hello again

[Guest guest]

REbecca -

I'm so glad you are home!!

I have to wear my brace for 8 months - and so I guess it's about 6

1/2 more months. I posted some pics on this site a few weeks ago. I

don't have a before picture - I will get it at my 3 month appt. in 6

weeks and then post it. I can't believe the difference!!!! There

are some X ray pics in there for you to see - just not the before.

I can get in the pool now - so my Physical therapist will work with

me in our pool starting this week. My doctor is very conservative

and really wants my hips still as long as possible - so that is why I

am wearing the leg cuff. I am still in the hospital bed in my living

room and homebound most of the time except for doc. appt. and the

occasional get out to get a shake or something - but I am doing

well! I am still on pain meds (obviously) but the pain is more

bearable than it was. I can't believe how my muscles tightned and

shortened while I was flatback!! I mean my legs are soooo tight

especially my hip flexors and sides of my calves. I was pretty

limber even before this surgery - but MAN - everything just is tight

and hurts when we stretch it some with P.T. My muscles just hurt.

Also walking around in the brace makes me hurt and be sore and

ache!! It's very confining and restictricting and makes my arms fall

asleep and my leg that doesn't have the leg cuff - just hurts because

I am putting more pressure and weight on it when I walk. I have two

bone growth stimulators that I wear also -

I have a Home Health CNA who comes to my house 4 hours a day - 5 days

a week to clean my house, help me with whatever I need, meal prep.

laundry etc. THAT is the only way I could make it right now -

because not being able to bend, twist, lift over 5 pounds, squat, etc

would really drive me crazy if I had to worry about a dirty house and

laundry etc. I follow docs order much better with help!!

Take it slow!!

Hang in there!!

Debbie

> >

> > Jill,

> > Any time you have lost some of either your upper arch or your

> lower

> > arch in your back - it throws you off balance and then you

> > have " flat back " . Your body was designed to have your body in

> > allignment - with your head directly over your shoulders - your

> > shoulders over your hips....and when you stand you should

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Rosie,

I am sorry to hear you are feeling so lousy. I can sympathise!

I am no expert but it sounds like you are not converting properly, so your body

is not

utilising the T4 you are giving it. This could be because of adrenal fatigue

which would

need to be addressed. Or maybe your T4 needs to be supplemented with T3? Have

you

tried Armour? It has both as well as T2 and T1.

But adrenal fatigue would also make you feel tired on top of the unutilised T4.

I have also

read that T4 alone isn't always the choice treatment for everyone. So if you

feel so rotten

you might want to discuss this with you GP if he/she is treating you or go see

Dr P or Dr

Skinner and see if they can get you on track?

I hope I am not telling you something you already know as I am fairly new here!

Callista x

>

> I used to post here a while back, before it got hijacked, and now I've

> only just got round to rejoining. So, hello.

>

> Unfortunately I still feel lousy. I've been on 100ug thyroxine for

> about five months and apart from some improvement in my mental

> faculties, I feel no better. I still have this debilitating fatigue.

> I spend my whole life asleep or longing to be.

>

> At some point I would like to post my numbers and ask for advice, but

> not tonight as I am tired & wanna go to bed :-) So for now it's just

> waving hello & wondering what's new round these parts.

>

> Rosie

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Rosie

I would ask your GP to give you a copy of your last thyroid function tests. These should be TS, Free T4 and hopefully, Free T3 as well. Also have you had your Ferritin tested (stored iron) to see whether this is low., Many hypothyroids test low and they cannot feel any benefit taking thyroxine until they have gone on a course of elemental iron, something like 200 mgs Ferrous Sulphate. It is amazing the difference this makes.

Luv - Sheila

Unfortunately I still feel lousy. I've been on 100ug thyroxine for about five months and apart from some improvement in my mental faculties, I feel no better. I still have this debilitating fatigue. I spend my whole life asleep or longing to be.At some point I would like to post my numbers and ask for advice, but not tonight as I am tired & wanna go to bed :-) So for now it's just waving hello & wondering what's new round these parts.Rosie

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.30/1126 - Release Date: 12/11/2007 12:56

[Guest guest]

Hi Rosie,

Welcome back to a saner space! I await your tests with interest,

but they don't always tell the whole story and there are many folk around

who take larger doses of T4 that you.

At some point I would like to post my numbers and ask for advice, but

not tonight as I am tired & wanna go to bed :-) So for now it's just

waving hello & wondering what's new round these parts.

