Re: labs are in

[Guest guest]

Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range.  Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well.   Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me.  It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels.

What are you doing diet wise?  Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease.  I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness.  Yoga can also provide some relief. 

B.

 

Hi, peeps  here are the results of my lab work  not sure what to think.  i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.  

 

Cortisol  -am   11.5  (6.2-19.4)

 

testoterone,serum  27   (8-48)

 

tsh  0.01  red flaged  ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9 

 

esttradiol  33.4

 

dhea-sulfate  red flagged  258.6 ( 35.4-256.0)

 

triiodothyronine,free,serum  4.1  (2.0-4.4)

 

t4,free (Direct)  1.18  ( 0.82-1.77)

 

% free testosterone   1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) %

testosterone,free   0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

 

I did not take my med before the lab work and  when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12  then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen.    i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff .  the hair seems to be better not oily but soft.   i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday.   so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks     Jan, i hope you are doing better.  

[Guest guest]

well, i am postmeno and i eat everything. I don't think i can get extra t4 my itself it is thyroid usp. Thanks

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in

Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some

relief. B.

Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.

Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4)

testoterone,serum 27 (8-48)

tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9

esttradiol 33.4

dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0)

triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4)

t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77)

% free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) %

testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

sorry , i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in

Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some

relief. B.

Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.

Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4)

testoterone,serum 27 (8-48)

tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9

esttradiol 33.4

dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0)

triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4)

t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77)

% free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) %

testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

The could add some synthetic T4 to the natural thyroid when they compound the capsules. It might be easier (but would cost more) to ask for a separate Rx of synthetic T4 and see if that helps at all. B.

 

well, i am postmeno and i eat everything.   I don't think i can get extra t4 my itself it is thyroid usp. Thanks

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in 

Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range.  Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well.   Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me.  It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels.

What are you doing diet wise?  Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease.  I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness.  Yoga can also provide some

relief.  B.

 

Hi, peeps  here are the results of my lab work  not sure what to think.  i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.  

 

Cortisol  -am   11.5  (6.2-19.4)

 

testoterone,serum  27   (8-48)

 

tsh  0.01  red flaged  ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9 

 

esttradiol  33.4

 

dhea-sulfate  red flagged  258.6 ( 35.4-256.0)

 

triiodothyronine,free,serum  4.1  (2.0-4.4)

 

t4,free (Direct)  1.18  ( 0.82-1.77)

 

% free testosterone   1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) %

testosterone,free   0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

 

I did not take my med before the lab work and  when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12  then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen.    i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff .  the hair seems to be better not oily but soft.   i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday.   so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks     Jan, i hope you are doing better.  

[Guest guest]

Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid?  That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's). B.

 

sorry ,  i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in 

Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range.  Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well.   Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me.  It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels.

What are you doing diet wise?  Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease.  I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness.  Yoga can also provide some

relief.  B.

 

Hi, peeps  here are the results of my lab work  not sure what to think.  i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.  

 

Cortisol  -am   11.5  (6.2-19.4)

 

testoterone,serum  27   (8-48)

 

tsh  0.01  red flaged  ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9 

 

esttradiol  33.4

 

dhea-sulfate  red flagged  258.6 ( 35.4-256.0)

 

triiodothyronine,free,serum  4.1  (2.0-4.4)

 

t4,free (Direct)  1.18  ( 0.82-1.77)

 

% free testosterone   1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) %

testosterone,free   0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

 

I did not take my med before the lab work and  when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12  then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen.    i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff .  the hair seems to be better not oily but soft.   i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday.   so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks     Jan, i hope you are doing better.  

[Guest guest]

no. the first Dr that told me i had thyroid nver tested this and the Dr i see now told me i could and i jsut did not have the extra $$ to get the other test.

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 1:12:57 PMSubject: Re: labs are in

Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid? That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's). B.

sorry , i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in

Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some relief. B.

Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.

Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4)

testoterone,serum 27 (8-48)

tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9

esttradiol 33.4

dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0)

triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4)

t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77)

% free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) %

testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

Just curious… if your thyroid antibodies come back negative for autoimmune thyroid disease then is it still possible to be autoimmune? They’ve run the Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Ab test twice on me now and the results came back as <6 (normal is 0-34 iU/ml). I’ve never had a sonogram done of my thyroid. Thanks! From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid? That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's). B. sorry , i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some relief. B. Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think. Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4) testoterone,serum 27 (8-48) tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)progesterone 18.9 esttradiol 33.4 dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4) t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77) % free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85) I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

,Why would I have been put on T3 if my labs initially were:TSH , 3rd generation 3.09 (0.40-2.70)T4 1.3 (0.8 -1.8)T 3 (3.0) (2.3-4.2)T 3 Reverse (32 (13-32) I have trouble with any T3 over 10mcg…anxiety! …I got up to 87.5mcg, (Dr. S wanted me to try that dose!) after being on 50 mcg (my T3 wouldn’t budge even on that)And felt like I was dying, and my system has not been the same since. Progesterone makes me depressed…but I can tolerate the micronized form if its low dose…like 100mg I am only on 5mcg of T3 right now…I just don’t think I need thyroid. From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 12:35 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some relief. B. Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think. Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4) testoterone,serum 27 (8-48) tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)progesterone 18.9 esttradiol 33.4 dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4) t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77) % free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85) I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

,I failed to mention that Dr. S tried some T4 25mg, and By the fourth day my head felt like it was fuzzy and so I stopped it. From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 12:35 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some relief. B. Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think. Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4) testoterone,serum 27 (8-48) tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)progesterone 18.9 esttradiol 33.4 dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4) t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77) % free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85) I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

, my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.Any opinion? From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid? That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's). B. sorry , i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some relief. B. Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think. Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4) testoterone,serum 27 (8-48) tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)progesterone 18.9 esttradiol 33.4 dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4) t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77) % free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85) I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

By the time they tested my antibodies they were just below the top end of the range.  A sonogram showed that a lot of my thyroid had been destroyed.  Research shows that a gluten-free diet can cause the antibodies to decrease and getting your TSH < 1.0 has been documented in research as possibly being able to shrink the nodules. 

If they haven't ruled it out, then it's very likely you have Hashi's (90% of those with thyroid disease have it).  And, with the Hashi's it's also more difficult to stabilize your dosage.  Unless your TSH is suppressed, your thyroid still will be contributing an erratic amount of thyroid hormone which means you will need differing amounts day to day to function well.

B.

 

no.  the first Dr that told me i had thyroid nver tested  this and the Dr i see now told me i could and i jsut did not have the extra $$ to get the other test. 

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 1:12:57 PMSubject: Re: labs are in

 

Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid?  That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's).

B.

 

sorry ,  i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in 

Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range.  Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well.   Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me.  It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels.

What are you doing diet wise?  Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease.  I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness.  Yoga can also provide some relief. 

B.

 

Hi, peeps  here are the results of my lab work  not sure what to think.  i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.  

 

Cortisol  -am   11.5  (6.2-19.4)

 

testoterone,serum  27   (8-48)

 

tsh  0.01  red flaged  ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9 

 

esttradiol  33.4

 

dhea-sulfate  red flagged  258.6 ( 35.4-256.0)

 

triiodothyronine,free,serum  4.1  (2.0-4.4)

 

t4,free (Direct)  1.18  ( 0.82-1.77)

 

% free testosterone   1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) %

testosterone,free   0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

 

I did not take my med before the lab work and  when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12  then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen.    i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff .  the hair seems to be better not oily but soft.   i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday.   so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks     Jan, i hope you are doing better.  

[Guest guest]

Yes, you can have autoimmune thyroid disease even with normal labs.  That was the case for my oldest son.  However, the sonogram showed dozens of small nodules.  B. On Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 1:21 PM, Janna Dutt (secondary account) wrote:

 

Just curious… if your thyroid antibodies come back negative for autoimmune thyroid disease then is it still possible to be autoimmune?  They’ve run the Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Ab test twice on me now and the results came back as <6 (normal is 0-34 iU/ml).  I’ve never had a sonogram done of my thyroid.

 Thanks! 

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in

   Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid?  That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's).

B.

  sorry ,  i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks

 

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in

  Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range.  Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well.   Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me.  It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels.

What are you doing diet wise?  Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease.  I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness.  Yoga can also provide some relief. 

B.

  Hi, peeps  here are the results of my lab work  not sure what to think.  i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.  

 Cortisol  -am   11.5  (6.2-19.4)

 testoterone,serum  27   (8-48)

 tsh  0.01  red flaged  ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9   

esttradiol  33.4  

dhea-sulfate  red flagged  258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) 

triiodothyronine,free,serum  4.1  (2.0-4.4) 

t4,free (Direct)  1.18  ( 0.82-1.77) 

% free testosterone   1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free   0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

 I did not take my med before the lab work and  when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12  then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen.    i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff .  the hair seems to be better not oily but soft.   i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday.   so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks     Jan, i hope you are doing better.  

  

[Guest guest]

Often intolerance to the thyroid hormone is due to adrenal problems.  Have you had your cortisol tested?  Some docs believe that Reverse T3 at the levels you had means that your body is converting your T4 to reverse T3 rather than active T3.  

Your TSH does indicate that you were hypo.  It's impossible to say how much thyroid hormone someone needs in this case. If you have autoimmune thyroid disease, it's possible that your thyroid is bouncing around.  Generally, you don't reach a point of being totally hypo until you've swung back and forth between hyper and hypo and finally end up at one or the other. 

Some docs believe that you can " reset " your thyroid by taking the hormone for a short period of time.  That did not work for my sons.  My younger son is doing well on the T3 only protocol.  I need my T4.  Even though my levels of Reverse T3 were in a similar range as yours, I refused to even think about going on a T3 only protocol.

It is possibly you have some confounding factors here as well. Has the doctor tested you for viral, bacterial or environmental issues?  What were your primary symptoms going in?I had a myriad of issues and it took 5 years to get to and resolve the root causes to the point that I felt well. I had mold exposure and Lyme disease.  As well, I had celiac.  Even then, I was still dealing with heavy metal and viral issues.   The amount of thyroid I take has varied over the years.  I had a severe fungal infection (it was most likely Valley Fever as I went to Phoenix to drop my son at college very soon after they had that severe dust storm last year and was fairly sick for almost 6 mos).  At that time, I needed to increase my thyroid to function well. 

What is your estradiol level?  You need the estrogen to balance the progesterone.  Food intolerances can also contribute to anxiety - gluten is notorious for this as it directly impacts the brain.  It's important to keep in mind that autoimmune diseases are progressive, so symptom change can be very subtle and once a threshold hits, it becomes something that you can no longer tolerate.  I likely had celiac as a child as I had many of the symptoms.  I did not realize how much it impacted me until I went gluten-free.  I didn't figure it out until I got Lyme (on top of mold exposure) and could no longer function.  Removing gluten made a huge impact - it allowed me to still function at a minimal level while I was trying to recover from Lyme and mold exposure. 

