Guest guest Posted August 30, 1999 Report Share Posted August 30, 1999 OOPs! Sorry about the typo. At 06:21 AM 8/30/1999 -0400, you wrote: > > >Barbara, >I have met twice at crew functions....GREAT guy! You uts (guys) make a nice >couple. >Mike in Pittsburgh > > >At 02:55 PM 8/29/1999 EDT, you wrote: >>From: B2@... >> >>Dear Crew, >> >>I'd like to officially introduce my life partner, ston. I >sometimes >>refer to him as JJ. >> >>Since the crunch is bearing down on me (I have bilateral acoustics - one was >>removed in '96 making me deaf in my right ear and the one on the left ear is >>growing and the surgeon said " learn speech reading " in July to me) I've >asked >> to get more involved in my " neurological / surgical " life. So far, I >>felt I could handle everything on my own, with a lot of help from the crew. >>But now, since I'm confronted with some lifestyle change (speech reading >>classes - maybe sign classes for the 2 of us and more of my time being >>consumed with matters medical) I've asked to really become a partner >in >>what I have to deal with and he's ready to. So he's joining the crew and >>helping me do research on my intervention options. >> >> and I have been together for 12 years. He has 3 grown kids and 3 great >>grandkids who we actively parent and grandparent together. His leading >>medical problem is rheumatoid arthritis which means a lot of walking doesn't >>always feel so good to him. Just to round out the picture, he is an artist, >>pianist, woodworker, graphic designer, book producer (worked in publishing), >>and brochure/ invitation/ newsletter producer. >> >>Together we have hosted several crewbies when they've come to NYC. We also >>went to the Florida Aldacon, the D.C. NF Foundation meeting, and Marie's ANA >>shindig in Pittsburgh so a number of you have met him. >> >>I'm happy to have him join us. >> >>Barbara B., NYC >> >> > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 26, 1999 Report Share Posted October 26, 1999 Welcome aboard . You're going to like our BIG family.. a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 26, 1999 Report Share Posted October 26, 1999 Welcome aboard . You're going to like our BIG family.. a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 30, 2000 Report Share Posted July 30, 2000 In a message dated 00-07-30 08:27:12 EDT, you write: << At the beginning I was put on gucotrol and glucophage and was doing quite well but 6 months later they stopped working and I was switched to insulin. I was trying to avoid carbs for the most part but my doctor was against it, so I started eating some 50 g of carbs a meal. I don't know what to do because my numbers are quite high normally between 200 - 400 and is like a roller coaster, since I started the insulin I have gain more than 30 lb. now I'm overweight by 25 pounds. >> Marcos, you were doing right by cutting back on carbs. If you haven't already, get a copy of " Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solutions " by Bernstein, M.D. and read it through. Your local library might have it...and if they don't, Amazon does. Then try to get your doctor to read it. It might help. Anyway, it will give you the best information and background on low carbing as a way to control your diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that is best controlled by the patient. Your doc isn't doing you any favors by making you dependent on him. It's your body -- you need to make those decisions. (Bernstein also has an excellent website and we have a direct link to it from our own website, address at the bottom of this post). Good luck! Vicki Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 30, 2000 Report Share Posted July 30, 2000 Vicky: Thank you for your reply, I will go to Dr. Bernstein website right now. Marcos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2000 Report Share Posted August 2, 2000 Marcos wrote: << At the beginning I was put on Glucotrol and glucophage and was doing quite well but 6 months later they stopped working and I was switched to insulin. >> You were " doing quite well " because one of the pills you was overdriving a worn-out pancreas. It is like living on credit cards ... things seem great for awhile, but eventually you must pay the piper. Your doctor prescribed an old-fashioned pill, Glucotrol, which is a sulfonylurea, even though there were newer, safer pills available at the time of your diagnosis. And now that you are essentially an " induced type 1, " the doctor doesn't want you to limit carbohydrate intake, which is likely making good control more harder. It is also possible that you were actually a type 1 to begin with - in which case your doctor should have placed you on insulin immediately and not waited until your pancreas quit. You can have a C-peptide test to see if you have any remaining beta cells functioning. << I don't know what to do because my numbers are quite high normally between 200 - 400 and is like a roller coaster, since I started the insulin I have gain more than 30 lb. now I'm overweight by 25 pounds. >> Tell us your insulin regimen. Maybe we can put our heads together and come up with a dosing schedule that gives you better control. You must bring your readings closer to 100 in order to enjoy good health and a reasonable expectation of avoiding complications. Weight loss will help your insulin resistance greatly. If you feel hypo-y, don't " feed the hypo. " Instead, take three glucose tablets and wait. (If you are having a severe hypo, you will need a glucagon injection.) Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 3, 2000 Report Share Posted August 3, 2000 Hmmmm, Marcos. You are doing that R / N insulin thing, just like I wrote to Carolyn Kaminski about. As I told her, your R doesn't peak until 3-4 hours after taking it, so it seems to me that you really should be injecting approx. 