More questions

[Guest guest]

dz with all that working out you said you done you shouldn't be fat just sassy!!! LOL

[Guest guest]

I'm praying awful hard! I'm trying to prepare myself, but I know it's going to be a big letdown if it's back. But as they say, one day at a time. Today I am blissfully ignorant of the existance of any dragon droppings and going about my regular routine... Fat & sassy. -dz-

Jannewilms42@... wrote: Dave let's just hope you are still undetectable in JUly...It would be great if there were no more signs wouldn't it??

[Guest guest]

Yeah, but I got a blender that makes excellent milk shakes, too! -dz-

Jannewilms42@... wrote: dz with all that working out you said you done you shouldn't be fat just sassy!!! LOL

[Guest guest]

wish I had the option for treatment!!! But with my low platelets

- they won't allow any treatment!!

imaganeer wrote:

The slow progression of the disease makes it entirely feasible to wait

for treatment until a more convenient time. The sooner the treatment is

undertaken, the better the chance for success, but we are talking years,

rather than months. Most of us have had it a good 10 years before we realize

it. I delayed my treatment several months because of a project line I had

at work. I have completed my treatment and am currently undetectable. If

I go back in July and they find it has returned, I still would intend to

wait until year end, so as not to miss out on vacaction, biking and hiking

this summer. -dz-

tangly cottage gardening <tangly@...>

wrote:

Re: [ ]intro and questions

> Hello Skyler

>

> I have been able to do physically demanding work without any

real

problems.

> By the end of the work week I'm really wiped out though.

>

>

Thanks, that is reassuring. Ack! by the way, in the earlier

remark about

itchy skin being a symptom...because I have that sometimes.

Well, I have

not even been tested yet; my partner is the one who tested positivie

in the

initial test. He has the second test, and I have the first

blood test, on May 8th. So I don't even know if I have it

yet, but of

course now I think I have the symptoms of itchy skin and tiredness.

(Am

something of a hypochondriac anyway!!)

So...for those of you who have it and had it discovered before getting

the

major symptoms like jaundice and pain and so on...Did you all get

put on

interferon? Am curious why some write that they are waiting

for treatment.

I am thinking if I do have it, and have to take the interferon,

I would ask

the doc if it would be safe to wait till around Christmastime to

start the

treatment...so I would not miss work (gardening) if I had severe

side

effects. Because getting the disease into remission is not

going to help if

there is no money to buy groceries (am not exaggerating potential

financial

crisis..our income is seasonal and we just lost a over a month's

worth of my

dear spouse's income because of his heart attack). could

take it

earlier, because he can do odd jobs to get us through the winter

financially. In other words, it would be better for us to

not both start

treatment at the same time, because one of us has to be able to

work...we

are self-employed with no sick leave and no savings. Have

any of you waited

a few months (in my case, it would be about 7 months) to start

treatment?

I realize I am jumping ahead since neither of us are fully diagnosed

yet,

but I am a worrier and it helps to have information.

Thanks so much!

Skyler

[Guest guest]

dz---I'm also hoping for the best results for you- come July!!!!!!

Jannewilms42@... wrote:

Dave

let's just hope you are still undetectable in JUly...It would be great

if there were no more signs wouldn't it??

[Guest guest]

I hear you there. I know they were watching my platelet count closely, as it was dropping pretty low while on the treatment, but it started to come back up for some odd reason and I managed my way through. Hang in there as we pray for better treatments, less taxing on our bodies. -dz-