Rosie

Messages are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always

consult with a suitably qualified practitioner before changing medication.

[Guest guest]

Right, I've got my latest bloodwork here. Not sure how to format it,

so apologies if it's screwy.

Reference ranges are thusly:

fT4 8 - 22 pmol/L

fT3 2.5 - 5.3 pmol/L

TSH 0.3 - 5.5 mU/L

a.m. cortisol 220 - 770

Calcium 2.1 - 2.7 mmol/L

So the most recent results are:

fT4 17.09

fT3 4.55

TSH <0.01

Cortisol (about 11am) 197

Calcium 1.92

Plenty of other tests were done at the same time and most were fine,

including lipids and HbA1c, so I haven't bothered to post all the

figures here. I was fasting and had not taken my meds that morning.

So the dr - for the second time - is saying that he wants to keep my

thyroxine dose of 100ug unchanged. But I feel awful. Apart from a

slight improvement in my mental faculties, I don't feel any better

(that I can remember, anyway) than I was before I began thyroid

replacement. I can barely function, and the only reason I function

at all is that with two tinies I just have to.

Seems to me we are again in the territory of treating the numbers and

forgetting the patient.

Please can anybody help me find a way forward?

For reference, this is what my figures were when I started thyroxine:

fT4 10.1

fT3 3.54

TSH 1.69

There was no significant change even after I had been on 50ug for six

weeks, apart from the TSH dropping, obviously.

At some point I started taking Isocort.

After six weeks on 100ug, I was here:

fT4 19.1

fT3 4.68

TSH 0.012

Cortisol (about 11am) 204

This was the first time the dr said to keep the thyroxine dose the

same. But he did add 5mg hydrocortisone twice a week. Honestly, it

has not made me feel any better.

I don't know if it is significant, but after another four months or

so of 100ug thyroxine, my figures are slightly worse - lower fT4 &

fT3, and lower cortisol.

I got hold of Armour in half, one and two grain sizes, and a pill

cutter. I am more than willing to give it a try if it is sensible to

do so, and I found my dr from Thyroid UK's list of practitioners

willing to prescribe it, but for some reason he just wants to keep me

on thyroxine which is NOT making me feel well.

All advice gratefully received. I'm wondering if I should go and see

the sainted Dr P... it's not that I don't trust my current dr, more

that I can't carry on as I am, which is exactly what he wants me to

do.

Then again, maybe there *is* no way forward and I should just accept

it.

[Guest guest]

Hi Rosie,

Your blood test results look similar to mine, at least he is treating you so

there is a chance

that in the end you might get through to him. Mine keep ignoring the fact that

something is

wrong with my thyroid at all. Has your doctor said why he wants to keep you on

that

treatment? Have you told him how you feel and that you have not improved at all?

All you can

do with him is ask why I guess. And print that paper on armour where it says

some people

don't respond well to thyroxine. As you must know, a lot of people don't respond

well to

thyroxine. You are probably one of them. Ask for an explanation and see what he

has to say.

If he keeps waffling, then you can choose to do the transition to Armour, or go

see Dr P and

see what he recommends.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do and I would be interested to see what

you GP has

to say as to why he is keeping you on a treatment that doesn't work for you.

Callista x

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Not good, But there is headroom before you hit the top of the range, so

can you ask for a small increase 'to see if it helps'? This strategy can

work.

It is good that he recognises your stressed adrenals. Most docs won't do

this, so maybe it is worth persevering with him for a while, but you may

have to be very insistent.

Then if he refuses then ask for a trial of Armour.... and failing that Dr.

P.

for some reason he just wants to keep me

on thyroxine which is NOT making me feel well.

All advice gratefully received. I'm wondering if I should go and see

the sainted Dr P... it's not that I don't trust my current dr, more

that I can't carry on as I am, which is exactly what he wants me to

do.

Then again, maybe there *is* no way forward and I should just accept

it.

/

[Guest guest]

> Your blood test results look similar to mine, at least he is

> treating you so there is a chance that in the end you might get

> through to him. Mine keep ignoring the fact that something is

> wrong with my thyroid at all.

Whereabouts are you now in your quest? Do you feel anything

approaching well?

> Has your doctor said why he wants to keep you on that treatment?

> Have you told him how you feel and that you have not improved at

> all? All you can do with him is ask why I guess.

