Re: Introduction

[Guest guest]

Hi Toni, welcome to the group!

[Guest guest]

The blood tests for cortisol levels are accurate. It is just that you only get your level for that one time of day. A doc who knows what he is doing can diagnose and treat based on an 8 am cortisol together with history, symptoms, observation and his own experience. Dr. Gonino says he is willing to deal with adrenal fatigue, but I do not know anyone who has been treated by him for the same. I am sorry to hear that Sullivan is doing some crazy things. Telling you to take your meds to produce a spike in your T3 levels at your blood draw sounds like he was setting you up to reduce your meds. Jul

wrote: Hi all,I just joined and wanted to introduce myself. I live in theville area and was diagnosed last March with hypothyroidism by mythen doctor Dr Mark in Colleyville (I've had the problem forminimum 10 years and of course have been told all that time I was fineand should feel great!). Needless to say, I am no longer seeing himas he stuck me on Levoxyl and 3 months later told me I was "cured" andall my symptoms doubling in severity were obviously not thyroidrelated since my TSH went from 7 to .35 in 3 months. And maybe Ishould try antidepressants because I sounded depressed. Goodbye Isaid! heeI found Sullivan (physician assistant at Tiena Health inIrving) and he switched me over to Armour, 90 mg. I loved him in thebeginning! I

didn't do so well to start out with but once heincreased me to 135 mg I began to improve impressively. However, thatdidn't last either as I began to have heart issues (very fast for noreason and very heavy pounding). I had another blood test and my TSHdidn't show up and my free T3 was 9.3 (range 2-4.9). He didn't likethe TSH not showing up and claimed it was dangerous. I came back downto 90 mg but my heart rate wouldn't come down so then he lowered me to45 mg. I dealt with that for the last month and it was hell.I'm back to 90 mg now. My last blood test a week ago, my TSH was at .1(.5-6), my Free T4 was .7 (.8-1.5) and my Free T3 was 3.7 (2-4.9) sohe raised me to 90 mg. I'm to update him in another week on how I'mdoing (which so far is bad).I suspect adrenal issues but when looking through the previous emailshere on him, one person was seeing him for this for this many monthsago but he didn't do the saliva

test sounds like, just a blood test.So I'm thinking he probably is of the belief that it's more reliablewhich I believe I've heard the saliva test is more reliable. So I'vebeen considering switching for awhile but was going to give him timeto "fix" me before hopping to yet another doctor and starting all overagain. But now I'm not so sure that's a good idea.I did not like that he lowered me based on TSH. He does at least goby the lower range of TSH which is a good thing but not that helowered me off my TSH when I was feeling mostly good (minus the heartof course but at hte time he lowered me, he didn't know of that yet).He listens to symptoms but his answer to me when my TSH was suppressed(that's the word for what happened to me, right?) was it was dangerousand even if I was feeling good, I was to lower it immediately. Istupidly did as told (I was more worried about my heart rate though soI did it

willingly).Oh, he also instructed me to take my Armour 3 hours prior to gettingblood drawn which in all my reading is a big no no. Won't do thatagain.I like the guy a lot, he's very nice and listens and makes you feelcared about. But I'm not so sure I'm getting the best care from him.I may be expecting too much too soon (I started seeing him in Augustbut I'm dismayed that I'm right back where I started now - literally).But I just have a feeling I need to switch. *sigh*So now I'm looking into Dr Gonino that I see mentioned here. Notlooking forward to the 40 minute drive but if he's good, then it'll beworth it! I hope to speak with them on Monday.Thanks for reading!Jul

Don't get soaked. Take a quick peak at the forecast with theYahoo! Search weather shortcut.

[Guest guest]

> I am sorry to hear that Sullivan is doing some crazy things. Telling you to

take your meds

> to produce a spike in your T3 levels at your blood draw sounds like he was

setting you up

> to reduce your meds.

I don't know how he could have reduced them further - I was already at

45 mg. I guess he could have made me go down to 30 but had that

happened, I would have high tailed it away from him so fast. As it

is, I'm leaning that way but just conflicted about starting over again

with someone knew.

