Re: Autoimmune? Guys with Hashi's?

January 23, 2006

Hi , I am a 26 y o female with Hashi's and I was dx'ed when I was 11. From what I understand it is hereditary but definitely more common in women. My mom, grandmother, and sister all have it. My mom's endocrinologist told her to have me tested when i hit puberty. I don't have any brothers, just three sisters (the twins haven't hit puberty yet, so we don't know if they are gonna get it...so far 2/4) The only other disease I have which has been linked to Hashi's is endometriosis and iron deficiency anemia. My DHEA and cortisol are kind of low and I have pretty bad IBS. I don't have a b-12 deficiency, mine is actually too high now that i have been on metanx. I am also a patient of Dr. , so that is why I wrote back to you. If you have high antibodies and/or low cortisol Dr. R will most likely put you on hydrocortisone, which will suppress your immune system. My antibodies have gone from

2915 to 2500 in 3 months. My mom has hashi's and she also has several other autoimmune diseases...including vitaligo, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, b-12 and iron def anemia. She also used to suffer severe migraines and now has lost her sense of smell, which I find to be really weird. Dr. R has emphasized that I need to avoid stress. I have definitely been under a lot of stress ever since I can remember. He said that stress can trigger your antibodies and also other autoimmune conditions. So, it is definitely important to arrange your life situation so that you can avoid stress as much as possible. HTH even though I am female. Good luck with your treatment. Be patient, it takes a while to start feeling better...especially when you are adjusting to all kinds of new meds etc. Take care, L. wrote: Hi. I'm a 32 year old male that has recently been diagnosed withHashi/hypo. Through the generous help of people on this forum I'mhaving my follow up visit to discuss my first round of blood test withDr. R in a week.I've read that Hashi's in men uncommon. I've also read that Hashi'stends to be after 40.Given those facts I'm curious what other autoimmune problems peopleare having here in addition to Hashimoto's. I've been following theprecocious (sp) anemia which I understand is tested for by vitamin Bdeficiency and I know Dr. R is testing for.I'd be very curious to hear from some of the other men that may be onthis forum and have Hashi's. I'm curious when you got diagnosed andhow long you think you had

it? I have no clue how long I've had aproblem, but when I was diagnosed hypo my TSH was 13.5. If I had toguess maybe my early 20's as I had a sudden bp increase, fatigue, andoff and on depression, but maybe it's not connected.One of my concerns in the recent past and to a lesser extent lately isgetting another autoimmune disease. Dr. R said stress and fatiguetrigger them so "chill out". I have to admit that I have been SUPERDUPPER STRESSED in the recent past, but now I'm thinking before stressing!If you care to share, I'm trying to figure out just how likely it isthat I'll get another autoimmune. I've read and heard that I'm "about10% more likely", but what does that mean? If 1% of the populationgets "Autoimmune X", then does 11% of hashi's get Autoimmune X? Or isit 1.1% of hashi's get Autoimmune X?Just sort of confused. When I switched meds in Dec. I freaked outwith

shakes and twitches and was sure I had MS. That has mostlysubsided and I'm not flipping out so much anymore.Thanks for any stories about your autoimmune issues.

Yahoo! Photos Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.

January 23, 2006

Thanks !You bought up a point that has had me concerned: "hydrocortisone, which will suppress your immune system".Won't this increase the risk of cancer?Thanks!Matt Laurie wrote: Hi , I am a 26 y o female with Hashi's and I was dx'ed when I was 11. From what I understand it is hereditary but definitely more common in women. My mom, grandmother, and sister all have it. My mom's endocrinologist told her to have me tested when i hit puberty. I don't have any brothers, just three sisters (the twins haven't hit puberty yet, so we don't know if they are gonna get it...so far 2/4) The only other disease I have which has been linked to Hashi's is endometriosis and iron deficiency anemia. My DHEA and

cortisol are kind of low and I have pretty bad IBS. I don't have a b-12 deficiency, mine is actually too high now that i have been on metanx. I am also a patient of Dr. , so that is why I wrote back to you. If you have high antibodies and/or low cortisol Dr. R will most likely put you on hydrocortisone, which will suppress your immune system. My antibodies have gone from 2915 to 2500 in 3 months. My mom has hashi's and she also has several other autoimmune diseases...including vitaligo, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, b-12 and iron def anemia. She also used to suffer severe migraines and now has lost her sense of smell, which I find to be really weird. Dr. R has emphasized that I need to avoid stress. I have definitely been under a lot of stress ever since I can remember. He said that stress can trigger your antibodies and also other autoimmune conditions.

So, it is definitely important to arrange your life situation so that you can avoid stress as much as possible. HTH even though I am female. Good luck with your treatment. Be patient, it takes a while to start feeling better...especially when you are adjusting to all kinds of new meds etc. Take care, L. wrote: Hi. I'm a 32 year old male that has recently been diagnosed withHashi/hypo. Through the generous help of people on this forum I'mhaving my follow up visit to discuss my first round of blood test withDr. R in a week.I've read that Hashi's in men uncommon. I've also read that Hashi'stends to be after 40.Given those facts I'm

curious what other autoimmune problems peopleare having here in addition to Hashimoto's. I've been following theprecocious (sp) anemia which I understand is tested for by vitamin Bdeficiency and I know Dr. R is testing for.I'd be very curious to hear from some of the other men that may be onthis forum and have Hashi's. I'm curious when you got diagnosed andhow long you think you had it? I have no clue how long I've had aproblem, but when I was diagnosed hypo my TSH was 13.5. If I had toguess maybe my early 20's as I had a sudden bp increase, fatigue, andoff and on depression, but maybe it's not connected.One of my concerns in the recent past and to a lesser extent lately isgetting another autoimmune disease. Dr. R said stress and fatiguetrigger them so "chill out". I have to admit that I have been SUPERDUPPER STRESSED in the recent past, but now I'm thinking before stressing!If

you care to share, I'm trying to figure out just how likely it isthat I'll get another autoimmune. I've read and heard that I'm "about10% more likely", but what does that mean? If 1% of the populationgets "Autoimmune X", then does 11% of hashi's get Autoimmune X? Or isit 1.1% of hashi's get Autoimmune X?Just sort of confused. When I switched meds in Dec. I freaked outwith shakes and twitches and was sure I had MS. That has mostlysubsided and I'm not flipping out so much anymore.Thanks for any stories about your autoimmune issues. Yahoo! Photos Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events,

holidays, whatever.

January 23, 2006

Hi, I am a 23yr old Female. I have had Graves Autoimmune before,

then had Radiation to kill my thyroid. Apparently part of my thyroid

survived the Radiation and I now have Hashi/Hypo, too.

I am at the starting point with the antibodies, though. My doc isnt

sure what he is going to do just yet. He told me he is going to

research all our possible routes before we discuss any treatments.

My TSH is over 190, so I am taking Levothyroxine to get that down.

I also have Iron-deficiency Anemia.

But, one thing I have learned from others in the group is that when

you get your TSH back in the normal range, the antibody count tends

to naturally lower. So, that is another reason why I am waiting for

treatment for the Hashi.

And by the way, the fatigue and depression are Definitely signs of

being Hypo. Besides the weight-gain, the fatigue is the worst part

of being Hypo for me. I can handle the coarse hair and dry skin and

alot of the other symptoms, but that fatigue alone changes my whole

outlook on life and my personality. Its hard to be in a good mood

when you feel Exhausted.

Good Luck with your Hashi/Hypo. You arent alone. I will update with

my progress and different treaments.

~Amber

>

> Hi. I'm a 32 year old male that has recently been diagnosed with

> Hashi/hypo. Through the generous help of people on this forum I'm

> having my follow up visit to discuss my first round of blood test

with

> Dr. R in a week.

>

> I've read that Hashi's in men uncommon. I've also read that Hashi's

> tends to be after 40.

>

> Given those facts I'm curious what other autoimmune problems people

> are having here in addition to Hashimoto's. I've been following the

> precocious (sp) anemia which I understand is tested for by vitamin B

> deficiency and I know Dr. R is testing for.

>

> I'd be very curious to hear from some of the other men that may be

on

> this forum and have Hashi's. I'm curious when you got diagnosed and

> how long you think you had it? I have no clue how long I've had a

> problem, but when I was diagnosed hypo my TSH was 13.5. If I had to

> guess maybe my early 20's as I had a sudden bp increase, fatigue,

and

> off and on depression, but maybe it's not connected.

>

> One of my concerns in the recent past and to a lesser extent lately

is

> getting another autoimmune disease. Dr. R said stress and fatigue

> trigger them so " chill out " . I have to admit that I have been SUPER

> DUPPER STRESSED in the recent past, but now I'm thinking before

stressing!

>

> If you care to share, I'm trying to figure out just how likely it is

> that I'll get another autoimmune. I've read and heard that

I'm " about

> 10% more likely " , but what does that mean? If 1% of the population

> gets " Autoimmune X " , then does 11% of hashi's get Autoimmune X? Or

is

> it 1.1% of hashi's get Autoimmune X?

