hello

[Guest guest]

Hi Kitty,

Thanks for the info on how you qualified for 2 under Medicare. And

BTW, his name is ROBERT, not Rob, or Bob, or Bobby or any other nickname.

Many people don't know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid,

so that's why I explained it.

Glad you were able to get 2, and wish the Feds who have money to burn

on wars we don't need, could help OUR people with their needs first.

- I know had been whacking his brains trying to get

Medicare to pay for the second implant for him and probably resents me

for being able to get mine. I pray that him and others will be eligible

to get their second implant via medicare.

For the stake of this discussion, I am very well aware of the difference

between Medicare and Medicaid. I have Medicare from the federal

government and no secondary insurance. Just as I mentioned in my

previous email.

I have had this conversation with Rob and a few others before. The

bottom line for me was quite simple, because I met eligibility

requirements of testing below 40% speech recognition with my first CI in

my right ear. I tested with 8% speech recgonition which is up from zero

over the past 30+ years. Despite my wearing hearing aids most of my

life, I was and still am pretty much dependent on lipreading. I am

relaxing slowly, on the dependency.

____________________________________________________________

Click here for free information on nursing degrees, up to $150/hour

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[Guest guest]

You are very welcome .

On Sun, 23 Nov 2008 7:41 pm, M Jansen wrote:

> Hi Kitty,

> Thanks for the info on how you qualified for 2 under Medicare. And

> BTW, his name is ROBERT, not Rob, or Bob, or Bobby or any other

> nickname.

>

> Many people don't know the difference between Medicare and Medicaid,

> so that's why I explained it.

> Glad you were able to get 2, and wish the Feds who have money to burn

> on wars we don't need, could help OUR people with their needs first.

>

>

>

> - I know had been whacking his brains trying to get

> Medicare to pay for the second implant for him and probably resents me

> for being able to get mine. I pray that him and others will be eligible

> to get their second implant via medicare.

>

> For the stake of this discussion, I am very well aware of the

> difference

> between Medicare and Medicaid. I have Medicare from the federal

> government and no secondary insurance. Just as I mentioned in my

> previous email.

>

> I have had this conversation with Rob and a few others before. The

> bottom line for me was quite simple, because I met eligibility

> requirements of testing below 40% speech recognition with my first CI

> in

> my right ear. I tested with 8% speech recgonition which is up from zero

> over the past 30+ years. Despite my wearing hearing aids most of my

> life, I was and still am pretty much dependent on lipreading. I am

> relaxing slowly, on the dependency.

> __________________________________________________________

> Click here for free information on nursing degrees, up to $150/hour

>

http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw2bNIAwM3TKODKx6nEW8SYXkRmi6Vts\

7jp1Sveie2ptLk7Wj/

>

>

[Guest guest]

Pamela,

Just to let you know , that blood pressure varies all the time. You could take it one minute and be 150/80 and ten minutes later you could be 146/74 or whatever. That isnt much of a change . Now if you said 146/76 then it was 160/96 Id be a little concerned,Als o those machines in the drug stores aren't very accurate.

kathy

From: ratscatsangels@... <ratscatsangels@...>Subject: helloiodine Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 4:28 PM

i stared taking iodoral around a week ago now, i am having stomach problems, not real bad but something i did not have before i stared taking the iodoral, as also i went to take my blood pressure at a store, and was very surprised when it said that the high number was 147 the low one was 80 and my pulse was 80, i have never had high blood pressure ever, its not in my family, just last week before i started taking iodoral it was normal 150 over 75 pulse was 76 so i can only think its the cause, i do feel allot better then i have felt in years more energy, not so much pain in my back and legs, feel more alert . maybe this is something that will pass, after i have been on it long enough for it to fix my thyroid problems can anyone let me know if this is normal and will clear up later after my body is clearer.? thanks pamela

Tis the season to save your money! Get the new AOL Holiday Toolbar for money saving offers and gift ideas.