Thanks for the info on the cortisol levels. Maybe I'll be the guinnea

pig for Gonino for adrenal issues. hee

Jul

[Guest guest]

I've been there, when it comes to that high heart rate on just 2 grains of Armour, but what puzzles me is that he didn't offer the adrenal testing right when her heart rate went up, instead of JUST lowering the Armour? She says that he didn't know, but if he was doing a good exam of her while there, he would have found that right away, in taking her BP and Pulse. I suspect the same. But I still don't get that he didn't talk about her adrenal glands at THAT time.

Something I think I've never asked about is What would a person do or what time would they test when they are a night worker like me, forever and ever? Would their test be at a different time of day, as in late evening, being as this is how their body systems have been functioning? I've looked, but never found any info on this anywhere, as to another time of blood testing. I've always been able to fall asleep easily, while doing night work, between 9 and 11 in the morning. Do you know of anywhere, where it discusses this, other than the fact that all people should work during the day? What in the world is the solution, when you know that you are going to continue to work graveyards the rest of your nonretired life?

Re: Introduction

The blood tests for cortisol levels are accurate. It is just that you only get your level for that one time of day. A doc who knows what he is doing can diagnose and treat based on an 8 am cortisol together with history, symptoms, observation and his own experience.

Dr. Gonino says he is willing to deal with adrenal fatigue, but I do not know anyone who has been treated by him for the same.

I am sorry to hear that Sullivan is doing some crazy things. Telling you to take your meds to produce a spike in your T3 levels at your blood draw sounds like he was setting you up to reduce your meds.

Jul wrote:

[Guest guest]

I've been there, when it comes to that high heart rate on just 2 grains of Armour, but what puzzles me is that he didn't offer the adrenal testing right when her heart rate went up, instead of JUST lowering the Armour? She says that he didn't know, but if he was doing a good exam of her while there, he would have found that right away, in taking her BP and Pulse. I suspect the same. But I still don't get that he didn't talk about her adrenal glands at THAT time. ,He didn't do a physical exam that time. One of the things with this particular office is a lot of things are done online. Which is something that I like and don't like. It's convenient not to have to take time off work to sit around and see the doctor but at the same time, I can't adequately explain how I'm doing since he doesn't want you to email anything very long. But every time he tells me the order is in the system and to just get the bloodwork done and he'll email a message along with the results.

But even when I told him about the heart rate in response to his message about lowering the dose, he never mentioned adrenals. Just said we probably raised too high too quickly and I'll be better somewhere between 90-120. Through groups like this did I learn about adrenals and that's probably my issue.

So as soon as I can get time off work and get an appointment with him, I had planned to bring that up. But now I'm not so sure I want to go back and may just go with someone else. *sigh*Jul

[Guest guest]

Hi, Pat, and welcome to the group.I'm another thyca survivor. I also had two surgeries, back in 2005. And RAI, of course. No complications like your tongue, thank goodness. My endo started me on the same dose of Synthroid, too. I switched to Armour fairly soon.

Funny how everything seems to fall apart afterwards. I now have the high blood pressure problem, a sleep disorder, and now an inner ear problem. Two years ago all I had was fatigue. Should have quit while I was ahead!

You might want to ask the doc to test a couple of other things like B-12, ferritin and maybe Vitamin D. Low levels of those can contribute to fatigue.Some more Armour would probably help, too. Are you still increasing?

You'll find lots of support here.

Hi, my name is Pat and I am new to this group.

[Guest guest]

Yep, I have had a B12 test run by my local GP it was normal. He

thought that perhaps low B12 might cause the burning tongue. Haven't

had a Vitamin D or ferritin test yet. I am still increasing. I

haven't reached the " too much coffee " feeling yet. :-) After 2 grains,

I thought I should slow the increase down a bit. Every 3 days seemed

a bit soon. The switch wasn't bad at all. I expected much worse.

The 1/2 grain for a few days was a bit interesting, but after the

increase to 1 grain, it hasn't been so bad. Sort of wanting to see

what the hormone/adrenal panal shows.