1-1/2 hours prior to each meal. (Your glucose will tend to peak 1-1/2 to 2 hours following a meal, and you want your insulin to match the peak.) Another thing is you, like Carolyn, are testing prior to the meal and injecting R according to that reading. But unless you carefully estimate the carbohydrate grams in each meal and essentially eat the same each breakfast, each lunch, and each dinner, you won't be able to match your R insulin doses to your food intake. Like Carolyn, your insulin regimen would seem to cause you to spike-and-hypo, spike-and-hypo. Your N peaks at 4-8 hours. Since you are injecting nearly as much at dinner (28 units) as you are at breakfast (32 units), I would think you face a danger of overnight hypos. Humalog peaks at 1-2 hours, and wears out at 5 hours; L peaks at 8-14 hours, and wears out at 25. Unless a diabetic matches carbohydrate grams about to be eaten (or just having eaten) to insulin units, I don't see how tight control is possible. And if a diabetic injects R at about the time of the meal, it is going to kick in approx. an hour and a half too late. And if a diabetic injects R 1-1/2 hours prior to a meal, and bases it on the pre-meal reading rather than the carb grams you are about to eat, I don't see a close matchup occurring very often. Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2000 Report Share Posted August 6, 2000 >Also, just how big a wanker are we >talking about here??? = ) LOL!!! Whose wanker are we talking about? LOL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2000 Report Share Posted August 7, 2000 Debbie Ames wrote: << ... I think what bothered me most there was that a nonsense thread could go on for double- and triple-digit posts, while posts on diabetic subjects got so few ... >> Me too, Debbie! There's still plenty of diabetes info to share, but I guess either the folks in that ng didn't want to bother to do the research, or they were afraid the crabby-heads over there would criticize everything they put forth. I always felt like my MHD posts would be trashed by the Thought Police. Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2000 Report Share Posted August 18, 2000 Hi, Roseann, welcome to the list. Sorry you had to join us but you'll find lots of help and support here. There are a lot of knowledgeable and friendly people on this list. This list is particularly focused on low-carbing. Most (but not all) of the people here advocate low carb eating and the amount of carbs you're eating are much higher than most of us. Carbs convert to sugar which will make your BGs go up. Do you have a meter? If not, rush out and get one then start regular testing - once when you get up in the morning, then an hour and two hours after eating each meal. Write everything down. Pretty soon you'll see what foods make your BGs go up. Generally speaking, it pays to stay away from the " whites " -- breads, pasta, cereals, rice, etc. An excellent book is " Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solutions " by Bernstein, M.D.For my money it's the best general all-purpose book about diabetes. You might also want to check out his website. At the bottom of this post is the website of this list which has links to his site and many other useful ones too. Also, are you exercising? If you're not, you need to start that too. Find something you don't find too odious - because this is a permanent, not a temporary situation. I go to the gym three days a week and walk in the neighborhood the other four. I also listen to books on tape while exercising -- this makes exercise time fly. And drink plenty of water -- two quarts a day are just right. (I carry a water bottle with me at all times and take a swig or two at a time). The closer to 100 you can get your BG, the better for avoidance of long-term complications. And it is possible. I'm sure others will have input too. Take care. Vicki In a message dated 00-08-18 00:51:09 EDT, you write: << My morning fasting test is usually between 122-135. My post two hour dinner test is around 150-161. A late evening test is lower 98-111. I hope this regimen of Glucophage and 225 carb is working the way it should? I'm hoping the levels will go lower with weight loss? >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 18, 2000 Report Share Posted August 18, 2000 wrote: << With respect to the HDL, I am now taking 40 mg. of Pravachol daily. It seems that you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. >> Amen to that, ! It continues to stupefy us what a tricky disease this is to manage ... how many organs can be affected by it ... and how little is actually known in the medical community that could help us. Thank heavens for the internet and groups like this! << I have been taking Zocor for 5 years to address my LDL of 165, and now that it's 89, I stop taking it in order to do the Pravochol. Do you suppose that lower carbs could help the HDL? ) >> That is what usually happens, . When I lowered my carb intake, my triglycerides dropped from 650 to 170, my HDL climbed to approx. 