>

> Just sort of confused. When I switched meds in Dec. I freaked out

> with shakes and twitches and was sure I had MS. That has mostly

> subsided and I'm not flipping out so much anymore.

>

> Thanks for any stories about your autoimmune issues.

>

January 23, 2006

Hi Amber, Thanks for the reply. My TSH was 13.5 before I started the poison. I've only had two sets of results back on antibodies (AntiTPO) and both were around 800. The second reading was slightly less (760), but I wonder if that is just with in the accuracy of the test. My TSH was around 4.0 when I had both Antibody tests and was taking 100 micro grams of Levothroid. I switched to Unithroid 100 micro grams on 12/7 and many of my issues have gone away (after shakes and jitters in the transition). It may be that Unithroid tends to be a little stronger, so I've heard, at the same dose. I did a round of tests about a week ago, and will get the results in one week. I'm curious to see if there is a correlation between feeling a little better and antibodies being lower (I was on Unithroid for 5 weeks before giving the blood.) I realize my TSH is high still, but we didn't increase the dose because my

FT4 is already 30% over normal. I've switched to Dr. R in the last 30 days and can't wait to see him in one week. I can't wait to quit taking Straight Synthetic T4, as I truly believe as my TSH and thyroid were suppressed, my body started missing the little bits of the "other hormones" my thyroid was making before it got "turned off" so to speak. I suspect I don't feel well because I'm living primarily on T4. When I was on 50 micrograms and my TSH was higher, I felt much better. Once I got my TSH further down I've felt like a mindless zombie. If I continue to feel like this I'll probably divorce my wife and let her marry somebody else to have kids with as I currently feel unable to sustain a family properly. I am so hopeful that Armour and a good look at possible other problems with Dr. R will help me I know what you mean about it changing who you are and destroying your

life! Lately I don't want to commit to doing anything that requires hard work or thought. I got married just about the time I found all this out sixish months ago and I don't think we got the chance to be newly weds as I was having weird reactions to dose increases, and more recently transient weird hypo symptoms that keep me on the couch and mentally check out! Keeping fingers crossed!Amber wrote: Hi, I am a 23yr old Female. I have had Graves Autoimmune before, then had Radiation to kill my thyroid. Apparently part of my thyroid survived the Radiation and I now have Hashi/Hypo, too. I am at the starting point with the antibodies, though. My doc isnt sure what he is going to do just yet. He told me he is going to research all our

possible routes before we discuss any treatments. My TSH is over 190, so I am taking Levothyroxine to get that down.I also have Iron-deficiency Anemia.But, one thing I have learned from others in the group is that when you get your TSH back in the normal range, the antibody count tends to naturally lower. So, that is another reason why I am waiting for treatment for the Hashi.And by the way, the fatigue and depression are Definitely signs of being Hypo. Besides the weight-gain, the fatigue is the worst part of being Hypo for me. I can handle the coarse hair and dry skin and alot of the other symptoms, but that fatigue alone changes my whole outlook on life and my personality. Its hard to be in a good mood when you feel Exhausted.Good Luck with your Hashi/Hypo. You arent alone. I will update with my progress and different treaments.~Amber>> Hi. I'm a 32 year old male that has recently been diagnosed with> Hashi/hypo. Through the generous help of people on this forum I'm> having my follow up visit to discuss my first round of blood test with> Dr. R in a week.> > I've read that Hashi's in men uncommon. I've also read that Hashi's> tends to be after 40.> > Given those facts I'm curious what other autoimmune problems people> are having here in addition to Hashimoto's. I've been following the> precocious (sp) anemia which I understand is tested for by vitamin B> deficiency and I know Dr. R is testing for.> > I'd be very curious to hear from some of the other men that may be on> this forum and have Hashi's. I'm curious when you got diagnosed and> how long you think you had

it? I have no clue how long I've had a> problem, but when I was diagnosed hypo my TSH was 13.5. If I had to> guess maybe my early 20's as I had a sudden bp increase, fatigue, and> off and on depression, but maybe it's not connected.> > One of my concerns in the recent past and to a lesser extent lately is> getting another autoimmune disease. Dr. R said stress and fatigue> trigger them so "chill out". I have to admit that I have been SUPER> DUPPER STRESSED in the recent past, but now I'm thinking before stressing!> > If you care to share, I'm trying to figure out just how likely it is> that I'll get another autoimmune. I've read and heard that I'm "about> 10% more likely", but what does that mean? If 1% of the population> gets "Autoimmune X", then does 11% of hashi's get Autoimmune X? Or is> it 1.1% of hashi's get Autoimmune

X?> > Just sort of confused. When I switched meds in Dec. I freaked out> with shakes and twitches and was sure I had MS. That has mostly> subsided and I'm not flipping out so much anymore.> > Thanks for any stories about your autoimmune issues.>

January 23, 2006

Oh No!!! more things to learn! I'll will ask and research on my own! Thank you! In a nut shell though.... does taking hydrocortison suppress your immune system and make it less capabile of fighting cancer cells? :) Thank you!smr79410 wrote: MattAsk Dr R to explain to you how hydrocortisone works to assist NK Killer cells, T-Cells and Helper T-Cells. I think you will then understand how important hydrocortisone is to those of us with adrenal problems and Hashi.Sharon> Hi. I'm a 32 year old male that has recently been diagnosed with> Hashi/hypo. Through the generous help of people on this forum I'm> having my follow up visit to discuss my first round of blood test with> Dr. R in a week.> > I've read that Hashi's in men uncommon. I've also read that Hashi's> tends to be after 40.> > Given those facts I'm curious what other autoimmune problems people> are having

here in addition to Hashimoto's. I've been following the> precocious (sp) anemia which I understand is tested for by vitamin B> deficiency and I know Dr. R is testing for.> > I'd be very curious to hear from some of the other men that may be on> this forum and have Hashi's. I'm curious when you got diagnosed and> how long you think you had it? I have no clue how long I've had a> problem, but when I was diagnosed hypo my TSH was 13.5. If I had to> guess maybe my early 20's as I had a sudden bp increase, fatigue, and> off and on depression, but maybe it's not connected.> > One of my concerns in the recent past and to a lesser extent lately is> getting another autoimmune disease. Dr. R said stress and fatigue> trigger them so "chill out". I have to admit that I have been SUPER> DUPPER STRESSED in the recent past, but

now I'm thinking before stressing!> > If you care to share, I'm trying to figure out just how likely it is> that I'll get another autoimmune. I've read and heard that I'm "about> 10% more likely", but what does that mean? If 1% of the population> gets "Autoimmune X", then does 11% of hashi's get Autoimmune X? Or is> it 1.1% of hashi's get Autoimmune X?> > Just sort of confused. When I switched meds in Dec. I freaked out> with shakes and twitches and was sure I had MS. That has mostly> subsided and I'm not flipping out so much anymore.> > Thanks for any stories about your autoimmune issues.> > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Yahoo! Photos> Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos,

events, holidays, whatever. > >

January 24, 2006

Definitely sounds like something you want to discuss with Dr. I have researched hydrocortisone, but I still have much more to learn also. I have only been seeing Dr. since last July. The main thing I have noticed is that it helps me tremendously during dosage increases. I know that it will suppress your antibodies, and it also helps my asthma a bit. I have noticed that I get more colds than usual, but nothing too serious. The HC has also helped to lower my liver enzymes considerably (they were pretty high and have reduced by more than half). My liver enzymes were actually higher than someone I know who has Hep C which I found to be pretty scary...so I am glad that they are back down in the 20's. I would think that having a high antibody count would be much more dangerous (as far as fighting cancer is concerned) than hydrocortisone. I don't know though, I just

know that HC is often used to treat people with autoimmune conditions such as Lupus and fibromyalgia. I am also taking testosterone for my endometriosis. This has helped a good deal with my energy levels, and it has reduced my period pain/bloodflow considerably. Dr. may treat you with testosterone for different reasons (obviously) but I can tell you that it helps a LOT (just as much as the thyroid). The only bad thing I noticed is that the excess testosterone has raised my blood sugar a bit. But, we are hoping that once the thyroid meds really start working that I will not need as much of the hormones.... Also, I am using a testosterone cream...not pills. I was unable to tolerate the DHEA pills, but I have heard lots of people say that they help (they give me headaches). Good luck with your treatment! wrote: Oh No!!! more things to learn! I'll will ask and research on my own! Thank you! In a nut shell though.... does taking hydrocortison suppress your immune system and make it less capabile of fighting cancer cells? :) Thank you!smr79410 wrote: MattAsk Dr R to explain to you how hydrocortisone works to assist NK Killer cells, T-Cells and Helper T-Cells. I think you will then understand how important hydrocortisone is to those of us with adrenal problems and Hashi.Sharon> Hi. I'm a 32 year old male that has recently been diagnosed with> Hashi/hypo. Through the generous help of people on this forum I'm> having my follow up visit to discuss my first round of blood test with> Dr. R in a week.>

