Re: Brand new to all this!!

[Guest guest]

Well it is SO good to hear you say that! Because lately my

enthusiasm has been totally down the tubes! Generally I am energetic

and enthusiastic about life.. but over the past year or so have

become a " slug " holing up at home!!

Generally at work I am the type who sees what needs to be done and

am the first one to jump on it and say " I'll do it. " But my boss

told me that lately she too had noticed that I had been losing

heart -- this was AFTER she found out about my problem; fortunately

she is a wonderful, understanding boss! She was concerned about me

and was very considerate about letting me work " under whatever

steam " I could manage during getting ready for the surgery.

I had thought I was losing my mind!! I am ecstatic to find there WAS

a reason for all this and that maybe I CAN get back to normal!!

Sue

> > > oh rats... I've not posted it on the site yet...

> > >

> > > ??? do you still have it posted at that other site... and

can

> > you

> > > shoot me another copy?

> > >

> > > I'll try to get it on our site later today.. it's in my todo

> > pile.. but I

> > > don't have the energy to go find it.... I'm still soooooo

tired...

> > but

> > > the olympics are almost over and the house noises will lessen

and

> > I'll be

> > > sleeeeeppppinnnnnggggg again soon....

> > >

> > > Topper ()

> > >

> > > On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 09:42:44 -0500 " Shelli " <merk4@i...>

writes:

> > > I can't find the article on the Thryophoenix website. Can

anyone

> > direct

> > > me?

> > > Shelli

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Well it is SO good to hear you say that! Because lately my

enthusiasm has been totally down the tubes! Generally I am energetic

and enthusiastic about life.. but over the past year or so have

become a " slug " holing up at home!!

Generally at work I am the type who sees what needs to be done and

am the first one to jump on it and say " I'll do it. " But my boss

told me that lately she too had noticed that I had been losing

heart -- this was AFTER she found out about my problem; fortunately

she is a wonderful, understanding boss! She was concerned about me

and was very considerate about letting me work " under whatever

steam " I could manage during getting ready for the surgery.

I had thought I was losing my mind!! I am ecstatic to find there WAS

a reason for all this and that maybe I CAN get back to normal!!

Sue

> > > oh rats... I've not posted it on the site yet...

> > >

> > > ??? do you still have it posted at that other site... and

can

> > you

> > > shoot me another copy?

> > >

> > > I'll try to get it on our site later today.. it's in my todo

> > pile.. but I

> > > don't have the energy to go find it.... I'm still soooooo

tired...

> > but

> > > the olympics are almost over and the house noises will lessen

and

> > I'll be

> > > sleeeeeppppinnnnnggggg again soon....

> > >

> > > Topper ()

> > >

> > > On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 09:42:44 -0500 " Shelli " <merk4@i...>

writes:

> > > I can't find the article on the Thryophoenix website. Can

anyone

> > direct

> > > me?

> > > Shelli

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Well it is SO good to hear you say that! Because lately my

enthusiasm has been totally down the tubes! Generally I am energetic

and enthusiastic about life.. but over the past year or so have

become a " slug " holing up at home!!

Generally at work I am the type who sees what needs to be done and

am the first one to jump on it and say " I'll do it. " But my boss

told me that lately she too had noticed that I had been losing

heart -- this was AFTER she found out about my problem; fortunately

she is a wonderful, understanding boss! She was concerned about me

and was very considerate about letting me work " under whatever

steam " I could manage during getting ready for the surgery.

I had thought I was losing my mind!! I am ecstatic to find there WAS

a reason for all this and that maybe I CAN get back to normal!!

Sue

> > > oh rats... I've not posted it on the site yet...

> > >

> > > ??? do you still have it posted at that other site... and

can

> > you

> > > shoot me another copy?

> > >

> > > I'll try to get it on our site later today.. it's in my todo

> > pile.. but I

> > > don't have the energy to go find it.... I'm still soooooo

tired...

> > but

> > > the olympics are almost over and the house noises will lessen

and

> > I'll be

> > > sleeeeeppppinnnnnggggg again soon....

> > >

> > > Topper ()

> > >

> > > On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 09:42:44 -0500 " Shelli " <merk4@i...>

writes:

> > > I can't find the article on the Thryophoenix website. Can

anyone

> > direct

> > > me?

