Re: Questions from new group member

[Guest guest]

Hi Miriam,

Welcome to the group. As your learned from my book, Hashimoto's thyroiditis

often precedes GD by a number of years. And as thyroid cells die you can

experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some docs formally call this

Hashitoxicosis, and it generally happens in the early years of

hypothyroidism. It's generally acknowledged now that autoimmune thyroid

disorders frequently change forms, and this depends on what thyroid

antibodies are predominant at the time.

I'm wondering if you might benefit from an allergy specialist or immunologist

more than an endocrinologist. After having a few bouts of exercise-induced

anaphylaxis, I finally went to an immunologist and got a firmer grasp of all

my allergies. Soy is a particularly common allergy in people with gluten

sensitivity, and gluten sensitivity is often seen in those of us with

autoimmune thyroid disease. Soy is really hard to eliminate, but when I do,

my chemical sensitivities aren't as bad. All of these allergies tend to

exacerbate one another.

You might want to check the doctor list on Shomon's about.com thyroid

site or the list at webMD. I've had friends that went to the Univ. of Chicago

and didn't fare so well although some of the top endos are there. Most

specialists only focus on their specialty. If your thyroid levels are in

line, a new endo may just decide that you're fine on PTU and ignore your

other symptoms. That's why I think I'd seek out an allergist, immunologist or

someone with a specialty in environmental sciences to help you figure out

your underlying immune system problems. You might also post your question at

ben stoll's bulletin board, www.bcn.net/~stoll/ Some of the people there

have more experience with environmental problems. Keep us posted, and good

luck to you, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Miriam,

Welcome to the group. As your learned from my book, Hashimoto's thyroiditis

often precedes GD by a number of years. And as thyroid cells die you can

experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some docs formally call this

Hashitoxicosis, and it generally happens in the early years of

hypothyroidism. It's generally acknowledged now that autoimmune thyroid

disorders frequently change forms, and this depends on what thyroid

antibodies are predominant at the time.

I'm wondering if you might benefit from an allergy specialist or immunologist

more than an endocrinologist. After having a few bouts of exercise-induced

anaphylaxis, I finally went to an immunologist and got a firmer grasp of all

my allergies. Soy is a particularly common allergy in people with gluten

sensitivity, and gluten sensitivity is often seen in those of us with

autoimmune thyroid disease. Soy is really hard to eliminate, but when I do,

my chemical sensitivities aren't as bad. All of these allergies tend to

exacerbate one another.

You might want to check the doctor list on Shomon's about.com thyroid

site or the list at webMD. I've had friends that went to the Univ. of Chicago

and didn't fare so well although some of the top endos are there. Most

specialists only focus on their specialty. If your thyroid levels are in

line, a new endo may just decide that you're fine on PTU and ignore your

other symptoms. That's why I think I'd seek out an allergist, immunologist or

someone with a specialty in environmental sciences to help you figure out

your underlying immune system problems. You might also post your question at

ben stoll's bulletin board, www.bcn.net/~stoll/ Some of the people there

have more experience with environmental problems. Keep us posted, and good

luck to you, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Miriam,

Welcome to the group. As your learned from my book, Hashimoto's thyroiditis

often precedes GD by a number of years. And as thyroid cells die you can

experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some docs formally call this

Hashitoxicosis, and it generally happens in the early years of

hypothyroidism. It's generally acknowledged now that autoimmune thyroid

disorders frequently change forms, and this depends on what thyroid

antibodies are predominant at the time.

I'm wondering if you might benefit from an allergy specialist or immunologist

more than an endocrinologist. After having a few bouts of exercise-induced

anaphylaxis, I finally went to an immunologist and got a firmer grasp of all

my allergies. Soy is a particularly common allergy in people with gluten

sensitivity, and gluten sensitivity is often seen in those of us with

autoimmune thyroid disease. Soy is really hard to eliminate, but when I do,

my chemical sensitivities aren't as bad. All of these allergies tend to

exacerbate one another.

