Newcomer

[Guest guest]

Dear Alana,

You're on a high dose of doxycycline which will stir up a lot of pain. The

fact that you're reacting in this way to the doxycycline is actually a good

sign that something is happening. It's actually better to start up slowly

on the antibiotics. If you were to lower the dose to 200mg on Monday

Wednesday and Friday only, you would probably have less pain. More is not

always better on this therapy. The optimum dose for you is the dose you

tolerate the best and that varies from person to person.

Dr. Brown used up to 5mg prednisone to keep pain and inflammation down in

the early stages of this therapy. At this dose your adrenal gland is still

functioning.

Also read our FAQ at www.rheumatic.org/faq.htm and Dr. 's

clinic notes at www.rheumatic.org/martin.htm for a good overview of what to

expect and useful suggestions to help with pain during these first weeks.

Make sure you're drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, eating

plenty of fresh vegetables, little or no sugar and have good elimination.

Keep us posted,

Chris.

Just a new kid on the block looking for some people who understand this

journey! I just started AP (in week 3). I am anxious to see some

indication that it is working, but I seem to have such fluctuation from day

to day in my joint pain.

Actually, I would have to say that some days my knees are actually worse,

but more muscular than joint. Some days I just hurt everywhere in

everyway!!!

I have been told that I have inflammatory arthritis. I am on my second

rhematologist as my first was a streamline conventionalist...I sought out a

Dr. that at subscribed to AP (thanks to Rhuematic.org case histories!)

I am on 5 mg prednisone, 2000 mg Relaphen, 400 msg Plaquenil, and 200 mg

doxycylcine /day. I was on 15 mg prednisone and tapered down to none. I

was pretty uncomfortable, so my Dr. suggested going back to 5 mg. I hope

to get it under that soon.

Any words of wisdom?

Alana

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

Start a new hobby. Meet a new friend.

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[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I am a newcomer to this lyme list and the internet. I have had lyme for 5

years. I am secretary to our state organization and a support group leader. I

also have Dr. Burrascano's guidlines and will send it snail mail to anyone who

wants it. For the person who keeps relapsing....have you been tested for

Erlichiosis and Babesiosos. We have a lady in our group who has been

extremely ill for 6 years, not until last year did they realize that she had

all three infections. All the studies I have read state that Lyme will not

get better unless those other two are treated. Anyway I enjoyed getting on

the net tonight and getting so much mail. If I can be of help just let me

know. Connie Cslyme@...

[Guest guest]

Dear Connie:

What exactly is Babesiosis? I have been treated gor lyme for 8 years now and

still herxing. I still get sick, just not as often, and not as severe...but

this last one has been pretty bad. My dr is LL and I haven't read Dr B's

protocol, but was wondering what these other conditions are or do. Can you

enlighten me?

REgards, Gail

[Guest guest]

Welcome Alana!

Hang in there with the prednisone. I am currently taking 3mg; went from

5mg down to 4mg, then back to 5, down to 4 again and now at 3mg and have

been at that for about 3mo's now; so there definitely is hope in that

department.

Judy

[Guest guest]

Thats my Pops. He is 87 years young!

Hugs

JudieV

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/10/01 3:18:58 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Edshotel@... writes:

Hi

I would like to get some help re. the abbrs. that are associated with

the liver problems..After a biopsy on the 2nd of Oct I was diagnosed as

autoimmune hepititis,cerroiss of the liver. I am 87 years young & still a very active person.I still drive &

transport as a volunteer for people going for dialysis or the doctor @

least 3 days a week..As a widower I take care of my own home & most

household chores.

I would very much appreciate if some one would send me the different

abbr. & what they pertain to as far as the liver is concerned.

At my age I do find it hard to absorb info.

Took me awhile to get this far. Thanks to my daughter. Thank You

Edshotelbfb

We're glad to hear from you, Ed. I'm just about to sit down to dinner, but I'll see what I can find on the internet later to answer your question. That is, if someone more knowledgeable doesn't give you an answer first.

In the meantime, I highly recommend Dr. Palmer's book, Guide to Liver Disease. It's easy to find on Amazon.com or her website, as well as at many bookstores.

Keep in touch. This is a good place to find information or just to talk.

Harper (AIH 5/00)

[Guest guest]

Dear Ed,

So glad you could find us although sorry for the reason you had to find us. My husband has AIH. We did a living liver donor surgery on Dec. 14, 1999, and looking at him, you would never know he was sick a day in his life.