ACE <arken@...> wrote: wish I had the option for treatment!!! But with my low platelets - theywon't allow any treatment!!imaganeer wrote:>>> The slow progression of the disease makes it entirely feasible to wait> for treatment until a more convenient time. The sooner the treatment> is undertaken, the better the chance for success, but we are talking> years, rather than months. Most of us have had it a good 10 years> before we realize it. I delayed my treatment several months because of> a project line I had at work. I have completed my treatment and am> currently undetectable. If I go back in July and they find it has> returned, I still would intend to wait until year end, so as not to> miss out on vacaction, biking and hiking this summer. -dz->> tangly cottage gardening wrote:>>> Re: [ ]intro and questions>>> > Hello Skyler> >> > I have been able to do physically demanding work without> any real> problems.> > By the end of the work week I'm really wiped out though.> >> > >> Thanks, that is reassuring. Ack! by the way, in the earlier> remark about> itchy skin being a symptom...because I have that sometimes.> Well, I have> not even been tested yet; my partner is the one who tested> positivie in the> initial test. He has the second test, and I have the first> blood test, on May 8th. So I don't even know if I have it> yet, but of> course now I think I have the symptoms of itchy skin and> tiredness. (Am> something of a hypochondriac anyway!!)>> So...for those of you who have it and had it discovered> before getting the> major symptoms like jaundice and pain and so on...Did you> all get put on> interferon? Am curious why some write that they are waiting> for treatment.> I am thinking if I do have it, and have to take the> interferon, I would ask> the doc if it would be safe to wait till around> Christmastime to start the> treatment...so I would not miss work (gardening) if I had> severe side> effects. Because getting the disease into remission is not> going to help if> there is no money to buy groceries (am not exaggerating> potential financial> crisis..our income is seasonal and we just lost a over a> month's worth of my> dear spouse's income because of his heart attack). > could take it> earlier, because he can do odd jobs to get us through the> winter> financially. In other words, it would be better for us to> not both start> treatment at the same time, because one of us has to be able> to work...we> are self-employed with no sick leave and no savings. Have> any of you waited> a few months (in my case, it would be about 7 months) to> start treatment?>> I realize I am jumping ahead since neither of us are fully> diagnosed yet,> but I am a worrier and it helps to have information.>> Thanks so much!>> Skyler>>>>>

[Guest guest]

How can I lose with all this great support! -dz-

ACE <arken@...> wrote: dz---I'm also hoping for the best results for you- come July!!!!!!Jannewilms42@... wrote:> Dave let's just hope you are still undetectable in JUly...It would be> great if there were no more signs wouldn't it??>

[Guest guest]

> Thanks Terri for the link to the counting rules - working through

them, by

> some incredible luck there is no evidence of abnormal mineral

transport in

> Sam's results, except a very high copper reading (11.1). Does anyone

> understand the significance of copper for our kids?

Most AS kids are high copper, altho not all. From my metals page, not

quite finished

Copper:

Signs of toxicity: Irritation of nose, mouth, and eyes, dizziness,

headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps. Liver and kidney

damage and effects on the blood. 's disease, a genetic defect

that results in accumulation of copper in tissues, includes hepatic

cirrhosis, brain damage and demyelination, kidney damage, and

hemolytic anemia. Patients may also suffer from poor coordination,

psychological impairment, tremors, disturbed gait, rigidity, and eye

opacities.

Environmental sources: Wire, sheet metal, pipes, ceramics, fireworks,

and pennies. Used in farming to treat some plant diseases; in water

treatment; and to preserve wood, leather, and fabrics. Swimming in

lakes or ponds where copper was added to the water as copper

fungicides and algicides.

Dietary sources: Drinking water, especially with copper pipes.

Shellfish, liver, kidney, nuts. Cocoa powder, wheat bran, dried

baker's yeast, pepper.

Removal/chelation ideas: Zinc, molybdenum and other metals decrease

dietary copper absorption. Certain amino acids increase absorption.

[Guest guest]

hi,

I was having P for a long time. Later I started getting shoulder joint pain,

then shoulder blade, then to neck. For all these I had xrays, rheumatoid factor,

blood tests etc etc....but nothing suggests that it is PA and my doc, who is

specialist in orthopedics has given me pain killers. It used to reduced after

some time. I mentioned to him specifically that I have P and it could be PA, but

he said all the symptoms and tests suggest it is not PA.

Later after about 1 year I had the problem in the right middle finger joint and

it used to become like a sausage, then I realised it is nothing but PA.

Your symptoms also looks that shoulder blade problem also from PA only. Mention

to this doc and see what he says.

Wish you speedy recovery.

bye

[Moderator's note: Muni, I'm guessing that English isn't your native language

and wish that I could speak and write a second language as well as you do. When

you say " nothing but PA " and " PA only " I assume you're not trying to diminish

the seriousness of Psoriatic Arthritis, and instead mean that the symptoms you

mention affirm the diagnosis of PA. " Sausage Digits " (fingers and/or toes

swollen to the point they look like sausages) are a classic sign of inflammatory

arthritis (which includes Psoriatic Arthritis), and is not something that should

be treated by an Orthopedic surgeon. You need to see a specialist in

Rheumatology as soon as possible. Orthopedic surgeons operate on people. They

are not specialists in inflammatory autoimmune diseases, which is pretty obvious

from your statement that the only thing your Orthopedic doctor is giving you is

pain killers. PAIN KILLERS DO NO GOOD WHATSOEVER IN THE LONG RUN. You need to

take something to prevent permanent damage to your joints and cartilage. Except

in rare cases, once the damage is done it cannot be reversed. Get thee to a

specialist in rheumatology ASAP. Ron]

[ ] More Questions

Hello All,

First, I want to thank those offered their advice for treating scalp

P. Now I have another issue I'm hoping some of you can help with. I

would like to know if anyone has experienced pain in a shoulder

blade, with it feeling like something is 'out of place'?