Pat

[Guest guest]

I see the logic in getting a thyca patient to a suppressive dose as quickly as possible. I do hope Ms. Winder understands that you need to keep your TSH suppressed below 0.1. Lower than that is even better. For the thyroid cancer patient, TSH stands for "Thyroid Cancer Stimulating Hormone." The problem with increasing at that rate is that you create adrenal stress, which gives hyper-like symptoms, so you think you are at the maximum dose you can tolerate. The foregoing not withstanding, 120 mg is not an outrageous starting dose. Our better local docs start most folks on 90 or 120 mg or occasionally 180 mg, based on their clinical experience. And 120 mg is generally

considered to be the minimum dose required for suppression. Whether you increase now or wait until after testing, do make sure you have been on a stable dose for 6-10 weeks, so that you will have valid test results. When I first started Armour, I had to divide it into three doses to tolerate anything over 180 mg. Over the years, my tolerance has increased so that I can take 300 mg divides into two doses with no problem. My doc has also added appropriate low doses of adrenal and S*E*X* hormones. That kind of balanced approach helps with tolerance for and utilization of thyroid hormone. What you may need is highly

individual. Welcome to the ranks of Thycan Oinkers! pproft wrote: Yep, I have had a B12 test run by my local GP it was normal. Hethought that perhaps low B12 might cause the burning tongue. Haven'thad a Vitamin D or ferritin test yet. I am still increasing. Ihaven't reached the "too much coffee" feeling yet. :-) After 2 grains,I thought I should slow the increase down a bit. Every 3 days seemeda bit soon. The switch wasn't bad at all. I expected much worse. The 1/2 grain for a few days was a bit interesting, but after theincrease to 1 grain, it hasn't been so

bad. Sort of wanting to seewhat the hormone/adrenal panal shows.Pat

We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love(and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list.

[Guest guest]

I think that she understands I need to be on a supressive dose. My

initial prescription was for 150 tablets and with some suggestions on

raising the dose every 3 days, she pretty much left it up to me to

raise the does according to symptoms. My TSH level in Nov was .022

prior to switching to Armour. Hopefully it will be that low again.

She said we would test again when I had been on a steady dose for 4-6

weeks. I did talk to her about my adrenal panal. Over the phone, I

didn't completely understand it, so I need the printed copy. What I

wrote down was that my 8AM cortisol was 33 and my midnight cortisol

was 14. The Sex hormones were low, so I was prescribed a progesterone

(plus other stuff) cream. I do divide my doses. I take 1 grain at

about 6AM and the other grain at noon.

Thanks for the welcome. Oink

> Yep, I have had a B12 test run by my local GP it was normal. He

> thought that perhaps low B12 might cause the burning tongue. Haven't

> had a Vitamin D or ferritin test yet. I am still increasing. I

> haven't reached the " too much coffee " feeling yet. :-) After 2 grains,

> I thought I should slow the increase down a bit. Every 3 days seemed

> a bit soon. The switch wasn't bad at all. I expected much worse.

> The 1/2 grain for a few days was a bit interesting, but after the

> increase to 1 grain, it hasn't been so bad. Sort of wanting to see

> what the hormone/adrenal panal shows.

>

> Pat

>

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

> We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love

> (and love to hate): Yahoo! TV's Guilty Pleasures list.

>

[Guest guest]

Jeepers - hope you find some relief FAST! Wanted you to know that

Armour will lower your cholesterol and you'll be able to drop that med

when you get to a high enough dose of Armour.

Marti

> <snip

>

> Currently I am taking 2 grains of Armour plus a whole slew of

> vitamins. Any yes, I have high blood pressure and slightly high

> cholesterol (all after surgery) so there are meds for that as well.

> So far I haven't had the depression or the bone tired problems,

> yet. So, just maybe I can head this off at the pass. I don't yet

> have the results of the hormone/adrenal panal. So that is my

> story. I hope to learn from those of you that have been through

> this.

>

> Pat

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Pat,

Welcome! The range for B12 goes down to 300, however articles I've found

say you need to be over 500. Get copies of your labs, don't take the

doctors word.

Kate G

At 04:39 PM 3/8/2007, you wrote:

>Yep, I have had a B12 test run by my local GP it was normal. He

>thought that perhaps low B12 might cause the burning tongue. Haven't

>had a Vitamin D or ferritin test yet. I am still increasing. I

>haven't reached the " too much coffee " feeling yet. :-) After 2 grains,

>I thought I should slow the increase down a bit. Every 3 days seemed

>a bit soon. The switch wasn't bad at all. I expected much worse.

>The 1/2 grain for a few days was a bit interesting, but after the

>increase to 1 grain, it hasn't been so bad. Sort of wanting to see

>what the hormone/adrenal panal shows.

>

>Pat

[Guest guest]

,

So glad you found our group because it will definitely help you feel like

there are others who understand... we do!