It sounds like you are spunky and so full of life and I hope we have just as much energy and zest for life as you have when we are 87 (we plan on living until 100 as I told Randy he will see our 50th anniversary-LOL). Liver disease will in time, fatigue you so really listen to your body. If you push it too much, it will push back twice as hard. The meds are not always nice to you, but they will help.

The group here is wonderful about sharing experiences and situations. Please feel free to ask questions -- no question is too trivial. Sometimes you might just want to vent and that's okay also.

Take care.

Cheryl & Randy McCullough

[Guest guest]

:

Nice to have your Pops here. Another male is always welcome in this

group.

-Clyde

[Guest guest]

Hmm, Hypothyroid you usually gain weight. Have they

ever tested you for Hyperthyroid?

, Memphis, TN

--- banitnit <skysailor@...> wrote:

> Hi I am new to the group! I am a 41 year old female

> living in

> California.

>

> I have been reviewing my THS results for the past 4

> years and

> they range from the lowest 3.0 to the highest 6.5

>

> I have seen many doctors and specialists and no one

> has

> ever mentioned hypothyroidism.

>

> I have hypertension and CANNOT gain weight.

> Are these symptoms indicative of hypothyroidism?

>

> I do have other symptoms like dry skin and hair, and

> low body

> temperature.

>

> Thank You

> -Jan

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 03/26/2002 8:12:27 PM Pacific Standard Time, wendy_mcvay@... writes:

I also lost weight. I know that you normally gain weight. But, in some cases, you do lose weight. It just happens less often than weight gain.

Yes, so did I. I was quite underweight for my height. It's only been in the last ten years of thirty being hypo that I became overweight.

in LA

"We are each responsible for our own life--no other person is or even *can* be." Oprah Winfrey

[Guest guest]

I also lost weight. I know that you normally gain weight. But, in some cases, you do lose weight. It just happens less often than weight gain.

wendy santee <wendysantee@...> wrote: Hmm, Hypothyroid you usually gain weight. Have theyever tested you for Hyperthyroid?, Memphis, TN--- banitnit wrote:> Hi I am new to the group! I am a 41 year old female> living in > California.> > I have been reviewing my THS results for the past 4> years and> they range from the lowest 3.0 to the highest 6.5> > I have seen many doctors and specialists and no one> has> ever mentioned hypothyroidism.> > I have hypertension and CANNOT gain weight. > Are these symptoms indicative of hypothyroidism?> > I do have other symptoms like dry skin and hair, and> low body > temperature.> > Thank You> -Jan> > __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

And I neither gained nor lost weight. I don't think hypothyroidism has

very much effect on weight either way, but moderate weight gain is

more common.

Celeste

McVay wrote:

>

> I also lost weight. I know that you normally gain weight. But, in

some cases, you do lose weight. It just happens less often than

weight gain.

>

> wendy santee wrote:

>Hmm, Hypothyroid you

usually gain weight. Have they

> ever tested you for Hyperthyroid?

>

> --- Jan wrote:

> >

> > I have been reviewing my THS results for the past 4

> > years and

> > they range from the lowest 3.0 to the highest 6.5

> >

> > I have seen many doctors and specialists and no one

> > has

> > ever mentioned hypothyroidism.

> >

> > I have hypertension and CANNOT gain weight.

> > Are these symptoms indicative of hypothyroidism?

> >

> > I do have other symptoms like dry skin and hair, and

> > low body

> > temperature.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 03/26/2002 10:10:03 PM Pacific Standard Time, thighmaster@... writes:

I don't think hypothyroidism has

very much effect on weight either way, but moderate weight gain is

more common.

You sound like a doctor! This is exactly what my old endo who kept cutting back my thyroid medicine told me in spite of the fact that I'd suddenly gained 40 pounds! I stopped going to see him because he was so unsupportive of me and my symptoms. Hmmmm....

"We are each responsible for our own life--no other person is or even *can* be." Oprah Winfrey

[Guest guest]

,

And what kind of regular exercise were you doing when you gained that

40 pounds? Why are you blaming your doctor?

Celeste

wrote:

>

> You sound like a doctor! This is exactly what my old endo who kept

cutting

> back my thyroid medicine told me in spite of the fact that I'd

suddenly

> gained 40 pounds! I stopped going to see him because he was so

unsupportive

> of me and my symptoms. Hmmmm....

>

> In a message dated 03/26/2002 10:10:03 PM Pacific Standard Time,

> thighmaster@h... writes:

> > I don't think hypothyroidism has

> > very much effect on weight either way, but moderate weight gain is

> > more common.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 03/27/2002 8:42:23 AM Pacific Standard Time, thighmaster@... writes:

And what kind of regular exercise were you doing when you gained that

40 pounds? Why are you blaming your doctor?