(Thanks)!

B

[Guest guest]

Ron,

You got it right. English is not my native language, so hope you consider that

correction while reading my note.

Thanks for your suggestion regarding seeing a rheumatology. Actually they got

me tested for rheumatoid factor also, but it came negative.

Luckily I could recover from it without much medication. Now except at one

nuckle in the right hand, rest vanished without much medication etc. I /doc

could not find reason why it came and why it gone also.. so doc told just leave

it to cure on its own as long as it is getting reduced. So I left it and waiting

that balance also to get reduced.

bye

[ ] More Questions

Hello All,

First, I want to thank those offered their advice for treating scalp

P. Now I have another issue I'm hoping some of you can help with. I

would like to know if anyone has experienced pain in a shoulder

blade, with it feeling like something is 'out of place'?

(Thanks)!

B

[Guest guest]

I too have PA affecting my shoulders. My hips, right

now are the worse, but my shoulders are running a

close 2nd. I also feel it in my ribs when I stretch my

arms over my head.

It is also in my knees ankles, toes, elbows, wrists

and now getting into my fingers.

Remicade is no longer working at the normal dose. My

Rheumy has upped the dose, and now I go every 6 weeks

instead of 8 weeks. I just had my 4th infusion about 2

weeks ago. I progressivly got worse after the

infusion, and that is why my Rheumy gave me 9 weeks

off work. I will have the next infusion while I am off

on FMLA, and with no stress, we will see if the

Remicade helps then.

Good Luck,

in Atlanta, GA

--- jam2552001 <jam255@...> wrote:

> Hello All,

> First, I want to thank those offered their advice

> for treating scalp

> P. Now I have another issue I'm hoping some of you

> can help with. I

> would like to know if anyone has experienced pain in

> a shoulder

> blade, with it feeling like something is 'out of

> place'? I have this

> frequently in my right shoulder and it starts a

> vicious cycle of

> muscle tension and spasms, leading to a virtual

> frozen shoulder, and

> it always coincides with a PA flare. Pain meds only

> dull the pain.

> I have found the most relief with trips to my

> Masseur. After he is

> able to loosen the tense muscles (usually two

> visits) he can get to

> the deep pain, then as he is pushing and massaging

> from the back of

> my rib cage and shoulder blade moving up, something

> moves and sort of

> clicks back into place...instant reflief but only

> temporary! I

> haven't pursued this with my Rheumy yet. I'm

> fishing for some

> feedback to see if anyone has similar experience,

> and what kind of

> tests were done to determine a diagnosis. I have PA

> and

> Fibromyalgia, and I'm trying to get insurance

> approval for Remicade.

> I know the PA can cause joint and tendon damage and

> I'm wondering if

> that is what is happening with me. I read about

> people having

> shoulder replacements...can anyone comment on what

> that is all about,

> or point to a good reference on the Internet?

> (Thanks)!

> B

>

>

>

> [Moderator's note: You might ask you doctor to

> simply X-ray your shoulder . If the damage is

> severe enough, you can actually see the bone spurs

> caused by past inflammation on the X-rays. That is

> the case with my left jawbone for example. If an

> X-ray doesn't show anything, you could always try an

> MRI. It will reveal any soft tissue inflammation or

> damage. Ron]

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

PA will not show up in any blood work!

Maybe the sed. rate could determine you have PA, if

you already have P. That is about the only way to dx

it, along with the sauage digits.

[

[Guest guest]

[

[Guest guest]

Hello Mendel,

Based on my last reply to you, I would have to say that it really

depends on what the underlying cause is of the pain and symptoms you

are having. In addition, if we assume you do have PA, and the

homeopathic medicine helps your pain and inflammation, then it could

be you have a very mild case and that whatever the medication does

help you.

Otherwise, you could have a different form of arthritis which may

also be mild and the medicine still helps you.

It is really difficult to say anything for sure if you are unable to

find a doctor who will see you. You are definitely in a hard

situation. However, one of our members has been able to see doctors

with no insurance or medicare. I'll have to look up how she did it,

but you may be able to negotiate a lower rate with a doctor's office

based on your limited ability to pay. Maybe you can get a reduced

rate or something.

