Re: Long introduction

[Guest guest]

I joined this list prior to the holidays and have really enjoyed(?), not

sure that is the proper way to describe what I'm feeling, reading the posts.

My eyes are being opened wider and wider. I previously posted that I would

introduce myself at a later date, I guess today is that date.

My name is and I reside in Grain Valley, MO. I will turn 40 in

less than a month. I have a sister who is hypothyroid and also suffers from

lupus. I have an aunt and cousin (mother and daughter) who also suffer from

thyroid disease. My grandmother definitely had a goiter. I was diagnosed

with hypothyroidism and a goiter the summer of 1990, approximately five or

six months after the birth of my first child. During my pregnancy I gained

70 pounds and nobody (doctor) took much notice of that happening. I lost 20

pounds upon the birth of my son and that was the lowest I have weighed since

then. After I was diagnosed I was placed on beta-blockers, and eventually

treated with radioactive iodine. At that time I had no idea what these

doctors were doing to me, all I knew was that I couldn't lose weight and I

was very tired.

Over the next seven years I had another pregnancy, that was normal in all

aspects with respect to weight gain and loss, got out of a very stressful

marriage, returned to college and obtained 2 1/2 degrees in the area of

dietetics. Yes, I devoted my whole to trying to figure out why my

metabolism was haywire. I gained probably another 60 pounds from the date I

brought my first son home from the hospital.

During this time period I took Synthroid and levoxyl and levothyroid. I'm

currently taking a generic, levothyroxin 150 mcg.

I have suffered from being hot since initial diagnosis (our thermostat sets

on 68 degrees, year round). I haven't worn a coat in years. My long hard

fingernails immediately broke, split, and thinned. My hair became coarser,

and recently has begun to increasingly fall out. I was diagnosed with IBS

soon after diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Since about 1997 my symptoms have

begun to escalate. I was diagnosed with depression and have taken Prozac,

Wellbutrin, and Zoloft. I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and

again given Zoloft, Prozac, and now Pamelor. I'm tired again, I have begun

having panic attacks, I can't remember things any more, my periods are

heavier (when not on antidepressants).

In 2001 I joined Weight Watchers determined I was going to finally lose the

weight. Over an 18 month period I lost 55 pounds, looked the best I had in

years, and felt the worst I had felt in years. I was suffering from nausea

and diarrhea on almost a daily basis. I finally went to the doctor and he

did some blood tests and diagnosed me with anemia and a " fight or flight "

disorder. This was when I was initially placed on Zoloft. The Zoloft had

me feeling better than I had in years in relation to my digestive tract and

I gained 30 pounds in two months. I was a carbohydrate addict. I now know

what it is like to be a heroin junky because it wasn't if I was going to eat

some type of carb it was when. I could go through a half gallon of ice

cream in two days. I went back to the doctor and told him I felt great but

at this rate I would weigh 800 pounds within the next few months. He then

switched me to Prozac which reduced the cravings but I didn't feel as well.

I have now regained 35 of the 55 pounds I had lost and I was taken off of

the Prozac when I complained of feeling tired. I had a panic attack in the

doctor's office and that is when he placed me on the Pamelor. My initial

low dose (50 mg daily) knocked me out. That was dropped to 25 and I am

functioning but still have bouts of nausea somewhat often and constipation

due to the way it dehydrates you system.

Last summer I tried the Atkin's diet and my fingernails improved greatly,

but I only lost about six pounds and then reached a plateau. I am tired of

feeling " old " . I am tired of being depressed. I feel like I lost a great

portion of my youth to this disorder and I want to feel " normal " . And I'm

truly tired of the " anxiety " aspects. When I broached the subject of my

depression being related to my hypothyroidism with my doctor on my last

visit and he indicated they weren't related I was shocked. I looked at him

and asked, " So I'm just crazy? " He indicated no, I just had a brain

chemistry imbalance.

I'm ready to see a new doctor. I believe I'd like to try the Armour and see

how that makes me feel. Oh, of course, my blood test for TSH is in the

normal range. I'm open to this lists theories on what my problems are,

whether they are hypothyroid related or not, if there are doctors in my area

who may be more open to allowing me to try Armour if needed, etc. I've read

the Shoman book and am ready for more information.

Thanks for listening.

Grain Valley, MO

-- Re: body temp?