It's really hard for most doctors to figure all of this out as they can't know everything about what's going on with you.  I am still amazed at the number of times I encounter folks that are really struggling health wise and when I start asking about water leaks in their homes, etc., the majority of the time, they have had an issue like that or have worked in an office with issues.  Some of us are canaries and it doesn't take much.  2/3 of the buildings in Texas have water damage.  One of the same genes that predisposes to autoimmune thyroid disease and celiac is the same gene that Dr. Shoemaker (the top doc when it comes to mold illness) has found presdisposes one to not recover after being exposed to mold. 25+% of the population has that genotype.

Sorry to be so long. It's just so important that folks start thinking beyond the thyroid or hormonal imbalances to find a root cause.  Inflammatory illnesses like celiac and environmental toxin exposure damage the hypothalamus which can result in all these hormonal imbalances.

B.

 

,Why would I have been put on T3 if my labs initially were:

TSH , 3rd generation  3.09  (0.40-2.70)T4  1.3  (0.8 -1.8)

T 3          (3.0)   (2.3-4.2)T 3 Reverse  (32   (13-32)

 I have trouble with any T3 over 10mcg…anxiety!

 …I got up to 87.5mcg, (Dr. S wanted me to try that dose!) after being on 50 mcg  (my T3 wouldn’t budge even on that)

And felt like I was dying, and my system has not been the same since. 

Progesterone makes me depressed…but I can tolerate the micronized form if its low dose…like 100mg 

I am only on 5mcg of T3 right now…I just don’t think I need thyroid. 

  

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 12:35 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in

   Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range.  Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well.   Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me.  It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels.

What are you doing diet wise?  Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease.  I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness.  Yoga can also provide some relief. 

B.

  Hi, peeps  here are the results of my lab work  not sure what to think.  i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.  

 Cortisol  -am   11.5  (6.2-19.4)

 testoterone,serum  27   (8-48)

 tsh  0.01  red flaged  ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9   

esttradiol  33.4  

dhea-sulfate  red flagged  258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) 

triiodothyronine,free,serum  4.1  (2.0-4.4) 

t4,free (Direct)  1.18  ( 0.82-1.77) 

% free testosterone   1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free   0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

 I did not take my med before the lab work and  when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12  then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen.    i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff .  the hair seems to be better not oily but soft.   i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday.   so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks     Jan, i hope you are doing better.  

 

[Guest guest]

Per the long reply I just posted to your other email, you should be tested for celiac disease/gluten intolerance.  The blood tests are not always accurate.  You can get tested on your own at enterolab.com.  The reason many doctors don't test for this is because the treatment doesn't require a doctor to Rx anything and treating this means a lot less doctor visits in the future.   Also, most doctors are quite ignorant about this and unless they've graduated with the past 5-7 years, they were taught this was a rare disease. 

B.

 

, my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.Any opinion?

 

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in

   Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid?  That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's).

B.

  sorry ,  i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks

 

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in

  Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range.  Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well.   Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me.  It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels.

What are you doing diet wise?  Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease.  I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness.  Yoga can also provide some relief. 

B.

  Hi, peeps  here are the results of my lab work  not sure what to think.  i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.  

 Cortisol  -am   11.5  (6.2-19.4)

 testoterone,serum  27   (8-48)

 tsh  0.01  red flaged  ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9   

esttradiol  33.4  

dhea-sulfate  red flagged  258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) 

triiodothyronine,free,serum  4.1  (2.0-4.4) 

t4,free (Direct)  1.18  ( 0.82-1.77) 

% free testosterone   1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free   0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

 I did not take my med before the lab work and  when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12  then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen.    i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff .  the hair seems to be better not oily but soft.   i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday.   so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks     Jan, i hope you are doing better.  

  

[Guest guest]

What is " very low end Lyme disease " ?  What is it acute (i.e., you treated within 30-60 days) or was it chronic?  Doxy doesn't do much for chronic lyme and most of the time the docs don't Rx the right amount to get high enough blood levels to hit any of the lyme?    Lyme never leaves your body.  It changes forms and settles in your tissue and even cartilage.  Often, to recover at all, you need a variety of abx to hit the various forms and most often dual antibiotics.  For example, Doxy just keeps the lyme from reproducing and doesn't kill it.  So, unless you are on it  (with a high dosage to keep a high level in your blood), for 4-6 weeks, it doesn't go away. 

Did you get any testing done for heavy metals?  Heavy metals tend to make it impossible to get rid of any sort of infection.  Unfortunately, I think the doc is uninformed when it comes to low dose cortisol treatment for adrenal fatigue - that will not damage your organs.  High doses long term can be problematic.  There are alternatives to low dose cortisol, as well.  Vitamin B5 and vitamin C are essential to adrenal function.

 http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?id=2127 (vitamin B5 and your adrenals)http://www.adrenalfatiguerecovery.com/vitamin-c.html 

I find the emergen-c packets to be a great form of vitamin c and they have synergistic amounts of b vitamins.You have to do what works for you.  Just make sure to read the tiny print packet insert for any drugs you take since those list all the potential side effects.  Insomnia is one of the side effects of Lexapro, so it's quite interesting that the doc would think it would help with sleep.  I find that in order to get quality sleep I need a nightime routine - no overhead lights after dinner. No computer after 9pm.  An entirely dark room (room darkening shades), an air purifier for white noise.  I also turn down the AC at nite as I do not sleep well at all if it's too warm  (above 72).   I also cannot watch anything intense on TV before bed.  It's just too stimulating.  Also, I avoid caffeine after 2pm or so. 

Another thing to consider with regards to anxiety is EMF.  I am very, very sensitive to EMF and I do not use Wifi in my house.  I do not have any electric devices on by my bed.  I keep my phone away from me as much as possible.

The one that doc does seem right about is that you do need quality sleep to heal.  Ideally going to bed by 10pm.  Your body replenishes hormones between 10pm and roughly 1am.  So, you'll be running on empty if you go to bed late - I feel like trash if I don't go to bed early enough no matter how late I sleep.

Good luck. B

 

Ok, I think that is a good idea and I will do it.Looks like I am going to have to go on Lexapro for awhile for the anxiety…

I do take estrogen 4/4 trochetsYes, I was treated for very low end Lyme disease—couldn’t tolerate Doxycycline so we did Omnicef…and we treated Fungal issues.

Yes, I have viral issues and went through Dr. S IV therapy for the and Valcyte and Valtrex….didn’t change my levels at all.

I also lost 50 lbs last year, truly, without the help of thyroid, I just quit eating so much food and suffered!  It definitely helped my prayer life by being receptive and “empty”…

 I am very confident with this psychiatrist, he knows I go to Spurlock, and he supports that,

But he says “we have to get your anxiety relieved so you can sleep and heal”  He tells me that cortisol canEat your organs up, and its better to take meds for anxiety all your life than to let that happen…

He believes you have to stop anxiety in the early am, before the fight or flight system kicks in,Or else its futile…

He is a very good and compassionate man. 

Thank you ,

   

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:09 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in

   Per the long reply I just posted to your other email, you should be tested for celiac disease/gluten intolerance.  The blood tests are not always accurate.  You can get tested on your own at enterolab.com.  The reason many doctors don't test for this is because the treatment doesn't require a doctor to Rx anything and treating this means a lot less doctor visits in the future.   Also, most doctors are quite ignorant about this and unless they've graduated with the past 5-7 years, they were taught this was a rare disease. 

B.

  , my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.

Any opinion? 

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re: labs are in  

Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid?  That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's).

B.

  sorry ,  i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks

 

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in  Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range.  Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well.   Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me.  It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels.

What are you doing diet wise?  Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease.  I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness.  Yoga can also provide some relief. 

B.

  Hi, peeps  here are the results of my lab work  not sure what to think.  i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.  

 Cortisol  -am   11.5  (6.2-19.4)

 testoterone,serum  27   (8-48)

 tsh  0.01  red flaged  ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9   

esttradiol  33.4  

dhea-sulfate  red flagged  258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) 

triiodothyronine,free,serum  4.1  (2.0-4.4) 

t4,free (Direct)  1.18  ( 0.82-1.77) 

% free testosterone   1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free   0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

 I did not take my med before the lab work and  when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12  then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen.    i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff .  the hair seems to be better not oily but soft.   i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday.   so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks     Jan, i hope you are doing better.  

  

 

[Guest guest]

Good info .No, the psychiatrist was saying that high cortisolOver time is very hard on all of the organs,Not low cortisol…anxiety raises cortisol in his opinion,And yes, Lexapro can have side effects, but so many peopleWho try it get their life back…that is worth a few side effects.But you have to take it to find out…it is highly effectiveOn depression with anxiety…as Tierney pointed out as well. I was on Omnicef for over 6 weeks…And the Lyme test was done at Quest, and then sent to a Phd man in Calfornia,That Dr. S uses for confirmation of what level of Lyme…I had very low, (severe, moderate, low) is how this Phd at this lab rates Lyme…But we treated it anyway…I also had Rocky Mt. Spotted Fever at age 18…Dr. S wasn’t truly concerned about the Lyme, since it was low according to the lab and person thatHe trust in evaluating.He was confident the treatment he gave me was sufficient. No, no heavy metal test done by Dr. Spurlock as of yet. Thanks … From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:50 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in What is " very low end Lyme disease " ? What is it acute (i.e., you treated within 30-60 days) or was it chronic? Doxy doesn't do much for chronic lyme and most of the time the docs don't Rx the right amount to get high enough blood levels to hit any of the lyme? Lyme never leaves your body. It changes forms and settles in your tissue and even cartilage. Often, to recover at all, you need a variety of abx to hit the various forms and most often dual antibiotics. For example, Doxy just keeps the lyme from reproducing and doesn't kill it. So, unless you are on it (with a high dosage to keep a high level in your blood), for 4-6 weeks, it doesn't go away. Did you get any testing done for heavy metals? Heavy metals tend to make it impossible to get rid of any sort of infection. Unfortunately, I think the doc is uninformed when it comes to low dose cortisol treatment for adrenal fatigue - that will not damage your organs. High doses long term can be problematic. There are alternatives to low dose cortisol, as well. Vitamin B5 and vitamin C are essential to adrenal function. http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?id=2127 (vitamin B5 and your adrenals)http://www.adrenalfatiguerecovery.com/vitamin-c.html I find the emergen-c packets to be a great form of vitamin c and they have synergistic amounts of b vitamins.You have to do what works for you. Just make sure to read the tiny print packet insert for any drugs you take since those list all the potential side effects. Insomnia is one of the side effects of Lexapro, so it's quite interesting that the doc would think it would help with sleep. I find that in order to get quality sleep I need a nightime routine - no overhead lights after dinner. No computer after 9pm. An entirely dark room (room darkening shades), an air purifier for white noise. I also turn down the AC at nite as I do not sleep well at all if it's too warm (above 72). I also cannot watch anything intense on TV before bed. It's just too stimulating. Also, I avoid caffeine after 2pm or so. Another thing to consider with regards to anxiety is EMF. I am very, very sensitive to EMF and I do not use Wifi in my house. I do not have any electric devices on by my bed. I keep my phone away from me as much as possible.The one that doc does seem right about is that you do need quality sleep to heal. Ideally going to bed by 10pm. Your body replenishes hormones between 10pm and roughly 1am. So, you'll be running on empty if you go to bed late - I feel like trash if I don't go to bed early enough no matter how late I sleep. Good luck. B Ok, I think that is a good idea and I will do it.Looks like I am going to have to go on Lexapro for awhile for the anxiety…I do take estrogen 4/4 trochetsYes, I was treated for very low end Lyme disease—couldn’t tolerate Doxycycline so we did Omnicef…and we treated Fungal issues.Yes, I have viral issues and went through Dr. S IV therapy for the and Valcyte and Valtrex….didn’t change my levels at all.I also lost 50 lbs last year, truly, without the help of thyroid, I just quit eating so much food and suffered! It definitely helped my prayer life by being receptive and “empty”… I am very confident with this psychiatrist, he knows I go to Spurlock, and he supports that,But he says “we have to get your anxiety relieved so you can sleep and heal” He tells me that cortisol canEat your organs up, and its better to take meds for anxiety all your life than to let that happen…He believes you have to stop anxiety in the early am, before the fight or flight system kicks in,Or else its futile…He is a very good and compassionate man. Thank you , From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:09 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Per the long reply I just posted to your other email, you should be tested for celiac disease/gluten intolerance. The blood tests are not always accurate. You can get tested on your own at enterolab.com. The reason many doctors don't test for this is because the treatment doesn't require a doctor to Rx anything and treating this means a lot less doctor visits in the future. Also, most doctors are quite ignorant about this and unless they've graduated with the past 5-7 years, they were taught this was a rare disease. B. , my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.Any opinion? From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid? That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's). B. sorry , i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some relief. B. Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think. Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4) testoterone,serum 27 (8-48) tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)progesterone 18.9 esttradiol 33.4 dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4) t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77) % free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85) I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

