Re: Adrenal Insufficiency, Steroids and Suppressed Hormones

[Guest guest]

I have to tell you . . I"m trying to learn. But my brain simply CAN'T! I go to these links...and I just want to cry. I know I can't look to a doctor (and right now I have NO doctor anyway) to champion everything I need to recover from this.....But I sure wish there were one. I need some help! I have researched doctors and am about to try to get an appointment. I'm torn between going with an endo who is a preferred provider for my insurance (leaning this way due to financial reasons) or going to one of the 3 doctors (all women, interestingly) who are in the area and have detailed info on thyroid issues on their web sites/bios. One is a women's health expert and lists thyroid info too. I will call tomorrow and see who I can get into first,

perhaps as I"m really struggling here. sandySubject: Re: Adrenal Insufficiency, Steroids and Suppressed HormonesTo: Thyroiditis Date: Friday, January 21, 2011, 4:36 PMAll of the stress hormones do many various things 'and in ratio to each other cause even more drama ;)please please read this link i pasted in my other post/thread this week trust me your doctor will not know all the info that is contained on thsi endotext pageNOTE: the ENDO website admits that there is "Adrenal Fatigue" the *real meaning of AF i mean = the brain gettnig upregultaed into chronic stress mode

(that can cause 'fatigue' of Any of the stress hormone producing cells in brain or adrenals )NOTE the first section title???Stress Syndrome ====Message #15837 of 15866 < Prev | Next >Endo text admits Adrenal Fatigue exists -under another name :)see PS below :)this link to endo.text webpage on the stress system has a good summary of our stress system and its effect on other CNS Central NErvous system 'parts' --like the Thryoid axis, digestive system, brain and etc etc http://www.endotext.org/adrenal/adrenal8/adrenal8.htmhere is 'adrenal fatigue' lifestyle guidelines :^)(btw AVP = Vasorpessin).....-CarolPS when i was so sick with hypot/AF/high cortisol and Fibromylgia pains etc my idiot doctor gave me an RX for Nasal Steriod inhalers for my extreme Vasomotor Rhinitis )known

by modern medical literature to be caused by High Vasopressin BTW!!) it shot me thru the roofj within 3 days of using the lowest dose possible.>> So I was asking the list about feeling awful in Jan & Feb when the weather> is cold.> > Adrenal fatigue was mentioned as being a possible connection to some of> these problems.> I am assuming "fatigue" is similar or the same thing as an adrenal> insufficiency.> > I did some looking and found some pretty interesting things. One article> mentioned use of steroids> could cause an actual insufficiency by blocking production of certain needed> chemicals in the chain reactions.> That the steroid, like from a creme made

the body not produce enough ACTH,> DHEA etc.> So I guess in that situation the fake "cortisone" from the steroid, stopped> part of the chain reaction but didn't> supply the body with the needed replacement in the chain, or those other> chemicals couldn't do their other jobs.> > http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/hypoadrenalism.htm> > I also found a study/paper that outlined cases of people having actual bad> reactions like that to steroids.> Adrenal suppression from prednisone and similar steroid drug.> > http://www.google.com/url?sa=t & source=web & cd=2 & ved=0CB8QFjAB & url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.altmedrev.com%2Fsobi2.html%3Fsobi2Task%3Ddd_download%26fid%3D110 & rct=j & q=Adrenal%20Suppression%20with%20Low-Dose%20Steroids & ei=1g86TZ7OIcP_lgffuNGPBw & usg=AFQjCNEBmf7iOaLzxozSTFr0NQuhy8VeWA & cad=rja> > This is all very enlightening. I had been having issues with taking steroids> and the doctor I was seeing thought I was crazy.> He thought there was no way low levels of steroids could cause problems.> These two articles explained exactly why I was having> what

sounded like a counter-intuitive reaction. You would think steroids> would make adrenal issues better, but there are obviously cases where> they can make things worse and it didn't take mega-doses to do it.> > So at least now I know how to explain this intelligently to my doctors and> discuss it with my endo doc.> Now the bigger question is if there is some adrenal component to my> hypothyroid issues.> > BTW, I had some small dose Sythroid at home, took half of a 50mg this> afternoon because I felt so awful I figured it couldn't hurt.> Night and day improvement, much of the diffuse back pain resolved, the> feeling like I had the flu, stomach ache etc. all got much better.> So I will be calling my endo Monday to see if she wants to do some med> adjustments or more testing.> > (in

SD)>------------------------------------*Note: Information is freely exchanged on this board based on patient experiences, and should not be considered a medical recommendation.