Oh.. no... you're not the only ones that are hot.... I'm hot most of the

time and hotter some of the time.. and living in a house with a person on

blood thinners that is chilled all the time is just terrible... Night

before last he's even wearing a jacket in the house, shoes, socks.. all

warmly dressed and I'm barefoot and wishing I had shorts.. The house temp

is kept at 80..... Last night I squirreled away in the office and kept

opening a window to stick my face up to the screen to cool off (we're

below zero here now).

Topper ()

On Sun, 4 Jan 2004 21:51:17 -0600 (Central Standard Time) " jreid69 "

writes:

> I was beginning to think I was the only one who was hot. Nice to

> know I'm

> not.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have just read your story and , there is immense hope and

better days ahead for you. The vast majority of your symptoms are

due to hypo, and are then due to being on an inadequate med. In most

folks, T4 does not adequately convert into the active T3. You are

left with all the symptoms you describe.

I, too, had a 'flight or fight' disorder when I was on T4-only meds

and before. Armour COMPLETELY and totally rid me of that.

I also had constant low-grade depression--Armour rid me of that.

I felt old and sick--Armour rid me of that. I now have the energy of

a teenager. I own my own store!!! I come home with energy to spare!!

Stick with your path, . Find a doc who will prescribe

Armour, and get ready for a better life.

There may be other issues you need to correct, and when can guide

you with those as well.

Janie aka ThyroDiva

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group! My name is Dusty and I live in Olathe, KS. I am 49 and

have Hashi's (diagnosed in July 2003...even though I've known I had a thyroid

problem for over 10 years!!). I have found a awesome endo in Overland Park, Ks.

named Jackie Springer. She goes by your symptoms more than the test results. She

has given me my life back. Her website is at www.drspringer.medem.com/ if you

want to check her out. She believes in prescribing bio-identical hormones for

treatment instead of synthetics. She is not on any insurance plans, but she is

worth it at twice the price. I hope this info helps you. Let me know if you need

any more info.

Dusty

Re: body temp?

Oh.. no... you're not the only ones that are hot.... I'm hot most of the

time and hotter some of the time.. and living in a house with a person on

blood thinners that is chilled all the time is just terrible... Night

before last he's even wearing a jacket in the house, shoes, socks.. all

warmly dressed and I'm barefoot and wishing I had shorts.. The house temp

is kept at 80..... Last night I squirreled away in the office and kept

opening a window to stick my face up to the screen to cool off (we're

below zero here now).

Topper ()

On Sun, 4 Jan 2004 21:51:17 -0600 (Central Standard Time) " jreid69 "

writes:

> I was beginning to think I was the only one who was hot. Nice to

> know I'm

> not.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Welcome to the group! My name is Dusty and I live in Olathe, KS. I am 49 and

have Hashi's (diagnosed in July 2003...even though I've known I had a thyroid

problem for over 10 years!!). I have found a awesome endo in Overland Park, Ks.

named Jackie Springer. She goes by your symptoms more than the test results. She

has given me my life back. Her website is at www.drspringer.medem.com/ if you

want to check her out. She believes in prescribing bio-identical hormones for

treatment instead of synthetics. She is not on any insurance plans, but she is

worth it at twice the price. I hope this info helps you. Let me know if you need

any more info.

Dusty

Re: body temp?

Oh.. no... you're not the only ones that are hot.... I'm hot most of the

time and hotter some of the time.. and living in a house with a person on

blood thinners that is chilled all the time is just terrible... Night

before last he's even wearing a jacket in the house, shoes, socks.. all

warmly dressed and I'm barefoot and wishing I had shorts.. The house temp

is kept at 80..... Last night I squirreled away in the office and kept

opening a window to stick my face up to the screen to cool off (we're

below zero here now).

Topper ()

On Sun, 4 Jan 2004 21:51:17 -0600 (Central Standard Time) " jreid69 "

writes:

> I was beginning to think I was the only one who was hot. Nice to

> know I'm

> not.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Okay, what do I do with a TSH level of 1.64? Who is going to believe that I

still don't feel well?

[Guest guest]

> Okay, what do I do with a TSH level of 1.64? Who is going to

>believe that I still don't feel well?

You find a doc who will look at our free T3 LONG before he looks at

a TSH, which is useless.

And you find a doc who listens to symptoms!

Check out the Top Doc lists, and ask around, as well.