Yes, it was chronic, because I had no idea I had it.Just a stiff sore neck (that has turned out to be a disc that I have had neck injections for and now the neck pain is gone)Dr. S prefers Doxy, and then Omnicef… The best Vitamin C is Alive Vit C Organic Fruit Blend…a whole food source. I love this stuff…doesn’t taste so good. Thank you , I think I mentioned I am on Himalaya Stress Care for Energy and Adrenal SupportYou can read about in on Amazon.It is amazing. No wheat, no corn, no soy, no yeast, and dairy. From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:50 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in What is " very low end Lyme disease " ? What is it acute (i.e., you treated within 30-60 days) or was it chronic? Doxy doesn't do much for chronic lyme and most of the time the docs don't Rx the right amount to get high enough blood levels to hit any of the lyme? Lyme never leaves your body. It changes forms and settles in your tissue and even cartilage. Often, to recover at all, you need a variety of abx to hit the various forms and most often dual antibiotics. For example, Doxy just keeps the lyme from reproducing and doesn't kill it. So, unless you are on it (with a high dosage to keep a high level in your blood), for 4-6 weeks, it doesn't go away. Did you get any testing done for heavy metals? Heavy metals tend to make it impossible to get rid of any sort of infection. Unfortunately, I think the doc is uninformed when it comes to low dose cortisol treatment for adrenal fatigue - that will not damage your organs. High doses long term can be problematic. There are alternatives to low dose cortisol, as well. Vitamin B5 and vitamin C are essential to adrenal function. http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?id=2127 (vitamin B5 and your adrenals)http://www.adrenalfatiguerecovery.com/vitamin-c.html I find the emergen-c packets to be a great form of vitamin c and they have synergistic amounts of b vitamins.You have to do what works for you. Just make sure to read the tiny print packet insert for any drugs you take since those list all the potential side effects. Insomnia is one of the side effects of Lexapro, so it's quite interesting that the doc would think it would help with sleep. I find that in order to get quality sleep I need a nightime routine - no overhead lights after dinner. No computer after 9pm. An entirely dark room (room darkening shades), an air purifier for white noise. I also turn down the AC at nite as I do not sleep well at all if it's too warm (above 72). I also cannot watch anything intense on TV before bed. It's just too stimulating. Also, I avoid caffeine after 2pm or so. Another thing to consider with regards to anxiety is EMF. I am very, very sensitive to EMF and I do not use Wifi in my house. I do not have any electric devices on by my bed. I keep my phone away from me as much as possible.The one that doc does seem right about is that you do need quality sleep to heal. Ideally going to bed by 10pm. Your body replenishes hormones between 10pm and roughly 1am. So, you'll be running on empty if you go to bed late - I feel like trash if I don't go to bed early enough no matter how late I sleep. Good luck. B Ok, I think that is a good idea and I will do it.Looks like I am going to have to go on Lexapro for awhile for the anxiety…I do take estrogen 4/4 trochetsYes, I was treated for very low end Lyme disease—couldn’t tolerate Doxycycline so we did Omnicef…and we treated Fungal issues.Yes, I have viral issues and went through Dr. S IV therapy for the and Valcyte and Valtrex….didn’t change my levels at all.I also lost 50 lbs last year, truly, without the help of thyroid, I just quit eating so much food and suffered! It definitely helped my prayer life by being receptive and “empty”… I am very confident with this psychiatrist, he knows I go to Spurlock, and he supports that,But he says “we have to get your anxiety relieved so you can sleep and heal” He tells me that cortisol canEat your organs up, and its better to take meds for anxiety all your life than to let that happen…He believes you have to stop anxiety in the early am, before the fight or flight system kicks in,Or else its futile…He is a very good and compassionate man. Thank you , From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:09 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Per the long reply I just posted to your other email, you should be tested for celiac disease/gluten intolerance. The blood tests are not always accurate. You can get tested on your own at enterolab.com. The reason many doctors don't test for this is because the treatment doesn't require a doctor to Rx anything and treating this means a lot less doctor visits in the future. Also, most doctors are quite ignorant about this and unless they've graduated with the past 5-7 years, they were taught this was a rare disease. B. , my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.Any opinion? From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid? That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's). B. sorry , i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some relief. B. Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think. Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4) testoterone,serum 27 (8-48) tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)progesterone 18.9 esttradiol 33.4 dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4) t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77) % free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85) I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

Did he test you for the lyme co-infections then?  There are several that must be considered: Bartonella, Babesiosis and EHRLICHIA.  Omnicef will not kill Bartonella (the doxy will and it will also hit the Ehrlichia) which is a very common co-infection with lyme.  Most people with lyme have at least one co-infection.   You can read in Dr. Burrascano's Lyme treatment guidelines that anxiety is one of the common symptoms with Bartonella.  Bartonella is discussed in detail on page 24.  You can also read about the effective treatments for chronic lyme.  Note, that neurotoxins can be a big issue for chronic lyme.  That was my biggest issue in the end.  And, of course neurotoxins cause lots of neuro symptoms.  It's possible that taking the thyroid caused your body to start detoxing or caused your toxic load to increase since your liver also processes the thyroid hormone.   You often feel worse before you get better when you're detoxing (called a Herxheimer reaction).

I'm actually a little disappointed to hear that Dr. S seems to have dismissed the lyme - quite ironic given that he spoke to the DFW lyme group last week.  Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and blood tests are often very inconclusive.  It's got to be based on symptoms - blood tests are not indicative of infection status.  The Omnicef also will not hit the cystic form of lyme. Lyme is like syphilis in that it changes forms. In the corkscrew form, it goes right into your cartilage.  The most effective abx for cystic lyme is flagyl.   That was the final abx that I needed to get my lyme in check. Again, it never goes away - stress or another illness or toxin exposure can allow it to come out of dormancy.  It's a very delicate balance.

I would encourage you to jump over the DFW lyme group and do some research on the psychiatric impacts of lyme. B.

 

Yes, it was chronic, because I had no idea I had it.Just a stiff sore neck (that has turned out to be a disc that I have had neck injections for and now the neck pain is gone)

Dr. S prefers Doxy, and then Omnicef… 

The best Vitamin C is Alive Vit C  Organic Fruit Blend…a whole food source.  I love this stuff…doesn’t taste so good. 

Thank you ,

 I think I mentioned I am on Himalaya Stress Care for Energy and Adrenal Support

You can read about in on Amazon.It is amazing. No wheat, no corn, no soy, no yeast, and dairy. 

  

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:50 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in

   What is " very low end Lyme disease " ?  What is it acute (i.e., you treated within 30-60 days) or was it chronic?  Doxy doesn't do much for chronic lyme and most of the time the docs don't Rx the right amount to get high enough blood levels to hit any of the lyme?    Lyme never leaves your body.  It changes forms and settles in your tissue and even cartilage.  Often, to recover at all, you need a variety of abx to hit the various forms and most often dual antibiotics.  For example, Doxy just keeps the lyme from reproducing and doesn't kill it.  So, unless you are on it  (with a high dosage to keep a high level in your blood), for 4-6 weeks, it doesn't go away. 

Did you get any testing done for heavy metals?  Heavy metals tend to make it impossible to get rid of any sort of infection.  Unfortunately, I think the doc is uninformed when it comes to low dose cortisol treatment for adrenal fatigue - that will not damage your organs.  High doses long term can be problematic.  There are alternatives to low dose cortisol, as well.  Vitamin B5 and vitamin C are essential to adrenal function.

 http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?id=2127 (vitamin B5 and your adrenals)http://www.adrenalfatiguerecovery.com/vitamin-c.html 

I find the emergen-c packets to be a great form of vitamin c and they have synergistic amounts of b vitamins.You have to do what works for you.  Just make sure to read the tiny print packet insert for any drugs you take since those list all the potential side effects.  Insomnia is one of the side effects of Lexapro, so it's quite interesting that the doc would think it would help with sleep.  I find that in order to get quality sleep I need a nightime routine - no overhead lights after dinner. No computer after 9pm.  An entirely dark room (room darkening shades), an air purifier for white noise.  I also turn down the AC at nite as I do not sleep well at all if it's too warm  (above 72).   I also cannot watch anything intense on TV before bed.  It's just too stimulating.  Also, I avoid caffeine after 2pm or so. 

Another thing to consider with regards to anxiety is EMF.  I am very, very sensitive to EMF and I do not use Wifi in my house.  I do not have any electric devices on by my bed.  I keep my phone away from me as much as possible.

The one that doc does seem right about is that you do need quality sleep to heal.  Ideally going to bed by 10pm.  Your body replenishes hormones between 10pm and roughly 1am.  So, you'll be running on empty if you go to bed late - I feel like trash if I don't go to bed early enough no matter how late I sleep.

Good luck. B

  Ok, I think that is a good idea and I will do it.

Looks like I am going to have to go on Lexapro for awhile for the anxiety…I do take estrogen 4/4 trochets

Yes, I was treated for very low end Lyme disease—couldn’t tolerate Doxycycline so we did Omnicef…and we treated Fungal issues.

Yes, I have viral issues and went through Dr. S IV therapy for the and Valcyte and Valtrex….didn’t change my levels at all.I also lost 50 lbs last year, truly, without the help of thyroid, I just quit eating so much food and suffered! 

It definitely helped my prayer life by being receptive and “empty”… 

I am very confident with this psychiatrist, he knows I go to Spurlock, and he supports that,But he says “we have to get your anxiety relieved so you can sleep and heal”  He tells me that cortisol can

Eat your organs up, and its better to take meds for anxiety all your life than to let that happen…He believes you have to stop anxiety in the early am, before the fight or flight system kicks in,

Or else its futile…He is a very good and compassionate man.

