Hi

[Guest guest]

Just lurk until you feel like adding your two cents. It's a great group and,

despite occasional controversies (or maybe, because of them)the members can

become as close as family. Most of the time we remain faceless, but

sometimes, with a little effort, we get to meet our surgery sisters and

brothers. When that happens you'll realize how lucky we are to have this

fabulous resource. So, WELCOME!

Marcia

> Hi

>

>

> My name is Margaret M. Houseworth and I am making an attempt

> atbecoming a member of this group. I had my duodenal switch surgery

> on April 26, 2001 and I think I am doing quite well. To date I have

> lost close to seventy pounds. I will know exact weight loss at my

> three month check up on July 23, 2001. I am in Detroit, MI and had

> my surgery performed by Dr. Marek Lutrzykowski of Oakland

> Bariatrics. I am very happy with my progress. I just need to know

> if there is anything special that I need to do to join this group.

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Just lurk until you feel like adding your two cents. It's a great group and,

despite occasional controversies (or maybe, because of them)the members can

become as close as family. Most of the time we remain faceless, but

sometimes, with a little effort, we get to meet our surgery sisters and

brothers. When that happens you'll realize how lucky we are to have this

fabulous resource. So, WELCOME!

Marcia

> Hi

>

>

> My name is Margaret M. Houseworth and I am making an attempt

> atbecoming a member of this group. I had my duodenal switch surgery

> on April 26, 2001 and I think I am doing quite well. To date I have

> lost close to seventy pounds. I will know exact weight loss at my

> three month check up on July 23, 2001. I am in Detroit, MI and had

> my surgery performed by Dr. Marek Lutrzykowski of Oakland

> Bariatrics. I am very happy with my progress. I just need to know

> if there is anything special that I need to do to join this group.

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Margaret!

Nothing is required to be part of this group except the desire to do

so..I congratulate you on your progress & welcome you to the group!

Hugs,

Liane =)

> My name is Margaret M. Houseworth and I am making an attempt

> atbecoming a member of this group. I had my duodenal switch surgery

> on April 26, 2001 and I think I am doing quite well. To date I have

> lost close to seventy pounds. I will know exact weight loss at my

> three month check up on July 23, 2001. I am in Detroit, MI and had

> my surgery performed by Dr. Marek Lutrzykowski of Oakland

> Bariatrics. I am very happy with my progress. I just need to know

> if there is anything special that I need to do to join this group.

[Guest guest]

Welcome Margaret!

Nothing is required to be part of this group except the desire to do

so..I congratulate you on your progress & welcome you to the group!

Hugs,

Liane =)

> My name is Margaret M. Houseworth and I am making an attempt

> atbecoming a member of this group. I had my duodenal switch surgery

> on April 26, 2001 and I think I am doing quite well. To date I have

> lost close to seventy pounds. I will know exact weight loss at my

> three month check up on July 23, 2001. I am in Detroit, MI and had

> my surgery performed by Dr. Marek Lutrzykowski of Oakland

> Bariatrics. I am very happy with my progress. I just need to know

> if there is anything special that I need to do to join this group.

[Guest guest]

Margaret,

You're joined. It sounds as if you are doing great.

Dawna

[Guest guest]

Margaret,

You're joined. It sounds as if you are doing great.

Dawna

[Guest guest]

Why not try Dr. Hess? He has a partner now so it is a little faster to get

into consults. At first they give you a date that is way in the future, but

once you get insurance approval, they move you up. I had a consult the end

of march. I got insurance approval in 10 days. I then had surgery April 27.

My original scheduled date though was Sept. 21.

Dawn

Dr. Hess, Bowling Green, OH

BPD/DS

4/27/00

www.duodenalswitch.com

267 to 165

size 22 to size 10

have made size goal

no more high blood pressure, sore feet, or dieting!

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I had my switch on July 30,2001 with Dr. Elariny

in Arlington, Virginia. He is very good and has done

many of them. I am sure you could get in with him

before April. His number is . Kathy L.

--- ckatz50@... wrote:

> Hello, All--

> My name is Cathy. I've been reading all the posts

> for about a week

> now and really appreciate the information you all so

> willingly share.