I have had periods of remission in my life. It took them awhile to find the

right meds for me, too. Just know you are not alone. My family is very

supportive but it's not the same as talking with others who endure this disease.

Feel better and know we are here!

Gentle hugs,

Gail (KY)

Vargas wrote:

Hello my name is Vargas, I was diagnosed with Stills Disease

maybe about two weeks ago. I just looked it up on the Internet Monday, I was too

afraid of what I might find out. I was hospitalized for 8 days, the doctors

could not tell what I had and they also found a bacteria in my blood (it's gone

now). I am 34 10/24/72, married to a wonderful man who has been very supportive,

we have two boys 5 & 2. I have my ups and downs, it is such an unpredictable

disease, I have had my meds changed probably 4 times now. I just started new

meds today Pred 60 mg daily. I am really interested in hearing some happy

stories, or success stories all I have heard is the bad and it really scares me

because I want to get back to my family. I just came back to work Monday

3/12/2007, and I feel that is helping me from being depressed. The mornings are

the worst for me. Any feedback will help, it will help to know that I really am

not the only one dealing with this. Thank you.

Vargas

---------------------------------

8:00? 8:25? 8:40? Find a flick in no time

with theYahoo! Search movie showtime shortcut.

[Guest guest]

Look in Files. There is a doctor list.

Some of our members see Dr. Hartig in Webster.

>> Hi all, my name is Becca and I live in Houston.> > I've suspected I had thyroid problems most of my life, but in> mid-January, I suddenly started PACKING on weight...I am VERY fit,> very strong, was working at a gym, very active, very healthy eating> habits, hadn't changed eating habits...also, I started feeling> thoroughly and utterly exhausted. My throat swelled, my voice was> raspy and I couldn't speak more than a few sentences without my throat> closing up. Food would get stuck in my throat and I would have to> wash it down with liquid.> > I quit my job because all I could do was sit with my head on a desk> all day. I've been trying to work as my bf's assistant, but I can> hardly get off the couch. He is supporting me right now because I am> only lucid for an hour or so each day. My brain is oatmeal. I start> something and walk off in the middle of it and forget about it. On> and on...most of the classic thyroid symptoms...> > I came here hoping to find a good doc to see in Houston, but haven't> seen anything promising in the database or in anyone's posts. I have> had 6 unexplained miscarriages, and had a ton of bloodwork done 5> years ago, and ob/gyn said my thyroid tests were "right in the middle"> but wouldn't give me specific numbers....I am scared of wasting time,> energy, and money on a doc who isn't going to HELP me...> > so if there is a doc in Houston you can recommend, please let me know.>

[Guest guest]

Dr's in Houston are few and far between. Which part of Houston? Are you

willing to travel? Have you started with your GP? That's the best place

to start, I wouldn't waste my time with an Endo. Take a list of

symptoms. Everything you list sounds like a thyroid symptom. You need to

get it checked out!

Kate

At 10:08 PM 3/13/2007, you wrote:

>Hi all, my name is Becca and I live in Houston.

>

>I've suspected I had thyroid problems most of my life, but in

>mid-January, I suddenly started PACKING on weight...I am VERY fit,

>very strong, was working at a gym, very active, very healthy eating

>habits, hadn't changed eating habits...also, I started feeling

>thoroughly and utterly exhausted. My throat swelled, my voice was

>raspy and I couldn't speak more than a few sentences without my throat

>closing up. Food would get stuck in my throat and I would have to

>wash it down with liquid.

>

>I quit my job because all I could do was sit with my head on a desk

>all day. I've been trying to work as my bf's assistant, but I can

>hardly get off the couch. He is supporting me right now because I am

>only lucid for an hour or so each day. My brain is oatmeal. I start

>something and walk off in the middle of it and forget about it. On

>and on...most of the classic thyroid symptoms...

>

>I came here hoping to find a good doc to see in Houston, but haven't

>seen anything promising in the database or in anyone's posts. I have

>had 6 unexplained miscarriages, and had a ton of bloodwork done 5

>years ago, and ob/gyn said my thyroid tests were " right in the middle "

>but wouldn't give me specific numbers....I am scared of wasting time,

>energy, and money on a doc who isn't going to HELP me...

>

>so if there is a doc in Houston you can recommend, please let me know.

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am one week older than you! :-) I'm glad you found us as this is

the most supportive group. Ask any questions you want - no question

is stupid - and talk as much as you need. Having the support of

others who deal with what you deal with makes such a difference in

your ability to accept the disease and changes in your life.