You might want to check the doctor list on Shomon's about.com thyroid

site or the list at webMD. I've had friends that went to the Univ. of Chicago

and didn't fare so well although some of the top endos are there. Most

specialists only focus on their specialty. If your thyroid levels are in

line, a new endo may just decide that you're fine on PTU and ignore your

other symptoms. That's why I think I'd seek out an allergist, immunologist or

someone with a specialty in environmental sciences to help you figure out

your underlying immune system problems. You might also post your question at

ben stoll's bulletin board, www.bcn.net/~stoll/ Some of the people there

have more experience with environmental problems. Keep us posted, and good

luck to you, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Miriam,

I just want to welcome you. You make me feel lucky to have only Graves,

managed and not debilitating. I am not in a position to offer any advice or

help, only to let you know that you've found a friendly group with diverse

experience of this disease and its affects. I know you'll get help here.

Terry

> From: magoldf@...

> Reply-To: graves_support

> Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2002 13:39:34 -0800

> To: graves_support

> Subject: Questions from new group member

>

> Hi to all of you!

>

> I am a new member of the graves support list serve.

>

> I was diagnosed with Graves' disease recently in the fall of 2001. I was

> diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 1995, which was confirmed by an

> elevated TSH and 2 elevated antibody tests. In 1994, I came down with

> mononucleosis and have continued to get sicker in a variety of ways.

> Shortly after being diagnosed with Hashimoto's, I began to have symptoms

> of hyperthyroidism. When I addressed these hyperthyroid symptoms with

> many primary care doctors and local endocrinologists, they said that

> these symptoms could not possibly be hyperthyroidism because my TSH and

> T4 were within normal or near normal range. Because of this, I began a

> search for the cause of these multiple unpleasant, debilitating symptoms.

> No other disorders were found. Finally this summer, my TSH went below

> normal, my T4 became elevated, and my TSI went above normal -- so now I

> officially have Graves' disease!

>

> As soon as I learned about Elaine 's book, I bought it. It has

> been very helpful in putting some of the pieces of my medical puzzle

> together. Thank you Elaine for taking the time to write the book for

> folks like me who are on information overload.

>

> Since 1995, I have continued to educate myself about my medical

> conditions and have got copies of my lab work, doctors' reports, and

> chart notes. I became so disabled that I was forced to quit my job and

> return home to live with my parents. My mother is a registered

> dietitian. With her help and that of my dad who is a former medical

> records supervisor, I have managed my symptoms which include seizures

> (25-30 small ones per hour), a worsening inner ear disorder which no

> doctors can figure out how to treat, food and environmental

> sensitivities, worsening breathing problems, a painful kidney stone, and

> a number of life threatening reactions to medications including two

> s reactions. For the most part, I have only been able to

> control my symptoms by modifying my diet. My dietitian mother has never

> seen anything like my case in her more than 30 years of practice!

>

> I am now on a rotation diet which is gluten free, low in oxalates, and

> has no simple sugars, no caffeine, and low iodine. I eat organic foods

> whenever possible.

>

> My parents had a hypoallergenic house built to try to help my breathing

> and decrease my newly acquired sensitivity to mold.

>

> Although PTU has brought my thyroid lab work back into normal range, I

> continue to have a variety of hyperthyroid and hypothyroid symptoms.

>

> I would like to find a kind, knowledgeable endocrinologist, who is a

> thyroid expert, to further evaluate my case. I am willing to go anywhere

> in the USA. I have been unable to find any doctor like that in western

> Washington State, where I live. I am considering going to the University

> of Chicago because it appears that they have more thyroid " experts " than

> any other medical center in the USA. I will appreciate your letting me

> know the names of thyroid experts who are good to work with.

>

> I have been to a number of naturopathic doctors, a well known homeopathic

> doctor, massage therapists, physical therapists, and an acupuncturist.

> All of them have made me feel worse. For the most part, I have not been

> able to tolerate vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements. They make my

> symptoms worse no matter how small the dose. Diet and changes in my

> living environment have been the only things that have helped to control

> my symptoms along with a few medications.

>

> In addition to finding a thyroid expert MD, I would like to communicate

> with other people who have both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves'

> disease. I would like to know what level of health I can reasonably

> expect to maintain. While I understand that every person is different; I

> would like to know if they have had any success with therapies that I may

> not have tried.

>

> Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy e-mail and for

> establishing this group so that I can meet and communicate with others

> who have conditions similar to mine.