[Guest guest]

Reading medical journals isn't easy. The paper on endotext is interesting but a rather hard read the way it is written. I have some medical background and I still have a hard time reading some papers. When they are extremely over technical even if you understand the words they can be difficult to read. Not all are though, so don't completely give up on reading medical journal papers.

If you run into words you don't know the meaning of try either of these sites.www.medterms.comwww.medilexicon.comThere are a few websites that explain things in plain English. Stop the Thyroid Madness and the About.com thyroid page have some basic information. If your looking for anything deeper than that your usually stuck reading medical journals.

http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/http://thyroid.about.com/Finding a good knowledgeable doctor is extremely important if your trying to wade through all this information and need guidance. A doctor that just tests T4/TSH and throws some low dose Synthroid at you and calls it done isn't worth the copay.

If you have specific questions please ask. There is a ton of useful information and knowledgeable people here. Don't be afraid to ask for something in plain English either. :-) (in SD)

>>  >> I have to tell you  . .  I " m trying to learn.  But my brain simply CAN'T!  I go to these links...and I just want to cry.   I know I can't look to a doctor (and right now I have NO doctor anyway) to champion everything I need to recover from this.....But I sure wish there were one.   

> I need some help!   > I have researched doctors and am about to try to get an appointment.  I'm torn between going with an endo who is a preferred provider for my insurance (leaning this way due to financial reasons) or going to one of the 3 doctors (all women, interestingly) who are in the area and have detailed info on thyroid issues on their web sites/bios.   One is a women's health expert and lists thyroid info too.  I will call tomorrow and see who I can get into first, perhaps as I " m really struggling here. 

> sandy>

[Guest guest]

Sandy: Most endo's (two in my experience) don't buy into treating Hashimotos....the TSH is their everything. I even had one send me for a thyroid scan for my swollen thryoid to rule out cancer...the radiologist said I'd feel better on meds....but the endo just wanted to rule out cancer. No meds. I now have a family doc. that understands that thyroid meds will help reduce the swelling of my desperate thyroid, and that one can be symptomatic before the TSH changes.She recently sent me for a nuclear scan...same radiologist...it indicated my thyroid was swollen but at some point had been even more swollen. This means it is responding to meds. I had much better luck with the family doc (female, with an alternative bent, but in-network). And this wasn't the first

family doc, btw...the rest had ignored it like the endos. So, as long as you have to *shop* for the right care, I personally would not bother with endos. I would consider it a blessing to find a general doc (?) who specializes in thyroid. This may also indicate a willingness on their part to think outside of the (synthroid) box when it comes to thyroid replacement options. Shoman also has a list of top thyroid docs on her website. You can search by state.DeannaTo: Thyroiditis Sent: Sun, January 23, 2011 10:20:36 PMSubject: Re: Re: Adrenal Insufficiency, Steroids and Suppressed Hormones

I have to tell you . . I"m trying to learn. But my brain simply CAN'T! I go to these links...and I just want to cry. I know I can't look to a doctor (and right now I have NO doctor anyway) to champion everything I need to recover from this.....But I sure wish there were one. I need some help! I have researched doctors and am about to try to get an appointment. I'm torn between going with an endo who is a preferred provider for my insurance (leaning this way due to financial reasons) or going to one of the 3 doctors (all women, interestingly) who are in the area and have detailed info on thyroid issues on their web sites/bios. One is a women's health expert and lists thyroid info too. I will call tomorrow and see who I can get

into first,

perhaps as I"m really struggling here. sandySubject: Re: Adrenal Insufficiency, Steroids and Suppressed HormonesTo: Thyroiditis Date: Friday, January 21, 2011, 4:36 PMAll of the stress hormones do many various things 'and in ratio to each other cause even more drama ;)please please read this link i pasted in my other post/thread this week trust me your doctor will not know all the info that is contained on thsi endotext pageNOTE: the ENDO website admits that there is "Adrenal Fatigue" the *real meaning of AF i mean = the brain gettnig upregultaed into chronic stress mode

(that can cause 'fatigue' of Any of the stress hormone producing cells in brain or adrenals )NOTE the first section title???Stress Syndrome ====Message #15837 of 15866 < Prev | Next >Endo text admits Adrenal Fatigue exists -under another name :)see PS below :)this link to endo.text webpage on the stress system has a good summary of our stress system and its effect on other CNS Central NErvous system 'parts' --like the Thryoid axis, digestive system, brain and etc etc http://www.endotext.org/adrenal/adrenal8/adrenal8.htmhere is 'adrenal fatigue' lifestyle guidelines :^)(btw AVP = Vasorpessin).....-CarolPS when i was so sick with hypot/AF/high cortisol and Fibromylgia pains etc my idiot doctor gave me an RX for Nasal Steriod inhalers for my extreme Vasomotor

