Hi -

[Guest guest]

Good luck ,

As weird as this sounds, I hope the MRI shows something so you can

kick everyone's ass and get Gracie the help she needs.

Love ya,

Aisha.

[Guest guest]

Hi

My name is Pippa and I live in Northamptonshire so not to far away

from you.

My history is similar to you I had problems eating for about 18 months

2 years just kept putting it down to indigetion and strees but after

bringing my food up all the time ventured to the Doctor within 3

months I had my Heller Myotomy surgery too.

I had my Open Surgery in September 2006 so only 4 months ago and doing

really well.

If you have any questions please ask we are always happy to answer

them here even if you think they are unusual belive me the members

here have probably asked the same questions themselves.

There are a few members in the UK there is Ann up North and a few

members in and around London, Steve and to name only a few of

them. Meena and Jo who is due to have her surgery very soon also.

Take care

Pippa (Northamptonshire England)

>

> My name is I'm 23 and I live near London in the UK. I am new

> here and was diagnosed with Achalasia in October 2006. I am

currently

> on the waiting list for the key-hole Heller's and have my pre-op

> appointment next week, so I am hopeful that I won't be waiting too

much

> longer. I had severe symptoms for around 18 months before finally

> deciding that I should go and see a doctor and several months later

> here I am!

>

> Having read other people's comments I am very surprised at how

> different the symptoms are in different people yet we all have the

same

> condition!

>

[Guest guest]

How close are you to Port Orchard?

I have some here. Do you come to this area?

K

I am trying to find a

> source of information and help on where to get a new one, (I am in

> Washington state, near Seattle) and how to start brewing the tea

> again. thanks

>

[Guest guest]

I am in Federal Way, about 40 miles away, but can come there... let me

know when might be convenient, I am available during the day most of

the week. I appreciate your help, thanks Kathy

>

> How close are you to Port Orchard?

> I have some here. Do you come to this area?

> K

>

> I am trying to find a

> > source of information and help on where to get a new one, (I am in

> > Washington state, near Seattle) and how to start brewing the tea

> > again. thanks

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I'm up in Woodinville, but get to the Factoria area of Bellevue a few

times a week, and to Seattle once a week, too. My scoby has produced

a few babies and I should have extras by the end of the week, if you

can't get to Port Orchard.

>

> I was given a kombucha culture years ago from a friend, and started

> brewing and drinking the tea daily. While drinking the tea, I remember

> feeling better overall, seemed to have more energy, and if I drank a

> small amount before meals, I would eat less. I sadly 'killed' my

> culture when I moved, and didn't get another. I am trying to find a

> source of information and help on where to get a new one, (I am in

> Washington state, near Seattle) and how to start brewing the tea

> again. thanks

>

[Guest guest]

It is easier for me to get to Seattle, or Bellevue... Let me know

what is convenient, I will be in Renton tomorrow afternoon and will

also be available the rest of the week most any time. thanks for

responding.

> >

> > I was given a kombucha culture years ago from a friend, and

started

> > brewing and drinking the tea daily. While drinking the tea, I

remember

> > feeling better overall, seemed to have more energy, and if I

drank a

> > small amount before meals, I would eat less. I sadly 'killed' my

> > culture when I moved, and didn't get another. I am trying to find

a

> > source of information and help on where to get a new one, (I am

in

> > Washington state, near Seattle) and how to start brewing the tea

> > again. thanks

> >

>

[Guest guest]

It is easier for me to get to Seattle, or Bellevue... Let me know

what is convenient, I will be in Renton tomorrow afternoon and will

also be available the rest of the week most any time. thanks for

responding.

> >

> > I was given a kombucha culture years ago from a friend, and

started

> > brewing and drinking the tea daily. While drinking the tea, I

remember

> > feeling better overall, seemed to have more energy, and if I

drank a

> > small amount before meals, I would eat less. I sadly 'killed' my

> > culture when I moved, and didn't get another. I am trying to find

a

> > source of information and help on where to get a new one, (I am

in

> > Washington state, near Seattle) and how to start brewing the tea

> > again. thanks

> >

>

[Guest guest]

u should collect kombucha cultur from microbiology lab which is near

to ur area.or if u any frend have k.t. then also u can started u r

k.t. culture

[Guest guest]

That is fine Kathy, if that is easier for you.

Just let me know if you still need one of mine.