>

> All the best,

>

> Miriam

> ________________________________________________________________

> GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!

> Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!

> Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:

> http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.

>

>

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

> 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.

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

> DISCLAIMER

>

> Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list does not have the endorsement

> of

> the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

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

> --------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Miriam,

Welcome to a wonderful group! B and Darnell (who just joined) both

have been diagnosed with Hashi's and Graves, hopefully both will pop in

soon.

You sure have been through the mill with all of this and it does sound like

there is something more going on. I hope you find the time to read the

website I had sent earlier, if you think there may be a chance of something

going on in this area.

I look forward to e-mailing with you.

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:

http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

What is the url for the 's site for the top docs? I went looking

tonight and can only find a page that says it will be back up in late fall

2000 but nothing with docs on it.

Thanks,

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

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

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

What is the url for the 's site for the top docs? I went looking

tonight and can only find a page that says it will be back up in late fall

2000 but nothing with docs on it.

Thanks,

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

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

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

What is the url for the 's site for the top docs? I went looking

tonight and can only find a page that says it will be back up in late fall

2000 but nothing with docs on it.

Thanks,

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

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

[Guest guest]

Hi Jody,

Perhaps she's still updating it. I'll have to e-mail her and see what's going

on.

[Guest guest]

Hi Jody,

Perhaps she's still updating it. I'll have to e-mail her and see what's going

on.

[Guest guest]

Hi Jody,

Perhaps she's still updating it. I'll have to e-mail her and see what's going

on.

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Miriam. I'm sure someone here will be able to offer

some advice. I know there is someone out here who has both Hashimoto's and

Graves', but I can't remember who. Sorry I can't be of much help, but I

know you've come to the right place!

Holly

Kentucky

dx August 2001, current treatment: methimazole

Questions from new group member

Hi to all of you!

I am a new member of the graves support list serve.

I was diagnosed with Graves' disease recently in the fall of 2001. I was

diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 1995, which was confirmed by an

elevated TSH and 2 elevated antibody tests. In 1994, I came down with

mononucleosis and have continued to get sicker in a variety of ways.

Shortly after being diagnosed with Hashimoto's, I began to have symptoms

of hyperthyroidism. When I addressed these hyperthyroid symptoms with

many primary care doctors and local endocrinologists, they said that

these symptoms could not possibly be hyperthyroidism because my TSH and

T4 were within normal or near normal range. Because of this, I began a

search for the cause of these multiple unpleasant, debilitating symptoms.

No other disorders were found. Finally this summer, my TSH went below

normal, my T4 became elevated, and my TSI went above normal -- so now I

officially have Graves' disease!

As soon as I learned about Elaine 's book, I bought it. It has

been very helpful in putting some of the pieces of my medical puzzle

together. Thank you Elaine for taking the time to write the book for

folks like me who are on information overload.

Since 1995, I have continued to educate myself about my medical

conditions and have got copies of my lab work, doctors' reports, and

chart notes. I became so disabled that I was forced to quit my job and

return home to live with my parents. My mother is a registered

dietitian. With her help and that of my dad who is a former medical

records supervisor, I have managed my symptoms which include seizures

(25-30 small ones per hour), a worsening inner ear disorder which no

doctors can figure out how to treat, food and environmental

sensitivities, worsening breathing problems, a painful kidney stone, and

a number of life threatening reactions to medications including two

s reactions. For the most part, I have only been able to

control my symptoms by modifying my diet. My dietitian mother has never

seen anything like my case in her more than 30 years of practice!

I am now on a rotation diet which is gluten free, low in oxalates, and

has no simple sugars, no caffeine, and low iodine. I eat organic foods

whenever possible.

My parents had a hypoallergenic house built to try to help my breathing

and decrease my newly acquired sensitivity to mold.

Although PTU has brought my thyroid lab work back into normal range, I

continue to have a variety of hyperthyroid and hypothyroid symptoms.

I would like to find a kind, knowledgeable endocrinologist, who is a

thyroid expert, to further evaluate my case. I am willing to go anywhere

in the USA. I have been unable to find any doctor like that in western

Washington State, where I live. I am considering going to the University

of Chicago because it appears that they have more thyroid " experts " than

any other medical center in the USA. I will appreciate your letting me

know the names of thyroid experts who are good to work with.