> I've read that Hashi's in men uncommon. I've also read that Hashi's> tends to be after 40.> > Given those facts I'm curious what other autoimmune problems people> are having here in addition to Hashimoto's. I've been following the> precocious (sp) anemia which I understand is tested for by vitamin B> deficiency and I know Dr. R is testing for.> > I'd be very curious to hear from some of the other men that may be on> this forum and have Hashi's. I'm curious when you got diagnosed and> how long you think you had it? I have no clue how long I've had a> problem, but when I was diagnosed hypo my TSH was 13.5. If I had to> guess maybe my early 20's as I had a sudden bp increase, fatigue, and> off and on depression, but maybe it's not connected.> > One of my concerns in the recent past and to a lesser extent

lately is> getting another autoimmune disease. Dr. R said stress and fatigue> trigger them so "chill out". I have to admit that I have been SUPER> DUPPER STRESSED in the recent past, but now I'm thinking before stressing!> > If you care to share, I'm trying to figure out just how likely it is> that I'll get another autoimmune. I've read and heard that I'm "about> 10% more likely", but what does that mean? If 1% of the population> gets "Autoimmune X", then does 11% of hashi's get Autoimmune X? Or is> it 1.1% of hashi's get Autoimmune X?> > Just sort of confused. When I switched meds in Dec. I freaked out> with shakes and twitches and was sure I had MS. That has mostly> subsided and I'm not flipping out so much anymore.> > Thanks for any stories about your autoimmune issues.> > > >

> > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Yahoo! Photos> Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever. > >

January 24, 2006

No! I take it so I can fight cancer.

> > Hi. I'm a 32 year old male that has recently been diagnosed

with

> > Hashi/hypo. Through the generous help of people on this forum

I'm

> > having my follow up visit to discuss my first round of blood

test

> with

> > Dr. R in a week.

> >

> > I've read that Hashi's in men uncommon. I've also read that

> Hashi's

> > tends to be after 40.

> >

> > Given those facts I'm curious what other autoimmune problems

people

> > are having here in addition to Hashimoto's. I've been following

> the

> > precocious (sp) anemia which I understand is tested for by

vitamin

> B

> > deficiency and I know Dr. R is testing for.

> >

> > I'd be very curious to hear from some of the other men that may

be

> on

> > this forum and have Hashi's. I'm curious when you got diagnosed

> and

> > how long you think you had it? I have no clue how long I've

had a

> > problem, but when I was diagnosed hypo my TSH was 13.5. If I

had

> to

> > guess maybe my early 20's as I had a sudden bp increase,

fatigue,

> and

> > off and on depression, but maybe it's not connected.

> >

> > One of my concerns in the recent past and to a lesser extent

> lately is

> > getting another autoimmune disease. Dr. R said stress and

fatigue

> > trigger them so " chill out " . I have to admit that I have been

> SUPER

> > DUPPER STRESSED in the recent past, but now I'm thinking before

> stressing!

> >

> > If you care to share, I'm trying to figure out just how likely

it

> is

> > that I'll get another autoimmune. I've read and heard that

> I'm " about

> > 10% more likely " , but what does that mean? If 1% of the

population

> > gets " Autoimmune X " , then does 11% of hashi's get Autoimmune X?

> Or is

> > it 1.1% of hashi's get Autoimmune X?

> >

> > Just sort of confused. When I switched meds in Dec. I freaked

out

> > with shakes and twitches and was sure I had MS. That has mostly

> > subsided and I'm not flipping out so much anymore.

> >

> > Thanks for any stories about your autoimmune issues.

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Yahoo! Photos

> > Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events,

> holidays, whatever.

> >

January 24, 2006

Thanks for the info . I've read about 25% of "Safe Uses of Cortisol" tonight and am starting to get the picture. In some ways it almost seems like it helps your immune system, not suppress it (at least that's what I'm getting out of the first portion). The suppression was a side effect of pharmacological doses (very large). Anyway I'm talking hot air right now and I don't anybody take me serious! I'll talk to Dr. and report back :)If you don't mind, I'd like to know more about your liver enzymes. I had a couple liver number just above normal, but I recall them being higher than 20's. Would you mind telling me the name of the test and the range so I can reference it on my labs? Also do you know what's causing your high liver enzymes?tHaNk YoU!Matt Laurie wrote: Definitely sounds like something you want to discuss with Dr. I have researched hydrocortisone, but I still have much more to learn also. I have only been seeing Dr. since last July. The main thing I have noticed is that it helps me tremendously during dosage increases. I know that it will suppress your antibodies, and it also helps my asthma a bit. I have noticed that I get more colds than usual, but nothing too serious. The HC has also helped to lower my liver enzymes considerably (they were pretty high and have reduced by more than half). My liver enzymes were actually higher than someone I know who has Hep C which I found to be pretty scary...so I am glad that they are back down in the 20's. I would think that having a high antibody count would be much more dangerous (as far as fighting cancer is

concerned) than hydrocortisone. I don't know though, I just know that HC is often used to treat people with autoimmune conditions such as Lupus and fibromyalgia. I am also taking testosterone for my endometriosis. This has helped a good deal with my energy levels, and it has reduced my period pain/bloodflow considerably. Dr. may treat you with testosterone for different reasons (obviously) but I can tell you that it helps a LOT (just as much as the thyroid). The only bad thing I noticed is that the excess testosterone has raised my blood sugar a bit. But, we are hoping that once the thyroid meds really start working that I will not need as much of the hormones.... Also, I am using a testosterone cream...not pills. I was unable to tolerate the DHEA pills, but I have heard lots of people say that they help (they give me headaches). Good luck with your treatment! wrote: Oh No!!! more things to learn! I'll will ask and research on my own! Thank you! In a nut shell though.... does taking hydrocortison suppress your immune system and make it less capabile of fighting cancer cells? :) Thank you!smr79410 wrote: MattAsk Dr R to explain to you how hydrocortisone works to assist NK Killer cells, T-Cells and Helper T-Cells. I think you will then understand how important hydrocortisone is to those of us

with adrenal problems and Hashi.Sharon> Hi. I'm a 32 year old male that has recently been diagnosed with> Hashi/hypo. Through the generous help of people on this forum I'm> having my follow up visit to discuss my first

round of blood test with> Dr. R in a week.> > I've read that Hashi's in men uncommon. I've also read that Hashi's> tends to be after 40.> > Given those facts I'm curious what other autoimmune problems people> are having here in addition to Hashimoto's. I've been following the> precocious (sp) anemia which I understand is tested for by vitamin B> deficiency and I know Dr. R is testing for.> > I'd be very curious to hear from some of the other men that may be on> this forum and have Hashi's. I'm curious when you got diagnosed and> how long you think you had it? I have no clue how long I've had a> problem, but when I was diagnosed hypo my TSH was 13.5. If I had to> guess maybe my early 20's as I had a sudden bp increase, fatigue, and> off and on depression, but maybe it's not connected.> > One

of my concerns in the recent past and to a lesser extent lately is> getting another autoimmune disease. Dr. R said stress and fatigue> trigger them so "chill out". I have to admit that I have been SUPER> DUPPER STRESSED in the recent past, but now I'm thinking before stressing!> > If you care to share, I'm trying to figure out just how likely it is> that I'll get another autoimmune. I've read and heard that I'm "about> 10% more likely", but what does that mean? If 1% of the population> gets "Autoimmune X", then does 11% of hashi's get Autoimmune X? Or is> it 1.1% of hashi's get Autoimmune X?> > Just sort of confused. When I switched meds in Dec. I freaked out> with shakes and twitches and was sure I had MS. That has mostly> subsided and I'm not flipping out so much anymore.> > Thanks for any stories about

your autoimmune issues.> > > > > > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Yahoo! Photos> Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever. > >

January 24, 2006

Very good to know, that's kind of what I've gathered as I just started "safe uses of cortisol". Seems it's one of those things that too much is bad and not enough is bad.LOL.... I havn't read this much in years.... just tearing throught the books. When I'm done reading these med. books I'll try to stay way from the TV and read some good literature!Thank you.Mattsmr79410 wrote: No! I take it so I can fight cancer. > > Hi. I'm a 32 year old male that has recently been diagnosed with > > Hashi/hypo. Through the generous help of people on this forum I'm > > having my follow up visit to discuss my first round of blood test > with > > Dr. R in a week. > > > > I've read

that Hashi's in men uncommon. I've also read that > Hashi's > > tends to be after 40. > > > > Given those facts I'm curious what other autoimmune problems people > > are having here in addition to Hashimoto's. I've been following > the > > precocious (sp) anemia which I understand is tested for by vitamin > B > > deficiency and I know Dr. R is testing for. > > > > I'd be very curious to hear from some of the other men that may be > on > > this forum and have Hashi's. I'm curious when you got diagnosed > and > > how long you think you had it? I have no clue how long I've had a > > problem, but when I was diagnosed hypo my TSH was 13.5. If I had > to > > guess maybe my early 20's as I had a sudden bp increase, fatigue, > and > > off

and on depression, but maybe it's not connected. > > > > One of my concerns in the recent past and to a lesser extent > lately is > > getting another autoimmune disease. Dr. R said stress and fatigue > > trigger them so "chill out". I have to admit that I have been > SUPER > > DUPPER STRESSED in the recent past, but now I'm thinking before > stressing! > > > > If you care to share, I'm trying to figure out just how likely it > is > > that I'll get another autoimmune. I've read and heard that > I'm "about > > 10% more likely", but what does that mean? If 1% of the population > > gets "Autoimmune X", then does 11% of hashi's get Autoimmune X? > Or is > > it 1.1% of hashi's get Autoimmune X? > > > > Just sort of confused. When I switched meds in Dec. I

freaked out > > with shakes and twitches and was sure I had MS. That has mostly > > subsided and I'm not flipping out so much anymore. > > > > Thanks for any stories about your autoimmune issues. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Yahoo! Photos > > Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, > holidays, whatever. > > > >

January 24, 2006

I totally understand what you are going through. I have only been

married for 3 1/2years. My thyroid disease was so bad that we spent

the majority of our Honeymoon just sitting on the deck of our bed and

breakfast and watching the waves of the ocean instead of being out

there enjoying them. And we have been trying for a baby for 2 years

now. Apparently, I am not ovulating. So, I understand what you are

going through, with the family-failure feelings, as well.