[Guest guest]

thanks thats good to know, i will not worry now,.

hello

iodine

Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 4:28 PM

i stared taking iodoral around a week ago now, i am having stomach problems, not real bad but something i did not have before i stared taking the iodoral,  as also i went to take my blood pressure at a store, and was very surprised  when it said that the high number was 147 the low one was 80 and my pulse was 80, i have never had high blood pressure ever, its not in my family,  just last week before i started taking iodoral it was normal 150 over 75 pulse was 76 so i can only think its the cause, i do feel allot better then i have felt in years more energy, not so much pain in my back and legs, feel more alert . maybe this is something that will pass, after i have been on it long enough for it to fix my thyroid problems can anyone let me know if this is normal and will clear up later after my body is clearer.? thanks pamela

Tis the season to save your money! Get the new AOL Holiday Toolbar for money saving offers and gift ideas.

/div>

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[Guest guest]

First, don't go by the bp monitors in stores. They are unreliable. Check it at the drs office or sometimes a pharmacist will check it for you. Ideally you should be at rest for 10-15 before you take it.

Second, the bottom number is exactly normal. The top is a little high but again store monitors are not that reliable.

Cassie

From: ratscatsangels@... <ratscatsangels@...>Subject: helloiodine Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 9:28 PM

i stared taking iodoral around a week ago now, i am having stomach problems, not real bad but something i did not have before i stared taking the iodoral, as also i went to take my blood pressure at a store, and was very surprised when it said that the high number was 147 the low one was 80 and my pulse was 80, i have never had high blood pressure ever, its not in my family, just last week before i started taking iodoral it was normal 150 over 75 pulse was 76 so i can only think its the cause, i do feel allot better then i have felt in years more energy, not so much pain in my back and legs, feel more alert . maybe this is something that will pass, after i have been on it long enough for it to fix my thyroid problems can anyone let me know if this is normal and will clear up later after my body is clearer.? thanks pamela

Tis the season to save your money! Get the new AOL Holiday Toolbar for money saving offers and gift ideas.

[Guest guest]

thanks, i now know this, i may get one of my own, so i can take it the write way.

hello

iodine

Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 9:28 PM

0Ai stared taking iodoral around a week ago now, i am having stomach problems, not real bad but something i did not have before i stared taking the iodoral,  as also i went to take my blood pressure at a store, and was very surprised  when it said that the high number was 147 the low one was 80 and my pulse was 80, i have never had high blood pressure ever, its not in my family,  just last week before i started taking iodoral it was normal 150 over 75 pulse was 76 so i can only think its the cause, i do feel allot better then i have felt in years more energy, not so much pain in my back and legs, feel more alert . maybe this is something that will pass, after i have been on it long enough for it to fix my thyroid problems can anyone let me know if this is normal and will clear up later after my body is clearer.? thanks pamela

Tis the season to save your money! Get the new AOL Holiday Toolbar for money saving offers and gift ideas.

Tis the season to save your money! Get the new AOL Holiday Toolbar for money saving offers and gift ideas.

[Guest guest]



Sounds like you need some adrenal support. That will make your pulse and BP increase with iodine when adrenals are fatigued.

Steph

hello

i stared taking iodoral around a week ago now, i am having stomach problems, not real bad but something i did not have before i stared taking the iodoral, as also i went to take my blood pressure at a store, and was very surprised when it said that the high number was 147 the low one was 80 and my pulse was 80, i have never had high blood pressure ever, its not in my family, just last week before i started taking iodoral it was normal 150 over 75 pulse was 76 so i can only think its the cause, i do feel allot better then i have felt in years more energy, not so much pain in my back and legs, feel more alert . maybe this is something that will pass, after i have been on it long enough for it to fix my thyroid problems can anyone let me know if this is normal and will clear up later after my body is clearer.? thanks pamela

Tis the season to save your money! Get the new AOL Holiday Toolbar for money saving offers and gift ideas.

[Guest guest]

thank you, i will get this

Re: hello

Sounds like you need some adrenal support.  That will make your pulse and BP increase with iodine when adrenals are fatigued.