> > > Shelli

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

You can post to your hearts content... if your interests go off topic.. you can haul our butts over to the Cafe and we'll gossip over there....

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 15:09:06 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Oh well...that explains why I couldn't find it either. :)BTW is there a "limit" on how many messages we are allowed to post her per day? I can get carried away. Although I am sure that will change when I have to go back to work next week! :)Sue

[Guest guest]

You can post to your hearts content... if your interests go off topic.. you can haul our butts over to the Cafe and we'll gossip over there....

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 15:09:06 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Oh well...that explains why I couldn't find it either. :)BTW is there a "limit" on how many messages we are allowed to post her per day? I can get carried away. Although I am sure that will change when I have to go back to work next week! :)Sue

[Guest guest]

You can post to your hearts content... if your interests go off topic.. you can haul our butts over to the Cafe and we'll gossip over there....

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 15:09:06 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Oh well...that explains why I couldn't find it either. :)BTW is there a "limit" on how many messages we are allowed to post her per day? I can get carried away. Although I am sure that will change when I have to go back to work next week! :)Sue

[Guest guest]

Oh, ok. I just figured it was me not seeing it, which is not uncommon. LOL

Thanks.

Shelli

Re: Re: Brand new to all this!!

oh rats... I've not posted it on the site yet...

??? do you still have it posted at that other site... and can you shoot me another copy?

I'll try to get it on our site later today.. it's in my todo pile.. but I don't have the energy to go find it.... I'm still soooooo tired... but the olympics are almost over and the house noises will lessen and I'll be sleeeeeppppinnnnnggggg again soon....

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 09:42:44 -0500 "Shelli" writes:

I can't find the article on the Thryophoenix website. Can anyone direct me?

Shelli

[Guest guest]

Oh, ok. I just figured it was me not seeing it, which is not uncommon. LOL

Thanks.

Shelli

Re: Re: Brand new to all this!!

oh rats... I've not posted it on the site yet...

??? do you still have it posted at that other site... and can you shoot me another copy?

I'll try to get it on our site later today.. it's in my todo pile.. but I don't have the energy to go find it.... I'm still soooooo tired... but the olympics are almost over and the house noises will lessen and I'll be sleeeeeppppinnnnnggggg again soon....

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 09:42:44 -0500 "Shelli" writes:

I can't find the article on the Thryophoenix website. Can anyone direct me?

Shelli

[Guest guest]

Oh, ok. I just figured it was me not seeing it, which is not uncommon. LOL

Thanks.

Shelli

Re: Re: Brand new to all this!!

oh rats... I've not posted it on the site yet...

??? do you still have it posted at that other site... and can you shoot me another copy?

I'll try to get it on our site later today.. it's in my todo pile.. but I don't have the energy to go find it.... I'm still soooooo tired... but the olympics are almost over and the house noises will lessen and I'll be sleeeeeppppinnnnnggggg again soon....

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 09:42:44 -0500 "Shelli" writes:

I can't find the article on the Thryophoenix website. Can anyone direct me?

Shelli

[Guest guest]

Ok, I'll be watching for it.

Thanks.

Shelli

Re: Re: Brand new to all this!!

I can't find the article on the Thryophoenix website. Can anyone direct me?

Shelli

I even wrote> an article that was published iin a depression newsletter on my battles> with> depression and the relationship it has to thyroid disease.I reposted it> here> a few weeks ago, and it will be on the thyrophoenix.com website.Bi-polar> disease is also very much connected with thyroid disease, as is anxiety and> eating disorders.There is also some thinking Alzheimer's is related.> hugs> > Feisty

[Guest guest]

Ok, I'll be watching for it.

Thanks.

Shelli

Re: Re: Brand new to all this!!

I can't find the article on the Thryophoenix website. Can anyone direct me?

Shelli

I even wrote> an article that was published iin a depression newsletter on my battles> with> depression and the relationship it has to thyroid disease.I reposted it> here> a few weeks ago, and it will be on the thyrophoenix.com website.Bi-polar> disease is also very much connected with thyroid disease, as is anxiety and> eating disorders.There is also some thinking Alzheimer's is related.> hugs> > Feisty

[Guest guest]

Ok, I'll be watching for it.

Thanks.

Shelli

Re: Re: Brand new to all this!!

I can't find the article on the Thryophoenix website. Can anyone direct me?

