newbie

[Guest guest]

Hello Carol ~ I had my surgery last Oct. 9, 2007 by NWWLS, and my husband has

his in December of 2007. I have lost almost 50# and so has he. I love NWWLS,

the support, the ladies that work there, the doctors. I am a slow learner, so I

am averageing about #1 a week..slow and steady wins the race in my book. I feel

better, and look better, I have another 60+ lbs to go, but I have a feeling I

will be there sooner than later. My word to you is GO FOR IT! Its the best

thing I have done for me in years!

Theresa

260/213/160ish

Mom of and Ty

Wife & Best Friend to Q

Westhill Elementary PTA President 2008-2009 school year

hm 425-286-6191

cell 425-408-2407

Live life passionately, Laugh until your belly hurts, & Love unconditionally

Theresa

@...: wwkatydid@...: Wed, 27 Aug 2008

21:46:32 -0700Subject: Re: newbie

Hi CarolI had my surgery with Dr. Montgomery October 13, 2005. I have lost

almost 140 lbs and have gone from using a walker due to weight related injury to

being a jock of sorts. I have lost almost as much as I weight now. Best

wishes for you in your journey.Kathy R in Walla Walla278/257/145/130-135

goal10/13/2005From:

carleerun <carleerun@...>Subject: newbieTo:

@...: Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 8:34 PMHi

everyone,I'm Carol. I live in Vancouver, BC. I'll be having a lapband done

atNorthWest Weight loss surgery. I have an appoinment with the surgeonend of

September, so it will be interesting to see what happens.I don't have a surgery

date yet. I am hoping to get it done before Xmas.Is there anybody else out there

who've had surgery at NWWL? I wouldlove to hear from you and learn about your

experience.Cheers,Carol

[Guest guest]

My Comments are below:

>> I have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, awaiting surgery. My > iodine loading test came back at 76%.

<SB> This seems rather high for someone dx'd with thyroid cancer. I would be very suspect. I would be willing to bet that you have symporter issues and you are not taking in the iodine. I would take at least 50 mgs but probably lean toward 100 mgs of Iodine at this point. My personal position has been to say that you should try to keep your gland. My friend was able to avoid surgery by taking high doses of iodoral, vit C and many other nutrients. She also did detoxes. She is now cancer free. Dr. Brownstein and I recently discussed this because a patient of his had contacted me and had a TT. He said that he does recommend a TT in cases of Thyca to reduce the load of the tumor on the body. My feelings on this are still not set becasue I went through hell without my gland. The one thing you need is a very good doctor to help you get balanced after the removal if you decide to do this.

I am working on increasing my > iron stores, doing Sea salt, vit C and water to excrete bromide and > taking magnesium but have not yet replaced iodine.

<SB> You need to get at least 1/2 tsp - 3/4 tsp Celtic Salt, 3,000-5,000 mgs Vit C, 400 mg Magnesium. 400 mcg Selenium and as I said I would do 50-100 mgs Iodoral or Lugol's. Also Vit A is a good thing - from fish and carrot sources. 25,000 IU's. This is very important!

A catch 22-want > the recepetors to work better but do not want more iodine in my > system as I will probably have to be on low iodine diet for > radioactive iodine treatment post seurgery BUT if my receptors are > clogged, it won't accept the radioactive iodine any better?

<SB> PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT DO RAI!!! It is the most barbaric treatment. Instead get a Tg reading post TT if you do that. Use that as a marker. I had 3 RAI's and not one of them worked. I am "iodine resistant" which is a pretty way of saying that my receptors don't work. Go to my website at www.naturalthyroidchoices.com for more info on RAI and my story of what happened. It took me so long to recover. The mod on this group () did RAI after I warned her not to and she is still suffering over a year later. She wishes she would have listened to me.

I wonder > if the iodine will make my thyroid more active and make my nodules > grow but I think the iodine would actually make things work better if > I have been deficient and prevent cancer recurrence?

<SB> You need to get a copy of Dr. Brownstein's Iodine book - www.drbrownstein.com and there is a section on iodine and cancer. It will probably make your thyroid function better but that's the point. Do you have Tg Ab or TPO Ab's registering? Yes deficiency = cancer.

I know a lot is > theory-the surgeon won't care about all this! My Nurse practitioner > does not want to address iodine until after my treatmetns and then, > my body will be even more out of balance. She said the thyriod takes > up 10% of iodine by the rest of my glands will need the other 90% of > iodine post surgery.

<SB> The thyroid takes 20% of the iodide in the body, the breasts are next. Iodine goes to every gland and mucosal lining in the body - as does RAI which will damage all of your normal cells too. My last RAI threw me into early menopause at 39. I am still dealing with gastrointestinal issues, liver function and more. It is not a pretty picture - not an easy treatment as they promote.> > My NP gave me info that says that the vit C pulls out Bromide along > with hte the and sea salt so right now, I am just not replacing the > iodine.

<SB> I am not sure that Vit C pulls out Bromide. It is an anti-oxident and makes the receptors work better. The Salt is sodium chloride and the chloride binds to the bromide and carries it out of the body while the sodium is used in the symporters that pull in the iodine (NIS - Sodium Iodine Symporters). You really are not going to be effective in removing bromide from all the cells blocked by it until you take in iodine. I call it my "cheap insurance". Almost 3 years later after taking doses of 50, 75 and 100 mgs of Iodoral I am still pumping out large volumes of bromide - even without ingesting it. It's hard to get rid of and nasty on the body.> > I need to build my body up for surgery and keep my levels good > after.

