Fw: Sticking Out Our Necks / Nov/Dec 2002 / Issue #63

[Guest guest]

FYI!

For the many of us with thyroid problems < >!

Martha Murdock, Director

National Silicone Implant Foundation | Dallas Headquarters

" Supporting Survivors of Medical Implant Devices "

4416 Willow Lane

Dallas, TX 75244-7537

----- Original Message -----

From: " Shomon " <thyroidnews@...>

<mam-nsif@...>

Sent: Sunday, December 01, 2002 3:23 PM

Subject: Sticking Out Our Necks / Nov/Dec 2002 / Issue #63

Issue #63 / November 2002 -- Sticking Out Our Necks

- S t i c k i n g O u t O u r N e c k s !! -

The Thyroid Disease News Report

by Shomon

" We're Patients...NOT Lab Values!! "

Issue #63 November 2002

=================================================

HTML Version: An HTML webpage version of this

newsletter is online! See:

<a href= " http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/nov2002.htm " >

http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/nov2002.htm</a>

Welcome to the sixty-third issue of " Sticking Out Our

Necks! " my thyroid disease news report. This

newsletter is copyrighted by Shomon, and cannot

be legally reproduced without permission. Feel free,

however, to forward a single copy to someone who

might be interested in reading the newsletter or

subscribing to it in the future.

SUBSCRIBING/UNSUBSCRIBING/DISTRIBUTION:

To subscribe to the email version of " Sticking Out

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send an email to

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(If you have any problems subbing or unsubbing, email

me at

thyroidnews@... and I'll personally

handle it for you)

To contribute information, thoughts or ideas for the

newsletter, write to me, the editor, Shomon

personally, at

news@...

ON THE WEB: My Thyroid Disease Information Source and

News Report home page is located at

http://www.thyroid-info.com , and I also run a

comprehensive Thyroid Disease site at About.com,

which you can visit at

http://thyroid.about.com .

SEND NEWS! If you see something thyroid-related in

the news or on the web, please feel free to let me

know, send me a note, or forward the URL to me if

it's on the web. My email is

news@... , regular mail is P.O. Box

0385, Palm Harbor, FL 34682, fax is: 727-785-4258

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INSIDE MARY'S MEDICINE CABINET

=================================================

(Read the online version of this article, with

clickable links, at

<a

href= & #8221;http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/medicinecabinet.htm & #8221;>

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/medicinecabinet.htm</a> )

People are always writing to me to ask " what drugs

and supplements do YOU take? " First off, let's be

clear...the optimal combination of supplements for

you is the one that will work best for YOU. And what

works best for me may not work best for you. I've

come up with my own regimen with my physicians and

health practitioners, after years of trial and error.

(IMPORTANT NOTE: I do not recommend self-management

of health problems. All information is intended for

your general knowledge only and is not a substitute

for medical advice or treatment for specific medical

conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for

any specific health issues and consult your physician

or health practitioner before starting any new

supplements, vitamins, herbal remedies, or other

treatments.)

Most of the supplements I use and discuss here are

readily available at health food, vitamin and natural

products stores. For certain products, I've provided

additional information or links to retailers. For

most of the supplements, for easy online ordering,

I've provided links to Iherb.com, a reputable online

herb/supplement/vitamin store that I regularly use.

*********************************************

HOLIDAY SPECIAL FOR STICKING OUT OUR NECK

SUBSCRIBERS!

Iherb is offering a special discount to this site's

visitors, and you will get 10% off anything you buy

from Iherb online. Simply use coupon code

" thyroidbonus " during checkout, and you'll get a

money-saving 10% discount on your entire online

order!! Visit Iherb.com now at http://www.iherb.com,

or select specific products below.

*********************************************

MY THYROID MEDICATION

Currently, I take Armour Thyroid. At various points

along the way, I've tried and had periods of success

with Thyrolar (synthetic T4+T3), and levothyroxine

plus Cytomel, and levothyroxine plus time-released

T3. Personally, I don't do as well on levothyroxine

alone. But I personally feel best on Armour. That

doesn't mean it's right for you, or anyone else.

Because the best thyroid medicine for you is the one

that makes you safely feel the best, and only you and

your practitioner can determine which drug is right

for you. For more information read my article " What

is the Best Thyroid Drug? "

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/bestdrug.htm

For more information on Armour Thyroid, visit their

website

http://www.armourthyroid.com.

(Remember that Armour Thyroid is a prescription

medicine, and requires a doctor's prescription.)

FIGHTING COLD AND FLU VIRUSES

Proboost Thymic Protein

An excellent immune-enhancing supplement that has

potent antiviral properties, and may be able to

reduce viral antibodies. For more information, see

" Things That Work: Thymic Protein, "

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm.