I feel like a horrible wife, because often times i cannot properly

take care of our home. My husband does the laundry and dishes almost

every night to help me out, and he works so hard. Makes me feel just

awful when I am not contributing much to this marriage or this house.

We have to stick with it, though. Our Spouses love us... " In Sickness

and In Health. " And we owe it to them to not give up just because we

are sick. Things WILL get better. I keep reminding myself that I

wont feel this way Always. When we get our levels back to normal and

find what works for us, we WILL get our lives back.

I have to admit, I am starting to feel a little bit more like myself

lately. Its just a glimmer of my old self showing through, but that

is enough to give me hope. I cant wait to look in the mirror and say

to myself, " There you are! I've beeen looking for you. "

Just remember that you arent alone. We might be a group that is

mainly women, but clearly we have so much in common; we can truly

relate to one another.

~Amber

> >

> > Hi. I'm a 32 year old male that has recently been diagnosed with

> > Hashi/hypo. Through the generous help of people on this forum I'm

> > having my follow up visit to discuss my first round of blood test

> with

> > Dr. R in a week.

> >

> > I've read that Hashi's in men uncommon. I've also read that

Hashi's

> > tends to be after 40.

> >

> > Given those facts I'm curious what other autoimmune problems

people

> > are having here in addition to Hashimoto's. I've been following

the

> > precocious (sp) anemia which I understand is tested for by

vitamin B

> > deficiency and I know Dr. R is testing for.

> >

> > I'd be very curious to hear from some of the other men that may

be

> on

> > this forum and have Hashi's. I'm curious when you got diagnosed

and

> > how long you think you had it? I have no clue how long I've had a

> > problem, but when I was diagnosed hypo my TSH was 13.5. If I had

to

> > guess maybe my early 20's as I had a sudden bp increase, fatigue,

> and

> > off and on depression, but maybe it's not connected.

> >

> > One of my concerns in the recent past and to a lesser extent

lately

> is

> > getting another autoimmune disease. Dr. R said stress and fatigue

> > trigger them so " chill out " . I have to admit that I have been

SUPER

> > DUPPER STRESSED in the recent past, but now I'm thinking before

> stressing!

> >

> > If you care to share, I'm trying to figure out just how likely it

is

> > that I'll get another autoimmune. I've read and heard that

> I'm " about

> > 10% more likely " , but what does that mean? If 1% of the

population

> > gets " Autoimmune X " , then does 11% of hashi's get Autoimmune X?

Or

> is

> > it 1.1% of hashi's get Autoimmune X?

> >

> > Just sort of confused. When I switched meds in Dec. I freaked out

> > with shakes and twitches and was sure I had MS. That has mostly

> > subsided and I'm not flipping out so much anymore.

> >

> > Thanks for any stories about your autoimmune issues.

> >

>

January 24, 2006

I know exactly what you are talking about! Thanks for the reply. I'm so excited about switching to armour that I'm not even afraid of transition side effects. MattAmber wrote: I totally understand what you are going through. I have only been married for 3 1/2years. My thyroid disease was so bad that we spent the majority of our Honeymoon just sitting on the deck of our bed and breakfast and watching the waves of the ocean instead of being out there enjoying them. And we have been trying for a baby for 2 years now. Apparently, I am not ovulating. So, I understand what you are going through, with the family-failure feelings, as well.I feel like a horrible wife, because often times i cannot properly take care of our

home. My husband does the laundry and dishes almost every night to help me out, and he works so hard. Makes me feel just awful when I am not contributing much to this marriage or this house.We have to stick with it, though. Our Spouses love us..."In Sickness and In Health." And we owe it to them to not give up just because we are sick. Things WILL get better. I keep reminding myself that I wont feel this way Always. When we get our levels back to normal and find what works for us, we WILL get our lives back.I have to admit, I am starting to feel a little bit more like myself lately. Its just a glimmer of my old self showing through, but that is enough to give me hope. I cant wait to look in the mirror and say to myself, "There you are! I've beeen looking for you."Just remember that you arent alone. We might be a group that is mainly women, but clearly we have so much

in common; we can truly relate to one another.~Amber> >> > Hi. I'm a 32 year old male that has recently been diagnosed with> > Hashi/hypo. Through the generous help of people on this forum I'm> > having my follow up visit to discuss my first round of blood test > with> > Dr. R in a week.> > > > I've read that Hashi's in men uncommon. I've also read that Hashi's> > tends to be after 40.> > > > Given those facts I'm curious what other

autoimmune problems people> > are having here in addition to Hashimoto's. I've been following the> > precocious (sp) anemia which I understand is tested for by vitamin B> > deficiency and I know Dr. R is testing for.> > > > I'd be very curious to hear from some of the other men that may be > on> > this forum and have Hashi's. I'm curious when you got diagnosed and> > how long you think you had it? I have no clue how long I've had a> > problem, but when I was diagnosed hypo my TSH was 13.5. If I had to> > guess maybe my early 20's as I had a sudden bp increase, fatigue, > and> > off and on depression, but maybe it's not connected.> > > > One of my concerns in the recent past and to a lesser extent lately > is> > getting another autoimmune disease. Dr. R said stress and

fatigue> > trigger them so "chill out". I have to admit that I have been SUPER> > DUPPER STRESSED in the recent past, but now I'm thinking before > stressing!> > > > If you care to share, I'm trying to figure out just how likely it is> > that I'll get another autoimmune. I've read and heard that > I'm "about> > 10% more likely", but what does that mean? If 1% of the population> > gets "Autoimmune X", then does 11% of hashi's get Autoimmune X? Or > is> > it 1.1% of hashi's get Autoimmune X?> > > > Just sort of confused. When I switched meds in Dec. I freaked out> > with shakes and twitches and was sure I had MS. That has mostly> > subsided and I'm not flipping out so much anymore.> > > > Thanks for any stories about your autoimmune issues.> >> >

> > > > >

January 24, 2006

Matt - I'm sure many of us heard ourselves when we read your post

about your frustrations. We've all been through, and might still be

going through, the stress of not feeling productive and worthy. (I

had to quit working in the business my husband and I own, and it's

put a burden on him and the finances to have to hire other people.)

It's so very hard to deal with a disease that effects your mind and

body. Feeling down is part of this illness, but you will come out of

it as you feel better. It happened for me. I'm not nearly where I

want to be in stamina, but I'm very " up " now most of the time in my

mind. I have been on anti-depressants for many years (due to idiot

docs who never did proper testing), but have been able to lower them

and feel even better on my new regimen. That has been a great

victory for me. You will hear it over and over again on this board

that getting better from this disease takes time. I've been a year

now with Dr. and I really understand it now. I wanted it to

go so much faster, but you just can't repair things that fast. (Old

Chinese saying - " That which you pursue recedes from you. " )

Hopefully since you are younger, you can progress at a good pace.

But do EVERYTHING Dr. tells you to do. The diet (if

prescribed), the lowering of stress (not easy, of course, but so

important - delegate, delegate, delegate!), taking all you meds, and

on time. I'm 57, not in my 30s any more (sigh) and just had my gall

bladder out in November. I know that without the regimen that Dr.

had me on, I would not have healed nearly as fast. My gall

bladder was removed on 11/18 and my husband and I had a party, even

with me doing some cooking and all of the set up, on 12/30, I felt

so good. First social function I've had in years. Another victory.

I really felt like cr*p for many weeks after I transitioned from my

levoxyl to Armour. I was in such bad shape when I started with Dr. R

(had high TSH, low T values, severe iron deficiency, 700 DHEA value,

very low sex hormones, and very low BBT at 96.2), after so many

years of improper medical treatment, that I had to resort to a

caregiver and lots of help from my husband for about 6 weeks. I

didn't do much other than lay on the floor, watch Classic

Movies and home improvement shows, and struggle to the bathroom and

back. But I improved slowly over 2005, and got back to handling more

housework and cooking, errands, etc. I'm even back doing some work

again at our business. I sense that you are in better shape than I

was, and you are a lot younger. I'm sure you'll do fine with your

new regimen.