<SB> What you need is a good holistic doctor to help you balance against your allopathic doctors pushing for destructive protocols. Where are you located? Maybe I have a good resource for you.

> > Thanks,> Carol>

[Guest guest]

my brother in law in Milwaukee WI was Dxed with thyroid cancer, had surgery RAI etc and was put on $inthroid. two years later he has had surgery again for tumors in his neck. (on 9/15). I have emailed him some info but not sure they will pay attention to it.

meanwhile I am working with a new person at work, young in her 20s. I took one look at her and said wow you have a goiter! she asked "what's a goiter?" it so obvious but she was completely unaware of it. I am bringing my Iodoral bottle in today.

Gracia

My Comments are below:

>> I have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, awaiting surgery. My > iodine loading test came back at 76%.

<SB> This seems rather high for someone dx'd with thyroid cancer. I would be very suspect. I would be willing to bet that you have symporter issues and you are not taking in the iodine. I would take at least 50 mgs but probably lean toward 100 mgs of Iodine at this point. My personal position has been to say that you should try to keep your gland. My friend was able to avoid surgery by taking high doses of iodoral, vit C and many other nutrients. She also did detoxes. She is now cancer free. Dr. Brownstein and I recently discussed this because a patient of his had contacted me and had a TT. He said that he does recommend a TT in cases of Thyca to reduce the load of the tumor on the body. My feelings on this are still not set becasue I went through hell without my gland. The one thing you need is a very good doctor to help you get balanced after the removal if you dec ide to do this.

I am working on increasing my > iron stores, doing Sea salt, vit C and water to excrete bromide and > taking magnesium but have not yet replaced iodine.

<SB> You need to get at least 1/2 tsp - 3/4 tsp Celtic Salt, 3,000-5,000 mgs Vit C, 400 mg Magnesium. 400 mcg Selenium and as I said I would do 50-100 mgs Iodoral or Lugol's. Also Vit A is a good thing - from fish and carrot sources. 25,000 IU's. This is very important!

A catch 22-want > the recepetors to work better but do not want more iodine in my > system as I will probably have to be on low iodine diet for > radioactive iodine treatment post seurgery BUT if my receptors are > clogged, it won't accept the radioactive iodine any better?

<SB> PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT DO RAI!!! It is the most barbaric treatment. Instead get a Tg reading post TT if you do that. Use that as a marker. I had 3 RAI's and not one of them worked. I am "iodine resistant" which is a pretty way of saying that my receptors don't work. Go to my website at www.naturalthyroidchoices.com for more info on RAI and my story of what happened. It took me so long to recover. The mod on this group () did RAI after I warned her not to and she is still suffering over a year later. She wishes she would have listened to me.

I wonder > if the iodine will make my thyroid more active and make my nodules > grow but I think the iodine would actually make things work better if > I have been deficient and prevent cancer recurrence?

<SB> You need to get a copy of Dr. Brownstein's Iodine book - www.drbrownstein.com and there is a section on iodine and cancer. It will probably make your thyroid function better but that's the point. Do you have Tg Ab or TPO Ab's registering? Yes deficiency = cancer.

I know a lot is > theory-the surgeon won't care about all this! My Nurse practitioner > does not want to address iodine until after my treatmetns and then, > my body will be even more out of balance. She said the thyriod takes > up 10% of iodine by the rest of my glands will need the other 90% of > iodine post surgery.

<SB> The thyroid takes 20% of the iodide in the body, the breasts are next. Iodine goes to every gland and mucosal lining in the body - as does RAI which will damage all of your normal cells too. My last RAI threw me into early menopause at 39. I am still dealing with gastrointestinal issues, liver function and more. It is not a pretty picture - not an easy treatment as they promote.> > My NP gave me info that says that the vit C pulls out Bromide along > with hte the and sea salt so right now, I am just not replacing the > iodine.

<SB> I am not sure that Vit C pulls out Bromide. It is an anti-oxident and makes the receptors work better. The Salt is sodium chloride and the chloride binds to the bromide and carries it out of the body while the sodium is used in the symporters that pull in the iodine (NIS - Sodium Iodine Symporters). You really are not going to be effective in removing bromide from all the cells blocked by it until you take in iodine. I call it my "cheap insurance". Almost 3 years later after taking doses of 50, 75 and 100 mgs of Iodoral I am still pumping out large volumes of bromide - even without ingesting it. It's hard to get rid of and nasty on the body.> > I need to build my body up for surgery and keep my levels good > after.

<SB> What you need is a good holistic doctor to help you balance against your allopathic doctors pushing for destructive protocols. Where are you located? Maybe I have a good resource for you.

> > Thanks,> Carol>

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.21/1675 - Release Date: 9/16/2008 7:06 PM

[Guest guest]

It is increasing and I am meeting more and more people being dx'd. Some listen and others don't. I don't waste my time on those that want to follow their Dr's protocol that includes cut / poison / burn. They will find out that I was right but unfortunately they will be very sick by that point. It's malpractice IMHO.

Steph

Re: Re: Newbie

my brother in law in Milwaukee WI was Dxed with thyroid cancer, had surgery RAI etc and was put on $inthroid. two years later he has had surgery again for tumors in his neck. (on 9/15). I have emailed him some info but not sure they will pay attention to it.

meanwhile I am working with a new person at work, young in her 20s. I took one look at her and said wow you have a goiter! she asked "what's a goiter?" it so obvious but she was completely unaware of it. I am bringing my Iodoral bottle in today.

