RAI and studies- Cindy

[Guest guest]

When you get stuck on something, please feel free to ask us to help you.

I remember getting stuck on some of the simple concepts, and then... much

later had those " Ah Ha " moments.

There is TOO much information to process all at once, and it will

take time to sort through things. I am happy to see you understand that this

is not a passing disease, that goes away, no matter what

you do. We will each find what works for us. It is always a bit

different for each person.

Staying in touch with a group such as this has been the best thing I ever

did. I have been able to watch others successes and failures. This ,

combined with my own research, allows me to judge for

myself, my next steps.

For example: I saw those Graves' patients going on and on about diet. Iodine

MSG. I thought they were just weird people. I also considered the

possibility that my doctors could be right and RAI might be the only

possible way I would ever get better. I mean, they are doctors and have

years of education in this subject, that little

old me will never acquire. I am not stupid enough to think I am THE expert

after all.

I read all those studies. They all claim I would never hit remission,

due to MY history.

Yet, I saw so many, many hypo patients suffering. I just could not

take that final step and never be able to go back.

But I got so tired. So very tired.

Something had to change.

I learned WHICH lab results counted.

I increased my lab tests to every four weeks.

I lowered my PTU against my endos orders for one month and got labs. This

was at about two and a half years into my treatment,

so I do not believe I was out there taking huge risks.

Come to find out, I had been over medicated all those years.

I had been repeatedly told my symptoms were something else, and that I also

had serious mental problems... obviously because

I dared to continue asking WHY my thyroid was not right.

I had been up and down with thyroid levels during my treatment,

and I found it very odd that most all my symptoms consistently disappeared

in between each swing up and down... only to return each time the doctor

said I was " normal " .

Now ... what is wrong with this picture ? ;-)

So the next month, I reduced my PTU a bit more. Got labs... each month I

felt so much better.

I began to see that without my own thyroid gland , I could be in a

world of hurt, as by this time I have several Top Doc opinions that thyroid

levels were not my problem . Hummm ? What would I do

if the only thyroid hormone I could get was completely under

control of a prescription ????? ***** ???????*

I am not speaking of minor symptoms that can be ignored in a mind over

matter way. I had very serious hypo symptoms over a great amount of time

that wore me down, and suicide was a constant

daily consideration. There are a lot of things that go into being r

eady to take that final step, and that time was my salvation. I finally

realized I was not crazy, and that my risk in reducing my PTU was small

compared to the choice of death by my own hands.

I have always been a strong, independent woman. Told this by

others that know and care about me, so this is not just my opinion.

But we all have our limits, and for ME hypo is not an option.

So the saga continued on... in time I DID try less iodine . Amazing !

It makes a huge difference. Then I worked on no MSG. Same result !

I am now at 1 3/4 years in remission.

Every doctor visit requires allowing the 'professional' tell me remission is

not possible for me. I am still being told RAI is now my only choice. :-(

What is wrong with THIS picture ? ;-)

Cindy... We will be looking forward to your future " Ah Ha " moments later.

-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, 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.

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

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