Shelli

I even wrote> an article that was published iin a depression newsletter on my battles> with> depression and the relationship it has to thyroid disease.I reposted it> here> a few weeks ago, and it will be on the thyrophoenix.com website.Bi-polar> disease is also very much connected with thyroid disease, as is anxiety and> eating disorders.There is also some thinking Alzheimer's is related.> hugs> > Feisty

[Guest guest]

Yes, I agree... I work for a wonderful company!!

I am a bit discouraged at the moment. I just talked to my surgeon

and good news is my TSH levels are normal... 2.85 so right in range.

BUT he said since they were also normal before the surgery I should

not have had any of the symptoms and that other things such as

depression could also cause those symptoms! SHEESH! This is what I

have heard from people for the past two years!!! I KNOW how I

felt... also I asked why I feel so much better since the surgery and

he didn't have an explanation but said if I have more symptoms to

talk to my primary care doctor and have her do additional tests.

He is an awesome surgeon though!!! Just in effect being told

again that I am crazy didn't set very well LOL

Sue

> Sue, I think your boss is awesome.. considerate and SMART.. it's

coming

> out more and more that those of us here are smart folks with a lot

of

> guts and ambition... heck, we have to be or we'd never be able to

> continue to function at all considering how are bodies are not

working

> correctly. And once we find out what's wrong and are able to get

the

> treatment, meds and supps that we need we are incredible people...

I'm

> not at the incredible part.... I'm gonna be there, though... along

with

> the others that I've met that have found that place called life..

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 15:24:08 -0000 " Sue " <dance4joy7@h...> writes:

> Well it is SO good to hear you say that! Because lately my

> enthusiasm has been totally down the tubes! Generally I am

energetic

> and enthusiastic about life.. but over the past year or so have

> become a " slug " holing up at home!!

>

> Generally at work I am the type who sees what needs to be done and

> am the first one to jump on it and say " I'll do it. " But my boss

> told me that lately she too had noticed that I had been losing

> heart -- this was AFTER she found out about my problem;

fortunately

> she is a wonderful, understanding boss! She was concerned about me

> and was very considerate about letting me work " under whatever

> steam " I could manage during getting ready for the surgery.

>

> I had thought I was losing my mind!! I am ecstatic to find there

WAS

> a reason for all this and that maybe I CAN get back to normal!!

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Yes, I agree... I work for a wonderful company!!

I am a bit discouraged at the moment. I just talked to my surgeon

and good news is my TSH levels are normal... 2.85 so right in range.

BUT he said since they were also normal before the surgery I should

not have had any of the symptoms and that other things such as

depression could also cause those symptoms! SHEESH! This is what I

have heard from people for the past two years!!! I KNOW how I

felt... also I asked why I feel so much better since the surgery and

he didn't have an explanation but said if I have more symptoms to

talk to my primary care doctor and have her do additional tests.

He is an awesome surgeon though!!! Just in effect being told

again that I am crazy didn't set very well LOL

Sue

> Sue, I think your boss is awesome.. considerate and SMART.. it's

coming

> out more and more that those of us here are smart folks with a lot

of

> guts and ambition... heck, we have to be or we'd never be able to

> continue to function at all considering how are bodies are not

working

> correctly. And once we find out what's wrong and are able to get

the

> treatment, meds and supps that we need we are incredible people...

I'm

> not at the incredible part.... I'm gonna be there, though... along

with

> the others that I've met that have found that place called life..

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 15:24:08 -0000 " Sue " <dance4joy7@h...> writes:

> Well it is SO good to hear you say that! Because lately my

> enthusiasm has been totally down the tubes! Generally I am

energetic

> and enthusiastic about life.. but over the past year or so have

> become a " slug " holing up at home!!

>

> Generally at work I am the type who sees what needs to be done and

> am the first one to jump on it and say " I'll do it. " But my boss

> told me that lately she too had noticed that I had been losing

> heart -- this was AFTER she found out about my problem;

fortunately

> she is a wonderful, understanding boss! She was concerned about me

> and was very considerate about letting me work " under whatever

> steam " I could manage during getting ready for the surgery.

>

> I had thought I was losing my mind!! I am ecstatic to find there

WAS

> a reason for all this and that maybe I CAN get back to normal!!

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Yes, I agree... I work for a wonderful company!!