Gracia

My Comments are below:

>> I have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, awaiting surgery. My > iodine loading test came back at 76%.

<SB> This seems rather high for someone dx'd with thyroid cancer. I would be very suspect. I would be willing to bet that you have symporter issues and you are not taking in the iodine. I would take at least 50 mgs but probably lean toward 100 mgs of Iodine at this point. My personal position has been to say that you should try to keep your gland. My friend was able to avoid surgery by taking high doses of iodoral, vit C and many other nutrients. She also did detoxes. She is now cancer free. Dr. Brownstein and I recently discussed this because a patient of his had contacted me and had a TT. He said that he does recommend a TT in cases of Thyca to reduce the load of the tumor on the body. My feelings on this are still not set becasue I went through hell without my gland. The one thing you need is a very good doctor to help you get balanced after the removal if you dec ide to do this.

I am working on increasing my > iron stores, doing Sea salt, vit C and water to excrete bromide and > taking magnesium but have not yet replaced iodine.

<SB> You need to get at least 1/2 tsp - 3/4 tsp Celtic Salt, 3,000-5,000 mgs Vit C, 400 mg Magnesium. 400 mcg Selenium and as I said I would do 50-100 mgs Iodoral or Lugol's. Also Vit A is a good thing - from fish and carrot sources. 25,000 IU's. This is very important!

A catch 22-want > the recepetors to work better but do not want more iodine in my > system as I will probably have to be on low iodine diet for > radioactive iodine treatment post seurgery BUT if my receptors are > clogged, it won't accept the radioactive iodine any better?

<SB> PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT DO RAI!!! It is the most barbaric treatment. Instead get a Tg reading post TT if you do that. Use that as a marker. I had 3 RAI's and not one of them worked. I am "iodine resistant" which is a pretty way of saying that my receptors don't work. Go to my website at www.naturalthyroidchoices.com for more info on RAI and my story of what happened. It took me so long to recover. The mod on this group () did RAI after I warned her not to and she is still suffering over a year later. She wishes she would have listened to me.

I wonder > if the iodine will make my thyroid more active and make my nodules > grow but I think the iodine would actually make things work better if > I have been deficient and prevent cancer recurrence?

<SB> You need to get a copy of Dr. Brownstein's Iodine book - www.drbrownstein.com and there is a section on iodine and cancer. It will probably make your thyroid function better but that's the point. Do you have Tg Ab or TPO Ab's registering? Yes deficiency = cancer.

I know a lot is > theory-the surgeon won't care about all this! My Nurse practitioner > does not want to address iodine until after my treatmetns and then, > my body will be even more out of balance. She said the thyriod takes > up 10% of iodine by the rest of my glands will need the other 90% of > iodine post surgery.

<SB> The thyroid takes 20% of the iodide in the body, the breasts are next. Iodine goes to every gland and mucosal lining in the body - as does RAI which will damage all of your normal cells too. My last RAI threw me into early menopause at 39. I am still dealing with gastrointestinal issues, liver function and more. It is not a pretty picture - not an easy treatment as they promote.> > My NP gave me info that says that the vit C pulls out Bromide along > with hte the and sea salt so right now, I am just not replacing the > iodine.

<SB> I am not sure that Vit C pulls out Bromide. It is an anti-oxident and makes the receptors work better. The Salt is sodium chloride and the chloride binds to the bromide and carries it out of the body while the sodium is used in the symporters that pull in the iodine (NIS - Sodium Iodine Symporters). You really are not going to be effective in removing bromide from all the cells blocked by it until you take in iodine. I call it my "cheap insurance". Almost 3 years later after taking doses of 50, 75 and 100 mgs of Iodoral I am still pumping out large volumes of bromide - even without ingesting it. It's hard to get rid of and nasty on the body.> > I need to build my body up for surgery and keep my levels good > after.

<SB> What you need is a good holistic doctor to help you balance against your allopathic doctors pushing for destructive protocols. Where are you located? Maybe I have a good resource for you.

> > Thanks,> Carol>

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.21/1675 - Release Date: 9/16/2008 7:06 PM

[Guest guest]

Yep, it's true. You can read my RAI article here: www.stopthethryoidmadness.com/rai

> >>> > <SB> PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT DO RAI!!! It is the most barbaric> treatment. Instead get a Tg reading post TT if you do that. Use that> as a marker. I had 3 RAI's and not one of them worked. I am "iodine> resistant" which is a pretty way of saying that my receptors don't work.> Go to my website at www.naturalthyroidchoices.com> <http://www.naturalthyroidchoices.com> for more info on RAI and my> story of what happened. It took me so long to recover. The mod on this> group () did RAI after I warned her not to and she is still> suffering over a year later. She wishes she would have listened to me.> >

[Guest guest]

Try www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/rai - she has a typo in thyroid.

Steph

Re: Newbie

Yep, it's true. You can read my RAI article here: www.stopthethryoidmadness.com/rai

> >>> > <SB> PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT DO RAI!!! It is the most barbaric> treatment. Instead get a Tg reading post TT if you do that. Use that> as a marker. I had 3 RAI's and not one of them worked. I am "iodine> resistant" which is a pretty way of saying that my receptors don't work.> Go to my website at www.naturalthyroidchoices.com> <http://www.naturalthyroidchoices.com> for more info on RAI and my> story of what happened. It took me so long to recover. The mod on this> group () did RAI after I warned her not to and she is still> suffering over a year later. She wishes she would have listened to me.> >

[Guest guest]

It would help if I could spell

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/rai

> > >> >>> > <SB> PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT DO RAI!!! It is the most barbaric> > treatment. Instead get a Tg reading post TT if you do that. Use that> > as a marker. I had 3 RAI's and not one of them worked. I am "iodine> > resistant" which is a pretty way of saying that my receptors don't> work.> > Go to my website at www.naturalthyroidchoices.com> > <http://www.naturalthyroidchoices.com> for more info on RAI and my> > story of what happened. It took me so long to recover. The mod on this> > group () did RAI after I warned her not to and she is still> > suffering over a year later. She wishes she would have listened to me.> >> >>

[Guest guest]

Must be a side effect of RAI. ROFL!