And never give up hope! Some people have the disease disappear as

quickly as it came. Some experience periods of remission. Others

(like me) live with it daily but with the help of medication and

lifestyle changes manage a pretty good life despite being ill.

Welcome and jump right in.

Houston, TX

[Guest guest]

Hi Becca, So sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. I too live in the Houston area and searching for a good Endo. My General Practitioner recommended my current endo and she said here try this medicine and if it doesnt work, then your fine, just lose weight. I said well that will be my last visit with her and started looking for another doctor. I finally had my gyno recommend an endocrynologist named Vivian Rodriquez, there is not much about her on this forum, but I did research a bit and found this: http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/texas.htm Houston Vivian , MD PA endocrinology 2201 West Holcombe Blvd Suite 305 Houston, TX 77030 . A reader writes: "Dr. treats my symptoms, not

just my lab tests! She does an exam, instead of just looking at the test results. She does use the test results, but she is not their slave. My TSH has never been abnormal, so most endos see no reason to treat my horrible symptoms. Dr. looks at free T3 and free T4, as well. I can't say what a relief it is to finally see a really good endocrinologist." (Added 2/03) A reader writes:"I just want to underscore what the other patient has already listed. I came to Dr. after being treated for thyroid cancer with another (unsatisfactory) doctor. Dr. and staff are great. Highly recommended." (Added: Dec. 04) I have an appointment on April 9th with Dr. Rodriquez. She is down in the medical center, which is fine with me, but far for a lot of people. If you need a truly wonderful Gyno, Damla Dryden is the best I have ever seen. She is the one that diagnosed my uterin polyps and did my hysterectomy.

She to is in the medical center downtown, St. Lukes towers. From Yahoo: Dryden, Damla K MD - Women's Specialists-Houston - - 6624 Fannin St Ste 1800, Houston, TX Well I hope this helps you Becca! Take care! Spring, TxBecca wrote: Hi all, my name is Becca and I live in Houston.I've suspected I had thyroid problems most of my life, but inmid-January, I suddenly started PACKING on weight...I am VERY fit,very strong, was working at a gym, very active, very healthy eatinghabits, hadn't changed eating habits...also, I started feelingthoroughly and utterly exhausted. My throat swelled, my voice wasraspy and I couldn't speak more than a few sentences without my throatclosing up. Food would get stuck in my throat and I would have towash it down with liquid.I quit my job because all I could do was sit with my

head on a deskall day. I've been trying to work as my bf's assistant, but I canhardly get off the couch. He is supporting me right now because I amonly lucid for an hour or so each day. My brain is oatmeal. I startsomething and walk off in the middle of it and forget about it. Onand on...most of the classic thyroid symptoms...I came here hoping to find a good doc to see in Houston, but haven'tseen anything promising in the database or in anyone's posts. I havehad 6 unexplained miscarriages, and had a ton of bloodwork done 5years ago, and ob/gyn said my thyroid tests were "right in the middle"but wouldn't give me specific numbers....I am scared of wasting time,energy, and money on a doc who isn't going to HELP me...so if there is a doc in Houston you can recommend, please let me know.

TV dinner still cooling?Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV.

[Guest guest]

Dr. is on our list in Files and has recently been given a very good review by one of our members in a post. The last time I looked, no one had written her up on the database. Gosdin wrote: Hi Becca, So sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. I too live in the Houston area and searching for a good Endo. My General Practitioner recommended my current endo and she said here try this medicine and if it doesnt work, then your fine, just lose weight. I said well that will be my last visit with her and started looking for another doctor. I finally had my gyno recommend an endocrynologist named Vivian Rodriquez, there is not

much about her on this forum, but I did research a bit and found this: http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/texas.htm Houston Vivian , MD PA endocrinology 2201 West Holcombe Blvd Suite 305 Houston, TX 77030 . A reader writes: "Dr. treats my symptoms, not just my lab tests! She does an exam, instead of just looking at the test results. She does use the test results, but she is not their slave. My TSH has never been abnormal, so most endos see no reason to treat my horrible symptoms. Dr. looks at free T3 and free T4, as well. I can't say what a relief it is to finally see a really good endocrinologist." (Added 2/03) A reader writes:"I just