> I'm pretty bummed out because after deciding to

> have wls and

> learning of the various types available, I've

> realized that DS seems

> the only logical one to have. Now, this decision

> has happened

> recently but began after having a " consult " with a

> local wls surgeon

> that took me 2 months to get in to. This consult

> was 8/16 and I was

> sooo excited until he explained how wls worked -- he

> does only

> vertical banded gastronomies -- and I heard that

> after Major surgery

> I could expect to lose only 40%-55% of my excess

> weight and vomit

> after roughly 2-3 bites of food........HUH?? I

> thought!! There had to

> be a better way. Anyway, I decided that perhaps I

> should do a little

> research which is when someone referred me to

> several websites, which

> led me here ( among others). The referrer has had

> RNY and talked it

> up as well as mentioning DS but cautioning me that

> it

> caused " uncontrollable diarrhea and flatulance, with

> EXTREME odors "

> (seemed like a negative thing to me!)

> I'm rambling, sorry. Anyway, I learned on the

> duodenalswitch.com

> website that there was an experienced DS surgeon

> right here in Omaha

> and emailed Dr. Sudan asking how soon I could get an

> appointment to

> see him and he responded the next day saying

> " perhaps very soon " and

> asking for some bio and where I was located. After

> my answering

> email his nurse emailed me that the earliest she

> could get me in is

> April, 2002. Isn't that a little excessive?? or is

> that the norm

> for all of you. I wanted to ask him what the

> problem was..aren't I

> fat enough (270 at 5'6 " ), or ill enough (only asthma

> and knee

> problems and major water retention and a minor valve

> thing from 4 yrs

> of phen-fen) or young enough (51) or what???

> I would really like to get going on this so I

> could have surgery in

> January, 2002, since that works best for me at work.

> Also, I quit

> smoking 6 wks ago (for the 5th and FINAL time) and

> am now gaining

> wait steadily and may pop by April. LOL. I've

> gained 50-60 lbs. each

> of the last 3 times I quit. May be why I started

> again.

> So..........suggestions?? I could travel if I

> could find a

> competent surgeon who would see me in a reasonable

> time. Is it

> feasable to be out of town and away from those who

> would help me out

> right after surgery? Would I have to stay in a

> motel for some length

> of time?

> I'll check in again tomorrow night and will

> appreciate any advice.

> Anyone out there who's used Dr. Sudan or heard

> anything, good or bad,

> about him? I can't wait until the day that I'm post

> op and posting

> loss results and breathing easy again.

> Thanks, Katz

>

>

>

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

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Cathy,

There is a long waiting list for appts for most docs out there. The

demand is high and not so many surgeons as with the RNY. What you

can do is accept the appointment and ask to get on the cancellation

list. You can use the time to get all the necessary tests required

in addition to a recommendation from you Primary Care Physician. You

are lucky that there is a surgeon close to you. That you do not have

to travel out of state for followup. So, take the bad with the good

and make the best of it. I know that I had to wait once 4 months for

an appt with a hand surgeon. But I got on the cancelation list and

was in to see the surgeon within 5 weeks. So, keep you chin up and

move forward.

Your Primary Care Physician can order all the tests required by Dr

Sudan. You can ask the office to send you information about what the

doctor needs and then follow through. It will make your time much

better managed. If you wait till you see Dr Sudan to do all these

tests it will be another 6 months till surgery LOL.

Most surgeons require:

Endoscopy with H-Pyloria bacteria test

Physical from PCP

Pulminary Function Test (if you have asthma you will need clearance)

EKG and if any problems cardiac followup (or if cardiac in family)

Sleep Study

Complete Blood workup

Nutrition appt

Pyschiatric clearance

and whatever else your surgeon needs.

My PCP wanted me to have a mammogram and pap smear before also as I

am 48 and wanted to make sure there were no problems there as cancer

treatments and WLS do not go hand in hand.

Good luck with your journey!

Viau

BCBSM PPO (paid every dime except the surgeon consult)

Dr Ren, NYUMC

BPD/DS 3/29/01

316-236 = 80 pounds gone forever

http://www.angelfire.com/on/wannabemagic/WLS.html

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

Hope all is well with you!

I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. E on Sept 5th and looking forward to

it! It's good to know that everyone I've spoken to (who have had Dr. E

for a surgeon) feels exactly like you do! This gives me great comfort.