 

Steph

 

hello

i stared taking iodoral around a week ago now, i am having stomach problems, not real bad but something i did not have before i stared taking the iodoral,  as also i went to take my blood pressure at a store, and was very surprised when it said that the high number was 147 the low one was 80 and my pulse was 80, i have never had high blood pressure ever, its not in my family,  just last week before i started taking iodoral it was normal 150 over 75 pulse was 76 so i can only think its the cause, i do feel allot better then i have felt in years more energy, not so much pain in my back and legs, feel more alert . maybe this is something that will pass, after i have been on it long enough for it to fix my thyroid problems can anyone let me know if this is normal and will clear up later after my body is clearer.? thanks pamela

Tis the season to save your money! Get the new AOL Holiday Toolbar for money saving offers and gift ideas.

Tis the season to save your money! Get the new AOL Holiday Toolbar for money saving offers and gift ideas.

[Guest guest]

May I ask what type of adrenal support you recommend?

Thanks so much.

On Nov 26, 2008, at 3:32 PM, ladybugsandbees wrote:

> Sounds like you need some adrenal support.  That will make your pulse

> and BP increase with iodine when adrenals are fatigued.

>  

> Steph

[Guest guest]

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Re: hello

May I ask what type of adrenal support you recommend?Thanks so much.On Nov 26, 2008, at 3:32 PM, ladybugsandbees wrote:

Sounds like you need some adrenal support. That will make your pulse and BP increase with iodine when adrenals are fatigued.

Steph

[Guest guest]

I've found the blood pressure monitors in stores to be reliable

everywhere, all the time, every time I've used them. One thing to be

aware of is that one needs to be resting for 5 minutes before taking

their blood pressure (some claim 30 minutes). Walking around a store

and taking a quick sit to check your blood pressure does not involve the

5 minute rest. However, my experiences is that walking increases your

heart rate and a faster heart means a low blood pressure. If my blood

pressure was running 110/70 in the morning and I head out for some

shopping later in the day and while working the store do a quick blood

pressure check, it will almost always be close to the 110/70 I got that

morning.

I don't have large arms so I don't have to worry about the cuffs being

designed for the " average " arm.

Steve

Cassie wrote:

> First, don't go by the bp monitors in stores. They are unreliable. Check

> it at the drs office or sometimes a pharmacist will check it for you.

> Ideally you should be at rest for 10-15 before you take it.

>

> Second, the bottom number is exactly normal. The top is a little high

> but again store monitors are not that reliable.

>

> Cassie

>

>

>

> From: ratscatsangels@... <ratscatsangels@...>

> Subject: hello

> iodine

> Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2008, 9:28 PM

>

> i stared taking iodoral around a week ago now, i am having stomach

> problems, not real bad but something i did not have before i stared

> taking the iodoral, as also i went to take my blood pressure at a

> store, and was very surprised when it said that the high number was

> 147 the low one was 80 and my pulse was 80, i have never had high

> blood pressure ever, its not in my family, just last week before i

> started taking iodoral it was normal 150 over 75 pulse was 76 so i

> can only think its the cause, i do feel allot better then i have

> felt in years more energy, not so much pain in my back and legs,

> feel more alert . maybe this is something that will pass, after i

> have been on it long enough for it to fix my thyroid problems can

> anyone let me know if this is normal and will clear up later after

> my body is clearer.? thanks pamela

--

Steve - dudescholar4@...

Take World's Smallest Political Quiz at

http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html

" If a thousand old beliefs were ruined on our march

to truth we must still march on. " --Stopford

[Guest guest]

Hi there A lot of your symptoms are linked to your adrenals and some may be hypo or even hyperthyroid. go to our files on the main site and find a questionnaire for the thyroid and the adrenals and see how many symptoms you can tick off. also a list of tests that you can order to tell what you may have going on . sounds very much as if it is hypo/adrenal . the adrenals work closely with the thyroid so any problems will have a knock on to others. hope this helps angel.

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi there A lot of your symptoms are linked to your adrenals and some

may be hypo or even hyperthyroid. go to our files on the main site and

find a questionnaire for the thyroid and the adrenals and see how many

symptoms you can tick off. also a list of tests that you can order to

tell what you may have going on . sounds very much as if it is

hypo/adrenal . the adrenals work closely with the thyroid so any

problems will have a knock on to others. hope this helps angel.