Re: Newbie

It would help if I could spell

www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/rai

> > >> >>> > <SB> PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT DO RAI!!! It is the most barbaric> > treatment. Instead get a Tg reading post TT if you do that. Use that> > as a marker. I had 3 RAI's and not one of them worked. I am "iodine> > resistant" which is a pretty way of saying that my receptors don't> work.> > Go to my website at www.naturalthyroidchoices.com> > <http://www.naturalthyroidchoices.com> for more info on RAI and my> > story of what happened. It took me so long to recover. The mod on this> > group () did RAI after I warned her not to and she is still> > suffering over a year later. She wishes she would have listened to me.> >> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi Deanna,

Welcome! You do sound symtomatic, poor you. It's been a huge surprise

to me, since I joined here, the extent to which a tiny gland in our

neck controls so much over our life!

I also have a long history of thyroid nodules, and the good news is

almost all of them are not sinister in structure.

The issues over the blood tests for thyroid function are highly

contentious in this country especially, so that needs sorting for

you. It seems they are open to wide interpretation, and too much is

made of them over the symptoms we have.

It sounds like your Dr needs to refer you to an endocrinologist for a

thorough check up.

You've come to a good place, tpa is full of supportive and

knowledgeable people who will reply to you, which will help organise

your thinking and next steps. I'm still quite new myself.

Take care,

x

>

> I just found out this past week that I have a nodule on my

thyroid.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Deanna

Welcome to our forum and I hope you will get the help and

support you need here. Go to our website www.tpa-uk.org.uk

and look in the Menu and click on 'Hyperthyroidism' and read the information

that is there. After you have read about symptoms and signs, click on the other

boxes and if you have any questions, just shout.

Others on here may be able to help you who have had nodules so I

am sure they will come forward to give you the benefit of their experience.

Luv - Sheila

I just found out this past week that I have a

nodule on my thyroid.

This was discovered during a cat scan for an injury to my neck. A few

years ago a doctor told me my blood test showed that I had

hyperthyroidism but when I had the test it showed I didn't. I had

another blood test and it showed I did. I mentioned it to doctors a

few times and they shrugged it off and I forgot it. Now i guess it's

real and I have no idea what is going to happen or what my next step

is. I have an appt with my regular doctor who will have the cat scan

report this week. I guess he will probably send me to a specialist.

I do have some of the symptoms. I'm intolerant to heat, I have hand

tremors, I get upset easily, however I have gained weight not lost.

That was and is due to my tremendous appetite. I'm always, always

hungry. I can eat a full meal and in 5 minutes I'm starved. My legs

get very tired and there are days that I just don't want to get out of

bed. I must admit I'm a little nervous especially because I don't

have insurance. Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Deanna

[Guest guest]

Hi

Chris2 (We already have another of long standing and if you have another

name we can call you, that would be best, but if not, please try to remember to

call yourself Chris2)

Welcome

to our forum and I hope you get all the help and support you need. Can you post

your previous thyroid function tests when you post your latest results here,

together with the reference range for each of the tests. Did they do a full TFT

e.g. TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and did they test to see whether you have antibodies

to your thyroid? If not, ask for these to be done and also ask for your

ferritin level (stored iron), your Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D level to be tested

also.

Problem

with diagnosing by blood results alone is that the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

(TSH) test reference range is FAR too wide, and this is the reason most

sufferers have blood results within the range, the laboratory writes

" normal " for the test result and your GP reads this and believes that

YOU are " normal " and tells you that you do not have hypothyroidism.

They do not go by symptoms (which can suggest any number of problems) nor do

they appear to look at the signs. They fail to give you a full clinical

examination or even to test your tendon reflexes - especially the Achilles

tendon. If your Achilles reaction is slow, this is a specific symptom of

hypothyroidism, but I guess most doctors are not even aware of this. With

" normal " results, a GP is reluctant to refer you to an

endocrinologist - but she/he should.  If your GP is reluctant to do anything,

it usually helps to write a letter setting out your symptoms and pointing out

your signs (you can check these in our website www.tpa-uk.org.uk

under 'Hypothyroidism' and then 'Symptoms and Signs). Take your basal temperature

before getting out of bed each morning for 4 to 5 days and write these down in

your letter. Normal temperature is 98.6. If yours is 97.8, and it could be much

less, this is a sign your thermostat is wonky and your metabolism is too low -

a big indication you could be hypothyroid.

Write

down also if there are members of your family with a thyroid problem or

autoimmune disease. Write that you would like a second opinion from a thyroid

specialist (do not get an endocrinologist who has a specialty in diabetes) as

many know little about thyroid disease. Certainly the symptoms you mention here

could be symptoms of hypothyroidism, but as they are non specific to this

disease, it makes the problem of giving you a diagnosis more difficult.

See how

you get on with this, and let us know what follows, but meantime, get the

numbers for your blood test results and post them here so we can see if there might

be a problem.

