Aletha

[Guest guest]

--I sent you my story privately, and also sent it to your neighbor.

I wasn't sure if I should post it on the site since it is fairly long.

Read it and if you think it would be beneficial, let me know and I

will post it.

Saundra

[Guest guest]

Oh pls do post it!

We're all starved for info!

>

> --I sent you my story privately, and also sent it to your neighbor.

> I wasn't sure if I should post it on the site since it is fairly long.

> Read it and if you think it would be beneficial, let me know and I

> will post it.

> Saundra

>

[Guest guest]

Saundra's LDN story

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in the end of March 2007. I stated

on 10mg of MMI, and after 1 month, I had no reduction in thyroid

levels. On May 5th, 2007 I had Radioactive Iodine treatment to kill my

thyroid. I had just turned 35 years old and am considered Morbidly

obese. I weighed 218 lbs, and am 5'0 " tall. Unfortunately, I was one

of the few that didn't loose weight while hyper.

Over the next 6 months, my thyroid died off quickly. On October 6th,

2007, my labs showed a TSH of 26, and a very, very low Ft3, and Ft4.

I was hypo, and terribly symptomatic. I had gained 20 pounds. While I

am sure I would never do it, I understood suicide. The loss of hope,

the terrible, debilitating depression, was more than I could stand.

The constant, complete exhaustion made my life a living hell. I knew

at this point, one way or the other, that this was not how I was going

to live. This is when I found a thyroid support group on , and

where I learned of LDN.

Not much is known about Graves Disease, other than it is an autoimmune

disease. When I very first started reading about LDN, I knew, without

a doubt, in my gut, that this was the answer I was looking for. I

tried to get several doctors to prescribe it to me. None had even

heard of it, and none were willing to learn or listen. After all, I

was just a patient with memory issues, and terrible brain fog. How

could I teach THEM anything? So, I took it upon myself to learn. I

admit, at that time, it took me a long time for the information to be

absorbed. But, I read the same thing, over and over and over again,

until I could recall it with no issues. I knew the quality of life I

had was not going to change, unless I did something about it myself.

At this point, it is the middle of February, 2008. My TSH was 3.4....

within " range. " I could only get a TSH, since once again, doctors

down here in Southern Alabama really are behind the current research,

and the effects of T3 and T4 on the body. I had went through 3

different doctors before I realized none of them were going to test me

properly. I was told my levels were " perfect " and maybe I needed to

see a psychiatrist. I know my own body, and I was not fine, much less

perfect. I was on 100mcg of Synthroid (name brand) daily.

On March 1st., 2008. I began LDN. I purchased it overseas, from a

respected, much used, pharmacy. I get 50 mg. tablets and dissolve them

in 50ml. of distilled water. I started at 1.5 mg./night. The very

first night, I experienced terrible sleep disturbances. The next day,

I had a racing heart with a HR of 148 bpm if I exerted myself at all.

Resting HR was over 100. My blood pressure increased to 148/100. But I

knew this was possible, so I decided to just take it really easy, and

ride it out. The next day, My HR and BP were once again, elevated, but

was coming down. The sleep disturbance continued. By day 3, my HR and

BP had stabilized, but the sleep disturbance continued. Lack of

quality sleep is the one thing that affects me the most. I decided

there was no way I was going to go through this with each increase, so

within 2 weeks I had brought myself up to the maximum dose of 4.5

mg/night. I went from 1.5 to 2.0 to 3.0 to 4.5 mg. in 2 weeks. The

only time I experienced ANY sleep disturbance was those first couple

of days.

It has now been 6 weeks since I started LDN. The changes in me are

unbelievable!!! I feel like my old self. No, better than my old self.

I have not felt this good since I was a teenager...before giving birth

at 18 years old. I am certain that pregnancy was the beginning of my

thyroid problems., and they just continued over the next 18 years.

Along with the Graves Disease, I had constant diahrrea. I was told by

several doctors that is was probably because I no longer had a

gallbladder, and the bile was dripping directly into my stomach. I had

many scopes and tests that all came out normal. I had just learned to

live with it. Once I started LDN, the diahrrea became much worse. I

also remember reading that if you had undiagnosed celiac's disease or

bowl issues, that LDN can make them worse.(temporarily) I am sure that

is what happened with me. However, since I do not have any health

insurance, I must once again just go with my gut. The beauty is that

after several weeks on LDN, I finally was having normal bowl

movements. Please keep in mind that even when terribly HYPO, I never

was constipated...I always had very loose stool.

