Emotions

[Guest guest]

This is a wonderful article, I think it describes so well what we go

through. My mother has had systemic lupus for about 25 years, and I

thought that I knew what it was like to go through something like

this. When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about ten years ago, I

went through a lot of these - first Concern and Fear because the

doctors couldn't find anything, then the relief. Once I knew that I

did not have a potentially life-threatening illness, I just dealt

with it. Fortunately I did not have as bad a case as a lot of other

people and could manage it.

This AIH is a new thing altogether. Fear because the numbers were so

high and I didn't know ANYTHING about how the liver functions, then

temporary relief once it was diagnosed - I figured that because the

medicine was bringing the numbers down everything would be OK.

Frustration, primarily with my poor mother. She was my primary

support, cooking, taking the kids places, school shopping for them -

and I was really hateful to her. I needed the stuff done, but hated

having to ask and took it out on her. I just wanted her to do it but

not continually ask how I was doing, to get onto me when I was

sitting instead of laying down, etc.

Once I got to feeling better and went back to work, I seemed to be

handling things really well. Was very calm with everyone, even my

kids. I even got in less arguments with my 16-year-old (no small

feat with this particular child). My mother kept saying that she was

really proud of the way I was handling it, much better than she had -

I told her that after all, with our family history, I had been

preparing for something like this for a long time, and that things

were a lot different than 25 years ago.

Who was I kidding - things are different in that I was fortunate to

have a diagnosis in 3 weeks where it took her five years, but once I

realized that the damage from AIH can continue even when things are

looking good, it really started to get to me. I am a real planner,

and I realized that things don't go as we always planned. I have

always been fortunate in that most things in my life have worked out,

and I am sure that this will too - I just have to be careful what I

plan for.

Not to be whining, but just last summer before all of this happened,

my husband and I had decided to make some life changes. We are both

engineers, but he has always had a much more senior position. At the

time, I was working part time with no benefits. We had decided that

in September I would go back to work full time with benefits, and

that he would stay home for a while. He has never had a break since

we were married, and we felt it would be good for the entire family.

I was actually kind of looking forward to having a " wife " at home.

Then all of this happened. I am now working 30 hrs with insurance,

short term and long term disability, but don't think it would exactly

be smart for him to quit work right now. Now I am not only dealing

with being sick, but his frustration at the situation. Sometimes I

just want to scream at him that you don't always get what you want.

This certainly wasn't what I had planned.

It's funny ( not really), but a friend at work was diagnosed with

Lupus about 2 weeks ago. They started her on anti-depressants and

anti-inflammatories. She seemed so happy - said that now that she

know what it is and the medicine is helping, she feels like it won't

come back. I didn't tell her that it didn't go anywhere.

Anyway, I know this is really long, but the article is so true. I

thought I knew what chronic illnes was all about, but realize that

only those who are actually going through it truly know. However, I

know that I need to try to make others in my family more aware of how

I feel.

Thanks for listening.

W

> EMOTIONS SURROUNDING CHRONIC DISEASE

>

> CONCERN: created when an illness lingers and medical professionals

> are unable to find the etilogy (cause) of the problem.

>

> FEAR: caused due to uncertainties-could be an undetected illness

that has

> not fully manifested itself.

>

> DENIAL: an attempt to deny the chronic disease and " live our

life, " soon to

> realize that the body is controlled by something out of their

control.

>

> TEMPORARY RELIEF: established when all other illnesses are

negative. When a

> diagnosis is given for a chronic disease, there is " temporary

relief " in

> having a name for the illness-then reality sets in that a " name "

does not

> cure the illness.

>

> FRUSTRATION: due to the patient's feeling that their body has

somehow let

> them down. This can result in jealousy or envy in others. The

patient

> cannot do what the person helping them is doing. They don't want

the person

> helping to be ill, but instead wish they were well enough to handle

the task.

> Society tends to dictate that if you try a little harder, endure,

etc., you

> can do anything-but chronic disease becomes the " master " .

>

> UNFAIRNESS: results when the patient feels something has been

taken

> away- " being cheated from going on with their life " . Sometimes this

emotion

> can create a sense of " worthlessness. "

>

> ANGER: sometimes directed at doctors who have told the

patient " it's all in

> your head " . Anger often results when patients spend thousands of

dollars

> seeing many different doctors. Sometimes anger becomes so severe

the patient

> can appear belligerent. This emotion emerges when the media,

public, medical

> professionals, friends and loved ones lack understanding of chronic

disease.

> Too often, society demands visual evidence of affliction before it

can be

> valid-but too often forgets that some illnesses often have no

physical signs

> until it is too late.

>

> LOSS OF PERSONAL CONTROL: a very difficult emotion-we realize we

have very

> little control over the rest of the world, but we find comfort in

feeling we

> have control within ourselves. Chronic disease tends to become the

> " authority " of the patient, showing no respect for the body it

resides in.

>

> DEVASTATION: created because of, not only emotional aspects of the

illness,

> but also financial loss if a patient becomes disabled and cannot

work. All

> of us have certain aspirations, but chronic disease often times

will destroy

> those plans-reminding the patient they are very limited.

>

> HOPELESSNESS: some patients may feel like suicide is their only

alternative.

> Many have pre-existing psychological factors that were involved

before

> getting the chronic disease. Treatment with a counselor familiar

with chronic

> disease can help patients deal with this emotion.

>

> MOURNING: the realization that the patients life never will be the

same.

> A " loss " is suffered personally, but many times friends and loved

ones tend

> not to understand the illness, or loss of a once energetic person,

and the

> closeness with friends and family can diminish or disappear.

Shattered dreams

> are hard to lose-a long awaited promotion, career, marriage,

family, home,

> car, schooling, vacation, etc.

>

> HUMBLING: the illness can tear at every emotion until it " humbles "

the

> patient-regardless of economic or social status, patients share a

certain

> camaraderie with other chronically ill patients. People with

chronic disease

> are given a new perspective to life with the realization that we

are truly

> dependent upon our health.

>

> LEARNING TO COPE: this comes only after knowledge that the medical

community

> does not have the " answer " for all or many chronic diseases.