Luv -

Sheila

_______________________________

Hi

all - I'm (female variety), 42, living in Essex, although originally from

Shropshire. I am possibly hypothyroid, awaiting results at the

moment. My initial bloods said I was " normal " but as I'm

displaying all the symptoms of hypothyroid my GP has sent off for another T3

test (not really sure what it all means). I've done a little internet

surfing and it seems a minefield, thus my reason for joining this

group. I was blissfully unaware of all the problems relating to

diagnosis etc. My GP is sympathetic, but I have a feeling that if this

new test shows nothing, that will be the end of it. Is it worth pursuing

further if that's the case, or should I rule out other possibilities

first. I should mention there is a strong history of hypothyroidism in my

family. My symptoms are, I'm told, textbook :-

exhaustion,

tiredness, sleep problems

difficulty

concentrating or remembering

weight gain

dryskin and

nails

depression

/anxiety

constipation

poor libido

breathlessness

and swelling of feet

hoarseness

cold intolerance

puffy eyes

Look forward to hearing your stories

Chris

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome. you need to ask for TPOab test for auto-antibodies and a 24 hour stress test, this last one is best done privately details in our files on the main site. I suggestthat you read everything in the files and do a search on the Internet and learn all you can.this is what I do .hope this helps angel.

[Guest guest]

Hi

Yes...sadly it ALL sounds too familiar. You are in the right place

now. It takes a while, but we do get better. Read everything and if

you get the chance to see Dr P he is a life saver.

Good luck

Pen x

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila and everyone - my nickname is Moley so feel free to call me that rather than Chris2 lol.

I don't know what my numbers are only that my TSH showed I was "lower end of normal". I'm waiting for results of T3 test now - though not sure which. My ferratin level was 12 I know that much. Was interested to read the article about long term SSRI use and adrenal problems - I've recently stopped using anti-depressants after being on them for 3 years plus - simply because they didn't seem to make a difference whether I took them or not.

I will try the basal temp thing and post the results. My GP is a lovely lady and is very sympathetic, however, she is unwilling to do the trial of thyroxine as she did this with a previous patient who then had heart problems amongst other things she says - I don't know how likely this is. I've seen a report by that TV Doctor Steele that a thyroxine trial does no harm - but can understand the caution. I have a friend who self-treats with armour thyroid who tested "normal". Is this a dangerous thing to do? I know there is a private GP locally who will treat but its more than I can afford at the moment. Would prefer a definite diagnosis I think.... anyway sorry I'm rambling.....

Thanks all for the warm welcome.

Chris2 (aka Moley)

From: Sheila <sheilaturner@...>thyroid treatment Sent: Thursday, 4 December, 2008 8:45:39Subject: RE: Newbie

Hi Chris2 (We already have another of long standing and if you have another name we can call you, that would be best, but if not, please try to remember to call yourself Chris2)

Welcome to our forum and I hope you get all the help and support you need. Can you post your previous thyroid function tests when you post your latest results here, together with the reference range for each of the tests. Did they do a full TFT e.g. TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and did they test to see whether you have antibodies to your thyroid? If not, ask for these to be done and also ask for your ferritin level (stored iron), your Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D level to be tested also.

Problem with diagnosing by blood results alone is that the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test reference range is FAR too wide, and this is the reason most sufferers have blood results within the range, the laboratory writes "normal" for the test result and your GP reads this and believes that YOU are "normal" and tells you that you do not have hypothyroidism. They do not go by symptoms (which can suggest any number of problems) nor do they appear to look at the signs. They fail to give you a full clinical examination or even to test your tendon reflexes - especially the Achilles tendon. If your Achilles reaction is slow, this is a specific symptom of hypothyroidism, but I guess most doctors are not even aware of this. With "normal" results, a GP is reluctant to refer you to an endocrinologist - but she/he should. If your GP is reluctant to do

anything, it usually helps to write a letter setting out your symptoms and pointing out your signs (you can check these in our website www.tpa-uk.org. uk under 'Hypothyroidism' and then 'Symptoms and Signs). Take your basal temperature before getting out of bed each morning for 4 to 5 days and write these down in your letter. Normal temperature is 98.6. If yours is 97.8, and it could be much less, this is a sign your thermostat is wonky and your metabolism is too low - a big indication you could be hypothyroid.

Write down also if there are members of your family with a thyroid problem or autoimmune disease. Write that you would like a second opinion from a thyroid specialist (do not get an endocrinologist who has a specialty in diabetes) as many know little about thyroid disease. Certainly the symptoms you mention here could be symptoms of hypothyroidism, but as they are non specific to this disease, it makes the problem of giving you a diagnosis more difficult.

See how you get on with this, and let us know what follows, but meantime, get the numbers for your blood test results and post them here so we can see if there might be a problem.

Luv - Sheila

____________ _________ _________ _

Hi all - I'm (female variety), 42, living in Essex, although originally from Shropshire. I am possibly hypothyroid, awaiting results at the moment. My initial bloods said I was "normal" but as I'm displaying all the symptoms of hypothyroid my GP has sent off for another T3 test (not really sure what it all means). I've done a little internet surfing and it seems a minefield, thus my reason for joining this group. I was blissfully unaware of all the problems relating to diagnosis etc. My GP is sympathetic, but I have a feeling that if this new test shows nothing, that will be the end of it. Is it worth pursuing further if that's the case, or should I rule out other possibilities first. I should mention there is a strong history of hypothyroidism in my family. My symptoms are, I'm told, textbook :-

exhaustion, tiredness, sleep problems

difficulty concentrating or remembering

weight gain

dryskin and nails

depression /anxiety

constipation

poor libido

breathlessness and swelling of feet

hoarseness

cold intolerance

puffy eyes

Look forward to hearing your stories

Chris

[Guest guest]

Have you been to a Pediatric Rheumatologist yet? The symptoms you describe

could very well be due to arthritis. It is frustrating because the symptoms are

often very " vague " . We've been through a lot with our 2 kids with Ankylosing

Spondylitis also - they are now 15 and 9, but our oldest was diagnosed when he

was 3 and our daughter was 5. Please contact me by phone or e:mail anytime if

you'd like to talk more. Our story is way too long to write here, but I'd be

happy to help you with questions if I can. I would probably also be able to

help you with finding a Ped Rheumy if you are need of one. I have contacts all

over the country that I've met through the years.