Don't give up hope on this. There must be something you can do...

Best wishes,

-Meghan

> One more question:

> Also -

> Nobody really spoke up about the homeopathic medicine thing.

> It seems that if some 30c rhuta graveolens can supress the

> inflamation and pain in my feet- do I neet something stronger or

> should that be enough?

>

> Sincerely,

> Mendel

[Guest guest]

I can't answer your answer about the erythromycin, but I can tell you that you are in #1 hands with Dr.Sinnott. The man is great as a person and Dr. You can contact him with your questions and talk to him personally not just a machine or an office girl and he got his AP education from Dr. Brown.

Best of luck to you and yours,

Skip and Denny

rheumatic More questions

Dear Group,I have RA and Raynaud's since March 01. Dr. Sinnott has prescribed for me oral erythromycin until I finish weaning my baby. Does anyone have any information regarding the effectiveness of this drug as compared with Minocin? Dr. S also highly recommended I start on the IV therapy as soon as possible, but my insurance will not cover any out-patient procedures. I am also wondering if anyone knows the actual costs of Minocin per month. My high deductible is dictating that I pay for this medication out of pocket.Has anyone seen Dr. O'Dell in Omaha for AP? I am thrilled with Dr. Sinnott, but my insurance will pay for IV's if they are performed in a doctor's office. (It is so crazy, the hoops we must jump through to get the care we need!) I am grasping here, hoping to find a way to begin treatment and stop the advance of this disease.One last question...I am giving much effort to changing my diet and following Dr. Mercola's advice. Can anyone tell me the timeline on how long it takes a food that will trigger symptoms to increase? I am desperately trying to figure this out so I can participate in my life. I have 8 young children and all of this is so overwhelming and it is so hard to be the mother I want to be...the mother I used to be. I think I finally figured out why I couldn't enter the chat room. My browser was not Java enabled. I hope to join you all soon! I'm so glad to have found you.IbbyTo unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups

[Guest guest]

Dear Ibby,

>I have RA and Raynaud's since March 01. Dr. Sinnott has prescribed for me

oral erythromycin until I finish weaning my baby.

Dr. Sinnott has prescribed erythromycin while you are breast-feeding as

minocycline

passes through the breast milk into the baby. Many people have done very well

on erythromycin. Once you wean your baby you can see which antibiotic works

best for you.

>Dr. S also highly recommended I start on the IV therapy as soon as possible,

but my insurance will not cover any out-patient procedures.

I know some people here have had a nurse come to their house and give the IVs

- don't know if that helps your situation.

Lincocin can also be used for the injections, and in most countries, it is

cheaper

than clindamycin.

If your insurance won't cover the injections so that you can't afford them,

oral clindamycin can also be taken and it's a lot cheaper (at least here in

Australia) than the injected form.

Hope some of these ideas help you. By the way, Dr. Sinnott is one of the best

doctors anywhere with this therapy.

Chris.

[Guest guest]

,

I also enjoy my alcohol, so my recovery takes longer. I don't

remember the exact posts, but I remember reading that Vodka and

Tequila, without sugary mixers, were probably the alcohols that would

have the least damage or effect because of their low sugar content.

Vodka is made from potatoes and I believe Tequila is cactus-based.

Could be wrong on the Tequila though.

Rum, I think is made from sugar cane, and wines, of course, you know

how they are. Plus, they are all fermented, so beer is really bad,

at least for me. Two beers and I'm swollen with 10 pounds. This

could be an allergic reaction for me though. If I've gotten any of

this off, please correct.

> Thank you Lynne and for your replies and help! )

>

> I guess there's probably no treatment for Candida for someone who

will not

> quit drinking? (

>

> Now, after the Candida has been killed, can you drink alcohol and

eat some

> of the things that you can't eat on the detox diet? Or do you have

to keep

> up a strict diet all the time?

>

> Thanks again!

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/14/03 10:27:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

goldeylocks@... writes:

> We want an IEP, of course. The sped teacher sends

> us back a note that says she'll meet with us to discuss next year

> (nothing new, regular preschool 3 mornings, her sped room two

> afternoons). That doesn't sound like an IEP to me. Who is supposed

> to be present at an IEP? What are we entitled to ask for? I don't

> think putting him in the sped room has done him any good this year,

> and I want something different for him next year. Aren't they

> supposed to look at his current IEP and see if he's met his goals?

> And if he hasn't, aren't they supposed to try something new to make

> sure he does meet them? I'm very confused, and frankly, unhappy with

> the school district. I'd appreciate anything you can tell me about

> IEPs!