Celeste,

I see I needed to communicate more clearly in my original statement.

I felt your comment:

"> > I don't think hypothyroidism has very much effect on weight either way< < "

was insensitive and unsupportive in the environment of this list. People are coming here, including myself, because we've have been repeatedly dismissed as lazy, undisciplined or outright hypochondiacs by doctors and other people insisting on touting the standard logarithmic party line of the current AMA approach to treating hypothyroidism.

We're here because our case didn't fit the profile, yet we still want to get well. We're here because we have been exercising and cutting carbs and we still gain weight. We're here because we've cut our stress and we still forget important things. We're here because we're on anti-depressants and we're still exhausted and unable to sleep. We're here because we used to have a good memory and physical stamina though somehow that's changed yet the one-size-fits-all treatment approach to hypothyroidism isn't helping us! We're willing to work, to take responsibility. We ARE working and taking responsibility! Yet, something's missing. IMO, it's the right medicine, in the right amount, at the right time, with the right amount of caring and support from our health care professionals and those we turn to for comfort and encouragement.

[Guest guest]

Gracia,

I think you are overgeneralizing. I asked a very specific

question related to her weight gain (not losing weight). Once a person

has gained weight it will take effort to lose it. Why gain it in the

first place, though, if it's not necessary? Exercise is SO VERY

important not only for general health, but especially for thyroid

health. The thyroid gland will not function optimally without exercise

no matter what medication a person takes. Your reply did not address

that fact.

Celeste

Gracia wrote:

>

> I'm trying to bite my tongue but......I can't! IMO opinion some

of the

> most damaging ridiculous and false medical advice has to with the

popular

> medical mantra of " you just need a low fat low protein low calorie

diet and

> exercise " . In other words the doctor's poor care is not at fault,

blame

> the patient. Women are getting wise to it and most of us won't go

along

> with it. Healthy people with healthy metabolisms really don't have

to work

> SOOOOO hard to be normal. So why should the sick ones work so

hard? As

> Shomon www.thyroid.about.com points out, it is almost

impossible to

> lose weight if you are on the wrong medicine.

> Gracia

>

> > ,

> >

> > And what kind of regular exercise were you doing when you gained

that

> > 40 pounds? Why are you blaming your doctor?

> >

> > Celeste

[Guest guest]

Celeste,

of course it's not necessary to gain weight, but most of us have b/c of the thyroid problem. Last summer, I was exercising an hour a day and eating very well, and I gained 15 pounds in eight weeks. I didn't gain b/c I was sitting on the couch. So, was that weight gain unneccessary in your opinion? Just because you may not have experienced gaining doesn't mean that it's not affecting others. I feel that that's one of the most complained about thing on this list. I think people on this list understand the importance of exercise and probably wouldn't complain so much about the weight if they didn't work out often.

----Original Message Follows---- From: "a1thighmaster"

Reply-hypothyroidism hypothyroidism Subject: Re: Newcomer Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 22:03:40 -0000

Gracia,

I think you are overgeneralizing. I asked a very specific question related to her weight gain (not losing weight). Once a person has gained weight it will take effort to lose it. Why gain it in the first place, though, if it's not necessary? Exercise is SO VERY important not only for general health, but especially for thyroid health. The thyroid gland will not function optimally without exercise no matter what medication a person takes. Your reply did not address that fact.

Celeste

Gracia wrote: > > I'm trying to bite my tongue but......I can't! IMO opinion some of the > most damaging ridiculous and false medical advice has to with the popular > medical mantra of "you just need a low fat low protein low calorie diet and > exercise". In other words the doctor's poor care is not at fault, blame > the patient. Women are getting wise to it and most of us won't go along > with it. Healthy people with healthy metabolisms really don't have to work > SOOOOO hard to be normal. So why should the sick ones work so hard? As > Shomon www.thyroid.about.com points out, it is almost impossible to > lose weight if you are on the wrong medicine. > Gracia > > > , > > > > And what kind of regular exercise were you doing when you gained that > > 40 pounds? Why are you blaming your doctor? > > > > Celeste

Join the world’s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. Click Here

[Guest guest]

,

I couldn't answer your question without knowing more about what you

were eating and what kind of exercise you were doing. The weight gain

might have been unnecessary.