We also have 3 other children, so I can also relate to the difficulty of

balancing everything... Don't give up! Where there is a will, there is a

way. Somehow we manage to get it all done - sometimes things just take a little

longer!

Myndi Fitzgerald

Ph: 317-503-3701

Fitz's Travel

www.ytbtravel.com/myndifitz

Flights, Hotels, Cruises, Concert/Sporting Event Tickets, Restaurant

coupons...and more!

Interested in learning more about an entertainment/travel home based web

business? Visit www.ytb.com/myndifitz to learn how easy it is.

________________________________

From: " melvarner@... " <melvarner@...>

Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 8:23:59 PM

Subject: Newbie

Hi! I'm new to this group, coming from the undiagnosed group. We

searched for 3 years for an answer to my son's problems. (he's 3 1/2

yrs. old) We were finally given the diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy

when they found fluid on both hip joints. I'm still trying to sort

through and see if all the symptoms he's had relate to the diagnosis

or if we also need to continue looking for something else also. I

know the pain fits, but the descriptions of other symptoms on the

websites are surprisingly vague. So here goes.....rashes? (allergies

ruled out) Extreme fatigue and lethargy?? Very weak immune

system.....catches EVERYTHING and gets it to the extreme plus

some????? Doesn't consistently sleep through the night (never a

problem for my other 3)???? Decreased appetite for several days at a

time???? Any extra exertion (ie...a day at the park.....playing

harder than usual etc...) will wipe him out for a couple of days????

Constant fevers????

I'm an information junkie and want to know all I can to better

understand what my son is feeling and what his body is doing to him.

We've dealt with a lot with him in his short life. He was born with a

life threatening birth defect and had major surgery at just 8 weeks

old. Twice we've been told he might have cancer, and for three years

we've been told " Something's wrong, but we have no idea what! " I say

all that to say, Don't beat around the bush. We want to know what

we're facing. We have fought for him this far and don't plan on

quitting now. We already know the financial, physical, and emotional

stress of a chronically ill child. We don't want to stick our head in

the sand and pretend. We'd rather know what we're facing from those

in the trenches so to speak and face it head on.

Thanks for sharing in an effort to help others!!

" Life is not about getting through the storms, but learning to dance

in the rain! "

[Guest guest]

Oh, I still say poor baby. Wouldn't you give anything to have him healed? It

really sounds like Ankylosing Spondilitis. My son was born with Ulcerative

Colitis, and a bunch of other stuff that goes along with it. We were able to get

it to go into remission for years. But he would get sick every once in a while

and be down about a week. Then I signed him up for soccer, and he loved it and

played for years. When my husband wanted a divorce, it hit my son in a way that

he was down in bed for a while for a 13 year old active boy. We didn't know he

had the AS. Well, it was at a plato until he was 16 and he started complaining

about his lower back and hips hurting. It got so bad he had to quit school. He

had a home teacher come to our house for about 6 months, and then he was too

weak to concentrate on that. We moved to Oregon, and he seemed to do better. Got

a job, then joined the Job Corps. and finished high school, and started going to

college, and being trained for a career. He looked great and I was hoping he

would stay in remission. But he got a really good job, and was working great,

then the ulcerative colitis started up again. Then the AS. He was in bed with a

high fever for 2 weeks. He finally was diagnosed with AS, as well as the UC. He

is 25 now. The Rheumatologist did all kinds of tests on him, and his hips are

fused together, and it is going up his spine fusing it together. He is still

fighting to get the UC in remission. But he is on Methatexate, and prednisone at

a low dose. Now this week he is going to start Remecade IV's. The Dr said if

they have caught it in time it may cure him. Prayers have been constant. Back to

your baby, ask the Dr about the Remicade. I know it is expensive, but ask the Dr

about the options you have for paying for it. My son is getting his paid in full

by the manufacturer. Thank God! Prayers are answered. So if my son had it since

he was born an all that time, your son has been diagnosed so early, that maybe

the Remicade will cure him. I will put him on my extra strong prayer list. I can

hardly stand thinking about your baby being in so much pain and how sick he

gets. I have the same stuff plus a bunch of other diseases that branched off

from the original. I am in constant pain, but I am 59, and can understand what's

going on. Well, after writing you a book, I will say how heroic you are with

your striving to help that little guy. Good Mommy. Bless you, and hugs all

around, D.