Rhinitis )known

by modern medical literature to be caused by High Vasopressin BTW!!) it shot me thru the roofj within 3 days of using the lowest dose possible.>> So I was asking the list about feeling awful in Jan & Feb when the weather> is cold.> > Adrenal fatigue was mentioned as being a possible connection to some of> these problems.> I am assuming "fatigue" is similar or the same thing as an adrenal> insufficiency.> > I did some looking and found some pretty interesting things. One article> mentioned use of steroids> could cause an actual insufficiency by blocking production of certain needed> chemicals in the chain reactions.> That the steroid, like from a creme made

the body not produce enough ACTH,> DHEA etc.> So I guess in that situation the fake "cortisone" from the steroid, stopped> part of the chain reaction but didn't> supply the body with the needed replacement in the chain, or those other> chemicals couldn't do their other jobs.> > http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/hypoadrenalism.htm> > I also found a study/paper that outlined cases of people having actual bad> reactions like that to steroids.> Adrenal suppression from prednisone and similar steroid drug.> > http://www.google.com/url?sa=t & source=web & cd=2 & ved=0CB8QFjAB & url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.altmedrev.com%2Fsobi2.html%3Fsobi2Task%3Ddd_download%26fid%3D110 & rct=j & q=Adrenal%20Suppression%20with%20Low-Dose%20Steroids & ei=1g86TZ7OIcP_lgffuNGPBw & usg=AFQjCNEBmf7iOaLzxozSTFr0NQuhy8VeWA & cad=rja>> > This is all very enlightening. I had been having issues with taking steroids> and the doctor I was seeing thought I was crazy.> He thought there was no way low levels of steroids could cause problems.> These two articles explained exactly why I was having> what

sounded like a counter-intuitive reaction. You would think steroids> would make adrenal issues better, but there are obviously cases where> they can make things worse and it didn't take mega-doses to do it.> > So at least now I know how to explain this intelligently to my doctors and> discuss it with my endo doc.> Now the bigger question is if there is some adrenal component to my> hypothyroid issues.> > BTW, I had some small dose Sythroid at home, took half of a 50mg this> afternoon because I felt so awful I figured it couldn't hurt.> Night and day improvement, much of the diffuse back pain resolved, the> feeling like I had the flu, stomach ache etc. all got much better.> So I will be calling my endo Monday to see if she wants to do some med> adjustments or more testing.> > (in

SD)>------------------------------------*Note: Information is freely exchanged on this board based on patient experiences, and should not be considered a medical recommendation.

[Guest guest]

I found my doctor by calling the local pharmacy that does compounded medicines. I think someone on the list tipped me off to try this?I found a small pharmacy in town that does compounding. The logic being that if they do compounded medicines someone might have prescribed a compounded form of thyroid for a patient there and the pharmacist could tell you what doctors have prescribed such in the past as a clue who might be an option for a doctor. If they prescribed compounded natural thyroid they are likely open minded enough to treat you on a broader scope that just a T4 test and Synthroid.

This worked for me. I found a CNP who works under a doctor that does rehab & physical medicine with an alternative slant. She didn't have a problem treating me based on symptoms and other factors along with labs rather than T4 & TSH and nothing else.

  (in SD)

 

Sandy: I had much better luck with the family doc (female, with an alternative bent, but in-network).  And this wasn't the first

family doc, btw...the rest had ignored it like the endos.  So, as long as you have to *shop* for the right care, I personally would not bother with endos.  I would consider it a blessing to find a general doc (?) who specializes in thyroid.  This may also indicate a willingness on their part to think outside of the (synthroid) box when it comes to thyroid replacement options. 

Shoman also has a list of top thyroid docs on her website.  You can search by state.Deanna

[Guest guest]

also,, we don't have to understand every sentence either

but *this is the type of serious medical literature /from a serious conventional

medical source / that will and should impress your DRs!

and that Endotext article admits that " Adreanl Fatiuge " exists -tho They call it