K

> It is easier for me to get to Seattle, or Bellevue... Let me know

> what is convenient, I will be in Renton tomorrow afternoon and will

> also be available the rest of the week most any time. thanks for

> responding.

[Guest guest]

That is fine Kathy, if that is easier for you.

Just let me know if you still need one of mine.

K

> It is easier for me to get to Seattle, or Bellevue... Let me know

> what is convenient, I will be in Renton tomorrow afternoon and will

> also be available the rest of the week most any time. thanks for

> responding.

[Guest guest]

I'm a newbie to this forum …… but not to the internet and forums per

se …… I just wanted to introduce myself. I entered the self help

group scenario from a different direction to some or possibly most

people here – from the medication and prescription drug boards.

I have had what I know is an endocrine disorder for most of my adult

life - maybe longer – but my current involvement on the internet came

about because I had an adverse drug reaction (ADR) to a prescription

medication 9 years ago and am still trying to regain my physical

health.

Prior to the ADR I had managed the thyroid / adrenal problem with

diet, supplements and very occasional short term ( 2 months max)

courses of very low physiological doses of prednisolone twice

prescribed on the NHS when I got so low I developed bronchitis and

three times obtained through private clinics.

During the 9 years I have seen 2 NHS Endo's and 1 private (chosen &

referred by GP - total waste) … although he did arrange a short

Synacthen test which was carried out on the NHS. The test showed

that my adrenals were working ---well obviously they were … I was

still breathing!!--- therefore in their opinion warranted no further

follow up.

I have also seen two `endo sympathetic' Dr's ….. but unfortunately

due to family commitments that have dominated my time and compromised

my physical and financial resources for the past 5 years ……. I am

only now trying to restart addressing health issues – both original

and ADR residual – that I had been trying to tackle previously.

Unfortunately the ADR has complicated things …. I still have the

original underlying endo symptoms …. but also have additional

residual ADR symptoms ……. separating the two has proved difficult -

personally and especially with the medical profession ….. endo

sympathetic and definitely within the realms of main stream medicine,

who are now even more wary of treating anything.

The one thing that has kept me going through this was the resulting

very temporary and totally unexpected remission of 90% of all

symptoms --original and residual-- ADR that happened following the

Synacthen test; for two days I felt almost normal this reduced over

the following three days and then I slept for nearly a whole week.

But this has never been explained ….. and the possibility of this

positive side effect to the test indicating uptake, conversion,

pituitary or hypothalamus problems …… was outside the NHS endo's and

GP's rational !!!

So where am I now …. I'm having new complete blood and saliva testing

done (first ones done in 2000) and from there I'm not sure … although

I know by addressing the original symptoms I will only have the

residual ADR symptoms to either try and resolve or live with.

Working out and getting the appropriate treatment i.e. treatment that

would mimic the resulting remission of symptoms following the

synacthen test is going to be the first challenge.

Anyways - I didn't intend to write as much as this so won't witter on

any more ….. just really wanted to say Hi.

Tuesday

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

Please sign this petition on the 10 Downing Street website

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SS-SNRI-Anomaly/

[Guest guest]

" I wonder if it was the actual injection of Synacthen that was

responsible for your good feeling. It might be something you could

discuss with your doctor. "

Hi Sheila

Thanks for the welcome - it's nice to find a board that's focused on

the problems that are prevalent with endocrine disorders and getting

appropriate and correct treatment.

" I wonder if it was the actual injection of Synacthen that was

responsible for your good feeling. It might be something you could

discuss with your doctor. "

Do you mean apart from the raising of cortisol and possibly other

hormones produced by the adrenal glands to an affective levels? It

indicates a pituitary or hypothalamus problem … but that's not on the

agenda with my Dr or any main stream endocrinologist.

As far as discussing anything with my Dr's - we've gone past that

point - but no treatment will be forth coming in that area. The

treating Dr at the time of the ADR dismissed me from the practice

with the customary " we've discussed you and feel we don't have a good

working relationship, so feel it would be best if you find another

Dr! " letter, after I questioned whether the drug could have caused

all the horrendous symptoms I had developed

It transpired later that the ADR was not mentioned in my medical

notes - so I was left to try and establish it had happened with

several Dr's after moving to other surgeries. I'm now on my 3rd

surgery and 5th NHS Dr, having gone back to the one I'm actually

seeing now – they've had accepted my stance after a bad start.