>

You should request an IEP meeting in writing to your office of student

services or director of special education. Yes, he should meet his goals and

not just be put in a classroom. You are entitled to request anything that

will provide him an appropriate education.

Roxanna ôô

What doesn't kill us

Makes us really mean.

[Guest guest]

Hi

While my daughter Deb, waits to see the LLMD next week, I seem to depend

on all of you for answers. Deb has been on antibiotics for 5 weeks now.

Her sysmptoms seem to improve greatly and then return. It sounds like

she is herxing. Does this continue throughout treatment? Does it ever

reach a point where symptoms actually disappear. Everytime she thinks

she is actually feeling better, it all returns, at least the headache and

dizzyness component.

On another note, I got the name af another local MD who I was told also

sees Lyme patients, just in case we were not happy with the one we are

seeing next week (he comes with mixed reviews.)

Well the first opening for Dr # 2 is in FEB. I sure hope we are happy

with Dr. #1. It only took 7 weeks to see him. Is this a normal pattern

with long waits for appointments? As always I so appreciate your input

is battleing this illness.

Libby

________________________________________________________________

The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!

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[Guest guest]

hi libby

i've only been doing this for a short time, so i can't answer your first

question. however, as far as the docs are concerned, i would suggest

calling your family dr. and having them make an appt. for you with the #2

guy if need be. you'd be surprised how quickly they will get you in. i was

supposed to wait over two months for one guy, and my doc got me an appt. for

the very next morning.

xoxoxo

Jeni

>From: Libsak@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: [ ] more questions

>Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 14:10:12 -0400

>

>Hi

>While my daughter Deb, waits to see the LLMD next week, I seem to depend

>on all of you for answers. Deb has been on antibiotics for 5 weeks now.

> Her sysmptoms seem to improve greatly and then return. It sounds like

>she is herxing. Does this continue throughout treatment? Does it ever

>reach a point where symptoms actually disappear. Everytime she thinks

>she is actually feeling better, it all returns, at least the headache and

>dizzyness component.

>On another note, I got the name af another local MD who I was told also

>sees Lyme patients, just in case we were not happy with the one we are

>seeing next week (he comes with mixed reviews.)

>Well the first opening for Dr # 2 is in FEB. I sure hope we are happy

>with Dr. #1. It only took 7 weeks to see him. Is this a normal pattern

>with long waits for appointments? As always I so appreciate your input

>is battleing this illness.

>Libby

>

>________________________________________________________________

>The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!

>Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!

>Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!

_________________________________________________________________

<b>Get MSN 8</b> and enjoy automatic e-mail virus protection.

http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus

[Guest guest]

Hi Libby,

I'm very sorry for what Deb is going thru. What you desrcibes is

a " herx type " reaction. Five weeks is a very short time to be on

abx....what is she taking and what dosage?

I have been treating with orals for over 3 years and in my

experience the herx's got less severe and I did get to the point

where I was symptom free. I was on HUGE doses of orals and can not

tolerate them any more.

My symptoms gradually returned and I am on my 2nd week of IV doxy.I

also have babesia, mycoplasma, and bartonella. Please make sure your

doc tests for co-infections...but don't expect the Lyme or babesia

to be positive if Deb is on abx. (They can mess up the test) And

make sure the tests got to a good Lab ( IGENEX, BBI, Bowen)

Sometimes it helps to take orals with a protein and stay away from

carbs & sugar. She can develope systemic yeast from the abx and the

symptoms for that are similar to Lyme. Email me privately and I may

be able to hook you up with some of my Lymie friends in Indiana &

Ohio!

K in CA

-- In , Libsak@j... wrote:

> Hi

> While my daughter Deb, waits to see the LLMD next week, I seem to

depend

> on all of you for answers. Deb has been on antibiotics for 5

weeks now.

> Her sysmptoms seem to improve greatly and then return. It sounds

like

> she is herxing. Does this continue throughout treatment? Does

it ever

> reach a point where symptoms actually disappear. Everytime she

thinks

> she is actually feeling better, it all returns, at least the

headache and

> dizzyness component.

> On another note, I got the name af another local MD who I was told

also

> sees Lyme patients, just in case we were not happy with the one we

are

> seeing next week (he comes with mixed reviews.)

> Well the first opening for Dr # 2 is in FEB. I sure hope we are

happy

> with Dr. #1. It only took 7 weeks to see him. Is this a normal

pattern

> with long waits for appointments? As always I so appreciate your

input

> is battleing this illness.