I have been to a number of naturopathic doctors, a well known homeopathic

doctor, massage therapists, physical therapists, and an acupuncturist.

All of them have made me feel worse. For the most part, I have not been

able to tolerate vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements. They make my

symptoms worse no matter how small the dose. Diet and changes in my

living environment have been the only things that have helped to control

my symptoms along with a few medications.

In addition to finding a thyroid expert MD, I would like to communicate

with other people who have both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves'

disease. I would like to know what level of health I can reasonably

expect to maintain. While I understand that every person is different; I

would like to know if they have had any success with therapies that I may

not have tried.

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy e-mail and for

establishing this group so that I can meet and communicate with others

who have conditions similar to mine.

All the best,

Miriam

________________________________________________________________

GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!

Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!

Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:

http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. <http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Miriam. I'm sure someone here will be able to offer

some advice. I know there is someone out here who has both Hashimoto's and

Graves', but I can't remember who. Sorry I can't be of much help, but I

know you've come to the right place!

Holly

Kentucky

dx August 2001, current treatment: methimazole

Questions from new group member

Hi to all of you!

I am a new member of the graves support list serve.

I was diagnosed with Graves' disease recently in the fall of 2001. I was

diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 1995, which was confirmed by an

elevated TSH and 2 elevated antibody tests. In 1994, I came down with

mononucleosis and have continued to get sicker in a variety of ways.

Shortly after being diagnosed with Hashimoto's, I began to have symptoms

of hyperthyroidism. When I addressed these hyperthyroid symptoms with

many primary care doctors and local endocrinologists, they said that

these symptoms could not possibly be hyperthyroidism because my TSH and

T4 were within normal or near normal range. Because of this, I began a

search for the cause of these multiple unpleasant, debilitating symptoms.

No other disorders were found. Finally this summer, my TSH went below

normal, my T4 became elevated, and my TSI went above normal -- so now I

officially have Graves' disease!

As soon as I learned about Elaine 's book, I bought it. It has

been very helpful in putting some of the pieces of my medical puzzle

together. Thank you Elaine for taking the time to write the book for

folks like me who are on information overload.

Since 1995, I have continued to educate myself about my medical

conditions and have got copies of my lab work, doctors' reports, and

chart notes. I became so disabled that I was forced to quit my job and

return home to live with my parents. My mother is a registered

dietitian. With her help and that of my dad who is a former medical

records supervisor, I have managed my symptoms which include seizures

(25-30 small ones per hour), a worsening inner ear disorder which no

doctors can figure out how to treat, food and environmental

sensitivities, worsening breathing problems, a painful kidney stone, and

a number of life threatening reactions to medications including two

s reactions. For the most part, I have only been able to

control my symptoms by modifying my diet. My dietitian mother has never

seen anything like my case in her more than 30 years of practice!

I am now on a rotation diet which is gluten free, low in oxalates, and

has no simple sugars, no caffeine, and low iodine. I eat organic foods

whenever possible.

My parents had a hypoallergenic house built to try to help my breathing

and decrease my newly acquired sensitivity to mold.

Although PTU has brought my thyroid lab work back into normal range, I

continue to have a variety of hyperthyroid and hypothyroid symptoms.

I would like to find a kind, knowledgeable endocrinologist, who is a

thyroid expert, to further evaluate my case. I am willing to go anywhere

in the USA. I have been unable to find any doctor like that in western

Washington State, where I live. I am considering going to the University

of Chicago because it appears that they have more thyroid " experts " than

any other medical center in the USA. I will appreciate your letting me

know the names of thyroid experts who are good to work with.

I have been to a number of naturopathic doctors, a well known homeopathic

doctor, massage therapists, physical therapists, and an acupuncturist.

All of them have made me feel worse. For the most part, I have not been

able to tolerate vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements. They make my

symptoms worse no matter how small the dose. Diet and changes in my

living environment have been the only things that have helped to control

my symptoms along with a few medications.

In addition to finding a thyroid expert MD, I would like to communicate

with other people who have both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves'

disease. I would like to know what level of health I can reasonably

expect to maintain. While I understand that every person is different; I

would like to know if they have had any success with therapies that I may

not have tried.