Initially they insisted sending me for a full psych report when I

joined the surgery - the psych wanted me to take a drug in the same

class as the one that had caused the ADR – so I became a non

compliant patient.

Obviously refusing to take the drug … two years later another Dr in

the same surgery agreed to send me to a neurologist - who established

that the drug and ADR had caused the neurological symptoms I was

trying to address and put this opinion in writing.

He referred me to a Neuro psychologist who also supported my stance -

after going through my whole medical and social history - agreeing

with my theory of adrenal exhaustion following period's of extreme

stress which correspond precisely with periods of ill health; Also

stating they could not suggest anything new to help me cope with the

symptoms, that I hadn't implemented on my own volition. These

opinions were also put in writing.

The Dr who sent me for the full psych report received these letters

as they were the GP I was registered with at the surgery; They had to

call me in and tell me that after 5 years of trying to get

acknowledgement that the ADR had happened at all and tell me I was

completely exonerated. The paradigm has shifted within our `working

relationship' - but not far enough to gain further investigations or

required treatment.

It's still abhorrent to me that one Dr --even on seeing someone for

the first time-- can relegate a patient to life as a psych patient -

because of their ignorance, complacent biased diagnostics influenced

by the pharmaceutical industry and their instructed need to distance

patients who present multiple vague seeming unconnected symptoms.

Tuesday

[Guest guest]

" Cautious use of liquorice might get your aldosterone up again... "

Hi Bob

Thanks for the post – I have tried liquorice in the passed but can't

remember whether I felt any better – it also seemingly extends the

half life of cortisol - I'll give it another go and let you know how

it goes.

You've reminded me of a girl on one of the drug boards - she suffered

terrible anxiety and became so manic at one point she had gotten in

trouble with the police for being disorderly - then we discovered she

had a passion for liquorice – even had a web site devoted to it ………

finding that web site explained a lot

Take care

Tuesday

[Guest guest]

As far as discussing anything with my Dr's - we've gone past that point - but no treatment will be forth coming in that area. The treating Dr at the time of the ADR dismissed me from the practice with the customary "we've discussed you and feel we don't have a good working relationship, so feel it would be best if you find another Dr!" letter, after I questioned whether the drug could have caused all the horrendous symptoms I had developed

I went through a similar traumatic experience. I DARED to criticise my practice because they stated categorically that they had a policy to NEVER use unlicenced medication on any of their patients. I asked what happened when patients were unable to tolerate the NHS medication and there was no other choice but the unlicensed one - to be told, then we would still not let them use unlicensed medication. I asked about the children in their practice as I know many children have to have unlicensed medication prescribed. They refused to discuss it. The following week, I too got a letter saying the practice had a meeting and it was decided that as I had criticised their practice, it was better that I find another doctor in another area. I did, and the new doctor now give me Armour using an NHS prescription.I can't believe what you have had to endure all these years. Is it any wonder we are driven to self diagnose, self monitor and self treat?

What amount of cortisone are you taking and do you feel any better for taking it?

Luv - Sheila

..

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.20.8/1287 - Release Date: 19/02/2008 10:55

[Guest guest]

Hi Tuesday

Did the MHRA receive a yellow card for the ADR?

Patients can now submit them of their own volition, but it would be

much nicer if the original doctor did it of his own volition....

Suppose the PALS (Patient Advisory and Liaison Service) of the local

PCT asked them to do it?

My DW reckons aldosterone as well as cortisol is improved by

liquorice and that might address the electrolyte imbalance....do you

know about PitPat?

The Pituitary Organisations site and help network.

best wishes

Bob

>

> " I wonder if it was the actual injection of Synacthen that was

> responsible for your good feeling. It might be something you could

> discuss with your doctor. "

>

>

> Hi Sheila

>

> Thanks for the welcome - it's nice to find a board that's focused

on

> the problems that are prevalent with endocrine disorders and

getting

> appropriate and correct treatment.

>

> " I wonder if it was the actual injection of Synacthen that was

> responsible for your good feeling. It might be something you could

> discuss with your doctor. "

>

> Do you mean apart from the raising of cortisol and possibly other

> hormones produced by the adrenal glands to an affective levels? It

> indicates a pituitary or hypothalamus problem … but that's not on

the

> agenda with my Dr or any main stream endocrinologist.