I wake in the morning refreshed. My sleep has never been better. I

still wake several times turning the night, but the quality of sleep I

am getting since starting LDN can not compare to anything other than

the sleep of a young child after being outside all day. I finally

dream again. I have not dreamt in 20 years. I love the dreams.

Let's look at endorphin production and autoimmune disease for a minute.

I feel they are directly related. I feel this because for many years,

when I would wake in the middle of the night, I would crave chocolate.

Sometimes I wouldn't even remember eating it, but the evidence was

clearly there...empty wrappers!!! I also asked many doctors about

this, and was told that night eating was an actual eating disorder,

and to see a psychiatrist. ( are you seeing a pattern here???)

Recently, I found out that Chocolate may increase endorphin

levels....HMMM??? Since starting LDN, my chocolate cravings are all

but gone. I have lost 5 pounds over the last 6 weeks, with no effort.

My appetite has decreased tremendously, and the night eating is gone.

This leads me to believe that the chocolate was a way for my body to

self medicate...to increase endorphin levels. I believe that for the

last 20 years, my endorphin production was minimal at best. I believe

this is what lead to the autoimmune disease. OF course, this is just

my uneducated opinion. However, nobody knows me better than me.

Let's address libido now. At 18 years old, it was very good. After the

birth of my daughter at 18, it disappeared, and never came back.Since

starting LDN, I feel like a hormone crazed teenager again. Much to the

excitement of my husband!!!!

My depression is completely gone! My anxiety is completely gone. My

energy levels have come up dramatically. I still have physical issues

from being hypo..ie.. muscle cramps, and I still tire more easily than

usual. I still do have the " brain fog " but it has lessoned

dramatically also. I feel hopeful for the first time in 18 years. I no

longer take Celexa, or any anti-anxiety medication. (however, I did

completely ween off of this and made sure significant time had passed

to allow it to get out of my system, prior to starting LDN..so I know

it is due to the LDN, not residuals left in my system.) I had been

using Cannabis to combat the anxiety symptoms. I also find I no longer

want that. I am almost " normal " and I contribute every bit of it to LDN.

I laugh, I cry, I feel. And like I said, I feel better than I have in

over 20 years.

LDN is truly a " miracle " drug. Please, don't let the pharmaceutical

companies control the quality of life of those afflicted with

autoimmune diseases. This drug needs to be mainstreamed. If someone

would just step back, and consider what the world is missing by not

allowing a good quality of life for us, maybe, together, we could

change the world. And, I have already begun. Because of the positive

results of LDN, I will be getting a full time job soon. This will

allow my husband to finally go to college this fall, and become a high

school history teacher. What better way to change the world, than to

start with our youth!!

I have montitered my BP and HR throughout. Along with my temperatures.

I have recorded thyroid lab work from before starting LDN, and then

again 27 days after I began. In another 4 weeks, I will be getting

more lab work done. I have waited to switch from Synthroid to Armour

specifically so I could have a record of the effects of LDN on thyroid

hormone levels. I did not want any variables. After several sets of

labs however, I do plan to switch to Armour. Research shows that the

brain is not adept at converting the T4 to T3, and that is where my

" brain fog " is coming from. I am hoping once adding T3 to the mix, I

will once again feel 100% normal. I will also monitor vitals and labs

along with the Armour medication. We will then be able to look at

Synthroid and Armour in regards to LDN.

I will also have 4 tier cortisol levels, estrogen, progesterone,

testosterone, DHEA DHEA (pool) TSH, FT3, FT4 and all antibody levels

for comparison. Unfortunately, my baseline for all of these is 27

days AFTER the start of LDN. (except TSH< and a few F3 and FT4

levels) I also have a thyroid ultrasound that was done in Feb. prior

to LDN, which showed significant thyroid tissue left. I am also

wondering if as the thyroid dies off after radiation, if LDN will

boost the immune system in such a way to allow the thyroid to

regenerate. We know of people who must have the RAI done several times

before it works. This proves that the thyroid is in fact, capable of

regenerating. My hopes are that one day, my thyroid will have

completely healed itself. Through the elimination of the antibodies

from LDN, and the boost in immune system function. Even if this

doesn't happen, the results of LDN thus far are very much worth it.