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy e-mail and for

establishing this group so that I can meet and communicate with others

who have conditions similar to mine.

All the best,

Miriam

________________________________________________________________

GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!

Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!

Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:

http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. <http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.>

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Miriam. I'm sure someone here will be able to offer

some advice. I know there is someone out here who has both Hashimoto's and

Graves', but I can't remember who. Sorry I can't be of much help, but I

know you've come to the right place!

Holly

Kentucky

dx August 2001, current treatment: methimazole

Questions from new group member

Hi to all of you!

I am a new member of the graves support list serve.

I was diagnosed with Graves' disease recently in the fall of 2001. I was

diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 1995, which was confirmed by an

elevated TSH and 2 elevated antibody tests. In 1994, I came down with

mononucleosis and have continued to get sicker in a variety of ways.

Shortly after being diagnosed with Hashimoto's, I began to have symptoms

of hyperthyroidism. When I addressed these hyperthyroid symptoms with

many primary care doctors and local endocrinologists, they said that

these symptoms could not possibly be hyperthyroidism because my TSH and

T4 were within normal or near normal range. Because of this, I began a

search for the cause of these multiple unpleasant, debilitating symptoms.

No other disorders were found. Finally this summer, my TSH went below

normal, my T4 became elevated, and my TSI went above normal -- so now I

officially have Graves' disease!

As soon as I learned about Elaine 's book, I bought it. It has

been very helpful in putting some of the pieces of my medical puzzle

together. Thank you Elaine for taking the time to write the book for

folks like me who are on information overload.

Since 1995, I have continued to educate myself about my medical

conditions and have got copies of my lab work, doctors' reports, and

chart notes. I became so disabled that I was forced to quit my job and

return home to live with my parents. My mother is a registered

dietitian. With her help and that of my dad who is a former medical

records supervisor, I have managed my symptoms which include seizures

(25-30 small ones per hour), a worsening inner ear disorder which no

doctors can figure out how to treat, food and environmental

sensitivities, worsening breathing problems, a painful kidney stone, and

a number of life threatening reactions to medications including two

s reactions. For the most part, I have only been able to

control my symptoms by modifying my diet. My dietitian mother has never

seen anything like my case in her more than 30 years of practice!

I am now on a rotation diet which is gluten free, low in oxalates, and

has no simple sugars, no caffeine, and low iodine. I eat organic foods

whenever possible.

My parents had a hypoallergenic house built to try to help my breathing

and decrease my newly acquired sensitivity to mold.

Although PTU has brought my thyroid lab work back into normal range, I

continue to have a variety of hyperthyroid and hypothyroid symptoms.

I would like to find a kind, knowledgeable endocrinologist, who is a

thyroid expert, to further evaluate my case. I am willing to go anywhere

in the USA. I have been unable to find any doctor like that in western

Washington State, where I live. I am considering going to the University

of Chicago because it appears that they have more thyroid " experts " than

any other medical center in the USA. I will appreciate your letting me

know the names of thyroid experts who are good to work with.

I have been to a number of naturopathic doctors, a well known homeopathic

doctor, massage therapists, physical therapists, and an acupuncturist.

All of them have made me feel worse. For the most part, I have not been

able to tolerate vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements. They make my

symptoms worse no matter how small the dose. Diet and changes in my

living environment have been the only things that have helped to control

my symptoms along with a few medications.

In addition to finding a thyroid expert MD, I would like to communicate

with other people who have both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves'

disease. I would like to know what level of health I can reasonably

expect to maintain. While I understand that every person is different; I

would like to know if they have had any success with therapies that I may

not have tried.

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy e-mail and for

establishing this group so that I can meet and communicate with others

who have conditions similar to mine.

All the best,

Miriam

________________________________________________________________

GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!

Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!

Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:

http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. <http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.>

[Guest guest]

This post led me to another question. As you know, I'm in search of a new

doctor, and as I've been checking the phone listings, and my insurance

listings, I find a lot of endocrinoligists either specialize in pediatric

endocrinology or diabetes. Is there such thing as an endocrinologist

specializing in Graves' disease? Or at least automimmune diseases? I think

this is what we need, but I can't seem to find any.