60, and my LDL dropped from the 250-range to safe territory. In fact, all my blood test results normalized with the change in diet. What we believe is that the diabetes is the 800-pound gorilla that causes many other health problems. Once we normalize our glucose readings, our bodies no longer behave as if they are diabetic. We become " normal. " Even my liver function normalized. << I fail to understand the fixation on the low carbohydrate approach. I was diabetic before Bernstein even wrote his book, and have done quite well without his guidance. I don't strictly adhere to the ADA Pyramid plan all the time. There are times that I reduce my carbohydrate intake if my BG reading get a bit high. I also have two copies of the " Glucose Revolution " which I consult frequently. I suppose I'm more concerned with overall nutrition with my Way-Of-Eating than I am with carbohydrate counts. I am not convinced that the proteins and fats that many people use to supplant carbohydrates in their diets are all that healthy for many people -- me included. I don't have papers to peddle for one approach or the other. My recitation is only of my personal experiences in determining my own Way-Of-Eating. I have never, however, covered over carbohydrate intake with insulin. I always match my food intake to my insulin intake, and if one gets cut back, it's the food and not the insulin, and vice versa. My insulin intake is 92 units per day, which is not bad for a Type 2. >> , you were diagnosed 20 years ago. I imagine you followed the normal course, which was that your doctor prescribed a sulfonylurea, and kept increasing the dosage until your pancreas died, and then you switched to insulin. Or maybe your did insulin and sulfs for a number of years. Now, with newer meds and better testing procedures available, many of us are trying to keep our HbA1c's below 6.0, and to get by without using sulfs and/or insulin. Our attitudes are based on our own experiences. Diabetes can kill us, so we tend to pretty much get a death-grip on whatever treatment program we arrived at by lots of worry and bloodletting. There's room for all viewpoints in this group ... as long as what you are doing works. That is what is of paramount importance. We are like a big family here ... all we want is for each one of us to enjoy the best health and the most fulfilling lives we can. The reason that we fixate on carbohydrates is that carbohydrates are the problem. Anyone experimenting with high-carb/low-carb meals and testing afterwards knows that. We feel we have evolved an eating style that is balanced and nutritious. We eat our foods as " natural " as possible ... raw veggies rather than cooked ... or maybe steamed a little. We concentrate on the " good fats " found in fish, olives, guacamole, etc. We get plenty of fiber by grinding flaxseed and/or adding psyllium husk to our foods. We pay attention to supplements to make sure we are getting enough E, B-complex, calcium, etc. And we try to avoid the " white stuff " ... the highly-processed grains which represent the worst glucose-spikers for most of us. Our blood test results indicate we are much healthier following this eating style. Are blood test results bogus? Susie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 10, 2003 Report Share Posted April 10, 2003 Hi , I also am hypoglycemic. Dr. Weil--drweil.com--suggests the best way to control blood sugar is to get a complete list of the glycemic indexes of foods and eat those foods with a lower glycemic index. Even foods that we think of as good for us can have a high glycemic index--potatoes and even those ever-popular, ever-delicious (kidding) rice cakes. Watching glycemic indexes is also an effective way to lose weight--it's works for me. New Member > Hi, > > I just found out I have hypothyroidism.... my test came back at 6.18 > which from what I have seen is mild hypothyroid. I also have been > diagnosed with hypoglycemia... I don't know anything about either of > these, so I'll probably sound stupid asking questions... > > I have so many questions I don't even know where to start! I guess > for now, does anyone have suggestions for diet? Like should I have > carbs and protein balanced or have more protein than carbs? > > Sounds funny with the timing, but I will be out of town this weekend > so that's why I'm not responding... > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 11, 2003 Report Share Posted April 11, 2003 No soy, for sure. I believe the calcium and calcium products should be separated by 4 hours from your thyroid med. There are many other things, but I've been hypo for 9 yrs now and STILL get confused on this food issue. marin@... New Member Hi,I just found out I have hypothyroidism.... my test came back at 6.18 which from what I have seen is mild hypothyroid. I also have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia... I don't know anything about either of these, so I'll probably sound stupid asking questions...I have so many questions I don't even know where to start! I guess for now, does anyone have suggestions for diet? Like should I have carbs and protein balanced or have more protein than carbs? Sounds funny with the timing, but I will be out of town this weekend so that's why I'm not responding... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Hi Deborah, Welcome.... If you swallow the med on an empty stomach you get better absorption that if there is food in there. If you have food in your tummy the pill (or piece of a pill if you multi- dose) could get caught up in the bulk of the food. Either way if your intestines arent' working quite right you aren't going to be absorbing nutrients or meds very well there. If you take it sublingually, under your tongue, you know that as it slowly dissolves (usually 30 to 60 minutes) it's going directly into your blood stream, it's not getting caught up with food bulk in the stomach. Combining with components in the stomach or gut, or skipping through the intestine intact. Swallowing a tab can reduce absorption by as much as 50 to 70 percent.... that can be compensated for by taking more med to get the blood levels where they should be and monitoring your symptoms... but that still won't make up for the variable dose.... I've been going sublingual since I first heard about it more than a year ago. As far as I'm concerned it's the only way to medicate with the glandulars like Natural Thyroid (like Armour) and with Natural Adrenals (I use a whole desiccated Adrenal gland supplement). I read this morning that