> Patients must reach within their beings and find the tools to live

with

> their illnesses. They can do that with the help of others like

support

> groups, educational materials, relying on loved ones, family and

friends.

> Their own physician can be a " partner " in their health care.

>

> ACCEPTANCE: this emotion goes hand in hand with coping. Once

patients learn

> to accept their chronic disease-they tend to find ways to conserve

what

> energy they do have, and spend it wisely each day. They find ways

to

> eliminate stress and prioritize-and accept that some things may

never get

> done but life still proceeds in spite of it. With acceptance,

each patient

> tends to find strength they did not realize was there.

>

> HOPE: even though " coping " and " acceptance " allow patients to

adjust to

> chronic disease and still enjoy life, each patient, deep within,

desires that

> medical science will find a cure, prevention and/or treatment.

Some patients

> depend on this emotion more then others.

>

> UNDERSTANDING: this emotion is the greatest " gift " those not

afflicted with

> a chronic disease, can give the patients. Patients are burdened

enough

> living with a chronic disease without having to convince others

that this is

> a physical illness. " Two truly are stronger than one, " and through

> understanding, maybe we can help patients endure all the aspects of

their

> illness lest we forget that " people need people. "

>

> Some people say, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

I agree,

> but in the tunnel of a chronic disease you scrape, climb and even

dig.

> Sometimes you think you found the end, but alas, you just find a

dead end.

>

> There are streaks of light coming in, called hope. That is what

keeps you

> going. The end of the tunnel is, understanding, and of course, a

cure.

>

> author - Sherry Messick

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I agree, it was a great article. I sent it to several of my friends who are

also suffering from chronic illness. It does take someone who has a chronic

illness to know what you are going through. I can sympathize with both you

and your mother. I was diagnosed with SLE, fibromyalgia, CFS, lymphatic

colititis, and a mishmash of other digestive problems caused by the SLE. It

changed my life greatly. Just when I thought I was ready to accept my

future and the changes in my life, my son was diagnosed with AIH. Talk

about having the wind knocked out of you. I'm willing to accept that I may

have a chronic illness, but I am not willing to accept it for my child. He

is too young to have his life change so dramatically. I also agree with the

part of trying to have your family understand. My husband tries, but he

really doesn't know what we are going through. All he understands is that I

am sick and he has to bear the burden. I get so frustrated sometimes,

especially when I can't do the things that need to be done.

I need to fly out to Phoenix to help his mother move. I asked him to go in

my place and he refused. He said you can do this, it is just sitting in the

plane. But, that is the problem, sitting for that many hours. My body just

won't take it without large doses of darvocet and percocet and I try to use

them limitly for the really bad times. Anyway, enough of complaining. I

really just wanted you to know that I understand and sympathize. That

article really touched a nerve.

Debbie (Tommy's Mom)

--- Have a fun day!

--- debbiehenry@...

---

[Guest guest]

Dear

I'm new to the group and have been going through all the postings...

I'd just like to say thank you for the wonderful email I just read.

I'm a mother with AIH taking care of my mom with ailments all her

own. I sometimes lose sight of all the wonderful things in my life

and have to remind myself that things could be much worse. It is so

good to know that all of the emotions I've been trying to keep under

control are " normal " .

Thanks for the light and take care of yourself.

K.

> This is a wonderful article, I think it describes so well what we

go

> through. My mother has had systemic lupus for about 25 years, and

I

> thought that I knew what it was like to go through something like

> this. When I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about ten years ago,

I

> went through a lot of these - first Concern and Fear because the

> doctors couldn't find anything, then the relief. Once I knew that

I

> did not have a potentially life-threatening illness, I just dealt

> with it. Fortunately I did not have as bad a case as a lot of

other

> people and could manage it.

>

> This AIH is a new thing altogether. Fear because the numbers were

so

> high and I didn't know ANYTHING about how the liver functions, then

> temporary relief once it was diagnosed - I figured that because the

> medicine was bringing the numbers down everything would be OK.

> Frustration, primarily with my poor mother. She was my primary

> support, cooking, taking the kids places, school shopping for them -

> and I was really hateful to her. I needed the stuff done, but

hated

> having to ask and took it out on her. I just wanted her to do it

but

> not continually ask how I was doing, to get onto me when I was

> sitting instead of laying down, etc.

>

> Once I got to feeling better and went back to work, I seemed to be

> handling things really well. Was very calm with everyone, even my

> kids. I even got in less arguments with my 16-year-old (no small

> feat with this particular child). My mother kept saying that she

was

> really proud of the way I was handling it, much better than she

had -

> I told her that after all, with our family history, I had been

> preparing for something like this for a long time, and that things

> were a lot different than 25 years ago.

>

> Who was I kidding - things are different in that I was fortunate to

> have a diagnosis in 3 weeks where it took her five years, but once

I

> realized that the damage from AIH can continue even when things are

> looking good, it really started to get to me. I am a real planner,

> and I realized that things don't go as we always planned. I have

> always been fortunate in that most things in my life have worked

out,

> and I am sure that this will too - I just have to be careful what I

> plan for.

>

> Not to be whining, but just last summer before all of this

happened,

> my husband and I had decided to make some life changes. We are

both

> engineers, but he has always had a much more senior position. At

the

> time, I was working part time with no benefits. We had decided

that

> in September I would go back to work full time with benefits, and

> that he would stay home for a while. He has never had a break

since

> we were married, and we felt it would be good for the entire

family.

> I was actually kind of looking forward to having a " wife " at home.

>

> Then all of this happened. I am now working 30 hrs with insurance,

> short term and long term disability, but don't think it would

exactly

> be smart for him to quit work right now. Now I am not only dealing

> with being sick, but his frustration at the situation. Sometimes I

> just want to scream at him that you don't always get what you

want.

> This certainly wasn't what I had planned.

>

> It's funny ( not really), but a friend at work was diagnosed with

> Lupus about 2 weeks ago. They started her on anti-depressants and

> anti-inflammatories. She seemed so happy - said that now that she

> know what it is and the medicine is helping, she feels like it

won't

> come back. I didn't tell her that it didn't go anywhere.