Holly

Re: Questions from new group member

Hi Miriam,

Welcome to the group. As your learned from my book, Hashimoto's thyroiditis

often precedes GD by a number of years. And as thyroid cells die you can

experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some docs formally call this

Hashitoxicosis, and it generally happens in the early years of

hypothyroidism. It's generally acknowledged now that autoimmune thyroid

disorders frequently change forms, and this depends on what thyroid

antibodies are predominant at the time.

I'm wondering if you might benefit from an allergy specialist or

immunologist

more than an endocrinologist. After having a few bouts of exercise-induced

anaphylaxis, I finally went to an immunologist and got a firmer grasp of all

my allergies. Soy is a particularly common allergy in people with gluten

sensitivity, and gluten sensitivity is often seen in those of us with

autoimmune thyroid disease. Soy is really hard to eliminate, but when I do,

my chemical sensitivities aren't as bad. All of these allergies tend to

exacerbate one another.

You might want to check the doctor list on Shomon's about.com thyroid

site or the list at webMD. I've had friends that went to the Univ. of

Chicago

and didn't fare so well although some of the top endos are there. Most

specialists only focus on their specialty. If your thyroid levels are in

line, a new endo may just decide that you're fine on PTU and ignore your

other symptoms. That's why I think I'd seek out an allergist, immunologist

or

someone with a specialty in environmental sciences to help you figure out

your underlying immune system problems. You might also post your question at

ben stoll's bulletin board, www.bcn.net/~stoll/ Some of the people there

have more experience with environmental problems. Keep us posted, and good

luck to you, Elaine

[Guest guest]

This post led me to another question. As you know, I'm in search of a new

doctor, and as I've been checking the phone listings, and my insurance

listings, I find a lot of endocrinoligists either specialize in pediatric

endocrinology or diabetes. Is there such thing as an endocrinologist

specializing in Graves' disease? Or at least automimmune diseases? I think

this is what we need, but I can't seem to find any.

Holly

Re: Questions from new group member

Hi Miriam,

Welcome to the group. As your learned from my book, Hashimoto's thyroiditis

often precedes GD by a number of years. And as thyroid cells die you can

experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some docs formally call this

Hashitoxicosis, and it generally happens in the early years of

hypothyroidism. It's generally acknowledged now that autoimmune thyroid

disorders frequently change forms, and this depends on what thyroid

antibodies are predominant at the time.

I'm wondering if you might benefit from an allergy specialist or

immunologist

more than an endocrinologist. After having a few bouts of exercise-induced

anaphylaxis, I finally went to an immunologist and got a firmer grasp of all

my allergies. Soy is a particularly common allergy in people with gluten

sensitivity, and gluten sensitivity is often seen in those of us with

autoimmune thyroid disease. Soy is really hard to eliminate, but when I do,

my chemical sensitivities aren't as bad. All of these allergies tend to

exacerbate one another.

You might want to check the doctor list on Shomon's about.com thyroid

site or the list at webMD. I've had friends that went to the Univ. of

Chicago

and didn't fare so well although some of the top endos are there. Most

specialists only focus on their specialty. If your thyroid levels are in

line, a new endo may just decide that you're fine on PTU and ignore your

other symptoms. That's why I think I'd seek out an allergist, immunologist

or

someone with a specialty in environmental sciences to help you figure out

your underlying immune system problems. You might also post your question at

ben stoll's bulletin board, www.bcn.net/~stoll/ Some of the people there

have more experience with environmental problems. Keep us posted, and good

luck to you, Elaine

[Guest guest]

This post led me to another question. As you know, I'm in search of a new

doctor, and as I've been checking the phone listings, and my insurance

listings, I find a lot of endocrinoligists either specialize in pediatric

endocrinology or diabetes. Is there such thing as an endocrinologist

specializing in Graves' disease? Or at least automimmune diseases? I think

this is what we need, but I can't seem to find any.