I am a bit discouraged at the moment. I just talked to my surgeon

and good news is my TSH levels are normal... 2.85 so right in range.

BUT he said since they were also normal before the surgery I should

not have had any of the symptoms and that other things such as

depression could also cause those symptoms! SHEESH! This is what I

have heard from people for the past two years!!! I KNOW how I

felt... also I asked why I feel so much better since the surgery and

he didn't have an explanation but said if I have more symptoms to

talk to my primary care doctor and have her do additional tests.

He is an awesome surgeon though!!! Just in effect being told

again that I am crazy didn't set very well LOL

Sue

> Sue, I think your boss is awesome.. considerate and SMART.. it's

coming

> out more and more that those of us here are smart folks with a lot

of

> guts and ambition... heck, we have to be or we'd never be able to

> continue to function at all considering how are bodies are not

working

> correctly. And once we find out what's wrong and are able to get

the

> treatment, meds and supps that we need we are incredible people...

I'm

> not at the incredible part.... I'm gonna be there, though... along

with

> the others that I've met that have found that place called life..

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 15:24:08 -0000 " Sue " <dance4joy7@h...> writes:

> Well it is SO good to hear you say that! Because lately my

> enthusiasm has been totally down the tubes! Generally I am

energetic

> and enthusiastic about life.. but over the past year or so have

> become a " slug " holing up at home!!

>

> Generally at work I am the type who sees what needs to be done and

> am the first one to jump on it and say " I'll do it. " But my boss

> told me that lately she too had noticed that I had been losing

> heart -- this was AFTER she found out about my problem;

fortunately

> she is a wonderful, understanding boss! She was concerned about me

> and was very considerate about letting me work " under whatever

> steam " I could manage during getting ready for the surgery.

>

> I had thought I was losing my mind!! I am ecstatic to find there

WAS

> a reason for all this and that maybe I CAN get back to normal!!

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Well I don't know where the cafe is but will find it if I decide to

go off topic.

> You can post to your hearts content... if your interests go off

topic..

> you can haul our butts over to the Cafe and we'll gossip over

there....

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 15:09:06 -0000 " Sue " <dance4joy7@h...> writes:

> Oh well...that explains why I couldn't find it either.

>

> BTW is there a " limit " on how many messages we are allowed to post

> her per day? I can get carried away. Although I am sure that

> will change when I have to go back to work next week!

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Well I don't know where the cafe is but will find it if I decide to

go off topic.

> You can post to your hearts content... if your interests go off

topic..

> you can haul our butts over to the Cafe and we'll gossip over

there....

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 15:09:06 -0000 " Sue " <dance4joy7@h...> writes:

> Oh well...that explains why I couldn't find it either.

>

> BTW is there a " limit " on how many messages we are allowed to post

> her per day? I can get carried away. Although I am sure that

> will change when I have to go back to work next week!

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

Well I don't know where the cafe is but will find it if I decide to

go off topic.

> You can post to your hearts content... if your interests go off

topic..

> you can haul our butts over to the Cafe and we'll gossip over

there....

>

> Topper ()

>

> On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 15:09:06 -0000 " Sue " <dance4joy7@h...> writes:

> Oh well...that explains why I couldn't find it either.

>

> BTW is there a " limit " on how many messages we are allowed to post

> her per day? I can get carried away. Although I am sure that

> will change when I have to go back to work next week!

>

> Sue

[Guest guest]

It's almost kinda funny. Whenever I start talking about thyroid stuff with folks that I don't know real well, they look me up and down and you can just read the expression on their face 'so that's what your problem is, sure glad that I don't have it!'

I know a couple ladies that are presenting symptoms but they happen to be slender, one is almost gaunt... so they are both sure that since they are not big that the thyroid couldn't possibly be the cause of their problems...

I know it gets old to have someone with a designated soap box (who, me?) that runs around labeling everyone's problems the result of their pet disease... I don't do that, I REALLY strive not to do that... but geeze... I run down the list of symptoms and are saying yes to every one of them and then I say thyroid and they say NO WAY... I'm not fat!

*sigh*

I guess we can't do more than offer the suggestion that they be tested....