want to underscore what the other patient has already listed. I came to Dr. after being treated for thyroid cancer with another (unsatisfactory) doctor. Dr. and staff are great. Highly recommended." (Added: Dec. 04) I have an appointment on April 9th with Dr. Rodriquez. She is down in the medical center, which is fine with me, but far for a lot of people. If you need a truly wonderful Gyno, Damla Dryden is the best I have ever seen. She is the one that diagnosed my uterin polyps and did my hysterectomy. She to is in the medical center downtown, St. Lukes towers. From Yahoo: Dryden, Damla K MD - Women's Specialists-Houston - - 6624 Fannin St Ste 1800, Houston, TX Well I hope this helps you Becca! Take care! Spring, TxBecca wrote: Hi all, my name is Becca and I live in Houston.I've suspected I had thyroid problems most of my life, but inmid-January, I suddenly started PACKING on weight...I am VERY fit,very strong, was working at a gym, very active, very healthy eatinghabits, hadn't changed eating habits...also, I started feelingthoroughly and utterly exhausted. My throat swelled, my voice wasraspy and I couldn't speak more than a few sentences without my throatclosing up. Food would get stuck in my throat and I would have towash it down with liquid.I quit my job because all I could do was sit with my head on a deskall day. I've been trying to work as my bf's assistant, but I canhardly get off the couch. He is supporting me right now because I amonly lucid for an hour or so each day. My brain is oatmeal. I startsomething and walk off in the middle

of it and forget about it. Onand on...most of the classic thyroid symptoms...I came here hoping to find a good doc to see in Houston, but haven'tseen anything promising in the database or in anyone's posts. I havehad 6 unexplained miscarriages, and had a ton of bloodwork done 5years ago, and ob/gyn said my thyroid tests were "right in the middle"but wouldn't give me specific numbers....I am scared of wasting time,energy, and money on a doc who isn't going to HELP me...so if there is a doc in Houston you can recommend, please let me know.

Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection. Try the free Yahoo! Mail Beta.

[Guest guest]

Welcome Becca. Hang in there until you find a doctor. You will get better!

I was feeling much the same as you about 6 months ago. I packed on about 50

pounds in 6 months. All I wanted to do was sleep. Even the most basic mind

activities felt like I was trying to trigonometry.

Kim

Introduction

Hi all, my name is Becca and I live in Houston.

I've suspected I had thyroid problems most of my life, but in mid-January, I

suddenly started PACKING on weight...I am VERY fit, very strong, was working

at a gym, very active, very healthy eating habits, hadn't changed eating

habits...also, I started feeling thoroughly and utterly exhausted. My

throat swelled, my voice was raspy and I couldn't speak more than a few

sentences without my throat closing up. Food would get stuck in my throat

and I would have to wash it down with liquid.

I quit my job because all I could do was sit with my head on a desk all day.

I've been trying to work as my bf's assistant, but I can hardly get off the

couch. He is supporting me right now because I am only lucid for an hour or

so each day. My brain is oatmeal. I start something and walk off in the

middle of it and forget about it. On and on...most of the classic thyroid

symptoms...

I came here hoping to find a good doc to see in Houston, but haven't seen

anything promising in the database or in anyone's posts. I have had 6

unexplained miscarriages, and had a ton of bloodwork done 5 years ago, and

ob/gyn said my thyroid tests were " right in the middle "

but wouldn't give me specific numbers....I am scared of wasting time,

energy, and money on a doc who isn't going to HELP me...

so if there is a doc in Houston you can recommend, please let me know.

[Guest guest]

While it's great that she tests Free's...what meds does she use?

Kate

At 11:41 AM 3/14/2007, you wrote:

>Hi Becca,

>

>So sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. I too live in the

>Houston area and searching for a good Endo. My General Practitioner

>recommended my current endo and she said here try this medicine and if it

>doesnt work, then your fine, just lose weight. I said well that will be

>my last visit with her and started looking for another doctor. I finally

>had my gyno recommend an endocrynologist named Vivian Rodriquez, there is

>not much about her on this forum, but I did research a bit and found this:

>

><http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/texas.htm>http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdr\

s/texas.htm

>

>Houston

>Vivian , MD PA endocrinology 2201 West Holcombe Blvd Suite 305

>Houston, TX 77030 . A reader writes: " Dr. treats my

>symptoms, not just my lab tests! She does an exam, instead of just looking

>at the test results. She does use the test results, but she is not their

>slave. My TSH has never been abnormal, so most endos see no reason to

>treat my horrible symptoms. Dr. looks at free T3 and free T4, as

>well. I can't say what a relief it is to finally see a really good

>endocrinologist. " (Added 2/03)