" Stress Syndrome " in the first Section header (and near the end of their long

page, they call it ...something like " the chronic stress syndrome " no caps

giving a copy of it to ANY doctor should imporess him And give him the tangible

reassurance that he has 'back up' EG) proof of real medical and biologic reasons

for going the extra miles to both assess you and treat you

you could even ask your Doctor : to sign the copy of that ENdotext on Stress

Syndrome " , read it and put it in your chart. YOu could even circle the Section

headers where you have symptoms,(you can see all the sections they have , if you

are not sure --circle it

if you can't get an ENdo or DR to believe that the stress-system (entire) IS

involved in ANY chronic condition -After showing them that endotext and having

them sign it and put it in your chart- then you will have to try to find any

other doctor in your vicinity -and try again with her

don't be overwhelmed - be happy that there is actually a LOT of current and

Older *conventional medical literature that literally proves what we patients

have been going thru and why the T4 and even T3 RX are not better than NTH rx

for many patients. (not ALL patients tho despite what you hear from some groups

but many

Google: thyroid + Nongenomics to see more reasons why

-Carol

btw: ALL 5 thyroid hormones generate their own biologic activity both

Genomically and NOngenomically ; so that debunks another myth that you will hear

all doctors and thryoid forums say

> >

> >

> >

> > I have to tell you . . I " m trying to learn. But my brain simply CAN'T!

> I go to these links...and I just want to cry. I know I can't look to a

> doctor (and right now I have NO doctor anyway) to champion everything I need

> to recover from this.....But I sure wish there were one.

> > I need some help!

> > I have researched doctors and am about to try to get an appointment. I'm

> torn between going with an endo who is a preferred provider for my insurance

> (leaning this way due to financial reasons) or going to one of the 3 doctors

> (all women, interestingly) who are in the area and have detailed info on

> thyroid issues on their web sites/bios. One is a women's health expert and

> lists thyroid info too. I will call tomorrow and see who I can get into

> first, perhaps as I " m really struggling here.

> > sandy

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sandy,

Having Hashis is hard. What was helpful to me was buying Shomon's book

-Living Well with Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You... That You

Need to Know- back in 2000 when I was finally Dx'd.

Also, now, since 2006, Dr. Friedman, a respected hormone specialist, wrote a

book called -The Everything Health Guide To Thyroid Disease...- which gives more

information than the average book. This book covers the role of thyroid with the

other hormones. (We can only feel better when all of our hormones are in

balance.) This book is a great book for those that are just learning about the

thyroid but it still has enough for those of us who are more experienced in

thyroid issues.

As for doctors, I'd stay clear of the Endo and go with a doctor who understands

thyroid dysfunction. Most Endos know how to treat and focus on diabetes, most

endos only test TSH and if you are lucky you'll also get a Free T4 test but only

rx synthetic T4 that make many of us worse. I contacted a new disease called

Endo-phobia after I was almost killed with the TSH-only testing. I have

" central " hypOthyroidism -where the pituitary-thyroid signal is broken, so my

TSH is always low even when I experienced a life-threatening Myxedema Coma due

to lack of thyroid hormones in my body. Had I not educated myself I probably

would not be alive.

Good luck and good health,

~Bj

>

> I have to tell you  . .  I " m trying to learn.  But my brain simply CAN'T!  I

go to these links...and I just want to cry.   I know I can't look to a doctor

(and right now I have NO doctor anyway) to champion everything I need to recover

from this.....But I sure wish there were one.   

> I need some help!   

> I have researched doctors and am about to try to get an appointment.  I'm torn

between going with an endo who is a preferred provider for my insurance (leaning

this way due to financial reasons) or going to one of the 3 doctors (all women,

interestingly) who are in the area and have detailed info on thyroid issues on

their web sites/bios.   One is a women's health expert and lists thyroid info

too.  I will call tomorrow and see who I can get into first, perhaps as I " m

really struggling here. 

> sandy

[Guest guest]

Something being verified by either positive writing or a decent study tends to get much more attention of mainstream doctors. Doctors are people though. You will run into doctors who refuse to read or even consider anything new or outside of their small worldview of medicine. Some doctors will consider something if it gets enough mainstream approval. Other doctors will be willing to look at a wider variety of possibilities and treatments if initial attempts don't work well.

I have seen soooo many doctors over the years as they tried to figure out what was wrong with me, getting sent to various specialists to treat this symptom and that symptom. Then having to start from scratch again if you move.

Some are just impossible to deal with, will be judgmental and are quick to label someone a hypochondriac if they have a complicated medical case. If you run into one the best thing to do is find someone else.

As far as Endo docs, They do seem to focus heavily on diabetes management and unless they have a reputation of being well versed on Thyroid issues they can be utterly worthless. The last one I went to was absolutely obsessed with what my A1C (blood sugar) test was going to be. I am not overweight, eat properly and do not have an ongoing issue with high blood sugar. The A1C was more important than getting a decent thyroid panel to this guy. Everything about their practice was geared at the typical diabetes patient. So unless they have a documented reputation of being open minded and treating lots of thyroid patients I won't go back to an endo again.