Lynn Fahey

Sept. 5th

Re: Hi

> Hi,

> I had my switch on July 30,2001 with Dr. Elariny

> in Arlington, Virginia. He is very good and has done

> many of them. I am sure you could get in with him

> before April. His number is . Kathy L.

>

>

>

>

> --- ckatz50@... wrote:

> > Hello, All--

> > My name is Cathy. I've been reading all the posts

> > for about a week

> > now and really appreciate the information you all so

> > willingly share.

> > I'm pretty bummed out because after deciding to

> > have wls and

> > learning of the various types available, I've

> > realized that DS seems

> > the only logical one to have. Now, this decision

> > has happened

> > recently but began after having a " consult " with a

> > local wls surgeon

> > that took me 2 months to get in to. This consult

> > was 8/16 and I was

> > sooo excited until he explained how wls worked -- he

> > does only

> > vertical banded gastronomies -- and I heard that

> > after Major surgery

> > I could expect to lose only 40%-55% of my excess

> > weight and vomit

> > after roughly 2-3 bites of food........HUH?? I

> > thought!! There had to

> > be a better way. Anyway, I decided that perhaps I

> > should do a little

> > research which is when someone referred me to

> > several websites, which

> > led me here ( among others). The referrer has had

> > RNY and talked it

> > up as well as mentioning DS but cautioning me that

> > it

> > caused " uncontrollable diarrhea and flatulance, with

> > EXTREME odors "

> > (seemed like a negative thing to me!)

> > I'm rambling, sorry. Anyway, I learned on the

> > duodenalswitch.com

> > website that there was an experienced DS surgeon

> > right here in Omaha

> > and emailed Dr. Sudan asking how soon I could get an

> > appointment to

> > see him and he responded the next day saying

> > " perhaps very soon " and

> > asking for some bio and where I was located. After

> > my answering

> > email his nurse emailed me that the earliest she

> > could get me in is

> > April, 2002. Isn't that a little excessive?? or is

> > that the norm

> > for all of you. I wanted to ask him what the

> > problem was..aren't I

> > fat enough (270 at 5'6 " ), or ill enough (only asthma

> > and knee

> > problems and major water retention and a minor valve

> > thing from 4 yrs

> > of phen-fen) or young enough (51) or what???

> > I would really like to get going on this so I

> > could have surgery in

> > January, 2002, since that works best for me at work.

> > Also, I quit

> > smoking 6 wks ago (for the 5th and FINAL time) and

> > am now gaining

> > wait steadily and may pop by April. LOL. I've

> > gained 50-60 lbs. each

> > of the last 3 times I quit. May be why I started

> > again.

> > So..........suggestions?? I could travel if I

> > could find a

> > competent surgeon who would see me in a reasonable

> > time. Is it

> > feasable to be out of town and away from those who

> > would help me out

> > right after surgery? Would I have to stay in a

> > motel for some length

> > of time?

> > I'll check in again tomorrow night and will

> > appreciate any advice.

> > Anyone out there who's used Dr. Sudan or heard

> > anything, good or bad,

> > about him? I can't wait until the day that I'm post

> > op and posting

> > loss results and breathing easy again.

> > Thanks, Katz

> >

> >

> >

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy,

Hope all is well with you!

I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. E on Sept 5th and looking forward to

it! It's good to know that everyone I've spoken to (who have had Dr. E

for a surgeon) feels exactly like you do! This gives me great comfort.

Lynn Fahey

Sept. 5th

Re: Hi

> Hi,

> I had my switch on July 30,2001 with Dr. Elariny

> in Arlington, Virginia. He is very good and has done

> many of them. I am sure you could get in with him

> before April. His number is . Kathy L.

>

>

>

>

> --- ckatz50@... wrote:

> > Hello, All--

> > My name is Cathy. I've been reading all the posts

> > for about a week

> > now and really appreciate the information you all so

> > willingly share.