If/when Dr. gives you the diet plan, stick to it. It does

wonders for your stressed out body, blood sugar issues, and the

healing process. Many of us have found that cooking up several

portions of basics at one time and storing them helps a lot to

conserve stamina during your recovery.

When I did my Armour increases, I had to take them in smaller bits

over a couple of weeks to avoid side effects. But it worked out

fine. You, like many, might not have any problems at all. But it's

nice to know there is flexibility in the speed of your increases, as

well as adjustments to the supporting meds. You can always talk to

about any issues you have between your visits to Lubbock.

Some advice - I was a very fearful patient, having been through so

many years of panic disorder and fatigue. I was trembling every time

I had to face taking something new. I spent way too long getting all

the meds into my body, and I know it delayed my recovery. So stick

to the regimen, and call if you sense discomfort with anything.

I'm just so sorry this happened to you right when you got married.

((Hugs)). I hope that this board will provide you, and your wife,

with some support, and help answer your questions and concerns.

Sometimes I wonder if we shouldn't have a family/spousal support

group for those of us on this board! If your wife ever feels she

needs to talk to another spouse about dealing with this disease, my

hubby said he would be happy to share. Just let me know.

I'm sure your wife loves you very much and, like Amber said, it's

for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. She's there for

you and, although she's probably very worried and wondering what's

actually going on, she can gain education from Dr. , all the

great research you are doing, and reading all the posts that you do

on the board. I just hope you two will always talk about your

concerns.

This is a very long post, but I just felt the need to try to help

you not feel so down.

The best to you in your transition ahead. You're on your way!

Sara

January 24, 2006

Sara, Thank you so much for the long post. I'm going to do EXACTLY what Dr. tells me! I'll eat nothing but lemon peels for 3 months if he tell me!!!! I'm that dedicated to feeling better. Part of what really gets me is that I'm the primary supporter of our family. If

I can't make money and hold a job, then the "family" thing doesn't work very well. I need to be able to work 35 more years to support the family I was dreaming about last year (house, college, ect, ect.). If I can't get my energy back and continue to advance in my career soon, I doubt we will have the necessary security to start a family! *scared*. I’ve been slacking at work (20- 50% of what I’m capable of doing) and am having a very hard time focusing. Anyway I have a very positive attitude about Dr. R’s protocol and I'll push forward. I’m envisioning feeling better already and am going to put all my mental power and energy into making “me” better, rather than focusing on being sick like the recent past. My wife doesn't talk about it much (one of the reasons I’m looking for someone to talk to on the Internet), nor does she like to hear me talk about it. Part of me thinks it's because she is selfish, but I mostly believe it's because she has to deal with it just like me (in her own way). All I know is that she treats me like I'm making up the symptoms and makes comments like "taking your temperature is not a diagnostic tool". The other day I asked if she was intentionally making "unsupportive comments" (she knows I'm taking my temperatures for Dr. R). I'm dragging her to my visit and want her in the office when Dr. "tells me how it is". In her defense, I need to point out that I went though this phase the last 10 months where I kept asking all sorts

of questions and bothering her due to hypochondria. I was sure I had Lupus in November, MS in December, Heart Failure July-Aug, Lung Disease Oct. – Nov…… so it has been hard on her. She also cooks me really good meals and has not increased my stress by behavior on her part, so she is supportive in many ways that I didn’t give her credit for in the previous paragraph. I really feel the conventional medical community contributed to my hypochondria. As soon as I started taking T4, I felt oxygen starved, but my doctor told me that was impossible. After a chest x-ray, di-dimer test, blood clot test, oxygen sat. test, and ultra sound with everything looking normal, I found more than

a few friends on the internet that said “yes….. dose changes can cause weird breathing sensations”. If my doctor had that information I really doubt I would have spent 3 months thinking my heart was going bad and spending probably 1000 dollars on unneeded medical tests. Next I went to an endo. He told me that tingling feelings were not from hypo and that the other numerous nervous system anomalies I was experiencing was not from being hypo! So researching on my own I read about MS and Lupus and all that other fun stuff trying to figure out why I was tingling and having weird skin sensations! The endo’s response to a high T4 and high TSH was… lets wait six months and see how your

numbers look…. Never mind that I was doing good to make it to work late, come home early, and spend the whole night on the couch! Anyway after jitters and other weirdness from changing to Unithroid seven weeks ago, I’m actually starting to be void of cramps, carpal tunnel, and all day long fatigue. The only problems I’m having now is that I feel my brain and mind has a big clamp around it…. I’m not me anymore. I don’t feel the things I used to feel, I don’t have excitement for anything other than getting to the next step in my day. I have a bathroom completely gutted and I have no intention of working on it again in the near future. I’m hoping Armour will help me feel the excitement and energy I used to have for life. I want to work on the house again instead of worrying that I’m going to get MS and be forced to exist as an invalid. All the unexplainable symptoms with no doctor explination or support really sent me over the edge..... I had/have/am getting over a mental break down if you will..... irrational obssession fueled by cramps, shakes, jitters, twitches, achs, pains, shortness of breath, racing heart beat. Was that so irrational? Anyway….. this wasn’t a very good thank you for your post letter was it! Six days and counting till talk about my lab results with Dr. R! I'll be sure to post once I'm on the new protocol. Thanks! MattSara wrote: Matt - I'm sure many of us heard ourselves when we read your post about your frustrations. We've all been through, and might still be going through, the stress of not feeling productive and worthy. (I had to quit working in the business my husband and I own, and it's put a burden on him and the finances to have to hire other people.) It's so very hard to deal with a disease that effects your mind and body. Feeling down is part of this illness, but you will come out of it as you feel better. It happened for me. I'm not nearly where I

want to be in stamina, but I'm very "up" now most of the time in my mind. I have been on anti-depressants for many years (due to idiot docs who never did proper testing), but have been able to lower them and feel even better on my new regimen. That has been a great victory for me. You will hear it over and over again on this board that getting better from this disease takes time. I've been a year now with Dr. and I really understand it now. I wanted it to go so much faster, but you just can't repair things that fast. (Old Chinese saying - "That which you pursue recedes from you.") Hopefully since you are younger, you can progress at a good pace. But do EVERYTHING Dr. tells you to do. The diet (if prescribed), the lowering of stress (not easy, of course, but so important - delegate, delegate, delegate!), taking all you meds, and on time. I'm 57, not in my 30s any more (sigh) and just had my gall bladder out

in November. I know that without the regimen that Dr. had me on, I would not have healed nearly as fast. My gall bladder was removed on 11/18 and my husband and I had a party, even with me doing some cooking and all of the set up, on 12/30, I felt so good. First social function I've had in years. Another victory.I really felt like cr*p for many weeks after I transitioned from my levoxyl to Armour. I was in such bad shape when I started with Dr. R (had high TSH, low T values, severe iron deficiency, 700 DHEA value, very low sex hormones, and very low BBT at 96.2), after so many years of improper medical treatment, that I had to resort to a caregiver and lots of help from my husband for about 6 weeks. I didn't do much other than lay on the floor, watch Classic Movies and home improvement shows, and struggle to the bathroom and back. But I improved slowly over 2005, and got back to handling more housework and

cooking, errands, etc. I'm even back doing some work again at our business. I sense that you are in better shape than I was, and you are a lot younger. I'm sure you'll do fine with your new regimen.If/when Dr. gives you the diet plan, stick to it. It does wonders for your stressed out body, blood sugar issues, and the healing process. Many of us have found that cooking up several portions of basics at one time and storing them helps a lot to conserve stamina during your recovery.When I did my Armour increases, I had to take them in smaller bits over a couple of weeks to avoid side effects. But it worked out fine. You, like many, might not have any problems at all. But it's nice to know there is flexibility in the speed of your increases, as well as adjustments to the supporting meds. You can always talk to about any issues you have between your visits to Lubbock.Some advice - I was a very fearful

patient, having been through so many years of panic disorder and fatigue. I was trembling every time I had to face taking something new. I spent way too long getting all the meds into my body, and I know it delayed my recovery. So stick to the regimen, and call if you sense discomfort with anything.I'm just so sorry this happened to you right when you got married. ((Hugs)). I hope that this board will provide you, and your wife, with some support, and help answer your questions and concerns. Sometimes I wonder if we shouldn't have a family/spousal support group for those of us on this board! If your wife ever feels she needs to talk to another spouse about dealing with this disease, my hubby said he would be happy to share. Just let me know.I'm sure your wife loves you very much and, like Amber said, it's for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. She's there for you and, although she's probably very

worried and wondering what's actually going on, she can gain education from Dr. , all the great research you are doing, and reading all the posts that you do on the board. I just hope you two will always talk about your concerns.This is a very long post, but I just felt the need to try to help you not feel so down.The best to you in your transition ahead. You're on your way!Sara

January 25, 2006

Hey, think positively, you're a lot further advanced than I was, when I had my "breakdown" way back there. When I thought I was going insane, when a doctor told me I had bipolar disorder, when another one even said (AFTER he had diagnosed me with hypothyroidism two yrs before) that "that is over with", lol. Gwala---Hashimoto's was virtually the whole thing, first phase hyper, then up down, up down, thereafter. This is NOT hypochoncriasis, this is a culimination of all the symptoms of thyroid disease. BTW, I have a grandson with your exact name.