Yes, and yes. His latest letter said this:

" Recent blood tests... no gross abnormality other than a slightly low

calcium which might well be the cause of your muscle aches and pains,

and what appears to be a consistently low cortisol. ...Do 9 am

cortisol to be absolutely sure....concentrate on giving you

hydrocortisone replacement therapy. Thyroid function tests are

adequate... don't change the thyroid therapy at the moment "

He doesn't mention addressing the low calcium levels (which is not

the first time this has shown up - it's not a fluke).

> And print that paper on armour where it says some people

> don't respond well to thyroxine. As you must know, a lot of people

> don't respond well to thyroxine. You are probably one of them.

When you say some people don't respond well to thyroxine, what do you

mean? Do you mean that they just don't feel well, even if their

numbers look fine? Or that it won't even make their numbers good?

> Ask for an explanation and see what he has to say. If he keeps

> waffling, then you can choose to do the transition to Armour, or go

> see Dr P and see what he recommends.

ly I am nervous about switching to Armour without supervision.

I don't know enough about this stuff to feel competent. One of the

things I really like about this dr is that he monitors you closely...

kinda important when changing meds, yes?

> Good luck with whatever you decide to do and I would be interested

> to see what you GP has to say as to why he is keeping you on a

> treatment that doesn't work for you.

I think he has lost track of treating the patient rather than the

numbers. I went to see him after several months of giving the

latest changes time to settle down, he wanted to get blood results

before instigating any changes - perfectly reasonable - and having

got those results, wants to leave me as I am. I think he forgot the

reason why I went to see him... I feel awful.

What I have done is arranged for some more thyroid/adrenal saliva

testing from the Red Apple Clinic. I'll wait till I get the results

of those, and then attack it again. No point rushing into things

without all the facts I suppose. I've been ill so long, what's

another month?

Rosie

[Guest guest]

Sorry for jumping in here Rosie, but with your new tests you have arranged, have you asked for a Free T3 test to be done, and have you also asked them to check your Ferritin (stored iron). Many hypothyroids have a low Ferritin level, and if this is the case, no amount of thyroid hormones will work until you get your iron level built up . When Calista says that some people don't do well on thyroxine, what she means is that thyroxine is only one hormone (T4) and this hormone is 'ianctive'. It has to colnvert to the 'active' hormone T3 and T3 is the hormone that has to get into every single cell in your body so that it can function. This is why it is very important to get your Free T3 tested to see if you ARE converting. If you are not, your result will be low and will mean you need either some synthetic T3 to take with your thyroxine or you should be taking Armour Thyroid, USP as Armour contains all the natural thyroid hormones your body requires.

Luv - Sheila> > > Has your doctor said why he wants to keep you on that treatment? > > Have you told him how you feel and that you have not improved at > > all? All you can do with him is ask why I guess. > > Yes, and yes. His latest letter said this:> > "Recent blood tests... no gross abnormality other than a slightly low > calcium which might well be the cause of your muscle aches and pains, > and what appears to be a consistently low cortisol. ...Do 9 am > cortisol to be absolutely sure....concentrate on giving you > hydrocortisone replacement therapy. Thyroid function tests are > adequate... don't change the thyroid therapy at the moment"> > He doesn't mention addressing the low calcium levels (which is not > the first time this has shown up - it's not a fluke).> > > And print that paper on armour where it says some people > > don't respond well to thyroxine. As you must know, a lot of people > > don't respond well to thyroxine. You are probably one of them. > > When you say some people don't respond well to thyroxine, what do you > mean? Do you mean that they just don't feel well, even if their > numbers look fine? Or that it won't even make their numbers good?> > > Ask for an explanation and see what he has to say. If he keeps > > waffling, then you can choose to do the transition to Armour, or go > > see Dr P and see what he recommends.> > ly I am nervous about switching to Armour without supervision. > I don't know enough about this stuff to feel competent. One of the > things I really like about this dr is that he monitors you closely... > kinda important when changing meds, yes?> > > Good luck with whatever you decide to do and I would be interested > > to see what you GP has to say as to why he is keeping you on a > > treatment that doesn't work for you.> > I think he has lost track of treating the patient rather than the > numbers. I went to see him after several months of giving the > latest changes time to settle down, he wanted to get blood results > before instigating any changes - perfectly reasonable - and having > got those results, wants to leave me as I am. I think he forgot the > reason why I went to see him... I feel awful.> > What I have done is arranged for some more thyroid/adrenal saliva > testing from the Red Apple Clinic. I'll wait till I get the results > of those, and then attack it again. No point rushing into things > without all the facts I suppose. I've been ill so long, what's > another month?> > Rosie>

[Guest guest]

> Sorry for jumping in here Rosie,

Not at all, Sheila. I am desperate for guidance. How I wish someone

could say " Aha, I know what the problem is " .