(in SD)

and that Endotext article admits that " Adreanl Fatiuge " exists -tho They call it " Stress Syndrome " in the first Section header (and near the end of their long page, they call it ...something like " the chronic stress syndrome " no caps

giving a copy of it to ANY doctor should imporess him And give him the tangible reassurance that he has 'back up' EG) proof of real medical and biologic reasons for going the extra miles to both assess you and treat you

[Guest guest]

truly; its terrible out there

but start with teh basics:

if a doctor /espeically an endo/ refuses to follow the Prescribing information

as stated in the " gold-standard " thyroid RX sinthroid??

then i guess you have an answer of how bad your doctor is and how far outside

the line that DR is willing to practice=>(practice in an ignorant way i should

add

the fact is that Sinthroid and Abbott ARE the leaders and have been for 40 years

and Sinthroid RX is the ONLY thing about hypot that is taught in medical schools

for the treatment of HYPOT..

so if you have doctor who refuese to follow the " Prescribing INformation " of

Abbott/Sinthroid??

have him sign it acknowledging that he is consciuoly not following their

Gold-standar RX Prescribing Info Document. and put it in your chart

and go else where.

Hashis, nodule and goiter patietns should be Dosed to Supress their TSH and the

FREE t3 must be tested THAT is the gold-standard legally defined how to treat

those patients.

>

> >

> > and that Endotext article admits that " Adreanl Fatiuge " exists -tho They

> > call it " Stress Syndrome " in the first Section header (and near the end of

> > their long page, they call it ...something like " the chronic stress

> > syndrome " no caps

> >

> > giving a copy of it to ANY doctor should imporess him And give him the

> > tangible reassurance that he has 'back up' EG) proof of real medical and

> > biologic reasons for going the extra miles to both assess you and treat you

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you .... I'm relatively bright - just completely clobbered right now by brain fog and I think it's migrating to depression.I have Thyroid Power, Stop Thyroid Madness, What Doctors won't tell you about hypothyroidism and one more. Thank you for your support. If I can come up with specific questions - you'll be hearing them!sandy

>> >> I have to tell you . . I"m trying to learn. But my brain simply CAN'T! I go to these links...and I just want to cry. I know I can't look to a doctor (and right now I have NO doctor anyway) to champion everything I need to recover from this.....But I sure wish there were one.

> I need some help! > I have researched doctors and am about to try to get an appointment. I'm torn between going with an endo who is a preferred provider for my insurance (leaning this way due to financial reasons) or going to one of the 3 doctors (all women, interestingly) who are in the area and have detailed info on thyroid issues on their web sites/bios. One is a women's health expert and lists thyroid info too. I will call tomorrow and see who I can get into first, perhaps as I"m really struggling here.

> sandy>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Deanna - I went to an Endo (at Stanford, no less!) about 8 years ago. She looked at my file and said "OH, you're almost 40 - welcome to your forties...I wake up feeling like that every morning now too". geesh. unacceptable. the one who finally helped me with my thyroid issues was actually my oncologist during a follow-up annual exam. (he has since closed his practice). I did go thru the doc's on 's site and think I have a few good candidates. can't remember if I got them from there - but I did use her site and search. Glad you found someone who is working well for you. A good doctor can make a world of difference with so many issues that may come up. sandySubject: Re: Adrenal Insufficiency, Steroids and Suppressed HormonesTo: Thyroiditis Date: Friday, January 21, 2011, 4:36 PMAll of the stress hormones do many various things 'and in ratio to each other cause even more drama ;)please please read this link i pasted in my other post/thread this week trust me your doctor will not know all the info that is contained on thsi endotext pageNOTE: the ENDO website admits that there is "Adrenal Fatigue" the *real meaning of AF i mean = the brain gettnig upregultaed into chronic stress mode

(that can cause 'fatigue' of Any of the stress hormone producing cells in brain or adrenals )NOTE the first section title???Stress Syndrome ====Message #15837 of 15866 < Prev | Next >Endo text admits Adrenal Fatigue exists -under another name :)see PS below :)this link to endo.text webpage on the stress system has a good summary of our stress system and its effect on other CNS Central NErvous system 'parts' --like the Thryoid axis, digestive system, brain and etc etc http://www.endotext.org/adrenal/adrenal8/adrenal8.htmhere is 'adrenal fatigue' lifestyle guidelines :^)(btw AVP = Vasorpessin).....-CarolPS when i was so sick with hypot/AF/high cortisol and Fibromylgia pains etc my idiot doctor gave me an RX for Nasal Steriod inhalers for my