>

Many thanks for your kind response.

I had already completed the adrenal questionnaire, and it suggests I am

potentially suffering from moderate adrenal fatigue. I'm seeing a

Nutritionalist tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see what he

says/suggests.

All the best - Mike

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Remember that when you start the Armour the T3 will be

available immediately. As you have already reduced your T4 from 150mcg

to 75mcg this should be OK, as it is usual to stop T4 for 5 days before

starting Armour to allow the T4 to halve ( half life of T4) this will

be the same. If in any doubt see the instructions on taking Armour on

the TPA website- better safe than sorry.

Subject: Hello

Hi

When swapping over from T4 to armour, I presume I dont need to wait for

the T4 to build up as it will already be building up from the

thyroxine. I dont want to appear thick, but am taking 75mcg of T4 and

am going straight over to half a grain of armour when it arrives, this

is a slightly lower dose than what I am on but after a week I am

increasing to 1 grain and staying there for 4 weeks, this will be the

time that the T4 needs to build up, am I right? I suspect I need the T3

because my T3 has always been on the low side but within range and that

was on 150mcg of T4

Sorry if this sounds confusing, I know what I mean!

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

TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical

practitioner before changing medication.

[Guest guest]

Hi L,

Welcome to the forum.

If it's depression that is the problem, often the addition of T3 to

the thyroid hormone treatment regime can lift it in days.

It may be worth considering an immediate anti-depressant (under

medical supervision) along with the T3, though it's more likely that

a well-informed psychiatrist will know about the T3 effect with anti-

depressants (rather than an ordinary GP).

If that route is better suited (all things being equal ~ which they

usually aren't).....you may get better treatment faster with a

consultant's blessing (on referral).

For working males the imperative to be able to continue in work seems

to be more important (regrettably ~ the sex differential is still

there ).

Low vitamin D3 levels can also have a damaging impact, and the later

it is after Xmas, the worse it may become, unless you find way of

rapidly increasing your vitamin D3 level.

Vitamin D and thyroid hormones use receptors that dimerise ( join

together ). They can join to each other and to the alternate receptor

with or without the 'ligand' attached such that, in one mode they

activate transcription of mRNA and in the other mode they repress

transcription of the same mRNA.

So, both vitamin D3 and thyroid hormones 'work together' to maintain

wellness. The need for thyroid hormones and for extra vitamin D3 can

vary during the year, according to both sunlight exposure and local

temperature.

Vitamin A and the retinoids also have this similar multi-receptor

dimerisation capability.

The simple version....is to get out in the sun (summer-time) and

don't burn yourself doing it.

best wishes

Bob

>

> Hi,

>

> I just read Kate Barne's initial post (hi :-)) and might as well

> copy and paste her comments into mine.

>

> I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism around 13mths ago and am

> officially on 125ug thyroxin. Unofficially, I don't care what my

> blood tests say as the symptoms are more important and too

> debilitating to ignore or trust my GP to manage for me. So, I upped

> my dose late last year to 150.

[Guest guest]

Hi L

I know that feeling of people trying to understand but they can't. I have felt the same with my husbandand he will sit and listen but he still goes of to work and I am left with a 2 year old and 13 year old to look after.

That horrible exhaustion is so hard to explain...Before xmas just the thought of standing in the shower made me want to cry and like you felt I was getting to a point wear I was so ill I actually could not do anything about it... I must say i have been feeling a tiny bit better this week so today i took myself back to the doctors and she sent me to the hospital for more blood tests (7) She also said to me that it is very likely that i will not feel well untill my Tsh is back at the lowest end (around 0.6) ...so I am very hopeful again that something will come from these tests.

I'm glad you have shared how you are feeling it has helped me realise that I am not alone. I hope your Doctor is understanding.

