Re: doctors visit today -- Shelly

August 24, 2003

At 07:28 PM 8/24/2003, you wrote:

>Thank you allison for all your help and advice. I have decided not to do

>the RAI.

I am happy for you. In my unqualified opinion, you are giving yourself a

good chance at the best outcome, remission or at least eventual

stabilization with a low dose of PTU or Tap. I know the treatment you

choose is a personal decision, but I hope you don't mind that I am having a

sigh of relief for you.

Shelly, please keep reading up. One needs to basically be on top of things

from here on, which is a responsibility. You, and everyone with thyroid

disease in my opinion, must be informed about all aspects of this illness

and the possible treatments, given the current state of affairs in the

medical profession. I would say that it's always best to be informed

regarding whatever health problem you might ever encounter, but especially

this disease, as about 80% of doctors in the U.S. push RAI, which is

ludicrous in my view. Thankfully, it is not so difficult for the lay person

to comprehend what is happening and what needs to be done, after you get

the hang of it. So hang in there!

I know you feel very sick right now. So I don't suggest you push yourself

too hard at this time. Just learn enough to know what to ask for regarding

medication and initial monitoring. Sort of one step at a time, if that is

all you can do, and that will be enough. If you have any specific

questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Have a peaceful evening,

P.S. I lived in FL (Melbourne area) for 4 years, so you are probably

uncomfortable from the heat! At least you will be having warm weather for

quite a while longer (unlike me, in NY!). We had such crappy weather this

whole year, it feels like the summer just started 2 weeks ago, and now it

is already coming to an end. If you are on top of things, you can start

feeling better in 4-8 weeks, and enjoy the fall.

> I am afraid of what might happen i have very bad feelings about it. I

> just want to work hard to feel better. I've been untreated for so long.

> It stinks I live in Florida and can't even go outside

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