>

> Anyway, I know this is really long, but the article is so true. I

> thought I knew what chronic illnes was all about, but realize that

> only those who are actually going through it truly know. However,

I

> know that I need to try to make others in my family more aware of

how

> I feel.

>

> Thanks for listening.

>

> W

>

>

> > EMOTIONS SURROUNDING CHRONIC DISEASE

> >

> > CONCERN: created when an illness lingers and medical

professionals

> > are unable to find the etilogy (cause) of the problem.

> >

> > FEAR: caused due to uncertainties-could be an undetected illness

> that has

> > not fully manifested itself.

> >

> > DENIAL: an attempt to deny the chronic disease and " live our

> life, " soon to

> > realize that the body is controlled by something out of their

> control.

> >

> > TEMPORARY RELIEF: established when all other illnesses are

> negative. When a

> > diagnosis is given for a chronic disease, there is " temporary

> relief " in

> > having a name for the illness-then reality sets in that a " name "

> does not

> > cure the illness.

> >

> > FRUSTRATION: due to the patient's feeling that their body has

> somehow let

> > them down. This can result in jealousy or envy in others. The

> patient

> > cannot do what the person helping them is doing. They don't want

> the person

> > helping to be ill, but instead wish they were well enough to

handle

> the task.

> > Society tends to dictate that if you try a little harder, endure,

> etc., you

> > can do anything-but chronic disease becomes the " master " .

> >

> > UNFAIRNESS: results when the patient feels something has been

> taken

> > away- " being cheated from going on with their life " . Sometimes

this

> emotion

> > can create a sense of " worthlessness. "

> >

> > ANGER: sometimes directed at doctors who have told the

> patient " it's all in

> > your head " . Anger often results when patients spend thousands of

> dollars

> > seeing many different doctors. Sometimes anger becomes so severe

> the patient

> > can appear belligerent. This emotion emerges when the media,

> public, medical

> > professionals, friends and loved ones lack understanding of

chronic

> disease.

> > Too often, society demands visual evidence of affliction before

it

> can be

> > valid-but too often forgets that some illnesses often have no

> physical signs

> > until it is too late.

> >

> > LOSS OF PERSONAL CONTROL: a very difficult emotion-we realize we

> have very

> > little control over the rest of the world, but we find comfort in

> feeling we

> > have control within ourselves. Chronic disease tends to become

the

> > " authority " of the patient, showing no respect for the body it

> resides in.

> >

> > DEVASTATION: created because of, not only emotional aspects of

the

> illness,

> > but also financial loss if a patient becomes disabled and cannot

> work. All

> > of us have certain aspirations, but chronic disease often times

> will destroy

> > those plans-reminding the patient they are very limited.

> >

> > HOPELESSNESS: some patients may feel like suicide is their only

> alternative.

> > Many have pre-existing psychological factors that were involved

> before

> > getting the chronic disease. Treatment with a counselor familiar

> with chronic

> > disease can help patients deal with this emotion.

> >

> > MOURNING: the realization that the patients life never will be

the

> same.

> > A " loss " is suffered personally, but many times friends and

loved

> ones tend

> > not to understand the illness, or loss of a once energetic

person,

> and the

> > closeness with friends and family can diminish or disappear.

> Shattered dreams

> > are hard to lose-a long awaited promotion, career, marriage,

> family, home,

> > car, schooling, vacation, etc.

> >

> > HUMBLING: the illness can tear at every emotion until

it " humbles "

> the

> > patient-regardless of economic or social status, patients share a

> certain

> > camaraderie with other chronically ill patients. People with

> chronic disease

> > are given a new perspective to life with the realization that we

> are truly

> > dependent upon our health.

> >

> > LEARNING TO COPE: this comes only after knowledge that the

medical

> community

> > does not have the " answer " for all or many chronic diseases.

> > Patients must reach within their beings and find the tools to

live

> with

> > their illnesses. They can do that with the help of others like

> support

> > groups, educational materials, relying on loved ones, family and

> friends.

> > Their own physician can be a " partner " in their health care.

> >

> > ACCEPTANCE: this emotion goes hand in hand with coping. Once

> patients learn

> > to accept their chronic disease-they tend to find ways to

conserve

> what

> > energy they do have, and spend it wisely each day. They find

ways

> to

> > eliminate stress and prioritize-and accept that some things may

> never get

> > done but life still proceeds in spite of it. With acceptance,

> each patient

> > tends to find strength they did not realize was there.

> >

> > HOPE: even though " coping " and " acceptance " allow patients to

> adjust to

> > chronic disease and still enjoy life, each patient, deep within,

> desires that

> > medical science will find a cure, prevention and/or treatment.

> Some patients

> > depend on this emotion more then others.

> >

> > UNDERSTANDING: this emotion is the greatest " gift " those not

> afflicted with

> > a chronic disease, can give the patients. Patients are burdened

> enough

> > living with a chronic disease without having to convince others

> that this is

> > a physical illness. " Two truly are stronger than one, " and

through

> > understanding, maybe we can help patients endure all the aspects

of

> their

> > illness lest we forget that " people need people. "

> >

> > Some people say, there is always light at the end of the

tunnel.

> I agree,

> > but in the tunnel of a chronic disease you scrape, climb and

even

> dig.

> > Sometimes you think you found the end, but alas, you just find a

> dead end.

> >

> > There are streaks of light coming in, called hope. That is what

> keeps you

> > going. The end of the tunnel is, understanding, and of course, a

> cure.

> >

> > author - Sherry Messick

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/14/2003 11:47:44 AM Pacific Standard Time,

charmainejensen@... writes:

> I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder -- I see that people have allot of

> the same mood swings as Bipolar Disorder. Fiancé says he wonders if it was

> they hypothyroidism that my moods are attributed to and not a mental

> illness?