[Guest guest]

>Hi

Jill UK here,

Im so sorry that your baby is so ill,May I ask what his major surgery

was ? is there a connection at all to how he is now? His symptoms do

seem same as many of ours, They arnt life threatening of course, so I

know he will eventually get better with the Correct treatment, and

get some relief, None of us on here never really know how we are

going to be each week, or even day, or afternoon, But i beleive the

sooner u get the correct treatment at this early age he will be fine<

You Must stay positive, I know its hard, My son had Congenital Heart

disease and Sadly my baby lost the fight, my 3rd son had a Heart Op

in Guys in England, thank god he is fine, So I do now how scary all

this is for you, its not an wasy time, The best I can personally give

you, is prayers and Positivity, The guys on here are fab, someone Im

sure can give U the better advice, But i would def go to see a

Rhumatologist and fight for all the correct treatment he deserves

Love Jill U.K.xxxx

[Guest guest]

Tami -

My name is and I am the owner of this group. I am also a patient and friend of Dr. Brownstein. He wrote the book that this group is based on. I was dying of thyroid cancer when I went to him and iodine saved my life. Unfortunately he is not taking on new patients and I don't have many options for you other than his partner Dr. Rick Ng. www.centerforholisticmedicine.com is the practice name. They are booking 5 mos out for Dr. Ng right now. The other thing you need to know is that the first appt is $375 - they take a $150 non-refundable deposit when you make an appt that is applied to the $375. They do not take insurance so you need to pay it up front. If your insurance covers out of network doctors then you can submit it manually. Your insurance must cover Quest Labs because that is the only lab they use and most first run of labs will be anywhere from $2,000 - $5,000 (mine were $4,200 before insurance). So this is important that you make sure you are covered.

They do a great job with iodine and adrenals. Dr. Ng is very involved with Dr. Brownstein in working with Dr. Abraham who owns Optimox (mfgr of Iodoral). You may be having issues with detoxing of bromide. Iodoral releases bromide and if you are not using companion nutrients the detoxing can stress adrenals, kidney and liver. www.naturalthyroidchoices.com is my website and there is info on supplementing and the nutrients you need.

Newbie

Hello all,My name is Tami. I am very new to all this. I have Hashi's I believe I am already hypo and have adrenal Fatigue. I recently started seeing a new doc who wanted me to start on Iodoral. I started at 1/2 of a 12.5 mg tablet a day. I have to say that my throat felt like some swelling had gone down and it was easier to swallow but my adrenals were still off as I was very tired. I then began to experience swelling(puffiness) under eyes which never occurs and I felt like I was retaining water. I assumed maybe it was the combo of Iodoral and My beginning period so I stopped taking the Iodoral for a few days. Well My period was almost over and I took another 1/2 tablet and about 1 hour later the swelling and puffiness under my eyes started back up. Am I correct to assume that it is the Iodoral that was doing this. Since not taking it my throat has thickened up again. Also anyone heard of Dr.Brownstein?? He is in MI with me and I am desperate to find someone willing to treat my Adrenals and Thyroid properly..Maybe I should read his book first....Any insights????? Tami in MI

[Guest guest]

If you have liquid Lugol's you need to mix it with a liquid. It doesn't matter. Check out my page on www.naturalthyroidchoices.com on iodine supplementing.

Steph

Newbie

Hi. I'm a newbie and I really don't even know how to start taking iodine. Do I put the drops in water or just on my tongue? If in water, how many ounces? Thanks for any information!Rhonda

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much.RhondaFrom: ladybugsandbees <ladybugsandbees@...>iodine Sent: Friday, May 29, 2009 5:10:24 PMSubject: Re: Newbie

If you have liquid Lugol's you need to mix it with a liquid. It doesn't matter. Check out my page on www.naturalthyroidc hoices.com on iodine supplementing.

Steph

Newbie

Hi. I'm a newbie and I really don't even know how to start taking iodine. Do I put the drops in water or just on my tongue? If in water, how many ounces? Thanks for any information!Rhonda

[Guest guest]

Hi Lorna - actually, GP's a\re allowed by the Department of

Health to use whatever thyroid guidelines they wish to use, whoever has written

them and from whatever country they chose. All that is required is that if

asked, they are able to give good reason why they have chosen to use the

particular guideline they have chosen. What is fact, is that doctors within the

NHS know that should they DARE to go outside and use other guidelines and

should they DARE to ignore the British Thyroid Association's hypothyroid

guideline, there is a very good chance they will be reported to the GMC because

doctors HAVE been reported. No doctor wants to put his head above the parapet

with the risk of losing his career and livelihood - so it is a brave doctor

indeed who would do this. However, you could point this out to your GP that she

can use any guideline and see her reaction.

The connection between thyroid and ferritin, B12, vitamin D3,

copper, zinc and magnesium is that if any of these are low in the reference

range, then your thyroid hormones will not be absorbed by the cells and you

will need to supplement whatever is low. This is also the case if you have low

adrenal reserve and systemic candidiasis. NHS doctors mainly are unaware of

these connections, and often if patients are reacting badly to thyroxine or

they still complain of symptoms, doctors believe they have a " functional

somatoform disorder " - meaning its all in your head and will try to

prescribe you antidepressants.

To read further about these conditions, go to our web site www.tpa-uk.org.uk and click on 'Hypothyroidism'

and then click on 'Associated Conditions'. Also, read the information in our

FILES in the FOLDER entitled 'Vitamin D'.

When visiting your doctor for a consultation, before you go,

always list whatever questions you need to ask and list the blood tests you

need, plus the reasons why you need these. If you are not sure, ask and

somebody will try to help.

Luv - Sheila

I am relatively new to the group - diagnosed with Graves two years ago and now

have mixture of hypo and Graves symptoms following over treatment on

Carbimazole.