> but with your new tests you have arranged, have you asked for a

> Free T3 test to be done,

Yes, it was 4.55 (ref 2.5 - 5.3). Or did you mean the saliva tests?

Yes, fT3 will be tested. In fact, I already did these saliva tests

earlier this year, when I had been on 25ug thyroxine for a couple of

weeks. On that occasion, the Red Apple Clinic told me I had low

cortisol and low T3.

> and have you also asked them to check your Ferritin (stored iron).

> Many hypothyroids have a low Ferritin level, and if this is the

> case, no amount of thyroid hormones will work until you get your

> iron level built up .

What is your preferred method of doing this, please?

I don't think my ferritin has been checked, no. The last bloods say

that my iron level is 12 (ref 9-30) which is actually an improvement

on last time, when it was 10. And on another page, it says that my

haemoglobin level is 13.2 (ref 12-15.4)

I've had two babies in the last five years and have been quite

anaemic at times. Please advise!!

> it is very important to get your Free T3 tested to see if

> you ARE converting. If you are not, your result will be low and will

> mean you need either some synthetic T3 to take with your thyroxine

> or you should be taking Armour Thyroid, USP as Armour contains all

> the natural thyroid hormones your body requires.

I'm ready and willing to try Armour - I have half, one and two grain

bottles in my medicine cabinet.

I think I must be converting, at least to some degree - blood tests

show that my fT3 has risen since I started thyroxine. But of course,

that doesn't necessarily reflect how much T3 is getting into the

cells.

If the T3 isn't getting in to the cells, I wonder how Armour can help.

As I said before, all advice gratefully received.

Rosie

[Guest guest]

> Yes, it was 4.55 (ref 2.5 - 5.3). Or did you mean the saliva tests? > Yes, fT3 will be tested. In fact, I already did these saliva tests > earlier this year, when I had been on 25ug thyroxine for a couple of > weeks. On that occasion, the Red Apple Clinic told me I had low > cortisol and low T3.

Don't forget that before you have any new tests, make sure that you have had no thyroid hormone replacement for at least 24 hours before you have the test - longer if you can mange this. This will give you a more accurate reading of the amount of T4 and T3 in your blood.> > > and have you also asked them to check your Ferritin (stored iron). > > Many hypothyroids have a low Ferritin level, and if this is the > > case, no amount of thyroid hormones will work until you get your > > iron level built up . > > What is your preferred method of doing this, please?

Just ask your GP to test this as you have noticed this hasn't been done. Tell him/her that you are aware that low ferritin can affect you and to get completely well, you want to see if this needs boosting. Read the latest article I posted in our Files about this.> I've had two babies in the last five years and have been quite > anaemic at times. Please advise!!

I went very anaemic after I had my first child and in those days I was given Inferon injections in my backside. This is a liquid form of iron which was not given in a pleasant way, and for weeks, I had a black bum with the iron seeping out, but it did the trick. Ask your GP, he will do the rest and put your mind at rest. All hypothyroid sufferers should get their Ferritin checked. Doctors do not do this test automatically..> > I'm ready and willing to try Armour - I have half, one and two grain > bottles in my medicine cabinet.

Armour also colntains unspecified amounts of T2, T1 and Calcitonin which is good for the bones. They say that not enough is known about T2 and T1 but we have gathered quite a bit of information about these hormones and you can read about these in in our Files. Look under "Information about T2". Personally, I believe that it is the T2 that is the magic ingredient in Armour as you get a better effect using this natural hormone replacement rather than a mixture of the synthetic T4/T3. > > If the T3 isn't getting in to the cells, I wonder how Armour can help.

It's all to do with the synthetic T4 converting through the liver to the active T3. For those unable to convert (like me) Armour contains all these hormones so your body doesn't have to make them. You are simply replacing the hormones you are not making yourself.

