Guest guest Posted June 30, 1999 Report Share Posted June 30, 1999 Joe: Congrats on starting a diet that is liveable, as well as possible to stay on. GIve yourself a few days to get used to not eating the bread, but fill up on the bacon and eggs. You'll find that it gets easier as time goes and on, and the results are great. I am full, not hungry, and when I do snack, it's foods that we can have. We just bought a grill, and are enjoying great food each night for dinner, that on a " LOW - FAT " diet would be condemned! LOL! Good Luck Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 1999 Report Share Posted July 1, 1999 Hi Joe My husband is also on Atkins, and I never would have believed 2 months ago that he could give up bread. I guess bread would probably been his favorite food before starting Atkins. But he is doing just great without it and you can too. Just believe in yourself and you can do it! Jada --- jb@... wrote: > From: jb@... > > Hi, > > I'm Joe and I just read the Atkins book today. Not > sure I can survive without toast to accompany the > bacon and eggs, but I need some drastic changes in > my life. I weight 348 right now, 6', and I'd like > to get back down to 195. > > How have the rest of you survived without bread? > > Joe > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 1999 Report Share Posted July 28, 1999 In a message dated 7/28/99 2:56:36 PM Central Daylight Time, suebirney@... writes: << about 25 lbs, then went off > over the holidays, and > have been back all spring and summer without great > results, same 2-3 lbs up > and down. Need inspiration I guess. >> Helen, You are not alone. I too had lost 25 last summer, got off the diet went on a major carb binge and have been battling ever since. Finally got enough courage to get serious about it again. I hope to make it permenant this time. Ladies, Iwent ahead and got on the scale anyway and to my surprise lost the 3 lbs I had gained a couple days ago. THANK YOU LORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WElcome to the club!!!!!!!!!!!! 160/152/130 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 1999 Report Share Posted July 28, 1999 Hi, My name is Helen, and I have been on atkins for almost a year. Lost well in the beginning, about 25 lbs, then went off over the holidays, and have been back all spring and summer without great results, same 2-3 lbs up and down. Need inspiration I guess. I first used Atkins 25 years ago when my first son was born, and I lost all the baby weight, 67 lbs! in about 9 months and enjoyed the diet. Helen in New Jersey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 1999 Report Share Posted July 28, 1999 Hi Helen I hope this list will be able to help you and you can get many wonderful ideas and support form ppl that are here. By the way I live in Delaware hi neighbor. Sue:) --- Bill Haughey wrote: > > > Hi, > My name is Helen, and I have been on atkins for > almost a year. Lost > well in the beginning, about 25 lbs, then went off > over the holidays, and > have been back all spring and summer without great > results, same 2-3 lbs up > and down. Need inspiration I guess. I first used > Atkins 25 years ago when > my first son was born, and I lost all the baby > weight, 67 lbs! in about 9 > months and enjoyed the diet. > > Helen in New Jersey > > > > > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 1999 Report Share Posted August 2, 1999 Welcome to the list Tom:) Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 1999 Report Share Posted August 2, 1999 In a message dated 8/2/99 11:18:11 AM Central Daylight Time, jiffy@... writes: << Welcome!! I understand the spouse thing. My husband doesnt think I can eat all this meat and fat and lose weight >> You are not alone on that either. He tried it and missed his fruits too much so it didn't work for him. When he sees me, I know he is going to ask how I did it and I will have a huge grin and tell him it's ATKINS!!!!!!! I am not sure what the response is, but that's ok. I know he will think I look good. Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 1999 Report Share Posted August 2, 1999 Good work Thom and keep on going ! Kate << i, my Name is Thom I live in ville, Florida. I started the Atkins diet on 5/4/99 weighting in at 366 pounds. My wife wouldn't do it, she and the kids laughed at me for thinking that I could lose weight while eating fat. >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 4, 1999 Report Share Posted August 4, 1999 Welcome Thom! and good luck... sounds like you've done great so far. I have found that the only time I really lose is if I exercise moderately ..... New to list > > >Hi, my Name is Thom I live in ville, Florida. I started the Atkins >diet on 5/4/99 weighting in at 366 pounds. My wife wouldn't do it, she and >the kids laughed at me for thinking that I could lose weight while eating >fat. > >Here it is three months later and I have lost 45 pounds. Two shirt sizes >and four inches on my pants. My belt which started out only two holes to >spare, now has four newly punched holes and is six and a half inches >tighter! My wife is now fooling around with low carb. She's not serious >but she no longer ridicules this WOE. My sons are interested and I am >reading a book called " Feed Your Kids Well " by one of Dr. Atkins pediatric >associates named Dr. Pescatore <sp?>. > >I just found this list today, the past 2-3 weeks I have struggled. No >cheating but no loss either. Oh well I guess it had to come. This list >seems great, though I do tend to lurk on lists rather than post. > >Thom in ville, Florida >366/321/175 5' 10 " >5/4/99 > > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 26, 1999 Report Share Posted September 26, 1999 Hi Kathy Goodrow, glad you found us. Yes, I think we are lucky with this school district....very willing to help us out in any way. And let me tellyou, needs a lot of HELP!!! Everyone is very supportive. Welcome!! Sally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 26, 1999 Report Share Posted September 26, 1999 Sally - This seems like a much more appropriate list for me than Cystic - L. I'm really happy to be aboard. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2000 Report Share Posted June 16, 2000 > Hello. I'm a 36 year old female with Graves. My symptoms aren't so severe > but my endocrinologist wants to do RAI, especially since I still have a > large goiter. My on-line experience has been limited to a thyroid support > group that deals mostly with hypothyroid (which has been constructive: it > has convinced me that RAI is the absolute last resort). > I've cut out caffeine, am trying to eat more healthily and take > supplements, and am taking a homeopathic remedy. A dr. I know who has > some experience with thyroid patients thinks that the risk of thyroid > storm or psychosis from untreated Graves is enough of a threat to > recommend RAI. I would be grateful for any advice, including experiences > with alternative treatments. > Thanks in advance, > Fay Young Hi Fay, welcome to the list. You may want to see if you can get your doctor to put you on ATDs (anti-thyroid drugs) if you aren't on them already. This will help to bring your thyroid a bit more under control if you are still a bit hyper and also give you time to really research all the options as you can always stop taking the meds if you decide on something else. With a mild to middlin' case of Graves' the possiblity for going into remission is pretty good. But going untreated can be a really bad thing. There are possible side effets to the meds, but I haven't really had any (had to pretty much give up alcohol, it was either the Graves' or the meds which made things wonky there). If you do a search in the archives for Tapazole (I'm not sure what it's european name is or the generic) or PTU for othre peoples experiences. Some folks have found they are highly allergic to Tap, but tolerate PTU and others were the opposite. But there is LOTS of good reading in the archives, and ask all the questions you want, lots of experienced folk here :-) take care, C " The key to longevity is to keep breathing " Sophie Tucker http://www.uidaho.edu/~bjcraw/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2000 Report Share Posted June 16, 2000 Hi Fay: Welcome to the group. Are you on an anti-thyroid drug (PTU or Tapazole?) I was diagnosed last fall, and my first endocrinologist also recommended RAI. I had the same intuition as you, that RAI should be the last resort (actually, now I believe it should not be an option at all!) I found an endocrinologist who believed in treating with medication instead of RAI, and started on PTU. My symptoms were enough to seriously disrupt my life, and I found relief with the medications in a very short time (within weeks). If your symptoms are mild, maybe you would respond even better to the drugs, anyway, I think it's worth considering. As for holistic remedies, I took a month to try that before going to the meds, and I regret doing so. My symptoms worsened quite a bit during that month. I would recommend to start the meds before things get too bad. I believe you have to be on the meds before doing RAI anyway, so your options would be open. I'm totally into alternative medicine, but found that I could not afford to wait for relief from the symptoms of Graves. As for psychosis and thyroid storm, I think that doctor should be more circumspect in what he says. Emotional lability is a symptom of Graves, and some people experience something called Graves Rage, but that dissipates as your hormone levels go down. Throid storm is pretty rare, and if you look in our archives, you will find more information on that. The doctors may also try to scare you that there are side effects to the medication - those side effects are rare and can be caught early on if you do regular blood tests. I have my blood tested monthly. Finally, a caution about weight gain. It's the last thing to worry about right now, but I know that I wish I was warned about the likely weight gain once I commenced treatment, I would probably have chosen to be a little more careful about eating. I'm glad you are searching out information while you are not heavily symptomatic, perhaps you will be able to avoid some symptoms with early treatment. Good luck to you! At 01:11 PM 06/16/2000 -0400, you wrote: >Hello. I'm a 36 year old female with Graves. My symptoms aren't so severe >but my endocrinologist wants to do RAI, especially since I still have a >large goiter. My on-line experience has been limited to a thyroid support >group that deals mostly with hypothyroid (which has been constructive: it >has convinced me that RAI is the absolute last resort). >I've cut out caffeine, am trying to eat more healthily and take >supplements, and am taking a homeopathic remedy. A dr. I know who has >some experience with thyroid patients thinks that the risk of thyroid >storm or psychosis from untreated Graves is enough of a threat to >recommend RAI. I would be grateful for any advice, including experiences >with alternative treatments. >Thanks in advance, >Fay Young >________________________________________________________________ >YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! >Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! >Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: >http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Get a FREE " YourName.Com " Web Address, >E-Mail, and Home Page...TODAY! CLICK HERE! >http://click./1/5460/5/_/585824/_/961175728/ >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >------------------------------------- >The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. >Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. >---------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2000 Report Share Posted June 16, 2000 Fay, Your instincts against RAI are correct. There are endless RAI horror stories to be found throughout the on-line thyroid community. Thyroid storm, I understand, is quite unusual, and although doctors often cite storm as a reason to have RAI, RAI is indeed a risk factor for a thyroid storm (if I'm remembering correctly -- ?) I believe thyroid storm must be considered, but a REAL thyroid storm (as opposed to periods of acute symptoms) is quite unusual. As for alternative medicine -- this is a tough question. mentioned that she got worse during her month of alt. med. and no conventional treatment. I've heard others say this, too -- people, like , who believe in holistic methods find they don't work with Graves. On the other hand, I know people who have successfully used herbs, acupuncture, etc. to manage their Graves. There's a woman named Swan on the bulletin board http://ithyroid.com who went into remission with acupuncture and herbs. There's a man named Mike there who treated his Graves with ATDs and naturopathy. If you post there, you might find Jules who also used holistic methods and didn't have conventional treatment. It's important to remember that around 30% of people with Graves disease go into remission spontaneously. (source -- my endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic and perhaps in Your Thyroid?) So, the question is, are the people who've successfully used altnerative medicine people who'd fit into that 30% anyway? Who knows? If you're committed to alternative medicine, perhaps the question is whether or not to do this alone or to do it in conjunction with ATDs. If you do only holistic medicine, I'd advise you work with a physician to assess the severity of your symtpoms. When I embarked on my holistic regime, I continued to take beta blockers and went to my doctor weekly for blood pressure, pulse check, etc. I decided to work with the M.D. and the alternative pracitioners for two months. If that didn't work, I decided I'd have surgery. Fortunately, my wait-and-see approach worked. I developed liver disease from PTU and went into remission without ATDs, RAI, or surgery after I did the following: wean a nursing baby, begin homeopathic treatment, have acupuncture, and take herbs. I improved dramatically after weaning and within three months was officially in remisson. Yet I don't know what was the most important, weaning or the alternative measures or the combination? My guess is that the end of lactation was probably the most helpful thing. I'm rambling, but I'm trying to say that there are people who use homepathy, herbs, and/or acupuncture for Graves. In my experience, those who do this successfully are few. This doesn't mean it's not possible, it is simply not a well-worn path. It is also a path to be taken with caution, as hyperthyroidism can indeed be a life-threatening condition. The second option is to take ATDs and use holistic medicine in conjunction with conventional treatment. If I could've, this is what I would have done. This is what most people do and probably the safest thing to do. If you want more info on the exact alternative measures I took, read my story in the archives. I posted everything. Good luck! B new to list > Hello. I'm a 36 year old female with Graves. My symptoms aren't so severe > but my endocrinologist wants to do RAI, especially since I still have a > large goiter. My on-line experience has been limited to a thyroid support > group that deals mostly with hypothyroid (which has been constructive: it > has convinced me that RAI is the absolute last resort). > I've cut out caffeine, am trying to eat more healthily and take > supplements, and am taking a homeopathic remedy. A dr. I know who has > some experience with thyroid patients thinks that the risk of thyroid > storm or psychosis from untreated Graves is enough of a threat to > recommend RAI. I would be grateful for any advice, including experiences > with alternative treatments. > Thanks in advance, > Fay Young > ________________________________________________________________ > YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! > Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! > Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: > http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Get a FREE " YourName.Com " Web Address, > E-Mail, and Home Page...TODAY! CLICK HERE! > http://click./1/5460/5/_/585824/_/961175728/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2000 Report Share Posted June 18, 2000 Yes! RAI can bring on thyroid storm (thyroid hormone dumping). So can surgery, undertreatment with ATDs, no treatment, or, some think, even palpation of the thyroid gland in Graves' (and other hyperthyroid) patients. So, that seems to leave all Graves' patients at risk no matter what they choose. Thyroid storm is rare and I don't think it should be used to quickly push people into treatment, however, Graves' is a serious disease and should be treated once the patient and doctor both have determined what's best for the patient. ATDs are temporary and can be used until the patient knows about all the options and when or if the patient prefers a permanent treatment. But like said, sometimes Graves' can resolve spontaneously. There are those rare cases where patients can't use ATDs. Those patients need to be monitored closely. But, again, nothing seems to be without doubt in this disease. Take care, B wrote: > Fay, > > Your instincts against RAI are correct. There are endless RAI horror > stories to be found throughout the on-line thyroid community. Thyroid > storm, I understand, is quite unusual, and although doctors often cite storm > as a reason to have RAI, RAI is indeed a risk factor for a thyroid storm (if > I'm remembering correctly -- ?) I believe thyroid storm must be > considered, but a REAL thyroid storm (as opposed to periods of acute > symptoms) is quite unusual. > > As for alternative medicine -- this is a tough question. mentioned > that she got worse during her month of alt. med. and no conventional > treatment. I've heard others say this, too -- people, like , who > believe in holistic methods find they don't work with Graves. > > On the other hand, I know people who have successfully used herbs, > acupuncture, etc. to manage their Graves. There's a woman named Swan on the > bulletin board http://ithyroid.com who went into remission with > acupuncture and