New member

[Guest guest]

Hi Ed,

Welcome to the group and I am glad you posted. This group is very

helpful and friendly. I think you will like it.

Martie

> Hi all, I am a new member to this list. I am attempting my 3rd try

of

> the BFL 12-week program. The last attempt, I made it 6-weeks and

then

> got lazy and depressed and gave up. I have been reading the posts

and

> inspirational advice on this list and I'm hoping that being a

member

> of it will keep me motivated and inspired. I just started my new

BFL

> 12-week program last night. So far so good, LOL.

>

> I am 35yrs old, 5'11 " and 186lbs. My goal is to lose body fat (need

> to measure it before) and gain some lean mass. More than anything,

I

> just want to shape and define the size I have now. Gaining more

> muscle size will be my next goal. I will also get my before picture

> posted soon.

>

> Anyway, I'm hoping to achieve my goals this time and to make

friends

> and keep inspired by this group.

>

> Regards,

> Ed

[Guest guest]

I am new to the group this week, Ed! I have found this group to very

encouraging and supportive and so helpful. We will do all we can to

help " keep you inspired. " Just make sure you check in here every day

to see what's being talked about, and jot a note if you need some

extra help! We're here for ya!

WELCOME!

> Hi all, I am a new member to this list. I am attempting my 3rd try

of

> the BFL 12-week program. The last attempt, I made it 6-weeks and

then

> got lazy and depressed and gave up. I have been reading the posts

and

> inspirational advice on this list and I'm hoping that being a

member

> of it will keep me motivated and inspired. I just started my new

BFL

> 12-week program last night. So far so good, LOL.

>

> I am 35yrs old, 5'11 " and 186lbs. My goal is to lose body fat (need

> to measure it before) and gain some lean mass. More than anything,

I

> just want to shape and define the size I have now. Gaining more

> muscle size will be my next goal. I will also get my before picture

> posted soon.

>

> Anyway, I'm hoping to achieve my goals this time and to make

friends

> and keep inspired by this group.

>

> Regards,

> Ed

[Guest guest]

Hey, Tami! Welcome to this awesome support group! I am a newbie

around here as I have only been " a part " for about a week and a half

now. But I have felt so welcomed and so much help has been given to

me in such a caring way. I really love the support of the people

here! This has made a big difference for me this time. When I have

started and stopped BFL in the past, I didn't have a support group.

Now that I do I feel I know one reason why it was hard for me to

continue on in the past -- NO SUPPORT GROUP!

So, welcome. I hope I can be of help and encouragement to you!

And congrats on 4 weeks! I'm only on week 2, but I'm loving it!

> Hello All,

> My name is Tami I am a 36 year old mother of 5 WONDERFUL children

> between the ages of 2 to 18. I have about 45lbs to lose to be back

> where I was after 3 kids, but after the last two it has been near

to

> impossible. I am on week 4 day 1 today. My workouts are awsome and

> make me feel great. My menu can use a little help. I had my body

fat

> tested at the gym when I first began and it was a whopping 42% I am

> 5ft 61/2 and weighed in at 172. I came home to my husband crying

that

> I was half fat.

>

> I know I will complete this challange and make it my new life style

> for myself and my whole family. By the way my one cheat and what I

> crave the most is sunflower seeds. I had some yesterday so that

> should hold me for a few days at least.

>

> Have a great day

> Tami

[Guest guest]

hi nick, and welcome! you are already on your way just by deciding to do

something that is HUGE. you get a lot of support here, pokes, and well good

nature jabs even. i can not beleive i've been on the list now 7 mos. these

folks are friends/family to me.

we are also at many different levels of fitness etc here. me, i'm on my 3rd

challenge and i think i'm the posterboy for slow bfl progress but i

committed to myself 1 full year of bfl to see where i got me. i did atkins

and then watched my portions before bfl. when i started in july 00 i had

gotten to 330lbs. i'm down 63 lbs and 12 inches off my waist. the bulk of it

(no pun intended) was prior to bfl. but the energy level and fitness level

is ALL bfl. i still have a LONG way to go but recently found my jul 2001

pics, esp the side view i have really changed shape since bfl.

regards, lee

>From: fauldrach@...

>Reply-To: bodyforlife

>To: bodyforlife

>Subject: new member

>Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 18:57:21 -0500

>

>First of all I'd like to say hello to all the existing members of this

>listserve. I've been reading your posts now for about 5 days and the

>support i have seen here is phenomenal (is that spelled correctly?). Allow

>me to introduce myself.