>

Dear Charmaine,

When my son came home crazy three years ago and was eventually diagnosed with

bipolar disorder, I decided to seek out my own psychiatrist becasue I felt I

was experiencing a lot of the same mental/emotional/psychological symptoms I

saw in him. After extensive interviewing with the psychiatrist, I felt

hopeful he would give me some meds that would even out my moods and take the

endge off my considerable anger and mental pain. Instead, I was shocked to

hear his diagnosis: Severe, untreated hypothyroidism! (At that time, I'd

been trying to get along without medicine for 30 years because no doctor

would treat me since my TSH test always came back " normal. " ) The pDoc

refused, fortunately, to give me mind bending meds until I got treatment for

my low thyroid problem. Though I was initially disappointed because I was

suffering a lot and wanted some immediate help, it actually turned out to be

a good thing. That doctor's diagnosis spurred me on to search for an MD who

would treat me and my hypothyroidism based on my symptoms rather than my

blood tests. Today, after a year plus on the 's treatment, I'm free of

the dark moods and the weird thinking. I sometimes still feel depressed but

it is only a slight decrease in my normal cheerfulness and usually lifts

quickly as compared to the paralyzing, chronic depression I used to have

linger for weeks or months in the time before I got on the T3.

Best regards,

in LA

[Guest guest]

I experience these same types of outbursts that I cannot explain. It has ruined

countless relationships...and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before I scare

my current boyfriend away. I used to blame it on PMS but now it seems to occur

on a regular basis, sometimes I can control it, other times I can't. I really

don't feel like I have a mental illness or anything like that, I feel like it's

hormones or something I haven't figured out. I have an appt. this month with a

new OB/GYN and I'm hoping she will do some new tests besides the thyroid tests.

I have been taking 1 and 1/2 grains of Armour and using some Progesterone Cream

that someone here recommended. It seems to help but not nearly enough. Any

suggestions as to what I should ask her to test me for? Thanks.

Beth Elliott <n2dance@...> wrote:Hello,

I also have this, I don't know if I would say I don't know what I'm

doing until it's too late, but I know when it's happening, I truly am

feeling the feelings that are exploding all over the place out of me,

but a little voice inside my head is saying, this isn't the big deal

you're making out of it.

I wouldn't say it's completely physical, but I am very careful to have

my outbursts at home. I don't know what is a reasonable reaction and

what isn't anymore. I have one acquaintance whom I feel is downright

abusive but whenever I react she says she's sick of me being so

oversensitive all the time. I don't know who's right, I suspect it's a

little of both but I don't know where the line is because I know I'm a

little off.

I call it PMS, it never occurred to me that it could be pituitary

related. My naturopath does computerized biomedical feedback which

indicated my pituitary gland is the problem, not the thyroid. What to

do about it though? She gave me a cream called ProGen to strengthen the

pituitary. I haven't noticed much of a difference in how I feel from

it. Sometimes when I start new things, nothing happens, then the

doctors tell me if their program is not working then it's MY fault.

Beth

>Hi Charmaine, I have a pituitary problem causeing my thyroid to be

>low... the symptom I'm reffering to, are monthly bouts of anger or

>blame where I verbally beat up a loved one and don't even understand

>what I'm doing until it's too late. This isn't an anger issue, it's

>some kind of strange state that I slip into. Over the past few

>years, I've gotten a good handel on myself and don't feel like this

>is a physic issue... hormonal... anyone else experience this?

>

[Guest guest]

>Any suggestions as to what I should ask her to test me for?

, I would ask for a hormonal workup.. i.e. estrogen, progesterone,

testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, and prolactin. Those are just off the top of

my head. I also believe that sharp increases or decreases in thyroid

function can affect us more than we think. Do you have Hashimoto's?

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info. I don't know if I have Hashimoto's or not? I've been told

I don't have hypothyroidism by some doc's and other's have told me my T3 is

really low. I've kind of given up on doctor's and have been just taking the

Armour that I have left until I figure out what to do?

Pierce <karlynn17@...> wrote:>Any suggestions as to what I should

ask her to test me for?

, I would ask for a hormonal workup.. i.e. estrogen, progesterone,

testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, and prolactin. Those are just off the top of

my head. I also believe that sharp increases or decreases in thyroid

function can affect us more than we think. Do you have Hashimoto's?

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

,

The T3 is probably the problem,you need more.I had the same problem but

when I got my meds corrected with enough T3, the emotional rollercoaster

was gone.T3,I believe,has the most effect on the mental state,that is

why Drs. want to prescribe anti-depressants to patients who come back

still not feeling right after being on T4 only.If more Drs. would just

get their heads out of those outdated medical books and listen to the

patient more we would all be cured...An interesting thought,..I am on

Thyrolar which is the synthetic of Armour.The two meds are made by the

same manufacturer,Forest Industries,I have had great success with this

med and I noticed a lot of people in this group on Armour who are still

having problems.Any thoughts on this?People on Armour with feedback on

this issue?

Deneen:)

[Guest guest]

Hear is a thought ,could it be our adreanal function that is causing

the rages ? I know that our adreanals control our flight/fight

response .Also that I have personaly had panic attacks accompany the

rage , not at the same time exactly ! I thought it might be adreanal

exaustion related to my thyroid condtion , although i havent talked

to the dr about it yet .

[Guest guest]

, I also had panic attacks as well as on and off emotional

rage. I take synthroid, which helped alot of my symptoms, but

not those 2. I came off of all refined sugars and flours. I was

also a vegetarian for 15 years and I began to eat meat. Within 3

days of me doing these things, I became a completely different

person. I have not had one single panic attack, and my husband

feels I am a completely different person emotionally. I never felt

like I was going to actually feel well and " normal " again, but I do.

I have had a full adrenal workup and everything was normal. I

am diagnosed with hashimotos, and my doctors are considering

taking me off my synthroid as since my dietary changes, my lab

tests for my thyroid have come back completely normal.

> Hear is a thought ,could it be our adreanal function that is

causing

> the rages ? I know that our adreanals control our flight/fight

> response .Also that I have personaly had panic attacks

accompany the

> rage , not at the same time exactly ! I thought it might be

adreanal

> exaustion related to my thyroid condtion , although i havent

talked

> to the dr about it yet .

[Guest guest]

I cannot say that I have had Hypothyroidism all my life as in my teens up to

about 19 I was quite under weight and it was not until my mid to latter 20's

that I really started to put on weight. My weight has been going up and down

ever since my early 30's ....