Take care

Kate

thyroid treatment From: grey_pilgrim25@...Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:55:05 +0000Subject: Hello

Hi,I just read Kate Barne's initial post (hi :-)) and might as well copyand paste her comments into mine.I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism around 13mths ago and amofficially on 125ug thyroxin. Unofficially, I don't care what my bloodtests say as the symptoms are more important and too debilitating toignore or trust my GP to manage for me. So, I upped my dose late lastyear to 150. I'm now in a downward spiral again and dreading anotherGP visit. The symptoms I'm currently experiencing are worse than everbefore and I'm at my wits end with it all. Trying to live normally dayby day, with a family and full time job is just overwhelming a lot ofthe time.I'm not sure my wife really understands how horrible this conditioncan be and I do feel very isolated. She tries to be supportive, butwithout experiencing it, I don't think anyone really gets it.The most significant problems I have when I'm starting to feelsymptomatic are the complete exhaustion all day and the increasinglyblack feeling of depression. I recognise it, but become so apatheticit's almost impossible to get myself motivated enough to do somethingabout it.It is nice to know there are others around who probably know how I'mfeeling. I'm sorry for depressing you all with my first post. But,when I began typing, it all sort of came flooding out! I've neverreally spoken to anyone about this before.Take care,L. Are you a PC? Upload your PC story and show the world

[Guest guest]

Hi L,Welcome to the boards. You have come to the right place.With regards to your first post, we all know how that feels. My first post made War & Peace look thin on the ground I echo what Bob says about T3. It is fairly well documented that many people on anti D's actually need T3 instead.I weaned myself off my anti D's then started on T3. My GP prescribed this along with the T4 I was already taking. I'm lucky though as many GP's and Endo's believe we don't need T3 as they are lead to believe that everybody converts their T4 into T3. This is not always the case sadly.There could possibly be other issues you need to address too. Have you read through the FILES? You need to do the Candida test and definetley the Adrenal questionnaire. If your adrennals are not working sufficiently then no amount of T4 will help.If you have your blood results and their reference ranges then post them here. Members who have much, much more knowledge than me will help interpret them and give advice on your next step. Ideally you should have had the following bloods done: FT4, FT3, TSH, B12, Vitamin D, Ferritin TPoab anti body test (see if you have Hasimotos).I'm sure someone will post in a lot more depth than I have as I'm a baby compared to some on here (knowledge wise that is, not age!!!) We all know how you feel so ask all the questions you need to ask and before long you will start to feel more in control of your health. Luv Justeen>> Hi,> > I just read Kate Barne's initial post (hi :-)) and might as well copy> and paste her comments into mine.> > I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism around 13mths ago and am> officially on 125ug thyroxin. Unofficially, I don't care what my blood> tests say as the symptoms are more important and too debilitating to> ignore or trust my GP to manage for me. So, I upped my dose late last> year to 150. I'm now in a downward spiral again and dreading another> GP visit. The symptoms I'm currently experiencing are worse than ever> before and I'm at my wits end with it all. Trying to live normally day> by day, with a family and full time job is just overwhelming a lot of> the time.> > I'm not sure my wife really understands how horrible this condition> can be and I do feel very isolated. She tries to be supportive, but> without experiencing it, I don't think anyone really gets it.> > The most significant problems I have when I'm starting to feel> symptomatic are the complete exhaustion all day and the increasingly> black feeling of depression. I recognise it, but become so apathetic> it's almost impossible to get myself motivated enough to do something> about it.> > It is nice to know there are others around who probably know how I'm> feeling. I'm sorry for depressing you all with my first post. But,> when I began typing, it all sort of came flooding out! I've never> really spoken to anyone about this before.> > Take care,> L.>

[Guest guest]

Hi could you tell me where to find FILES Ta very much

Margaret

From: purplebee1999 <jt.higgins@...>thyroid treatment Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 1:54:08 PMSubject: Re: Hello

,There could possibly be other issues you need to address too. Have you read through the FILES? You need to do the Candida test and definetley the Adrenal questionnaire. If your adrennals are not working sufficiently then no amount of T4 will help.>>

[Guest guest]

Margaret, look to the left hand side of your screen ,as you face it.

It says HOME, MESSAGES,POST, FILES, PHOTOS. Click on FILES and there is

a wealth of information.