>My name is Nick . I live in Louisville Kentucky and am currently

>enrolled at the University of Louisville as a communications major. I

>presently work in sales for a Wireless company (cellphones) and have been

>doing similar business for over 3 years. I am 22 years old and have been

>dealing with weight problems the entire time. Both of my parents are

>extremely out of shape, and although they always said this was the way to

>go, they never taught me how to get there. I have never learned how to eat

>properly, and truth be told, thats the scariest part about this program for

>me. This is the third time in my life I have stepped into a position where

>I was willing to work to lose weight. As you can probably imagine the

>first two were unsuccessful. The first time I tried BFL was about 2 years

>ago. At the time I was aboout 235 lbs and really into the program

>(although even then I wasn't a good eater). I was doing great until, 4

>weeks into the program I tore my ACL in my left knee. It really affected

>my life in a way I couldn't even begin to imagine. I had slightly

>problematic surgery, and a much longer rehabilitation than should have been

>necessary. I still suffer chronic pain in my left knee and have been told

>I will not regain full mobility (as in I'll never be able to fully

>straighten my leg). I had to give up soccer, hockey, racquetball, and a

>number of other activities I loved and since then have even lost the

>confidence to play. I never really got back into the program successfully,

>although i did go on a low calorie low fat gram diet around christmas. I

>lost about 15 lbs of water weight and then fell off the proverbial wagon.

>About 10 days ago I found an old journal I used to keep and I reread it.

>The last entry was written by me in 1998. I wrote how depressing my weight

>was and how I had always been fat. I wrote that sometimes I flet like I

>would never expereince a healthy life and how that made me sad. This

>devastated me. Here I was 4 years later in the same boat. So i dug up my

>BFL book and really read it. Theres a line in it that says something along

>the linbes that if you don't plan to succeed then you're planning to fail.

>This really hit home, as I had never planned anything like this in my life.

> I've always just done it. Well I've made some progress it would seem.

>I've already planned out 2 weeks of working out, and just abbout a weeks

>worth of nutritional health using sources linked off of the BFL site. I

>have also ordered the BFL challenge packet and am preparing to enter the

>competition. My goals are not yet completely ironed out yet as I am unsure

>of my BF%, but assume it to be fairly high. As of now my 12 week goal is

>to lose a minimum of 30 lbs, and to increase strength dramatically. I

>don't know if its feasible, but the idea in my head is to be able to lift

>275 by the end of the first 12 weeks (in a bench press). I currently max

>out (as in one rep) at 205-210. I don't know if thats any good or not, but

>it impressed the hell out of me, lol.

>Anyway, the reason I'm writing all this (hope I haven't bored you to death

>yet) is that I want people to see my commitment. Also, I have a hard time

>doing this alone, and know I am going to need support. I'm hoping to find

>some of it here.

>Thanks for listening

>Nick

_________________________________________________________________

Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com

[Guest guest]

welcome, I have found the folks her to be a great help and solace. I

have been in EMS for some time and have seen the same folks looking

for a buzz. These folks here seem to really be on the ball when it

comes to dealing with the system and giving support. Les

> greetings everyone..my name is diane, i live in georgia..i am 47

> years old with chronic pain since my mid 30 " s.i have fibromyalgia,

> cervical (neck surgery) x2..now i have another cervical disk with

> spurs, spondylosis ,stenosis, and muscle spasms. i have carpal

tunnel

> both wrists and plantar fascitis both feet..i am a nurse. worked 20

> years in a busy emergency room..i know alot about meds, diseases,

and

> nothing can get me out of my misery..i also go to a pain clinic and

> take duragesic patch and vicodin for breakthru pain..pain is my new

> friend, i can't remember the last time i ever woke up with no

pain..i

> used to make fun of people coming in the emergency room that were

> looking for drugs..and now i am legally on the same meds that they

> would get..but i didn't run looking for this life , it was given to

> me without my choice..sorry about the long post..hope to get

> acquainted with friends in this group..and thanks for letting me

> join, appreciation noted...*hugs* diane

[Guest guest]

WELCOME IN OUR FAMILY BECCA..

CEDRIC FROM FRANCE.

>

> My name is Becca. I am a 25 year old with degenerative disc disease

and spinal arthritis. I am a recent widow and mother of four. I am

having problem walking again. I was first diagnosed 5 years ago and

had to have spinal surgery not long afterword. I have started to have

some of the same symtoms that I had when this all started. I am

worried that I may end up going through surgery again and I wont be

as lucky this time as I was the first time around. I am taking pain

pills again all the time on top of takeing xanex for my nerves. I am

not taking narcotics this time though because I am alone with my kids

and need to be able to care for them as best as I can. I am wondering

if any of you have this condition or know of anywhere I can find out

more information on treatment options. I have tried webmd to no avail

and am all out of ideas. I would appreciate any input you can give.

>

>

Becca M.

>

>

> becca

>

>

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

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kady,

I don't want to get totally off topic, but I've read a lot lately about 'high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)' and it's relationship to IBS. Have you read anything about that? My husband and I decided to eliminate HFCS from our diet and wow, is that ever a difficult thing to do in the US. That ingredient is in virtually everything unless you shop at Trader Joe's, Wild Oats, Whole Foods Market or something like that. Even they don't guarantee that the products are free of HFCS, but Whole foods market has reformulated their 365 products to eliminate it and they're working on replacing all of the other products over time.