herbs. There's a man named Mike there who treated his > Graves with ATDs and naturopathy. If you post there, you might find Jules > who also used holistic methods and didn't have conventional treatment. > > It's important to remember that around 30% of people with Graves disease go > into remission spontaneously. (source -- my endocrinologist at the Mayo > Clinic and perhaps in Your Thyroid?) So, the question is, are the people > who've successfully used altnerative medicine people who'd fit into that 30% > anyway? Who knows? > > If you're committed to alternative medicine, perhaps the question is whether > or not to do this alone or to do it in conjunction with ATDs. If you do > only holistic medicine, I'd advise you work with a physician to assess the > severity of your symtpoms. When I embarked on my holistic regime, I > continued to take beta blockers and went to my doctor weekly for blood > pressure, pulse check, etc. I decided to work with the M.D. and the > alternative pracitioners for two months. If that didn't work, I decided I'd > have surgery. Fortunately, my wait-and-see approach worked. > > I developed liver disease from PTU and went into remission without ATDs, > RAI, or surgery after I did the following: wean a nursing baby, begin > homeopathic treatment, have acupuncture, and take herbs. I improved > dramatically after weaning and within three months was officially in > remisson. > Yet I don't know what was the most important, weaning or the alternative > measures or the combination? My guess is that the end of lactation was > probably the most helpful thing. > > I'm rambling, but I'm trying to say that there are people who use homepathy, > herbs, and/or acupuncture for Graves. In my experience, those who do this > successfully are few. This doesn't mean it's not possible, it is simply not > a well-worn path. It is also a path to be taken with caution, as > hyperthyroidism can indeed be a life-threatening condition. > > The second option is to take ATDs and use holistic medicine in conjunction > with conventional treatment. If I could've, this is what I would have done. > This is what most people do and probably the safest thing to do. > > If you want more info on the exact alternative measures I took, read my > story in the archives. I posted everything. > > Good luck! > > B > > new to list > > > Hello. I'm a 36 year old female with Graves. My symptoms aren't so severe > > but my endocrinologist wants to do RAI, especially since I still have a > > large goiter. My on-line experience has been limited to a thyroid support > > group that deals mostly with hypothyroid (which has been constructive: it > > has convinced me that RAI is the absolute last resort). > > I've cut out caffeine, am trying to eat more healthily and take > > supplements, and am taking a homeopathic remedy. A dr. I know who has > > some experience with thyroid patients thinks that the risk of thyroid > > storm or psychosis from untreated Graves is enough of a threat to > > recommend RAI. I would be grateful for any advice, including experiences > > with alternative treatments. > > Thanks in advance, > > Fay Young > > ________________________________________________________________ > > YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! > > Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! > > Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: > > http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Get a FREE " YourName.Com " Web Address, > > E-Mail, and Home Page...TODAY! CLICK HERE! > > http://click./1/5460/5/_/585824/_/961175728/ > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > ------------------------------------- > > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not > intended to replace expert medical care. > > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > > ---------------------------------------- > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Old school buds here: > http://click./1/5545/5/_/585824/_/961181676/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2000 Report Share Posted June 18, 2000 Hi Terry- I've read that Hashimoto's and Graves' are related and appear to be familial. I don't know about thyroid cancer but maybe once the overactive immune system is pooped-out a patient may be at risk for cancer (cells that multiply that aren't recognized as foreign by the immune system). My mother died in August of acute myelogenous leukemia but over the years she had many symptoms that I now have. I just don't know. Whether you have RAI or not would not impact on whether your immune system remains overactive in my opinion. Even if your immune system no longer has a thyroid gland to work on, you probably would be still producing autoantibodies. I'm glad you've chosen the conservative approach. Take care, Utecht Terry ding wrote: > Hi, > I'm also new to this group, although I've had (diagnosed) Graves for 7 > years. My husband is an acupuncturist/herbalist, so I've tried a variety of > treatment options, always under the supervision of my endo. I started out > refusing to take ATD's, and was quite successful with herbal remedies, but > had to monitor liver function closely as one herb in the mix could affect > the liver. It didn't, and the symptoms were relatively under control for a > while--until we took a trip to Italy and I couldn't boil raw herbs. The > powdered herb collection doesn't include the one most important herb, the > one that might affect the liver. So, my symptoms elevated and I went on > Tapazole when we returned from the trip. > > 18 months later, my endo took me off all drugs and I stayed euthyroid for a > while, but then started to get symptoms again. So, back on the tapazole, and > now I'm very controlled with 10 mg. tapazole and my herbs every day. My endo > keeps after me to do RAI, but I refuse--while we were getting my dosage > right I was briefly hypo and felt worse than I ever have in my life! > > To me, doing as little as possible is the best course of action. > > I do have one question: My symptoms started when my Dad died, we