they are also recommending taking DHEA sublingually and that by doing so you need only take half as much.... Again. I prefer knowing that my dose will be consistent and not dependant on what I'm eating.... AND I really like the concept of being able to reduce my dose while still enjoying the same benefits. So... A bit about me for you and all the other new folks that have stopped by the last few weeks.... My name is , I usually go by my screen name, Topper and sometimes my newer screen name ThyroGeek. I'm 46 years old and after having gone through thyroid storm in the late 80s I had RAI and then became Hypo, the gland had been destroyed completely. I was on Synthroid after that, unless I was without insurance - then I was on no meds. In July of '02, after 3 years with little or no meds I started self-medicating with a Natural thyroid product from a company here in the states (www.nutri-meds.com) I was astounded by the difference, I felt so much better on the natural thyroid verses how I'd done in over a decade using Synthroid.... over time I gradually increased my dosage and then started adding the adrenal glandular (also from Nutri-Meds) and shortly after that started adding DHEA. I multi-dose everything. My thyroid, adrenal, DHEA, Vitamin C, multi-vitamins/minerals, selenium.... and the last two months I've also started doing mini-meals.... instead of eating only once or twice a day to maintain weight I'm now eating anywhere from 5 to 7 times a day... and losing weight.... Topper () Proud co-owner of:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Thyroid_Support_Group/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TTSG_Cafe/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Overcoming_TD_Metabolism/ On Wed, 26 Nov 2003 13:08:40 -0500 " son" writes: Hello to all, I am new to the group and thought I would introduce myself and ask a few questions. My name is Deborah and I have just diagnosed myself with hypothyroidism. The symptoms started a year ago last Oct. I started experiencing weight gain, even though I was exercising 5-6 days per week, my body temps were in the 95-96 degree range, I was extremely tired, irritable, couldn't concentrate, etc. I went to a "thyroid doc" whose name I got off Shomon's website and he decided not to treat me because treatment had gone beyond treating the thyroid to treating the adrenals. He had me take adrenal supplements. I did that for 3-4 months with little success. All the while feeling worse and worse. About that same time we moved across the country, I know, not a good idea. Even though I had read a little about hypothyroidism I really had no idea that it could be that serious. Since getting here I have really crashed. I guess the good news is that I have found a GP who is willing to listen to me, read articles I bring in and who has put me on Armour. I have only been on it 3 weeks. She started me at 30mg. and I am raising it 30mg. every two weeks. She seems fine with that. I have her reading an article about adrenal exhaustion and getting a saliva test to see what is going on there. My test results are as follows: TSH 2.5; Free T4 1.07 (range .71 - 1.85); Free T3 334 (range 230 -420). I have read ya'll talking about taking it sublingually. Why is that so much better than swallowing it? Also, the paper work that came with my script says to take it on an empty stomach. But I read an article by Dr. Mercola that suggests that is not necessary. What is the general opinion on that? I think I pretty much under multi-dosing. It makes sense to keep a constant supply in the bloodstream. I suppose that is enough for now. Any comments or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks, Deborah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Topper, I am a little concerned about taking any adrenal supplement without the saliva test. Also, the article that sent in about he adrenals that talked about DHEA made me really worried to take that without testing. What do you think? Deborah Re: New Member Hi Deborah, Welcome.... If you swallow the med on an empty stomach you get better absorption that if there is food in there. If you have food in your tummy the pill (or piece of a pill if you multi- dose) could get caught up in the bulk of the food. Either way if your intestines arent' working quite right you aren't going to be absorbing nutrients or meds very well there. If you take it sublingually, under your tongue, you know that as it slowly dissolves (usually 30 to 60 minutes) it's going directly into your blood stream, it's not getting caught up with food bulk in the stomach. Combining with components in the stomach or gut, or skipping through the intestine intact. Swallowing a tab can reduce absorption by as much as 50 to 70 percent.... that can be compensated for by taking more med to get the blood levels where they should be and monitoring your symptoms... but that still won't make up for the variable dose.... I've been going sublingual since I first heard about it more than a year ago. As far as I'm concerned it's the only way to medicate with the glandulars like Natural Thyroid (like Armour) and with Natural Adrenals (I use a whole desiccated Adrenal gland supplement). I read this morning that they are also recommending taking DHEA sublingually and that by doing so you need only take half as much.... Again. I prefer knowing that my dose will be consistent and not dependant on what I'm eating.... AND I really like the concept of being able to reduce my dose while still enjoying the same benefits. So... A bit about me for you and all the other new folks that have stopped by the last few weeks.... My name is , I usually go by my screen name, Topper and sometimes my newer screen name ThyroGeek. I'm 46 years old and after having gone through thyroid storm in the late 80s I had RAI