> > I'm pretty bummed out because after deciding to

> > have wls and

> > learning of the various types available, I've

> > realized that DS seems

> > the only logical one to have. Now, this decision

> > has happened

> > recently but began after having a " consult " with a

> > local wls surgeon

> > that took me 2 months to get in to. This consult

> > was 8/16 and I was

> > sooo excited until he explained how wls worked -- he

> > does only

> > vertical banded gastronomies -- and I heard that

> > after Major surgery

> > I could expect to lose only 40%-55% of my excess

> > weight and vomit

> > after roughly 2-3 bites of food........HUH?? I

> > thought!! There had to

> > be a better way. Anyway, I decided that perhaps I

> > should do a little

> > research which is when someone referred me to

> > several websites, which

> > led me here ( among others). The referrer has had

> > RNY and talked it

> > up as well as mentioning DS but cautioning me that

> > it

> > caused " uncontrollable diarrhea and flatulance, with

> > EXTREME odors "

> > (seemed like a negative thing to me!)

> > I'm rambling, sorry. Anyway, I learned on the

> > duodenalswitch.com

> > website that there was an experienced DS surgeon

> > right here in Omaha

> > and emailed Dr. Sudan asking how soon I could get an

> > appointment to

> > see him and he responded the next day saying

> > " perhaps very soon " and

> > asking for some bio and where I was located. After

> > my answering

> > email his nurse emailed me that the earliest she

> > could get me in is

> > April, 2002. Isn't that a little excessive?? or is

> > that the norm

> > for all of you. I wanted to ask him what the

> > problem was..aren't I

> > fat enough (270 at 5'6 " ), or ill enough (only asthma

> > and knee

> > problems and major water retention and a minor valve

> > thing from 4 yrs

> > of phen-fen) or young enough (51) or what???

> > I would really like to get going on this so I

> > could have surgery in

> > January, 2002, since that works best for me at work.

> > Also, I quit

> > smoking 6 wks ago (for the 5th and FINAL time) and

> > am now gaining

> > wait steadily and may pop by April. LOL. I've

> > gained 50-60 lbs. each

> > of the last 3 times I quit. May be why I started

> > again.

> > So..........suggestions?? I could travel if I

> > could find a

> > competent surgeon who would see me in a reasonable

> > time. Is it

> > feasable to be out of town and away from those who

> > would help me out

> > right after surgery? Would I have to stay in a

> > motel for some length

> > of time?

> > I'll check in again tomorrow night and will

> > appreciate any advice.

> > Anyone out there who's used Dr. Sudan or heard

> > anything, good or bad,

> > about him? I can't wait until the day that I'm post

> > op and posting

> > loss results and breathing easy again.

> > Thanks, Katz

> >

> >

> >

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

[Guest guest]

Katz,

Maybe you could take the appointment and asked to be put on a cancellation

list. When I originally called for my consultation it was six months away,

but I got in within 3 weeks because there was a cancellation. Good Luck!

Kim

Dr. Anthone USC

4/18/01

-91 lbs.

[Guest guest]

Re: Hi

> of march. I got insurance approval in 10 days. I then had surgery April

27.

Which insurance? I'm dreaming of a quick approval... Also, you're on

the " lighter " end of people who seek WLS -- did you have major

comorbidities? I'm 235 (although i'm only 5' tall),a nd I worry that the

insurance won't think I " m heavy enough. :/

alyssa

[Guest guest]

Katz,

I started to use Dr Sudan in the very beginning of my research. Email me

privetly and I will share with you why I changed in mid stream.

truelyus@...

Deanna

300lbs bmi 50 day of surgery 02-15-01

200lbs. bmi 32 as I sit here now !!!

THANKS GOD !!!!

Hi

> Hello, All--

> My name is Cathy. I've been reading all the posts for about a week

> now and really appreciate the information you all so willingly share.

> I'm pretty bummed out because after deciding to have wls and

> learning of the various types available, I've realized that DS seems

> the only logical one to have. Now, this decision has happened

> recently but began after having a " consult " with a local wls surgeon

> that took me 2 months to get in to. This consult was 8/16 and I was

> sooo excited until he explained how wls worked -- he does only

> vertical banded gastronomies -- and I heard that after Major surgery

> I could expect to lose only 40%-55% of my excess weight and vomit

> after roughly 2-3 bites of food........HUH?? I thought!! There had to

> be a better way. Anyway, I decided that perhaps I should do a little

> research which is when someone referred me to several websites, which

> led me here ( among others). The referrer has had RNY and talked it

> up as well as mentioning DS but cautioning me that it

> caused " uncontrollable diarrhea and flatulance, with EXTREME odors "

> (seemed like a negative thing to me!)