HFCS has been linked to a lot of ailments that I'm hoping to avoid, but the best thing about eliminating it is the reduction in sugar cravings. I no longer spend all day doing a kitchen inventory in my head. My husband and I have to spend about 2 hours at the grocery store reading labels and trying to find the few items that don't contain the ingredient. It's in the bread, ketchup, cookies, mayo, bbq sauce, soda pop, apple sauce, cranberry sauce - just about everything that is boxed, jarred, bagged, canned or bottled. You can't find soda pop without it unless you go to Whole Foods and buy the 365 brand (or a similar one at another whole food store) or the Mexican Coca-Cola that is still made with sugar.

I don't have IBS, but my brother does and so I'm always reading about it to see what new information I can find. I'm trying to get him off the soda, but that's really hard for him. That's one habit that I never had and so it's hard for me to understand why he can't just stop. At least now he's looking for a brand without the high fructose corn syrup in it. I don't drink much soda myself, I just never acquired the habit, but I've noticed that it is a common thread among many of the IBS sufferers that I've met.

I hope there is some useful information in here... Judy

New Member

Hello everyone,

I have joined this group because I live in Texas and want to know more about this sometimes dreadful disease I have with people close to me. I live in Fort Worth, Texas. I had a total thyroidectomy in 2004, but have not fully recovered yet. I heard that it's a long process. I still have hypo symptoms and need adjustments on my meds quite frequently. I recently started taking Armour after several years on Levoxithryrone and had it adjusted down to .10 mg because I was overmedicated all this time. I've lost some weight and even though I try to eat nutritiously, I still have severe IBS. I just don't know what to do. If anyone can give me some insight on doc, rememdies, etc that can help me, I sure appreciate your help.

Kady

Yahoo! Groups gets better. Check out the new email design. Plus there’s much more to come.

[Guest guest]

Hi Judy,

Thanks for your reply. No I have not heard of this...very

surprising. Funny, but I also have numerous food allergies: wheat,

corn, fish, shrimp, soy, to name a few, only for this to be added to

the list. Well, I'll definitely take a closer into this.

Kady

>

> Hi Kady,

>

> I don't want to get totally off topic, but I've read a lot lately

about 'high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)' and it's relationship to

IBS. Have you read anything about that? My husband and I decided

to eliminate HFCS from our diet and wow, is that ever a difficult

thing to do in the US. That ingredient is in virtually everything

unless you shop at Trader Joe's, Wild Oats, Whole Foods Market or

something like that. Even they don't guarantee that the products

are free of HFCS, but Whole foods market has reformulated their 365

products to eliminate it and they're working on replacing all of the

other products over time.

>

> HFCS has been linked to a lot of ailments that I'm hoping to

avoid, but the best thing about eliminating it is the reduction in

sugar cravings. I no longer spend all day doing a kitchen inventory

in my head. My husband and I have to spend about 2 hours at the

grocery store reading labels and trying to find the few items that

don't contain the ingredient. It's in the bread, ketchup, cookies,

mayo, bbq sauce, soda pop, apple sauce, cranberry sauce - just about

everything that is boxed, jarred, bagged, canned or bottled. You

can't find soda pop without it unless you go to Whole Foods and buy

the 365 brand (or a similar one at another whole food store) or the

Mexican Coca-Cola that is still made with sugar.

>

> I don't have IBS, but my brother does and so I'm always reading

about it to see what new information I can find. I'm trying to get

him off the soda, but that's really hard for him. That's one habit

that I never had and so it's hard for me to understand why he can't

just stop. At least now he's looking for a brand without the high

fructose corn syrup in it. I don't drink much soda myself, I just

never acquired the habit, but I've noticed that it is a common

thread among many of the IBS sufferers that I've met.

>

> I hope there is some useful information in here... Judy

>

> New Member

>

>

>

> Hello everyone,

>

> I have joined this group because I live in Texas and want to

know more about this sometimes dreadful disease I have with people

close to me. I live in Fort Worth, Texas. I had a total

thyroidectomy in 2004, but have not fully recovered yet. I heard

that it's a long process. I still have hypo symptoms and need

adjustments on my meds quite frequently. I recently started

taking Armour after several years on Levoxithryrone and had it

adjusted down to .10 mg because I was overmedicated all this

time. I've lost some weight and even though I try to eat

nutritiously, I still have severe IBS. I just don't know what to

do. If anyone can give me some insight on doc, rememdies, etc

that can help me, I sure appreciate your help.

>

> Kady

>

>

>

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>

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

> Yahoo! Groups gets better. Check out the new email design. Plus

there's much more to come.