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder -- I see that people have allot of the

same mood swings as Bipolar Disorder. Fiancé says he wonders if it was they

hypothyroidism that my moods are attributed to and not a mental illness?

Charmaine

I experience these same types of outbursts that I cannot explain. It has

ruined countless relationships...and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before

I scare my current boyfriend away. I used to blame it on PMS but now it seems

to occur on a regular basis, sometimes I can control it, other times I can't. I

really don't feel like I have a mental illness or anything like that, I feel

like it's hormones or something I haven't figured out. I have an appt. this

month with a new OB/GYN and I'm hoping she will do some new tests besides the

thyroid tests. I have been taking 1 and 1/2 grains of Armour and using some

Progesterone Cream that someone here recommended. It seems to help but not

nearly enough. Any suggestions as to what I should ask her to test me for?

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Thanks for this in-depth reply to my message. I have an appt with both my

Psychiatrist and Therapist next week -- as the Psychiatrist is planning on

putting me on another Psychiatric drug.

I am wondering now -- how am I going to get them to realize that there is a very

good possibility that what I suffered from in my adolescence into my mid 20's

was hyperthyroidism and then in mid 20's to the present was hypothyroidism. I

have tried to get them to in the past look at my moods in a different light --

but they only look at me like I do not know what I am talking about it --

There is one other syndrome that I have been dx with and do believe that I do

have and that is PTSD -- that is the only one that I do know I do have -- as I

was sexually abused as a child and was raped a few times thereafter in my adult

life....

Otherwise I do feel that most of my life, that my anger and my mental anguish

has been do to that of my thyroid...

Again getting through to the Doctors is going to be a completely new task on its

own -0-

Btw , where you from, the United States or Canada?

I am so happy that I have joined this group as I am learning some stuff that I

had otherwise felt in the past to be part of what has been going on -- you see

ever since my mid 20's I have had other symptoms that are also related to those

with thyroid problems - IBS and GERD

Charmaine

Dear Charmaine,

When my son came home crazy three years ago and was eventually diagnosed with

bipolar disorder, I decided to seek out my own psychiatrist becasue I felt I

was experiencing a lot of the same mental/emotional/psychological symptoms I

saw in him. After extensive interviewing with the psychiatrist, I felt

hopeful he would give me some meds that would even out my moods and take the

endge off my considerable anger and mental pain. Instead, I was shocked to

hear his diagnosis: Severe, untreated hypothyroidism! (At that time, I'd

been trying to get along without medicine for 30 years because no doctor

would treat me since my TSH test always came back " normal. " ) The pDoc

refused, fortunately, to give me mind bending meds until I got treatment for

my low thyroid problem. Though I was initially disappointed because I was

suffering a lot and wanted some immediate help, it actually turned out to be

a good thing. That doctor's diagnosis spurred me on to search for an MD who

would treat me and my hypothyroidism based on my symptoms rather than my

blood tests. Today, after a year plus on the 's treatment, I'm free of

the dark moods and the weird thinking. I sometimes still feel depressed but

it is only a slight decrease in my normal cheerfulness and usually lifts

quickly as compared to the paralyzing, chronic depression I used to have

linger for weeks or months in the time before I got on the T3.

Best regards,

in LA

[Guest guest]

those having problems with Armour either need a higher dose and/or other

hormones (in the right amount!!) fo example, in the UK needs Armour

plus testosterone and DHEA. It really helps to have a doc who understands

how hormones work together.

Gracia

> med and I noticed a lot of people in this group on Armour who are still

> having problems.Any thoughts on this?People on Armour with feedback on

> this issue?

>

> Deneen:)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

melanie, you might not be getting enough progesterone (some OTC stuff is

expensive hand cream) and might need more Armour and DHEA. You can get a

doc referral from http://www.womensinternational.com

Gracia

>

> I experience these same types of outbursts that I cannot explain. It has

ruined countless relationships...and I'm sure it's only a matter of time

before I scare my current boyfriend away. I used to blame it on PMS but now

it seems to occur on a regular basis, sometimes I can control it, other

times I can't. I really don't feel like I have a mental illness or anything

like that, I feel like it's hormones or something I haven't figured out. I

have an appt. this month with a new OB/GYN and I'm hoping she will do some

new tests besides the thyroid tests. I have been taking 1 and 1/2 grains of

Armour and using some Progesterone Cream that someone here recommended. It

seems to help but not nearly enough. Any suggestions as to what I should

ask her to test me for? Thanks.

>

> Beth Elliott <n2dance@...> wrote:Hello,

>

> I also have this, I don't know if I would say I don't know what I'm

> doing until it's too late, but I know when it's happening, I truly am

> feeling the feelings that are exploding all over the place out of me,

> but a little voice inside my head is saying, this isn't the big deal

> you're making out of it.

>

> I wouldn't say it's completely physical, but I am very careful to have

> my outbursts at home. I don't know what is a reasonable reaction and

> what isn't anymore. I have one acquaintance whom I feel is downright

> abusive but whenever I react she says she's sick of me being so

> oversensitive all the time. I don't know who's right, I suspect it's a

> little of both but I don't know where the line is because I know I'm a

> little off.

>

> I call it PMS, it never occurred to me that it could be pituitary

> related. My naturopath does computerized biomedical feedback which

> indicated my pituitary gland is the problem, not the thyroid. What to

> do about it though? She gave me a cream called ProGen to strengthen the

> pituitary. I haven't noticed much of a difference in how I feel from

> it. Sometimes when I start new things, nothing happens, then the

> doctors tell me if their program is not working then it's MY fault.

>

> Beth

>

> >Hi Charmaine, I have a pituitary problem causeing my thyroid to be

> >low... the symptom I'm reffering to, are monthly bouts of anger or

> >blame where I verbally beat up a loved one and don't even understand

> >what I'm doing until it's too late. This isn't an anger issue, it's

> >some kind of strange state that I slip into. Over the past few

> >years, I've gotten a good handel on myself and don't feel like this

> >is a physic issue... hormonal... anyone else experience this?