Re: Re: Autoimmune? Guys with Hashi's?

Sara,

Thank you so much for the long post. I'm going to do EXACTLY what Dr. tells me! I'll eat nothing but lemon peels for 3 months if he tell me!!!! I'm that dedicated to feeling better.

Part of what really gets me is that I'm the primary supporter of our family. If I can't make money and hold a job, then the "family" thing doesn't work very well. I need to be able to work 35 more years to support the family I was dreaming about last year (house, college, ect, ect.). If I can't get my energy back and continue to advance in my career soon, I doubt we will have the necessary security to start a family! *scared*. I’ve been slacking at work (20- 50% of what I’m capable of doing) and am having a very hard time focusing. Anyway I have a very positive attitude about Dr. R’s protocol and I'll push forward. I’m envisioning feeling better already and am going to put all my mental power and energy into making “me” better, rather than focusing on being sick like the recent past.

My wife doesn't talk about it much (one of the reasons I’m looking for someone to talk to on the Internet), nor does she like to hear me talk about it. Part of me thinks it's because she is selfish, but I mostly believe it's because she has to deal with it just like me (in her own way). All I know is that she treats me like I'm making up the symptoms and makes comments like "taking your temperature is not a diagnostic tool". The other day I asked if she was intentionally making "unsupportive comments" (she knows I'm taking my temperatures for Dr. R). I'm dragging her to my visit and want her in the office when Dr. "tells me how it is".

In her defense, I need to point out that I went though this phase the last 10 months where I kept asking all sorts of questions and bothering her due to hypochondria. I was sure I had Lupus in November, MS in December, Heart Failure July-Aug, Lung Disease Oct. – Nov…… so it has been hard on her. She also cooks me really good meals and has not increased my stress by behavior on her part, so she is supportive in many ways that I didn’t give her credit for in the previous paragraph.

I really feel the conventional medical community contributed to my hypochondria. As soon as I started taking T4, I felt oxygen starved, but my doctor told me that was impossible. After a chest x-ray, di-dimer test, blood clot test, oxygen sat. test, and ultra sound with everything looking normal, I found more than a few friends on the internet that said “yes….. dose changes can cause weird breathing sensations”. If my doctor had that information I really doubt I would have spent 3 months thinking my heart was going bad and spending probably 1000 dollars on unneeded medical tests.

Next I went to an endo. He told me that tingling feelings were not from hypo and that the other numerous nervous system anomalies I was experiencing was not from being hypo! So researching on my own I read about MS and Lupus and all that other fun stuff trying to figure out why I was tingling and having weird skin sensations! The endo’s response to a high T4 and high TSH was… lets wait six months and see how your numbers look…. Never mind that I was doing good to make it to work late, come home early, and spend the whole night on the couch!

Anyway after jitters and other weirdness from changing to Unithroid seven weeks ago, I’m actually starting to be void of cramps, carpal tunnel, and all day long fatigue. The only problems I’m having now is that I feel my brain and mind has a big clamp around it…. I’m not me anymore. I don’t feel the things I used to feel, I don’t have excitement for anything other than getting to the next step in my day. I have a bathroom completely gutted and I have no intention of working on it again in the near future.

I’m hoping Armour will help me feel the excitement and energy I used to have for life. I want to work on the house again instead of worrying that I’m going to get MS and be forced to exist as an invalid. All the unexplainable symptoms with no doctor explination or support really sent me over the edge..... I had/have/am getting over a mental break down if you will..... irrational obssession fueled by cramps, shakes, jitters, twitches, achs, pains, shortness of breath, racing heart beat. Was that so irrational?

Anyway….. this wasn’t a very good thank you for your post letter was it! Six days and counting till talk about my lab results with Dr. R!

I'll be sure to post once I'm on the new protocol. Thanks!

Matt

January 25, 2006

The GIGANTIC amts used to quickly treat inflammation over a week or two (methylprednisolone, big doses of Prednisone, and the like) DO suppress the immune system, but we're talking about minute amts of it, as it would naturally occur in the body under normal circumstances, if the adrenal glands were putting out normal amts. Otherwise, from the day we're born as healthy babies, I guess we'd all be dead in a few days. We start out making this stuff in the right way. Hypothyroidism causes the adrenals to carry the whole load that they would not ordinarily carry, especially when we go undiagnosed and/or untreated/undertreated for quite some time. Small amts a blessing, huge amts a curse. Balance, balance. I want to go see Dr. R. Maybe when I win the lottery. Wonder if he takes Great West? Still wouldn't be enough to cover him, though, I fear.

Re: Re: Autoimmune? Guys with Hashi's?

Oh No!!! more things to learn! I'll will ask and research on my own! Thank you!

In a nut shell though.... does taking hydrocortison suppress your immune system and make it less capabile of fighting cancer cells?

:)

Thank you!smr79410 wrote:

MattAsk Dr R to explain to you how hydrocortisone works to assist NK Killer cells, T-Cells and Helper T-Cells. I think you will then understand how important hydrocortisone is to those of us with adrenal problems and Hashi.Sharon

January 25, 2006

>I can't wait to quit taking Straight Synthetic T4, as I truly believe as my TSH and thyroid were suppressed, my body started missing the little bits of the "other hormones" my thyroid was making before it got "turned off" so to speak. I suspect I don't feel well because I'm living primarily on T4.

Matt, the thyroid HAS to be "turned off" in Hashimoto's Disease, in order for the gland to keep from destroying itself and destroying you. The problem, though, is that you can have a very high T4, but not be either converting it to the useable form OR your body cells may not be taking it up for use. This is always one of the problems with never having had a FREE T3 test done, though that isn't a telling thing about whether your body cells are using it. The REVERSE T3 may very have a little to say about that part of it, though that's only a guess, too. That's why so much in thyroid treatment really needs to be more about how someone is FEELING on their thyroid med, rather than ONLY going by the testing. Patient opinions on how they feel first, testing COUPLED with that, is the formula for having a good doctor. I believe you've found that doctor.

Re: Re: Autoimmune? Guys with Hashi's?

Hi Amber,

Thanks for the reply. My TSH was 13.5 before I started the poison. I've only had two sets of results back on antibodies (AntiTPO) and both were around 800. The second reading was slightly less (760), but I wonder if that is just with in the accuracy of the test. My TSH was around 4.0 when I had both Antibody tests and was taking 100 micro grams of Levothroid. I switched to Unithroid 100 micro grams on 12/7 and many of my issues have gone away (after shakes and jitters in the transition). It may be that Unithroid tends to be a little stronger, so I've heard, at the same dose. I did a round of tests about a week ago, and will get the results in one week. I'm curious to see if there is a correlation between feeling a little better and antibodies being lower (I was on Unithroid for 5 weeks before giving the blood.) I realize my TSH is high still, but we didn't increase the dose because my FT4 is already 30% over normal. I've switched to Dr. R in the last 30 days and can't wait to see him in one week.

I can't wait to quit taking Straight Synthetic T4, as I truly believe as my TSH and thyroid were suppressed, my body started missing the little bits of the "other hormones" my thyroid was making before it got "turned off" so to speak. I suspect I don't feel well because I'm living primarily on T4. When I was on 50 micrograms and my TSH was higher, I felt much better. Once I got my TSH further down I've felt like a mindless zombie. If I continue to feel like this I'll probably divorce my wife and let her marry somebody else to have kids with as I currently feel unable to sustain a family properly. I am so hopeful that Armour and a good look at possible other problems with Dr. R will help me

I know what you mean about it changing who you are and destroying your life! Lately I don't want to commit to doing anything that requires hard work or thought. I got married just about the time I found all this out sixish months ago and I don't think we got the chance to be newly weds as I was having weird reactions to dose increases, and more recently transient weird hypo symptoms that keep me on the couch and mentally check out!

Keeping fingers crossed!

January 25, 2006

Dear Matt--

I had the weird breathing thing for a long, long time,

which started a year before I was diagnosed, and then

progressed through the first year. It really felt

like I wasn't getting enough oxygen, and I probably

was not. Like you, my body did not like synthetic

meds. I even had a couple of emergency appointments

because I couldn't breathe properly and became woozy

after dose increases on synthetics.

Regarding the spouse thing, I totally identify. We

went through a couple of major deaths in my husband's

family right when I got sick (aunt, grandfather,

mother, stepfather)-- and my new husband (we had been

together for six years, but only married for one)

really couldn't handle my illness the first year and a

half. Also, we were definitely a two-party system

when it came to finances. Me not working was really

not an option, but we had to live with it for a year

and a half.