>

> As far as discussing anything with my Dr's - we've gone past that

> point - but no treatment will be forth coming in that area. The

> treating Dr at the time of the ADR dismissed me from the practice

> with the customary " we've discussed you and feel we don't have a

good

> working relationship, so feel it would be best if you find another

> Dr! " letter, after I questioned whether the drug could have caused

> all the horrendous symptoms I had developed

>

> It transpired later that the ADR was not mentioned in my medical

> notes - so I was left to try and establish it had happened with

> several Dr's after moving to other surgeries. I'm now on my 3rd

> surgery and 5th NHS Dr, having gone back to the one I'm actually

> seeing now – they've had accepted my stance after a bad start.

>

> Initially they insisted sending me for a full psych report when I

> joined the surgery - the psych wanted me to take a drug in the same

> class as the one that had caused the ADR – so I became a non

> compliant patient.

>

> Obviously refusing to take the drug … two years later another Dr in

> the same surgery agreed to send me to a neurologist - who

established

> that the drug and ADR had caused the neurological symptoms I was

> trying to address and put this opinion in writing.

>

> He referred me to a Neuro psychologist who also supported my

stance -

> after going through my whole medical and social history - agreeing

> with my theory of adrenal exhaustion following period's of extreme

> stress which correspond precisely with periods of ill health; Also

> stating they could not suggest anything new to help me cope with

the

> symptoms, that I hadn't implemented on my own volition. These

> opinions were also put in writing.

>

> The Dr who sent me for the full psych report received these letters

> as they were the GP I was registered with at the surgery; They had

to

> call me in and tell me that after 5 years of trying to get

> acknowledgement that the ADR had happened at all and tell me I was

> completely exonerated. The paradigm has shifted within our

`working

> relationship' - but not far enough to gain further investigations

or

> required treatment.

>

> It's still abhorrent to me that one Dr --even on seeing someone for

> the first time-- can relegate a patient to life as a psych patient -

> because of their ignorance, complacent biased diagnostics

influenced

> by the pharmaceutical industry and their instructed need to

distance

> patients who present multiple vague seeming unconnected symptoms.

>

> Tuesday

>

[Guest guest]

"I can't believe what you have had to endure all these years. Is it any wonder we are driven to self diagnose, self monitor and self treat?"

"What amount of cortisone are you taking and do you feel any better for taking it?"

Hi Sheila

There are a lot of people far worse off than me - I count myself amongst the lucky ones. I only brushed the psych world with a six month excursion into lala Lustral land - a drug I only took believing the authorities were in place to stop unsafe drugs being prescribed and in the hopes that if it didn't work - the Dr who was bullying and belittling me to agreeing to `his' treatment - would maybe listen to me – how crazy a notion was that!! I knew the problem I had was physical – but there are millions who have been subjected to a life on psych treatment and medication because they trusted the medical profession.

Most mental health problems are endocrine or nutritional deficiency based – yet without adiguate or appropriate testing --or any testing at all-- one Dr can decide someones fate by referring to either endocrinology or psychiatry … the later is the normal easy option choice and once a psych diagnosis is on medical notes -–whether patient is aware or not— it's there for life and all other treatment metered accordingly. No - it's not surprising at all that we resort to self diagnosis and treatment – it's often the only option.

I'm not actually taking cortisol at the moment – I've been managing with diet, supplements and pacing myself - but it's difficult and the slightest bit of stress and I'm too wiped out and `fuggy' headed to function properly. I'm also undecided whether to try and get cortisol or prednisolone --I don't have a prescription and am wary of purchasing over the internet--or trying a less direct approach like DHEA, 7-Keto or pregnenalone to start with and see if it improves things.

Hugs Tuesday

Ps – Would you mind if I posted a letter about a petition on the board - I wrote it out for another thyroid group who have asked if they can include it in there news letter.

[Guest guest]

"You may like to look at

http://www.drrind.com/scorecardmatrix/asp which may help you sort out what symptom is caused by what."

Hi -

Thanks for your reply - sorry I didn't respond before but I missed it somehow.

I have used this matrix, it's really very good - the problem I've had is that the residual ADR symptoms kind of overlap with the original symptoms and my body doesn't react or respond to things how it use too -– sorry it's kind of hard to explain.