and then became Hypo, the gland had been destroyed completely. I was on Synthroid after that, unless I was without insurance - then I was on no meds. In July of '02, after 3 years with little or no meds I started self-medicating with a Natural thyroid product from a company here in the states (www.nutri-meds.com) I was astounded by the difference, I felt so much better on the natural thyroid verses how I'd done in over a decade using Synthroid.... over time I gradually increased my dosage and then started adding the adrenal glandular (also from Nutri-Meds) and shortly after that started adding DHEA. I multi-dose everything. My thyroid, adrenal, DHEA, Vitamin C, multi-vitamins/minerals, selenium.... and the last two months I've also started doing mini-meals.... instead of eating only once or twice a day to maintain weight I'm now eating anywhere from 5 to 7 times a day... and losing weight.... Topper () Proud co-owner of:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Thyroid_Support_Group/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TTSG_Cafe/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Overcoming_TD_Metabolism/ On Wed, 26 Nov 2003 13:08:40 -0500 " son" writes: Hello to all, I am new to the group and thought I would introduce myself and ask a few questions. My name is Deborah and I have just diagnosed myself with hypothyroidism. The symptoms started a year ago last Oct. I started experiencing weight gain, even though I was exercising 5-6 days per week, my body temps were in the 95-96 degree range, I was extremely tired, irritable, couldn't concentrate, etc. I went to a "thyroid doc" whose name I got off Shomon's website and he decided not to treat me because treatment had gone beyond treating the thyroid to treating the adrenals. He had me take adrenal supplements. I did that for 3-4 months with little success. All the while feeling worse and worse. About that same time we moved across the country, I know, not a good idea. Even though I had read a little about hypothyroidism I really had no idea that it could be that serious. Since getting here I have really crashed. I guess the good news is that I have found a GP who is willing to listen to me, read articles I bring in and who has put me on Armour. I have only been on it 3 weeks. She started me at 30mg. and I am raising it 30mg. every two weeks. She seems fine with that. I have her reading an article about adrenal exhaustion and getting a saliva test to see what is going on there. My test results are as follows: TSH 2.5; Free T4 1.07 (range .71 - 1.85); Free T3 334 (range 230 -420). I have read ya'll talking about taking it sublingually. Why is that so much better than swallowing it? Also, the paper work that came with my script says to take it on an empty stomach. But I read an article by Dr. Mercola that suggests that is not necessary. What is the general opinion on that? I think I pretty much under multi-dosing. It makes sense to keep a constant supply in the bloodstream. I suppose that is enough for now. Any comments or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks, Deborah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Hi Deborah If you had those tests just in the last few days, immagine what your #s would have looked like several weeks ago. Armour dosing should be in at least two separate doses because of the fast effects of the T3 and also the fact that it has a direct short-lived effect. I read in several places that it "lives" approximately 9 or so hrs. The T4 in it is a steady-state thing. In my opinion, you couldn't be getting better thyroid treatment. Going by the way that you feel is the best way to dose, and you were very smart and fortunate to recognize your problem right away and find a good doctor. Most of us have all kinds of damage before we know what's truly going on there. I made the switch to Armour less than 3 months ago, after being on synthetic T4 for the last 10 or so yrs and feeling horrible all the time. When it comes to the adrenal treatment, your first instincts were probably right, but it takes around two yrs to completely "rest" worn out adrenals. If you are in adrenal exhaustion, that HAS to be worked on, since the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid-adrenal axis is so intimately associated. New Member Hello to all, I am new to the group and thought I would introduce myself and ask a few questions. My name is Deborah and I have just diagnosed myself with hypothyroidism. The symptoms started a year ago last Oct. I started experiencing weight gain, even though I was exercising 5-6 days per week, my body temps were in the 95-96 degree range, I was extremely tired, irritable, couldn't concentrate, etc. I went to a "thyroid doc" whose name I got off Shomon's website and he decided not to treat me because treatment had gone beyond treating the thyroid to treating the adrenals. He had me take adrenal supplements. I did that for 3-4 months with little success. All the while feeling worse and worse. About that same time we moved across the country, I know, not a good idea. Even though I had read a little about hypothyroidism I really had no idea that it could be that serious. Since getting here I have really crashed. I guess the good news is that I have found a GP who is willing to listen to me, read articles I bring in and who has put me on Armour. I have only been on it 3 weeks. She started me at 30mg. and I am raising it 30mg. every two weeks. She seems fine with that. I have her reading an article about adrenal exhaustion and getting a saliva test to see what is going on there. My test results are as follows: TSH 2.5; Free T4 1.07 (range .71 - 1.85); Free T3 334 (range 230 -420). I have read ya'll talking about taking it sublingually. Why is that so much better than swallowing it? Also, the paper