 Thank you ,

   

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:09 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re: labs are in   Per the long reply I just posted to your other email, you should be tested for celiac disease/gluten intolerance.  The blood tests are not always accurate.  You can get tested on your own at enterolab.com.  The reason many doctors don't test for this is because the treatment doesn't require a doctor to Rx anything and treating this means a lot less doctor visits in the future.   Also, most doctors are quite ignorant about this and unless they've graduated with the past 5-7 years, they were taught this was a rare disease. 

B.

  , my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.

Any opinion? 

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re: labs are in  

Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid?  That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's).

B.

  sorry ,  i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks

 

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in  Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range.  Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well.   Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me.  It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels.

What are you doing diet wise?  Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease.  I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness.  Yoga can also provide some relief. 

B.

  Hi, peeps  here are the results of my lab work  not sure what to think.  i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.  

 Cortisol  -am   11.5  (6.2-19.4)

 testoterone,serum  27   (8-48)

 tsh  0.01  red flaged  ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9   

esttradiol  33.4  

dhea-sulfate  red flagged  258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) 

triiodothyronine,free,serum  4.1  (2.0-4.4) 

t4,free (Direct)  1.18  ( 0.82-1.77) 

% free testosterone   1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free   0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

 I did not take my med before the lab work and  when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12  then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen.    i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff .  the hair seems to be better not oily but soft.   i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday.   so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks     Jan, i hope you are doing better.  

  

  

[Guest guest]

Oops - here's the link to Burrascano's lyme treatment protocol.

http://www.lymenet.org/BurrGuide200810.pdf

****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i

> > think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let

> > the Dr know what i think. ****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4)****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > testoterone,serum 27 (8-48)****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)****

> >

> > progesterone 18.9 ****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > esttradiol 33.4 ****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0)****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4)****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77)****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > % free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % ****

> >

> > testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's

> > 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7

> > keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin

> > and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and

> > estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck

> > down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but

> > soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i

> > guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing

> > better. ****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > ****

> >

> > ** **

> >

> > ****

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, he did treat me with 21 days of Flagyl,But he just wasn’t that concerned once he saw my lyme test from IGX in Californa.He was relieved at the test results, as a matter of fact…he said, “your immune system has probably handled it well…”I think you can find their (IGX) info on line. Herx, yes, I got very sick on Doxy…and then he switched me to Omicef. I trust life and whatever is happening to me, I know the Creator knows all, and this Experience I am in is having many many good things come from it…I am not in this alone, and not everything I have can be explained.I am highly sensitive to life, to my surroundings, and anxiety has alwaysBeen with me…The movie Night of the Iguana is a great old movie on Anxiety! I sure enjoy your emails, I keep them in a folder and will Refer to them if I find I am being directed towardsThem in my health journey. Thank you ! From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 3:31 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did he test you for the lyme co-infections then? There are several that must be considered: Bartonella, Babesiosis and EHRLICHIA. Omnicef will not kill Bartonella (the doxy will and it will also hit the Ehrlichia) which is a very common co-infection with lyme. Most people with lyme have at least one co-infection. You can read in Dr. Burrascano's Lyme treatment guidelines that anxiety is one of the common symptoms with Bartonella. Bartonella is discussed in detail on page 24. You can also read about the effective treatments for chronic lyme. Note, that neurotoxins can be a big issue for chronic lyme. That was my biggest issue in the end. And, of course neurotoxins cause lots of neuro symptoms. It's possible that taking the thyroid caused your body to start detoxing or caused your toxic load to increase since your liver also processes the thyroid hormone. You often feel worse before you get better when you're detoxing (called a Herxheimer reaction). I'm actually a little disappointed to hear that Dr. S seems to have dismissed the lyme - quite ironic given that he spoke to the DFW lyme group last week. Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and blood tests are often very inconclusive. It's got to be based on symptoms - blood tests are not indicative of infection status. The Omnicef also will not hit the cystic form of lyme. Lyme is like syphilis in that it changes forms. In the corkscrew form, it goes right into your cartilage. The most effective abx for cystic lyme is flagyl. That was the final abx that I needed to get my lyme in check. Again, it never goes away - stress or another illness or toxin exposure can allow it to come out of dormancy. It's a very delicate balance.I would encourage you to jump over the DFW lyme group and do some research on the psychiatric impacts of lyme. B. Yes, it was chronic, because I had no idea I had it.Just a stiff sore neck (that has turned out to be a disc that I have had neck injections for and now the neck pain is gone)Dr. S prefers Doxy, and then Omnicef… The best Vitamin C is Alive Vit C Organic Fruit Blend…a whole food source. I love this stuff…doesn’t taste so good. Thank you , I think I mentioned I am on Himalaya Stress Care for Energy and Adrenal SupportYou can read about in on Amazon.It is amazing. No wheat, no corn, no soy, no yeast, and dairy. From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:50 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in What is " very low end Lyme disease " ? What is it acute (i.e., you treated within 30-60 days) or was it chronic? Doxy doesn't do much for chronic lyme and most of the time the docs don't Rx the right amount to get high enough blood levels to hit any of the lyme? Lyme never leaves your body. It changes forms and settles in your tissue and even cartilage. Often, to recover at all, you need a variety of abx to hit the various forms and most often dual antibiotics. For example, Doxy just keeps the lyme from reproducing and doesn't kill it. So, unless you are on it (with a high dosage to keep a high level in your blood), for 4-6 weeks, it doesn't go away. Did you get any testing done for heavy metals? Heavy metals tend to make it impossible to get rid of any sort of infection. Unfortunately, I think the doc is uninformed when it comes to low dose cortisol treatment for adrenal fatigue - that will not damage your organs. High doses long term can be problematic. There are alternatives to low dose cortisol, as well. Vitamin B5 and vitamin C are essential to adrenal function. http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?id=2127 (vitamin B5 and your adrenals)http://www.adrenalfatiguerecovery.com/vitamin-c.html I find the emergen-c packets to be a great form of vitamin c and they have synergistic amounts of b vitamins.You have to do what works for you. Just make sure to read the tiny print packet insert for any drugs you take since those list all the potential side effects. Insomnia is one of the side effects of Lexapro, so it's quite interesting that the doc would think it would help with sleep. I find that in order to get quality sleep I need a nightime routine - no overhead lights after dinner. No computer after 9pm. An entirely dark room (room darkening shades), an air purifier for white noise. I also turn down the AC at nite as I do not sleep well at all if it's too warm (above 72). I also cannot watch anything intense on TV before bed. It's just too stimulating. Also, I avoid caffeine after 2pm or so. Another thing to consider with regards to anxiety is EMF. I am very, very sensitive to EMF and I do not use Wifi in my house. I do not have any electric devices on by my bed. I keep my phone away from me as much as possible.The one that doc does seem right about is that you do need quality sleep to heal. Ideally going to bed by 10pm. Your body replenishes hormones between 10pm and roughly 1am. So, you'll be running on empty if you go to bed late - I feel like trash if I don't go to bed early enough no matter how late I sleep. Good luck. B Ok, I think that is a good idea and I will do it.Looks like I am going to have to go on Lexapro for awhile for the anxiety…I do take estrogen 4/4 trochetsYes, I was treated for very low end Lyme disease—couldn’t tolerate Doxycycline so we did Omnicef…and we treated Fungal issues.Yes, I have viral issues and went through Dr. S IV therapy for the and Valcyte and Valtrex….didn’t change my levels at all.I also lost 50 lbs last year, truly, without the help of thyroid, I just quit eating so much food and suffered! It definitely helped my prayer life by being receptive and “empty”… I am very confident with this psychiatrist, he knows I go to Spurlock, and he supports that,But he says “we have to get your anxiety relieved so you can sleep and heal” He tells me that cortisol canEat your organs up, and its better to take meds for anxiety all your life than to let that happen…He believes you have to stop anxiety in the early am, before the fight or flight system kicks in,Or else its futile…He is a very good and compassionate man. Thank you , From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:09 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Per the long reply I just posted to your other email, you should be tested for celiac disease/gluten intolerance. The blood tests are not always accurate. You can get tested on your own at enterolab.com. The reason many doctors don't test for this is because the treatment doesn't require a doctor to Rx anything and treating this means a lot less doctor visits in the future. Also, most doctors are quite ignorant about this and unless they've graduated with the past 5-7 years, they were taught this was a rare disease. B. , my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.Any opinion? From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid? That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's). B. sorry , i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some relief. B. Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think. Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4) testoterone,serum 27 (8-48) tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)progesterone 18.9 esttradiol 33.4 dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4) t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77) % free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85) I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

That's very good that he Rxed the Flagyl.  The lab was probably Igenex which is good - that's the best lab to use.  Quest et al don't test for US specific species, which is insane. If you got your tick bite in Germany, those tests might catch it.   I'm still curious if he tested for co-infections - Igenex can do those as well.

You are right - some of us are just more sensitive to everything and are wired pretty tight.  There is an excellent book I read called " The Highly Sensitive Person " .   http://www.hsperson.com/

It is a biological trait in some of us - it has its positives as well as obviously its negatives.  I am very thankful I found this book when it was first published as it helped me to see that my sons are also HSPs and I really learned to adjust my parenting. For example, my younger son needs to know everything ahead of time - if he has to go to the doctor, we must discuss it several times.  I have to tell him ahead of time when we have to leave, etc. I'm the same way.  It makes me very uncomfortable to not know what to expect. 

One other thought I had was B vitamins.  Those are extremely important for the nervous system.  B12 in particular.  One way to know if this is an issue for you is to get a B12 shot and see if that helps. If you are low, you generally will feel more energetic after the shot.  I use a transdermal b12 that is quite effective.   I also take B50s twice a day, along with additional B vitamins. B6 is important for the production of neurotransmitters (like serotonin).

Tierney noted that exercise was very helpful.  Exercise is what keeps me sane.  It increases the amount of serotonin and dopamine.  When I was really sick, I would just do yoga.  I worked my way up to pilates and then gradua

B.

 

Yes, he did treat me with 21 days of Flagyl,But  he just wasn’t that concerned once he saw my lyme test from IGX in Californa.

He was relieved at the test results, as a matter of fact…he said, “your immune system has probably handled it well…”

I think you can find their (IGX)  info on line. 

Herx, yes, I got very sick on Doxy…and then he switched me to Omicef. 

I trust life and whatever is happening to me, I know the Creator knows  all, and this Experience I am in is having many many good things come from it…

I am not in this alone, and not everything I have can be explained.I am highly sensitive to life, to my surroundings, and anxiety has always

Been with me…The movie Night of the Iguana is a great old movie on Anxiety!

 I sure enjoy your emails, I keep them in a folder and will

Refer to them if I find I am being directed towardsThem in my health journey.

 Thank you !