>

>A reader writes:

> " I just want to underscore what the other patient has already listed. I

>came to Dr. after being treated for thyroid cancer with another

>(unsatisfactory) doctor. Dr. and staff are great. Highly

>recommended. " (Added: Dec. 04)

>

>I have an appointment on April 9th with Dr. Rodriquez. She is down in the

>medical center, which is fine with me, but far for a lot of people. If

>you need a truly wonderful Gyno, Damla Dryden is the best I have ever

>seen. She is the one that diagnosed my uterin polyps and did my

>hysterectomy. She to is in the medical center downtown, St. Lukes towers.

>

> From Yahoo:

><http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geu4lKJfhFFpIAlaZXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTBqOWQ3NXJkBGNvbG\

8DZQRzZWMDc2MEdnRpZAM-/SIG=16hvahv7s/EXP=1173976778/**http%3a//local.yahoo.com/d\

etails%3ffr=dd-local-tl1%26id=19010578%26stx=dr%2bdryden%26csz=Houston%2bTX%26ed\

=SGaSW6160Swidww3twktWd5LkeSp8qZC01w51vxcZ7bjYaqWg_qrm9X_p7SW0TyYLbVccLUvxHAI2Wt\

O3Q-->Dryden,

>Damla K MD - Women's

>Specialists-<http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geu4lKJfhFFpIAlaZXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTBqOW\

Q3NXJkBGNvbG8DZQRzZWMDc2MEdnRpZAM-/SIG=16hvahv7s/EXP=1173976778/**http%3a//local\

..yahoo.com/details%3ffr=dd-local-tl1%26id=19010578%26stx=dr%2bdryden%26csz=Houst\

on%2bTX%26ed=SGaSW6160Swidww3twktWd5LkeSp8qZC01w51vxcZ7bjYaqWg_qrm9X_p7SW0TyYLbV\

ccLUvxHAI2WtO3Q-->Houston

>- - 6624 Fannin St Ste 1800, Houston, TX

>

>Well I hope this helps you Becca! Take care!

>

>Spring, Tx

>Becca wrote:

>Hi all, my name is Becca and I live in Houston.

>

>I've suspected I had thyroid problems most of my life, but in

>mid-January, I suddenly started PACKING on weight...I am VERY fit,

>very strong, was working at a gym, very active, very healthy eating

>habits, hadn't changed eating habits...also, I started feeling

>thoroughly and utterly exhausted. My throat swelled, my voice was

>raspy and I couldn't speak more than a few sentences without my throat

>closing up. Food would get stuck in my throat and I would have to

>wash it down with liquid.

>

>I quit my job because all I could do was sit with my head on a desk

>all day. I've been trying to work as my bf's assistant, but I can

>hardly get off the couch. He is supporting me right now because I am

>only lucid for an hour or so each day. My brain is oatmeal. I start

>something and walk off in the middle of it and forget about it. On

>and on...most of the classic thyroid symptoms...

>

>I came here hoping to find a good doc to see in Houston, but haven't

>seen anything promising in the database or in anyone's posts. I have

>had 6 unexplained miscarriages, and had a ton of bloodwork done 5

>years ago, and ob/gyn said my thyroid tests were " right in the middle "

>but wouldn't give me specific numbers....I am scared of wasting time,

>energy, and money on a doc who isn't going to HELP me...

>

>so if there is a doc in Houston you can recommend, please let me know.

>

>

>

>TV dinner still cooling?

><http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=49979/*http://tv.yahoo.com/>Check out

> " Tonight's Picks " on Yahoo! TV.

>No virus found in this incoming message.

>Checked by AVG Free Edition.

>Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.11/721 - Release Date: 3/13/2007

>4:51 PM

[Guest guest]

After discussing it with my boyfriend, I decided to give my GP a

chance. I just moved inside the loop, hated my old GP, and have only

seen the new one once for a sinus infection, but he took more time and

asked more questions than the last 5 times I saw my old GP combined.

So if this turns out well, I will be sure to let everyone know!