work that came with my script says to take it on an empty stomach. But I read an article by Dr. Mercola that suggests that is not necessary. What is the general opinion on that? I think I pretty much under multi-dosing. It makes sense to keep a constant supply in the bloodstream. I suppose that is enough for now. Any comments or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks, Deborah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Deborah... I made a judgement call on my own.... I've found out with all my research and the information shared in the groups that all the years that I was on Synthroid I was under dosed. Since my thyroid was killed by the RAI I don't produce any of my own.. they've actually got a formulae for a rough figure for the amount needed for someone with no gland that is based on body weight. I've also learned that I'm an extremely poor converter AND I went several years without meds. With that base/background and the symptoms that I showed of adrenal fatigue... I was sure, beyond doubt, that it was my case. I had been on the adrenal supplement for about 3 months when I added the DHEA. About 2 months or so after that I started growing back the leg hair that had been missing for almost 4 years. I definitely do NOT recommend that anyone self medicate. I chose to because I have no insurance and, well, lets just say that I'm financially crippled. There have been times when I had to chose between buying food or meds for the month. When I have money or insurance again and can get in to be tested.. I'll be getting everything checked to see where I stand. Right now I rely totally on observation of symptoms and basals to determine how I'm doing. Not the ideal situation. But the alternative would be no medication at all.... I did that for three years..... Lets just say that if the home intruder would have showed up with the shot gun... I'd have grabbed the barrel and put it to my chest saying 'go for it'. Now, with how much better I'm doing... I don't know what I'll do about a doc... After all the docs that I've seen in the past that never gave squat concern over how I felt ..... I do it better on my own. I wouldn't be at all surprised if I were to go in for the tests and then continue to self treat. Topper () On Wed, 26 Nov 2003 14:40:29 -0500 " son" writes: Topper, I am a little concerned about taking any adrenal supplement without the saliva test. Also, the article that sent in about he adrenals that talked about DHEA made me really worried to take that without testing. What do you think? Deborah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Hi , I read with great interest two of the articles you sent the group this morning. The adrenal one and the one on how to dose with Armour. I sent that one to my brother who is the trustee of my mother who has been on Synthroid for 40yrs. after having the radioactive iodine for hyperthyroid. I want him to get her switched to Armour right away. I had the tests about three weeks ago. I am not feeling much improvement yet. As I said I am upping my dose every two weeks and am starting on 90 mg today. I have read some literature another chat room friend sent me who is also hypothyroid that adults that have been abused before age 12 have basically shot endocrine systems. They also need higher does of meds. Dr. Derry from Canada is who has written some articles on Shomon's site and done alot of work in this area. He believes the minimum starting dose is 180 mg. Didn't think my doc would go for that so I thought slow is better than not at all. Deborah New Member Hello to all, I am new to the group and thought I would introduce myself and ask a few questions. My name is Deborah and I have just diagnosed myself with hypothyroidism. The symptoms started a year ago last Oct. I started experiencing weight gain, even though I was exercising 5-6 days per week, my body temps were in the 95-96 degree range, I was extremely tired, irritable, couldn't concentrate, etc. I went to a "thyroid doc" whose name I got off Shomon's website and he decided not to treat me because treatment had gone beyond treating the thyroid to treating the adrenals. He had me take adrenal supplements. I did that for 3-4 months with little success. All the while feeling worse and worse. About that same time we moved across the country, I know, not a good idea. Even though I had read a little about hypothyroidism I really had no idea that it could be that serious. Since getting here I have really crashed. I guess the good news is that I have found a GP who is willing to listen to me, read articles I bring in and who has put me on Armour. I have only been on it 3 weeks. She started me at 30mg. and I am raising it 30mg. every two weeks. She seems fine with that. I have her reading an article about adrenal exhaustion and getting a saliva test to see what is going on there. My test results are as follows: TSH 2.5; Free T4 1.07 (range .71 - 1.85); Free T3 334 (range 230 -420). I have read ya'll talking about taking it sublingually. Why is that so much better than swallowing it? Also, the paper work that came with my script says to take it on an empty stomach. But I read an article by Dr. Mercola that suggests that is not necessary. What is the general opinion on that? I think I pretty much under multi-dosing. It makes sense to keep a constant supply in the bloodstream. I suppose that is enough for now. Any comments or suggestions would be helpful. Thanks, Deborah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Topper, Believe me I am not against self medicating when one is astute about their bodily functions. I have no love affair going with docs. Most are pretty stupid and uncaring when it comes to really listening to their patients. My doc seems to be an exception but we will see in the long run. What