  

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 3:31 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in

   Did he test you for the lyme co-infections then?  There are several that must be considered: Bartonella, Babesiosis and EHRLICHIA.  Omnicef will not kill Bartonella (the doxy will and it will also hit the Ehrlichia) which is a very common co-infection with lyme.  Most people with lyme have at least one co-infection.   You can read in Dr. Burrascano's Lyme treatment guidelines that anxiety is one of the common symptoms with Bartonella.  Bartonella is discussed in detail on page 24.  You can also read about the effective treatments for chronic lyme.  Note, that neurotoxins can be a big issue for chronic lyme.  That was my biggest issue in the end.  And, of course neurotoxins cause lots of neuro symptoms.  It's possible that taking the thyroid caused your body to start detoxing or caused your toxic load to increase since your liver also processes the thyroid hormone.   You often feel worse before you get better when you're detoxing (called a Herxheimer reaction).

I'm actually a little disappointed to hear that Dr. S seems to have dismissed the lyme - quite ironic given that he spoke to the DFW lyme group last week.  Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and blood tests are often very inconclusive.  It's got to be based on symptoms - blood tests are not indicative of infection status.  The Omnicef also will not hit the cystic form of lyme. Lyme is like syphilis in that it changes forms. In the corkscrew form, it goes right into your cartilage.  The most effective abx for cystic lyme is flagyl.   That was the final abx that I needed to get my lyme in check. Again, it never goes away - stress or another illness or toxin exposure can allow it to come out of dormancy.  It's a very delicate balance.

I would encourage you to jump over the DFW lyme group and do some research on the psychiatric impacts of lyme. B.

  Yes, it was chronic, because I had no idea I had it.

Just a stiff sore neck (that has turned out to be a disc that I have had neck injections for and now the neck pain is gone)Dr. S prefers Doxy, and then Omnicef…

 The best Vitamin C is Alive Vit C  Organic Fruit Blend…a whole food source.  I love this stuff…doesn’t taste so good.

 Thank you ,

 I think I mentioned I am on Himalaya Stress Care for Energy and Adrenal Support

You can read about in on Amazon.It is amazing. No wheat, no corn, no soy, no yeast, and dairy. 

  

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:50 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re: labs are in   What is " very low end Lyme disease " ?  What is it acute (i.e., you treated within 30-60 days) or was it chronic?  Doxy doesn't do much for chronic lyme and most of the time the docs don't Rx the right amount to get high enough blood levels to hit any of the lyme?    Lyme never leaves your body.  It changes forms and settles in your tissue and even cartilage.  Often, to recover at all, you need a variety of abx to hit the various forms and most often dual antibiotics.  For example, Doxy just keeps the lyme from reproducing and doesn't kill it.  So, unless you are on it  (with a high dosage to keep a high level in your blood), for 4-6 weeks, it doesn't go away. 

Did you get any testing done for heavy metals?  Heavy metals tend to make it impossible to get rid of any sort of infection.  Unfortunately, I think the doc is uninformed when it comes to low dose cortisol treatment for adrenal fatigue - that will not damage your organs.  High doses long term can be problematic.  There are alternatives to low dose cortisol, as well.  Vitamin B5 and vitamin C are essential to adrenal function.

 http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?id=2127 (vitamin B5 and your adrenals)http://www.adrenalfatiguerecovery.com/vitamin-c.html 

I find the emergen-c packets to be a great form of vitamin c and they have synergistic amounts of b vitamins.You have to do what works for you.  Just make sure to read the tiny print packet insert for any drugs you take since those list all the potential side effects.  Insomnia is one of the side effects of Lexapro, so it's quite interesting that the doc would think it would help with sleep.  I find that in order to get quality sleep I need a nightime routine - no overhead lights after dinner. No computer after 9pm.  An entirely dark room (room darkening shades), an air purifier for white noise.  I also turn down the AC at nite as I do not sleep well at all if it's too warm  (above 72).   I also cannot watch anything intense on TV before bed.  It's just too stimulating.  Also, I avoid caffeine after 2pm or so. 

Another thing to consider with regards to anxiety is EMF.  I am very, very sensitive to EMF and I do not use Wifi in my house.  I do not have any electric devices on by my bed.  I keep my phone away from me as much as possible.

The one that doc does seem right about is that you do need quality sleep to heal.  Ideally going to bed by 10pm.  Your body replenishes hormones between 10pm and roughly 1am.  So, you'll be running on empty if you go to bed late - I feel like trash if I don't go to bed early enough no matter how late I sleep.

Good luck. B

  Ok, I think that is a good idea and I will do it.

Looks like I am going to have to go on Lexapro for awhile for the anxiety…I do take estrogen 4/4 trochets

Yes, I was treated for very low end Lyme disease—couldn’t tolerate Doxycycline so we did Omnicef…and we treated Fungal issues.

Yes, I have viral issues and went through Dr. S IV therapy for the and Valcyte and Valtrex….didn’t change my levels at all.I also lost 50 lbs last year, truly, without the help of thyroid, I just quit eating so much food and suffered! 

It definitely helped my prayer life by being receptive and “empty”… 

I am very confident with this psychiatrist, he knows I go to Spurlock, and he supports that,But he says “we have to get your anxiety relieved so you can sleep and heal”  He tells me that cortisol can

Eat your organs up, and its better to take meds for anxiety all your life than to let that happen…He believes you have to stop anxiety in the early am, before the fight or flight system kicks in,

Or else its futile…He is a very good and compassionate man.

 Thank you ,

   

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:09 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re: labs are in   Per the long reply I just posted to your other email, you should be tested for celiac disease/gluten intolerance.  The blood tests are not always accurate.  You can get tested on your own at enterolab.com.  The reason many doctors don't test for this is because the treatment doesn't require a doctor to Rx anything and treating this means a lot less doctor visits in the future.   Also, most doctors are quite ignorant about this and unless they've graduated with the past 5-7 years, they were taught this was a rare disease. 

B.

  , my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.

Any opinion?

 

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re: labs are in  

Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid?  That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's).

B.

  sorry ,  i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks

 

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in  Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range.  Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well.   Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me.  It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels.

What are you doing diet wise?  Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease.  I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness.  Yoga can also provide some relief. 

B.

  Hi, peeps  here are the results of my lab work  not sure what to think.  i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.  

 Cortisol  -am   11.5  (6.2-19.4)

 testoterone,serum  27   (8-48)

 tsh  0.01  red flaged  ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9   

esttradiol  33.4  

dhea-sulfate  red flagged  258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) 

triiodothyronine,free,serum  4.1  (2.0-4.4) 

t4,free (Direct)  1.18  ( 0.82-1.77) 

% free testosterone   1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free   0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

 I did not take my med before the lab work and  when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12  then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen.    i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff .  the hair seems to be better not oily but soft.   i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday.   so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks     Jan, i hope you are doing better.  

  

  

 

[Guest guest]

Another amazing letter from this board! , My b 12 was 1,561…a bit over the high norm of what the lab said was norm…1561…But I still take b-12I will check that book out and see if it “grabs” me…how hard it is to treat every child the same…Takes great insight to see a little individual once they are born…my daughter, Shauna Darlene, is a sensitive one… I am taking some very good B complex…timed release…thanks for reminding me how beneficial it is… Thank you for your experience, your insight, and your time…Maybe I will meet some of you at ol’ Doc Spurlocks!I think we should wear name tags of how we sign our emails,Only if you want to do that… privacy is always a way some like to goAt public meetings. ( > ; From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 4:43 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in That's very good that he Rxed the Flagyl. The lab was probably Igenex which is good - that's the best lab to use. Quest et al don't test for US specific species, which is insane. If you got your tick bite in Germany, those tests might catch it. I'm still curious if he tested for co-infections - Igenex can do those as well. You are right - some of us are just more sensitive to everything and are wired pretty tight. There is an excellent book I read called " The Highly Sensitive Person " . http://www.hsperson.com/ It is a biological trait in some of us - it has its positives as well as obviously its negatives. I am very thankful I found this book when it was first published as it helped me to see that my sons are also HSPs and I really learned to adjust my parenting. For example, my younger son needs to know everything ahead of time - if he has to go to the doctor, we must discuss it several times. I have to tell him ahead of time when we have to leave, etc. I'm the same way. It makes me very uncomfortable to not know what to expect. One other thought I had was B vitamins. Those are extremely important for the nervous system. B12 in particular. One way to know if this is an issue for you is to get a B12 shot and see if that helps. If you are low, you generally will feel more energetic after the shot. I use a transdermal b12 that is quite effective. I also take B50s twice a day, along with additional B vitamins. B6 is important for the production of neurotransmitters (like serotonin). Tierney noted that exercise was very helpful. Exercise is what keeps me sane. It increases the amount of serotonin and dopamine. When I was really sick, I would just do yoga. I worked my way up to pilates and then gradua B. Yes, he did treat me with 21 days of Flagyl,But he just wasn’t that concerned once he saw my lyme test from IGX in Californa.He was relieved at the test results, as a matter of fact…he said, “your immune system has probably handled it well…”I think you can find their (IGX) info on line. Herx, yes, I got very sick on Doxy…and then he switched me to Omicef. I trust life and whatever is happening to me, I know the Creator knows all, and this Experience I am in is having many many good things come from it…I am not in this alone, and not everything I have can be explained.I am highly sensitive to life, to my surroundings, and anxiety has alwaysBeen with me…The movie Night of the Iguana is a great old movie on Anxiety! I sure enjoy your emails, I keep them in a folder and will Refer to them if I find I am being directed towardsThem in my health journey. Thank you ! From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 3:31 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did he test you for the lyme co-infections then? There are several that must be considered: Bartonella, Babesiosis and EHRLICHIA. Omnicef will not kill Bartonella (the doxy will and it will also hit the Ehrlichia) which is a very common co-infection with lyme. Most people with lyme have at least one co-infection. You can read in Dr. Burrascano's Lyme treatment guidelines that anxiety is one of the common symptoms with Bartonella. Bartonella is discussed in detail on page 24. You can also read about the effective treatments for chronic lyme. Note, that neurotoxins can be a big issue for chronic lyme. That was my biggest issue in the end. And, of course neurotoxins cause lots of neuro symptoms. It's possible that taking the thyroid caused your body to start detoxing or caused your toxic load to increase since your liver also processes the thyroid hormone. You often feel worse before you get better when you're detoxing (called a Herxheimer reaction). I'm actually a little disappointed to hear that Dr. S seems to have dismissed the lyme - quite ironic given that he spoke to the DFW lyme group last week. Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and blood tests are often very inconclusive. It's got to be based on symptoms - blood tests are not indicative of infection status. The Omnicef also will not hit the cystic form of lyme. Lyme is like syphilis in that it changes forms. In the corkscrew form, it goes right into your cartilage. The most effective abx for cystic lyme is flagyl. That was the final abx that I needed to get my lyme in check. Again, it never goes away - stress or another illness or toxin exposure can allow it to come out of dormancy. It's a very delicate balance.I would encourage you to jump over the DFW lyme group and do some research on the psychiatric impacts of lyme. B. Yes, it was chronic, because I had no idea I had it.Just a stiff sore neck (that has turned out to be a disc that I have had neck injections for and now the neck pain is gone)Dr. S prefers Doxy, and then Omnicef… The best Vitamin C is Alive Vit C Organic Fruit Blend…a whole food source. I love this stuff…doesn’t taste so good. Thank you , I think I mentioned I am on Himalaya Stress Care for Energy and Adrenal SupportYou can read about in on Amazon.It is amazing. No wheat, no corn, no soy, no yeast, and dairy. From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:50 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in What is " very low end Lyme disease " ? What is it acute (i.e., you treated within 30-60 days) or was it chronic? Doxy doesn't do much for chronic lyme and most of the time the docs don't Rx the right amount to get high enough blood levels to hit any of the lyme? Lyme never leaves your body. It changes forms and settles in your tissue and even cartilage. Often, to recover at all, you need a variety of abx to hit the various forms and most often dual antibiotics. For example, Doxy just keeps the lyme from reproducing and doesn't kill it. So, unless you are on it (with a high dosage to keep a high level in your blood), for 4-6 weeks, it doesn't go away. Did you get any testing done for heavy metals? Heavy metals tend to make it impossible to get rid of any sort of infection. Unfortunately, I think the doc is uninformed when it comes to low dose cortisol treatment for adrenal fatigue - that will not damage your organs. High doses long term can be problematic. There are alternatives to low dose cortisol, as well. Vitamin B5 and vitamin C are essential to adrenal function. http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?id=2127 (vitamin B5 and your adrenals)http://www.adrenalfatiguerecovery.com/vitamin-c.html I find the emergen-c packets to be a great form of vitamin c and they have synergistic amounts of b vitamins.You have to do what works for you. Just make sure to read the tiny print packet insert for any drugs you take since those list all the potential side effects. Insomnia is one of the side effects of Lexapro, so it's quite interesting that the doc would think it would help with sleep. I find that in order to get quality sleep I need a nightime routine - no overhead lights after dinner. No computer after 9pm. An entirely dark room (room darkening shades), an air purifier for white noise. I also turn down the AC at nite as I do not sleep well at all if it's too warm (above 72). I also cannot watch anything intense on TV before bed. It's just too stimulating. Also, I avoid caffeine after 2pm or so. Another thing to consider with regards to anxiety is EMF. I am very, very sensitive to EMF and I do not use Wifi in my house. I do not have any electric devices on by my bed. I keep my phone away from me as much as possible.The one that doc does seem right about is that you do need quality sleep to heal. Ideally going to bed by 10pm. Your body replenishes hormones between 10pm and roughly 1am. So, you'll be running on empty if you go to bed late - I feel like trash if I don't go to bed early enough no matter how late I sleep. Good luck. B Ok, I think that is a good idea and I will do it.Looks like I am going to have to go on Lexapro for awhile for the anxiety…I do take estrogen 4/4 trochetsYes, I was treated for very low end Lyme disease—couldn’t tolerate Doxycycline so we did Omnicef…and we treated Fungal issues.Yes, I have viral issues and went through Dr. S IV therapy for the and Valcyte and Valtrex….didn’t change my levels at all.I also lost 50 lbs last year, truly, without the help of thyroid, I just quit eating so much food and suffered! It definitely helped my prayer life by being receptive and “empty”… I am very confident with this psychiatrist, he knows I go to Spurlock, and he supports that,But he says “we have to get your anxiety relieved so you can sleep and heal” He tells me that cortisol canEat your organs up, and its better to take meds for anxiety all your life than to let that happen…He believes you have to stop anxiety in the early am, before the fight or flight system kicks in,Or else its futile…He is a very good and compassionate man. Thank you , From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:09 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Per the long reply I just posted to your other email, you should be tested for celiac disease/gluten intolerance. The blood tests are not always accurate. You can get tested on your own at enterolab.com. The reason many doctors don't test for this is because the treatment doesn't require a doctor to Rx anything and treating this means a lot less doctor visits in the future. Also, most doctors are quite ignorant about this and unless they've graduated with the past 5-7 years, they were taught this was a rare disease. B. , my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.Any opinion? From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid? That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's). B. sorry , i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some relief. B. Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think. Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4) testoterone,serum 27 (8-48) tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)progesterone 18.9 esttradiol 33.4 dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4) t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77) % free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85) I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

