Help

[Guest guest]

Hi Grace,

Several more things. If you have chosen to rely on

ATD, remember to take it religiously. Meaning, if you

used to take it early every morning, consistently

follow this routine. Never stop it for no reason and

always follow the usual timing. This is very

important. Usually people will start to be

unconsistent after having the med for a period of

time. Don't do that...i somehow believe this will

increase your chances of relapse later on....

Check back on the archieve on the list on how to

consume the drugs. I mean, usually doctors will advice

us to take 3 tablets every morning, but some listers

actually prefer to take a single tablets in the

morning, late afternoon and late evening...

Read up on some of the side effects of ATD. Emm...

finally, if you're not a diabetic, do drink isotonic

drinks now and then to replenish the mineral in your

body...

Have lot's of banana to replenish your body potassium

and finally, don't drink Reverse Osmosis water ( or so

called Pure Water ) which are usually available in

offices as they have no mineral content. IMHO.

Yeah, it's used in detoxification treatment, but in

your case, your body are releasing too much minerals

to the detriment of your body! By the way, I do have

some personal experience on that....

Also, if out of a sudden, you suffer from aches, and

even paralysis like me, DO NOT BE AFRAID! It is a

temporary paralysis, NEVER and i mean never allow

doctors to run painful diagnosis on your nervous

system. It cost a lot and brings a lot of pain and at

the end of the day, are inconclusive! Just remember if

you happen to be in such position, tell the doctor

that you suffer from hyperT and that this happens when

your potasium level is too low. Give your self a day

of rest, eat (yes, eat) and have isotonic drinks and

of course banana.... i guess banana will be hard to

get over there, perhaps you can get some supplement

instead...

Take care.

pang

>

> --- weegraceodonnell <weegrace@...> wrote:

>

> > Hello, I have been unwell for eight months now and

> > progressively

> > worse. Was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism eight

> > weeks ago and to be

> > honest it was a relief to know what was wrong. At

> > the moment my

> > resting heart rate is down to 120. Trouble is the

> > Dr just referred

> > me to a specialist who never even asked me to sit

> > down, just asked

> > me to sign a form for RAI. When I said I wanted

> to

> > know more he

> > just said he didn't have time! To come back in

> three

> > months when I

> > wanted it.

> > Well needless to say I spent the next few days

> > feeling desperately

> > low and in tears (does everyone get this

> emotional?)

> > and eventually

> > went back to my Dr and asked her to explain what

> my

> > thyroid was and

> > did (I had no idea).

> > So now I know it is a gland in my neck that

> controls

> > my metabolism

> > and boy do I feel ill. Shakes, weight loss,

> running

> > to the toilet

> > all the time, heart goes mad, tearful and eyes

> > swollen etc etc.

> > The Doctor mentioned T3 and T4 but I have no idea

> > exactly what that

> > is and I can't seem to think straight. So Dr has

> > put me on tablets

> > (carbimazole, 2x5mg three times a day and it is

> > calming me a bit but

> > I feel so sick sometimes. This is temporary she

> says

> > until I go back

> > to that same specialist (oh no!!)

> > So do I take this stuff or not? What is best?

> > Please help,

> > Grace

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

> Send instant messages to your online friends

> http://uk.messenger.

>

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[Guest guest]

Thanks for the advice Pang,

I have been taking two tablets morning afternoon and evening religiously

eight hours apart:-) Also, for some reason I have been craving bananas! That

makes sense then - I have a banana every tea break.

Good to know I have been doing some things right. Is it worth taking a

supplement

of minerals? I will change from pure water to isotonic drinks and tap water.

Our tap water here is good.

You guys are so helpful - far more helpful than the doctor!

Grace

___________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Grace, just now chiming in....You have gotten some good advice. By the time I

saw your post everything had already been said. I had a very busy week last

week and didn't have much time to post.

But, on the comment about getting more info here....I have learned soooo much

more from my board friends than from drs. I also am very interested in advice

from those who have " been there done that " . From raising kids to marraige, and

even to thyroid issues. There is so much information out there it is easy to

get confused. So yes it does help when there are others to help show us the

way. I think that in itself is what keeps places like this going.

Welcome to the Board!

Kim

aka Hyperkim

Re: help

Thanks for the advice Pang,

I have been taking two tablets morning afternoon and evening religiously

eight hours apart:-) Also, for some reason I have been craving bananas! That

makes sense then - I have a banana every tea break.

Good to know I have been doing some things right. Is it worth taking a

supplement

of minerals? I will change from pure water to isotonic drinks and tap water.