>

[Guest guest]

If you are still having hot flashes, you may need larger dose of estrogen or you may need to get your hormones from a different compounding pharmacy. They are not all equal. I have had subpotent hormones from two different local pharmacies. Then my doc started sending the prescriptions to Womens International Pharmacy and I have had no further problem.Martha Lovejoy wrote: Jan tells me I am to introduce myself.I am 60, from Houston, been in menopause for ten years and was diagnosed hypothyroid in 1997. After a long time on Synthroid and Prempro, I am trying Armour and compounded

hormones in an attempt to feel better.I have already found that my cholesterol (which was 327 when I started on Mevacor in 1987) has finally greatly improved on Armour. For the first time this last lab, it was well below 200, even though I cut my dose of Lipitor (which I've been on for nine years) from 80 to 40 mg.My energy is better, but I still have hot flashes, which were pretty well controlled with Prempro.I am looking for any info, suggestions and support that can help me.Marti

Groups are talking. We´re listening. Check out the handy changes to Yahoo! Groups.

[Guest guest]

Hi Marti!! Which doctor in Houston prescribed

compounded hormones and Armour? I am in Houston on the

west side.

--- Martha Lovejoy wrote:

> Jan tells me I am to introduce myself.

>

> I am 60, from Houston, been in menopause for ten

> years and was

> diagnosed hypothyroid in 1997. After a long time on

> Synthroid and

> Prempro, I am trying Armour and compounded hormones

> in an attempt to

> feel better.

>

> I have already found that my cholesterol (which was

> 327 when I started

> on Mevacor in 1987) has finally greatly improved on

> Armour. For the

> first time this last lab, it was well below 200,

> even though I cut my

> dose of Lipitor (which I've been on for nine years)

> from 80 to 40 mg.

>

> My energy is better, but I still have hot flashes,

> which were pretty

> well controlled with Prempro.

>

> I am looking for any info, suggestions and support

> that can help me.

>

> Marti

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Marti, and welcome to the Group! I believe you will find the members here more than willing to help you. Jan has really done her homework on this subject, as have others. Myself, I am a novice when it comes to thyroid issues but I am learning more and more the longer I am in this group. I can at least provide support and encouragement. Glad to have you here! ~Chelle>> Jan tells me I am to introduce myself.> > I am 60, from Houston, been in menopause for ten years and was > diagnosed hypothyroid in 1997. After a long time on Synthroid and > Prempro, I am trying Armour and compounded hormones in an attempt to > feel better.> > I have already found that my cholesterol (which was 327 when I started > on Mevacor in 1987) has finally greatly improved on Armour. For the > first time this last lab, it was well below 200, even though I cut my > dose of Lipitor (which I've been on for nine years) from 80 to 40 mg.> > My energy is better, but I still have hot flashes, which were pretty > well controlled with Prempro.> > I am looking for any info, suggestions and support that can help me.> > Marti>

[Guest guest]

Getting your thyroid levels optimized should help with the cholesterol for most folks. There are a few, however, who need to take other measures. Judy P wrote: Welcome Marti. I think you'll really like this group. I've learned so much in such a short period of time. I'm in Plano.I'm 53 years old and was diagnosed hypothyroid at the age of 18. I've been suffering on and off on synthetic thyroid replacement until just one week ago when I switched to Armour. I'm going back and forth a little while I work up to the correct dosage, but I must say that I already feel better than

I have in the past 10 years. My cholesterol is high too. Do you think the Armour will help me with that? I've also started exercising again now that I have a little energy and that should help too. I won't take lipitor or any of those drugs so I've got to find a natural way to get the numbers down.Glad to have you here... Judy new memberJan tells me I am to introduce myself.I am 60, from Houston, been in menopause for ten years and was diagnosed hypothyroid in 1997. After a long time on Synthroid and Prempro, I am trying Armour and compounded hormones in an attempt to feel better.I have already found that my cholesterol (which was 327 when I started on Mevacor in

1987) has finally greatly improved on Armour. For the first time this last lab, it was well below 200, even though I cut my dose of Lipitor (which I've been on for nine years) from 80 to 40 mg.My energy is better, but I still have hot flashes, which were pretty well controlled with Prempro.I am looking for any info, suggestions and support that can help me.Marti __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Wow! Thank you all so much for the information. I feel like I am on the right

path now,

and hopefully will be able to have an idea of what is happening to me very soon.

Can anyone tell me what kind of price range I can expect from Dr. ?

Unfortunately he is not covered by my insurance plan.

Kim, thanks for the healthcheckusa website. I am going to get my blood work

through

them just as soon as I have the money.

applegirl016

[Guest guest]

He is about $300 for the office consult and $1500 for tests. But call the office and ask. I have heard that his fees have come down slightly. wants to run his own blood work. applegirl016 wrote: Wow! Thank you all so much for the information. I feel like I am on the right path now, and hopefully will be able to have an idea of what is happening to me very soon.Can anyone tell me what kind of price range I can expect from Dr. ? Unfortunately he is not covered by my insurance plan.Kim, thanks for the healthcheckusa website. I am going to get my blood work through

them just as soon as I have the money.applegirl016

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[Guest guest]

Hi, my name is Abby Prescott. I am 31 years old, wife to Seth, and

mother to my 4 children, ages 7,5,3, & 1.