, Yes, he did check for co infections, he ran a very expensive Infectious Panel from Quest……we treated my lungs…he said the Omnicef would cover the M. Pneumoniae AB IGG eIA of .. >5.00 HIGHThen, he heard I had pneumonia (lower lobe) twice in my young thirties, and he said that was not normal…Ya get it when your older, not young like that! Said Dr. Spurlock Hey, that day he went over my Infectious Panel, , and I was pretty devastated…since I am sensitive, all my ears could hear was“Lyme disease” “viruses” “lungs need treated, infection there…”And he didn’t crack a smile but he did say, “I can handle this”, yet there I was, Silently devastated….While I was listening to all this “bad news” and hid my feelings---but I did ask questions.He laid down over five RX’s in front of me…(then we found out I don’t do to well with five new medicationsRolling around in my body at the same time)Doc S doesn’t explain much unless you pin him down…he is highly self assured,But still he states he learns a lot from his patients.In summary,He kind of treated my infectious panel info like it was everyday things he sees all the time.He wants to get on with it and get you treated! Of course, I have learned with the Dr. Spurlock ya better keep him focused on your case or he begins to ramble while the clock ticksThe hourly charges….I am not there to hear about movies, and a little talk is fine…but I am there for healing and evaluating what we are doing… and there is usually someone waiting to see him after me…I am a bit more quiet than Spurlock…he can wear me out and he talks fast!One time when I was very depressed this winter, (that is when it hit) and went to see him, I asked him, “Dr. Spurlock, have you ever been depressed?”He looked at me with those giant blue eyes, and looked confident as ever, and said, “No”…Tis’ one reason I also have a psychiatrist…because I need a Dr. who does understand depression…And I must say---The emails today on the subject have been superb!!! But we need some more Spurlocks over the next few years,And keep this board going! ( > ; From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 4:43 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in That's very good that he Rxed the Flagyl. The lab was probably Igenex which is good - that's the best lab to use. Quest et al don't test for US specific species, which is insane. If you got your tick bite in Germany, those tests might catch it. I'm still curious if he tested for co-infections - Igenex can do those as well. You are right - some of us are just more sensitive to everything and are wired pretty tight. There is an excellent book I read called " The Highly Sensitive Person " . http://www.hsperson.com/ It is a biological trait in some of us - it has its positives as well as obviously its negatives. I am very thankful I found this book when it was first published as it helped me to see that my sons are also HSPs and I really learned to adjust my parenting. For example, my younger son needs to know everything ahead of time - if he has to go to the doctor, we must discuss it several times. I have to tell him ahead of time when we have to leave, etc. I'm the same way. It makes me very uncomfortable to not know what to expect. One other thought I had was B vitamins. Those are extremely important for the nervous system. B12 in particular. One way to know if this is an issue for you is to get a B12 shot and see if that helps. If you are low, you generally will feel more energetic after the shot. I use a transdermal b12 that is quite effective. I also take B50s twice a day, along with additional B vitamins. B6 is important for the production of neurotransmitters (like serotonin). Tierney noted that exercise was very helpful. Exercise is what keeps me sane. It increases the amount of serotonin and dopamine. When I was really sick, I would just do yoga. I worked my way up to pilates and then gradua B. Yes, he did treat me with 21 days of Flagyl,But he just wasn’t that concerned once he saw my lyme test from IGX in Californa.He was relieved at the test results, as a matter of fact…he said, “your immune system has probably handled it well…”I think you can find their (IGX) info on line. Herx, yes, I got very sick on Doxy…and then he switched me to Omicef. I trust life and whatever is happening to me, I know the Creator knows all, and this Experience I am in is having many many good things come from it…I am not in this alone, and not everything I have can be explained.I am highly sensitive to life, to my surroundings, and anxiety has alwaysBeen with me…The movie Night of the Iguana is a great old movie on Anxiety! I sure enjoy your emails, I keep them in a folder and will Refer to them if I find I am being directed towardsThem in my health journey. Thank you ! From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 3:31 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did he test you for the lyme co-infections then? There are several that must be considered: Bartonella, Babesiosis and EHRLICHIA. Omnicef will not kill Bartonella (the doxy will and it will also hit the Ehrlichia) which is a very common co-infection with lyme. Most people with lyme have at least one co-infection. You can read in Dr. Burrascano's Lyme treatment guidelines that anxiety is one of the common symptoms with Bartonella. Bartonella is discussed in detail on page 24. You can also read about the effective treatments for chronic lyme. Note, that neurotoxins can be a big issue for chronic lyme. That was my biggest issue in the end. And, of course neurotoxins cause lots of neuro symptoms. It's possible that taking the thyroid caused your body to start detoxing or caused your toxic load to increase since your liver also processes the thyroid hormone. You often feel worse before you get better when you're detoxing (called a Herxheimer reaction). I'm actually a little disappointed to hear that Dr. S seems to have dismissed the lyme - quite ironic given that he spoke to the DFW lyme group last week. Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and blood tests are often very inconclusive. It's got to be based on symptoms - blood tests are not indicative of infection status. The Omnicef also will not hit the cystic form of lyme. Lyme is like syphilis in that it changes forms. In the corkscrew form, it goes right into your cartilage. The most effective abx for cystic lyme is flagyl. That was the final abx that I needed to get my lyme in check. Again, it never goes away - stress or another illness or toxin exposure can allow it to come out of dormancy. It's a very delicate balance.I would encourage you to jump over the DFW lyme group and do some research on the psychiatric impacts of lyme. B. Yes, it was chronic, because I had no idea I had it.Just a stiff sore neck (that has turned out to be a disc that I have had neck injections for and now the neck pain is gone)Dr. S prefers Doxy, and then Omnicef… The best Vitamin C is Alive Vit C Organic Fruit Blend…a whole food source. I love this stuff…doesn’t taste so good. Thank you , I think I mentioned I am on Himalaya Stress Care for Energy and Adrenal SupportYou can read about in on Amazon.It is amazing. No wheat, no corn, no soy, no yeast, and dairy. From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:50 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in What is " very low end Lyme disease " ? What is it acute (i.e., you treated within 30-60 days) or was it chronic? Doxy doesn't do much for chronic lyme and most of the time the docs don't Rx the right amount to get high enough blood levels to hit any of the lyme? Lyme never leaves your body. It changes forms and settles in your tissue and even cartilage. Often, to recover at all, you need a variety of abx to hit the various forms and most often dual antibiotics. For example, Doxy just keeps the lyme from reproducing and doesn't kill it. So, unless you are on it (with a high dosage to keep a high level in your blood), for 4-6 weeks, it doesn't go away. Did you get any testing done for heavy metals? Heavy metals tend to make it impossible to get rid of any sort of infection. Unfortunately, I think the doc is uninformed when it comes to low dose cortisol treatment for adrenal fatigue - that will not damage your organs. High doses long term can be problematic. There are alternatives to low dose cortisol, as well. Vitamin B5 and vitamin C are essential to adrenal function. http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?id=2127 (vitamin B5 and your adrenals)http://www.adrenalfatiguerecovery.com/vitamin-c.html I find the emergen-c packets to be a great form of vitamin c and they have synergistic amounts of b vitamins.You have to do what works for you. Just make sure to read the tiny print packet insert for any drugs you take since those list all the potential side effects. Insomnia is one of the side effects of Lexapro, so it's quite interesting that the doc would think it would help with sleep. I find that in order to get quality sleep I need a nightime routine - no overhead lights after dinner. No computer after 9pm. An entirely dark room (room darkening shades), an air purifier for white noise. I also turn down the AC at nite as I do not sleep well at all if it's too warm (above 72). I also cannot watch anything intense on TV before bed. It's just too stimulating. Also, I avoid caffeine after 2pm or so. Another thing to consider with regards to anxiety is EMF. I am very, very sensitive to EMF and I do not use Wifi in my house. I do not have any electric devices on by my bed. I keep my phone away from me as much as possible.The one that doc does seem right about is that you do need quality sleep to heal. Ideally going to bed by 10pm. Your body replenishes hormones between 10pm and roughly 1am. So, you'll be running on empty if you go to bed late - I feel like trash if I don't go to bed early enough no matter how late I sleep. Good luck. B Ok, I think that is a good idea and I will do it.Looks like I am going to have to go on Lexapro for awhile for the anxiety…I do take estrogen 4/4 trochetsYes, I was treated for very low end Lyme disease—couldn’t tolerate Doxycycline so we did Omnicef…and we treated Fungal issues.Yes, I have viral issues and went through Dr. S IV therapy for the and Valcyte and Valtrex….didn’t change my levels at all.I also lost 50 lbs last year, truly, without the help of thyroid, I just quit eating so much food and suffered! It definitely helped my prayer life by being receptive and “empty”… I am very confident with this psychiatrist, he knows I go to Spurlock, and he supports that,But he says “we have to get your anxiety relieved so you can sleep and heal” He tells me that cortisol canEat your organs up, and its better to take meds for anxiety all your life than to let that happen…He believes you have to stop anxiety in the early am, before the fight or flight system kicks in,Or else its futile…He is a very good and compassionate man. Thank you , From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:09 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Per the long reply I just posted to your other email, you should be tested for celiac disease/gluten intolerance. The blood tests are not always accurate. You can get tested on your own at enterolab.com. The reason many doctors don't test for this is because the treatment doesn't require a doctor to Rx anything and treating this means a lot less doctor visits in the future. Also, most doctors are quite ignorant about this and unless they've graduated with the past 5-7 years, they were taught this was a rare disease. B. , my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.Any opinion? From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid? That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's). B. sorry , i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some relief. B. Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think. Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4) testoterone,serum 27 (8-48) tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)progesterone 18.9 esttradiol 33.4 dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4) t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77) % free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85) I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