kind of adrenal support are you taking and how much? Deborah Re: New Member Deborah... I made a judgement call on my own.... I've found out with all my research and the information shared in the groups that all the years that I was on Synthroid I was under dosed. Since my thyroid was killed by the RAI I don't produce any of my own.. they've actually got a formulae for a rough figure for the amount needed for someone with no gland that is based on body weight. I've also learned that I'm an extremely poor converter AND I went several years without meds. With that base/background and the symptoms that I showed of adrenal fatigue... I was sure, beyond doubt, that it was my case. I had been on the adrenal supplement for about 3 months when I added the DHEA. About 2 months or so after that I started growing back the leg hair that had been missing for almost 4 years. I definitely do NOT recommend that anyone self medicate. I chose to because I have no insurance and, well, lets just say that I'm financially crippled. There have been times when I had to chose between buying food or meds for the month. When I have money or insurance again and can get in to be tested.. I'll be getting everything checked to see where I stand. Right now I rely totally on observation of symptoms and basals to determine how I'm doing. Not the ideal situation. But the alternative would be no medication at all.... I did that for three years..... Lets just say that if the home intruder would have showed up with the shot gun... I'd have grabbed the barrel and put it to my chest saying 'go for it'. Now, with how much better I'm doing... I don't know what I'll do about a doc... After all the docs that I've seen in the past that never gave squat concern over how I felt ..... I do it better on my own. I wouldn't be at all surprised if I were to go in for the tests and then continue to self treat. Topper () On Wed, 26 Nov 2003 14:40:29 -0500 " son" writes: Topper, I am a little concerned about taking any adrenal supplement without the saliva test. Also, the article that sent in about he adrenals that talked about DHEA made me really worried to take that without testing. What do you think? Deborah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Deborah, I'm taking Whole Raw Desiccated Bovine Adrenal.. from Nutri-Meds. I split the tabs into quarters (they are two grain tabs) and just recently reduced to four quarter tabs per day, down from five. I was doing very well, but my stash is running low and I want to stretch it.... it's gonna depend on how I do with less and if I can pull in some money to get more. Same with the DHEA. I was on four quarter tabs a day and cut to three... now I'll be cutting to two and do them sublingually... that will make them go twice as far! Topper () On Wed, 26 Nov 2003 17:19:09 -0500 " son" writes: Topper, Believe me I am not against self medicating when one is astute about their bodily functions. I have no love affair going with docs. Most are pretty stupid and uncaring when it comes to really listening to their patients. My doc seems to be an exception but we will see in the long run. What kind of adrenal support are you taking and how much? Deborah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 I think you're being wise in starting slowly because if you do have an adrenal problem, it would add to the situation. Also, when you're starting with a walloping dose of T3, I would say that it could make you feel worse starting so much so quickly. It's been almost 3 months since I started, and I'm STILL working with the dosage. I think that it's screwed up adrenals that does this, so that you are more sensitive to everything. I'm not saying that you won't end up being on a large dose, but my personal opinion is that it's unsafe to start out with that large dose, especially if you're older or have any heart problems. Re: New Member Hi , I read with great interest two of the articles you sent the group this morning. The adrenal one and the one on how to dose with Armour. I sent that one to my brother who is the trustee of my mother who has been on Synthroid for 40yrs. after having the radioactive iodine for hyperthyroid. I want him to get her switched to Armour right away. I had the tests about three weeks ago. I am not feeling much improvement yet. As I said I am upping my dose every two weeks and am starting on 90 mg today. I have read some literature another chat room friend sent me who is also hypothyroid that adults that have been abused before age 12 have basically shot endocrine systems. They also need higher does of meds. Dr. Derry from Canada is who has written some articles on Shomon's site and done alot of work in this area. He believes the minimum starting dose is 180 mg. Didn't think my doc would go for that so I thought slow is better than not at all. Deborah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2004 Report Share Posted July 22, 2004 Hi Dawn and welcome to the group. Kay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2008 Report Share Posted June 3, 2008 Yes they do. I had my labs abotu that high when it dawned on my there MUST be something causeing resistance. Most the labs I have seen if the T4 starts going over 1.4 there is usually high RT3. -- Artistic Grooming- Hurricane WV http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/ http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalThyroidHormonesADRENALS/ http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/RT3_T3/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Beth, I can't be positive what I had first, bronch or MAC. The MAC (or MAI) is something we all breathe, but most people do not have problems from it. Also, not everyone needs to be treated for MAC if it is not causing problems. I can't say for sure if I had bronch first or