I live in the San , TX area.

I have been having intense itching problems (underneath my skin) for

about 4 years now. Also, extreme fatigue, no weight loss, sluggish

liver, feeling of depression, dry/cracked heals, and more....I am

mainly looking for a doctor to help me get to the bottom of this. I

have taken just about every test, I think, and tried all kinds of

different treatments (mostly the natural approach) but to no avail.

Any insight, encouragement, advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Guest guest]

You've demonstrated an excellent paradox between the two groups. You'll find here that we only respond to posts when we feel qualified to offer assistance through accurate knowledge or experience. I can't speak for the rest, but you're case is very complex and that's why you didn't get a response from me. I read the whole thing and simply found it outside my realm of expertise. Thank goodness that it is not a requirement of membership that we respond to every post. We're all struggling through this illness, but there are so many variables, that we can't all be experts on every facet and it would be irresponsible of us to pretend that we are.

The response that you did get was in-depth and knowledgeable. The request to refrain from mentioning the other group was a very small part of it and one that I support. It's very easy to slam one sentence out of context and ignore the valuable information, a trick by the way that I was subjected to several times `over there'.

I really hope that you will find some answers and can get some help before long and I also hope that when you do, you'll share your experience with others with similar problems… Judy

I do appreciate your response, however it was the *only* response I received from the entire group. Not exactly a wealth of information that I received.

And I thought it was totally unnecessary for you to scold me for mentioning another Yahoo Group on this list. Personally, I think they have quite a few fruitcakes on that list and think Armour can cure cancer and bring world peace, but they do have a lot of information that is very good, as long as you take that which is not with a big grain of salt.

So I received one response and get yelled at. Brother.

[Guest guest]

I apologize that you did not get more responses. It was not meant to be rude. From the information that your presented, it sounds like your case is quite complicated. I don't even know what 's protocol is except for what you mention in your post.

I hope you find the answers that you are searching for and that you feel better soon.

Kim

From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ] On Behalf Of carol77096Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2006 6:14 PMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: New Member

The response was from a very knowledgeable person and that wasn't yelling. THIS IS YELLING!

> > Wanted to introduce myself and *try* to give a Cliff Notes > version > > of what's going on with me.> > > > My name is Copeland and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in March > of > > this year. I contracted Lyme Disease in 1993 or thereabouts and > was > > diagnosed with CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome) > > in 1996 when for three years no doctor could figure out what I > have > > (technically, ironically, I do have CFIDS since my immune system > is > > screwed up because of the massive infection). I was diagnosed with > > Lyme Disease in 1997 when trying to get disability from my company > > and treated ever since but never getting fully healthy.> > > > I am being treated in Fort Worth by Dr. Sharp that used to be with > > the Fibro Center there. He has Lyme Disease and Hashi's so who > > better to go see? My initial tests showed I had antibodies, not > the > > TPO but the other one, plus with a high Reverse T3 pointed towards > a > > diagnosis of Hashi's.> > > > He believes in the Syndrome and my Reverse T3 lab had him > put > > me on compounded T3. For the Lyme, he is treating me with Cumanda, > > an herb, as I have had over 3 years of IV antibiotic treatments > and > > still have Lyme, though my brain infection is gone and all that is > > left is fatigue...HEAVY fatigue of course.> > > > Flash forward to today and here are my labs:> > > > TSH <.001> > Free T3 417 Range 230 - 420> > Free T4 0.6 Range 0.8 - 1.8> > > > He says the Free T3 is "perfect", the TSH is "great", and the Free > > T4 is "as expected" (???)> > > > The problem???? I feel much worse now that I've hit my optimum > dose > > for T3 and I am out of range for T4. This is the worst I've felt > > since I started treatment.> > > > I also started hydrocortosone two months ago and take 20mg in the > AM > > with my T3 and 10mg at about 2 - 3PM with my T3. My cortisol AM > > blood draw was 8 and 11 two different times with a range of 5 - 24 > > so I know I needed that.> > > > Even worse, I just went to my cardiologist and she is worried > about > > my heart. I have arrthymia from the Lyme Disease and an enlarged > > valve, and the T3 had my pulse up to 90 - 95 from a normal 65 - > 75. > > My murmur was louder and on my oxygen intake test I had gone from > a > > perfect reading to a very bad intake of oxygen, which would > explain > > how crappy I feel. She put me on Cardizem, an old calcium blocker, > > which she said should lower my pulse and blood pressure to relieve > > the strain on the enlarged valve until the thyroid is corrected > and > > increase my oxygen intake. She does feel that I should continue > the > > treatment for my thyroid as is and that I probably will only have > to > > take the Cardizem for about three months.> > > > Which brings me to the end (finally). Dr. Sharp *did* say it would > > be 6 - 9 months before we got to a good spot, and that's what the > > cardiologist thinks too.> > > > My problem is that I'm just not sure I'm doing the right thing by > > following the Syndrome protocol. Most people (OK, all of > > them) on the Natural Thyroid group say, even if I *don't * convert > > T4 to T3, I *still* need T4 and the T1, T2, and calcitonin in it > to > > cross the CNS blood barrier. I have to say if I switched to > Armour, > > I would be happy as the compounded T3 costs $85/month and is not > > covered, whereas I could buy a *ton* of Armour for that much, and > > have it covered. I am on Social Security disability and my doctor > > doesn't accept Medicare, so I took a big financial leap of faith > to > > use him.> > > > I am setting up a telephone appointment with him later this week > or > > early next week, and I think you can tell I'm torn on whether or > not > > to continue on this protocol. Part of me says be patient for three > > more months (as my cardiologist says), the other part of me says > > screw it, go to the DO I used to use here in Houston and have my > > appointments covered by Medicare and she'll let me dose myself on > > Armour.> > > > ANY help, opinions, support, or words of wisdom would be > > appreciated. I am really torn about all this and feel very sick. I > > know this is very long but I felt I needed the whole story out > there > > for people to make an informed response. Thank you.> > > > > > ---------------------------------> > Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and > 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.> >>