> Libby

>

> ________________________________________________________________

> The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand!

> Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER!

> Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today!

[Guest guest]

-,

I completely understand what you are going through, you become

attached to your doctor and trust him but when your health begins to

affect every aspect of your life it is time to move on. You know

more than he does when it comes to your body and how you feel.

Don't let him tell you what you should or how to be feeling. I am

in the same boat right now. I have been seeing my doctor for over 5

years, and when I tell him there is something wrong with me he

should be listening. I just went ahead and looked online at my

nearest medical college by where I live, looked up the endocrinology

department and made an appointment. Usually a staff person in the

department will tell you who is a good doctor to go to when you tell

them your specific symptoms, like mine which is high cholesterol and

depression.

I told my doctor that I haven't been feeling right of at least over

a year, gained 35 pounds in 11 monthes, I exercise 3 times a weak

and still seem to be gaining weight. Everything I eat goes right to

my body and doesn't want to come off.

You need to keep telling him that you don't feel right and if he

still isn't listening, go to someone who will like a specialist.

I hope everything is okay and know that you are not alone.

We are here for you.

-- In hypothyroidism , " " <nll320@h...> wrote:

> The last time I wrote I told you guys that I had gone for blood

> tests and they came back normal. I have really been on my doc for

> awhile now as I really believe it is my thyroid and my doc keeps

> insisting it isn't my thyroid.

> On my last visit I asked him about my thyroid again and my doc

said

> it wasn't my thyroid when we were talking and then when I said are

> you sure as I have a sore throat and I am having a hard time

> swallowing that last few days. " Your symptoms are not thyroid

> related and I really don't believe it is your thyroid. " Then he

> checked my neck and said " Hmmm, your thyroid seems to be

enlarged.

> We better send you for an ultrasound. " Then the rest of the

> story.....LOL!

> So he did a ultrasound on my thyroid. The ultrasound found a

> thickening of the thyroid and a node on the right side. He has

sent

> me for a nuclear iodine test to see if the node is hot or cold. I

> saw a lot of red on the screen where my thyroid is but then again

> maybe that is normal with the iodine. My doc is sending me to an

> ENT to read the results and get a second opinion. I asked why he

> wasn't referring me to an endocrine doc and he said I didn't need

> one yet. I don't understand that but I will go tomorrow and find

> out I guess. My doc told me that he doesn't think it is cancerous

> but that we should check things out to make sure it isn't. I'm

not

> jumping to conclusions that it is cancerous but at the same time I

> am not taking much faith in what he says as this is the same doc

> that has insisted for a year now that it couldn't be my thyroid.

> Also I asked my doc about changing me from the levothyroxine to

> armour or something more natural and he said I didn't need those.

I

> just needed the levothyroxine, that it is keeping my thyroid from

> enlarging any more. I told him I don't feel any better and in

fact

> I may feel a little worse. The fatigue has gotten so bad that I

> won't drive more than 10-15 minutes away as I am fighting to stay

> awake after that. I have many days now that I feel like I am

coming

> down with a cold or something but I never do. Then I will have a

> good day or the beginning half of the day is good then the rest I

am

> just wiped out. Does anyone else feel like this?

> I went to a natural health food store this weekend and bought some

> homeopathy medicine that has thyroidinum. I was also given a

> referral to a MD that is also a naturalpath doc. I am going to

give

> him a call tomorrow to see if I can get in to see him. I want

> someone that will listen to me and try to help. I love my current

> doc but we are just banging heads with this thyroid problem. I

just

> don't feel like he is listening or that he is knowledgable about

the

> thyroid and therefore he should refer me to someone that deals

with

> the thyroid.

> Anyway, thanks for listening. Any encouraging words from you guys

> sure would help right now. I guess I just am feeling a little

down

> as I finally figure the problem out but my doc just doesn't seem

to

> be helping.

> Thanks again for listening and sorry it is so long.

[Guest guest]

> > The last time I wrote I told you guys that I had gone for blood

> > tests and they came back normal. I have really been on my doc

for

> > awhile now as I really believe it is my thyroid and my doc keeps

> > insisting it isn't my thyroid.

> > On my last visit I asked him about my thyroid again and my doc

> said

> > it wasn't my thyroid when we were talking and then when I said

are

> > you sure as I have a sore throat and I am having a hard time

> > swallowing that last few days. " Your symptoms are not thyroid

> > related and I really don't believe it is your thyroid. " Then he

> > checked my neck and said " Hmmm, your thyroid seems to be

> enlarged.