Order Proboost now from Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+proboost.html

Sambucol

Derived from the elderberry, this patented extract is

a strong flu-fighter. I love this during the winter

cold and flu season. I also use the Children's

formula for my child when she gets winter colds. (It

also tastes terrific!) Order Sambucol now from

Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+sambucolbe.html

L-Lysine

Lysine is an excellent anti-viral, and is

particularly helpful for fever blisters, herpesvirus,

and colds. I start using lysine the minute I sense an

oncoming virus or cold, and it helps prevent it

sometimes, or at least minimize its duration. Order

Lysine now from Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+lysine21.html

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a basic around my house. Almost every

day, I take as much as 2000 mg (2 grams), usually in

a powdered form that I can just mix into my vitamin

drink, or into juice. I like the crystals in powder

form -- less pills to swallow or chew. Vitamin C

seems to really help knock out colds and viruses more

quickly. Order Vitamin C now from Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+asaccrys.html

Royal Cat's Claw Extract

This South American medicinal herb has incredibly

potent antiviral properties, and is one of the up and

coming wonder-herbs of the 21st century, as far as I

am concerned. I can't LIVE without this year round,

for infections, stomach upset, colds, viruses, and

any time I'm feeling low on energy. I like the

extract form, rather than the tea, because it's

easier to take, and tastes fine. I will only use

Whole World Botanicals for Cat's Claw, because their

Cat's Claw is organic, and very potent. Order Cat's

Claw now from Whole World Botanicals at

http://www.wholeworldbotanicals.com

DAILY VITAMINS

Daily Energy Enfusion, and B Complex

Teitelbaum, MD's " Fatigued to Fantastic!® "

Daily Energy Infusion is a powdered vitamin formula.

When mixed with water, it makes a tasty citrus

flavored drink, with vitamins, minerals and

supplements that can replace 20 different pills a

day! It's a comprehensive vitamin formula for

thyroid, autoimmune, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia

patients. Order Daily Energy Enfusion now from

Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+dailyenfusion.html

IF LINKS ARE BREAKING: Either cut and paste entire URL

into your browser, or see:

<a href= " http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/nov2002.htm " >

http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/nov2002.htm</a>

B Complex

In order to preserve optimal flavor,

Teitelbaum, MD's " Fatigued to Fantastic!® " Daily

Energy Infusion does not include B vitamins. The Bs -

- which don't taste very good -- are instead packaged

separately in a capsule that you can take with your

daily drink mix without ruining its flavor. Order

Daily Energy B Complex now from Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+dailybcom.html

HAIR AND SKIN

Essential Oils

I like Atkins Diet Essential Oils, which provides

essential omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids through a

combination of borage seed oil, flax seed oil, and

fish oil. Order Atkins Diet Essential Oils now from

Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+atkinses.html

Fish Oils

Enzymatic's Eskimo Oil is a fish oil capsule that is

particularly fresh, with one key benefit -- no

" burping up fish taste " after you take it. (Believe

me, if you haven't taken fish oil, this is NOT a

pleasant after-effect.) But you never get this with

the Eskimo Oil. I take Eskimo Oil in addition to the

Essential Oils, to make sure I'm getting enough of

the healthy fish oils. Order Enzymatic's Eskimo Oil

now from Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+eskimo3.html

Evening Primrose Oil

Periodically, I go through times when I have shedding

or hair loss, and that's when I start taking Evening

Primrose Oil daily. Usually after two months,

shedding slows, slops, then hair regrowth starts up

again. EPO can help prevent the conversion of

testosterone to DHA, which causes hair loss. Order

EPO now from Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+evprimoil.html

OTHER DAILY ESSENTIALS

Enzymatic Acidophilus Probiotic Pearls

A daily probiotic is an absolute essential for

everyone, in particular autoimmune and thyroid

patients who may not have optimal digestion. Everyone

in my family now takes Enzymatic Acidophilus

Probiotic Pearls daily. One tiny, easy to swallow

pearl has billions of active probiotic bacteria that

can fight infection and restore the balance in the

intestinal system. For more information on the

benefits of probiotics, read: " More Reason for

Probiotics, "

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/probiotics.htm

Order Proboost Pearls now from Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+acidophilus5.html

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is excellent for heart health (and thyroid

patients are at higher risk of heart disease.)

Additionally, I have mitral valve prolapse, and find

that CoQ10 prevents palpitations. CoQ10 brands are

notoriously unreliable, which is why I will only use

the Vitaline, which is clinically evaluated and

highly recommended by many practitioners. Order

Coenzyme Q10 now from Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+coq104.html

IF LINKS ARE BREAKING: Either cut and paste entire URL

into your browser, or see:

<a href= " http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/nov2002.htm " >

http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/nov2002.htm</a>

B-12/Energy

Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are both important for

energy, and for heart protection. A sublingual

formula is best. My favorite brand is actually the

house brand from my local Trader Joe's

(http://traderjoes.com/) store. But a good brand is

Advanced B-12 Complex from Source Naturals, which

comes in dissolvable tablets. Order B-12/Folic Acid

now from Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+b12advanced.html

Weight Loss Help

The ephedra- and stimulant free- Awe Slim Liquid Diet

Support from Now Foods is a pleasant tasting liquid

vitamin formula that features hydrolyzed collagen,

Super CitriMax & #8482;, l-carnitine, conjugated linoleic

acid (CLA), l-arginine, l-ornithine and aloe vera. I

find that it helps keep weight loss on track, and

provides the right amounts of CLA and additional

minerals helpful for optimal blood sugar and weight

loss. I take it every night. Order Aweslim now from

Iherb.com at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+aweslim.html

Sleeping Help

For those nights I can't sleep, or when I'm getting

overtired and need to really get a good night's sleep

and catch up on restorative sleep, I used to take

Ambien, but now rely on Teitelbaum, MD's

Revitalizing Sleep Formula, Enzymatic Therapy. The

supplement features valerian and several other herbs,

but doesn't leave you groggy in the morning. (Note: a

very small percentage of people find valerian

stimulating instead of sleep inducing.) Order

Enzymatic Therapy's Revitalizing Sleep Formula from

Iherb.com now, at

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+revitasleep.html

*********************************************

REMINDER -- HUGE SAVINGS FOR STICKING OUT OUR NECK

SUBSCRIBERS!

Don't forget that you can get a substantial discount

on anything you buy from Iherb. Use the special

coupon code " thyroidbonus " during checkout, and

you'll get a money-saving 10% discount on your entire

online order!! Visit Iherb.com now at

http://www.iherb.com, or select specific products by

clicking the links above, or on the special 's

Medicine Cabinet page at:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/medicinecabinet.htm

*********************************************

=================================================

UNDERSTANDING THYROID LAB TESTS

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by N. Woliner, M.D., A.B.F.P.

was frustrated. She always had trouble

keeping a normal weight, but after having her second

child two years ago, she couldn't shake the extra

forty pounds she gained. became so fatigued

that any amount of exercise seemed impossible.

Previously, she would do Spinning classes three times

a week, but now, she had not made it to the gym in

six months.

" I haven't given up, " she protested. " They still take

their dues out of my checking account every month. "

's skin got so dry and oily that her face

broke out in acne. Her moods took a turn south, and

that led to binge eating in front of the TV. When her

primary care doctor wanted to put her on anti-

depressants, found her way to my office.

After taking a detailed history and performing a

complete physical exam I said, " I think your thyroid

condition is under-treated. "

" How could that be? My other doctors said my thyroid

tests were normal! "

" Unfortunately, they only did one type of test.

Despite being called 'ultra-sensitive,' the 'TSH'

blood test has its limitations. It isn't accurate for

everyone... "

* * *

Read the rest of Dr. Ken Woliner's interesting

account of his approach to thyroid diagnosis, testing

and treatment, at:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/woliner.htm

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THYROID HISTORY

=================================================

If you'd like to learn about thyroid treatment and

medication going back to the 1800s, check out Edna

Kyrie and beth Klaar's excellent " Thyroid

History " site. Edna and have has spent

countless hours investigating the history of thyroid

treatment, and transcribing historical documents and

studies that illuminate the study of thyroid disease

over more than 100 years. It's a tremendous resource

for thyroid patients and practitioners.

Visit the site at http://www.thyroidhistory.net

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AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE NEWS ROUNDUP

=================================================

Pregnancy Hormone May Treat MS

http://www.thyroid-

info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#pregms

Epstein-Barr Virus Linked To Risk Of MS

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#ebvms

Actress Teri Garr Has Had MS for 20 Years

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#garr

Exercise May Boost Mood In Fibromyalgia

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#exfms

Vaccine Developed For Sjögren's Syndrome

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#sjog

Autoimmune Thyroiditis And Type 2 Diabetes

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#thydiab

Fish Oil And Diabetes -- News Updates

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#fishoil

Nuts May Lower Risk Of Diabetes

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#nuts

Antibiotics For Rheumatoid Arthritis

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#antib

Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked To Intestinal Bacteria

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#rabact

Breastfeeding Reduces Lupus Risk

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#lupus

E. Coli May Trigger Crohn's Disease

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#ecoli

South American Herbs And Autoimmune Disease

http://www.thyroid-info.com/autoimmune/nov2002.htm#herbs

=================================================

THYROID DISEASE, HYDROCARBONS AND FLUORIDE

=================================================

(I received the following fascinating letter which I

wanted to share with readers.--)

,

I have written you several times about my condition

and the great job you have done on your site. I

wanted to update you on my issues that may serve as a

help for others...

I am a 46 yr old chemical engineer with a 24 yr

history of working in oil refineries and chemical

plants. In 1998, I came down with full blown

hypothyroid symptoms, but only had a TSH of 4.9. I

have no autoimmune issues with my thyroid. After

many changes in doctors, I continued taking thyroid

medication which resolved most of my symptoms. My

job required regular contact in the refinery, and my

family noticed the gasoline smell when I came home in

the evening. I also noticed some loss in stamina

after working in the HF (Hydrofluoric acid)

alkylation unit (makes high octane unleaded gasoline

components). I continued to have periodic health

issues until leaving the refinery in 2000 and moving.