extreme Vasomotor

Rhinitis )known

by modern medical literature to be caused by High Vasopressin BTW!!) it shot me thru the roofj within 3 days of using the lowest dose possible.>> So I was asking the list about feeling awful in Jan & Feb when the weather> is cold.> > Adrenal fatigue was mentioned as being a possible connection to some of> these problems.> I am assuming "fatigue" is similar or the same thing as an adrenal> insufficiency.> > I did some looking and found some pretty interesting things. One article> mentioned use of steroids> could cause an actual insufficiency by blocking production of certain needed> chemicals in the chain reactions.> That the steroid, like from a creme made

the body not produce enough ACTH,> DHEA etc.> So I guess in that situation the fake "cortisone" from the steroid, stopped> part of the chain reaction but didn't> supply the body with the needed replacement in the chain, or those other> chemicals couldn't do their other jobs.> > http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/hypoadrenalism.htm> > I also found a study/paper that outlined cases of people having actual bad> reactions like that to steroids.> Adrenal suppression from prednisone and similar steroid drug.> > http://www.google.com/url?sa=t & source=web & cd=2 & ved=0CB8QFjAB & url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.altmedrev.com%2Fsobi2.html%3Fsobi2Task%3Ddd_download%26fid%3D110 & rct=j & q=Adrenal%20Suppression%20with%20Low-Dose%20Steroids & ei=1g86TZ7OIcP_lgffuNGPBw & usg=AFQjCNEBmf7iOaLzxozSTFr0NQuhy8VeWA & cad=rja>> > This is all very enlightening. I had been having issues with taking steroids> and the doctor I was seeing thought I was crazy.> He thought there was no way low levels of steroids could cause problems.> These two articles explained exactly why I was having> what

sounded like a counter-intuitive reaction. You would think steroids> would make adrenal issues better, but there are obviously cases where> they can make things worse and it didn't take mega-doses to do it.> > So at least now I know how to explain this intelligently to my doctors and> discuss it with my endo doc.> Now the bigger question is if there is some adrenal component to my> hypothyroid issues.> > BTW, I had some small dose Sythroid at home, took half of a 50mg this> afternoon because I felt so awful I figured it couldn't hurt.> Night and day improvement, much of the diffuse back pain resolved, the> feeling like I had the flu, stomach ache etc. all got much better.> So I will be calling my endo Monday to see if she wants to do some med> adjustments or more testing.> > (in

SD)>------------------------------------*Note: Information is freely exchanged on this board based on patient experiences, and should not be considered a medical recommendation.

[Guest guest]

ohhh - interesting approach. and i have such a specialty pharmacy near me (have used it for meds for my cat). Might try that. Are all the natural thyroid meds from pigs? I'm vegan and not going to go that way...sandy

Sandy: I had much better luck with the family doc (female, with an alternative bent, but in-network). And this wasn't the first

family doc, btw...the rest had ignored it like the endos. So, as long as you have to *shop* for the right care, I personally would not bother with endos. I would consider it a blessing to find a general doc (?) who specializes in thyroid. This may also indicate a willingness on their part to think outside of the (synthroid) box when it comes to thyroid replacement options.

Shoman also has a list of top thyroid docs on her website. You can search by state.Deanna

[Guest guest]

BJ - thanks - I hadn't yet heard of the 2nd book - added it to my Amazon cart. You all are inspiring me to believe I really might find a doctor who will work with me. (my experience with doctors has mostly convinced me to avoid them....)sandySubject: Re: Adrenal Insufficiency, Steroids and Suppressed HormonesTo: Thyroiditis Date: Monday, January 24, 2011, 10:35 AMHi Sandy,Having Hashis is hard. What was helpful to me was buying Shomon's book -Living Well with Hypothyroidism:

What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You... That You Need to Know- back in 2000 when I was finally Dx'd. Also, now, since 2006, Dr. Friedman, a respected hormone specialist, wrote a book called -The Everything Health Guide To Thyroid Disease...- which gives more information than the average book. This book covers the role of thyroid with the other hormones. (We can only feel better when all of our hormones are in balance.) This book is a great book for those that are just learning about the thyroid but it still has enough for those of us who are more experienced in thyroid issues. As for doctors, I'd stay clear of the Endo and go with a doctor who understands thyroid dysfunction. Most Endos know how to treat and focus on diabetes, most endos only test TSH and if you are lucky you'll also get a Free T4 test but only rx synthetic T4 that make many of us worse. I contacted a new disease called Endo-phobia after I was almost killed with

the TSH-only testing. I have "central" hypOthyroidism -where the pituitary-thyroid signal is broken, so my TSH is always low even when I experienced a life-threatening Myxedema Coma due to lack of thyroid hormones in my body. Had I not educated myself I probably would not be alive. Good luck and good health,~Bj>> I have to tell you . . I"m trying to learn. But my brain simply CAN'T! I go to these links...and I just want to cry. I know I can't look to a doctor (and right now I have NO doctor anyway) to champion everything I need to recover from this.....But I sure wish there were one. > I need some help! > I have researched doctors and am

about to try to get an appointment. I'm torn between going with an endo who is a preferred provider for my insurance (leaning this way due to financial reasons) or going to one of the 3 doctors (all women, interestingly) who are in the area and have detailed info on thyroid issues on their web sites/bios. One is a women's health expert and lists thyroid info too. I will call tomorrow and see who I can get into first, perhaps as I"m really struggling here. > sandy------------------------------------*Note: Information is freely exchanged on this board based on patient experiences, and should not be considered a medical recommendation.