The medication I had the ADR too works by disrupting the endocrine system –-something I didn't know at the time-- it's just thrown a whole set of similar but different and at times contradicting symptoms into the scenario.

Tuesday

[Guest guest]

" Did the MHRA receive a yellow card for the ADR?

Patients can now submit them of their own volition, but it would be

much nicer if the original doctor did it of his own volition....

My DW reckons aldosterone as well as cortisol is improved by

liquorice and that might address the electrolyte imbalance....do you

know about PitPat? The Pituitary Organisations site and help network. "

Hi Bob –

There's no record in my medical notes of a yellow card report being

sent and I doubt the prescribing Dr would send one in … too busy

protecting himself and his reputation. If he agreed to submit a

report he would be admitting that he had ignored my at first weekly

then every time I saw him that I was feeling worse and had begun to

suffer with akathisia within a few weeks. That he also ignored all

the physical symptoms I began to present – like the itching skin

which became to sensitive to touch and resulted in it drying out and

flaking off like snow - my toe nails lifting from the nail bed –

muscle rigidity – Parkinson's ticks – gait abnormalities - stammer -

along with a myriad of other symptoms I didn't really register as

they happened, because my brain had turned to mush – but all were

synonymous with toxic poisoning … not a very good testimony for an ex

army Dr trained in treating chemical war injuries!!!

Most Dr's don't bother anyway - especially if an adverse event is

already listed as .... " they know about it " – this makes the whole

process worthless – giving false evidence to a lack of events. They

do not seem to understand the importance of the numbers of events or

that once a drug is licensed for prescription it only moves to Phase

IV Studies. Most Phase I, II and III drug trials are only of a 6 to

12 weeks duration - so it's the Phase IV post marketing studies that

rely on the yellow card reports and the total number of events to

raise warnings to rogue drugs. How many people actually know the

newish drug their being prescribed is still affectively in `drug

trial' status?

I did think about sending in my own yellow card report when they

first introduced patient reporting a couple of years ago – but when I

read the MHRA web site which stated that they would take into account

the " supposed " adverse events … I didn't bother … but I haven't ruled

it out. But until yellow card reporting is made compulsory with

heavy penalties for non compliance and the MHRA have all ties with

the pharmaceutical industry that fund them severed – I feel patient

complaints reported from this source will only be considered in

the " supposed " category as they have no medical sanction.

Like `clinical depression' – it's not a diagnosis or an illness in

it's own right – it's just depression recognised by a clinician –

so `supposed' adverse events according to those at the MHRA are not

clinically assessed - therefore they are not given the same status or

consideration.

It's another mythical medical government thing - seeming to be acting

responsibly and taking the patients into account - whilst doing

exactly what they want.

Sorry Bob - I didn't doubt your word about liquorice raising

aldosterone – I didn't make it very clear that it was an `as well'

comment about it extending the half life of cortisol too and your

right about possibly helping with electrolyte imbalance. BTW what is

a DW? Sorry having a dumb day!!!

I know the Pituitary Foundation, several other pituitary information

websites and have heard of Pitpat - but as yet I haven't managed to

find a website or page for them – do you know if they have one or

maybe you have a link or address? Sometime I can't see for

looking : )

Take care

Tuesday

[Guest guest]

Re: Re: Hi -

" Read up make sure you understand what you are doing and why you are

doing it. Yes, you have options, but you are not going to get better

by leaving those options in your head. Decide which of them you are

going to try, and good luck.

If you sent the Petition to me at info@... I will have a look at it

and let you know if you can post it on the forum Tuesday. "

Hi Sheila

and Thanks … I guess I have been procrastinating slightly … but I

have studied what is needed, understand all the options and possible

problems … and have the experience of the synacthen test to support

what I know is right. : )

I think to a point consistently being told by my NHS Dr's

their `reasons' not to treat has chip away at my confidence and

resolve ……. and that's not been helped by the terminal indecision

that accompany the fuggy head … so thank you for being so positive on

my behalf and kicking my butt in such a cordial way : )

Which on line pharmacies do you recommend? And do you need

prescriptions?

I'll send the petition letter to the addy you gave me … but I won't

include the graphs as they sometimes cause mail boxes to reject the

emails as spam.