I am including my real name, and actual contact information. If anyone

is interested in any of the data I have collected, or is interested in

the effects of LDN on a partially working thyroid, please feel free to

contact me. I will help in any way I can.

Sincerely hopeful, and it is all due to LDN,

Saundra Renz

301 Straford Circle South

Daphne, AL. 36526

251-626-5549 (home)

251-404-6647 (cell)

251-459-2271 (cell message number

> >

> > --I sent you my story privately, and also sent it to your neighbor.

> > I wasn't sure if I should post it on the site since it is fairly long.

> > Read it and if you think it would be beneficial, let me know and I

> > will post it.

> > Saundra

> >

>

[Guest guest]

THANK YOU Saundra!

This is SO helpful and inspiring!

I am truly grateful for you sharing this.

I'm going to re-read now!

XOXO

DD

> > >

> > > --I sent you my story privately, and also sent it to your neighbor.

> > > I wasn't sure if I should post it on the site since it is fairly

long.

> > > Read it and if you think it would be beneficial, let me know and I

> > > will post it.

> > > Saundra

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Brilliant!!!

> > >

> > > --I sent you my story privately, and also sent it to your

neighbor.

> > > I wasn't sure if I should post it on the site since it is

fairly long.

> > > Read it and if you think it would be beneficial, let me know

and I

> > > will post it.

> > > Saundra

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dearest ,

You had me laughing and crying and holding my 2 hands together in anticipation for each new sentence. You are a wonderful writer and you are a fighter. I am so impressed that you went with your gut feeling and that you knew in your heart what you needed to try.

May I forward this on to Dr. Gluck and to Cris at Healthcase for posting on her web page? Also, may I save your story and share it with others that inquire about LDN for Graves disease and Thyroid problems?

Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are truly an inspiration.

