out why the FT4 is so low.

He says it is just unusual and we will have to deal with it. At

least I have yall to advise and direct me in the right direction.

I've asked to sign a release note. I think I need to tell him that

and that we can test my bones and heart if needed. He is starting to

work with me because he sees improvement, weight loss, and so on. I

guess it's a matter of meeting of the minds. I've pulled the info

from the files directory and will bring that next time. Besides,

push comes to shove, I can always get a second opinion from my

psychic! (smile)

Thanks hon, you are an angel and lots of hugs!

Vicki in Katy

> Jane, Amen!! I'm printing this out and taking it to my doc who I

like.

>

> Nanette

> Re: Re: Low FT4 and Low TSH

>

> Hi, Vicki!

> My internist (who prescribes Armour for me and for no one else)

came back from a TMA conference and asked me to sign a release

(scribbled on a prescription pad) because prescribing Armour and

synthetic T4 together was considered to be outside of " standard of

practice " in Texas. He covered his @$$ and I got my prescriptions.

>

> You may need to give your doc a way of covering his @$$, too, by

signing something.

>

> I always tell folks that they should stay with their doc if he

can be persuaded to work with them, because it is usually very

difficult to find anyone better.

>

> Finding a doc who is willing to prescribe Armour is only the

second largest problem. I have a list of about 40 of them for the

state of Texas, and I am sure there are others. (There are still

others whom I removed from my list for various reasons.)

>

> The biggest problem is finding a doc who is able prescribe

sensibly and sensitively for the patient who does not feel well with

a TSH that is not suppressed. What it often comes down to is that the

assertive patient gets to stay on the dose that makes her feel well,

and the less assertive, more compliant patient allows her dose to be

reduced and feels like cr*p. In the end, neither patient is well-

served.

>

> There oughta be a law!

>

> (((Hugs!)))

>

> jan

>

..

August 21, 2003

Hahahahaha...now that's funny!!!!!!!!!!

> But where is his mind going each time he attends a conference?

Can't he remember each time he goes that that's not his patients, not

the REAL world? Maybe he has a thyroid problem like us-----HehHeh!

(Tongue in cheek).

>

> Re: Low FT4 and Low TSH

>

> Those conferences have most likely been arranged and paid for by

the drug companies. Brainwashing sessions. . . . .Some docs recover,

some don't. . . .

August 21, 2003

Vicki, please post your pictures. We need visible proof right here on this

site that will give people hope.

Re: Low FT4 and Low TSH

> Hahaha...Thyroid storms are the best! You know that's a great idea.

> I think I will do that before my next appointment in three months.

>

> I wonder why doctors have to be so anal sometimes. I really pissed

> my daughter's doctor (Encro) off when she said if my daughter is

> hypothyroid she would treat her with synthyroid. I said absolutely

> not...you would be killing my daughter. She about fell out of her

> chair and proceeded to become 'God'. I listened to her rant and rave

> and then calming said I won't hire you to treat her when it comes to

> her thyroid. She was furious and told me I had no say and couldn't

> do that. I said don't push me and the only thing you are going to

> treat is her height issue and if you want to continue to discuss this

> we will walk out of here right now. She was very very upset but kept

> her mouth shut. I have pictures of me before and after armour and

> there is such a difference...not even considering how human I feel

> now. I should post those pictures here.

>

> Thanks for your support and lots of hugs,

> Vicki in Katy

>

August 21, 2003

Der nids ta be more dem pioneers out der like Jan. Wers yer coonskin hat?

Re: Re: Low FT4 and Low TSH

Hi, Vicki!

My internist (who prescribes Armour for me and for no one else) came back from a TMA conference and asked me to sign a release (scribbled on a prescription pad) because prescribing Armour and synthetic T4 together was considered to be outside of "standard of practice" in Texas. He covered his @$$ and I got my prescriptions.

You may need to give your doc a way of covering his @$$, too, by signing something.

I always tell folks that they should stay with their doc if he can be persuaded to work with them, because it is usually very difficult to find anyone better.

Finding a doc who is willing to prescribe Armour is only the second largest problem. I have a list of about 40 of them for the state of Texas, and I am sure there are others. (There are still others whom I removed from my list for various reasons.)

The biggest problem is finding a doc who is able prescribe sensibly and sensitively for the patient who does not feel well with a TSH that is not suppressed. What it often comes down to is that the assertive patient gets to stay on the dose that makes her feel well, and the less assertive, more compliant patient allows her dose to be reduced and feels like cr*p. In the end, neither patient is well-served.

There oughta be a law!

(((Hugs!)))

jan

August 21, 2003

I just sent him a letter today anyway with more questions, the reason we/he are

waiting is - until they are over 1 cm - it is hard to get a " good " cell sample

with the FNA - so under that you almost always get " inconclusive " and then you

have surgery regardless. Me - I'd rather have surgery only if necessary - but

will have it if that is what we get. Does that make sense - my chances are hurt

any by waiting a couple of months and we may get a better sample and if b-9

avoid unnecessary surgery to boot.

Janie

Original message attached.

Janie, if it's any consolation at all, I do know that, generally, most thyroid cancers have been found to be slow-growing and generally contained to the thyroid itsself. I wouldn't dare recommend waiting , that is up to you. Hugs to you, and prayer.

