Re: Elaine - Possible DIL or Vasculitis

[Guest guest]

Hi Barb,

If it turns out you have DIL, you should be able to switch to PTU, but if

you're getting by nicely on a dose of 2.5 mg Tapazole, you might want to check

your TSI to see if you're already in remission. Or you might want to consider

using bugleweed, an herb that acts like an ATD. ATDs can rarely also be

associated with vasculitis, so whichever condition is diagnosed, you might want

to see

if it's time to stop ATDs. If your doctor isn't favorable about using herbal

medicine, another choice would be SSKI or Lugol's solution. This is a highly

concentrated form of iodine (much higher than you could ever get from diet).

SSKI is diluted in water and effectively reduces thyroid hormone production and

also its release from the gland. Younger doctors may not be familiar with its

use, but at one time it was the only medical therapy available for GD.

It seems that if you have symptoms that may be related to ATD use it might be

wise to stop ATDs and use a different anti-thyroid therapy to see if these

symptoms resolve while off the suspect meds. If these symptoms persist or worsen

and turn out not to be related to the ATDs you could resume ATDs later if

need be. Take care, Elaine

[Guest guest]

Hi Barb,

I too would opt for the herbal route first because it's easier to work with.

In addition, sutdies show that bugleweed lowers TSI and inhibits its ability

to stimualte thyroid cells.

Iodine is a bit tricky because the anti-thyroid effects of these high doses

wear off after a few weeks. This is a natural mechanism designed to protect

hypothryoidism. But it requires that the person prescribing it know how to adapt

the dose for this. People do achieve remission on it, and I know a number of

people who used it on an as needed basis while they moved into remission. I

would definitely want someone with experience or who at least plans to run

frequent labs. Let us know what you end up deciding on and how your tests come

out,

elaine