> I'm rambling, sorry. Anyway, I learned on the duodenalswitch.com

> website that there was an experienced DS surgeon right here in Omaha

> and emailed Dr. Sudan asking how soon I could get an appointment to

> see him and he responded the next day saying " perhaps very soon " and

> asking for some bio and where I was located. After my answering

> email his nurse emailed me that the earliest she could get me in is

> April, 2002. Isn't that a little excessive?? or is that the norm

> for all of you. I wanted to ask him what the problem was..aren't I

> fat enough (270 at 5'6 " ), or ill enough (only asthma and knee

> problems and major water retention and a minor valve thing from 4 yrs

> of phen-fen) or young enough (51) or what???

> I would really like to get going on this so I could have surgery in

> January, 2002, since that works best for me at work. Also, I quit

> smoking 6 wks ago (for the 5th and FINAL time) and am now gaining

> wait steadily and may pop by April. LOL. I've gained 50-60 lbs. each

> of the last 3 times I quit. May be why I started again.

> So..........suggestions?? I could travel if I could find a

> competent surgeon who would see me in a reasonable time. Is it

> feasable to be out of town and away from those who would help me out

> right after surgery? Would I have to stay in a motel for some length

> of time?

> I'll check in again tomorrow night and will appreciate any advice.

> Anyone out there who's used Dr. Sudan or heard anything, good or bad,

> about him? I can't wait until the day that I'm post op and posting

> loss results and breathing easy again.

> Thanks, Katz

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

when you're truly in remission and are no longer producing thyroid antibodies

you should feel normal. Remission means you're free of disease or in GD, that

your immune system is returned to functioning normally.

However, about 20% of people move into hypothyroidism spontaneously so you

want to have your thryoid hormone levels checked every 3-6 months and more often

if you notice any symptoms of hypo or hyper. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Rose,

I had what sounds like the same thing. The glands (actually lymph nodes)

slowly went down over the course of a couple of months. Perhaps it was due

to being overmedicated (that's my theory).

At 01:37 PM 10/1/2003, you wrote:

> I was wanting to know if You get swellen glands with this Graves.

>

> my glands has been swellen for about aweek and the back of my neck

>on my left side is inlaeged and feels like a lump I was going to

>call my dr but i know he will just give more med.

>

> Thank you Rose

[Guest guest]

Rose -

I had the same thing. It's likely the lymph nodes on the back of the neck.

The went down after a couple months when my thyroid levels went back down.

Even though they felt really big and swollen to me, the doctor said that

they were " within normal parameters " for lymph nodes. They should go down

after your thyroid levels go down.

hi

> I was wanting to know if You get swellen glands with this Graves.

>

> my glands has been swellen for about aweek and the back of my neck

> on my left side is inlaeged and feels like a lump I was going to

> call my dr but i know he will just give more med.

>

> Thank you Rose

>

>

>

> -------------------------------------

> The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not

intended to replace expert medical care.

> Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments.

> ----------------------------------------

> DISCLAIMER

>

> Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list do not have the endorsement

of

> the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails.

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Del,

I am not really sure about the male differences with GD...but I do know that

(unfortunately) the most severe cases of TED (Thyroid Eye Disease) are found

in men. Sounds like you already have a moderate case of TED, so the best

advice I could give you is to please stay away from RAI (radioactive iodine) to

treat hyperthyroidism, if you do in fact Graves Disease. You can have Graves

Ophthalmopathy or TED with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis or when euthyroid (called

Euthyroid Graves Disease.) I had moderate TED prior to RAI, and within two

weeks

of this " therapy " , I had a severe case of TED. I am not disfigured and have

not been able to drive for almost 2 years due to constant double vision. (My

double vision started like yours and became constant after RAI.)

TSI antibodies are responsible for GD and TED. When you have RAI, these

antibodies are stimulated and produce more, thus worsening eye symptoms.

Sometimes this is transient and a study has shown that concurrent steroids

protects

the eyes from further damage for people with mild symptoms. But it is permanent

in at least 5% (depending on which study you read) and that percentage will

go on to need treatment for TED. Quality of life with severe TED is

dramatically affected.