were > closing escrow on two houses and packing to move, and I was in my final term > in culinary school. STRESS in other words! I recently had a friend who was > diagnosed with Hashimotos right after her mom died. So, I wonder how much > this disease really is stress-related? > > One more piece of info I wonder about: My mom had thyroid cancer before I > was born. She was treated successfully (this was in about 1946) with > surgery, and unfortunately, 40 years later died of esophogeal cancer. My q > is, how much of this stuff is hereditary? > > Thanks for reading this long post! > Terry > > > > > Reply-To: graves_supportegroups > > Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2000 23:35:09 -0700 > > To: graves_supportegroups > > Subject: Re: new to list > > > > Yes! RAI can bring on thyroid storm (thyroid hormone dumping). So can > > surgery, undertreatment with ATDs, no > > treatment, or, some think, even palpation of the thyroid gland in Graves' (and > > other hyperthyroid) patients. So, > > that seems to leave all Graves' patients at risk no matter what they choose. > > Thyroid storm is rare and I don't > > think it should be used to quickly push people into treatment, however, > > Graves' is a serious disease and should be > > treated once the patient and doctor both have determined what's best for the > > patient. > > > > ATDs are temporary and can be used until the patient knows about all the > > options and when or if the patient prefers > > a permanent treatment. But like said, sometimes Graves' can resolve > > spontaneously. > > > > There are those rare cases where patients can't use ATDs. Those patients need > > to be monitored closely. But, again, > > nothing seems to be without doubt in this disease. > > > > Take care, > > > > > > > > B wrote: > > > >> Fay, > >> > >> Your instincts against RAI are correct. There are endless RAI horror > >> stories to be found throughout the on-line thyroid community. Thyroid > >> storm, I understand, is quite unusual, and although doctors often cite storm > >> as a reason to have RAI, RAI is indeed a risk factor for a thyroid storm (if > >> I'm remembering correctly -- ?) I believe thyroid storm must be > >> considered, but a REAL thyroid storm (as opposed to periods of acute > >> symptoms) is quite unusual. > >> > >> As for alternative medicine -- this is a tough question. mentioned > >> that she got worse during her month of alt. med. and no conventional > >> treatment. I've heard others say this, too -- people, like , who > >> believe in holistic methods find they don't work with Graves. > >> > >> On the other hand, I know people who have successfully used herbs, > >> acupuncture, etc. to manage their Graves. There's a woman named Swan on the > >> bulletin board http://ithyroid.com who went into remission with > >> acupuncture and herbs. There's a man named Mike there who treated his > >> Graves with ATDs and naturopathy. If you post there, you might find Jules > >> who also used holistic methods and didn't have conventional treatment. > >> > >> It's important to remember that around 30% of people with Graves disease go > >> into remission spontaneously. (source -- my endocrinologist at the Mayo > >> Clinic and perhaps in Your Thyroid?) So, the question is, are the people > >> who've successfully used altnerative medicine people who'd fit into that 30% > >> anyway? Who knows? > >> > >> If you're committed to alternative medicine, perhaps the question is whether > >> or not to do this alone or to do it in conjunction with ATDs. If you do > >> only holistic medicine, I'd advise you work with a physician to assess the > >> severity of your symtpoms. When I embarked on my holistic regime, I > >> continued to take beta blockers and went to my doctor weekly for blood > >> pressure, pulse check, etc. I decided to work with the M.D. and the > >> alternative pracitioners for two months. If that didn't work, I decided I'd > >> have surgery. Fortunately, my wait-and-see approach worked. > >> > >> I developed liver disease from PTU and went into remission without ATDs, > >> RAI, or surgery after I did the following: wean a nursing baby, begin > >> homeopathic treatment, have acupuncture, and take herbs. I improved > >> dramatically after weaning and within three months was officially in > >> remisson. > >> Yet I don't know what was the most important, weaning or the alternative > >> measures or the combination? My guess is that the end of lactation was > >> probably the most helpful thing. > >> > >> I'm rambling, but I'm trying to say that there are people who use homepathy, > >> herbs, and/or acupuncture for Graves. In my experience, those who do this > >> successfully are few. This doesn't mean it's not possible, it is simply not > >> a well-worn path. It is also a path to be taken with caution, as > >> hyperthyroidism can indeed be a life-threatening condition. > >> > >> The second option is to take ATDs and use holistic medicine in conjunction > >> with conventional treatment. If I could've, this is what I would have done. > >> This is what most people do and probably the safest thing to do. > >> > >> If you want more info on the exact alternative measures I took, read my > >> story in the archives. I posted everything. > >> > >> Good luck! > >> > >> B > >> > >> new to list > >> > >>> Hello. I'm a 36 year old female with Graves. My symptoms aren't so severe > >>> but my endocrinologist wants to do RAI, especially since I still have a > >>> large goiter. My on-line experience has been limited to a thyroid support > >>> group that deals mostly with hypothyroid (which has been constructive: it > >>> has convinced me that RAI is the absolute last resort). > >>> I've cut out caffeine, am trying to eat more healthily and take > >>> supplements, and am taking a homeopathic remedy. A dr. I know who has > >>> some experience with thyroid patients thinks that the risk of thyroid > >>> storm or psychosis from untreated Graves is enough of a threat to > >>> recommend RAI. I would be grateful for any advice, including experiences > >>> with alternative