Luv Justeen

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi again,

Thank you for your messages :-)

I'm sorry to say, I have no idea what most of the things you're

talking about actually mean. My GP has been a waste of time. The day I

was told I had the condition consisted of my GP telling me the

following, and I quote virtually verbatim:

" Your blood test shows that you have hypothyroidism. You'll need a

prescription for thyroxin, which you'll need to take every day. Goodbye " .

That is the sum total of help I've had from my doctor's surgery. I

haven't heard of most of the terms and acronyms used in this group and

have never been informed of the results of my blood tests from day one.

It looks like I have much to learn. I know, I should have pressed my

GP to help more. But, feeling the way I do, it's easier to say than do.

I didn't even know there are alternatives to levothyroxin until this

afternoon, reading the posts here. I'd better do some of my own research.

Cheers,

L

[Guest guest]

Hello L and welcome to our Forum

where I hope you will get all the support you need. The Files in this forum web

site are full of information that hopefully, will help you, and don't forget to

look at the many Links too. Read everything you can about hypothyroidism and

that way, you will eventually understand why it is that you feel so rotten with

no energy or incentive to do anything. Read the information on our web site www.tpa-uk.org.uk

under 'Hypothyroidism' and you will understand why it appears so difficult for

NHS GP's (or even most endocrinologists) to give a proper diagnosis or treat

with ONLY levothyroxine when they KNOW their patients remain unwell and they

have no further therapy that can help them.

There IS light at the end of the tunnel L -

honestly, it might just take you a little time to get there, because the one

thing you will learn is that there are many associated conditions that go along

with being hypothyroid and that will suddenly stop your levothyroxine from

working properly. Doctors are not even aware of these conditions so cannot help

you. I mention these conditions in just about every post I write to those of

you who are not yet on the road to complete recovery through taking

levothyroxine alone.

First, you may not be aware of the fact but

levothyroxine is one hormone ONLY (T4). T4 is a mainly inactive hormone and

this needs to convert to the active hormone triiodothyronine (T3). T3 is the

DOMINANT hormone and without it, your body and brain cannot function and you

would die. Doctors are taught that everybody can convert T4 - so if you still

complain of symptoms whilst taking it and your blood results are within the so

called 'normal' reference range, you are told (thanks to Professor Tony Weetman

- past President of the British Thyroid Association) that you have a

" functional somatoform disorder " - meaning, it's all in your head,

and your GP dutifully hands you a prescription for antidepressants. You need a

FULL thyroid function test which includes TSH, Free T4 and Free T3. If your

local laboratory refuses to test your Free T3 because your T4 and TSH are

within range, you can get this tested privately through Genova Diagnostics www.gdx.uk.net

.. If your Free T3 is low, then you need a referral from your GP to a thyroid

specialist (not a diabetic specialist) to see if he will recommend you start a

trial of combination therapy using both T4 and T3 (Liothyronine). If this is

refused, this is another matter and you may need to start to self treat - but

you will learn more about that later.

Second - thyroid hormone replacement stops

working because it cannot be properly absorbed if you have low adrenal reserve.

You can get a private 24 hour salivary adrenal profile done to see where your

cortisol and DHEA are at four specific times during the day. I would HIGHLY

RECOMMEND you get this test done and again, this can be arranged through Genova

Diagnostics. The hospital testing for cortisol ONLY checks to see whether you

have 's disease or not.

If you have low cortisol and DHEA, you may

need supplements such as Nutri Adrenal Extra or even Hydrocortisone - but

again, we will come to that if your test is positive.

Third, ask your doctor to test your

ferritin (stored iron) level, your Vitamin B12, your Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium

and Copper levels. Again, if these are low, your thyroxine cannot be absorbed.

Doctors should treat you according to your

symptoms and signs, but all they do is to treat your blood levels - and they

appear not to give a jot about your state of health. You must take charge of

this yourself L - and you can do this.

Fourth: Order Dr Peatfield's book

" Your Thyroid and How to Keep it Healthy " . He wrote this for patients

who are not doing well using the NHS diagnosis and treatment guidelines. He explains

his reason for everything he recommends and makes you understand the workings

of the thyroid and what can go wrong, and what YOU can do to put things right.