All my best

Aletha

[low dose naltrexone] Re: Aletha

Saundra's LDN storyI was diagnosed with Graves Disease in the end of March 2007. I statedon 10mg of MMI, and after 1 month, I had no reduction in thyroidlevels. On May 5th, 2007 I had Radioactive Iodine treatment to kill mythyroid. I had just turned 35 years old and am considered Morbidlyobese. I weighed 218 lbs, and am 5'0" tall. Unfortunately, I was oneof the few that didn't loose weight while hyper.Over the next 6 months, my thyroid died off quickly. On October 6th,2007, my labs showed a TSH of 26, and a very, very low Ft3, and Ft4.I was hypo, and terribly symptomatic. I had gained 20 pounds. While Iam sure I would never do it, I understood suicide. The loss of hope,the terrible, debilitating depression, was more than I could stand.The constant, complete exhaustion made my life a living hell. I knewat this point, one way or the other, that this was not how I was goingto live. This is when I found a thyroid support group on , andwhere I learned of LDN.Not much is known about Graves Disease, other than it is an autoimmunedisease. When I very first started reading about LDN, I knew, withouta doubt, in my gut, that this was the answer I was looking for. Itried to get several doctors to prescribe it to me. None had evenheard of it, and none were willing to learn or listen. After all, Iwas just a patient with memory issues, and terrible brain fog. Howcould I teach THEM anything? So, I took it upon myself to learn. Iadmit, at that time, it took me a long time for the information to beabsorbed. But, I read the same thing, over and over and over again,until I could recall it with no issues. I knew the quality of life Ihad was not going to change, unless I did something about it myself. At this point, it is the middle of February, 2008. My TSH was 3.4....within "range." I could only get a TSH, since once again, doctorsdown here in Southern Alabama really are behind the current research,and the effects of T3 and T4 on the body. I had went through 3different doctors before I realized none of them were going to test meproperly. I was told my levels were "perfect" and maybe I needed tosee a psychiatrist. I know my own body, and I was not fine, much lessperfect. I was on 100mcg of Synthroid (name brand) daily. On March 1st., 2008. I began LDN. I purchased it overseas, from arespected, much used, pharmacy. I get 50 mg. tablets and dissolve themin 50ml. of distilled water. I started at 1.5 mg./night. The veryfirst night, I experienced terrible sleep disturbances. The next day,I had a racing heart with a HR of 148 bpm if I exerted myself at all.Resting HR was over 100. My blood pressure increased to 148/100. But Iknew this was possible, so I decided to just take it really easy, andride it out. The next day, My HR and BP were once again, elevated, butwas coming down. The sleep disturbance continued. By day 3, my HR andBP had stabilized, but the sleep disturbance continued. Lack ofquality sleep is the one thing that affects me the most. I decidedthere was no way I was going to go through this with each increase, sowithin 2 weeks I had brought myself up to the maximum dose of 4.5mg/night. I went from 1.5 to 2.0 to 3.0 to 4.5 mg. in 2 weeks. Theonly time I experienced ANY sleep disturbance was those first coupleof days.It has now been 6 weeks since I started LDN. The changes in me areunbelievable!!! I feel like my old self. No, better than my old self.I have not felt this good since I was a teenager...before giving birthat 18 years old. I am certain that pregnancy was the beginning of mythyroid problems., and they just continued over the next 18 years.Along with the Graves Disease, I had constant diahrrea. I was told byseveral doctors that is was probably because I no longer had agallbladder, and the bile was dripping directly into my stomach. I hadmany scopes and tests that all came out normal. I had just learned tolive with it. Once I started LDN, the diahrrea became much worse. Ialso remember reading that if you had undiagnosed celiac's disease orbowl issues, that LDN can make them worse.(temporarily) I am sure thatis what happened with me. However, since I do not have any healthinsurance, I must once again just go with my gut. The beauty is thatafter several weeks on LDN, I finally was having normal bowlmovements. Please keep in mind that even when terribly HYPO, I neverwas constipated...I always had very loose stool. I wake in the morning refreshed. My sleep has never been better. Istill wake several times turning the night, but the quality of sleep Iam getting since starting LDN can not compare to anything other thanthe sleep of a young child after being outside all day. I finallydream again. I have not dreamt in 20 years. I love the dreams.Let's look at endorphin production and autoimmune disease for a minute.I feel they are directly related. I feel this because for many years,when I would wake in the middle of the night, I would crave chocolate.Sometimes I wouldn't even remember eating it, but the evidence wasclearly there...empty wrappers!!! I also asked many doctors aboutthis, and was told that night eating was an actual eating disorder,and to see a psychiatrist. ( are you seeing a pattern here???)Recently, I found out that Chocolate may increase endorphinlevels....HMMM??? Since starting LDN, my chocolate cravings are allbut gone. I have lost 5 pounds over the last 6 weeks, with no effort.My appetite has decreased tremendously, and the night eating is gone.This leads me to believe that the chocolate was a way for my body toself medicate...to increase endorphin levels. I believe that for thelast 20 years, my endorphin production was minimal at best. I believethis is what lead to the autoimmune disease. OF course, this is justmy uneducated opinion. However, nobody knows me better than me.Let's address libido now. At 18 years old, it was very good. After thebirth of my daughter at 18, it disappeared, and never came back.Sincestarting LDN, I feel like a hormone crazed teenager again. Much to theexcitement of my husband!!!!My depression is completely gone! My anxiety is completely gone. Myenergy levels have come up dramatically. I still have physical issuesfrom being hypo..ie.. muscle cramps, and I still tire more easily thanusual. I still do have the "brain fog" but it has lessoneddramatically also. I feel hopeful for the first time in 18 years. I nolonger take Celexa, or any anti-anxiety medication. (however, I didcompletely ween off of this and made sure significant time had passedto allow it to get out of my system, prior to starting LDN..so I knowit is due to the LDN, not residuals left in my system.) I had beenusing Cannabis to combat the anxiety symptoms. I also find I no longerwant that. I am almost "normal" and I contribute every bit of it to LDN.I laugh, I cry, I feel. And like I said, I feel better than I have inover 20 years. LDN is truly a "miracle" drug. Please, don't let the pharmaceuticalcompanies control the quality of life of those afflicted withautoimmune diseases. This drug needs to be mainstreamed. If someonewould just step back, and consider what the world is missing by notallowing a good quality of life for us, maybe, together, we couldchange the world. And, I have already begun. Because of the positiveresults of LDN, I will be getting a full time job soon. This willallow my husband to finally go to college this fall, and become a highschool history teacher. What better way to change the world, than tostart with our youth!!I have montitered my BP and HR throughout. Along with my temperatures.I have recorded thyroid lab work from before starting LDN, and thenagain 27 days after I began. In another 4 weeks, I will be gettingmore lab work done. I have waited to switch from Synthroid to Armourspecifically so I could have a record of the effects of LDN on thyroidhormone levels. I did not want any variables. After several sets oflabs however, I do plan to switch to Armour. Research shows that the brain is not adept at converting the T4 to T3, and that is where my"brain fog" is coming from. I am hoping once adding T3 to the mix, Iwill once again feel 100% normal. I will also monitor vitals and labsalong with the Armour medication. We will then be able to look atSynthroid and Armour in regards to LDN.I will also have 4 tier cortisol levels, estrogen, progesterone,testosterone, DHEA DHEA (pool) TSH, FT3, FT4 and all antibody levelsfor comparison. Unfortunately, my baseline for all of these is 27days AFTER the start of LDN. (except TSH< and a few F3 and FT4levels) I also have a thyroid ultrasound that was done in Feb. priorto LDN, which showed significant thyroid tissue left. I am alsowondering if as the thyroid dies off after radiation, if LDN willboost the immune system in such a way to allow the thyroid toregenerate. We know of people who must have the RAI done several timesbefore it works. This proves that the thyroid is in fact, capable ofregenerating. My hopes are that one day, my thyroid will havecompletely healed itself. Through the elimination of the antibodiesfrom LDN, and the boost in immune system function. Even if thisdoesn't happen, the results of LDN thus far are very much worth it.I am including my real name, and actual contact information. If anyoneis interested in any of the data I have collected, or is interested inthe effects of LDN on a partially working thyroid, please feel free tocontact me. I will help in any way I can.Sincerely hopeful, and it is all due to LDN,Saundra Renz301 Straford Circle SouthDaphne, AL. 36526251-626-5549 (home)251-404-6647 (cell)251-459-2271 (cell message number> >> > --I sent you my story privately, and also sent it to your neighbor.> > I wasn't sure if I should post it on the site since it is fairly long.> > Read it and if you think it would be beneficial, let me know and I> > will post it.> > Saundra> >>