Luv - Sheila

[Guest guest]

Robyn - My prayers are with you and Joe every step of the way. Hang loose and keep the faith. Thanks Millie - VAjmr12667 <jmr12667@...> wrote: I'm at the hotel Joe is doing better his vitals have stable. They did have to call a code this am as he began to lose his vitals but the doctors and nurses did well. i have been asked do to the long road, don't mind me i' crying as they are letting me use this in the lounge. They asked if they could do a temp tracheostomy to prevent

damage to the anastomosis from the esophaectomy and vocal cord damage, I wil let them know tomorrow. I curse this terrible disese achalasia, he has had it since i have known him the esophagectoy the follow up the dumping the acid reflux the tube feed now this. They are going to wake him up on monday we hope. I ask yu all if you can find it to listen to his favorite fight song, sounds corny but that iss my husband that is Calypso by Denver. He also has tedy bruschi from the pats poster over his bed, he had a stroke and is playing in the superbowl two yoars later God Bless everyone I don't know when I will be able to post aagin hopfully Joe will do so himselfBless you allRobyn and family

Never miss a thing. Make your homepage.

[Guest guest]

Bless you and Joe Robyn. My thoughts and prayers are with you both at

this time. Try to get some rest.

In VA

>

> I'm at the hotel Joe is doing better his vitals have stable. They

> did have to call a code this am as he began to lose his vitals but the

> doctors and nurses did well. i have been asked do to the long road,

> don't mind me i' crying as they are letting me use this in the lounge.

> They asked if they could do a temp tracheostomy to prevent damage to

> the anastomosis from the esophaectomy and vocal cord damage, I wil let

> them know tomorrow. I curse this terrible disese achalasia, he has had

> it since i have known him the esophagectoy the follow up the dumping

> the acid reflux the tube feed now this. They are going to wake him up

> on monday we hope. I ask yu all if you can find it to listen to his

> favorite fight song, sounds corny but that iss my husband that is

> Calypso by Denver. He also has tedy bruschi from the pats poster

> over his bed, he had a stroke and is playing in the superbowl two yoars

> later God Bless everyone I don't know when I will be able to post aagin

> hopfully Joe will do so himself

>

> Bless you all

>

> Robyn and family

>

[Guest guest]

Dear Robyn,

I've been checking in several times today to see if there was an update. I'm hoping for the best and the news sounds more promising.

I thought I'm mention that for those who would like to listen to Denver's song, 's has a free download w/ their combo or something, it is on the drink. You go to s.com, type in the code then you go to Rhapsody.com and get a free song. Perhaps youtube has a video of it somewhere also.

I don't work for Rhapsody or anything, just thought I'm mention it. We've had Rhapsody for a few years, similar to itunes, but not nearly as popular. Cool thing about them is, on the computers you use, you can listen to their whole library for free as much as you want. Any old jazz or weird song is usually there. You have to pay for the downloads, but can listen on the computer all you want free of charge with the monthly subscription, they have several different levels. I don't know if you have to download the software to get the one song from 's. I think Rhapsody has just online and some software that you have the option of downloading to your computer.

Robyn I will play it over and over for you this evening.

Sandy>> I'm at the hotel Joe is doing better his vitals have stable. They > did have to call a code this am as he began to lose his vitals but the > doctors and nurses did well. i have been asked do to the long road, > don't mind me i' crying as they are letting me use this in the lounge. > They asked if they could do a temp tracheostomy to prevent damage to > the anastomosis from the esophaectomy and vocal cord damage, I wil let > them know tomorrow. I curse this terrible disese achalasia, he has had > it since i have known him the esophagectoy the follow up the dumping > the acid reflux the tube feed now this. They are going to wake him up > on monday we hope. I ask yu all if you can find it to listen to his > favorite fight song, sounds corny but that iss my husband that is > Calypso by Denver. He also has tedy bruschi from the pats poster > over his bed, he had a stroke and is playing in the superbowl two yoars > later God Bless everyone I don't know when I will be able to post aagin > hopfully Joe will do so himself> > Bless you all> > Robyn and family>

[Guest guest]

Dear Robyn

Thank you for finding the time to keep us updated, I am glad to know Joe is doing better now.

Joe is lucky to have such a loving and caring wife. It's a rough road to travel, the achalasia road. But travelling it together with someone who loves you, cares for you and simply is there for you, makes things so much easier.

I realise that it must be hard for the husbands/wifes/parents of achalasians, to live with the worries, the treatments etc. A big THANK YOU for all of them for hanging in there with us (that's a veeeeeery big one for Romeo too, as he's my biggest support in the world!).

Robyn, Joe is going to do fine in the end. I cannot imagine it being otherwise. I will keep Joe and you in my thoughts.

Hang in there just a little bit longer and take good care of yourself too! Make sure you get some rest.