*sigh*

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 00:56:13 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Hi and thanks for the encouragement. Yes, I do know they need to test me for other hormone levels as well. And yes, Hashi's is one of the things they want to keep an eye out for... as well as calcium levels, hormones, etc. I don't have the lab results since the surgery yet... will probably get them tomorrow or so. Thanks for advice about the meals... fortunately I AM in the habit of eating breakfast. But yah now I am not going to have any excuses for not losing weight huh? We were laughing at work that we always like to SAY we have a thyroid problem and that well... NOW I really DO and I can prove it!! I return to work on Monday, and it will be easier to avoid the munchies than it has been slugging out around the house these past few weeks. :)Sue

[Guest guest]

It's almost kinda funny. Whenever I start talking about thyroid stuff with folks that I don't know real well, they look me up and down and you can just read the expression on their face 'so that's what your problem is, sure glad that I don't have it!'

I know a couple ladies that are presenting symptoms but they happen to be slender, one is almost gaunt... so they are both sure that since they are not big that the thyroid couldn't possibly be the cause of their problems...

I know it gets old to have someone with a designated soap box (who, me?) that runs around labeling everyone's problems the result of their pet disease... I don't do that, I REALLY strive not to do that... but geeze... I run down the list of symptoms and are saying yes to every one of them and then I say thyroid and they say NO WAY... I'm not fat!

*sigh*

I guess we can't do more than offer the suggestion that they be tested....

*sigh*

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 00:56:13 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Hi and thanks for the encouragement. Yes, I do know they need to test me for other hormone levels as well. And yes, Hashi's is one of the things they want to keep an eye out for... as well as calcium levels, hormones, etc. I don't have the lab results since the surgery yet... will probably get them tomorrow or so. Thanks for advice about the meals... fortunately I AM in the habit of eating breakfast. But yah now I am not going to have any excuses for not losing weight huh? We were laughing at work that we always like to SAY we have a thyroid problem and that well... NOW I really DO and I can prove it!! I return to work on Monday, and it will be easier to avoid the munchies than it has been slugging out around the house these past few weeks. :)Sue

[Guest guest]

It's almost kinda funny. Whenever I start talking about thyroid stuff with folks that I don't know real well, they look me up and down and you can just read the expression on their face 'so that's what your problem is, sure glad that I don't have it!'

I know a couple ladies that are presenting symptoms but they happen to be slender, one is almost gaunt... so they are both sure that since they are not big that the thyroid couldn't possibly be the cause of their problems...

I know it gets old to have someone with a designated soap box (who, me?) that runs around labeling everyone's problems the result of their pet disease... I don't do that, I REALLY strive not to do that... but geeze... I run down the list of symptoms and are saying yes to every one of them and then I say thyroid and they say NO WAY... I'm not fat!

*sigh*

I guess we can't do more than offer the suggestion that they be tested....

*sigh*

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 00:56:13 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Hi and thanks for the encouragement. Yes, I do know they need to test me for other hormone levels as well. And yes, Hashi's is one of the things they want to keep an eye out for... as well as calcium levels, hormones, etc. I don't have the lab results since the surgery yet... will probably get them tomorrow or so. Thanks for advice about the meals... fortunately I AM in the habit of eating breakfast. But yah now I am not going to have any excuses for not losing weight huh? We were laughing at work that we always like to SAY we have a thyroid problem and that well... NOW I really DO and I can prove it!! I return to work on Monday, and it will be easier to avoid the munchies than it has been slugging out around the house these past few weeks. :)Sue

[Guest guest]

Sue, About the TSH levels. What you have to keep in mind is that the TSH level alone is a piss poor indicator of what your hormone levels are. TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating hormone, released by the pituitary gland its the instructions for your thyroid that it needs to increase or decrease production. It is NOT an indicator of actual thyroid levels.

See, I'm trying to keep my prejudice down, but..... the TSH tests came to being as the 'quick and easy' test to use when the synthetics came on to the market. Before that patients were treated with natural thyroid, according to symptoms. But the makers of the synthetics sold their wares with this great new test to make it a 'no brainer' to determine proper dosage.

Problem is... TSH levels can vary from person to person for what normal is. The 'normal' ranges were determined by testing levels of, someone jump in here, I believe it was twenty or thirty men in a Scandinavian country..... So, please, tell me what the blood levels of a couple of dozen MEN in ONE geographic region has to do with a disorder that affects mostly WOMEN in geographic regions that SPAN THE ENTIRE PLANET?