Many thanks again Sheila

Speaks later - hugs Tuesday

[Guest guest]

Hi Tuesday,

DW is Darling Wife as is 'OH' Other Half, elsewhere...:-)

http://www.pituitary.org.uk/

(root) stick o'liquorice is about the cheapest (8p) item in the store

(health)

best wishes

Bob

>

> " Did the MHRA receive a yellow card for the ADR?

>

> Patients can now submit them of their own volition, but it would be

> much nicer if the original doctor did it of his own volition....

>

> My DW reckons aldosterone as well as cortisol is improved by

> liquorice and that might address the electrolyte imbalance....do

you

> know about PitPat? The Pituitary Organisations site and help

network. "

>

>

> Hi Bob –

>

> There's no record in my medical notes of a yellow card report being

> sent and I doubt the prescribing Dr would send one in … too busy

> protecting himself and his reputation. If he agreed to submit a

> report he would be admitting that he had ignored my at first weekly

> then every time I saw him that I was feeling worse and had begun to

> suffer with akathisia within a few weeks. That he also ignored all

> the physical symptoms I began to present – like the itching skin

> which became to sensitive to touch and resulted in it drying out

and

> flaking off like snow - my toe nails lifting from the nail bed –

> muscle rigidity – Parkinson's ticks – gait abnormalities - stammer -

> along with a myriad of other symptoms I didn't really register as

> they happened, because my brain had turned to mush – but all were

> synonymous with toxic poisoning … not a very good testimony for an

ex

> army Dr trained in treating chemical war injuries!!!

>

> Most Dr's don't bother anyway - especially if an adverse event is

> already listed as .... " they know about it " – this makes the whole

> process worthless – giving false evidence to a lack of events.

They

> do not seem to understand the importance of the numbers of events

or

> that once a drug is licensed for prescription it only moves to

Phase

> IV Studies. Most Phase I, II and III drug trials are only of a 6

to

> 12 weeks duration - so it's the Phase IV post marketing studies

that

> rely on the yellow card reports and the total number of events to

> raise warnings to rogue drugs. How many people actually know the

> newish drug their being prescribed is still affectively in `drug

> trial' status?

>

> I did think about sending in my own yellow card report when they

> first introduced patient reporting a couple of years ago – but when

I

> read the MHRA web site which stated that they would take into

account

> the " supposed " adverse events … I didn't bother … but I haven't

ruled

> it out. But until yellow card reporting is made compulsory with

> heavy penalties for non compliance and the MHRA have all ties with

> the pharmaceutical industry that fund them severed – I feel patient

> complaints reported from this source will only be considered in

> the " supposed " category as they have no medical sanction.

> Like `clinical depression' – it's not a diagnosis or an illness in

> it's own right – it's just depression recognised by a clinician –

> so `supposed' adverse events according to those at the MHRA are not

> clinically assessed - therefore they are not given the same status

or

> consideration.

>

> It's another mythical medical government thing - seeming to be

acting

> responsibly and taking the patients into account - whilst doing

> exactly what they want.

>

>

> Sorry Bob - I didn't doubt your word about liquorice raising

> aldosterone – I didn't make it very clear that it was an `as well'

> comment about it extending the half life of cortisol too and your

> right about possibly helping with electrolyte imbalance. BTW what

is

> a DW? Sorry having a dumb day!!!

>

> I know the Pituitary Foundation, several other pituitary

information

> websites and have heard of Pitpat - but as yet I haven't managed to

> find a website or page for them – do you know if they have one or

> maybe you have a link or address? Sometime I can't see for

> looking : )

>

> Take care

>

> Tuesday

>

[Guest guest]

The best place to buy Armour thyroid is www.internationalpharmacy.com and you do not need a prescription. We usually recommend buying say, 3 items (if money allows) because you only have to pay one shipping charge for all three. The Armour come in different size grains (the old measurement). 1 grain (60 mgs), 2 grains (120 mgs), 3 grains (180 mgs) and 4 grains (240 mgs). I would recommend that buying the two grain tablets and splitting them with a pill cutter would be the best way to start. Each tub holds 100 tablets. You can find the document in our FILES called "how to Use Armour Thyroid" and you should follow the recommendations there about starting. It is a case of you start slowly, and gradually build the dose up to where you feel better.