Love,

Isabella

Hello again

I'm at the hotel Joe is doing better his vitals have stable. They did have to call a code this am as he began to lose his vitals but the doctors and nurses did well. i have been asked do to the long road, don't mind me i' crying as they are letting me use this in the lounge. They asked if they could do a temp tracheostomy to prevent damage to the anastomosis from the esophaectomy and vocal cord damage, I wil let them know tomorrow. I curse this terrible disese achalasia, he has had it since i have known him the esophagectoy the follow up the dumping the acid reflux the tube feed now this. They are going to wake him up on monday we hope. I ask yu all if you can find it to listen to his favorite fight song, sounds corny but that iss my husband that is Calypso by Denver. He also has tedy bruschi from the pats poster over his bed, he had a stroke and is playing in the superbowl two yoars later God

Bless everyone I don't know when I will be able to post aagin hopfully Joe will do so himselfBless you allRobyn and family

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search.

[Guest guest]

Robyn

That all good news so far – just keep positive and we will

all be thinking of you both.

In case anyone missed Maggie’s post the YouTube clip is

here - YouTube - Calypso

Andy

From: jmr12667 [mailto:jmr12667@...]

Sent: 26 January 2008 00:27

achalasia

Subject: Hello again

I'm at the hotel Joe is doing better his vitals

have stable. They

did have to call a code this am as he began to lose his vitals but the

doctors and nurses did well. i have been asked do to the long road,

don't mind me i' crying as they are letting me use this in the lounge.

They asked if they could do a temp tracheostomy to prevent damage to

the anastomosis from the esophaectomy and vocal cord damage, I wil let

them know tomorrow. I curse this terrible disese achalasia, he has had

it since i have known him the esophagectoy the follow up the dumping

the acid reflux the tube feed now this. They are going to wake him up

on monday we hope. I ask yu all if you can find it to listen to his

favorite fight song, sounds corny but that iss my husband that is

Calypso by Denver. He also has tedy bruschi from the pats poster

over his bed, he had a stroke and is playing in the superbowl two yoars

later God Bless everyone I don't know when I will be able to post aagin

hopfully Joe will do so himself

Bless you all

Robyn and family

[Guest guest]

Sorry I could not find the sample pages that you refer to.

The prices sounds good for using it because it is interactive CD or

web base, you would use this IN PLACE of or like you would a book.

I do not consider it at all equal to a true 'program' in place of what

I teach or what others have graduated from with mock labs and an

extenship. In the long run you will learn questions and answers, much

like any book, but with interactive technology. So if it is complete

in its content the less than $100 is a good buy. HOWEVER I can say

that I do not know if it is complete.

Has anyone out there used this company?

Respectfully,

Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS

Pharm Tech Educattor

F/O

>

> I found the website with the online training that I considered

> purchasing. It is pharmacytrainer.com .

> Can you review some of the sample pages and let me know what you think?

> I would really appreciate it.

>

> Thanks So Much.

> Stacie

>

[Guest guest]

Sorry about your mother. Mine too died while I was young and it is a

hard thing to get over.

I hope you had the courage to tell your doctor about your thoughts

and actions re:alcohol. Such thoughts are a dangerous side effect of

certain drugs and you should be taken OFF those drugs if you are

having them.

Then ask your doctor to give you some samples of Lexapro to try.

They get tons of free samples from the companies and should be able

to get you a supply.

IF you do well on the samples, ask your doctor to intervene with the

insurance company. He or she can say they have tried the other drugs

and you had dangrous side effects and - hopefully - Lexapro does not

and it is medically necessary to have Lexapro.

Good luck!!!

>

> I was on here back in November asking about how Lexapro has helped

> you all. Then the insurance refused to cover it, and I had to try

> Zoloft instead. I discontinued it before too long because I

> couldn't orgasm on it.

>

> My head has become a REAL mess in the last year. I had my 4th

baby

> last September, and during that pregnancy, my depression hit me

like

> a brick wall and it went downhill from there. A lot of it was

> because I lost my mom 3 1/2 years ago, and I was (and still am)

> devastated that my amazing little girl will never know my mom. In

> January, I went back on Wellbutrin. It helped for a while. But

my

> depression and this--I don't know how to describe it--I feel

> completely overwhelmed and like everything is futile, yet at the

> same time I am so ANGRY I am ready to jump out of my skin--is

> getting steadily worse.