[Guest guest]

Dear Saundra,

Wow! What an inspiring story! You are one smart,

courageous lady. Thanks for sharing. That's what this

is all about, isn't it, sharing our experiences to

help each other?

Konnie

Peace

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

-Aletha,

You most certainly can use it in any way you would like!! That goes

for anyone else too.

My main objective is to help anyone and everyone I can. If my story

can do that...then life has handed me another " miracle " ...and that is

my purpose!!

You know, sometimes when faced with debilitating disease, or traumatic

events, one stops and asks " why me? " I learned a long time ago

everything happens for a reasons. With my Graves disease, I now find

the reason. If it wasn't for my struggles...that have lead me to LDN,

my best friend's son may very well die. He has scleroderma, and is

about to embark on his journey with LDN. I know, again, in my gut,

that this is the miracle they have been looking for. Had it not been

for my health issues, they would have never known about LDN.

So, for me, I thank the " gods " that I was given Graves disease!!!!

And also to everyone here that spends countless hours giving advice,

sometimes over and over and over again. Your contributions NEVER go

unnoticed or unappreciated!!

Thanks you,

Saundra

-- In low dose naltrexone , " Aletha Wittmann "

<Aletha@...> wrote:

>

> Dearest ,

>

> You had me laughing and crying and holding my 2 hands together in

anticipation for each new sentence. You are a wonderful writer and

you are a fighter. I am so impressed that you went with your gut

feeling and that you knew in your heart what you needed to try.

>

> May I forward this on to Dr. Gluck and to Cris at Healthcase for

posting on her web page? Also, may I save your story and share it

with others that inquire about LDN for Graves disease and Thyroid

problems?

>

> Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are truly an

inspiration.

>

> All my best

> Aletha

> -

[Guest guest]

Thank you Konnie!!

Yes, it is about helping people...and not the mighty dollar( or yen,

or peso or whatever..lol) Unfortunately, the more folks start to

benefit from this drug, the bigger fight we are going to have. At

least here in the USA..the country run by pharmaceutical companies!!

Saundra

>

> Dear Saundra,

> Wow! What an inspiring story! You are one smart,

> courageous lady. Thanks for sharing. That's what this

> is all about, isn't it, sharing our experiences to

> help each other?

> Konnie

>

> Peace

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>