Thyroidectomy will somewhat lower the antibodies with the removal of thyroid

tissue. But the most dramatic reduction in antibodies comes with the use of

Antithyroid Drugs (ATDs) to treat hyperthyroidism. This option is also your

only option to achieve remission. With RAI and surgery, you are trading

hyperthyroidism for hypothyroidism. With drugs, you could go into remission and

be

med free.

All of our options have pros and cons. But you already have TED, and that is

a major factor for you to consider when choosing a treatment. I wouldn't

recommend that ANYONE take RAI, unless there is absolutely, positively no other

choice. But for someone with moderate TED, it shouldn't even be considered.

You can see before and after RAI pictures of me at the link below.

BTW, to confirm a diagnosis of GD, you should have the following blood tests:

TSH, FreeT3, FreeT4 TPO antibody, TgAb, and TSI (AKA stimulating TrAb or

TsAb). If nodules are suspected, an ultrasound can be used in place of RAIU.

(A

radioactive uptake scan is unnessary and overused in diagnostics and can

worsen your eye symptoms. Noninvasive blood tests will suffice.)

I suggest you purchase the books " Thyroid for Dummies " by Alan Rubin, MD and

Elaine 's " Graves Disease A Practical Guide " . Elaine also has a new book

about TED that is available thru the publisher called " Thyroid Eye Disease:

Understanding Graves Ophthalmopathy " . Here is a link to the publisher's

website...it is suggested that you will get the book quicker by calling them and

ordering that way:

<A

HREF= " http://www.trafford.com/robots/03-1280.html " >http://www.trafford.com/robot\

s/03-1280.html</A>

Anything I can do, let me know!

God bless,

<A

HREF= " http://hometown.aol.com/lisareynolds64/myhomepage/personal.html " >http://ho\

metown.aol.com/lisareynolds64/myhomepage/personal.html</A>

[Guest guest]

,

Thank you for all your info and support. I see the differences you

are talking about. I'm going to take your email and other info with

me tomorrow to the Doctor. Hopefully we will be able to choose the

right path if indeed I have Graves. Right now I look very similar to

your last photo... All that you wrote and your links have eased my

worry. Thank you for that!

Del

> Hi Del,

>

> I am not really sure about the male differences with GD...but I do

know that

> (

[Guest guest]

Welcome Del,

Sorry I am so short of time this week, but want to welcome you and also

comment on only what I have seen in these last few posts.

I see gave you the run down on avoiding the scan for diagnosis. Be

warned, many doctors are still in the dark ages on this subject, and may try

to convince you your Internet reading has warped your mind. LOL

But there is so much harm that 'COULD' happen with this useless, and

inconclusive test, it makes no sense in this day and age.

IF... once you have proper antibody results, and ultra sound results, it

turns out there are nodules in your thyroid... THEN you will want to go

through with this radioactive scan... possibly... to see if the nodules are

hot or cold... because even though both types 'could' be cancerous, the cold

ones are more suspicious.

IF that happened, another choice at that point would be watching and seeing

if the nodules shrink while on anti thyroid drugs. ...since cancer does not

shrink.

OR...if there are nodules, surgery is an option, as they can then do a

complete biopsy.

BUT... all these things are rare, and most likely not part of what you are

going to be dealing with. I only mention this, so you are not surprised at

your office visit, and easily overwhelmed by new ideas. Thus submitting to a

radioactive scan, that has many flaws. Plus costs a pretty penny.

I never had one, but the last going rate I noticed for another patient was

around $1,700.

So don't buy the line " antibody tests are too expensive " either.

There is SO MUCH you need to learn about autoimmune thyroid disease AND TED.

There is not enough time for the brightest individual to make the perfect

choice of a treatment in the very beginning.

Starting on antithyroid drugs only makes logical sense, as it buys you the

time needed to educate yourself. The other two choices are for the rest of

your life. And then you end up in a spot like . She has high antibodies,

that continue to affect her eyes, and since she is hypo now, taking

antithyroid drugs to solve this problem is not a likely option any more.

Now... for my story.

My serious TED has healed finally. I took antithyroid drugs and waited. The

healing by Mother Nature is not swift, but far surperior to radiation to the

eyes, and repeated eye surgeries.