The way we got through it was with therapy, which I

went into immediately, family help (my grandmother and

my stepfather, especially), and good friends, who to

this day, are the centerpin of my existence right now.

I also joined this board, where I can talk to people

with the same symptoms, if not the same situation.

Like you, I spent the first part of my illness

frantically looking for answers, when I wasn't

sleeping sixteen hours a day. My spouse couldn't

handle it, as he had just gone through the gauntlet of

illness and death. He is a really good person, but

everybody has their limits, and he met his right when

I became ill.

At any rate, it does get better. My husband and I are

doing just fine, at the moment, and we're growing

together in a new way as I heal. The big trick is to

not sweat the small stuff (housework, difficult

people, finances) while you are healing. That way,

you give your body time to get to a place where it can

do what it needs to do.

What surprised me most was how extraneous a lot of the

activities of my pre-sick life were. Many of the

stresses I carried were completely unnecessary. My

priorities are different now.

Dr. R will really be able to help you find out what

you need to know about your own body. That's one of

the reasons I think he's so great.

Yours in health---

Courtenay.

--- Matt wrote:

> Sara,

>

> Thank you so much for the long post. I'm going to

> do EXACTLY what Dr. tells me! I'll eat

> nothing but lemon peels for 3 months if he tell

> me!!!! I'm that dedicated to feeling better.

>

> Part of what really gets me is that I'm the

> primary supporter of our family. If I can't make

> money and hold a job, then the " family " thing

> doesn't work very well. I need to be able to work

> 35 more years to support the family I was dreaming

> about last year (house, college, ect, ect.). If I

> can't get my energy back and continue to advance in

> my career soon, I doubt we will have the necessary

> security to start a family! *scared*. I’ve been

> slacking at work (20- 50% of what I’m capable of

> doing) and am having a very hard time focusing.

> Anyway I have a very positive attitude about Dr. R’s

> protocol and I'll push forward. I’m envisioning

> feeling better already and am going to put all my

> mental power and energy into making “me” better,

> rather than focusing on being sick like the recent

> past.

>

> Thanks!

> Matt

January 25, 2006

Hi !

My blood sugar levels keep going up too, along with the

triglycerides. I'm not on testosterone. Could it be the Armour?

I'm glad you're feeling better. I wrote you a lengthy post but

never saw it show up. Good to see you again!

>

> Definitely sounds like something you want to discuss with Dr.

>

The only bad thing I noticed is that the excess testosterone has

raised my blood sugar a bit. But, we are hoping that once the

thyroid meds really start working that I will not need as much of

the hormones.... Also, I am using a testosterone cream...not pills.

>

January 25, 2006

Thanks for all your posts. I understand the "turning off your thyroid"...... but I'm convinced that turning it off with pure T4 is good for the body! I felt "good" before I found out I had hypothyroidism. I even felt really good on 50 micrograms of T4, but once they got me more suppressed on 100 micrograms of T4 only meds I've felt that worst I have ever felt in my whole life. Granted it could just be progression of the disease, I don't believe that in my heart. It makes intuitive sense that replacing your thryoids hormone's as close as possible to the real thing is better than just T4. Only getting one of the many thyroid excretions while being fully supressed on T4 doesn't make sense, and "most" things are intuitive, not all, but most. Thanks! Matt

wrote: >I can't wait to quit taking Straight Synthetic T4, as I truly believe as my TSH and thyroid were suppressed, my body started missing the little bits of the "other hormones" my thyroid was making before it got "turned off" so to speak. I suspect I don't feel well because I'm living primarily on T4. Matt, the thyroid HAS to be "turned off" in Hashimoto's Disease, in order for the gland to keep from destroying itself and destroying you. The problem, though, is that you can have a very high T4, but not be either converting it to the useable form OR your body cells may not be taking it up for use. This is always one of the problems with never having had a

FREE T3 test done, though that isn't a telling thing about whether your body cells are using it. The REVERSE T3 may very have a little to say about that part of it, though that's only a guess, too. That's why so much in thyroid treatment really needs to be more about how someone is FEELING on their thyroid med, rather than ONLY going by the testing. Patient opinions on how they feel first, testing COUPLED with that, is the formula for having a good doctor. I believe you've found that doctor. Re: Re: Autoimmune? Guys with Hashi's? Hi Amber, Thanks for the reply. My TSH was 13.5 before I started the poison. I've only had two sets of results back on antibodies (AntiTPO) and both were around 800. The second reading was slightly less (760), but I wonder if that is just with in the accuracy of the test. My TSH was around 4.0 when I had both Antibody tests and was taking 100 micro grams of Levothroid. I switched to Unithroid 100 micro grams on 12/7 and many of my issues have gone away (after shakes and jitters in the transition). It may be that Unithroid tends to be

a little stronger, so I've heard, at the same dose. I did a round of tests about a week ago, and will get the results in one week. I'm curious to see if there is a correlation between feeling a little better and antibodies being lower (I was on Unithroid for 5 weeks before giving the blood.) I realize my TSH is high still, but we didn't increase the dose because my FT4 is already 30% over normal. I've switched to Dr. R in the last 30 days and can't wait to see him in one week. I can't wait to quit taking Straight Synthetic T4, as I truly believe as my TSH and thyroid were suppressed, my body started missing the little bits of the "other hormones" my thyroid was making before it got "turned off" so to speak. I suspect I don't feel well because I'm living primarily on T4. When I was on 50 micrograms and my TSH was higher, I felt much better. Once I got my TSH further down I've felt like a mindless

zombie. If I continue to feel like this I'll probably divorce my wife and let her marry somebody else to have kids with as I currently feel unable to sustain a family properly. I am so hopeful that Armour and a good look at possible other problems with Dr. R will help me I know what you mean about it changing who you are and destroying your life! Lately I don't want to commit to doing anything that requires hard work or thought. I got married just about the time I found all this out sixish months ago and I don't think we got the chance to be newly weds as I was having weird reactions to dose increases, and more recently transient weird hypo symptoms that keep me on the couch and mentally check out! Keeping fingers crossed!

January 26, 2006

Matt

Your thyroid (with Hashi's) is never going to work like it did again, not like a healthy thyroid. If you are not converting properly to T3, then that may be what you need. Yes, that little bit of T3 was there for a reason, but, if you allow the thyroid to provide it, instead of taking it from the outside, with the kind of antibody count I believe you said you had, you are inviting even bigger trouble, and that's what I suspect is happening. Guess we'll see what Dr. R has to say about all of this.

Re: Re: Autoimmune? Guys with Hashi's?

Thanks for all your posts.

I understand the "turning off your thyroid"...... but I'm convinced that turning it off with pure T4 is good for the body! I felt "good" before I found out I had hypothyroidism. I even felt really good on 50 micrograms of T4, but once they got me more suppressed on 100 micrograms of T4 only meds I've felt that worst I have ever felt in my whole life. Granted it could just be progression of the disease, I don't believe that in my heart.

It makes intuitive sense that replacing your thryoids hormone's as close as possible to the real thing is better than just T4. Only getting one of the many thyroid excretions while being fully supressed on T4 doesn't make sense, and "most" things are intuitive, not all, but most.

Thanks!

Matt

January 26, 2006

I bet Jan may chime in here on this one, if she hasn't already.

Re: Autoimmune? Guys with Hashi's?

> Hi !

>

> My blood sugar levels keep going up too, along with the

> triglycerides. I'm not on testosterone. Could it be the Armour?

> I'm glad you're feeling better. I wrote you a lengthy post but

> never saw it show up. Good to see you again!

>

January 26, 2006

Matt,

I just wanted to say welcome to the group! You have definitely come

to the right place. You have gotten tons of terrific advice. I

just wanted to put my 2 cents worth in about a couple of things. As

for not feeling like yourself, I experienced the same thing on T4

only meds! My whole personality changed not for the better. I

couldn't feel like myself either and it's a heartbreaking feeling

when it's not something you can control. I don't see that mentioned

a whole lot but both times I've been taking T3 (once with cytomel)

and now with Armour, I have better moods and do feel more like

myself. I definitely think there is a T3 brain connection. Most

docs would say it can't be your thyroid, here take an

antidepressant. (Run from a doc like that as fast as you can.)

You are in the best of hands with Dr. R. My antibodies were in the

thousands when I started seeing him. They have started coming down

but I know it takes time and patience to see a huge recovery.

Perhaps since you're younger and caught it sooner you'll bounce back

much faster. I was in your shoes and seeing every kind of

specialist in town in a panic state. I would just lay there and sob

because I didn't know what the heck was going on!

I'm glad you're taking your wife with you to your next visit. After

I did that with my husband, he understood so much better. He

forgets from time to time and gets tired of my being sick and even

makes snide remarks sometimes but it has got to be tough on our

spouses. He does so much to help, especially now that I've gone

back to work. He cooks and does dishes dang near every night. I

don't know what I'd do without him. As for work, do what you can

and try not to let the stress get to you. I started to get stressed

out here and went whoa, no job is worth losing what I've gained

back. Good luck. We're anxious to see how your follow-up went!