[Guest guest]

It is specifically for legal reasons that we ask members not to promote or post links to groups that advise on self-medication. If you find this onerous, then you may not want to stay in this group. We do not claim to be experts on thyroid disorders. I do not know of anyone in this group who has your particular set of issues. You might find more response on a larger board such as About Thyroid. golfdawg11 wrote: I do appreciate your response, however it was

the *only* response I recieved from the entire group. Not exactly a wealth of information that I recieved.And I thought it was totally unnecessary for you to scold me for mentioning another Yahoo Group on this list. Personally, I think they have quite a few fruitcakes on that list and think Armour can cure cancer and bring world peace, but they do have a lot of information that is very good, as long as you take that which is not with a big grain of salt. So I recieved one response and get yelled at. Brother.> Wanted to introduce myself and *try* to give a Cliff Notes version > of what's going on with me.> > My name is Copeland and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in March of > this year. I contracted Lyme Disease in 1993 or thereabouts and was > diagnosed with CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome) > in 1996 when for three years no doctor could figure out what I have > (technically, ironically, I do have CFIDS since my immune system

is > screwed up because of the massive infection). I was diagnosed with > Lyme Disease in 1997 when trying to get disability from my company > and treated ever since but never getting fully healthy.> > I am being treated in Fort Worth by Dr. Sharp that used to be with > the Fibro Center there. He has Lyme Disease and Hashi's so who > better to go see? My initial tests showed I had antibodies, not the > TPO but the other one, plus with a high Reverse T3 pointed towards a > diagnosis of Hashi's.> > He believes in the Syndrome and my Reverse T3 lab had him put > me on compounded T3. For the Lyme, he is treating me with Cumanda, > an herb, as I have had over 3 years of IV antibiotic treatments and > still have Lyme, though my brain infection is gone and all that is > left is fatigue...HEAVY fatigue of course.> > Flash forward to

today and here are my labs:> > TSH <.001> Free T3 417 Range 230 - 420> Free T4 0.6 Range 0.8 - 1.8> > He says the Free T3 is "perfect", the TSH is "great", and the Free > T4 is "as expected" (???)> > The problem???? I feel much worse now that I've hit my optimum dose > for T3 and I am out of range for T4. This is the worst I've felt > since I started treatment.> > I also started hydrocortosone two months ago and take 20mg in the AM > with my T3 and 10mg at about 2 - 3PM with my T3. My cortisol AM > blood draw was 8 and 11 two different times with a range of 5 - 24 > so I know I needed that.> > Even worse, I just went to my cardiologist and she is worried about > my heart. I have arrthymia from the Lyme Disease and an enlarged > valve, and the T3 had my pulse up to 90 - 95 from a normal 65 - 75. > My murmur was

louder and on my oxygen intake test I had gone from a > perfect reading to a very bad intake of oxygen, which would explain > how crappy I feel. She put me on Cardizem, an old calcium blocker, > which she said should lower my pulse and blood pressure to relieve > the strain on the enlarged valve until the thyroid is corrected and > increase my oxygen intake. She does feel that I should continue the > treatment for my thyroid as is and that I probably will only have to > take the Cardizem for about three months.> > Which brings me to the end (finally). Dr. Sharp *did* say it would > be 6 - 9 months before we got to a good spot, and that's what the > cardiologist thinks too.> > My problem is that I'm just not sure I'm doing the right thing by > following the Syndrome protocol. Most people (OK, all of > them) on the Natural Thyroid group say,