Then gradually what? From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 4:43 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in That's very good that he Rxed the Flagyl. The lab was probably Igenex which is good - that's the best lab to use. Quest et al don't test for US specific species, which is insane. If you got your tick bite in Germany, those tests might catch it. I'm still curious if he tested for co-infections - Igenex can do those as well. You are right - some of us are just more sensitive to everything and are wired pretty tight. There is an excellent book I read called " The Highly Sensitive Person " . http://www.hsperson.com/ It is a biological trait in some of us - it has its positives as well as obviously its negatives. I am very thankful I found this book when it was first published as it helped me to see that my sons are also HSPs and I really learned to adjust my parenting. For example, my younger son needs to know everything ahead of time - if he has to go to the doctor, we must discuss it several times. I have to tell him ahead of time when we have to leave, etc. I'm the same way. It makes me very uncomfortable to not know what to expect. One other thought I had was B vitamins. Those are extremely important for the nervous system. B12 in particular. One way to know if this is an issue for you is to get a B12 shot and see if that helps. If you are low, you generally will feel more energetic after the shot. I use a transdermal b12 that is quite effective. I also take B50s twice a day, along with additional B vitamins. B6 is important for the production of neurotransmitters (like serotonin). Tierney noted that exercise was very helpful. Exercise is what keeps me sane. It increases the amount of serotonin and dopamine. When I was really sick, I would just do yoga. I worked my way up to pilates and then gradua B. Yes, he did treat me with 21 days of Flagyl,But he just wasn’t that concerned once he saw my lyme test from IGX in Californa.He was relieved at the test results, as a matter of fact…he said, “your immune system has probably handled it well…”I think you can find their (IGX) info on line. Herx, yes, I got very sick on Doxy…and then he switched me to Omicef. I trust life and whatever is happening to me, I know the Creator knows all, and this Experience I am in is having many many good things come from it…I am not in this alone, and not everything I have can be explained.I am highly sensitive to life, to my surroundings, and anxiety has alwaysBeen with me…The movie Night of the Iguana is a great old movie on Anxiety! I sure enjoy your emails, I keep them in a folder and will Refer to them if I find I am being directed towardsThem in my health journey. Thank you ! From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 3:31 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did he test you for the lyme co-infections then? There are several that must be considered: Bartonella, Babesiosis and EHRLICHIA. Omnicef will not kill Bartonella (the doxy will and it will also hit the Ehrlichia) which is a very common co-infection with lyme. Most people with lyme have at least one co-infection. You can read in Dr. Burrascano's Lyme treatment guidelines that anxiety is one of the common symptoms with Bartonella. Bartonella is discussed in detail on page 24. You can also read about the effective treatments for chronic lyme. Note, that neurotoxins can be a big issue for chronic lyme. That was my biggest issue in the end. And, of course neurotoxins cause lots of neuro symptoms. It's possible that taking the thyroid caused your body to start detoxing or caused your toxic load to increase since your liver also processes the thyroid hormone. You often feel worse before you get better when you're detoxing (called a Herxheimer reaction). I'm actually a little disappointed to hear that Dr. S seems to have dismissed the lyme - quite ironic given that he spoke to the DFW lyme group last week. Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and blood tests are often very inconclusive. It's got to be based on symptoms - blood tests are not indicative of infection status. The Omnicef also will not hit the cystic form of lyme. Lyme is like syphilis in that it changes forms. In the corkscrew form, it goes right into your cartilage. The most effective abx for cystic lyme is flagyl. That was the final abx that I needed to get my lyme in check. Again, it never goes away - stress or another illness or toxin exposure can allow it to come out of dormancy. It's a very delicate balance.I would encourage you to jump over the DFW lyme group and do some research on the psychiatric impacts of lyme. B. Yes, it was chronic, because I had no idea I had it.Just a stiff sore neck (that has turned out to be a disc that I have had neck injections for and now the neck pain is gone)Dr. S prefers Doxy, and then Omnicef… The best Vitamin C is Alive Vit C Organic Fruit Blend…a whole food source. I love this stuff…doesn’t taste so good. Thank you , I think I mentioned I am on Himalaya Stress Care for Energy and Adrenal SupportYou can read about in on Amazon.It is amazing. No wheat, no corn, no soy, no yeast, and dairy. From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:50 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in What is " very low end Lyme disease " ? What is it acute (i.e., you treated within 30-60 days) or was it chronic? Doxy doesn't do much for chronic lyme and most of the time the docs don't Rx the right amount to get high enough blood levels to hit any of the lyme? Lyme never leaves your body. It changes forms and settles in your tissue and even cartilage. Often, to recover at all, you need a variety of abx to hit the various forms and most often dual antibiotics. For example, Doxy just keeps the lyme from reproducing and doesn't kill it. So, unless you are on it (with a high dosage to keep a high level in your blood), for 4-6 weeks, it doesn't go away. Did you get any testing done for heavy metals? Heavy metals tend to make it impossible to get rid of any sort of infection. Unfortunately, I think the doc is uninformed when it comes to low dose cortisol treatment for adrenal fatigue - that will not damage your organs. High doses long term can be problematic. There are alternatives to low dose cortisol, as well. Vitamin B5 and vitamin C are essential to adrenal function. http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?id=2127 (vitamin B5 and your adrenals)http://www.adrenalfatiguerecovery.com/vitamin-c.html I find the emergen-c packets to be a great form of vitamin c and they have synergistic amounts of b vitamins.You have to do what works for you. Just make sure to read the tiny print packet insert for any drugs you take since those list all the potential side effects. Insomnia is one of the side effects of Lexapro, so it's quite interesting that the doc would think it would help with sleep. I find that in order to get quality sleep I need a nightime routine - no overhead lights after dinner. No computer after 9pm. An entirely dark room (room darkening shades), an air purifier for white noise. I also turn down the AC at nite as I do not sleep well at all if it's too warm (above 72). I also cannot watch anything intense on TV before bed. It's just too stimulating. Also, I avoid caffeine after 2pm or so. Another thing to consider with regards to anxiety is EMF. I am very, very sensitive to EMF and I do not use Wifi in my house. I do not have any electric devices on by my bed. I keep my phone away from me as much as possible.The one that doc does seem right about is that you do need quality sleep to heal. Ideally going to bed by 10pm. Your body replenishes hormones between 10pm and roughly 1am. So, you'll be running on empty if you go to bed late - I feel like trash if I don't go to bed early enough no matter how late I sleep. Good luck. B Ok, I think that is a good idea and I will do it.Looks like I am going to have to go on Lexapro for awhile for the anxiety…I do take estrogen 4/4 trochetsYes, I was treated for very low end Lyme disease—couldn’t tolerate Doxycycline so we did Omnicef…and we treated Fungal issues.Yes, I have viral issues and went through Dr. S IV therapy for the and Valcyte and Valtrex….didn’t change my levels at all.I also lost 50 lbs last year, truly, without the help of thyroid, I just quit eating so much food and suffered! It definitely helped my prayer life by being receptive and “empty”… I am very confident with this psychiatrist, he knows I go to Spurlock, and he supports that,But he says “we have to get your anxiety relieved so you can sleep and heal” He tells me that cortisol canEat your organs up, and its better to take meds for anxiety all your life than to let that happen…He believes you have to stop anxiety in the early am, before the fight or flight system kicks in,Or else its futile…He is a very good and compassionate man. Thank you , From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:09 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Per the long reply I just posted to your other email, you should be tested for celiac disease/gluten intolerance. The blood tests are not always accurate. You can get tested on your own at enterolab.com. The reason many doctors don't test for this is because the treatment doesn't require a doctor to Rx anything and treating this means a lot less doctor visits in the future. Also, most doctors are quite ignorant about this and unless they've graduated with the past 5-7 years, they were taught this was a rare disease. B. , my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.Any opinion? From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid? That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's). B. sorry , i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range. Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well. Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range). You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me. It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels. What are you doing diet wise? Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease. I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness. Yoga can also provide some relief. B. Hi, peeps here are the results of my lab work not sure what to think. i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think. Cortisol -am 11.5 (6.2-19.4) testoterone,serum 27 (8-48) tsh 0.01 red flaged ( 0.450-4.500)progesterone 18.9 esttradiol 33.4 dhea-sulfate red flagged 258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) triiodothyronine,free,serum 4.1 (2.0-4.4) t4,free (Direct) 1.18 ( 0.82-1.77) % free testosterone 1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free 0.49 ( 0.10-0.85) I did not take my med before the lab work and when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12 then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen. i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff . the hair seems to be better not oily but soft. i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday. so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks Jan, i hope you are doing better.