treatments. > >>> Thanks in advance, > >>> Fay Young > >>> ________________________________________________________________ > >>> YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! > >>> Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! > >>> Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: > >>> http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. > >>> > >>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >>> Get a FREE " YourName.Com " Web Address, > >>> E-Mail, and Home Page...TODAY! CLICK HERE! > >>> http://click./1/5460/5/_/585824/_/961175728/ > >>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >>> > >>> ------------------------------------- > >>> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not > >> intended to replace expert medical care. > >>> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > >>> ---------------------------------------- > >>> > >>> > >> > >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >> Old school buds here: > >> http://click./1/5545/5/_/585824/_/961181676/ > >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >> > >> ------------------------------------- > >> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not > >> intended to replace expert medical care. > >> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > >> ---------------------------------------- > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > Buy Long Distance with your eGroup and SAVE!!! > > http://click./1/5071/5/_/585824/_/961309730/ > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > > ------------------------------------- > > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not > > intended to replace expert medical care. > > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > > ---------------------------------------- > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Looking for SUPPORT on lowering Long Distance bills? Join beMANY! > Our huge buying group gives you Long Distance rates which fall > monthly, plus an extra $60 in FREE calls! > http://click./1/4830/5/_/585824/_/961350586/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2000 Report Share Posted June 18, 2000 Hi, I'm also new to this group, although I've had (diagnosed) Graves for 7 years. My husband is an acupuncturist/herbalist, so I've tried a variety of treatment options, always under the supervision of my endo. I started out refusing to take ATD's, and was quite successful with herbal remedies, but had to monitor liver function closely as one herb in the mix could affect the liver. It didn't, and the symptoms were relatively under control for a while--until we took a trip to Italy and I couldn't boil raw herbs. The powdered herb collection doesn't include the one most important herb, the one that might affect the liver. So, my symptoms elevated and I went on Tapazole when we returned from the trip. 18 months later, my endo took me off all drugs and I stayed euthyroid for a while, but then started to get symptoms again. So, back on the tapazole, and now I'm very controlled with 10 mg. tapazole and my herbs every day. My endo keeps after me to do RAI, but I refuse--while we were getting my dosage right I was briefly hypo and felt worse than I ever have in my life! To me, doing as little as possible is the best course of action. I do have one question: My symptoms started when my Dad died, we were closing escrow on two houses and packing to move, and I was in my final term in culinary school. STRESS in other words! I recently had a friend who was diagnosed with Hashimotos right after her mom died. So, I wonder how much this disease really is stress-related? One more piece of info I wonder about: My mom had thyroid cancer before I was born. She was treated successfully (this was in about 1946) with surgery, and unfortunately, 40 years later died of esophogeal cancer. My q is, how much of this stuff is hereditary? Thanks for reading this long post! Terry > > Reply-To: graves_supportegroups > Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2000 23:35:09 -0700 > To: graves_supportegroups > Subject: Re: new to list > > Yes! RAI can bring on thyroid storm (thyroid hormone dumping). So can > surgery, undertreatment with ATDs, no > treatment, or, some think, even palpation of the thyroid gland in Graves' (and > other hyperthyroid) patients. So, > that seems to leave all Graves' patients at risk no matter what they choose. > Thyroid storm is rare and I don't > think it should be used to quickly push people into treatment, however, > Graves' is a serious disease and should be > treated once the patient and doctor both have determined what's best for the > patient. > > ATDs are temporary and can be used until the patient knows about all the > options and when or if the patient prefers > a permanent treatment. But like said, sometimes Graves' can resolve > spontaneously. > > There are those rare cases where patients can't use ATDs. Those patients need > to be monitored closely. But, again, > nothing seems to be without doubt in this disease. > > Take care, > > > > B wrote: > >> Fay, >> >> Your instincts against RAI are correct. There are endless RAI horror >> stories to be found throughout the on-line thyroid community. Thyroid >> storm, I understand, is quite unusual, and although doctors often cite storm >> as a reason to have RAI, RAI is indeed a risk factor for a thyroid storm (if >> I'm remembering correctly -- ?) I believe thyroid storm must be >> considered, but a REAL thyroid storm (as opposed to periods of acute >> symptoms) is quite unusual. >> >> As for alternative medicine -- this is a tough question. mentioned >> that she got worse during her month of alt. med. and no conventional >> treatment. I've heard others say this, too -- people, like , who >> believe in holistic methods find they don't work with Graves. >> >> On the other hand, I know people who have successfully used herbs, >> acupuncture, etc. to manage their Graves. There's a woman named Swan on the >> bulletin board http://ithyroid.com who went into remission with >> acupuncture and