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I used to get panic attacks also.It is definitely a symptom of your

thyroid problems.I don't have that problem any more with my meds I am on

now.

Deneen:)

[Guest guest]

Hi Charmaine,

Have you read Abe Hoffer's work on orthomolecular medicine? Most of his

research seems to be for persons wth schizophrenia but bipolar is mentioned here

and there as benefiting from his treatment. Be careful with the diagnosis (get a

second, third or fourth opinion). Bipolar has become a catchall somewhat

similar to ADHD. There are many things people have done to help change brain

chemicals that involve nutrition and building up the body but it does require

being responsible for your own health.

I'm pleased your doc insists on getting your thyroid up to speed before messing

around with other kinds of chemicals---but what in the body is not funcitioning

properly and why when the thyroid goes haywire? I've been reading this list

quite some time and no one ever sems to address the underlying cause of thyroid

malfunction. Why does it not produce or process adequate T3 or T4 or whatever?

SaraLou

" Hoffer's Law of Natural Nutrition (Quarry Press, Kingston, ON, 1996).

THE DOCTOR YOURSELF LAWS OF NATURAL THERAPEUTICS

LAW: Most non-accidental illness is due to malnutrition.

This not only includes the chronic diseases, but also viral and bacterial acute

illness, which are greatly aggravated by inadequate nutrition. Conventional

physicians are still available to persons needing them for traumatic injury.

LAW: Adding drugs to a sick body to cure it is like adding poison to a polluted

lake to clean it. Killing microorganisms, or masking the cause of symptoms is no

more than a temporary answer in either case.

LAW: Restoring health must be done nutritionally, not pharmacologically. All

cells in all persons are made exclusively from what we drink and eat. Neither

the chemical spraying a sick plant nor the chemical vaccination of a sickly

child can substitute for really good nutrition.

LAW: Nutrient therapy increases individual resistance to disease. Drug therapy

generally lowers resistance to disease. Healthy plants, healthy animals and

healthy people do not get sick. Doctors do not admit to this, because healthy

people do not go to doctors.

LAW: The quantity of a nutritional supplement that cures an illness indicates

the patient's degree of deficiency. It is therefore not a megadose of the

vitamin, but rather a megadeficiency of the nutrient that we are dealing with.

LAW: The number one side effect of vitamins is failure to take enough of them.

LAW: With vitamin therapy, speed of recovery is proportional to the dosage

given. As there is a certain, large amount of fuel needed to launch an aircraft

or a spacecraft, there is a certain, large amount of nutrients needed to cure a

sick body.

LAW: Vitamin C replaces antibiotics, antihistamines, antipyretics, antitoxics,

and antiviral drugs at saturation (bowel tolerance) levels. This is the single

most inflammatory statement in medicine.

LAW: The reason one nutrient can cure so many different illnesses is because a

deficiency of one nutrient can cause many different illnesses.

LAW: A vitamin can act as a drug, but a drug can never act as a vitamin.

LAW: With vitamin therapy, at any given quantity, frequently divided doses are

more effective.

LAW: The advertising of a given food is inversely proportionate to its

nutritional value. If you couldn't miss seeing it on TV, you probably can do

without it.

LAW: The price of a food is inversely proportional to its nutritional value.

Brown rice, beans, vegetables from your garden, sprouts from your own countertop

jars, fruits from your own trees and bushes. all are superior to meats and

prepared convenience foods that cost a fortune.

LAW: Media publicization of a nutritional research study is inversely

proportional to its curative value. The most popular news stories about vitamin

therapy tend to be either worthless, or negative, or both.

LAW: Being you own physician refers to your overall management of your case

yourself. It is about rights and about power, not how many diplomas you have

accumulated. " Doctor Yourself " is a practical philosophy, based NOT on your

mastering all aspects of scientific medicine, but based rather on the reasoned

application of effective health knowledge where you personally need

it.

LAW: The principles of natural therapeutics are fairly simple, but they are not

easy. What you need to do to Doctor Yourself is less than you might think but

more than you might want. Lifestyle changes (in diet, routine, and choices) can

be unpopular.

LAW: Health recovered is proportional to effort expended. You do not have to

live an inflexibly perfect life to have a much healthier life... but it helps.

LAW: Health knowledge worth having does not go out of date in ten years or even

one hundred years. " New " does not automatically mean more accurate or more

valuable. " Old " research and clinical studies are often superior references.

What works is never out of date. Fasting, near-vegetarian diet, use of

nutritional supplements, and other non-pharmaceutical methods have

stood the test of time, as have Einstein's theories and the Bill of Rights.

Those unaware of the power of simple and safe natural methods are in this

position because of contradictory and confusing media reporting.

LAW: Most confusion over " what constitutes proper healthcare " arises from

partisans. A " partisan " is a highly one-sided source. Bias against vitamin

supplements usually proceeds from persons and industries who stand to lose when

cheap, natural health care succeeds. Hospitals, physicians, nurses, dieticians,

politicians, pharmaceutical companies and others have a vested

(cash) interest in disease.

LAW: Many conflicting reports about vitamin therapy come from natural health

partisans. These include vitamin distributors, individual supplement companies,

brands and even practitioners trying to corner as much of the market as they can

for themselves. Ignore them.

Re: Emotions

I cannot say that I have had Hypothyroidism all my life as in my teens up to

about 19 I was quite under weight and it was not until my mid to latter 20's

that I really started to put on weight. My weight has been going up and down

ever since my early 30's ....

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder -- I see that people have allot of the

same mood swings as Bipolar Disorder. Fiancé says he wonders if it was they

hypothyroidism that my moods are attributed to and not a mental illness?

Charmaine

I experience these same types of outbursts that I cannot explain. It has

ruined countless relationships...and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before

I scare my current boyfriend away. I used to blame it on PMS but now it seems

to occur on a regular basis, sometimes I can control it, other times I can't. I

really don't feel like I have a mental illness or anything like that, I feel

like it's hormones or something I haven't figured out. I have an appt. this

month with a new OB/GYN and I'm hoping she will do some new tests besides the

thyroid tests. I have been taking 1 and 1/2 grains of Armour and using some

Progesterone Cream that someone here recommended. It seems to help but not

nearly enough. Any suggestions as to what I should ask her to test me for?

Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Actually getting away from the diagnosis of bipolar disorder would be a hard

one -- would be a hard one -- as I was dx with this when I was 19 years old --

there have been other occasions where I have told them over the years that I

felt it was not this.

Do you have a link that I could go to -- to read this article of Abe Hoffer's

article that you make mention of below?

Thanks,

Charmaine

Hi Charmaine,

Have you read Abe Hoffer's work on orthomolecular medicine? Most of his

research seems to be for persons wth schizophrenia but bipolar is mentioned here

and there as benefiting from his treatment. Be careful with the diagnosis (get a

second, third or fourth opinion). Bipolar has become a catchall somewhat

similar to ADHD. There are many things people have done to help change brain

chemicals that involve nutrition and building up the body but it does require

being responsible for your own health.

I'm pleased your doc insists on getting your thyroid up to speed before

messing around with other kinds of chemicals---but what in the body is not

funcitioning properly and why when the thyroid goes haywire? I've been reading

this list quite some time and no one ever sems to address the underlying cause

of thyroid malfunction. Why does it not produce or process adequate T3 or T4 or

whatever?

SaraLou

[Guest guest]

My mother was diagnosed bi-polar. It is certainly the diagnosis du jour,

along with depression. In my mother's case, she was untreated hypothyroid

all her life, and then had an unnecessary hysterectomy. ALL she needed to

get well was hormones. So the big problem in this society is how to get

well, and how to find good medical care.

Gracia

> Actually getting away from the diagnosis of bipolar disorder would be a

hard one -- would be a hard one -- as I was dx with this when I was 19 years

old -- there have been other occasions where I have told them over the years

that I felt it was not this.

>

> Do you have a link that I could go to -- to read this article of Abe

Hoffer's article that you make mention of below?

>

> Thanks,

> Charmaine

>

> Hi Charmaine,

>

> Have you read Abe Hoffer's work on orthomolecular medicine? Most of his

research seems to be for persons wth schizophrenia but bipolar is mentioned

here and there as benefiting from his treatment. Be careful with the

diagnosis (get a second, third or fourth opinion). Bipolar has become a

catchall somewhat similar to ADHD. There are many things people have done

to help change brain chemicals that involve nutrition and building up the

body but it does require being responsible for your own health.

>

> I'm pleased your doc insists on getting your thyroid up to speed before

messing around with other kinds of chemicals---but what in the body is not

funcitioning properly and why when the thyroid goes haywire? I've been

reading this list quite some time and no one ever sems to address the

underlying cause of thyroid malfunction. Why does it not produce or process

adequate T3 or T4 or whatever?

>

> SaraLou

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well through my adolescence and teens I do believe it should have been

hypothyroid -- as was considerably underweight and then the latter part of early

30's to present should have been hypothyroid -- but every time I made a remark

of my weight -- they never appeared too concerned and therefore never did the

necessary tests until now -- when they see how upset I was about the weight I am

now in comparison to what I was about 4-5 months ago.

Charmaine

My mother was diagnosed bi-polar. It is certainly the diagnosis du jour,

along with depression. In my mother's case, she was untreated hypothyroid

all her life, and then had an unnecessary hysterectomy. ALL she needed to

get well was hormones. So the big problem in this society is how to get

well, and how to find good medical care.

Gracia

[Guest guest]

Bee and others,

I have noticed odd, old emotions also creeping up since I've begun this program,

esp most recently. I have anger/resentment issues which for whatever reason I

haven't felt for a long time until very recently. I am not sure what to do

about them really, but to me it seems like they are connected to my healing and

health and have oddly appeared very strongly with Bee's candida program.

Does anyone else experience any type of emotional resurfacing? How do you feel

better about the emotions as they occur?

~Anita

---------------------------------

New Messenger with Voice. Call regular phones from your PC for low, low

rates.

[Guest guest]

Have you read the file on Herings law of cures? It might just bring up

emotional issues as well.

It is my thought that we have been stuffing ourselves with food for so long to

push down pain or anxiety or stress of any kind. A lot of those foods such as

sugar, flour, junk, chips, etc. are the very ones that fed the candida. When

you take all of that away and have an initial limited diet you are removing a

very effective vehicle for some of us to avoid feelings. It would only make

sense that the feelings are coming up because you aren't stuffing them with

meat, eggs, good oils and fats. They just don't work the same as that big huge

sugar rush.

Good time to heal both physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I know when my candida was healing and also when I have a flare up anxiety is

the first thing to flare up. Big time. Really big time.

Find things to do to relax you that do not include food. Also magnesium, C, and

a lot of water helped me.

Jeanne otn

-------------- Original message --------------

From: " Anita P. Wagner " <anita_priscilla@...>

Bee and others,

I have noticed odd, old emotions also creeping up since I've begun this program,

esp most recently. I have anger/resentment issues which for whatever reason I

haven't felt for a long time until very recently. I am not sure what to do

about them really, but to me it seems like they are connected to my healing and

health and have oddly appeared very strongly with Bee's candida program.

Does anyone else experience any type of emotional resurfacing? How do you feel

better about the emotions as they occur?

~Anita

---------------------------------

New Messenger with Voice. Call regular phones from your PC for low, low

rates.

[Guest guest]

Hi Anita,

The emotions that you are experiencing ARE part of the healing

process. It's part of the " retracing " that occurs (see the file

regarding " Hering's Law of Cures " for more info). Like the physical

symptoms which come and go, emotions will do the same thing....they

will bubble up and then leave. The best way to deal with them is to

simply notice them and let them go. Be gentle with yourself and don't

judge the emotions...they are simply energy (neither " good " nor " bad " )

that is now ready to completely leave you.

It may be helpful to meditate or journal about them...maybe journal or

talk with a friend about the specific emotions and what circumstance

they may have been originally attached to and how your life is now

different.