[Guest guest]

I have no idea why that email got chopped like that.  I'm sure I hit some magic sequence of keys that did that (I'm forever doing that).I gradually worked my way back up to cycling which is my passion.  It was hard at first as I would have severe post-exertional fatigue the next day, but I kept with it and as I healed, I could do more.  I remember the joy I felt the first time I road my bike and I didn't feel bad the next day.

.

 

Then gradually what? 

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 4:43 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: labs are in

   That's very good that he Rxed the Flagyl.  The lab was probably Igenex which is good - that's the best lab to use.  Quest et al don't test for US specific species, which is insane. If you got your tick bite in Germany, those tests might catch it.   I'm still curious if he tested for co-infections - Igenex can do those as well.

You are right - some of us are just more sensitive to everything and are wired pretty tight.  There is an excellent book I read called " The Highly Sensitive Person " .   http://www.hsperson.com/

It is a biological trait in some of us - it has its positives as well as obviously its negatives.  I am very thankful I found this book when it was first published as it helped me to see that my sons are also HSPs and I really learned to adjust my parenting. For example, my younger son needs to know everything ahead of time - if he has to go to the doctor, we must discuss it several times.  I have to tell him ahead of time when we have to leave, etc. I'm the same way.  It makes me very uncomfortable to not know what to expect. 

One other thought I had was B vitamins.  Those are extremely important for the nervous system.  B12 in particular.  One way to know if this is an issue for you is to get a B12 shot and see if that helps. If you are low, you generally will feel more energetic after the shot.  I use a transdermal b12 that is quite effective.   I also take B50s twice a day, along with additional B vitamins. B6 is important for the production of neurotransmitters (like serotonin).

Tierney noted that exercise was very helpful.  Exercise is what keeps me sane.  It increases the amount of serotonin and dopamine.  When I was really sick, I would just do yoga.  I worked my way up to pilates and then gradua

B.

  Yes, he did treat me with 21 days of Flagyl,

But  he just wasn’t that concerned once he saw my lyme test from IGX in Californa.He was relieved at the test results, as a matter of fact…he said, “your immune system has probably handled it well…”

I think you can find their (IGX)  info on line. 

Herx, yes, I got very sick on Doxy…and then he switched me to Omicef. 

I trust life and whatever is happening to me, I know the Creator knows  all, and this Experience I am in is having many many good things come from it…

I am not in this alone, and not everything I have can be explained.I am highly sensitive to life, to my surroundings, and anxiety has always

Been with me…The movie Night of the Iguana is a great old movie on Anxiety!

 I sure enjoy your emails, I keep them in a folder and will

Refer to them if I find I am being directed towardsThem in my health journey.

 Thank you !

  

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 3:31 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re: labs are in  

Did he test you for the lyme co-infections then?  There are several that must be considered: Bartonella, Babesiosis and EHRLICHIA.  Omnicef will not kill Bartonella (the doxy will and it will also hit the Ehrlichia) which is a very common co-infection with lyme.  Most people with lyme have at least one co-infection.   You can read in Dr. Burrascano's Lyme treatment guidelines that anxiety is one of the common symptoms with Bartonella.  Bartonella is discussed in detail on page 24.  You can also read about the effective treatments for chronic lyme.  Note, that neurotoxins can be a big issue for chronic lyme.  That was my biggest issue in the end.  And, of course neurotoxins cause lots of neuro symptoms.  It's possible that taking the thyroid caused your body to start detoxing or caused your toxic load to increase since your liver also processes the thyroid hormone.   You often feel worse before you get better when you're detoxing (called a Herxheimer reaction).

I'm actually a little disappointed to hear that Dr. S seems to have dismissed the lyme - quite ironic given that he spoke to the DFW lyme group last week.  Lyme is a clinical diagnosis and blood tests are often very inconclusive.  It's got to be based on symptoms - blood tests are not indicative of infection status.  The Omnicef also will not hit the cystic form of lyme. Lyme is like syphilis in that it changes forms. In the corkscrew form, it goes right into your cartilage.  The most effective abx for cystic lyme is flagyl.   That was the final abx that I needed to get my lyme in check. Again, it never goes away - stress or another illness or toxin exposure can allow it to come out of dormancy.  It's a very delicate balance.

I would encourage you to jump over the DFW lyme group and do some research on the psychiatric impacts of lyme. B.

  Yes, it was chronic, because I had no idea I had it.

Just a stiff sore neck (that has turned out to be a disc that I have had neck injections for and now the neck pain is gone)Dr. S prefers Doxy, and then Omnicef…

 The best Vitamin C is Alive Vit C  Organic Fruit Blend…a whole food source.  I love this stuff…doesn’t taste so good.

 Thank you ,

 I think I mentioned I am on Himalaya Stress Care for Energy and Adrenal Support

You can read about in on Amazon.It is amazing. No wheat, no corn, no soy, no yeast, and dairy. 

  

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:50 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re: labs are in   What is " very low end Lyme disease " ?  What is it acute (i.e., you treated within 30-60 days) or was it chronic?  Doxy doesn't do much for chronic lyme and most of the time the docs don't Rx the right amount to get high enough blood levels to hit any of the lyme?    Lyme never leaves your body.  It changes forms and settles in your tissue and even cartilage.  Often, to recover at all, you need a variety of abx to hit the various forms and most often dual antibiotics.  For example, Doxy just keeps the lyme from reproducing and doesn't kill it.  So, unless you are on it  (with a high dosage to keep a high level in your blood), for 4-6 weeks, it doesn't go away. 

Did you get any testing done for heavy metals?  Heavy metals tend to make it impossible to get rid of any sort of infection.  Unfortunately, I think the doc is uninformed when it comes to low dose cortisol treatment for adrenal fatigue - that will not damage your organs.  High doses long term can be problematic.  There are alternatives to low dose cortisol, as well.  Vitamin B5 and vitamin C are essential to adrenal function.

 http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?id=2127 (vitamin B5 and your adrenals)http://www.adrenalfatiguerecovery.com/vitamin-c.html 

I find the emergen-c packets to be a great form of vitamin c and they have synergistic amounts of b vitamins.You have to do what works for you.  Just make sure to read the tiny print packet insert for any drugs you take since those list all the potential side effects.  Insomnia is one of the side effects of Lexapro, so it's quite interesting that the doc would think it would help with sleep.  I find that in order to get quality sleep I need a nightime routine - no overhead lights after dinner. No computer after 9pm.  An entirely dark room (room darkening shades), an air purifier for white noise.  I also turn down the AC at nite as I do not sleep well at all if it's too warm  (above 72).   I also cannot watch anything intense on TV before bed.  It's just too stimulating.  Also, I avoid caffeine after 2pm or so. 

Another thing to consider with regards to anxiety is EMF.  I am very, very sensitive to EMF and I do not use Wifi in my house.  I do not have any electric devices on by my bed.  I keep my phone away from me as much as possible.

The one that doc does seem right about is that you do need quality sleep to heal.  Ideally going to bed by 10pm.  Your body replenishes hormones between 10pm and roughly 1am.  So, you'll be running on empty if you go to bed late - I feel like trash if I don't go to bed early enough no matter how late I sleep.

Good luck. B

  Ok, I think that is a good idea and I will do it.

Looks like I am going to have to go on Lexapro for awhile for the anxiety…I do take estrogen 4/4 trochets

Yes, I was treated for very low end Lyme disease—couldn’t tolerate Doxycycline so we did Omnicef…and we treated Fungal issues.

Yes, I have viral issues and went through Dr. S IV therapy for the and Valcyte and Valtrex….didn’t change my levels at all.I also lost 50 lbs last year, truly, without the help of thyroid, I just quit eating so much food and suffered! 

It definitely helped my prayer life by being receptive and “empty”… 

I am very confident with this psychiatrist, he knows I go to Spurlock, and he supports that,But he says “we have to get your anxiety relieved so you can sleep and heal”  He tells me that cortisol can

Eat your organs up, and its better to take meds for anxiety all your life than to let that happen…He believes you have to stop anxiety in the early am, before the fight or flight system kicks in,

Or else its futile…He is a very good and compassionate man.

 Thank you ,

   

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 2:09 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re: labs are in   Per the long reply I just posted to your other email, you should be tested for celiac disease/gluten intolerance.  The blood tests are not always accurate.  You can get tested on your own at enterolab.com.  The reason many doctors don't test for this is because the treatment doesn't require a doctor to Rx anything and treating this means a lot less doctor visits in the future.   Also, most doctors are quite ignorant about this and unless they've graduated with the past 5-7 years, they were taught this was a rare disease. 

B.

  , my thyroid peroxidase antibodies were 73, but Dr. S wasn’t concerned about it.

Any opinion? 

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of

Sent: Monday, August 27, 2012 1:13 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Subject: Re: labs are in  

Did they test your thyroid antibodies and did they do a sonogram of your thyroid?  That is the only way to rule out autoimmune thyroid disease, which is the most common form of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's).

B.

  sorry ,  i forgot to say that i don't have autoimmune disease. but i never got tested for that or gluten. i will talk to the Dr about it. Thanks

 

To: Texas_Thyroid_Groups

Sent: Mon, August 27, 2012 12:34:39 PMSubject: Re: labs are in  Your Free T4 is still in the lower end of the range.  Many of us need our Free T4 to be at least midpoint to feel well.   Since you are getting your thyroid compounded, you might ask the doctor to increase the amount of T4 as your T3 is near the upper end of the range already (although some folks do okay with it above range).

You don't have ranges for the estradiol (or progesterone), but that number does not look high to me.  It may be noted as high if you are post-menopausal, but the idea of the replacement hormone is to get you back to pre-menopausal levels.

What are you doing diet wise?  Many of us need to be gluten-free as there is a high incidence of celiac disease/gluten intolerance among folks with autoimmune thyroid disease.  I also avoid nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatos and eggplant) and that has helped tremendously with reducing the stiffness and achiness.  Yoga can also provide some relief. 

B.

  Hi, peeps  here are the results of my lab work  not sure what to think.  i think it looks good but, for the estrogen is to high i think, but will let the Dr know what i think.  

 Cortisol  -am   11.5  (6.2-19.4)

 testoterone,serum  27   (8-48)

 tsh  0.01  red flaged  ( 0.450-4.500)

progesterone 18.9   

esttradiol  33.4  

dhea-sulfate  red flagged  258.6 ( 35.4-256.0) 

triiodothyronine,free,serum  4.1  (2.0-4.4) 

t4,free (Direct)  1.18  ( 0.82-1.77) 

% free testosterone   1.81 (0.50-2.80 ) % testosterone,free   0.49 ( 0.10-0.85)

 I did not take my med before the lab work and  when i do take my med it's 140 mg of compounded thyroid with acidophiles and then i take my dhea 7 keto 25 mg at noon then about 2 or 3 i take my multi and mineral vitamin and extra b12  then about 9:oo pm i take my bhrt progesterone and estrogen.    i have stiff fingers and toes and today when i have my neck down to long it gets stiff .  the hair seems to be better not oily but soft.   i just made a Dr appointment for next week on Wednesday.   so i guess it is up to the Dr now . Thanks     Jan, i hope you are doing better.