Celeste

Pierce wrote:

>

[Guest guest]

Celeste, you seem pretty intelligent, so why aren't you realizing that weight gain is one of the main symptoms of hypothyroidism. Ya, some people may use that as an excuse if they're not living a healthy lifestyle, but many of us are - and are still gaining. It's extremely frustrating. I was weight training, jogging, swimming, power walking, hiking mountains and eating mostly protein, vegetables, and some pasta twice a week. My daily caloric intake was 1500.

----Original Message Follows---- From: "a1thighmaster"

Reply-hypothyroidism hypothyroidism Subject: Re: Newcomer Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2002 00:16:09 -0000

,

I couldn't answer your question without knowing more about what you were eating and what kind of exercise you were doing. The weight gain might have been unnecessary.

Celeste

Pierce wrote: >

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com.

[Guest guest]

,

If weight gain is one of the main symptoms of hypothyroidism then why

doesn't every hypothyroid person experience it? I have friends who are

also hypothyroid and they haven't experienced weight gain either.

How long were you on the diet and exercise program you're describing?

I've worked as a certified personal fitness trainer since 1990 and I

have not had any clients who have had your experience either. I worked

full time as Gold's Gym for a while and have seen many clients in

other settings as well.

Celeste

>Celeste, you seem pretty intelligent, so why aren't you realizing

that weight gain is one of the main symptoms of hypothyroidism. Ya,

some people may use that as an excuse if they're not living a healthy

lifestyle, but many of us are - and are still gaining. It's extremely

frustrating. I was weight training, jogging, swimming, power walking,

hiking mountains and eating mostly protein, vegetables, and some pasta

twice a week. My daily caloric intake was 1500.

[Guest guest]

well god bless those people who haven't gained weight. There are hypo. symptoms that I don't have, but it doesn't mean thats others dont - such as hair loss and coldness, but I'm not going to go around and say that it's not a problem for others. Hypo. has many symptoms, but it doesn't mean that everyone has to have every symptom. You're being really irritating already. Just consider yourself lucky that you don't have that symptom.

----Original Message Follows---- From: "a1thighmaster"

Reply-hypothyroidism hypothyroidism Subject: Re: Newcomer Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2002 02:49:58 -0000

,

If weight gain is one of the main symptoms of hypothyroidism then why doesn't every hypothyroid person experience it? I have friends who are also hypothyroid and they haven't experienced weight gain either.

How long were you on the diet and exercise program you're describing? I've worked as a certified personal fitness trainer since 1990 and I have not had any clients who have had your experience either. I worked full time as Gold's Gym for a while and have seen many clients in other settings as well.

Celeste

>Celeste, you seem pretty intelligent, so why aren't you realizing that weight gain is one of the main symptoms of hypothyroidism. Ya, some people may use that as an excuse if they're not living a healthy lifestyle, but many of us are - and are still gaining. It's extremely frustrating. I was weight training, jogging, swimming, power walking, hiking mountains and eating mostly protein, vegetables, and some pasta twice a week. My daily caloric intake was 1500.

MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: Click Here

[Guest guest]

Celeste,

You're still not getting it.

[Guest guest]

WELL SAID! BRAVO!!!

Ann

Re: Re: Newcomer

In a message dated 03/27/2002 8:42:23 AM Pacific Standard Time,

thighmaster@... writes:

> And what kind of regular exercise were you doing when you gained that

> 40 pounds? Why are you blaming your doctor?

>

Celeste,

I see I needed to communicate more clearly in my original statement.

I felt your comment:

" > > I don't think hypothyroidism has very much effect on weight either way< <

"

was insensitive and unsupportive in the environment of this list. People are

coming here, including myself, because we've have been repeatedly dismissed

as lazy, undisciplined or outright hypochondiacs by doctors and other people

insisting on touting the standard logarithmic party line of the current AMA

approach to treating hypothyroidism.

We're here because our case didn't fit the profile, yet we still want to get

well. We're here because we have been exercising and cutting carbs and we

still gain weight. We're here because we've cut our stress and we still

forget important things. We're here because we're on anti-depressants and

we're still exhausted and unable to sleep. We're here because we used to

have a good memory and physical stamina though somehow that's changed yet the

one-size-fits-all treatment approach to hypothyroidism isn't helping us!

We're willing to work, to take responsibility. We ARE working and taking

responsibility! Yet, something's missing. IMO, it's the right medicine, in

the right amount, at the right time, with the right amount of caring and

support from our health care professionals and those we turn to for comfort

and encouragement.

[Guest guest]

,>> And what kind of regular exercise were you doing when you gained that> 40 pounds? Why are you blaming your doctor?>> Celeste

Celeste.