Janie

[Guest guest]

[Debbie K.] > Check out the Top Doc lists, and ask around, as well.

Hi all. I am new to the board. Joined over a month ago and was

overwhelmed with all the email. Have put off reading and am catching

up now. Where is this Top Doc lists?

I am so discouraged and am about ready to self medicate with armour.

Finding a doc who will work with me seems to be such a hugh task! I've

even thought about just sending a letter to all the docs in the area and

seeing if I get a response!

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie and welcome, I am not the founder just another hypo sufferer wanting

to help. I have a top doc list for certain states in the U.S. If you'd like

please feel free to let me know what state you live in..and I'll send you any

info I have. I know how frustrated you are...and all of these wonderful ladies

on this site know how you feel also. We'll help you as much as we can to get

your self healthy.

Hope to hear from you soon

Hugs Patti Sue...hang in there ... help is on the way!!!

RE: Re: Long introduction

[Debbie K.] > Check out the Top Doc lists, and ask around, as well.

Hi all. I am new to the board. Joined over a month ago and was

overwhelmed with all the email. Have put off reading and am catching

up now. Where is this Top Doc lists?

I am so discouraged and am about ready to self medicate with armour.

Finding a doc who will work with me seems to be such a hugh task! I've

even thought about just sending a letter to all the docs in the area and

seeing if I get a response!

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Well, you are in so much luck...(well I mean you are so fortunate !!) Doctor

Milton is in Cumming Georgia and he is the doc that I would send

everyone and their brother too...even their dogs, cats, birds...oh!! LOL sorry.

I am just so excited..you'll love Doc Milton.

is his number..he is worth a million dollars..He saved my life! I

live in MIchigan and travel to Georgia.....he has patients all over the world

too : )

Let me know what you decide to do...I am positive that he is NW Georgia, but he

is worth a few more miles trust me : )

Hugs...PattiSue!!

RE: Re: Long introduction

[Debbie K.] > Check out the Top Doc lists, and ask around, as well.

Hi all. I am new to the board. Joined over a month ago and was

overwhelmed with all the email. Have put off reading and am catching

up now. Where is this Top Doc lists?

I am so discouraged and am about ready to self medicate with armour.

Finding a doc who will work with me seems to be such a hugh task!

I've

even thought about just sending a letter to all the docs in the area

and

seeing if I get a response!

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Thanks, but that is a four hour drive from my home. I am going to try

to find a doc locally, first. I am not adverse to driving that

far.....would just rather not. I think I would try to self medicate

first.

I found a doc on the doc search page in Enterprise which is only 30-45

minutes from me. I could go there if I don't find one closer. But, if

I am not better in a two or three months, I will be willing to drive to

Cumming.

I am already on .075mcg of Levothroid. Was on .050mcg for years and

just got it bumped up last year. I have been reading the posts and

relating to a lot of the issues. I still have every single symtom of

hypo. Plus, reading these posts, I find out that high blood pressure,

high cholesterol plantair faciaitis (sp?) is common! I am on med for bp

and sholesterol, both good reasons to get my thyroid problem

straightened out. But the straw that is really breaking the cammels

back is the PF. My feet hurt so bad, I hobble around like a 90 year

old.

It is exactly 7:46am here aind in 14 minutes my doctors phone will be

ringing!

Thanks for letting me sound off.

Re: Re: Long introduction

Well, you are in so much luck...(well I mean you are so fortunate !!)

Doctor Milton is in Cumming Georgia and he is the doc that I

would send everyone and their brother too...even their dogs, cats,

birds...oh!! LOL sorry. I am just so excited..you'll love Doc Milton.

is his number..he is worth a million dollars..He saved my

life! I live in MIchigan and travel to Georgia.....he has patients all

over the world too : )

Let me know what you decide to do...I am positive that he is NW Georgia,

but he is worth a few more miles trust me : )

Hugs...PattiSue!!

RE: Re: Long introduction

[Debbie K.] > Check out the Top Doc lists, and ask around, as well.

Hi all. I am new to the board. Joined over a month ago and was

overwhelmed with all the email. Have put off reading and am

catching

up now. Where is this Top Doc lists?

I am so discouraged and am about ready to self medicate with armour.

Finding a doc who will work with me seems to be such a hugh task!

I've

even thought about just sending a letter to all the docs in the area

and

seeing if I get a response!

Debbie