>

> I was starting to try to self-medicate by taking way to much

> vicodin, and fantasizing about drinking alcohol. I was so

despirate

> for something to take the edge off. This past weekend, I snuck

down

> to the store and bought some vodka. Now, I haven't been drunk

since

> I was 15 years old (I'm 37 now). I might have 1-2 drinks A YEAR.

> But I chugged part of that vodka. No one knew--I wasn't drunk,

just

> a little buzzed. And that was short-lived. I'm glad it didn't

work

> as well as I had hoped it would because my brother was a drug

addict

> and alcoholic and managed to drink himself to death at the age of

43.

>

> I'm really praying that Lexapro will help me. My doctor wants me

to

> stay on the Wellbutrin as well and she gave me this valium-type

> stuff to hopefully mellow me out when I need it, until the Lexapro

> has time to kick in.

>

> How long did it take for you guys to notice that the Lexapro was

> making a difference?

>

> Thanks for being here. I'm sure I'll have tons of questions.

> ~

>

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles and your grief, I too have lost

close loved ones recently and it's a hard thing to cope with, let

alone post-partum depression... (( hug ))

Though I haven't been on Lexapro long enough to see whether it helps

much or not I just want to say, I hope you can find an antidepressant

that helps you - I too was caught in the self-medication cycle, though

my dr didn't even know the half of it, and antidepressants and

anti-anxiety meds have helped me overcome that. Hopefully you will

find some relief also.

If I may ask, are you in any kind of therapy or counseling, or do you

have people you can talk with about these things - ?

>

> I was on here back in November asking about how Lexapro has helped

> you all. Then the insurance refused to cover it, and I had to try

> Zoloft instead. I discontinued it before too long because I

> couldn't orgasm on it.

>

> My head has become a REAL mess in the last year. I had my 4th baby

> last September, and during that pregnancy, my depression hit me like

> a brick wall and it went downhill from there. A lot of it was

> because I lost my mom 3 1/2 years ago, and I was (and still am)

> devastated that my amazing little girl will never know my mom. In

> January, I went back on Wellbutrin. It helped for a while. But my

> depression and this--I don't know how to describe it--I feel

> completely overwhelmed and like everything is futile, yet at the

> same time I am so ANGRY I am ready to jump out of my skin--is

> getting steadily worse.

>

> I was starting to try to self-medicate by taking way to much

> vicodin, and fantasizing about drinking alcohol. I was so despirate

> for something to take the edge off. This past weekend, I snuck down

> to the store and bought some vodka. Now, I haven't been drunk since

> I was 15 years old (I'm 37 now). I might have 1-2 drinks A YEAR.

> But I chugged part of that vodka. No one knew--I wasn't drunk, just

> a little buzzed. And that was short-lived. I'm glad it didn't work

> as well as I had hoped it would because my brother was a drug addict

> and alcoholic and managed to drink himself to death at the age of 43.

>

> I'm really praying that Lexapro will help me. My doctor wants me to

> stay on the Wellbutrin as well and she gave me this valium-type

> stuff to hopefully mellow me out when I need it, until the Lexapro

> has time to kick in.

>

> How long did it take for you guys to notice that the Lexapro was

> making a difference?

>

> Thanks for being here. I'm sure I'll have tons of questions.

> ~

>

[Guest guest]

Hi guys,

I used to take Effexor XR for depression and anxiety, but I felt it wasn't doing

anything, so I stopped taking it. I've taken Zoloft and Paxil with no luck.

Right now my main concern in my anxiety, which is pretty much constant. The

Effexor XR was supposed to address that, but it did not. I take Klonopin too,

but even that seems to have little effect.

My aunt tried Lexapro with great results. I'm wondering if anyone else has gone

from Effexor XR to Lexapro and seen good results?

Also, has anyone seen good results with Anxiety. I see that Lexapro is approved

for treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

I'm 28 years old and have SEDc, which involves scoliosis and hip

dysplasia. I have had arthritis in my body since I was at least 10

years old.

Things are getting worse and I'm trying new things to help manage the

pain. Arthritis is nothing new to me.

~ a

>

> Hello,

> I just thought I would post to see how everyone is doing. I have

a

> question for anyone who is a lp or know anyone is a lp. My 2nd cousin

> who is only 4ft 8 has been diagosed with early onset of arthirits

> (pardon my spelling.) She's only 35, anyone here have that problem?

>

[Guest guest]

I think I can safely say a huge majority of people on this list have some form

of arthritis lol. Arthritis is a common result of many dwarfisms, no matter your

age.

With Love,

Robyn Farris

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, M.Ed.