MAC since the sputum culture I had in 1992 (when I was first diagnosed with bronch) was a total joke. I was an inpatient at a hospital and when I gave them a specimen, they let it sit in an open container all day in a hot hospital room. At that time I had no idea what the procedure for testing was and did not have another culture until around 2003. Stay informed and it will help you deal with the bronch and MAC. I have found this group a great source of information. Take care. Jan in St. Louis Missouri Hello I have recently been diagnosed with this problem and am keen for the support of a group. Can someone please confirm that this group originates in Australia. Thank you. Can someone also assist with with some ideas on the following My problem seems to be caused by MAC. Does someone else have this and if so, what specific problems has this caused. I am experiencing considerable hair loss and this is causing me more distress that the bronchiectasis. Has anyone else had this problem and if so, how have they dealt with it? Is having hot flushes and sweating a feature of this problem or is it solely menopausal. Thanks Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 23, 2008 Report Share Posted August 23, 2008 Hi Beth, You sent me a note earlier, I was away the last 10 days and did not have my computer. Sorry I didn’t get back with you sooner. You asked if I had any advice surviving this disease, etc. I have had the disease for over 30 years. I would have to say I did not let it phase me (even though I missed half my high school years, I had to leave college 4 or 5 times, I had a lung removed due to the disease, I suffered infertility, had a still born son, I still graduated college, graduated cum laude graduate school, progressed as high as a CPA can in her career), I just rolled with everything until about 5 years ago, when it interfered with my career, and I had to quit working. Then for the first time in my life I fell into a deep depression and felt sorry for myself. I really started studying the disease at this point and learned that in addition to many of the other symptoms we suffer, depression is a common one also. My biggest advice to you Beth is, if you don’t exercise, please start. Start by walking and try and work up to jogging. If you are able to exercise 3 times a week, I will promise you, no matter how severe your disease is, you won’t have as many infections and symptoms. I have a severe case of the disease, and have had pneumonia for over 18 months. I still try and jog every day, and I believe this is what gets me by. I know it is probably very shocking and depressing for you right now, but over time you will become used to it. I guess because I have had it for so long I don’t really know of any other way. If you follow your doctors orders, exercise, and also very important, cough up the junk from your lungs daily, hopefully it won’t interfere tremendously for a few years. Hang in there…I don’t know if I was much help, it has just been a tough few years for me. But this is after 30 some years with the disease, so hopefully you are not near where I am. If I can answer any more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Good luck, Janine PEndley From: bronchiectasis [mailto:bronchiectasis ] On Behalf Of Beth Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 1:07 AM To: bronchiectasis Subject: Re: New member Hi Jan Your comments on the Bronch and MAC are interesting because I have been told by my respiratory physician that the MAC caused the bronch. He describes it as a non infectious cousin of TB. I'm not on any medication for it other than one puff of Alvesco daily which is really to address the possibility that I have asthma as well (that one's not clear). I can't relate the hair loss to anything specific. I had pneumonia last year and an infection. The infection did not clear until March this year. I noticed hair thinning in January. It's still falling out and I'm terribly worried about it. I am due to see a dermatologist as well as a tricologist - I'll try anything at this point. Would be pleased to hear of others with a similar problem and how this resolved itself. Thanks Beth Re: New member Hi Beth, I was diagnosed with bronch in 1992. I am 58 years old and I also had (Yea! I can say had now and not have!) MAC. My last sputum culture in June came up negative so hopefully I will be off my 3 meds by the end of December of this year. MAC will cause night sweats which I did experience before going on the medication, but haven't had any for a few years now. Another symptom I had was fatigue and also had pneumonia a few times. I'm not sure about the hair loss, but I had told my pulmonary physician when I first started on the meds, that I thought they were making my hair fall out. The dermotologist could not find anything wrong. It seemed the more he increased the dosage, the more my hair fell out. I guess I won't find out if that is the cause until after the first of next year. If anyone in this group has any remedies for growing hair besides " Rogaine, " let me know. Jan in St. Louis, Missouri Beth <neddieboyyahoo (DOT) com> wrote: Hello I have recently been diagnosed with this problem and am keen for the support of a group. Can someone please confirm that this group originates in Australia. Thank you. Can someone also assist with with some ideas on the following My problem seems to be caused by MAC. Does someone else have this and if so, what specific problems has this caused. I am experiencing considerable hair loss and this is causing me more distress that the bronchiectasis. Has anyone else had this problem and if so, how have they dealt with it? Is having hot flushes and sweating a feature of this problem or is it solely menopausal. Thanks Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.