[Guest guest]

IIRC all natural thyroid meds are made from pork thyroid, I don't know if there are any made from other animal. Natural thyroid =dessicated thyroid of an animal. Synthetic thyroid = synthetic pharmaceutical version. As far as I know there isn't a plant based substance to match thyroid hormones.

Finding a doctor that prescribes natural thyroid doesn't mean they will only prescribe that. My current doc still has me on Synthroid since it seemed to be mostly working and I don't have major side effects. The main thing is finding someone who will do more to investigate and treat you than doing a T4 & TSH test and telling you to suck it up and live with your symptoms.

(in SD)

 

ohhh - interesting approach.   and i have such a specialty pharmacy near me (have used it for meds for my cat).  Might try that. 

Are all the natural thyroid meds from pigs?  I'm vegan and not going to go that way...sandy

[Guest guest]

I saw the doc (CNP) today. Based on what I told her she thinks I have an adrenal issue. The crashing mid afternoon was something she thought was significant and leaned toward being something off in the adrenal system. So for right now she put me on some adrenal supplements, upped my vit.D, added Magnesium and progesterone. She wants me to do all this for 30 days and see if I get better.

Depending on how the next 30 days go we might do some blood work and cortisol tests to try to pinpoint problems. She also had me tweak my diet more. Try for 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water and grams of protein and do some protein rich snacks to try to keep things leveled out. She also had me switch to an unprocessed sea salt and said if I feel like I am fading in the afternoon I could put some of that in water & drink it. I didn't get a chance to ask her the logic behind that since there were so many things being sorted out. She also gave me a pile of hand outs to read.

A positive thing out of this is that if something else in the endocrine system is not acting right and can be pin pointed I could possibly lower my thyroid dosage without getting side effects if the larger dose is just masking some side effects caused by something else.

What I find interesting was that worthless endo doc I saw last year just wanted to lower my thyroid dosage because my TSH was showing I was taking too much thyroid and refused to even look at anything else being a factor.

(in SD)

[Guest guest]

- I'd like to hear how you do - what transpires with you - if you do more tests etc. your situation sounds very much like mine. My TSH is low ...I have afternoon CRASHES (pretty much on schedule from 3pm to 7pm) - where I'm FREEZING and zonked out. Are you also awake all night? I'm glad you have found a doctor who is working with you. Hope you are feeling better soon. sandySubject: Re: Adrenal Insufficiency, Steroids and Suppressed

HormonesTo: Thyroiditis Date: Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 10:07 AM

I saw the doc (CNP) today. Based on what I told her she thinks I have an adrenal issue. The crashing mid afternoon was something she thought was significant and leaned toward being something off in the adrenal system. So for right now she put me on some adrenal supplements, upped my vit.D, added Magnesium and progesterone. She wants me to do all this for 30 days and see if I get better.

Depending on how the next 30 days go we might do some blood work and cortisol tests to try to pinpoint problems. She also had me tweak my diet more. Try for 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water and grams of protein and do some protein rich snacks to try to keep things leveled out. She also had me switch to an unprocessed sea salt and said if I feel like I am fading in the afternoon I could put some of that in water & drink it. I didn't get a chance to ask her the logic behind that since there were so many things being sorted out. She also gave me a pile of hand outs to read.

A positive thing out of this is that if something else in the endocrine system is not acting right and can be pin pointed I could possibly lower my thyroid dosage without getting side effects if the larger dose is just masking some side effects caused by something else.

What I find interesting was that worthless endo doc I saw last year just wanted to lower my thyroid dosage because my TSH was showing I was taking too much thyroid and refused to even look at anything else being a factor.

(in SD)

[Guest guest]

Im not awake all night but I am already taking a muscle relaxer at night to help me sleep, I have issues not getting deep enough to sleep. But I am not getting the best sleep either, I don't wake up feeling totally recharged and if I do wake up it is still hard to get back to sleep right away. In the summer I feel less wiped out and can have issues sleeping and also feel I don't need as much sleep. I don't have quite the ups and downs in the summer, more of needing something like a coffee to keep going but there is still a noticeable dip mid-afternoon.