A TSH level of Zero, theoretically would mean that the gland needed to produce not at all.... from there, the larger the number the louder the pituitary is hollering for more production. For some, that shout is not loud.. but the thyroid hormone is still low. That is why it is soooo necessary to test the Free T4 and the Free T3 in the blood to determine how much thyroid hormone is actually available.

Doctors that have been trained since the synthetics have come into being are not learning that TSH is only a partial answer, they are not learning that symptoms as important, if not, more important, than labs. They are not learning exactly what TSH really means... The are taking the 'easy way out' for a problem that they just never really received adequate training for.

I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad about their docs.. I just hope to help more folks to understand that we have to be aware of how all of this works, and should work, so that we can help our docs to help us. We are the ones that this affects. It affects ALL parts of our lives.

Just because we are kept alive does not mean that the quality of life that we have been left with has much value.

How many of us have been misdiagnosed, undertreated or diagnosed and then not treated at all? How many of us have lead lives where the simple tasks of day to day living becomes gargantuan effort to attempt?

Crap... I'm ranting..... Boiled down, Sue.. you're not crazy. The surgeon is not clear on what is all involved with determining proper thyroid hormone levels.

You have been feeling better since the surgery, that means that you were right, the issue has to do with thyroid. Now it's up to you to be sure that you are tested and monitored correctly to keep healthy and have a FANTASTIC life and not just exist.

I'll try to be good today.. but I think I woke up with an attitude.. sorry about that....

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 19:48:36 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Yes, I agree... I work for a wonderful company!!I am a bit discouraged at the moment. I just talked to my surgeon and good news is my TSH levels are normal... 2.85 so right in range. BUT he said since they were also normal before the surgery I should not have had any of the symptoms and that other things such as depression could also cause those symptoms! SHEESH! This is what I have heard from people for the past two years!!! I KNOW how I felt... also I asked why I feel so much better since the surgery and he didn't have an explanation but said if I have more symptoms to talk to my primary care doctor and have her do additional tests.He is an awesome surgeon though!!! Just in effect being told again that I am crazy didn't set very well LOLSue

[Guest guest]

Sue, About the TSH levels. What you have to keep in mind is that the TSH level alone is a piss poor indicator of what your hormone levels are. TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating hormone, released by the pituitary gland its the instructions for your thyroid that it needs to increase or decrease production. It is NOT an indicator of actual thyroid levels.

See, I'm trying to keep my prejudice down, but..... the TSH tests came to being as the 'quick and easy' test to use when the synthetics came on to the market. Before that patients were treated with natural thyroid, according to symptoms. But the makers of the synthetics sold their wares with this great new test to make it a 'no brainer' to determine proper dosage.

Problem is... TSH levels can vary from person to person for what normal is. The 'normal' ranges were determined by testing levels of, someone jump in here, I believe it was twenty or thirty men in a Scandinavian country..... So, please, tell me what the blood levels of a couple of dozen MEN in ONE geographic region has to do with a disorder that affects mostly WOMEN in geographic regions that SPAN THE ENTIRE PLANET?

A TSH level of Zero, theoretically would mean that the gland needed to produce not at all.... from there, the larger the number the louder the pituitary is hollering for more production. For some, that shout is not loud.. but the thyroid hormone is still low. That is why it is soooo necessary to test the Free T4 and the Free T3 in the blood to determine how much thyroid hormone is actually available.

Doctors that have been trained since the synthetics have come into being are not learning that TSH is only a partial answer, they are not learning that symptoms as important, if not, more important, than labs. They are not learning exactly what TSH really means... The are taking the 'easy way out' for a problem that they just never really received adequate training for.

I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad about their docs.. I just hope to help more folks to understand that we have to be aware of how all of this works, and should work, so that we can help our docs to help us. We are the ones that this affects. It affects ALL parts of our lives.

Just because we are kept alive does not mean that the quality of life that we have been left with has much value.

How many of us have been misdiagnosed, undertreated or diagnosed and then not treated at all? How many of us have lead lives where the simple tasks of day to day living becomes gargantuan effort to attempt?

Crap... I'm ranting..... Boiled down, Sue.. you're not crazy. The surgeon is not clear on what is all involved with determining proper thyroid hormone levels.

You have been feeling better since the surgery, that means that you were right, the issue has to do with thyroid. Now it's up to you to be sure that you are tested and monitored correctly to keep healthy and have a FANTASTIC life and not just exist.