Yes, this forum has many, many members who came here extremely ill, depressed

and feeling life was no longer worth living, but many have regained their

health, returned to work and helping other members to do the same.

I know your wife doesn't understand, it is

extremely difficult for our partners to understand how bad we feel simply

because there is little to show on the outside - it's so easy if you fall down

and break your leg - we have nothing to convince them of how terrible it is to

feel so run down without no energy and such pain.

I was on levothyroxine and managed to get

to 150 mcgs which was too much, so dropped back to 125mcgs. Symptoms gradually

getting worse with ALL the hypothyroid symptoms returning again. I had severe

pain in my lower back, under both heels and my shoulder and my brain fog and

short term memory was unbelievable. The pain was so severe I couldn't get out

of bed in a morning, nor could I get out of my armchair or the car. It was so

bad I almost screamed with the severity of the pain. I eventually left the NHS

and sought the help of a hormone specialist who told me I was not converting

the T4 to the active T3 and it was the lack of T3 that was causing my muscles

to go into severe spasm. He started me on natural thyroid extract (Armour

Thyroid) and it was ONLY 9 days before I started to get rid of symptoms, I got

my brain back eventually, and now I have been fit for the past 6 years.

Don't give up L - you have already made

your first post and written how you feel, and that is wonderful. If you are

determined enough to get your health back, it can be done, I promise.

Luv - Sheila

The most significant problems I have when I'm starting to feel

symptomatic are the complete exhaustion all day and the increasingly

black feeling of depression. I recognise it, but become so apathetic

it's almost impossible to get myself motivated enough to do something

about it.

It is nice to know there are others around who probably know how I'm

feeling. I'm sorry for depressing you all with my first post. But,

when I began typing, it all sort of came flooding out! I've never

really spoken to anyone about this before.

_._,___

[Guest guest]

Hello L,

Thats exactly why we are all here in the first place. I haven't been

here very long and my situation is very similar to yours...I was

diagnosed last Feb, I've been taking 25mcg Levothyroxine for 9 months,

have now just increased to 50mcg and still getting nowhere fast....I

didn't understand a thing either when I first joined and still struggle

with some of the more scientific aspects...but don't worry, give it a

while and you'll soon be as fluent as the rest of us!!

Gillian

>

> Hi again,

>

> Thank you for your messages :-)

>

> I'm sorry to say, I have no idea what most of the things you're

> talking about actually mean. My GP has been a waste of time. The day I

> was told I had the condition consisted of my GP telling me the

> following, and I quote virtually verbatim:

> " Your blood test shows that you have hypothyroidism. You'll need a

> prescription for thyroxin, which you'll need to take every day.

Goodbye " .

>

[Guest guest]

Stick with us long enough L and you

will soon find out what we are talking about. A little tip, anything you don't

understand, just say so and ask us to explain in more detail. This will not

only help you, it will help the other 'newbies' also who have no idea what we

are talking about either. We also often slip into using initials such as NAE or

NAX - which means Nutri Adrenal Extra, or TSH instead of Thyroid Stimulating

Hormone, but all you have to do is to ask, and somebody will come along to

explain.

I am not surprised your GP told you nothing

- quite honestly, they know nothing of thyroid disease. They are taught about

all things thyroid in a half day of their training and that is all. Did your GP

tell you that all those diagnosed with hypothyroidism get ALL of their

prescriptions free of charge for the rest of your life, so if you have been

paying for prescriptions, you need to get your money back. I know of GP's who

fail to tell their patients such basic information.

Your blood results are yours by law. Your

GP cannot withhold these. Ask him for a copy of your thyroid function tests but

be sure to get the reference range for each of the tests, because they are

different in different parts of the UK. It depends on what 'kit' the

laboratories are using.