I crash some point between noon - 3pm and sometimes feel a bit better about 7-8pm. This isn't meh, I could use a coffee, it is OMG can I lift my head off the sofa. It has made getting dinner done really interesting. I bought one of those 3 crock pot units last week and used that a couple of days by putting together a meal in the 3 pots in the morning when I had some energy. I was sooo glad there was food waiting at dinner. We had take out last night. I was just so wiped I could barely hold a conversation so the hubby went and bought food. This has also really cut into doing pretty much anything lately. I will have maybe 4 hours of so-so functional time in the morning and the rest of the day is a waste as I can barely function. So I hope these changes help. Will give an update.

(in SD)

 

- I'd like to hear how you do - what transpires with you - if you do more tests etc. 

your situation sounds very much like mine.   My TSH is low ...I have afternoon CRASHES  (pretty much on schedule from 3pm to 7pm) - where  I'm FREEZING and zonked out.  Are you also awake all night?   

I'm glad you have found a doctor who is working with you.  Hope you are feeling better soon. sandy

[Guest guest]

IMO you should test your cortisol Saliva tests BEFore starting on any type of

Adrenal supplement..

you can order yourself form ZRT website ; zipcode finder

lists both Pharmacies and doctors in your *state

and you don't have to pay a PHarmacy to Mail you the kit and be your 'provider'

like a DR

-Carol

>

> I saw the doc (CNP) today. Based on what I told her she thinks I have an

> adrenal issue. The crashing mid afternoon was something she thought was

> significant and leaned toward being something off in the adrenal system. So

> for right now she put me on some adrenal supplements, upped my vit.D, added

> Magnesium and progesterone. She wants me to do all this for 30 days and see

> if I get better.

>

> Depending on how the next 30 days go we might do some blood work and

> cortisol tests to try to pinpoint problems.

>

> She also had me tweak my diet more. Try for 1/2 your body weight in ounces

> of water and grams of protein and do some protein rich snacks to try to keep

> things leveled out. She also had me switch to an unprocessed sea salt and

> said if I feel like I am fading in the afternoon I could put some of that in

> water & drink it. I didn't get a chance to ask her the logic behind that

> since there were so many things being sorted out. She also gave me a pile of

> hand outs to read.

>

> A positive thing out of this is that if something else in the endocrine

> system is not acting right and can be pin pointed I could possibly lower my

> thyroid dosage without getting side effects if the larger dose is just

> masking some side effects caused by something else.

>

> What I find interesting was that worthless endo doc I saw last year just

> wanted to lower my thyroid dosage because my TSH was showing I was taking

> too much thyroid and refused to even look at anything else being a factor.

>

> (in SD)

>

[Guest guest]

ZRT is the company on the literature she gave me so that must be who they use. She also gave me some literature on iodine testing as something she thought might be good to do in the future. I assumed I could do the saliva tests directly the vitamin D test I think would need a blood draw.

(in SD)

 

IMO you should test your cortisol Saliva tests BEFore starting on any type of Adrenal supplement..

you can order yourself form ZRT website ; zipcode finder

lists both Pharmacies and doctors in your *state

and you don't have to pay a PHarmacy to Mail you the kit and be your 'provider' like a DR

-Carol

>

> I saw the doc (CNP) today. Based on what I told her she thinks I have an

> adrenal issue. The crashing mid afternoon was something she thought was

> significant and leaned toward being something off in the adrenal system. So

> for right now she put me on some adrenal supplements, upped my vit.D, added

> Magnesium and progesterone. She wants me to do all this for 30 days and see

> if I get better.

>

> Depending on how the next 30 days go we might do some blood work and

> cortisol tests to try to pinpoint problems.

>

> She also had me tweak my diet more. Try for 1/2 your body weight in ounces

> of water and grams of protein and do some protein rich snacks to try to keep

> things leveled out. She also had me switch to an unprocessed sea salt and

> said if I feel like I am fading in the afternoon I could put some of that in

> water & drink it. I didn't get a chance to ask her the logic behind that

> since there were so many things being sorted out. She also gave me a pile of

> hand outs to read.

>

> A positive thing out of this is that if something else in the endocrine

> system is not acting right and can be pin pointed I could possibly lower my

> thyroid dosage without getting side effects if the larger dose is just

> masking some side effects caused by something else.

>

> What I find interesting was that worthless endo doc I saw last year just

> wanted to lower my thyroid dosage because my TSH was showing I was taking

> too much thyroid and refused to even look at anything else being a factor.

>

> (in SD)

>