I saw my GP yesterday to get blood results but unfortunately, my results can

not be found! My last results (March)indicated that I have low thyroid

functioning and very low in Vitamin D. I have been prescribed Adcal D3 with

Calcium but am a bit reluctant to take this because it contains soya. Also my

new GP seems reluctant to give me the results of last blood test. Dont worry, I

am happy to tackle my GP to obtain my results in future but I did not press the

issue because my last bloods were taken some time ago. I also downloaded info

for my GP but she told me that GPs have guidelines and regulations on how to

treat thyroid patients which they are required to adhere to!

I am due to take a blood test today but would very much appreciate it if

someone can tell me what is the link between the thyroid Ferritin, B12, Zinc

and Copper. I have read lots of information from the files on this site which

has been very helpful however none of the information I read is absorbed and

its soooo frustrating because I can not explain key or pertinent information to

my doctor.

Kindest regards

Lorna

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18:06:00

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila,

What I have always wondered is who does the reporting? I doubt

very much that it is the patient, who is getting a better service, so who is

being malicious? Or is it the usual suspects?

Hi Lorna - actually, GP's a\re allowed by the Department of Health to use

whatever thyroid guidelines they wish to use, whoever has written them and

from whatever country they chose. All that is required is that if asked,

they are able to give good reason why they have chosen to use the particular

guideline they have chosen. What is fact, is that doctors within the NHS

know that should they DARE to go outside and use other guidelines and should

they DARE to ignore the British Thyroid Association's hypothyroid guideline,

there is a very good chance they will be reported to the GMC because doctors

HAVE been reported. No doctor wants to put his head above the parapet with

the risk of losing his career and livelihood - so it is a brave doctor

indeed who would do this. However, you could point this out to your GP that

she can use any guideline and see her reaction.

Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

Version: 8.5.375 / Virus Database: 270.13.1/2212 - Release Date: 07/02/09

18:06:00

[Guest guest]

HI

Members

of a certain thyroid association we have all grown to trust and love - or

they have their lookouts keeping an eye on what doctors are doing, and then

they take it from there. All the complaints so far (as far as I am aware) have

originated from the you know what.

Luv

- Sheila

Hi Sheila,

What I have always wondered is who does the reporting? I doubt

very much that it is the patient, who is getting a better service, so who is

being malicious? Or is it the usual suspects?

[Guest guest]

HI

Members of a certain

thyroid association we have all grown to trust and love - or they have

their lookouts keeping an eye on what doctors are doing, and then they take it

from there. All the complaints so far (as far as I am aware) have originated

from the you know what.

Luv - Sheila

Hi Sheila,

What I have always wondered is who does the reporting? I doubt

very much that it is the patient, who is getting a better service, so who is

being malicious? Or is it the usual suspects?

[Guest guest]

Thanks , Funny thing is that most of the things that I do for ER4YT I

had been doing before I read the book because that's what my body seemed to

require. Now that I read that and the GenoType diet I can fine tune things

and hopefully drop some of this excess me.

Do any of you also fine tune using the GenoType diet?

Val

On Tue, Dec 1, 2009 at 12:24 AM, Murray <salbud@...> wrote:

>

>

> Welcome Val. Seems like you already have a good start. Don't hesitate if

> you have any questions. Some of us have been on here a while and don't mind

> answering questions. Not all of us are as qualified as others, like Kathy

> and Irene. We will be glad to help and encourage as we hear from you.

>

>

> Newbie

>

> Greetings all! I have been doing Dr. D's " diet " for a few weeks now

> although I've known about it for many years. I was diagnosed with insulin

> resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) about 12 years ago and

> after

> going on glucophage (850mg THREE times per day) I decided that medication

> was not the way to go. In changing my diet and exercising more regularly my

> system is back in sync and I do not have any symptoms of PCOS and the last

> check up I had showed no diabetes from the original Insulin Resistance

> diagnosis (check up was several years ago).

>

> Although my body seems to be back in some order, my weight never was. I

> have lost and gained several times in the 12 years but never kept it off.

> In speaking with my chiropractor/somatic expert, Dr. Mark Filippi, he

> recommended that I do a combo of Dr D's diet and giving my body a break

> from

> the intense exercise I had been doing for years now (weight training/cardio

> with a personal trainer 5 or 6 times per week). My body tightened up a bit

> but I was still visibly fat, wearing about the same size clothing, and was

> about the same weight. I realize that more muscle=leaner body and the scale

> doesnt matter as much but no one with a 5'4 frame feels comfortable

> carrying

> what I do. I am doing this diet to repair the years of damage I have

> apparently done on a cellular level with my crapola food choices.

>

> Even though I had already limited gluten & dairy, and eliminated sugar,

> artificial sweetner, and all soda for 6 years now, I can not shake the

> weight. Mark's son was greatly helped by Dr. D and he is actually good

> enough friends with him that he got him to appear on our radio show a few

> years ago (internet radio show I am not part of anymore) and it's taken me

> quite a while to LISTEN to what he said although I always felt it made

> excellent sense...

>

> So I started easing into the diet on Nov 13th and felt less bloated in

> about

> 2 days. When I weighed myself on Nov 24th I had lost 2 lbs already.

>

> Again, for me this is first and foremost about health and secondarily about

> weight...I want to feel more comfortable in my own body and with this extra

> weight I'm just not comfortable. To give you an idea of the amount I need

> to lose in order to not be clinically overweight anymore, I'd say 40 to 50

> lbs.

>

> Thanks for having me!

>

> Val from NY

>

> --

> " Our life is what our thoughts make it. " ~Marcus Aurelius Antoninu

>

> We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. ~Anais Nin

>

>