Our tap water here is good.

You guys are so helpful - far more helpful than the doctor!

Grace

___________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Sorry, I just noticed pang's last reply. I have to disagree with dosing. Most

people that I have met have done better when splitting their ATD dose throughout

the day. (Versus taking all in a single dose per day). If you read the

manufacturer's instructions they say at eight hour intervals.

Splitting like this helps prevent thyroid surges during the day between doses.

Your system will do better with the steady supression from the drugs. Grace, I

am glad to hear you are already splitting your dose to eight hour intervals.

Take care

Kim

Re: help

Thanks for the advice Pang,

I have been taking two tablets morning afternoon and evening religiously

eight hours apart:-) Also, for some reason I have been craving bananas! That

makes sense then - I have a banana every tea break.

Good to know I have been doing some things right. Is it worth taking a

supplement

of minerals? I will change from pure water to isotonic drinks and tap water.

Our tap water here is good.

You guys are so helpful - far more helpful than the doctor!

Grace

___________________________________________________________

Tiscali Broadband from 14.99 with free setup!

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[Guest guest]

Hi Kim,

I guess you misunderstood what I try to say in my

mail. What i try to suggest is that some people split

their ATD dose throughout the day and some don't. So

do read up previous post on the pros and cons of doing

so. Usually doctors will suggest a single dose per

day, i guess their argument was that, people tend to

forget on taking it when the time comes during the

day, especially the middle dose. And when we are late

for the middle day dose, it is advisable to skip it

and wait for the late evening dose. In other words,

the timing could be all wrong. I myself do forget once

in a while and that makes my med intake inconsistent.

Besides, I do not want to bring my med everywhere i

go, and constantly remember myself to take med now and

then. People will think i'm a mental case! ha ha ...

take care, and yes, i separate my dose,,,,,

--- kkmwn@... wrote:

> Sorry, I just noticed pang's last reply. I have to

> disagree with dosing. Most people that I have met

> have done better when splitting their ATD dose

> throughout the day. (Versus taking all in a single

> dose per day). If you read the manufacturer's

> instructions they say at eight hour intervals.

>

> Splitting like this helps prevent thyroid surges

> during the day between doses. Your system will do

> better with the steady supression from the drugs.

> Grace, I am glad to hear you are already splitting

> your dose to eight hour intervals.

>

> Take care

> Kim

>

> Re: help

>

>

> Thanks for the advice Pang,

> I have been taking two tablets morning afternoon and

> evening religiously

> eight hours apart:-) Also, for some reason I have

> been craving bananas! That

> makes sense then - I have a banana every tea break.

> Good to know I have been doing some things right. Is

> it worth taking a

> supplement

> of minerals? I will change from pure water to

> isotonic drinks and tap water.

> Our tap water here is good.

> You guys are so helpful - far more helpful than the

> doctor!

> Grace

>

>

___________________________________________________________

>

> Tiscali Broadband from 14.99 with free setup!

> http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/broadband/

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hey, Pang, thanks for the reply. My understanding is that the drugs do not last

24 hours. The manufacturers know this and that is why they recommend splitting

the dose throughout the day. I think its the Tapazole that can be taken in 12

hour increments. But the TPU will not last that long and has to be taken in 8

hour increments.

Hyperthyroid sufferers that I have met tell me they are more " stable " taking the

split doses (per manufacturer) versus taking one dose per day (per doctor). Of

course, we all need to do whatever it takes to helps " ourselves " feel better.

What works for one my not work for another.

Have a Great Day!

Kim

Re: help

>

>

> Thanks for the advice Pang,

> I have been taking two tablets morning afternoon and

> evening religiously

> eight hours apart:-) Also, for some reason I have

> been craving bananas! That

> makes sense then - I have a banana every tea break.

> Good to know I have been doing some things right. Is

> it worth taking a

> supplement

> of minerals? I will change from pure water to

> isotonic drinks and tap water.

> Our tap water here is good.

> You guys are so helpful - far more helpful than the

> doctor!

> Grace

>

>

___________________________________________________________

>

> Tiscali Broadband from 14.99 with free setup!

> http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/broadband/

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

dear AntJoan

Just a question - thats me been on the ATD's for only a month, 2 x 5mg three

times a day. No problem It has really helped me to calm down but I have

one problem - now I fall asleep! I mean just nod off if I sit down, so tired.

Also I am constipated now where before I was running to the loo four times

a day. And instead of being hot, that happens so rarely I am cold! Feet are

not warming up even in bed. The weight is going back on (which I needed

some). Is this normal do you know?

Grace

___________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Dear Grace,

Sorry, I don't know the answer to your questions, but hopefully someone else

on this list will.

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Hope you don't mind if i attempt to reply to this mail

since you are addressing to antjoan. I guess you are

moving towards hypothyroidism, which means your

metabolism is too low (ur're suppressing too much of

your hormone through the ATD). the effect will always

be the opposite of what you have in hyperthroidism.

Consult ur doctor, and have a blood screen. Most

probable ur doc will advise you to reduce ur overall

dosage. Or maybe u can try out urself.... a little bit

at a time....it takes some time to find the optimum

dosage.

take care

--- weegrace@... wrote:

> dear AntJoan

> Just a question - thats me been on the ATD's for

> only a month, 2 x 5mg three

> times a day. No problem It has really helped me to

> calm down but I have

> one problem - now I fall asleep! I mean just nod off

> if I sit down, so tired.

> Also I am constipated now where before I was

> running to the loo four times

> a day. And instead of being hot, that happens so

> rarely I am cold! Feet are

> not warming up even in bed. The weight is going

> back on (which I needed

> some). Is this normal do you know?

> Grace

>

>

___________________________________________________________

>

> Tiscali Broadband from 14.99 with free setup!

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>

>

>

Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.

[Guest guest]

I agree with pang. It sounds like you are responding well to the ATDs. And

possibly heading hypoT. You need fresh lab work to know for sure. Be careful

that your dr doesn't reduce your med too fast as that would cause a rebound back

to hyperT.

Best wishes, and keep us posted

Kim

Re: help

Hope you don't mind if i attempt to reply to this mail

since you are addressing to antjoan. I guess you are

moving towards hypothyroidism, which means your

metabolism is too low (ur're suppressing too much of

your hormone through the ATD). the effect will always

be the opposite of what you have in hyperthroidism.

Consult ur doctor, and have a blood screen. Most

probable ur doc will advise you to reduce ur overall

dosage. Or maybe u can try out urself.... a little bit

at a time....it takes some time to find the optimum

dosage.

take care

--- weegrace@... wrote:

> dear AntJoan

> Just a question - thats me been on the ATD's for

> only a month, 2 x 5mg three

> times a day. No problem It has really helped me to

> calm down but I have

> one problem - now I fall asleep! I mean just nod off

> if I sit down, so tired.

> Also I am constipated now where before I was

> running to the loo four times

> a day. And instead of being hot, that happens so

> rarely I am cold! Feet are

> not warming up even in bed. The weight is going

> back on (which I needed

> some). Is this normal do you know?

> Grace

>

>

___________________________________________________________

>

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>

>

>

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[Guest guest]

Grace,

Those are all hypo symptoms which would mean the ATD's have made you hypo

and you need to cut back on them. I would call the doc and let him/her know

so they can tell you what to cut back to. The good thing is the ATD's are

working. I had to have my ATD's adjusted monthly - gradually lowering them.

Best to you!

Tammy

Re: help

dear AntJoan

Just a question - thats me been on the ATD's for only a month, 2 x 5mg three

times a day. No problem It has really helped me to calm down but I have

one problem - now I fall asleep! I mean just nod off if I sit down, so

tired.

Also I am constipated now where before I was running to the loo four times

a day. And instead of being hot, that happens so rarely I am cold! Feet are

not warming up even in bed. The weight is going back on (which I needed

some). Is this normal do you know?

Grace

___________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/2/2006 3:09:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

weegrace@... writes:

I thought you stayed on

them for years.

Dear Grace,

As I had mentioned to you, I started weaning off ATDs in a few months, and

shortly was off them entirely. The doctors like to keep you on them for years,

but I still think that my insistence on weaning as soon as I detected hypo

symptoms is what got me better.

Best,

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/2/2006 4:18:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time, kkmwn@...

writes:

AuntJoan is one of my thyroid heros.

So glad I'm someone's hero LOL!!! I do feel like battling the illness, and

the doctors, is like going to war, and that all of us are warriors. I am happy

that I won my battle.

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Thanks Tammy,

Glad to know the tablets are working. They did make me feel so much better

but now just fall asleep everywhere!! Husband is quite frustrated because

I reckon he thinks I am being lazy but cannot summon up the energy and

motivation,

just want to go to bed ... to sleep Lol. As for being cold all the time

it is so strange after being so hot for so long. Will mention it to my doctor

I see her next week and she will perhaps adjust them.

Grace

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[Guest guest]

Hi Kim

Yes when I look at hypo symptoms I think I am starting to veer towards hypo.

I never realised the ATDs would work that fast! I thought you stayed on

them for years. Will speak to my Doctor when I see her next week.

Grace

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[Guest guest]

Thanks Pang,

You have no idea how reassuring it is to ask questions and get replies on

here:-) Will speak to my Doctor about how I feel and perhaps she will reduce

them. I would reduce them slightly myself but I don't have a clue as I have

only been on them for a month. am really surprised how fast they have done

that then!

Grace

___________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Grace, I am using supplements and dietary changes to control my hyperT. (The

" magic " ones for me(and there are other things I do) are L-Carnitine and

balancing my calcium and magnesium intake.) Thankfully it has been working for

me so far. The L-Carnitine was referred to me by my md. But even though she

gave it to me, she has been slow to tell me when to start reduction.

I started this in Nov last year when I found out I had hyperthyroidism caused by

graves disease. Three months ago my levels started dropping faster. I started

getting a whole new list of symptoms as the " old " symptoms were fading. I chose

to follow my instincts and what I was learning online. I monitored my labs and

symptoms and started reducing the supplements accordingly to try to prevent

hypo. I still believe I went hypo. Amazingly, just yesterday, my dr said I may

need to start thinking about cutting back on the supplements to prevent hypo

from hitting me. She said I really didn't want that to happen. Hmmmmm. A

little late don't you think? I am already down to a third of the Carnitine that

I used to take at one time.

Sometimes drs just don't get it. I have learned more from my online thyroid

buddies than from my holistic dr. My favorite thyroid boards are here on

and the ones at mediboard and healthboards. I say that to tell you that I have

gotten alot of guidance on avoiding hypo-land (even from just reading posts)

from these boards.

I would follow my instincts. Take in whatever research and/or family support to

your next dr visit. Make sure your levels are being monitored every 4-6 weeks.

Sooner if you notice a marked difference in symptoms. Don't let your dr bully

you. If he/she refuses to lower your dose, I would lower it myself in very

small increments as needed by labs. And hunt for a new dr. There is a big

difference in knowing how to " write " a prescription/dose and knowing how to

" monitor " a prescription/dose. Make sure you have a dr that " knows " how to

monitor ATDs.

Sorry for the rambling. I'll stop. Hope that helps some.

Kim

PS. AuntJoan is one of my thyroid heros. I hope that once I get back to normal

levels I can maintain them as she, and others like her, have done. Drs try to

say its not possible. But as I have learned in my research, it is a very BIG

possibility.

Re: help

In a message dated 6/2/2006 3:09:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

weegrace@... writes:

I thought you stayed on

them for years.

Dear Grace,

As I had mentioned to you, I started weaning off ATDs in a few months, and

shortly was off them entirely. The doctors like to keep you on them for years,

but I still think that my insistence on weaning as soon as I detected hypo

symptoms is what got me better.

Best,

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Hi guys,

I haven't posted in a bit but I do read the post. This is very

intersting to me, because I was hyper and diagnosed with Graves

Disease. MY first blood test that showed something wrong in June

2004. My tsh was .000 at that time, my T3 and T4 fine. Then my T3

elevated and eventually both elevated. My Dr. had me do the thyroid

scan and with this groups input, I decided to question him. Re: You

get a more accurate diagnosis from the blood test then from they

radioactive dye from the scan. Anyways he was insistant and I did it

only for him to come up with the same conclusion that he had before

the scan.....Hyperthyroid, Graves. I was taking a supplement and I

think I was the worst into hyper between sept and Jan of this year. I

lost 10lbs (for my body it is a lot)I could just feel something wrong,

but also couldn't move hardly on Sat. mornings because I was so tired.

I was " pissy " at the world, I didn't even like my self. (oh, I had

also started a beta blocker because my heart rate would go up to 200

resting or after a shower.)

Anyways.........I did not like my endo, he was very cocky. He wanted

me to go on the meds, but I he couldn't explain it to me well enough

(he just wanted to tell me and I would do it)(the supplement was

making me feel better). so he wanted to make an agreement that if my

bloodlevels were raised again on my next blood test that I would go on

the meds and if not he would cheer up and down the hall about this

supplement) Long story short.... my T3 or T4 lower with the next

blood test and I changed endos.

This next endo, also suggested that I get off the supplement, but was

able to explain that the thymus was too close to the thyroid and I

could be getting thyroid inadvertantly. (I stopped the supplement)He

stated that he felt the drop in my level had nothing to do with the

supplement, but more with the fact that my thyroid was probably

burning itself out. He predicted the next blood test would show my T3

and T4 both in the normal range, but feels unfortunately my body is

naturally going to hypo. He was right the next blood test my tsh

still low, T3 and T4 normal. I haven't felt better in a long time,

this was in April. I am now off the beta blocker and my heart rate is

in the normal range for me between 45 and 55.

The last week or so, I am starting to feel yucky again. Tired,

crabby, and fat. (I did gain those 10 pounds back which I needed to,

but I don't think I have stopped there).

I wondered if you could stop the hypo if that is what my body is

doing. My thoughts are if my body was going to do this I would prefer

this was then the radio active killing of it.

anyway, when Antjoan said she leveled off and stayed level I got hope.

So I just wondered your thoughts.

Sorry it is so long, I just wanted to give you the whole story.

Thanks,

Annette

>

> In a message dated 6/2/2006 3:09:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> weegrace@... writes:

> I thought you stayed on

> them for years.

> Dear Grace,

>

> As I had mentioned to you, I started weaning off ATDs in a few

months, and

> shortly was off them entirely. The doctors like to keep you on them

for years,

> but I still think that my insistence on weaning as soon as I

detected hypo

> symptoms is what got me better.

>

> Best,

> AntJoan

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim,

That wasn't rambling, to me it was interesting Lol. I will ask Dr about

L-Carantine (will write it down correct spelling!) and supplements. Dr's

here are not very good at that side of things so I may try to find a place

and work out which supplements to take. I think it is knowing the balance

of them that is hard but will get there. Meantime I am making sure I eat

regularly, take my tablets regularly etc. I see my Dr on Wednesday and she

will take more blood tests and refer me to another specialist as I am not

going back to the one I saw. I have never seen my blood results and no idea

what they are, as a general rule I think the Dr doesn't show you these things

here but I will ask as I would like to have more control over things and

know how my own body is responding.

Meantime I am getting sleepier and sleepier and weight piling back on, I

know I needed some back but don't want to keep going!! Therefore if the

Dr doesnt agree with cutting the tablets back and it will be weeks before

I get my blood results I think I will cut them back myself slightly (maybe

one tablet a day out of the six I take or something?) and try to prevent

going hypo. I would rather just level out a bit and work with supplements

etc and healthy diet and rest and try to avoid stress (Lol).

We will see how it goes. I am certainly soooo much calmer on these tablets

and can think a bit clearer tho nothing like I was before all this started

but i am determined to work on this. After all if my body can get sick,

it can also heal given the right help:-)

Take care

Grace

___________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/8/2006 8:36:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

weegrace@... writes:

.. I just wonder if it would not

be better to avoid this hypo part, reduce meds slightly and stay more stable.

My eyes have swollen up bad and she insists that the best treatment is RAI

Dear Grace,

Yes, it is better to avoid being hypo. It seems your endo is pushing RAI,

and wants you to be good and sick so you will agree to it. That may not be her

motive, but otherwise I can't understand why she won't agree to just reducing

the dose, and allowing you to wean off and go into remission. Can you maybe

get a second opinion?

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Hi

Yes I think I will reduce dosage myself as started to feel so much better

on the tablets and then had a few days when I felt real sick again then on

Tuesday I passed out and was really sick and out of it and felt like I was

back where I started but different (if you know what I mean). I had no idea

I would crash like this going hypo (if that is what happened) I just know

that I could sleep forever and my period has lasted ten days really heavy

and I have lost my appetite (which was unbelievable when hyper!) and am gaining

weight.

The Dr says I will put on a lot of weight not to worry about that and that

when she is ready she will give me thyroxine. I just wonder if it would not

be better to avoid this hypo part, reduce meds slightly and stay more stable.

My eyes have swollen up bad and she insists that the best treatment is RAI

and is pushing towards that but I am worried about my eyes?

So, on that confused note tonight ..... and feeling a bit down:-(

But am sure things must get better

Grace

___________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Dear Grace

I suggest that you go with your instincts and tell the doc that you want

to take just enough meds to keep your thyroid levels in the normal range.