Holly

Re: Questions from new group member

Hi Miriam,

Welcome to the group. As your learned from my book, Hashimoto's thyroiditis

often precedes GD by a number of years. And as thyroid cells die you can

experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some docs formally call this

Hashitoxicosis, and it generally happens in the early years of

hypothyroidism. It's generally acknowledged now that autoimmune thyroid

disorders frequently change forms, and this depends on what thyroid

antibodies are predominant at the time.

I'm wondering if you might benefit from an allergy specialist or

immunologist

more than an endocrinologist. After having a few bouts of exercise-induced

anaphylaxis, I finally went to an immunologist and got a firmer grasp of all

my allergies. Soy is a particularly common allergy in people with gluten

sensitivity, and gluten sensitivity is often seen in those of us with

autoimmune thyroid disease. Soy is really hard to eliminate, but when I do,

my chemical sensitivities aren't as bad. All of these allergies tend to

exacerbate one another.

You might want to check the doctor list on Shomon's about.com thyroid

site or the list at webMD. I've had friends that went to the Univ. of

Chicago

and didn't fare so well although some of the top endos are there. Most

specialists only focus on their specialty. If your thyroid levels are in

line, a new endo may just decide that you're fine on PTU and ignore your

other symptoms. That's why I think I'd seek out an allergist, immunologist

or

someone with a specialty in environmental sciences to help you figure out

your underlying immune system problems. You might also post your question at

ben stoll's bulletin board, www.bcn.net/~stoll/ Some of the people there

have more experience with environmental problems. Keep us posted, and good

luck to you, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Jody,

I know this wasn't for me, but I don't think the directory is up any more.

Believe me, I look every day. I joined the top doc forum for information,

but unfortunately, there's not a whole lot of data for my area. Cincinnati

is the closest for which I could find a recommendation.

Holly

Re: Questions from new group member

Elaine,

What is the url for the 's site for the top docs? I went looking

tonight and can only find a page that says it will be back up in late fall

2000 but nothing with docs on it.

Thanks,

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Jody,

I know this wasn't for me, but I don't think the directory is up any more.

Believe me, I look every day. I joined the top doc forum for information,

but unfortunately, there's not a whole lot of data for my area. Cincinnati

is the closest for which I could find a recommendation.

Holly

Re: Questions from new group member

Elaine,

What is the url for the 's site for the top docs? I went looking

tonight and can only find a page that says it will be back up in late fall

2000 but nothing with docs on it.

Thanks,

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

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

<http://mobile.msn.com>

[Guest guest]

Holly,

My doctor is specializes in endocrinology, in the Head and Neck center and I

know of an excellent thyroid surgeon who is also Head and Neck so you may

want to look for endos in this area...it keeps them out of the diabetes

area. My first endo was with a group who cared more for their diabetes

patients because they understood that AI.

Hope this helps,

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Holly,

My doctor is specializes in endocrinology, in the Head and Neck center and I

know of an excellent thyroid surgeon who is also Head and Neck so you may

want to look for endos in this area...it keeps them out of the diabetes

area. My first endo was with a group who cared more for their diabetes

patients because they understood that AI.

Hope this helps,

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Holly,

Yeah I know it isn't back up. I will be very very glad when it is as that

is where I found my doctor...but keep in mind, others had more horror

stories from there on doctors too...so yes it is a good site, but you still

may have to search for one that fits you.

As for any post being directly for one person, none of them are

If I am responding to someone I always try to put their names in, but all

posts are for everyone to jump in on ;-) It creates so much more when that

happens.

TTYL

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Holly,

Yeah I know it isn't back up. I will be very very glad when it is as that

is where I found my doctor...but keep in mind, others had more horror

stories from there on doctors too...so yes it is a good site, but you still

may have to search for one that fits you.

As for any post being directly for one person, none of them are

If I am responding to someone I always try to put their names in, but all

posts are for everyone to jump in on ;-) It creates so much more when that

happens.

TTYL

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Holly,

Yeah I know it isn't back up. I will be very very glad when it is as that

is where I found my doctor...but keep in mind, others had more horror

stories from there on doctors too...so yes it is a good site, but you still

may have to search for one that fits you.

As for any post being directly for one person, none of them are

If I am responding to someone I always try to put their names in, but all

posts are for everyone to jump in on ;-) It creates so much more when that

happens.