After moving my new doctors cut back my thyroid

medication because my TSH was 0-0.2 even though I had

no outward signs of hyperthyroidism. My condition

began to worsen with more lost time from work (office

environment), and a pulmonary embolism in 11/2000. I

was able to get more blood testing from my new

doctor, which consistently showed lower end of normal

ranges of T3 and T4 with a suppressed TSH (I was

taking a dosage of thyroid hormone of only 70% of the

AMA's guideline replacement by body weight, but my

TSH would go to 0-0.1). They also showed that

adrenal and testosterone were also in the low-normal

or below normal with the controlling pituitary

hormones also in the low end of normal. I arranged a

pituitary stimulation test (TRH, CRH, GNH) in 2001,

but it showed relatively normal response. Being an

engineer, I plotted my lab results of primary and

secondary hormones and treated it like an engineering

control problem. It indicated that my body's control

point was low for all hypothalamic controlled

hormones. I had a brain MRI done that showed no

brain tumors or lesions. I went to several

endocrinologists and they all wanted to either cut or

eliminate thyroid hormone usage. I also went to

Mayo, and got the same response.

Finally, I saw an alternative MD and a neurologist

this year after more job loss time. They suspected

that hydrocarbons had affected my brain. A SPECT

scan of my brain confirmed that brain activity

(frontal lobe - analytical, motivational area) and

hypothalamic activity was also likely low. A thyroid

uptake scan also showed little activity, and cold

nodules. I am now being treated with Armour thyroid,

Cytomel, Cortef (cortisone), Ritalin, and Celexa. I

have discussed raising my thyroid level back up

(always feel cold and mild hypo type symptoms). They

are pursuing it. I am on the verge of long term

disability, and hopefully will be able to completely

resolve before job loss.

I wanted to bring this up, because when I was feeling

better and felt I had some answers/help for others, I

noticed similar complaints from others on your

website. I feel that hydrocarbon (toluene) and

fluoride exposure triggered my symptoms. However,

because it affected brain-hypothalamic activity, TSH

was next to useless a test and resulting in

undertreating the thyroid affects. I have seen some

of your articles about the T4/T3 levels and heartily

agree. There may be others like me that have

exposure to either fluoride or hydrocarbon that have

tertiary hypothyroidism.

=================================================

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=================================================

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Thyroid Diet Guide, and the bimonthly print/mail

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* The Thyroid Diet Guide -- Thyroid Diet Guide (a

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* A One-Year Mail Subscription (6 bimonthly 12-page

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More than 40 Thyroid-Related News Stories (an $8.00

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=================================================

IDENTIFYING PEOPLE WITH 'PRE-DIABETES' CAN HELP

PREVENT THE DISEASE AND ITS COMPLICATIONS

=================================================

Now that clinical research has demonstrated that the

risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced by

more than half by altering diet and increasing

physical activity to promote weight loss, it's more

important than ever that people with " pre-diabetes "

be identified.

" It is estimated that 16 million Americans, including

an increasing number of young people, have pre-

diabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are

elevated, but not high enough for a diabetes

diagnosis, " said Alan Moses, M.D., chief medical

officer at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston and

Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

" People who have pre-diabetes are at increased risk

of developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years if they

don't lose weight and increase physical activity, " he

said. But the good news is that studies have shown

that people with pre-diabetes can reduce their risk

by 58 percent if they lose a modest amount of weight

and do 30 minutes of physical activity such as

walking daily.

People who should be screened include overweight

adults age 45 and older and those under 45 who are

overweight and have one or more risk factors,

including the following:

* family history of diabetes

* low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides

* high blood pressure

* history of gestational diabetes or giving birth to

a baby weighing over 9 pounds

* are African-American, Native American, Latino,

Asian American, or Pacific Islander

* have polycystic ovary syndrome

(Note: People with autoimmune thyroid disease and

hypothyroidism should also be tested, due to

increased risk of weight gain and insulin

resistance.)

" Be sure to ask for your exact blood sugar test

result. Some doctors may not be familiar with new

guidelines for diagnosing diabetes. They may tell you

that you have pre-diabetes, when you have actual

diabetes, " Dr. Moses said.

Source: Joslin Diabetes Center, Nov. 22, 2002

=================================================

SEVERAL MEDICAL STUDIES SUGGEST SOLUTION FOR THE

'HOLIDAY BULGE' -- CLA COULD AID IN REDUCING UNWANTED

BODY FAT

=================================================

With the holiday season drawing near, Americans

concerned about maintaining their waistline are once

again faced with increasing body fat during this time

of feast. However, a series of studies conducted on a

dietary supplement called conjugated linoleic acid

(CLA) may aid many as they make their weight

resolutions for 2003.

Recent studies published by the American Chemical

Society, The Journal of International Medical

Research, The Journal of Nutrition, The International

Journal of Obesity, and Lipids concluded that

subjects taking conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)

experienced body fat reduction, while increasing lean

muscle mass. Studies have indicated that CLA acts to

prevent fat from being deposited into the body,

thereby reducing body fat mass. These results could

prove to be a welcome breakthrough for those looking

to fight the annual occurrence of holiday fat gain.