>

> Part of what really gets me is that I'm the primary supporter of

our family. If I can't make money and hold a job, then the " family "

thing doesn't work very well. I need to be able to work 35 more

years to support the family I was dreaming about last year (house,

college, ect, ect.). If I can't get my energy back and continue to

advance in my career soon, I doubt we will have the necessary

security to start a family! *scared*. I've been slacking at work

(20- 50% of what I'm capable of doing) and am having a very hard

time focusing. Anyway I have a very positive attitude about Dr. R's

protocol and I'll push forward. I'm envisioning feeling better

already and am going to put all my mental power and energy into

making " me " better, rather than focusing on being sick like the

recent past.

>

> My wife doesn't talk about it much (one of the reasons I'm

looking for someone to talk to on the Internet), nor does she like

to hear me talk about it. Part of me thinks it's because she is

selfish, but I mostly believe it's because she has to deal with it

just like me (in her own way). All I know is that she treats me

like I'm making up the symptoms and makes comments like " taking your

temperature is not a diagnostic tool " . The other day I asked if she

was intentionally making " unsupportive comments " (she knows I'm

taking my temperatures for Dr. R). I'm dragging her to my visit and

want her in the office when Dr. " tells me how it is " .

> In her defense, I need to point out that I went though this

phase the last 10 months where I kept asking all sorts of questions

and bothering her due to hypochondria. I was sure I had Lupus in

November, MS in December, Heart Failure July-Aug, Lung Disease Oct. –

Nov…… so it has been hard on her. She also cooks me really good

meals and has not increased my stress by behavior on her part, so

she is supportive in many ways that I didn't give her credit for in

the previous paragraph.

> I really feel the conventional medical community contributed to

my hypochondria. As soon as I started taking T4, I felt oxygen

starved, but my doctor told me that was impossible. After a chest x-

ray, di-dimer test, blood clot test, oxygen sat. test, and ultra

sound with everything looking normal, I found more than a few

friends on the internet that said " yes….. dose changes can cause

weird breathing sensations " . If my doctor had that information I

really doubt I would have spent 3 months thinking my heart was going

bad and spending probably 1000 dollars on unneeded medical tests.

> Next I went to an endo. He told me that tingling feelings were

not from hypo and that the other numerous nervous system anomalies I

was experiencing was not from being hypo! So researching on my own

I read about MS and Lupus and all that other fun stuff trying to

figure out why I was tingling and having weird skin sensations! The

endo's response to a high T4 and high TSH was… lets wait six months

and see how your numbers look…. Never mind that I was doing good to

make it to work late, come home early, and spend the whole night on

the couch!

> Anyway after jitters and other weirdness from changing to

Unithroid seven weeks ago, I'm actually starting to be void of

cramps, carpal tunnel, and all day long fatigue. The only problems

I'm having now is that I feel my brain and mind has a big clamp

around it…. I'm not me anymore. I don't feel the things I used to

feel, I don't have excitement for anything other than getting to the

next step in my day. I have a bathroom completely gutted and I have

no intention of working on it again in the near future.

> I'm hoping Armour will help me feel the excitement and energy I

used to have for life. I want to work on the house again instead of

worrying that I'm going to get MS and be forced to exist as an

invalid. All the unexplainable symptoms with no doctor explination

or support really sent me over the edge..... I had/have/am getting

over a mental break down if you will..... irrational obssession

fueled by cramps, shakes, jitters, twitches, achs, pains, shortness

of breath, racing heart beat. Was that so irrational?

> Anyway….. this wasn't a very good thank you for your post letter

was it! Six days and counting till talk about my lab results with

Dr. R!

> I'll be sure to post once I'm on the new protocol. Thanks!

> Matt

January 26, 2006

Thanks . I read Dr. Barne's book per Dr. R and found it very interesting. The veteran thyriod patient might not be impressed by it, but for me it seemed to answer a lot of the questions I had. I've also start safe uses of cortisol and plan on having it read before my appointment on Monday. I am just amazed at what's out there, but doesn't seem to be used by convential medicine. I never thought I would have this much anticipation and excitement to see a doctor. I realize everybody responds differently, but I have a lot of faith that his protocol and experience is going to really help me. Thanks, Matt wrote: Matt,I just wanted to say welcome to the group! You have

definitely come to the right place. You have gotten tons of terrific advice. I just wanted to put my 2 cents worth in about a couple of things. As for not feeling like yourself, I experienced the same thing on T4 only meds! My whole personality changed not for the better. I couldn't feel like myself either and it's a heartbreaking feeling when it's not something you can control. I don't see that mentioned a whole lot but both times I've been taking T3 (once with cytomel) and now with Armour, I have better moods and do feel more like myself. I definitely think there is a T3 brain connection. Most docs would say it can't be your thyroid, here take an antidepressant. (Run from a doc like that as fast as you can.)You are in the best of hands with Dr. R. My antibodies were in the thousands when I started seeing him. They have started coming down but I know it

takes time and patience to see a huge recovery. Perhaps since you're younger and caught it sooner you'll bounce back much faster. I was in your shoes and seeing every kind of specialist in town in a panic state. I would just lay there and sob because I didn't know what the heck was going on!I'm glad you're taking your wife with you to your next visit. After I did that with my husband, he understood so much better. He forgets from time to time and gets tired of my being sick and even makes snide remarks sometimes but it has got to be tough on our spouses. He does so much to help, especially now that I've gone back to work. He cooks and does dishes dang near every night. I don't know what I'd do without him. As for work, do what you can and try not to let the stress get to you. I started to get stressed out here and went whoa, no job is worth losing what I've

gained back. Good luck. We're anxious to see how your follow-up went!>> > Part of what really gets me is that I'm the primary supporter of our family. If I can't make money and hold a job, then the "family" thing doesn't work very well. I need to be able to work 35 more years to support the family I was dreaming about last year (house, college, ect, ect.). If I can't get my energy back and continue to advance in my career soon, I doubt we will have the necessary security to start a family! *scared*. I've been slacking at work (20- 50% of what I'm capable of doing) and am having a very hard time focusing. Anyway I have a very positive attitude about Dr. R's protocol and I'll push forward. I'm envisioning feeling better already

and am going to put all my mental power and energy into making "me" better, rather than focusing on being sick like the recent past.> > My wife doesn't talk about it much (one of the reasons I'm looking for someone to talk to on the Internet), nor does she like to hear me talk about it. Part of me thinks it's because she is selfish, but I mostly believe it's because she has to deal with it just like me (in her own way). All I know is that she treats me like I'm making up the symptoms and makes comments like "taking your temperature is not a diagnostic tool". The other day I asked if she was intentionally making "unsupportive comments" (she knows I'm taking my temperatures for Dr. R). I'm dragging her to my visit and want her in the office when Dr. "tells me how it is".> In her defense, I need to point out that I went though this phase the

last 10 months where I kept asking all sorts of questions and bothering her due to hypochondria. I was sure I had Lupus in November, MS in December, Heart Failure July-Aug, Lung Disease Oct. –Nov…… so it has been hard on her. She also cooks me really good meals and has not increased my stress by behavior on her part, so she is supportive in many ways that I didn't give her credit for in the previous paragraph.> I really feel the conventional medical community contributed to my hypochondria. As soon as I started taking T4, I felt oxygen starved, but my doctor told me that was impossible. After a chest x-ray, di-dimer test, blood clot test, oxygen sat. test, and ultra sound with everything looking normal, I found more than a few friends on the internet that said "yes….. dose changes can cause weird breathing sensations". If my doctor had that information I really doubt I would

have spent 3 months thinking my heart was going bad and spending probably 1000 dollars on unneeded medical tests.> Next I went to an endo. He told me that tingling feelings were not from hypo and that the other numerous nervous system anomalies I was experiencing was not from being hypo! So researching on my own I read about MS and Lupus and all that other fun stuff trying to figure out why I was tingling and having weird skin sensations! The endo's response to a high T4 and high TSH was… lets wait six months and see how your numbers look…. Never mind that I was doing good to make it to work late, come home early, and spend the whole night on the couch!> Anyway after jitters and other weirdness from changing to Unithroid seven weeks ago, I'm actually starting to be void of cramps, carpal tunnel, and all day long fatigue. The only problems I'm having now is that I feel my

brain and mind has a big clamp around it…. I'm not me anymore. I don't feel the things I used to feel, I don't have excitement for anything other than getting to the next step in my day. I have a bathroom completely gutted and I have no intention of working on it again in the near future.> I'm hoping Armour will help me feel the excitement and energy I used to have for life. I want to work on the house again instead of worrying that I'm going to get MS and be forced to exist as an invalid. All the unexplainable symptoms with no doctor explination or support really sent me over the edge..... I had/have/am getting over a mental break down if you will..... irrational obssession fueled by cramps, shakes, jitters, twitches, achs, pains, shortness of breath, racing heart beat. Was that so irrational?> Anyway….. this wasn't a very good thank you for your post letter was

it! Six days and counting till talk about my lab results with Dr. R!> I'll be sure to post once I'm on the new protocol. Thanks!> Matt

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