> > We better send you for an ultrasound. " Then the rest of the

> > story.....LOL!

> > So he did a ultrasound on my thyroid. The ultrasound found a

> > thickening of the thyroid and a node on the right side. He has

> sent

> > me for a nuclear iodine test to see if the node is hot or cold.

I

> > saw a lot of red on the screen where my thyroid is but then

again

> > maybe that is normal with the iodine. My doc is sending me to

an

> > ENT to read the results and get a second opinion. I asked why

he

> > wasn't referring me to an endocrine doc and he said I didn't

need

> > one yet. I don't understand that but I will go tomorrow and

find

> > out I guess. My doc told me that he doesn't think it is

cancerous

> > but that we should check things out to make sure it isn't. I'm

> not

> > jumping to conclusions that it is cancerous but at the same time

I

> > am not taking much faith in what he says as this is the same doc

> > that has insisted for a year now that it couldn't be my thyroid.

> > Also I asked my doc about changing me from the levothyroxine to

> > armour or something more natural and he said I didn't need

those.

> I

> > just needed the levothyroxine, that it is keeping my thyroid

from

> > enlarging any more. I told him I don't feel any better and in

> fact

> > I may feel a little worse. The fatigue has gotten so bad that I

> > won't drive more than 10-15 minutes away as I am fighting to

stay

> > awake after that. I have many days now that I feel like I am

> coming

> > down with a cold or something but I never do. Then I will have

a

> > good day or the beginning half of the day is good then the rest

I

> am

> > just wiped out. Does anyone else feel like this?

> > I went to a natural health food store this weekend and bought

some

> > homeopathy medicine that has thyroidinum. I was also given a

> > referral to a MD that is also a naturalpath doc. I am going to

> give

> > him a call tomorrow to see if I can get in to see him. I want

> > someone that will listen to me and try to help. I love my

current

> > doc but we are just banging heads with this thyroid problem. I

> just

> > don't feel like he is listening or that he is knowledgable about

> the

> > thyroid and therefore he should refer me to someone that deals

> with

> > the thyroid.

> > Anyway, thanks for listening. Any encouraging words from you

guys

> > sure would help right now. I guess I just am feeling a little

> down

> > as I finally figure the problem out but my doc just doesn't seem

> to

> > be helping.

> > Thanks again for listening and sorry it is so long.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the encouraging words. I tried to call several endo docs

in my area and all of them wanted a referral or they wouldn't see

me. My current doc said he didn't think I needed to go to an endo

doc when I asked for a referral. So I am going to find another doc

that will get me a doc that understands and will help me to feel

better.

I keep you posted.

Thanks,

> > The last time I wrote I told you guys that I had gone for blood

> > tests and they came back normal. I have really been on my doc

for

> > awhile now as I really believe it is my thyroid and my doc keeps

> > insisting it isn't my thyroid.

> > On my last visit I asked him about my thyroid again and my doc

> said

> > it wasn't my thyroid when we were talking and then when I said

are

> > you sure as I have a sore throat and I am having a hard time

> > swallowing that last few days. " Your symptoms are not thyroid

> > related and I really don't believe it is your thyroid. " Then he

> > checked my neck and said " Hmmm, your thyroid seems to be

> enlarged.

> > We better send you for an ultrasound. " Then the rest of the

> > story.....LOL!

> > So he did a ultrasound on my thyroid. The ultrasound found a

> > thickening of the thyroid and a node on the right side. He has

> sent

> > me for a nuclear iodine test to see if the node is hot or cold.

I

> > saw a lot of red on the screen where my thyroid is but then

again

> > maybe that is normal with the iodine. My doc is sending me to

an

> > ENT to read the results and get a second opinion. I asked why

he

> > wasn't referring me to an endocrine doc and he said I didn't

need

> > one yet. I don't understand that but I will go tomorrow and

find

> > out I guess. My doc told me that he doesn't think it is

cancerous

> > but that we should check things out to make sure it isn't. I'm

> not

> > jumping to conclusions that it is cancerous but at the same time

I

> > am not taking much faith in what he says as this is the same doc

> > that has insisted for a year now that it couldn't be my thyroid.

> > Also I asked my doc about changing me from the levothyroxine to

> > armour or something more natural and he said I didn't need

those.

> I

> > just needed the levothyroxine, that it is keeping my thyroid

from

> > enlarging any more. I told him I don't feel any better and in

> fact

> > I may feel a little worse. The fatigue has gotten so bad that I

> > won't drive more than 10-15 minutes away as I am fighting to

stay

> > awake after that. I have many days now that I feel like I am

> coming

> > down with a cold or something but I never do. Then I will have

a

> > good day or the beginning half of the day is good then the rest

I

> am

> > just wiped out. Does anyone else feel like this?