even if I *don't * convert > T4 to T3, I *still* need T4 and the T1, T2, and calcitonin in it to > cross the CNS blood barrier. I have to say if I switched to Armour, > I would be happy as the compounded T3 costs $85/month and is not > covered, whereas I could buy a *ton* of Armour for that much, and > have it covered. I am on Social Security disability and my doctor > doesn't accept Medicare, so I took a big financial leap of faith to > use him.> > I am setting up a telephone appointment with him later this week or > early next week, and I think you can tell I'm torn on whether or not > to continue on this protocol. Part of me says be patient for three > more months (as my cardiologist says), the other part of me says > screw it, go to the DO I used to use here in Houston and have my > appointments covered by Medicare and she'll let me dose myself on

> Armour.> > ANY help, opinions, support, or words of wisdom would be > appreciated. I am really torn about all this and feel very sick. I > know this is very long but I felt I needed the whole story out there > for people to make an informed response. Thank you.

Get your own web address for just $1.99/1st yr. We'll help. Yahoo! Small Business.

[Guest guest]

Hi Shirley

Welcome!

I don't know the " stats " but Dr. K is doing surgery Lap. He wouldn't

start offering it until he could offer do the surgery the same way

both Lap and open. In other words...take no shortcuts in how he did

it lap.

Is lap more expensive?...you need to check with the office for the

only " real " answer. But I do believe it is more expensive AND some

insurances will deny it lap but allow it open for this reason.

Also...remember, Dr. K has final word on Lap vs. Open. Sometimes

there are reasons he won't do it lap on a particular patient, and of

course...during surgery, if he needs to, he will " open " to continue

the surgery.

I trust in Dr. K lap abilities...no worries on that.

Best of luck in getting your daughter approved. How old is she? What

is her BMI? Apparently YOU have been pleased with your surgery or

you wouldn't dream of helping your daughter. Tell us your stats!

Hugs

Jo

[Guest guest]

,

My Cfs lawyer told me that hardly anyone evers wins a Cfs case the first time

round so I just want to warn you it's a very frustrating process. I did not win

the first time round but I did win a year later, the 2nd time round. Both times

it took me about 6-8 weeks to receive a letter and hear from them though. Good

luck!

Tina

cindy post wrote:

Hi :

I live in New York. I had to quit work a year ago this month. Do you know when

your disability hearing is coming up? I just had mine in March and am still

waiting on the letter with the decision from the ALJ.

[Guest guest]

>Hi Lou, they told me the hearing is coming up soon, but I don't have

a date yet. How did yours go? What all did you have to do at court?

Hi :

> I live in New York. I had to quit work a year ago this month. Do you

> know when your disability hearing is coming up? I just had mine in

> March and am still waiting on the letter with the decision from the ALJ.

>

> I'm far behind in this post so probably by now someone's already

> answered your question about the hearings. I just wanted to let you

> know that I just went through mine.

>

> Lou

>

> metzdorf@... wrote:

> >Hi Kim, I'm so sorry the CFS came back. I live in Peculiar,

> just outside

> of Kansas City. I worked for 7 years at American Century, quit since I

> was having my 3rd child, after he was born was when I got sick. I worked

> part-time at my mother's business she used to have, but I have not worked

> for almost 3 years.

>

[Guest guest]

My mother died from MS and I have CFS and Fibro. I have heard of others

with MS in the family who have CFS as well. It seems there must be some

sort of relationship in there somewhere but I don't know anything more.

Sandrea

[Guest guest]

Sandrea,

I am so sorry you had that experience with your doctor. Expecially when she's an

internist and has more specialized training. There is no excuse for that

behavior from a dr. They all take the Hypocratic oath to " do no harm " . Well, in

my opinion, most of these dr's we go to for help and don't listen or blow us

off, are definitely doing us harm, if nothing else, to our psyche. I worked at a

primary care office with 10 docs and we had our good ones and bad ones.

Taking 8 months to diagnose asthma is unexceptable. With the proper testing, it

should have taken no time at all to diagnose and get you on the proper

treatment. People DIE from that. That is really scary. I can't help but think of

my mom, who complained for over 2 yrs about not being able to breath. Her doctor

kept telling her she was having panic attacks and giving her Xanax. Then this

past February, she couldn't breath at at, was diagnosed the next day with lung

cancer, which had spread thru out her entire body and she died 2 weeks later.