" CLA can be an extremely safe and effective way to

assist in keeping off unwanted body fat during the

holiday season, " said Delbert Dorscheid, MD, PhD, of

the University of British Columbia. " People typically

increase their intake of calories during this time of

year. By using CLA, one can increase lean tissue mass

and indirectly spur their metabolism to store less

fat. "

Conjugated linoleic acid is the common name for a

group of fatty acids found in dairy products and

meat. CLA has largely been removed from our diets

over the last 50 years, due to changes in livestock

development and feeding practices. Lately, CLA has

received a considerable amount of attention from the

media and the scientific community, due to its

apparent metabolic and chemoprotective properties in

animals, as well as some similar, initial results in

humans. Some of the effects seen in animals include

reduced body fat content, improved serum lipid

profiles, decreased aortic lipid deposition, and

improved glucose control that delays the onset of

diabetes.

Reiger of Schaumburg, Illinois has been

using CLA for two months and has found that it has

helped her maintain her lean body mass when time has

not permitted her to follow her exercise routine.

" It's a great relief for me not to have to worry

about missing a workout, or eating that slice of pie

this holiday season, " said Ms. Reiger. " There will be

many instances during this time of the year when it

just won't be possible for me to get to the gym.

Fortunately, body fat gain will be one less seasonal

stressor, since I will be taking CLA. "

The CLA used in all studies was Tonalin® CLA,

manufactured by Natural, Inc. Additional human

studies on the body fat reduction aspects of CLA are

anticipated in 2003.

Source: Newswire, November 14, 2002

=================================================

THYROID TOP DOCS UPDATED

=================================================

The Thyroid Top Docs list has just been updated, with

hundreds of new practitioners added. The list

features practitioners by station and country, around

the world. Check out the list to see if the right

doctor, holistic expert or thyroid/autoimmune disease

practitioner for you might have been added!

http://www.thyroid-info.com/topdrs/index.htm

=================================================

TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT? YOU NEED " A WEIGHT OFF MY

MIND: THE THYROID/AUTOIMMUNE DIET NEWS! "

=================================================

If you're not receiving the free email newsletter, " A

Weight Off My Mind " -- the thyroid and autoimmune

diet newsletter, you are missing newsletters jam-

packed with information about weight loss,

metabolism, thyroid disease's impact on weight, and

much more!

Here are some stories covered in the November issue:

* Atkins Diet May Actually Work, Say Studies

* 10 Tips For Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

* Low-Carb Ways To Eat Yourself Thin....For The

Holidays

* Low-Carb Sweets, Treats?

* No Harm In Nibbling? Those Calories Add Up!

* Dieting And Exercising Too Difficult- Compared To

What?

The November issue is online at:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/dietnews/11nov.htm

Be sure not to miss one valuable weight loss tip! If

you haven't subscribed, sign up now, so you don't

miss any more valuable diet and weight loss

information relevant to thyroid patients. Sign up by

sending an email to:

weightoffmymind-subscribe@...

with " Subscribe Diet " in the subject or email

diet@... with " Subscribe Diet " in the

subject

=================================================

DATA ON THALOMID IN THYROID CANCER PRESENTED AT

CHEMOTHERAPY FOUNDATION SYMPOSIUM

=================================================

Warren, N.J., Celgene Corporation announced that

B. Ain, M.D., Director of the Thyroid Cancer

Research Laboratory at the University of Kentucky

Medical Center, presented interim data on Thalomid

(thalidomide) in rapidly progressive, radioiodine-

unresponsive metastatic follicular or papillary

thyroid cancer and medullary thyroid cancer at the

20th annual Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium earlier

in November. The clinical data demonstrate that 13 of

17 evaluable patients (76 percent) with follicular or

papillary thyroid cancer and two of six evaluable

patients (33 percent) with medullary thyroid cancer

experienced a plateau or a decline in total tumor

volume. In addition, mortality in patients who

experienced either a plateau or decline in their

tumor volume was delayed compared to patients who had

progressive disease (approximately 8 months compared

to approximately 3.5 months).

" These interim study results suggest that further

investigation of THALOMID in aggressive metastatic

thyroid cancers is warranted, " said Dr. Ain.

" Patients with these advanced carcinomas need

effective treatments because there are currently none

available. "

Dr. Ain initiated this Phase II study to evaluate

THALOMID in patients with metastatic follicular or

papillary thyroid cancer and metastatic medullary

thyroid cancer whose tumor burden had increased by at

least 30 percent in the last year. Dr. Ain plans to

enroll a total of 25 patients with metastatic

follicular or papillary thyroid cancer and 25

patients with medullary thyroid cancer in the study.

Patients received 200 mg/day of THALOMID for two

weeks and then were gradually dose-escalated to a

maximum dose of 800 mg/day. Patients were assessed

for treatment response every two months for a total

treatment time of one year and treatment was

continued, past each assessment point, as long as

there was evidence of disease inhibition or

regression. Dr. Ain defined treatment response by a

decline or plateau of tumor volume as measured by

digitalized CAT scans.