TTYL

Jody

_________________________________________________________________

Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm new to the group. Jody found me and told me about

this support system that might help me find out more

about hasi & gd. What book are you refering too? I

am pretty much in the dark at the moment and haven't

really been able to find much info about having both

Graves and Hasi's together. Anything anyone can tell

me would be greatly appreciated. Here is a little

back ground.

I got diaganist with Graves back in Aug but have

Thyroid problems off and on for many a year but always

borderline and wasn't that educated about it back then

so didn't really look into it much always knew it went

away. I have 4 beautiful girls now but inbetween had

three miscarriages (never even associated it with

Thyroid Disease). In Aug started having some other

problems and my Dr found an elevated heart rate. Went

back a week later with something else wrong same

elevated heart rate so because of my history ran

Thryoid blood work and tada Graves..lol. Been a

rollercoaster ride from there. I went to the endo end

of Aug and was put on Inderal80mg 2times a day even on

that standing heart rate of 110. Had my scan

confirmed graves and was put on Tapazole well

immediately that affected my liver (was getting blood

test weekly because my feet were swelling

uncontrollably but no one could explain it because it

was a hypo symptom and not hyper so water pills and

blood test (oh yeah...lol) I was then put on PTU 3

times a day and that didn't do much. Dr said that my

Thyroid was huge and that pretty much my only option

was going to be surgery. They uped the PTU to 4 times

a day and we scheduled surgry for mid Nov which should

have been enough time to bring my levels down. No

such luck ended up on Inderal 3 times a day also to

control my heart rate. Finally the beginning of Dec

we were able to get my levels down and the surgery

scheduled. Had the surgry and my surgeon was not

prepared for all the scar tissue and the size of my

Thyroid I was in surgery for 4 1/2 hours which from

what I understand is very unusual. The pathology came

back that I had both Hashi & graves which no one knew

til that point and that I had probably had it for

years. i asked my endo about it and mostly I get that

because my Thryoid is gone that it isn;t anything to

worry about, but i have some concerns and would like

some answers. Fisrt being what kind of effects does

having both pose to the body? Are there any lasting

effects even after Thryoid removal? What other

problems will I most likely encounter down the road

because of the beating my body had taken dealing with

these two diseases for so long undetected? Pretty

much any insight anyone can give me would be greatly

apprecieted at this time. Sorry this was soo long but

felt I should give the history. Funny how I can look

back now and see symptoms long before I was diagnost.

Thanks,

Darnell

--- daisyelaine@... wrote:

> Hi Miriam,

> Welcome to the group. As your learned from my book,

> Hashimoto's thyroiditis

> often precedes GD by a number of years. And as

> thyroid cells die you can

> experience symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some docs

> formally call this

> Hashitoxicosis, and it generally happens in the

> early years of

> hypothyroidism. It's generally acknowledged now that

> autoimmune thyroid

> disorders frequently change forms, and this depends

> on what thyroid

> antibodies are predominant at the time.

>

> I'm wondering if you might benefit from an allergy

> specialist or immunologist

> more than an endocrinologist. After having a few

> bouts of exercise-induced

> anaphylaxis, I finally went to an immunologist and

> got a firmer grasp of all

> my allergies. Soy is a particularly common allergy

> in people with gluten

> sensitivity, and gluten sensitivity is often seen in

> those of us with

> autoimmune thyroid disease. Soy is really hard to

> eliminate, but when I do,

> my chemical sensitivities aren't as bad. All of

> these allergies tend to

> exacerbate one another.

>

> You might want to check the doctor list on

> Shomon's about.com thyroid

> site or the list at webMD. I've had friends that

> went to the Univ. of Chicago

> and didn't fare so well although some of the top

> endos are there. Most

> specialists only focus on their specialty. If your

> thyroid levels are in

> line, a new endo may just decide that you're fine on

> PTU and ignore your

> other symptoms. That's why I think I'd seek out an

> allergist, immunologist or

> someone with a specialty in environmental sciences

> to help you figure out

> your underlying immune system problems. You might

> also post your question at

> ben stoll's bulletin board, www.bcn.net/~stoll/

> Some of the people there

> have more experience with environmental problems.

> Keep us posted, and good

> luck to you, Elaine

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

__________________________________________________