> > I went to a natural health food store this weekend and bought

some

> > homeopathy medicine that has thyroidinum. I was also given a

> > referral to a MD that is also a naturalpath doc. I am going to

> give

> > him a call tomorrow to see if I can get in to see him. I want

> > someone that will listen to me and try to help. I love my

current

> > doc but we are just banging heads with this thyroid problem. I

> just

> > don't feel like he is listening or that he is knowledgable about

> the

> > thyroid and therefore he should refer me to someone that deals

> with

> > the thyroid.

> > Anyway, thanks for listening. Any encouraging words from you

guys

> > sure would help right now. I guess I just am feeling a little

> down

> > as I finally figure the problem out but my doc just doesn't seem

> to

> > be helping.

> > Thanks again for listening and sorry it is so long.

[Guest guest]

I think sometimes doctors just don't want to admit they may not know

what is going on, I had to do the same thing just recently and I got

another doctor to sign off on the referral and I will be seeing the

endo in the middle of October. Can you believe it takes that long

to see anyone nowadays. We might as well be living in Canada. At

least there, doctors and medicine is free.

Good Luck with everything and keep on trying.

Liz

> > > The last time I wrote I told you guys that I had gone for

blood

> > > tests and they came back normal. I have really been on my doc

> for

> > > awhile now as I really believe it is my thyroid and my doc

keeps

> > > insisting it isn't my thyroid.

> > > On my last visit I asked him about my thyroid again and my doc

> > said

> > > it wasn't my thyroid when we were talking and then when I said

> are

> > > you sure as I have a sore throat and I am having a hard time

> > > swallowing that last few days. " Your symptoms are not thyroid

> > > related and I really don't believe it is your thyroid. " Then

he

> > > checked my neck and said " Hmmm, your thyroid seems to be

> > enlarged.

> > > We better send you for an ultrasound. " Then the rest of the

> > > story.....LOL!

> > > So he did a ultrasound on my thyroid. The ultrasound found a

> > > thickening of the thyroid and a node on the right side. He

has

> > sent

> > > me for a nuclear iodine test to see if the node is hot or

cold.

> I

> > > saw a lot of red on the screen where my thyroid is but then

> again

> > > maybe that is normal with the iodine. My doc is sending me to

> an

> > > ENT to read the results and get a second opinion. I asked why

> he

> > > wasn't referring me to an endocrine doc and he said I didn't

> need

> > > one yet. I don't understand that but I will go tomorrow and

> find

> > > out I guess. My doc told me that he doesn't think it is

> cancerous

> > > but that we should check things out to make sure it isn't.

I'm

> > not

> > > jumping to conclusions that it is cancerous but at the same

time

> I

> > > am not taking much faith in what he says as this is the same

doc

> > > that has insisted for a year now that it couldn't be my

thyroid.

> > > Also I asked my doc about changing me from the levothyroxine

to

> > > armour or something more natural and he said I didn't need

> those.

> > I

> > > just needed the levothyroxine, that it is keeping my thyroid

> from

> > > enlarging any more. I told him I don't feel any better and in

> > fact

> > > I may feel a little worse. The fatigue has gotten so bad that

I

> > > won't drive more than 10-15 minutes away as I am fighting to

> stay

> > > awake after that. I have many days now that I feel like I am

> > coming

> > > down with a cold or something but I never do. Then I will

have

> a

> > > good day or the beginning half of the day is good then the

rest

> I

> > am

> > > just wiped out. Does anyone else feel like this?

> > > I went to a natural health food store this weekend and bought

> some

> > > homeopathy medicine that has thyroidinum. I was also given a

> > > referral to a MD that is also a naturalpath doc. I am going

to

> > give

> > > him a call tomorrow to see if I can get in to see him. I want

> > > someone that will listen to me and try to help. I love my

> current

> > > doc but we are just banging heads with this thyroid problem.

I

> > just

> > > don't feel like he is listening or that he is knowledgable

about

> > the

> > > thyroid and therefore he should refer me to someone that deals

> > with

> > > the thyroid.

> > > Anyway, thanks for listening. Any encouraging words from you

> guys

> > > sure would help right now. I guess I just am feeling a little

> > down

> > > as I finally figure the problem out but my doc just doesn't

seem

> > to

> > > be helping.

> > > Thanks again for listening and sorry it is so long.