Adverse events reported during the study were

consistent with those in THALOMID's label. The most

commonly reported grade one or two adverse events

were peripheral neuropathy, sedation and

constipation. Four percent and nine percent of

patients experienced grade three sedation and grade

three infection respectively.

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer affects the gland responsible for

producing hormones that control heart rate, body

temperature, energy and blood calcium levels. It is

diagnosed in 14,900 women and 4,600 men in the United

States each year.

Different cancers develop from the various types of

cells in the thyroid, which is primarily composed of

follicular cells and C-cells. Papillary carcinoma,

which develops from the follicular cells, is the most

common thyroid cancer, occurring in more than 80

percent of patients. Follicular carcinoma is the

second most common thyroid cancer, occurring in about

10 percent of patients. Medullary carcinoma, the only

thyroid cancer that develops from the C-cells of the

thyroid gland, is the third most common thyroid

cancer and is diagnosed in about 5 to 8 percent of

patients.

Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Warren, New

Jersey, is an independent biopharmaceutical company

engaged primarily in the discovery, development and

commercialization of novel therapies for the

treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through

gene and protein regulation. For more information,

please visit the Company's website at

http://www.celgene.com.

Note: Thalidomide is contraindicated in pregnant

women and women capable of becoming pregnant. Even a

single capsule taken by a pregnant woman can cause

severe birth defects or death to an unborn baby. To

minimize this risk, only prescribers and pharmacies

registered with the System for Thalidomide Education

and Prescribing Safety (S.T.E.P.S.®) distribution

program may prescribe or dispense THALOMID®

(thalidomide). Other adverse drug reactions known to

be associated with thalidomide therapy include:

peripheral neuropathy, a common, potentially severe

side effect that may be irreversible;

drowsiness/somnolence; dizziness/orthostatic

hypotension; neutropenia; hypersensitivity reactions;

and increased HIV-viral load. Physicians should

consult full prescribing information about these and

other adverse reactions prior to initiating treatment

with THALOMID.

THALOMID (thalidomide), manufactured by Celgene

Corporation, received U.S. Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) clearance on July 16, 1998 for

the acute treatment of cutaneous manifestations of

moderate to severe erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL)

and as maintenance therapy for prevention and

suppression of cutaneous manifestation recurrences.

Source: Celgene Corporation, November 2002

=================================================

TEST YOUR TSH AT HOME

=================================================

If you're not having luck convincing your physician

to conduct a thyroid test, or your HMO or insurance

only covers one or two thyroid tests a year and you

want more frequent testing, consider home tests from

BIOSAFE Laboratories. Last year, Biosafe received FDA

approval for consumer use of its Thyroid Stimulating

Hormone (TSH) test, the first time a TSH test has

been approved for at-home use. The Biosafe home TSH

test requires a nearly painless micro-sample (one to

three drops) of blood taken from your finger at home

- no long and painful blood draws from your arm at a

lab! You mail in your test kit in the provided

container, and results are mailed back to you

quickly. A home TSH test from Biosafe is $39.95. For

more information, see

http://www.thyroid-info.com/tshtest.htm , or call 1-

800-768-8446 EXT 123, for more information.

=================================================

ENDOSCOPIC THYROID SURGERY

=================================================

In Japan, endoscopic thyroid surgery has recently

become a common procedure, mainly due to the cosmetic

benefits. Research has shown that many tumors can be

safely removed via the video assisted endoscopic

surgery.

Source: Nippon Geka Gakkai Zasshi 2002

Oct;103(10):708-12 [Article in Japanese]

=================================================

THYROID SURGERY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

=================================================

Because few patients over 75 have thyroid surgeries,

Austrian researchers looked at the potential dangers

of thyroid surgery for the elderly and found that

surgery in patients 75 and older can be performed

with low risk.

Source: Arch Surg 2002 Nov;137(11):1243-8

=================================================

COMPLICATION RATES AFTER OPERATIONS FOR BENIGN

THYROID DISEASE

=================================================

Turkish researchers set out to evaluate the safety of

total thyroidectomy or lobectomy for people with

benign thyroid conditions, and found that total

thyroidectomy or lobectomy are safe.

Source: Acta Otolaryngol 2002 Sep;122(6):679-83

=================================================

TSH SUPPRESSION AND THYROID NODULES

=================================================

Researchers reporting in the Journal of Clinical

Endocrinology and Metabolism found that suppressive

levothyroxine therapy is effective in reducing the

size of solitary thyroid nodules.

Source: " Effects of thyroid-stimulating hormone

suppression with levothyroxine in reducing the volume

of solitary thyroid nodules and improving

extranodular nonpalpable changes: a randomized,

double-blind, placebo-controlled trial by the French

thyroid research group. " J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002

Nov;87(11):4928-34

=================================================

READ EXPANDED TEXT OF THESE MEDICAL RESEARCH STORIES

=================================================

You can read more in-depth versions of these various

news stories in the November-December issue of the

print edition of " Sticking Out Our Necks. " To order

your subscription - and to receive as a free gift

your 8-page 2002 Thyroid News Roundup - see

http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htm.