>

> So sorry to hear you are having so much trouble. I too live in

the Houston area and searching for a good Endo. My General

Practitioner recommended my current endo and she said here try this

medicine and if it doesnt work, then your fine, just lose weight. I

said well that will be my last visit with her and started looking for

another doctor. I finally had my gyno recommend an endocrynologist

named Vivian Rodriquez, there is not much about her on this forum, but

I did research a bit and found this:

>

> http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/texas.htm

>

> Houston

> Vivian , MD PA endocrinology 2201 West Holcombe Blvd

Suite 305 Houston, TX 77030 . A reader writes: " Dr.

treats my symptoms, not just my lab tests! She does an exam,

instead of just looking at the test results. She does use the test

results, but she is not their slave. My TSH has never been abnormal,

so most endos see no reason to treat my horrible symptoms. Dr.

looks at free T3 and free T4, as well. I can't say what a

relief it is to finally see a really good endocrinologist. " (Added 2/03)

>

> A reader writes:

> " I just want to underscore what the other patient has already

listed. I came to Dr. after being treated for thyroid cancer

with another (unsatisfactory) doctor. Dr. and staff are

great. Highly recommended. " (Added: Dec. 04)

>

> I have an appointment on April 9th with Dr. Rodriquez. She is down

in the medical center, which is fine with me, but far for a lot of

people. If you need a truly wonderful Gyno, Damla Dryden is the best

I have ever seen. She is the one that diagnosed my uterin polyps and

did my hysterectomy. She to is in the medical center downtown, St.

Lukes towers.

>>SNIPPED<<

[Guest guest]

Your GP is a great place to start. With a few notable exceptions, most of us do not get our best thyroid care from endos. Becca wrote: After discussing it with my boyfriend, I decided to give my GP achance. I just moved inside the loop, hated my old GP, and have onlyseen the new one once for a sinus infection, but he took more time andasked more questions than the last 5 times I saw my old GP combined. So if this turns out well, I will be sure to let everyone know!

Don't get soaked. Take a quick peek at the forecast with theYahoo! Search weather shortcut.

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi Rocky. I am in Austin too (well, Bertram actually). You didn't

happen to see Dr. Blevins did you? He ignored my hypo symptoms for

almost 4 years! I even yelled at him one time asking him just what the

heck did he think caused my low body temps . . . and he just shrugged

his shoulders. I really feel for his patients. Leann

Yes, the one and only Dr. Blevins. :-(

Rocky

[Guest guest]

What is that man's problem? Has anyone here filed a complaint against him? I am about to start down that road . . . .Leann

-----Original Message-----From: Texas_Thyroid_Groups [mailto:Texas_Thyroid_Groups ]On Behalf Of rocky_sg2Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 7:55 AMTo: Texas_Thyroid_Groups Subject: Re: introduction

>> Hi Rocky. I am in Austin too (well, Bertram actually). You didn't happen to see Dr. Blevins did you? He ignored my hypo symptoms for almost 4 years! I even yelled at him one time asking him just what the heck did he think caused my low body temps . . . and he just shrugged his shoulders. I really feel for his patients. LeannYes, the one and only Dr. Blevins. :-(Rocky

[Guest guest]

What is that man's problem? Has anyone here filed a complaint against

him? I am about to start down that road . . . .Leann

Have no idea if anyone has complained. I was a bit leery of seeing

him, or one of his new associates, as he has become very upscale these

days, but he came highly recommended, so ......

As someone who worked with docs, suspicions were always raised when

things seemed just too too posh. More interested in income than

results much of the time.

Won't say that's what's going on here as I have nothing to back up any

such idea. Just speaking in generalities.

Rocky

[Guest guest]

If you do plan to file a complaint, sue or take any legal action, I would suggest that you refrain from so much as mentioning his name on any public board such as this one. You could be slapped with some kind of countersuit. The database is anonymous, however, and not even the moderators can find out who filled in a particular doc. . . . . rocky_sg2 wrote: What is that man's problem? Has anyone here filed a complaint against him? I am about to start down that road . . . .LeannHave no idea if anyone has complained. I was a bit leery of seeing him, or one of his new associates, as he has become very upscale these days, but he came highly

recommended, so ......As someone who worked with docs, suspicions were always raised when things seemed just too too posh. More interested in income than results much of the time.Won't say that's what's going on here as I have nothing to back up any such idea. Just speaking in generalities.Rocky

Don't pick lemons.

See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos.