looking for help

[Guest guest]

Virginia, Where did you take your daughter to have her plastic surgery? Also, how much did it cost to have her breast's done?

Karlie

[Guest guest]

Her breasts were $4000, which might sound high but they are gel, which you can't get here in the states. They did a beautiful job!!! Can't even see the scars and it's been only 2 months! Go on the web to Gardel Plastic surgery. http://www.gardel-plastic-surgery.com/ Virginia DOB 3/13/06 198/186/135YrrabTheMoose@... wrote: Virginia, Where did you take your daughter to have her plastic surgery? Also, how much did it cost to have her breast's done? Karlie Virginia

[Guest guest]

hi good luck i just got back. it was a great experience and everyone was so nice.

molly

Re: LOOKING FOR HELP

Virginia, Where did you take your daughter to have her plastic surgery? Also, how much did it cost to have her breast's done?

Karlie

[Guest guest]

I know I have a ways to go but I bet they do the surgery to remove all the extra skin huh?? When I get to that point I will have to check it out. I gotta get banded 1st!! Virginia Herrell <herrell@...> wrote: Her breasts were $4000, which might sound high but they are gel, which you can't get here in the states. They did a beautiful job!!! Can't even see the scars and it's been only 2 months! Go on the web to Gardel Plastic surgery. http://www.gardel-plastic-surgery.com/ Virginia DOB 3/13/06 198/186/135YrrabTheMoose@... wrote: Virginia, Where did

you take your daughter to have her plastic surgery? Also, how much did it cost to have her breast's done? Karlie Virginia

[Guest guest]

Hi Ginger, My name is Olga and I am from Arizona I would like it if possible if you can give me the information on the ad you saw for Medical Financing. I am wanting hte surgery so bad fo the last 3 years but no luck finding help. I would appreciate any info you can give me. Thanks and good luck.ginger larsen <gingerlarsen@...> wrote: Hi Susie'My name is GInger and I live in Texas. I am having surgery on April 19th with Dr. Aceves. I have been researching this since '02. Like you I tried for almost 4 years to get my insurance to approve and finally gave up. Then last month on a lark I saw and add for medical financing and applied and was approved. I couldn't believe it. I have been reading about different MD's and reading different posts and I feel Very confident

in my decision to go to Mexico. It is costing me 8200.00. I recommend you get on line and research as many MD's as you can. If you want I will email you when I get back or we can talk on the phone and I will give you details. I am an RN and a freak about cleanlyness! So, they will have to be on their toes (ha-Ha). Good luck with your search. Ginger> LOOKING FOR HELP> Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2006 18:15:06 -0000> > > Hi I am desperately looking for help. I have had no luck in trying to> get the lap band or gastric bypass paid for by my health insurance. I> just found out that my health insurance purposely excluded any biatric> surgeries. I was terribly disappointed. I have been trying for 10> years to get

this done with no luck because of the cost of the> surgery. I only wanted a gastric bypass done but started hearing> about lap band. I need to lose 100 pounds to better my health and my> life. My health has deteriorated so badly. I am 39 years old now and> would like a chance to live some of my life a little slimmer and> lighter. I am scared to go to Mexico as I only hear horror stories.> Can someone help me with some truthful information about having this> done in Mexico by this Doctor that I know nothing about. Thank you> for your time.> > Susie>-- _______________________________________________Search for businesses by name, location, or phone number. -Lycos Yellow Pageshttp://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/http://yellowpages.lycos.com/default.asp?SRC=lycos10

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Hi Olga, Call 1-800-728-9585 for the medical finance company. I

don't remember there web site but that is the number I've been

calling since we've been corisponding. I don't have great credit,

believe me. Actually, when I applied I was feeling sorry for myself

and had had a couple glasses of wine and thought, " What the H-- " I

might as well try this again. I had already decided to go with Dr.

Aceves. I had emailed Nina and told her I had applied on line. She

called them for me and emailed my back and said I had been

approved! I could'nt believe it. But it was only for 5200.00, and

of course I still needed 3000. So I called Nina and asked her if

Dr. Aceves would finance the rest. She sent me the paperwork for

that too and they said Yes! The paperwork was not complicated. You

still have to come up with a 500.00 deposit but that's better than

the whole amount. Dr. A also will split the cost of your airfare.

So say it cost you 300.00 R/T He applies 150.00 to what you owe

him.I set it up so both the medical financing and Dr. A's financing

will come out of my checking account on the first of the month.

That way I won't have to mess with it. Also, I believe you have one

year to pay off Dr. Aceves. And if you pay off the medical

financing part in 1 year there will be no interest, but make sure

you double check that.Hope that helps and good luck to you. Ginger

> Hi Susie'

> My name is GInger and I live in Texas. I am having surgery on

April 19th with Dr. Aceves. I have been researching this

since '02. Like you I tried for almost 4 years to get my insurance

to approve and finally gave up. Then last month on a lark I saw and

add for medical financing and applied and was approved. I couldn't

believe it. I have been reading about different MD's and reading

different posts and I feel Very confident in my decision to go to

Mexico. It is costing me 8200.00. I recommend you get on line and

research as many MD's as you can. If you want I will email you when

I get back or we can talk on the phone and I will give you details.

I am an RN and a freak about cleanlyness! So, they will have to be

on their toes (ha-Ha). Good luck with your search. Ginger

> > LOOKING FOR HELP

> > Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2006 18:15:06 -0000

> >

> >

> > Hi I am desperately looking for help. I have had no luck in

trying to

> > get the lap band or gastric bypass paid for by my health

insurance. I

> > just found out that my health insurance purposely excluded any

biatric

> > surgeries. I was terribly disappointed. I have been trying for

10

> > years to get this done with no luck because of the cost of the

> > surgery. I only wanted a gastric bypass done but started hearing

> > about lap band. I need to lose 100 pounds to better my health

and my

> > life. My health has deteriorated so badly. I am 39 years old

now and

> > would like a chance to live some of my life a little slimmer and

> > lighter. I am scared to go to Mexico as I only hear horror

stories.

> > Can someone help me with some truthful information about having

this

> > done in Mexico by this Doctor that I know nothing about. Thank

you

> > for your time.

> >

> > Susie

>

> >

>

>

> --

> _______________________________________________

>

> Search for businesses by name, location, or phone number. -Lycos

Yellow Pages

>

>

http://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/http://yellowpages.lycos.com/defa

ult.asp?SRC=lycos10

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the information I will call ASAP. The good thing that I am only about 4 hours away from Mexico and it is close enough to drive. Thanks again.gingershope <gingerlarsen@...> wrote: Hi Olga, Call 1-800-728-9585 for the medical finance company. I don't remember there web site but that is the number I've been calling since we've been corisponding. I don't have great credit, believe me. Actually, when I applied I was feeling sorry for myself and had had a couple glasses of wine and thought,"What the H--" I might as well try this again. I had already decided to go with Dr. Aceves. I had emailed Nina and told her I had applied on line. She called them for me and emailed my back and said I had been approved! I could'nt

believe it. But it was only for 5200.00, and of course I still needed 3000. So I called Nina and asked her if Dr. Aceves would finance the rest. She sent me the paperwork for that too and they said Yes! The paperwork was not complicated. You still have to come up with a 500.00 deposit but that's better than the whole amount. Dr. A also will split the cost of your airfare. So say it cost you 300.00 R/T He applies 150.00 to what you owe him.I set it up so both the medical financing and Dr. A's financing will come out of my checking account on the first of the month. That way I won't have to mess with it. Also, I believe you have one year to pay off Dr. Aceves. And if you pay off the medical financing part in 1 year there will be no interest, but make sure you double check that.Hope that helps and good luck to you. Ginger> Hi Susie'> My name is GInger and I live in Texas. I am having surgery on April 19th with Dr. Aceves. I have been researching this since '02. Like you I tried for almost 4 years to get my insurance to approve and finally gave up. Then last month on a lark I saw and add for medical financing and applied and was approved. I couldn't believe it. I have been reading about different MD's

and reading different posts and I feel Very confident in my decision to go to Mexico. It is costing me 8200.00. I recommend you get on line and research as many MD's as you can. If you want I will email you when I get back or we can talk on the phone and I will give you details. I am an RN and a freak about cleanlyness! So, they will have to be on their toes (ha-Ha). Good luck with your search. Ginger> > LOOKING FOR HELP> > Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2006 18:15:06 -0000> > > > > > Hi I am desperately looking for help. I have had no luck in trying to> > get the lap band or gastric bypass paid for by my health insurance. I> > just found out that my health insurance purposely

excluded any biatric> > surgeries. I was terribly disappointed. I have been trying for 10> > years to get this done with no luck because of the cost of the> > surgery. I only wanted a gastric bypass done but started hearing> > about lap band. I need to lose 100 pounds to better my health and my> > life. My health has deteriorated so badly. I am 39 years old now and> > would like a chance to live some of my life a little slimmer and> > lighter. I am scared to go to Mexico as I only hear horror stories.> > Can someone help me with some truthful information about having this> > done in Mexico by this Doctor that I know nothing about. Thank you> > for your time.> > > > Susie> > >> > > -- >

_______________________________________________> > Search for businesses by name, location, or phone number. -Lycos Yellow Pages> > http://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/http://yellowpages.lycos.com/default.asp?SRC=lycos10> > > > > >

[Guest guest]

Olga, I found the web site I'm using for financing. It's

www.highlandspremier.com. Also, if you go to different web sites

with different MD's alot of them have links to different financing

companies. Hope this helps and good luck to you. Ginger

> > Hi Susie'

> > My name is GInger and I live in Texas. I am having surgery on

> April 19th with Dr. Aceves. I have been researching this

> since '02. Like you I tried for almost 4 years to get my

insurance

> to approve and finally gave up. Then last month on a lark I saw

and

> add for medical financing and applied and was approved. I

couldn't

> believe it. I have been reading about different MD's and reading

> different posts and I feel Very confident in my decision to go to

> Mexico. It is costing me 8200.00. I recommend you get on line and

> research as many MD's as you can. If you want I will email you

when

> I get back or we can talk on the phone and I will give you

details.

> I am an RN and a freak about cleanlyness! So, they will have to be

> on their toes (ha-Ha). Good luck with your search. Ginger

> > > LOOKING FOR HELP

> > > Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2006 18:15:06 -0000

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi I am desperately looking for help. I have had no luck in

> trying to

> > > get the lap band or gastric bypass paid for by my health

> insurance. I

> > > just found out that my health insurance purposely excluded any

> biatric

> > > surgeries. I was terribly disappointed. I have been trying

for

> 10

> > > years to get this done with no luck because of the cost of the

> > > surgery. I only wanted a gastric bypass done but started

hearing

> > > about lap band. I need to lose 100 pounds to better my health

> and my

> > > life. My health has deteriorated so badly. I am 39 years old

> now and

> > > would like a chance to live some of my life a little slimmer

and

> > > lighter. I am scared to go to Mexico as I only hear horror

> stories.

> > > Can someone help me with some truthful information about

having

> this

> > > done in Mexico by this Doctor that I know nothing about.

Thank

> you

> > > for your time.

> > >

> > > Susie

> >

> > >

> >

> >

> > --

> > _______________________________________________

> >

> > Search for businesses by name, location, or phone number. -

Lycos

> Yellow Pages

> >

> >

>

http://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/http://yellowpages.lycos.com/defa

> ult.asp?SRC=lycos10

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much Ginger.gingershope <gingerlarsen@...> wrote: Olga, I found the web site I'm using for financing. It'swww.highlandspremier.com. Also, if you go to different web sites with different MD's alot of them have links to different financing companies. Hope this helps and good luck to you. Ginger> > Hi Susie'> > My name is GInger and I live in Texas. I am having surgery on > April 19th with Dr. Aceves. I have been researching this > since '02. Like you I tried for almost 4 years to get my insurance > to approve and finally gave up. Then last month on a lark I saw and > add for medical financing and applied and was approved. I couldn't > believe it. I have been reading about different MD's and reading > different posts and I feel Very confident in my decision to go to > Mexico. It is costing me 8200.00. I recommend you get on line and > research as many MD's as you can. If you want I will email you when > I get back or we

can talk on the phone and I will give you details. > I am an RN and a freak about cleanlyness! So, they will have to be > on their toes (ha-Ha). Good luck with your search. Ginger> > > LOOKING FOR HELP> > > Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2006 18:15:06 -0000> > > > > > > > > Hi I am desperately looking for help. I have had no luck in > trying to> > > get the lap band or gastric bypass paid for by my health > insurance. I> > > just found out that my health insurance purposely excluded any > biatric> > > surgeries. I was terribly disappointed. I have been trying for > 10> > > years to get this done with no

luck because of the cost of the> > > surgery. I only wanted a gastric bypass done but started hearing> > > about lap band. I need to lose 100 pounds to better my health > and my> > > life. My health has deteriorated so badly. I am 39 years old > now and> > > would like a chance to live some of my life a little slimmer and> > > lighter. I am scared to go to Mexico as I only hear horror > stories.> > > Can someone help me with some truthful information about having > this> > > done in Mexico by this Doctor that I know nothing about. Thank > you> > > for your time.> > > > > > Susie> > > > >> > > > > > -- > > _______________________________________________> > > > Search for

businesses by name, location, or phone number. -Lycos > Yellow Pages> > > > > http://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/http://yellowpages.lycos.com/defa> ult.asp?SRC=lycos10> > > > > > > > > > > >

[Guest guest]

If you haven't seen them yet, be sure to check out:

BuffMother

http://buffmother.com/

Body for Life Mommies

http://groups.msn.com/BodyforLifeMommies

They may be able to offer some good advice and support. My advice is

nutrition and patience. It takes time to lose body fat and time for

your skin elasticity to recover. Here's another link that's often

posted about loose, hanging skin:

http://www.bodyfatguide.com/LooseSkin.htm

> im pretty keen on things when it comes to exercise and nutrition etc,

> but im having a really hard time with my belly, i just started the

> challenge april 2nd, and i have already lost 10lbs, and i see a slight

> difference, but i just had twins c-section and my belly is just

> terrible and hanging over , eww, i hate it, and im only 28 i was

> hoping my body would bounce back some, but no luck there, can anyone

> give me adivece for my ugly belly?

[Guest guest]

You can make great changes, Trisha.

See... http://www.bodychangers.com/tonja_inter.shtml

Tonja had twins too.

Scroll down to Pam Brown on the same page...she had plenty of belly to

work off too. Find Pam's second interview and set of photos too.

Of course, if you get down to 15% body fat and still have a roll after

one year of maintaining, I know there is the tummy tuck option. I

personally know a woman who had one and lost the skin-nerve sensations

from her belly button to the incision line. Quite a trade off for

" fine tuning " the visuals. Maybe a touch of liposuction would have

been a better choice.

Honestly, I bet you are feeling great about your physique by the time

you are at 15% BF.

Stay strong,

M.

[Guest guest]

For me, it wasn't so much his bedside manner, it was his aftercare program. He

treats his banded patients exactly like his bypass patients (protien drinks

every day, only three ounces of other protein per day, no milk and no sugar for

the rest of your life, one appointment per month for the first YEAR (at a cost

of $80 per), extra supplements we don't need (iron, calcium and whatever else a

bypass person takes), expensive (about $900 worth) blood tests every year to

check electrolytes, etc., puny fills, demanded to do a very expensive ERCP

before he would take me past 2.3cc, when I was having NO problems (just horrid

hunger), and I can go on and on and on. This was 3 1/2 years ago, so I

certainly hope he's seen the light since then, but it doesn't sound like it.

Sue

Re: Looking for help

I'm surprised to hear about the Kirkland office, I was told that Docs will

take transfer patients. I was banded by Dr Oh in May, and can understand your

feelings toward him. He has a typical surgeous attitude, not very personable.

Have you been to the office since Dr Hirai has been working with him? Hirai is

younger and much more personable, he does alot of the sills, you could resuest

him, see if he's a better match.

Sue

----complete quoted post snipped by moderator--

[Guest guest]

Hey Out there, I know that there are a couple of nurses in arlington

that do fills. I think its about 150.00 and they also have a support

group there. We have a support group up here in Lake s too. Its

at the haggen on a sunday night every month. SOmeone else will pop

up with the dates I hope and if anyone knows how to get ahold of the

Arlington group please speak up. I go to NWWLS but have seen

postings of these places often. GOOD LUCK!

Mila_cm

>

> I am looking for help. I had my band done in the early part of 2004

> and im having some issues and was hoping to get peoples opinions

and

> help. Here is my situation.

>

> I started at 280 and got down to 230 and it has been almost 4 years

> and I can not loose any more. I had my band done by DR HO in

federal

> way. I did not like the that the only support group I could get was

> down in Tacoma ( I lived in Bothell ) and I went down there to

have

> my band tightened and he was just not a very personal guy. There

was

> no personal touch with this doctor and I feel like it was something

> that I needed. So I stopped going and seeing him.

>

> I have tried to get my band tightened before but I called the lap

> band place in Kirkland and they will not do it they said because I

> did not go to them.

>

> So I have not had it tightened for years. Also I have been scared

to

> get it tightened because it always made me vomit all the time.

>

> Now im looking for someone who can tighten it and then were I can

> get a support group. Because I can not do this by myself it is not

> working. Im starting to gain the wait back and I don't want to go

> down that road.

>

> Are there any suggestions.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I go to get my fills in Arlington. I think they're great! $150 for the

first visit. $125 for subsequent fills (unless it's within 10 days, then

they charge $50) and unfills are no charge. www.northwestfills.com

360-435-5365

Kate

---quoted post snipped by moderator---

[Guest guest]

,

Go to the files section of this group on the webpage:

/files/

Look for FillDocs and you will find a list of fill doctors.

As for how I am losing the weight and a normal day for me, I will let you know

when I have a normal day. Having been newly banded, it is all new to me and I

am learning as I go.

Good Luck,

Tami

The one and only… AwesomeBBW

" Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of

the day saying " I will try again tomorrow " . ~ Anne Radmacher

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

Shape in your own image. Join our Network Research Panel today!

[Guest guest]

Awe Shucks Lynne - you really shouldn't have to go through all this unnecessary suffering just because your doctor has no idea about thyroid disease. The fact that he refuses to let you have a Free T3 and antibody test proves that. You need to know whether it is an autoimmune problem (Hahsimoto's) that is the cause of your thyroid problem and if you do have antibodies, they will be gradually destroying your thyroid tissue, because they see this as public enemy number one. The more your thyroid is being destroyed, the less thyroid hormone you are able to put out.

The thyroxine you are taking is a synthetic version of the thyroxine your thyroid should be making. Thyroxine is an inactive hormone. It MUST convert to the active hormone triiodothyronine (or T3 for short). T3 is the hormone that has to get into every cell in your body and brain to make it funciton. Many of us cannot convert, irrespective of what the 'learned' endocrinologist might have been taught. You need your Free T3 tested to see whether the T4 is converting or whether it isn't. Your Free T4 is high in the range, this might be because it isn't converting. This could be why you are still suffering the symptoms of low thyroid.

Write down all your symptoms and signs (check these against our list in our website (www.tpa-uk.org.uk). Take your temperature for 5 days before you get out of bed and list these will your signs and symptoms. Ask family members if they have a thyroid disease or suffer with some other autoimmune disease and write this down also. Put all these in a letter to your GP and ask him for a referral to an endocrinologist because his medication is not making you well and he does NOT have the expertise needed. He should NOT be telling you that you are 'normal' because your blood results are normal. He hasn't even done the full range of the tests. He should also be testing to see if you have low Ferritin (stored iron) and if this is very low, you should be prescribed some form of elemental iron to build up your level.

You might also be suffering with low adrenal reserve or Candida Albicans. Go to our FILES on this website and scroll down until you find both the Adrenal and Candida Questionnaire and complete both of these. Check your score and post them here. If you have problems with either, we can hopefully help you. Once these are treated, it is surprising what a difference your thyroid hormone replacement can make. Any of these conditions will stop your thyroid hormone replacement from being absorbed by your body, and this could be your problem.

Do NOT let your doctor talk over the top of your head and MAKE him listen to you. Send the letter to him and keep a copy for yourself. This way, your letter has to go into your medical notess. Tell your GP you would like a trial of combination therapy using T4 and T3 - as he refuses to test to see if your T3 is low. Let him know you are aware that it is the T3 that is the active hormone and not T4.

I could go on....but I will stop there for the moment. Keep your chin up. There are things out there that will help you regain your normal health, but sadly, the NHS are not aware of these and you may have to decide to take your health into your own hands if yhour doctor refuses to help you. We are all here for you, so ask any questions you need answers to.

Luv - Sheila>> Hello,> > I'm new on here and am looking for any help or advice you can offer.> > I'm 38 and female. I was diagnosed as being hypothyroid in June 2006. > I'm now on 150mcg of levothyroxine each day.> > I started on a low dose, felt better but later went back as I was > tired etc. Following another test the dose increased. This pattern > was repeated a number of times until my current dose.> > I'm tired again (seems to be worse now than ever before) and waiting > for my latest blood test result. The last one, carried out in March > 08 showed a TSH of 0.05 and T4 of 20.4. Does this sort of result seem > to suggest anything untoward? My GP said it was normal.> > What I don't understand is, if thyroxine is replacing what my body > needs, then surely I should feel ok? But I don't. I feel terrible. I > have just about all the 'standard' symptoms you find listed... and in > recent months I have had noticeable PMT (this from someone who was > never convinced such a thing existed!). My periods are also quite > heavy these days and my last cycle was very short. I've no idea if > this could be connected.> > By the way, I've only ever had my TSH and T4 tested as my GP has > refused to test for antibodies or T3. > > Oh and I sleep on average 9-12 hours per day. A few years ago I could > function fine on just 6/7. > > Finally, and just lately, I seem to have a very short fuse. Perhaps > this is just a consequence of feeling tired. > > Any thoughts? > > I do wonder whether my problems are perhaps in my mind. I go on about > my tiredness so much that I believe I am boring even my closest > family and friends. I feel quite desperate about my situation. I've > asked my GP for a referral to go private.> > Thanks for 'listening'! I really would appreciate any advice.>

[Guest guest]

>

> Hello,

>

> I'm new on here and am looking for any help or advice you can offer.

>

> I'm 38 and female. I was diagnosed as being hypothyroid in June

2006.

> I'm now on 150mcg of levothyroxine each day.

>

> I started on a low dose, felt better but later went back as I was

> tired etc. Following another test the dose increased. This pattern

> was repeated a number of times until my current dose.

>

> I'm tired again (seems to be worse now than ever before) and

waiting

> for my latest blood test result. The last one, carried out in March

> 08 showed a TSH of 0.05 and T4 of 20.4. Does this sort of result

seem

> to suggest anything untoward? My GP said it was normal.

>

> What I don't understand is, if thyroxine is replacing what my body

> needs, then surely I should feel ok? But I don't. I feel terrible.

I

> have just about all the 'standard' symptoms you find listed... and

in

> recent months I have had noticeable PMT (this from someone who was

> never convinced such a thing existed!). My periods are also quite

> heavy these days and my last cycle was very short. I've no idea if

> this could be connected.

>

> By the way, I've only ever had my TSH and T4 tested as my GP has

> refused to test for antibodies or T3.

>

> Oh and I sleep on average 9-12 hours per day. A few years ago I

could

> function fine on just 6/7.

>

> Finally, and just lately, I seem to have a very short fuse. Perhaps

> this is just a consequence of feeling tired.

>

> Any thoughts?

>

> I do wonder whether my problems are perhaps in my mind. I go on

about

> my tiredness so much that I believe I am boring even my closest

> family and friends. I feel quite desperate about my situation. I've

> asked my GP for a referral to go private.

>

> Thanks for 'listening'! I really would appreciate any advice.

>

Dear Lynn, I read your email, and I felt a surge of sympathy for

you, as I can remember feeling as bad as you do, but you have age on

your side, as I was 56 before going on replacement therepy, I think

you are not converting by taking just thyroxine,maybe you could try

Armour Thyroid, have you thought about seeing a private Doctor, you

describe feeling short tempered, I know that feeling, and I used to

sleep 13 hours a night, don't worry this site will really help you,

take care Love Louise.

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I was diagnosed as being hypothyroid in early 2007. I'm in my very

early 40's. I'm not a doctor, but I can let you know about my

experience. Of course, you will need to check things out with your

doc.

I can relate to what you are saying about feeling worse as you

increased your dose of levothyroxine. Of course, all of us are

different and my situation/body/reactions to drugs are not the same

as yours, however I found that when I got to 150mcg I felt

absolutely terrible with increased lethargy and a weird kind

of 'buzzy' feeling inside. It was hard to think straight (mind you,

I still have trouble thinking straight which DEFINITELY was not the

case prior to thyroid problems). I dropped back to 125mcg and the

lethargy eased up a little and the 'buzzy' feeling lessened. I

still don't feel well, but it is better than when I was using 150mcg.

You mentioned your blood test results, however you didn't provide

the reference range for them. Could you please provide the

reference ranges as different labs have different ranges?

Like you, I had hoped that taking thyroxine would make me feel ok.

I've been unwell on thyroxine for at least a year now. It doesn't

seem to help me with any of my thyroid related symptoms. I know of

an elderly family friend who calls her thyroxine tablets a 'wonder

pill'. She is in her 80's and she is full of energy since taking

them. So, it works well for some people, but not so well for

others.

I SO relate to what you wrote about noticeable PMT and that your

periods are quite heavy and short. Mine are too. It really worries

me. My doctor told me this is all connected to thyroid function.

My understanding is that the thyroid can affect just about

everything in your body, including the sex hormones. Prior to being

diagnosed I still suffered from PMT, but my period was as regular as

clockwork - I was a 'day 28'er' every month. Recently I went to a

doc who specialises in hormone related issues. The doctor ordered a

saliva test for oestrogen (E1, E2, E3) and progesterone. My

oestrogen levels (broken up into E1, E2 & E3) came back as being

between 2 to 4 times higher than they should be. I was also tested

for testosterone and DHEA. I am now using things to try and rectify

the problem of abnormally high oestrogen levels. It may be

worthwhile for you to pursue the issue of your irregular period and

PMT further.

You mentioned that you have only ever had your TSH and T4 levels

tested. I would really push to have your antibody levels tested.

If your doctor won't do it, perhaps it would be worthwhile trying to

find a doctor who will do it. That way you will know whether you

have a thyroid autoimmune disease. The test is a fairly standard

test, so the doc shouldn't have a problem with ordering it. I had

my Anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibody levels tested and

found out that I have Hashimoto Disease. I also had a thyroid scan

that confirmed this diagnosis.

This is a really useful and well recognised site if you want to look

up info about tests. I use this site a lot.

http://www.labtestsonline.org.uk/

My 'usual' swag of blood tests include TSH, free T4 & free T3. I

also have my Reverse T3 levels tested occasionally. I just thought

I'd let you know that I've had my TSH and free T4 levels come back

within range, however my free T3 levels have been dropping gradually

to the point where the levels were sitting at the base end

of 'normal' and then were low (in one result they came back as below

the normal reference range). My Reverse T3 came back well above the

normal reference range. I'm just mentioning this because it shows

how your TSH and free T4 levels can be ok, but free T3 can be low

and RT3 can be high.

Sheila mentioned having your ferritin levels checked and that is

good advice. I had a full Iron Studies test done (Ferritin, Iron,

Transferrin, Transferrin saturation) which showed normal ferritin

levels, however my Iron levels were below the normal reference

range. The lab comments were as follows: 'consistent with iron

deficiency'. So that shows that it is worth having a full iron

studies test done, as ferritin levels can be ok but iron levels may

not be within range. I now have to take ferrous sulphate.

Just out of interest, there are other useful tests to have done.

There is a link between coeliac disease and hypothyroidism so it is

worth thinking about having tests done to test for coeliac disease.

Also useful to test for Vitamin D (the test you need to have done is

25-hydroxy-D) , Zinc, Copper... I'm sure that others will have other

suggestions too. If I think of others I will post them.

Until very recently, I used to sleep a lot like you too. I've just

started using T3 in addition to my levothyroxine and my sleeping

patterns seem to be normalising a bit. I'm not sure if it is a

coincidence or not as I've only been using T3 for about a week.

You mentioned that lately you seem to have a very short fuse. My

poor family told me I was hell to be around before. Normally I am

not fussed by too many things. I've noticed a change in grumpiness

(it has improved) since I started treatment for my thyroid.

You said that you wonder whether your problems are perhaps in your

mind. I can't speak for you, however in my case, just about

everything you have mentioned has happened to me and I attribute it

all to my thyroid condition. These things did not exist before

that.

If you have any more questions please post them, as we are all here

to help. I find this to be a very supportive forum.

P

[Guest guest]

Hello Lynne,

I read your posting with interest, I am also a new member to tpa, so

cannot offer you any knowledgeable advice, but can tell you, based on

my own experience over the last couple of weeks, that you have come to

a very good place.

Already I know much more than I ever did about thyroid function, I too

feel quite unwell, have not had a diagnosis, despite one op on it 20

years ago, enlarged again this year and now so full of hypo symptoms

that just getting through somedays is a complete challenge. I

recognised your 'is it all in my head?' feeling with empathy, I have

secretly considered my sanity many times. That's no good for our well

being.

So, since joining tpa, I've been back to my GP, discussed it all at a

different (assertive) level, managed to get further blood tests run and

an referral to an endocrinologist. A huge step forward for me.

I have had so much effective advice in two weeks, I feel better for

that alone. I have also found in interesting and informative to log on

and read others' stories, so would recommend that too.

Best wishes for good health, enjoy Sunday.

x

>

> Hello,

>

> I'm new on here and am looking for any help or advice you can offer.

>

> I'm 38 and female. I was diagnosed as being hypothyroid in June 2006.

>

[Guest guest]

Lynne,

You will find all the support you need here. GPs just don't know how

to treat thyroid patients which is why so often they dismiss us as

being depressive or hypochondriac. I found this site when I was taking

150mcg of levo and deteriorating fast. It's been a long slow process

(which is to be expected because we've all been qute poorly) but I'm

definitely improving and I'm sure you will find answers here too.

Show your friends and family some of the posts and files. It will help

them to understand what you're going through and remember it is most

definitely NOT in your mind.

Good luck

Pen x

[Guest guest]

EDITED TO DELETE ALL OTHER MESSAGES EXCEPT FOR A SHORT QUOTE FROM THE MESSAGE

REPLIED TO. Lilian

Thank you for your replies. Its really quite heartening to receive

such amazing support from people I've never met!

My last TSH was 0.05. The reference range is 0.27 - 4.20.

My last Free T4 was 20.4 and the reference range is 12.0 - 22.0.

I've just carried out the Adrenal and Candida questionnaires. For the

first:

Total responses = 55

Total points = 112

Index = 2.0

Asterix = 8

It seems I am " moderate " .

For the Candida questionnaire:

Section A = 51

Section B = 75

Section C = 78

Grand total score = 204

So, it seems I may have yeast connected health problems.

I'm not sure what I do with this information now!

I am booked in to see an endocrinologist this Thurs, at a BUPA

hospital. I have my fingers crossed that he will be thorough,

supportive and proactive. I contacted his secretary last week to

ensure that he will test for anti-bodies and Free T3. Apparently he

will.

I've also made a list, following on from the helpful advice everyone

has given, of the tests I could maybe ask for. My only fear is that I

am not perhaps forthright enough. I'll let you know how it goes.

Kind regards,

Lynne

>

>

> Awe Shucks Lynne - you really shouldn't have to go through all this

> unnecessary suffering just because your doctor has no idea about

thyroid

> disease.

[Guest guest]

Hi Lynne,

Sadly this situation is all too common. Levothyroxine ( T4) is

almost inert in the body- to be of use it had to be converted to the active

hormone liothyronine (T3) if this is not tested for then how can you find

out if the conversion is not happening ( a normal T4 and low T3 would be

expected if you can't convert) There are some NHS endos who know more than

the average -if you ask her Sheila will give you a list in your area,

probably a cheaper step than going private as many docs will not take notice

of private test results and advice.

All the symptoms you describe are typical of undertreated hypo and would

probably benefit from Armour natural thyroid or replacement of some of the

T4 with T3.

I suggest you print out the symptoms list for thyroid and tick the relevant

symptoms and make a list of bloods and doses taken if you do go the private

route- saves expense on not duplicating tests.

There are other conditions such as candida and low ferritin which mimic low

thyroid so best to rule them out first. Adrenal function can also be

compromised especially if you have been hypo for a long time.

Subject: Looking for help

Hello,

I'm 38 and female. I was diagnosed as being hypothyroid in June 2006.

I'm now on 150mcg of levothyroxine each day.

The last one, carried out in March

08 showed a TSH of 0.05 and T4 of 20.4. Does this sort of result seem

to suggest anything untoward? My GP said it was normal.

By the way, I've only ever had my TSH and T4 tested as my GP has

refused to test for antibodies or T3.

I feel quite desperate about my situation. I've

asked my GP for a referral to go private.

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

Messages are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always

consult with a suitably qualified practitioner before changing

medication.

[Guest guest]

Thanks . Thanks to everyone for their replies.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am on SS disability. I wasn't able to work when this first started in 2003

since I was on crutches. And at the same time my psoriasis was real bad on my

hands and they were cracking and bleeding all the time. No one wants to hire

someone who is bleeding like that all the time. But I thought I had to have a

doctor help get the ball rolling on disability. In early 2005 a doctor finally

told me I could go to SS on line and apply that way. So I did. The best advice

he told me was to be honest on everything. There will be all kinds of questions

about whether you are working and if not why, what are your diagnoses, how does

it affect your activities of daily living. On those questions about activities

of daily living he told me not to write what I was experiencing that particular

day I fill it out but to use my worst day. As I am sure you know that you have

some good days where tying your shoes is no problem but then maybe two days

later you will wake up and not even be able to bend over to put your shoes on!

That is why you use your worst day to describe how it affects your daily living.

Don't rush through the application. You can create an account so you can come

back to it if you need to. After you get the application filled out be sure to

print yourself a copy before you submit it! You may need it later.

I was in Texas when I applied but every state is different. After SS reviewed my

application I got a letter from the Texas Disability Review Board. They made me

an appointment, at no charge, with one of their doctors who examined me. He did

a physical exam and lots of exrays. He was the one who told SS that yes I was

disabled to a point of being unable to work.

I applied in January. I had the doctors appointment in March and by the end of

April I received a letter saying I was approved. At the same time I was also

approved for another benefit they offer that doesn't pay much but I got like

$700 from it. I got my first payment at the end of June. I was awarded a year

and a half of back benefits since I had been unemployed all that time due to the

disability.

That being said, I have to tell you it is different for everyone. Sometimes you

don't get approved the first time around. I have a friend in Texas that had to

apply three different times. She just got her letter after a year and a half or

trying saying she was approved. And I have known people who actually had to get

a lawyer to fight to get approved. The biggest draw back to getting a lawyer is

that they usually get half of any back pay awarded to you.

If you get approved you will get your benefits soon after. But your Medicare

will not kick in until January first of the next year, which kind of sucks. You

will also need to enroll in a Medicare part D prescription plan the month before

your Medicare kicks in in order to be covered for prescriptions. Medicare part A

will be free for you but part B, which pays for doctors appointments etc, you

will be charged for and that will come out of your benefits.

Most states have Medicaid, although they may call it something else. Oklahoma

calls their Medicaid Sooner Care. Since your husband is disabled too, check into

that now to see if NC has it. It is based on your income but if you can qualify

for it now you can get some medical relief that way until your Medicare kicks in

if you are approved. Also if you can get Medicaid most of the time it will pay

your Medicare premiums. And you maybe able to keep it after, depending on what

NC guidelines are for it. Also when you apply for SS disability, look around on

their website for the extra help with paying prescriptions. If you can qualify

for that it is a Godsend! It will pay the Medicare part D premium and

drastically reduces the copays for meds. When you go in to apply for Medicaid

(you do that through your states Department of Health and Human Services) ask

about other programs your state may offer to help out, such as food stamps.

It is overwhelming being sick and then on top of that having to figure out how

to live with little or no income. The website for SS is www.socialsecurity.gov.

You can go to your local SS Administration office and do it but I think it was a

lot easier on me to do it on line. And they still may call you to come to their

office for an interview after you apply. I also applied on line for Medicaid in

Texas. You might check in the www.medicare.gov website and see if your state

allows that. If not you will have to call and ask them to send you an

application that you can fill out and mail back to them. Then they will call and

set you an interview time. Same with food stamps or any other type benefits your

state may offer. Calling for the application is a lot easier than having to make

all those trips.

About the two rheumys saying you have RA, my first rheumy explained it that PsA

is so closely related to RA that it often taken for RA by a lot of doctors. What

clinched the diagnosis for me was the pitting and ridges in my finger and

toenails. I tested negative for RA factor too but some people do test positive

for RA but still have PsA.

As for explaining it to others, it is one of those invisible diseases until your

have enough damage that it shows. Most of the time I tell people I have a rare

aggressive form of RA. RA is something most people know about or have heard

about so it makes it easier for them to understand. And if they really want to

know more I tell them the name of it. And for those really rare people who

actually want to understand what it is like to live with it I refer them to the

Spoon Theory. If you have never read it Google 'The Spoon Theory' or go to

www.butyoudontlooksick.com. People most of the time will tell me they have

arthritis too in their toe or knee etc. and it isn't a big deal. I tell them

when they wake up and the pain has them screaming and they can't do anything at

all because of it for weeks or months on end, then we will compare pains LOL.

Big gentle hugs,

Dalene

[Guest guest]

I'm looking for help for my grandson. He is 10 years old. He spent first grade out of district, when things started going wrong we requested that the counselor be able to audit class, to see where triggers were. It was in the IEP, and twice he was turned away from the school. the principal said it was her school, and she would decide who could come into the classrooom.

Let it be known here in ohio. Parents are discouraged from coming into the classroom. They say it is against the HIPPA law. you can't volunteer in the classroom. I went before the school board in a public

meeting. and was asked to leave one time, the second time a police officer told me to leave. this is because I wasn't a resident of that school district. Moved him out of that school, he only went to school two hours a day. We

had to drive 26 miles each way, so we would sit parking lot, do grocery shopping, library waited the 2 hours. Second grade, Now we are in a new school, it lasted until Jan, started having problems, again requested Aide, and counselor to come into class. Again turned away even though in IEP. Back to 2 hours a day. Found out this violated education law, if not in school the whole day, it doesn't count15 IEP meetings. One time I went to school to pick him up and the Janitor is sitting on him. Enough!!!! Now we were in another school this one is 28 miles away from home. No Aide, No counselor allowed in. He has been out of school for 6 weeks we have tried every school in our county for children with Aspergers turned away, they are full and waiting lists. Our county board of Education has a school for him. Let me describe first you go through a metal detector, then a armed deputy has the right to search you. Children are in lock down in classroom, if they

have an espoide, they can be tasted, then they are processed into the criminal system, If you go to the school to see your child's classroom, you will be told to leave and be subject to arrest. what else can we do. He is getting a label as being a bad child, but he can build planes without blueprints or guides. We tried contacting state agencies, they could care less, as long as it not their child. Open to suggestions, has counselor, doctor, on meds but active in bowling, scouts, baseball. To high function for MRDD, but no help from them either.Edna Gillam big_momma_2324@...