=================================================

SUBSCRIBE NOW AND GET FREE 8-PAGE REPORT!!

=================================================

A one year subscription to Sticking Out Our Necks is

only $25. To order securely online right now, go to:

http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htm

If you are not receiving the Sticking Out Our Necks

bimonthly print newsletter, you are missing out on

essential thyroid news. Plus, if you subscribe now,

you'll receive the free 8-page " 2002 In-Depth Thyroid

News Roundup Report, " which features 45 news reports

on thyroid disease, with research references. Some of

the important news stories included in that special

report include:

* A Third of Patients Become Obese After RAI

* Low-Calorie Diets Cause Reduced Thyroid Function

* Thyroid Disease and Its Effects on Blood Pressure

* Subclinically Hypothyroid Women With Infertility

and/or Menstrual Problems Should Receive Treatment

* Thyroid Hormone Treatment Can Help Subclinical

Hypothyroidism

* Calcification and Solitary Nodules Present Greater

Risk of Cancer

* T3 after Thyroidectomy or Prior to Thyroid Cancer

Scan May be Unnecessary

* Graves' Disease With Thyroid Cancer

* Relapse Rates After Antithyroid Drugs for Graves'

Disease

* Total Thyroidectomy Recommended As Standard

Graves' Treatment Outside U.S. Controversies Over RAI

Examined

* Effects of Suppressive Goiter Treatment on

Osteoporosis Risk

* Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Can Show Up As Knee Pain

* T4 Plus T3 Best Achieves Normal Levels in Blood

and Tissues

* Thyroid Surgery Under Local Anesthesia?

Order online now (Visa, MasterCard, American Express

or Discover accepted) and you'll get a one-year

subscription (6 bimonthly issues) plus the 8-page

free special report, for only $25.

http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htm

=================================================

STOPPING HRT? GET YOUR THYROID TESTED!!

=================================================

One of my readers wrote with an important reminder

for everyone who may have been on hormone replacement

therapy (HRT) but has stopped, or is planning to

stop, based on the recent research findings linking

HRT to breast cancer, among other findings.

Don't forget that the estrogen in HRT (and the Pill,

for that matter), can bind to thyroid hormone and

make it less effective, so in some cases, doses need

to be adjusted based on starting and stopping

estrogen-based drugs.

The reader writes: " As a Hashimoto's patient, it was

quite a surprise to find my TSH moved to the hyper

range within months of stopping HRT. I had forgotten

about the relationship between TSH levels and hormone

replacements. "

So, if you stop taking HRT, plan on having a thyroid

function test within 6 to 12 weeks of stopping, to

ensure that you are on the proper dosage of thyroid

medication.

=================================================

MARY SHOMON'S " THYROID DIET SUCCESS GUIDE " -- NEWLY

REVISED, NOV. 2002!

=================================================

Thousands of people have already ordered their copies

of the " Thyroid Diet Success Guide, " and people are

reporting that the low-glycemic approach featured in

the guide is helping them slowly and safely lose

weight. And now, I've just updated the guide for

2003!!

Just a few of the key features in the newly updated

and revised 35-page Guide include:

* Is Your Thyroid Causing Your Weight Problem

* Weight Loss Requirement: Optimizing Your Thyroid

* Common Questions About Thyroid and Weight Loss

* Do Your Doctor's Mistakes Stop You From Losing

Weight

* The Habits of Successful Weight Loss

* Menstrual Cycle Linked to Weight Loss

* Weight Loss Secrets for Thyroid Patients

* The Thyroid/Weight Loss Connection - Some Theories

* How To Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism

* Stevia for Sweetening

* Thyroid Diet Newsbriefs

* Nuts for Nuts: Can They Help your Diet?

* Weight Loss Success: How I Lost 25 Pounds in 12

Weeks

* Choosing a Good Protein Bar

* Dieting for the Disinhibited: " Am I Really

Hungry? "

* How Much Weight Do You Need to Lose?

* The Ultimate Thyroid Exercise Program

* Seeing Results with Weight Loss and Exercising

* Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Overview

The " Thyroid Diet Success Guide " features a diet plan

that you can follow, and specific information on

exercises, and many other tips and resources. For me,

it's been the only way I can effectively lose weight

(and believe, me, I've tried them all!!) The " Thyroid

Diet Success Guide " features information about why

it's harder for thyroid patients to lose weight,

insulin resistance, the role of the adrenal system,

and lots of practical suggestions to help you finally

enjoy weight loss success. The Success Guide will

help you get on the right track, with information

that has actually helped other thyroid patients --

including me -- to effectively lose weight!

Order online now, securely, using Visa, Mastercard,

American Express or your Discover card, via secure

processing with CCNow, at http://www.thyroid-

info.com/dietbook.htm (US orders $14, including

shipping, non-U.S. orders $17, including shipping).

FAX OR MAIL ORDERS: You can also order by fax, or

mail. For an order form you can print out, visit

http://www.thyroid-info.com/dietbook.htm. U.S. cost

is $15, outside the U.S. is $25.