Re: Re: Low FT4 and Low TSH

I have found that when I have seen him after a conference, he is not as open minded, approachable, we have butted heads in a major way, I've aruged with him - he wanted to put me on Prozac - I refused!! He is NOT the same at all when he gets back from them - I have become very good friends with another patient of his who has Cushings- she says the same thing - we both try to find out when he'll be gone and make sure we DON'T see him when he is just back from a AACE conference or speaking in Europe as the appts just are awful. I always joke that I see his evil twin then or the pod people (aliens) have him then. After a week or two, he's back to normal.I have Hashi's too and all my nodules have disappeared except this loner - and my thyrogobulin is high which puts this one at a higher risk for cancer - but it's .8 cm and he wants to wait til it's 1 cm so we will do the ultrasound - again in December and FNA if it's 1 cm, but he said if it's not 1 cm but hasn't shrunk then we should think about going ahead and removing it anyway as it is a solid mass, not a cyst, and been there a while and the thyrogobulin is up. {{Sigh}}. I don't like the thought of surgery, but I am by no means a risk taker either. If it was part of a multi-nodule the risk is less, but now that my thyroid is normal size again and the other nodules have all disappeared except the one - the risk is higher.But it remains to be seen what a FNA will show - anything other than an "all clear" and it's under the knife.Janie, who still needs to write the darn letter..........

August 22, 2003

duh! Meant to say " aren't " hurt

my chances are hurt any by waiting a couple of months

Janie

August 22, 2003

Good idea Jan! I will discuss this with him at my next appointment.

Also to get the FT3 reading. I have another doctor's lab results I

will give him so he can see the difference.

I did call the nurse to get my results from the other day and my TSH

is a little higher but still below the range. Since my FT4

increased .02 points he is going to keep me on the same amount. He's

trying. If he doesn't I'm sending him here!

I have to tell everyone, I can't ever seem to find the time to read

all posts and tend to get lost when I visit the group messages. I

think I read everyone's responses and I want to thank each of you! I

think it's the Thyroid fog thingy going on! (smile) So a really big

THANKS and lots of hugs!!! I try to stay on top of all postings and

wish I had time to interact more!

I did post the pictures. The 'now' one is a little small. Lots of

clicking and I think it will get bigger. If you notice with

the 'before' picture how much water retention I have under my eyes.

I had that everywhere. Also test results were showing signs of

kidney failure. Doctor wasn't alarmed but I was. Was going to say I

was on diuretics at that time! I'm not pushing Armour but I can say

for me it saved my life.

I also saw a posting here about weight loss. I fight that a bunch.

One thing that helped me in the past year was when I took a one day

treatment to detox my liver (can't remember the name but I bought it

at a GNC). I drank juices that day and then went back to normal

eating habits (my continuous diet...smile) and dropped 12 pounds in

three months. I think I need to do it again because it's getting

hard to see the same results. Maybe all the vits and meds I am

taking is messing with the liver again. Anyway I did see a change.

Have a great weekend and lots of love to yall!!!

Vicki

> <he doesn't want to figure out why the FT4 is so low>

>

> Hi, Vicki!

>

> Low FT4 and high FT3 are typical for folks on Armour. There is

nothing to figure. Some docs think T3 is all that is important. You

need both your FT3 and your FT4 levels to be good to feel good.

>

> You most likely (I don't remember your lab results) need to tell

him that you would like to " run an experiment " for a finite period of

time (3 months?) to see if adding a little Unithroid or Levoxyl to a

reduced dose of Armour might make you feel better and balance your

Free Ts. Promise to keep a symptom diary and careful note of exactly

how much of each med you took each day.

>

> jan nathan

>

August 22, 2003

Wow...I'm in awe of you two brave women. I never allow myself to get

into a funk just because there is always someone else out that

fighting the bigger battles and winning the wars. My hat is off to

the both of you and sending you many blessings!

Vicki in Katy

> Jan,

>

> I am leaning towards having it out regardless, the thing for me is

just figuring out when!!!! My life right now is INSANE. And really

won't slow down til December anyway - so that is why I am not rushing

it. I did send that fax letter off to him today with a few more

questions - looked at the old US and there was a nodule in about the

same spot (at least as far as I could tell) it was bigger then so I

asked him about that. If it's the same one it's been there for 3+

years, but has shrunk some. Time to come out - just need to figure

out when. From lurking on the thyroid cancer forum it seems the

recovery time for the surgery to going back to work is on average 2

weeks - does that sound right??

>

> Janie

>

August 24, 2003

Hi, Vicki!

Your doc is welcome in this group any time, as are all of our

doctors. He would not be the first to visit this board. You may have

to explain to him about the " Oinks! " . . .uh. . . .

(((Hugs!))) and (((Oinks!)))

jan

August 24, 2003

Heck, even I don't know what the oinks are. LOL

-----Original Message-----

From: Jan

You may have

to explain to him about the " Oinks! " . . .uh. . . .

(((Hugs!))) and (((Oinks!)))

jan

August 24, 2003

Tonight I, too, will learn what the " oinks " are. I received my Armour

sometime today, have been off the Levoxyl for 2 days, and cut the Levoxyl

more than in half. I'm going to start very easy, with a combined dose of

Levoxyl, 62.5mcgs/day with 15mgs/day of Armour. I will divide this dose for

a total of 3 times/day---1st dose tonite already, 2nd dose approximately

2am, 3rd dose between 7-8am. When I get my adrenal meds in the mail, I will

add these accordingly. If you're wondering about the strange schedule----I

am a graveyard worker in a nursing facility. I have one work schedul, not

rotating---thank heavens I don't have to bouncer back and forth on rotating

shifts! That would be a bummer. I'm reading and hearing that adrenal

sufferers really shouldn't be doing night work, but then again, I think it's

the reason why I started staying awake at night years ago, as well as the

thyroid. I will verify all, including the adrenal thing, with tests, to see

where I'm at shortly. Keep you posted.

RE: Re: Low FT4 and Low TSH

> Heck, even I don't know what the oinks are. LOL

>

> -----Original Message-----

> From: Jan

>

> You may have

> to explain to him about the " Oinks! " . . .uh. . . .

>

> (((Hugs!))) and (((Oinks!)))

>

> jan

>

August 24, 2003