We recommend starting Nutri Adrenal Extra and you can buy these from http://www.yournutritionshop.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=657 & gclid=CLi1l_TD1ZECFQFrMAod1m8gbA. Usually it is best to start with one tablet with your breakfast, and after a couple of days, if no adverse effects, add another tablet and have this with your lunch. Never take any after 1.00p.m. as the extra adrenaline might keep you awake. After a couple of weeks, you might wish to add another tablet if you still feel some stress. It is usually best to give your adrenals a boost before starting thyroid hormone replacement. You can read about this in our FILES and on our website. It is always good to know the reasons why certain things are recommended as you are so obviously aware.

It is a frightening time when you suddenly realise there is nothing else left for you to do but to take your health into your own hands, but we have good medical advisers and some intelligent members who will help you when they can. We also have good information you can go and look at. Remember also, that TPA-UK has it's own lending library, so if you would like to borrow a thyroid book (again, look in our FILES under TPA-UK Lending Library). You just click on the email address of the person who will be happy to loan you the book and send them the cost of postage, which these days, is around £2.00.

Luv - Sheila

Re: Re: Hi - "Read up make sure you understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. Yes, you have options, but you are not going to get better by leaving those options in your head. Decide which of them you are going to try, and good luck.If you sent the Petition to me at info@... I will have a look at it and let you know if you can post it on the forum Tuesday."Hi Sheila and Thanks … I guess I have been procrastinating slightly … but I have studied what is needed, understand all the options and possible problems … and have the experience of the synacthen test to support what I know is right. : ) I think to a point consistently being told by my NHS Dr's their `reasons' not to treat has chip away at my confidence and resolve ……. and that's not been helped by the terminal indecision that accompany the fuggy head … so thank you for being so positive on my behalf and kicking my butt in such a cordial way : ) Which on line pharmacies do you recommend? And do you need prescriptions? I'll send the petition letter to the addy you gave me … but I won't include the graphs as they sometimes cause mail boxes to reject the emails as spam. Many thanks again Sheila Speaks later - hugs Tuesday

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.20.8/1289 - Release Date: 20/02/2008 10:26

[Guest guest]

… although he did arrange a short Synacthen test which was carried out on the NHS. The test showed that my adrenals were working ---well obviously they were … I was still breathing!!--- therefore in their opinion warranted no further follow up.

.....The one thing that has kept me going through this was the resulting very temporary and totally unexpected remission of 90% of all symptoms --original and residual-- ADR that happened following the Synacthen test; for two days I felt almost normal this reduced over the following three days and then I slept for nearly a whole week.----------------------------....I'm not actually taking cortisol at the moment – I've been managing with diet, supplements and pacing myself - but it's difficult and the slightest bit of stress and I'm too wiped out and `fuggy' headed to function properly. I'm also undecided whether to try and get cortisol or prednisolone --I don't have a prescription and am wary of purchasing over the internet--or trying a less direct approach like DHEA, 7-Keto or pregnenalone to start with and see if it improves things.

Hello Tuesday,

Welcome - sorry for butting in and perhaps I've got the wrong end of the stick, but ... I just read through the whole thread, and I'm wondering.... Has 's disease positively (and recently) been ruled out in your case? - by the sound of your mail I would not be surprised if this were at the root of your problems. Have you tested yourself for Raglan's sign and unstable pupillary reflexes in addition to any other adrenal symptoms you may have? - You don't say 'when' during the past 9 years you had the Synathen test, and a lot can change within the endocrine functioning even within a few months.

The thing is.... if you were addisonian, the hormones you'd need to replace are the mineralcorticoids with very little glucocorticoid (Florinef) and not glucocorticoid (preds) alone. Have you had an Electrolyte test recently? and if so, do you know your actual figures for potassium and sodium?

I'm newly diagnosed Hashimoto's and my GP, bless him, obliged when I asked him for extensive blood tests when I gave him a list of my clinical symptoms as long as my arm . This revealed that my potassium (K) was 5.8 (which is high) , but my sodium (Na) was normal with 142.... still, those figures represent a Na:K ratio of only 24.48 .... which is well below the critical ratio of 27.... and this might indicate that I could suffer from 's. My GP is blissfully unaware of my concerns, and perhaps (hopefully) I am over-reacting.... but caring for dogs with autoimmune diseases has given me a bit of an inside into those problems, and frankly, if one of the dogs on our support list had a ratio of 24.5, I would be on red alert. I am just not sure if the figures work the same way for humans. I've emailed Dr. P. about it, hope he will reply.....

Best wishes,