ORDER TOLL FREE: To order by phone, call our toll-

free order line during weekday business hours at 888-

810-9471 to order using your credit card. If you'd

like a call-back, leave a message with your name and

number, and the office staff will call you back to

take your order. U.S. cost is $15, outside the U.S.

is $25.

=================================================

NOTES FROM MARY!

=================================================

Tis the season to give a " Living Well... " book to

someone you care about!

For the people in your life who have thyroid disease,

or who have a suspected thyroid condition, there's my

book, " Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your

Doctors Don't Tell You...That You Need to Know. " Most

people, whether they are hyperthyroid, have

autoimmune Graves' or Hashimoto's disease, thyroid

cancer, nodules or hypothyroidism -- end up being

hypothyroid. That's where this book, published in

2000 by Harper, comes in. " Living Well With

Hypothyroidism " is a top 40 Amazon.com health

bestseller, and in October, went to its 16th

printing! You can find out more information, read a

free chapter online, and get more information on the

book and how to order it at

http://www.thyroid-info.com/book.htm.

Don't forget that you can order it from Iherb.com for

a special rate of $10 (with a 10% discount if you use

the " thyroidbonus " coupon code, PLUS, free shipping -

- by going to

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+maryshomon.html

You can also order " Living Well With Hypothyroidism "

from Amazon.com for $11.20 plus shipping, at

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0380808986/scratcthenetwebs

For the people in your life who have a diagnosed

autoimmune disease, or who have symptoms such as

fatigue, hair loss, joint/muscle aches, rashes,

unexplained fevers, and other mysterious symptoms --

but no diagnosis -- there's " Living Well With

Autoimmune Disease: What Your Doctors Don't Tell

You...That You Need to Know. " The book was just

published in early October, 2002 by Harper.

" Living Well With Autoimmune Disease " is for anyone

with Graves' disease, Hashimoto's disease, or your

family and friends who have any of the 80 autoimmune

diseases, including:

* Multi-Organ Syndromes -- Including Lupus, Mixed

Connective Tissue Diseases, Sarcoidosis, Sjögren's

Syndrome

* Endocrine Conditions -- Including Thyroid Disease

(Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Graves' Disease), Diabetes,

's Disease, Autoimmune Oophoritis/Premature

Ovarian Decline

* The Pain/Fatigue Syndromes -- Including Chronic

fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFS/CFIDS),

Fibromyalgia

* Hair and Skin Diseases -- Including

Scleroderma/Crest Syndrome, Alopecia, Psoriasis,

Vitiligo, Pemphigus

* Gastrointestinal Conditions -- Including,

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) / Ulcerative

Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Celiac Disease/Celiac

Sprue, Pernicious Anemia

* Joint and Muscle-Related Conditions -- Including

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spondyloarthropathies: Reiter's

Syndrome and Ankylosing Spondylitis

* Neuromuscular Conditions -- Including Multiple

Sclerosis, Raynaud's Phenomenon, Guillain Barré

Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis

Don't forget that you can order the book from

Iherb.com for a special rate of $10 (with a 10%

discount if you use the " thyroidbonus " coupon code,

PLUS, free shipping -- by going to

http://store./cgi-bin/clink?iherb+jBx8gj+autod.html

You can also order the book from Amazon.com for

$10.47 plus shipping, at

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060938196/scratcthenetwebs

It was very exciting when, as I flipped through my

November/December issue of Alternative Medicine

magazine, I discovered a 2-page review of my new

book! Here's a short excerpt from the review:

" The author of this book, J. Shomon, was

diagnosed with an autoimmune condition in 1995 and

has since become a lay expert on the subject...

Shomon devotes several chapters to alternative

medical approaches. Rather than simply treating the

symptoms of an autoimmune disease, a holistic

approach seeks to mitigate the disease itself by

removing toxins from the body, treating food

allergies, strengthening tissues, and regulating

immunity. The author offers specific recommendations

from a wide range of therapies...Living Well with

Autoimmune Disease should not only prove

inspirational for those afflicted with these

mysterious conditions, but also offers solid,

practical advice for getting your health back on

track. "

Give the gift of good health this year!!

Live well,

--

=================================================

" Sticking Out Our Necks " email edition is published

monthly by Shomon. Please invite your friends to

subscribe! Send them a copy with your recommendation.

" Sticking Out Our Necks " is copyright 1997-2003 by

Shomon.

Web: http://www.thyroid-info.com

Email: news@...

Regular mail: Shomon, P.O. Box 0385, Palm

Harbor, FL 34682

Fax: 727-785-4258

=================================================

NOTE: All information is intended for your general

knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical

advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.

You should seek prompt medical care for any specific

health issues and consult your physician or health

practitioner before starting any supplements,

vitamins, diet programs, fitness regimens, or

changing prescribed medications.

=================================================

HTML Version: An HTML webpage version of this

newsletter is online! See:

<a href= " http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/nov2002.htm " >

http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/nov2002.htm</a>

=================================================

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