This response is a little late because I've been offlline, but your comment is way out of line and completely insulting. Just because you've never had a problem with weight gain doesn't mean it's not a problem for the majority of hypothyroid people. I worked out 4-5 times a week with intense aerobic weight training for 45-60 minutes and despite that found myself gaining 2 pounds per month. And it wasn't muscle. That is how I finally investigated the possibility of hypothyroidism.

This is supposed to be a support group for these of us frustrated with the challenges of disease and it would be great if you'd keep those kind of degrading comments to yourself. We've dealt with that kind of attitude form our doctors and "friends and relatives" for years and don't need it from this group too.

Tammy

Re: Re: Newcomer

I'm trying to bite my tongue but......I can't! IMO opinion some of themost damaging ridiculous and false medical advice has to with the popularmedical mantra of "you just need a low fat low protein low calorie diet andexercise". In other words the doctor's poor care is not at fault, blamethe patient. Women are getting wise to it and most of us won't go alongwith it. Healthy people with healthy metabolisms really don't have to workSOOOOO hard to be normal. So why should the sick ones work so hard? As Shomon www.thyroid.about.com points out, it is almost impossible tolose weight if you are on the wrong medicine.Gracia> ,>> And what kind of regular exercise were you doing when you gained that> 40 pounds? Why are you blaming your doctor?>> Celeste>>> wrote:> >> > You sound like a doctor! This is exactly what my old endo who kept> cutting> > back my thyroid medicine told me in spite of the fact that I'd> suddenly> > gained 40 pounds! I stopped going to see him because he was so> unsupportive> > of me and my symptoms. Hmmmm....> >> > In a message dated 03/26/2002 10:10:03 PM Pacific Standard Time,> > thighmaster@h... writes:> > > I don't think hypothyroidism has> > > very much effect on weight either way, but moderate weight gain is> > > more common.>>>>

[Guest guest]

I THOUGHT WE HAD MOVED ON FROM THIS TOPIC, I'M TIRED

OF LOOKING AT EMAILS ABOUT THIS. DIDN'T SHE APOLOGIZE

ALREADY? CAN WE PLEASE MOVE ON AND TALK ABOUT HOW TO

FEAL BETTER BECAUSE THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT HELPING.

--- Tammy Fuller <tfuller@...> wrote:

> ,

> >

> > And what kind of regular exercise were you doing

> when you gained that

> > 40 pounds? Why are you blaming your doctor?

> >

> > Celeste

>

>

> Celeste.

> This response is a little late because I've been

> offlline, but your comment is way out of line and

> completely insulting. Just because you've never had

> a problem with weight gain doesn't mean it's not a

> problem for the majority of hypothyroid people. I

> worked out 4-5 times a week with intense aerobic

> weight training for 45-60 minutes and despite that

> found myself gaining 2 pounds per month. And it

> wasn't muscle. That is how I finally investigated

> the possibility of hypothyroidism.

> This is supposed to be a support group for these of

> us frustrated with the challenges of disease and it

> would be great if you'd keep those kind of degrading

> comments to yourself. We've dealt with that kind of

> attitude form our doctors and " friends and

> relatives " for years and don't need it from this

> group too.

> Tammy

>

>

> Re: Re: Newcomer

>

>

>

> I'm trying to bite my tongue but......I can't!

> IMO opinion some of the

> most damaging ridiculous and false medical advice

> has to with the popular

> medical mantra of " you just need a low fat low

> protein low calorie diet and

> exercise " . In other words the doctor's poor care

> is not at fault, blame

> the patient. Women are getting wise to it and

> most of us won't go along

> with it. Healthy people with healthy metabolisms

> really don't have to work

> SOOOOO hard to be normal. So why should the sick

> ones work so hard? As

> Shomon www.thyroid.about.com points out, it

> is almost impossible to

> lose weight if you are on the wrong medicine.

> Gracia

>

> > ,

> >

> > And what kind of regular exercise were you doing

> when you gained that

> > 40 pounds? Why are you blaming your doctor?

> >

> > Celeste

> >

> >

> > wrote:

> > >

> > > You sound like a doctor! This is exactly what

> my old endo who kept

> > cutting

> > > back my thyroid medicine told me in spite of

> the fact that I'd

> > suddenly

> > > gained 40 pounds! I stopped going to see him

> because he was so

> > unsupportive

> > > of me and my symptoms. Hmmmm....

> > >

> > > In a message dated 03/26/2002 10:10:03 PM

> Pacific Standard Time,

> > > thighmaster@h... writes:

> > > > I don't think hypothyroidism has

> > > > very much effect on weight either way, but

> moderate weight gain is

> > > > more common.

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

__________________________________________________