 

[Guest guest]

Welcome back! I'm afraid it's easy to regain, but the band is quite forgiving.

We get more than one chance to do well.

Have you had a recent fluoro to be sure all is well? We need them every 6-12

months, not simply more fill. We're seeing a lot of pouch and esophagus

dilationd lately, and getting still more fill is the opposite of what must be

done.

When you can, go over some of the documents in the files, to review band needs -

there are probably some new ones in there since you were here last.

Start again, just as if you were brand new, and consider the things in my last

post to Barb too.

We're all here for you!

Sandy r

>

> I had been posting for a while about a year ago. I went today to get

> a fill and am coming back for inspiration and moral support. Have put

> back some weight so I need to reevaluate my habits.

>

> Diane B

>

[Guest guest]

,

Those dreaded thoughts will always be in the back of your mind. Work hard to

keep them there and not out in front. Let you daughter do all that she can and

do not let her think that you are expecting this to come back. Let her live life

the best she can. She will be the one to let you know if or when the symptoms

return. Think positive and look forward to each healthy day that you have. Many

of the kids get better and it lasts a long time. Many of the kids do not last as

long so there is no way to know how your daughter will be.? Just take it one day

at a time and let her have fun.? I am so glad she is doing well now and enjoying

ballet.?

Veri & Jaye 15 poly

Hello Again

I joined this list last year when my daughter was first diagnosed with JRA but

found that most of the kids on here had much worse symptoms than her and didn't

really felt I fit in and a lot of the medical terms were over my head so I left

My daughter is 2 years old and was diagnosed with Pauci-articular JA after her

knees became too painful to walk

Since then she was seen by a specialist who identified 5 more joints involved

and changed the diagnosis to Poli-articular JA - she was prescribed steroid

tablets and the symptoms greatly improved almost within the week

Then after Christmas she was given steroid injections in all affected joints and

started on weekly methotrexate - wow what a miracle, within hours of the steroid

injections she was running about like it had never happened and has had a new

lease of life ever since - even started doing ballet, which I feared she'd never

be able to do

All's been great, no side effects - but we are nearing the time when her doctor

predicts that the steroid injections may wear off, and she may relapse

I am quite nervous about this and dread the thought of her swelling, stiffness

and pain returning and her being unable to walk again

The doctor said it's not definate that it will return, but I just don't know

what to expect!

Love

xxxxxxxxxxx

[Guest guest]

HI again . The not knowing what can happen is a very hard thing to

deal with. I hope that the injections last long enough for the MTX to

really kick in and get the disease under control. Then you may not have

to worry about her relapsing in pain. The med will keep that at bay.

Many of the kids do go into a medicated remission and are able to live

" normally " . Some actually get all the way to a full remission and that

is the goal. Please don't ever feel like you don't belong here. We have

all been through the same situations pretty much, and I personally feel

that even though my son is older and does not have the same day to day

issues as some kids here, it is important to show the newer diagnosed

what is possible. This disease does not have only one course, it has

many. And any info can help someone else.

I know how you feel about the medical terms! At first it was totally

overwhelming, but I learned. You will too and that will ultimately help

you to understand just what the drs are talking about! I have definitely

learned a lot more than I ever thought I would.

Please let us know how your daughter is doing. I'll think positive

thoughts that those injections buy her enough time and she has pain free

days ahead!

Michele ( 21, spondy)

________________________________

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of

Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 1:53 PM

Subject: Hello Again

I joined this list last year when my daughter was first diagnosed with

JRA but found that most of the kids on here had much worse symptoms than

her and didn't really felt I fit in and a lot of the medical terms were

over my head so I left

My daughter is 2 years old and was diagnosed with Pauci-articular JA

after her knees became too painful to walk

Since then she was seen by a specialist who identified 5 more joints

involved and changed the diagnosis to Poli-articular JA - she was

prescribed steroid tablets and the symptoms greatly improved almost

within the week

Then after Christmas she was given steroid injections in all affected

joints and started on weekly methotrexate - wow what a miracle, within

hours of the steroid injections she was running about like it had never

happened and has had a new lease of life ever since - even started doing

ballet, which I feared she'd never be able to do

All's been great, no side effects - but we are nearing the time when her

doctor predicts that the steroid injections may wear off, and she may

relapse

I am quite nervous about this and dread the thought of her swelling,

stiffness and pain returning and her being unable to walk again

The doctor said it's not definate that it will return, but I just don't

know what to expect!

Love

xxxxxxxxxxx