There is a licensed alternative to

levothyroxine and that is lyothyronine (T3). Some of us need the addition of

this, but it is not easy to come by. GP's are scared to use it without the

recommendation of an endocrinologists, and some endocrinologists don't even

know what it does. Like any other hormone in your body, if you are not making

sufficient of a particular hormone, you need to replace it. This isn't

dangerous, it is just down-right common sense. You can get liothyronine

prescribed within the NHS. However, the natural thyroid hormone replacement is

a different matter, and this is one of the reasons I opened TPA-UK to campaign

for doctors to start to use this natural thyroid extract again in the same way

they prescribe levothyroxine. Natural thyroid extract has been used for over

100 years and used safely and effectively for ALL hypothyroid sufferers. Now,

the drug companies have stepped in and tried to rubbish it so they can continue

to make the millions they do using levothyroxine only. Armour is not licensed

because it was 'grandfathered in' and never required a license, but doctors

don't even know this. They automatically believe that if a product doesn't have

a license, it is because it has had potency problems in the past. Armour has

never had potency problems - it is a brilliant little pill. Anyway, you will

learn about this as you go on. We will start with tiny steps to get you on the

right road, and you will find everything will start to drop into place as you

come to understand each of the steps you need to take.

Luv - Sheila

" .

That is the sum total of help I've had from my doctor's surgery. I

haven't heard of most of the terms and acronyms used in this group and

have never been informed of the results of my blood tests from day one.

It looks like I have much to learn. I know, I should have pressed my

GP to help more. But, feeling the way I do, it's easier to say than do.

I didn't even know there are alternatives to levothyroxin until this

afternoon, reading the posts here. I'd better do some of my own research.

[Guest guest]

Hi l,

The exhaustion and depression are classic symptoms of low thyroid

so something is going wrong somewhere. Look at the list of other things

that can affect uptake of thyroid homones on the website- including low

zinc selenium, adrenal insufficiency, candida etc

The l-thyroxine( T4 )you are taking is only one of the hormones a

healthy thyroid produces and is inert until it is converted, mostly in

the liver, to T3 ( prescribable as liothyronine) If you have not seen an

endocrinologist then ask for a referral. Or alternatively see Dr.

Peatfield- again contact details on the website- he got me well after 17

years of getting worse on T4 alone.

Hello

Hi,

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism around 13mths ago and am

officially on 125ug thyroxin. Unofficially, I don't care what my blood

tests say as the symptoms are more important and too debilitating to

ignore or trust my GP to manage for me. So, I upped my dose late last

year to 150. I'm now in a downward spiral again and dreading another

GP visit.

I'm not sure my wife really understands how horrible this condition

can be and I do feel very isolated. She tries to be supportive, but

without experiencing it, I don't think anyone really gets it.

The most significant problems I have when I'm starting to feel

symptomatic are the complete exhaustion all day and the increasingly

black feeling of depression. I recognise it, but become so apathetic

it's almost impossible to get myself motivated enough to do something

about it.

Take care,

L.

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

TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical

practitioner before changing medication.

[Guest guest]

Hi L,

I think that most of us felt like that to start with- it's hard to

take in a complicated subject in with the horrible hypothyroid

symptoms-especially the one we call brain fog which says it all. Try to

do as much reading as possible so you will understand the subject even

if your doc doesn't. Next time you get retested ( don't put it off) ask

for your previous results, with ranges and write them down ( if asked,

just say I want to know how I'm doing) making a fuss seems to make them

defensive and awkward although your results are yours by right some seem

to want to hang onto some kind of mystique. Your diagnosis was about the

same as mine- although my doc had the decency to give me the forms to

get a free prescription card- have you got one?

Subject: Re: Hello

Hi again,

Thank you for your messages :-)

I'm sorry to say, I have no idea what most of the things you're

talking about actually mean. My GP has been a waste of time. The day I

was told I had the condition consisted of my GP telling me the

following, and I quote virtually verbatim:

" Your blood test shows that you have hypothyroidism. You'll need a

prescription for thyroxin, which you'll need to take every day.

Goodbye " .

That is the sum total of help I've had from my doctor's surgery. I

haven't heard of most of the terms and acronyms used in this group and

have never been informed of the results of my blood tests from day one.

It looks like I have much to learn. I know, I should have pressed my

GP to help more. But, feeling the way I do, it's easier to say than do.

I didn't even know there are alternatives to levothyroxin until this

afternoon, reading the posts here. I'd better do some of my own

research.

Cheers,

L

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

TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical

practitioner before changing medication.