I'll try to be good today.. but I think I woke up with an attitude.. sorry about that....

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 19:48:36 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Yes, I agree... I work for a wonderful company!!I am a bit discouraged at the moment. I just talked to my surgeon and good news is my TSH levels are normal... 2.85 so right in range. BUT he said since they were also normal before the surgery I should not have had any of the symptoms and that other things such as depression could also cause those symptoms! SHEESH! This is what I have heard from people for the past two years!!! I KNOW how I felt... also I asked why I feel so much better since the surgery and he didn't have an explanation but said if I have more symptoms to talk to my primary care doctor and have her do additional tests.He is an awesome surgeon though!!! Just in effect being told again that I am crazy didn't set very well LOLSue

[Guest guest]

Sue, About the TSH levels. What you have to keep in mind is that the TSH level alone is a piss poor indicator of what your hormone levels are. TSH is the Thyroid Stimulating hormone, released by the pituitary gland its the instructions for your thyroid that it needs to increase or decrease production. It is NOT an indicator of actual thyroid levels.

See, I'm trying to keep my prejudice down, but..... the TSH tests came to being as the 'quick and easy' test to use when the synthetics came on to the market. Before that patients were treated with natural thyroid, according to symptoms. But the makers of the synthetics sold their wares with this great new test to make it a 'no brainer' to determine proper dosage.

Problem is... TSH levels can vary from person to person for what normal is. The 'normal' ranges were determined by testing levels of, someone jump in here, I believe it was twenty or thirty men in a Scandinavian country..... So, please, tell me what the blood levels of a couple of dozen MEN in ONE geographic region has to do with a disorder that affects mostly WOMEN in geographic regions that SPAN THE ENTIRE PLANET?

A TSH level of Zero, theoretically would mean that the gland needed to produce not at all.... from there, the larger the number the louder the pituitary is hollering for more production. For some, that shout is not loud.. but the thyroid hormone is still low. That is why it is soooo necessary to test the Free T4 and the Free T3 in the blood to determine how much thyroid hormone is actually available.

Doctors that have been trained since the synthetics have come into being are not learning that TSH is only a partial answer, they are not learning that symptoms as important, if not, more important, than labs. They are not learning exactly what TSH really means... The are taking the 'easy way out' for a problem that they just never really received adequate training for.

I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad about their docs.. I just hope to help more folks to understand that we have to be aware of how all of this works, and should work, so that we can help our docs to help us. We are the ones that this affects. It affects ALL parts of our lives.

Just because we are kept alive does not mean that the quality of life that we have been left with has much value.

How many of us have been misdiagnosed, undertreated or diagnosed and then not treated at all? How many of us have lead lives where the simple tasks of day to day living becomes gargantuan effort to attempt?

Crap... I'm ranting..... Boiled down, Sue.. you're not crazy. The surgeon is not clear on what is all involved with determining proper thyroid hormone levels.

You have been feeling better since the surgery, that means that you were right, the issue has to do with thyroid. Now it's up to you to be sure that you are tested and monitored correctly to keep healthy and have a FANTASTIC life and not just exist.

I'll try to be good today.. but I think I woke up with an attitude.. sorry about that....

Topper ()

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 19:48:36 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Yes, I agree... I work for a wonderful company!!I am a bit discouraged at the moment. I just talked to my surgeon and good news is my TSH levels are normal... 2.85 so right in range. BUT he said since they were also normal before the surgery I should not have had any of the symptoms and that other things such as depression could also cause those symptoms! SHEESH! This is what I have heard from people for the past two years!!! I KNOW how I felt... also I asked why I feel so much better since the surgery and he didn't have an explanation but said if I have more symptoms to talk to my primary care doctor and have her do additional tests.He is an awesome surgeon though!!! Just in effect being told again that I am crazy didn't set very well LOLSue

[Guest guest]

The Cafe is another group that and I set up.. just so we have a place to go gossip or to follow a thread that isnt' exactly thyroid related... oh, and share jokes.... The idea is to keep this group a bit more focused for those that have limited time or endurance and can't spend effort and time sorting through a lot of off topic posts.

Topper ()http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/TTSG_Cafe/

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 19:49:24 -0000 "Sue" writes:

Well I don't know where the cafe is but will find it if I decide to go off topic.