This too shall pass.

jackie

> I have noticed odd, old emotions also creeping up since I've begun

this program, esp most recently. I have anger/resentment issues which

for whatever reason I haven't felt for a long time until very

recently. I am not sure what to do about them really, but to me it

seems like they are connected to my healing and health and have oddly

appeared very strongly with Bee's candida program.

>

> Does anyone else experience any type of emotional resurfacing? How

do you feel better about the emotions as they occur?

>

[Guest guest]

I was just reading the Yeast Connection by Dr. Crook

last night, and he says emotional stuff is common with

candida and healing. I think what it is is the toxins

and how they affect the brain, and also the hormones.

Luv,

Debby

San JOse, CA

--- " Anita P. Wagner " <anita_priscilla@...>

wrote:

> I have noticed odd, old emotions also creeping up

> since I've begun this program, esp most recently. I

> have anger/resentment issues which for whatever

> reason I haven't felt for a long time until very

> recently. I am not sure what to do about them

> really, but to me it seems like they are connected

> to my healing and health and have oddly appeared

> very strongly with Bee's candida program.

Website for my son Hunter Hudson, born 10/11/04:

http://debbypadilla.0catch.com/hunter/

[Guest guest]

I was just reading the Yeast Connection by Dr. Crook

last night, and he says emotional stuff is common with

candida and healing.

**** Thanks Debby! Can you expand on this for us? I think those that are

overwhelmed right now with what is going on with them emotionally would really

appreciate it.

Jeanne

[Guest guest]

--- jeannekrieg@... wrote:

> **** Thanks Debby! Can you expand on this for us? I

> think those that are overwhelmed right now with what

> is going on with them emotionally would really

> appreciate it.

Well gosh, it's not really an area I have too much

knowledge in, but I'll share what I do know. One, the

symptoms are both physical and emotional.

So when people experience depression, it's a chemical

thing in the brain. This is why anti-depressants help,

but they don't really cure the problem.

Candida toxins are like alcohol toxins.. yeast is made

to ferment alcohol, which is why it's so similar. You

know when you have a hangover how you feel?

Well actually I don't drink and have never had a

hangover, but from what I hear you are tired, achy,

headache, depressed, nauseous or even vomiting, weak,

fatigued, you have memory loss, brain fog.. all this

sound familiar?

This is what is going on in your body when you are

killing the candida and their die-off by products are

entering their poison in your blood stream.

What do they tell you to do after a hang over? Take

aspirin (natural white willow bark - instead of the

fake stuff) and drink lots of water to flush it out,

right?

This is the same thing you do with candida. The other

thing you do is take lots of vitamin C and garlic

which supports your immune system, which makes more

white blood cells with which your body counteracts the

yeast.

OK, so that is physically what happens to your body

during the process, and now you know how to kind of

lessen those symptoms.

Then there is the whole emotional aspect which is

entirely emotional and has to do with our emotional

ties to food. This area is much more complex.

But basically, like most of us probably know from

maybe watching TV, addicts do drugs, drink, or what

ever because they want to avoid feeling " pain " .

Usually when you see some TV drama about an addict, it

starts when their parents get divorced or they do,

someone dies, they get raped or molested, or what have

you. Something traumatic happens.

In real life it doesn't even have to be that dramatic,

but it affects us to the core. So what we do is we

eat for pleasure, because eating releases pleasurable

chemicals in the brain, especially refined sugars.

This counteracts the " depressing " chemicals in our

brain, but then we create more yeast which release

more toxins and make us more sick and make us more

depressed. It's a viscious cycle that keeps getting

worse.

When we follow the candida diet, we get all of the

diet off toxins again, but this time we can not

medicate the emotions with food.. we have no where to

turn to help us with the uphill battle that is

required to heal the cycle.

In addition we begin to feel all of the negative

emotions we stuffed down with food (much like an

alcoholic stuffs down with alcohol) and the

combination of physical and emotional symptoms can

really be a struggle.

Physically, the best things you can do are drink lots

of water, vitamin C and garlic to help your immune

system deal with toxins and manufacture white blood

cells, stick with the diet, and exercise to provide

endorphins for your brain to counteract the

depressants.

The good chemicals you get through exercise don't have

the same negative side effects that eating sugars do.

Also you don't have to exercise vigorously to get

results if you are tired.. force yourself, no matter

how tired, to take a walk each day, and slowly gently

increase your activity and exercise level.

The exercise will also help you regular blood sugar

and burn off any extra carbs you are eating so that

the candida can't eat them.

Emotionally, you want to set up a no-fail environment.

Your meals should be planned in advance, cooked and

ready to go 24 hours in advanced every single day.

Get your family and friends to support you by not

tempting you, and get the no-no foods out of your

house.

Be pushy if you need to, this is your health, and you

have nothing else if you don't have your health. Not

even your children, spouse, etc.

At this point when emotional stuff comes up, talking

with friends, a therapist, meditation, journaling,

deep breathing, a mind-clearing walk, etc. are all

things that can help you get through the emotional

stuff you feel.

Like the other day I bought my hubby cupcakes for his

birthday. My MIL was visiting, and I was talking her

about something very stressful. All of a sudden,

physically and emotionally (even my stomach growled) I

had this strong craving to eat a cupcake.

I realized though that this was because of my

conversation with my MIL, so I made a cup of tea to

warm myself up, and I sat on my couch in the dark with

my cup of tea and did deep breathing and just felt the

feelings seething inside of me.

My frustration with my MIL, the chaos that I was going

through, the highs and lows of my love/hate

relationship with her, etc. I was just alone with my

thoughts and feelings.

The warmth of the tea was physically soothing, without

being self destructive. The deep breathing helped get

oxygen into my body and made me feel better too.

The emotional stuff I just *felt* instead of stuffing

down. I just let myself feel all those things, and

forgave myself for being human and being able to be

irritated or frustrated.

I went over the situation in my head, as if I was

talking to a friend, but the friend was myself, if

that makes sense. The moment passed and it was a

triumph for me. In fact I made it through 5 days with

my MIL without a single cheat!

Sorry this is so long.. but hope it helps someone.

Luv,

Debby

San JOse, CA

Website for my son Hunter Hudson, born 10/11/04:

http://debbypadilla.0catch.com/hunter/