I did have to take high doses of steroids for about 9 months ( ? ) in order

to save my vision by reducing the severe swelling , which was affecting the

optic nerve. This was during the active phase of the eye disease.

Risks using steroids were far overshadowed by saving my vision. And it

worked. My eyes have now gone back in their rightful position, and I appear

normal. ;-)

I am still left with sensitivity to bright light, and some lack of complete

swivel'... I must move my head more than average to look up and under

something. Result of scar tissue it seems.

I was greatly influenced to not submit to radiation to the eyes and

surgeries by my neighbors brother ( grin ). He has had 12 surgeries now and

they tell him there is no more they can do for him. He is still greatly

disfigured and his double vision is permanent. He still drives, and scares

everyone to death doing so, but having been the soul breadwinner myself, I

also learned many ways to get around in my van. Very slowly and back routes

at odd times of day. Big life style change there alone. but it can be done

if there is no other way.

My neighbors brother is an avid mountain climber still. He is one of our

experts here in Oregon, on our beautiful Mt. Hood. But as you know, the

brightness of the light bouncing from the snow, and the wind must be a

hindrance, even with the best goggles money can buy.

Del,

Do yourself a favor and go with the antithyroid drugs , at least until you

have had time to research all of this.

See the thing is, you are going to find conflicting studies, reports, and

patient opinions on all of this. So read all of them, and then use PubMed to

search for yourself. It is going to take a long time . As we must search

deeper on each article we find. Search the author, and the companies paying

for each published study. Follow the money.

Wish it were simpler.

Best wishes,

-Pam L-

3 1/2 years Graves', TED, and PTU.

Remission since Jan. 28th. 2002 !

Key: SLOW reduction of PTU (despite an incompetent endo ! ), eight hour

dosing,labs every 4 weeks, improved lifestyle, REAL food/ no processed

pre-made food, herbs, and looking at the big picture.

Triggers are: MSG/any 'flavorings', glutamates ,aspartame, pesticides,high

iodine foods.

_____________________________________________________

Pills alone only help the symptoms. We must help our bodies to heal.

_____________________________________________________

* " What a long, strange, trip it's been " ...Jerry .... Peace*

[Guest guest]

Hi Chantal,

I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

I am here because we are adopting a little girl from Korea who has RSS. I am

learning as I go but I am feeling a lot more prepared these days.

Good luck!

[Guest guest]

Hi Chantal,

Welcome to our group. I hope we can answer any questions you may

have. We are mostly a goup of parents of kids with RSS, so we too are

looking for information.

In case you are interested there is another list made of people with

RSS. They can be located at http: //health.groups.yahoo.com/group/RSS-

People/

Many of them are also on this list.

There are people from all over the world on this list. Most are from

the US. Where do you live?

I have a son who has RSS. He is 7 and is in the second grade. We live

in New Hampshire.

Again, welcome to our group. I hope we can answer your questions or

at least suggest where you can find answers.

Ken M

>

> Hi my name is Chantal i just joined im 21 and have RSS i was

> diagnosed as a young child but never really knew what it was all

> about so i started to do some of my own reasearch. All i new about

> the syndrome was that one side of my body was shorter than the

other

> and that my fingers were curved. i just started looking up the

> syndrome yesterday and already had a bunch of questions about

myself

> answered like why i was so small and sickly thin as a child and why

> im only 5 feet tall today. I hope to learn more on this site!

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the welcome and from everyone else.... nice to meet you I

am from Ontario,canada. I read some messages on here and noticed it

was mostly parents but still its a great way to learn

[Guest guest]

Hi Chantal

I am from Toronto. Where exactly are you?

My 12 year son, Adam, has RSS. But it was wonderful to meet new people from

up here in the great white north!!

Welcome and I know we all look forward to hearing about your experiences.

Take care

Debby

Re: Hi

>

>

> Thanks for the welcome and from everyone else.... nice to meet you I

> am from Ontario,canada. I read some messages on here and noticed it

> was mostly parents but still its a great way to learn

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Chantal,

I'm Hillary and I'm the co-moderator for the RSS People group that Ken

mentioned. We would LOVE to have you join us. The link to join the group is:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/RSS-People/

We hope to hear from you soon! Please feel free to email me privately at

hillary.jorgensen @colorado.edu (no space) if you have any questions.

~Hillary

22, RSS