herbs. There's a man named Mike there who treated his >> Graves with ATDs and naturopathy. If you post there, you might find Jules >> who also used holistic methods and didn't have conventional treatment. >> >> It's important to remember that around 30% of people with Graves disease go >> into remission spontaneously. (source -- my endocrinologist at the Mayo >> Clinic and perhaps in Your Thyroid?) So, the question is, are the people >> who've successfully used altnerative medicine people who'd fit into that 30% >> anyway? Who knows? >> >> If you're committed to alternative medicine, perhaps the question is whether >> or not to do this alone or to do it in conjunction with ATDs. If you do >> only holistic medicine, I'd advise you work with a physician to assess the >> severity of your symtpoms. When I embarked on my holistic regime, I >> continued to take beta blockers and went to my doctor weekly for blood >> pressure, pulse check, etc. I decided to work with the M.D. and the >> alternative pracitioners for two months. If that didn't work, I decided I'd >> have surgery. Fortunately, my wait-and-see approach worked. >> >> I developed liver disease from PTU and went into remission without ATDs, >> RAI, or surgery after I did the following: wean a nursing baby, begin >> homeopathic treatment, have acupuncture, and take herbs. I improved >> dramatically after weaning and within three months was officially in >> remisson. >> Yet I don't know what was the most important, weaning or the alternative >> measures or the combination? My guess is that the end of lactation was >> probably the most helpful thing. >> >> I'm rambling, but I'm trying to say that there are people who use homepathy, >> herbs, and/or acupuncture for Graves. In my experience, those who do this >> successfully are few. This doesn't mean it's not possible, it is simply not >> a well-worn path. It is also a path to be taken with caution, as >> hyperthyroidism can indeed be a life-threatening condition. >> >> The second option is to take ATDs and use holistic medicine in conjunction >> with conventional treatment. If I could've, this is what I would have done. >> This is what most people do and probably the safest thing to do. >> >> If you want more info on the exact alternative measures I took, read my >> story in the archives. I posted everything. >> >> Good luck! >> >> B >> >> new to list >> >>> Hello. I'm a 36 year old female with Graves. My symptoms aren't so severe >>> but my endocrinologist wants to do RAI, especially since I still have a >>> large goiter. My on-line experience has been limited to a thyroid support >>> group that deals mostly with hypothyroid (which has been constructive: it >>> has convinced me that RAI is the absolute last resort). >>> I've cut out caffeine, am trying to eat more healthily and take >>> supplements, and am taking a homeopathic remedy. A dr. I know who has >>> some experience with thyroid patients thinks that the risk of thyroid >>> storm or psychosis from untreated Graves is enough of a threat to >>> recommend RAI. I would be grateful for any advice, including experiences >>> with alternative treatments. >>> Thanks in advance, >>> Fay Young >>> ________________________________________________________________ >>> YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! >>> Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! >>> Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: >>> http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. >>> >>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>> Get a FREE " YourName.Com " Web Address, >>> E-Mail, and Home Page...TODAY! CLICK HERE! >>> http://click./1/5460/5/_/585824/_/961175728/ >>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >>> >>> ------------------------------------- >>> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not >> intended to replace expert medical care. >>> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. >>> ---------------------------------------- >>> >>> >> >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> Old school buds here: >> http://click./1/5545/5/_/585824/_/961181676/ >> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ >> >> ------------------------------------- >> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not >> intended to replace expert medical care. >> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. >> ---------------------------------------- > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Buy Long Distance with your eGroup and SAVE!!! > http://click./1/5071/5/_/585824/_/961309730/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not > intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2000 Report Share Posted June 18, 2000 Utetcht: >I've read that Hashimoto's and Graves' are related and appear to be familial. I don't know about thyroid cancer but maybe once the overactive immune system is pooped-out a patient may be at risk for cancer (cells that multiply that aren't recognized as foreign by the immune system). My mother died in August of acute myelogenous leukemia but over the years she had many symptoms that I now have. I just don't know. This has particular meaning to me at the moment,what symptoms do you have now that are similar to that of your mothers ? you can e-mail me if you like. Kit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2003 Report Share Posted November 13, 2003 Hi, I am new to the list. I do not have a diagnosis yet but I have an appt. with a new Rheum. in 2 weeks. This is the report from my cxray: 5 mm retrosternal nodule and multiple calcified left hilar lymph nodes. Impression- old granulomatous disease, nodule likely a small granuloma. Other symptoms: 22 bouts iritis, SVT rate 150-225, pleural effusion, shortness of breath, DI, myoclonus, tremors, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, etc, etc. I have been on prednisone 10 mg for 7 years and was on 5 mg for 2 years prior to that. I was on MTX 12.5-17.5 mg for 3 and 1/2 years. It was thought I had lupus but I think I was misdiagnosed, and so do some of the Drs. I have seen. What do you think? Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2003 Report Share Posted November 13, 2003 Hi, Jane. Have you had a biopsy of any lesions, especially the hilar nodes? If you have biopsy positive for sarcoidosis, good chance your neurologic symptoms are neurosarc. Welcome to the group, although I hate that you found us because you're sick. Rose in Indiana New to List > Hi, I am new to the list. I do not have a diagnosis yet but I have an > appt. with a new Rheum. in 2 weeks. This is the report from my cxray: 5 mm > retrosternal nodule and multiple calcified left hilar lymph nodes. Impression- > old granulomatous disease, nodule likely a small granuloma. > Other symptoms: 22 bouts iritis, SVT rate 150-225, pleural effusion, > shortness of breath, DI, myoclonus, tremors, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, > etc, etc. > I have been on prednisone 10 mg for 7 years and was on 5 mg for 2 > years prior to that. I was on MTX 12.5-17.5 mg for 3 and 1/2 years. > It was thought I had lupus but I think I was misdiagnosed, and so do > some of the Drs. I have seen. > What do you think? > > Jane > > > ~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~ > The Neurosarcoidosis Community > > Live Group Chat:- > Mondays & Fridays 10pm EST USA > http://www.elderwyn.com/neurosarcoidosis/chat.php > > Message Archives and Digest Attachment Pictures:- > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neurosarcoidosis/messages > > Members Database:- > Listings of locations, phone numbers, and instant messengers. > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neurosarcoidosis/database > > Bookmarks:- > Add a website URL you have found useful. > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neurosarcoidosis/links > > Personal Complaints or problems:- > Please email the moderators > mailto:Neurosarcoidosis-owner > > Subscription Details:- > 1) Individual email - means that every email sent to the list you receive. > 2) Daily Digest - sends you 25 messages in one single email for you to browse. This is an excellent option if you receive alot of email. > 3) Web only/No mail - means that you can pop into eGroups at your convenience and receive no email. > To modify your subscription settings please visit:- > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Neurosarcoidosis/join > > To subscribe email neurosarcoidosis-subscribe > To unsubscribe email neurosarcoidosis-unsubscribe > > The moderators will not be doing it for you! > > ~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~ > > Come stand by my side where I am going, > Take my hand if I should stumble and fall, > It's the strength and love that you share, > That gives me what I need most of all. > - Hoyt Axton > > ~~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~ *** ~~~~ > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 Rose, Thanks for the respose. I grew up in Indpls. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 Aisha, Thank you for answering me. As far as the lupus, Rheum, #1 said I have classic symptoms although I have never had kidney involvement, anti-DNA, or the butterfly rash, or red, painful swollen joints. I did test + for the ANA. Then Rheum #2 said I never had lupus and it was all in my head. Rheum #3 said I did have lupus and treated me with pred and MTX. Then I returned to Rheum #1 and his nurse prac. has seen me for 5 years. The Dr. no longer sees his patients. I also test + for HLA-B27 and have lots of back pain and lots of iritis. I never really thought about sarcoidosis because my last cxray was said to be normal. That was 7 years ago. It was done because a pleural effusion showed up incidentally on my first echo of my heart. Would an MRI of the brain or a gallium scan show up sarcoidosis? A biopsy doesn't sound like fun. I had a brain MRI 7 years ago but didn't have the gadolineum with it. Can they biopsy a node that is calcified? If it does turn out that I have sarcoidosis at least I have been on the right treatment for it. Rheum #2 said I could not have CNS symptoms from lupus without also having kidney involvement. I don't know if other granulomatous diseases make sense to me because my symptoms are systemic. It's not just a lung thing. I used to be a nurse before I got sick. Maybe that is why I am trying to diagnose myself. Gee, no one else seems to be diagnosing me correctly. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 Kay, I have had 22 bouts of iritis. With the first one I was 20 years old and the retina detached as a complication. I had to have surgery to save the eye. The next bout was at age 36 and I would have a bout every 3-4 months or so. One of my first symptoms 10 years ago was shortness of breath. The Rheum I was seeing did not refer me to a pulmonary Dr. He has never referred me to any Dr. I would say I had mod-severe SOB at the time. It responded to prednisone. But my main symptoms seem to be the iritis and the neuro ones. When I saw the Neurologist 7 years ago, I think he thought I was a flake. He did definitely diagnose me with peripheral neuropathy because the EMG was +. But I didn't have the dye with the MRI because I was afraid of an allergic reaction. Big mistake. I've been having DI symptoms the past 2 days. I recently had symptoms of severe adrenal insufficiency and had to up my pred to 40 for a week. I see the new Rheum on the 26th of this month. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2003 Report Share Posted November 14, 2003 Jane, Yes, you can have sardcoidosis in almost any organ. There are those who do not have it in their lungs but several other places. It's just that the lungs are by far the most common place. Do you have eye problems---lots of floaters, redness, pain, sensitivity? Those were my first symptoms, four years before sarc was even suggested and then it was through the bronchoscopy of the lungs that it was diagnosed. I'll tell you more if you're interested. Kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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