Since my brother pulled some crap in her Hospice room right after she died, we

haven't been able to talk about it. My mom had her body donated to a teaching

hospital in Augusta, GA, so we've never had a service or anything for her. They

can hold her body for up to 3 yrs, then she will be cremated. They do have a

memorial service once a yr for the family members. This year it happened right

after she died. My brother

did do a memorial service for her, but sent text messages to all of us on a

Friday, that it would be on Monday at his church. He knew good and well that we

didn't have anytime to make arrangements to get off of work. My dtr and I live

in FL and he's up in Villa Rica, GA - almost to Alabama. We've had no closure,

and I can tell it's starting to affect me more and more with the FMS and CFS.

Good for you in deciding to find another doctor. Shop around and put them in the

" being interviewed " position. That puts the power back in your hands and puts

them on notice that you know your own body, have done your research and know to

pay attention when something doesn't feel right. Most of the good/understanding

doctors will not have a problem with this and will see you without pmt.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make this about my issue's. It just makes me so

angry about these doctors that I've all but given up.

Darlena

Re: New Member

I really envy you the doctors you have. I had a recent visit with my

internist that put me into tears. I asked about Dysautonomia and having

a tilt table test. She was totally emphatic that I can not have this as

it is congenital (which it is not always). In any case, I told her I

was frustrated to not be able to find an explanation for my inability to

stand and walk without becoming ill. She just said I may not get an

explanation and that I have been extensively tested and more or less

just live with it.

[Guest guest]

, I sorry it has taken so long to get back to you so I emailed you

directly hope you don't mind. My daughter sounds similar to what you are going

through. My daughter has more motor involvement she has left hemiparesis

cerebral palsy besides seizures and sensory problems. What therapy is you son

receiving? Does his school do sensory-hard work activities or sensory diet type

things? My daughter gets OT,PT and SLP in her IEP. Some other ideas we do is

gymnastics and swimming lots of bike riding. I have known boys to do very well

with karate like activities. Our life is all about her schedule because she

needs extra sleep, not alot of heat or sun and diet is very important: no

artificial sweeteners or very little white flour. Protein and lots of water

helps her focus.ADHD: Their are these video's on youtube Barkley about

acquired ADHD.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnhGhS6W234 Seizures: Why is your

neurologist not controlling his partial seizures

http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/types_seizures? You know seizures cause

behavior problems and unable to fucus and learn. Doctors: Have you considered

seeing a PMG specialist? like Dobyns. We have found a physiatrist (PM & R) which

is helpful in rehab of a child that has these issues. I have know behavior

pediatricians or some neurologist are psychiatrist too. Readings: I found this

article about brain injuries that help me make some sense of what my daughter is

going through http://www.tbiguide.com/index.html The more you can do the

younger they are really helps the brain to build new neuro pathways. This book

really helped me too http://www.normandoidge.com/normandoidge/MAIN.html Senses:

One last thing he could have some CAPD: neuro ophthalmologist are helpful for

vision and PMG and audiologist at a children's hospital.Sorry for all at once

but I hope it helps and not too overwhelming.Diane mom to Nisha 4 LH CP Seizures

Unilateral PMG

To: polymicrogyria

From: julies_openhearts@...

Date: Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:21:57 +0000

Subject: New Member

Hello! I just came across this group and I am hoping to make contact with

some people with children in the same situation as my son, and hopefully get

some advice! My son, Eli, just turned 6 years old and was diagnosed about a

year and a half ago. The neurologist says that he is functioning at a much

higher level than they would have expected by looking at his MRI results. Thank

God for that! He is very verbal, which sometimes makes it difficult for people

to understand his disability, because at a glance, he does not seem too much

different from the other kids his age. However, he does have deficits in his

cognitive abilities, sensory integration, motor skills and emotional

development. He is also very small for his age, which I understand is typical of

PMG kids too. His emotional responses are very extreme, and I'd say that he

functions at about a 2 year old level emotionally. He has mild tremors in his

hands and walks with feet turned in. He cannot draw anything beyond a scribble

yet. He is not yet toilet trained and shows no interest at all in this, and I

am not sure if he is even getting the signal to be able to tell when he has to

go...it sure does not seem like he knows when it's coming! He also has a rather

severe case of ADHD and meds have not done much for him in this area. He has

only experienced 3 grand mal seizures thus far (between age 3 1/2 and 4 1/2),

but for a while this past spring, he was having episodes several times daily

that one doctor felt were a form of petite siezures, but another doctor felt

they were more like an anxiety attacks. Either way, they felt that the ADHD

meds may have been causing these, so he was taken off of them for the summer.

Let's just say that the summer was quite difficult! He has a little sister who

is only 2 years old and they were screaming and fighting with each other almost

constantly! They have just re-started him on a low dose of the same ADHD med,

but it barely takes the edge off. He has just started kindergarten in a special

ed classroom, but is having a very difficult time. It just seems as if nobody

understands what he is dealing with, so they do not know how to deal with him!

I'm sorry this message is so long, but I am hoping to be able to connect with

someone out there who has a child similar to Eli and get some suggestions about

things that may have been helpful for your child. Thank you so much!

in Grand Rapids, MI.