Hopefully she will agree and schedule regular blood tests and follow up appts.

with her as you will need this to know how you're doing. Also, always get a

copy of your blood tests, and jot down what your doses were during the

period prior to the test. Also, keep a record of how you felt between blood

tests

as this will help you and the doc to determine where in the range you feel

best. I personally felt best when my thyroid levels were just slightly below

the mid range, however this is something that definitely varies between

individuals. Once you know your " comfort zone " , then you and the doc can work

towards keeping you there by making necessary adjustments to your dose.

Hope this doctor will help you achieve your goals.

Wishing you good luck and good health.

Joyce

[Guest guest]

Hi AntJoan

Well I have reduced my tablets by only one tablet a day out of six and already

feel the difference tho still sluggish. Just being overly cautious, won't

reduce any more til I have made sure I am steady on that amount then will

reduce by another one and see how it goes.

Yes, my Dr does seem over keen for me to go hypo but at the moment I have

yet to see a specialist because the one I saw in the beginning wanted me

to swallow the RAI without even telling me what it was or did so I have refused

to go back to him. My Dr does not seem pleased I have done this and explained

to me that there was a medical newsletter only this week that says that the

first course of action should be RAI. It is only because I refused it and

my heart rate was so high that she has put me on Carbimazole temporarily

until I take the RAI so yes, you are right, perhaps she is making me good

and hypo in readiness for me taking the RAI. The Dr I am under will be working

to a financial budget that they cannot overstep and this plays a big factor

in the treatment you receive (I know, I know!) and she is only giving me

limited amounts of Carbimazole at a time and I believe this will be why.

I am being referred to another consultant at my request so will wait and

see what he or she says tho the Dr has assured me that they will not say

any different (sigh). I asked her for my initial blood results and she refused

to give them to me but reading them upside down my T4 was 19 and my TSH was

0.02 and I never saw the T3. These figures don't really mean much to me

but the Dr took blood tests four days ago and I know by the way I feel that

they will be different and this time will insist on a printout.

I think the difficulty here is that we don't use Insurance etc for medical

treatment, we get treatment through the National health and we never have

access to our own details and usually have little choice in who we see. I

have thought of going private and paying for health care but when I checked

out the prices it is o LOT and way above anything I can afford. So that

is why I am struggling a bit.

So will try and lower my Carbimazole gradualy by myself listening to what

my body says and when I get apid will buy supplements such as Potassium and

Calcium etc as per the ithyroid info. and see how I get on. I do know that

the Dr said when she gets my results if I am hypo she will start me on the

block and replace and I havent figured out how to handle that one yet! Do

I just not take the " replace " and see how I get on on a slightly reduced

dose of Carbimazole? Meantime I am learning as much as I can and learning

to stop trying to be superwoman and keep going as I usually do and letting

things slide a little for the sake of my health. This alone is stressful

enough Lol!

Anyway that was kinda long-winded and I hope I haven't bored you senseless

or sent you to sleep:-) One little question tho - does going hypo make you

feel sort of depressed as I seem to have become so flat and listless and

depressed. Can't explain it, just like I feel a bit numb and almost like

" giving in " because I am beyond caring. I know that I am not really but

wonder if this kind of depression is caused by hypo?

Grace

___________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/10/2006 8:30:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

weegrace@... writes:

One little question tho - does going hypo make you

feel sort of depressed as I seem to have become so flat and listless and

depressed.

Dear Grace,

Yes, definitely. I am a psychotherapist, and one of my most depressed, tired

and listless clients, a young woman of 30, had RAI years ago. (She also has

bulging eyes.)

You sound like a fighter, and are doing real well w/in the limits of your

national medical system. I can't believe they insist on RAI, and practically

refuse the ATDs--what a crime! What a heartless system--to not even show you

your test results (in the U.S., they must share these results).

I guess given the circumstances, you'll have to keep developing your own

strategy, listening to your body, and learning as you go along. I guess by

lowering your own dosage, you can hoard the meds, and keep taking them while you

buy

some supplements. Refusing the block and replace seems tricky, but I'm sure

you can manage it. Maybe you can go to the library, or on the Internet, and

find articles in favor of long-term ATD therapy, as opposed to RAI. I know the

medical establishment LOVES RAI, that way they can make us hypo, and

therefore patients, for life, so you might have to search a bit to find

something.

Maybe you can find a more holistic practitioner, or acupuncturist, who can

help you? I don't know what the options are in your country, let us know, so we

can figure out how to help you. You are not alone, you have us, and we will

support you however we can.

Most of us on this list have fought the good fight against the medical

establishment, and the ultimate prize--our own health--is worth it, believe me!

I'm

so glad I made my endo take the RAI option off the table, and was able to

save my thryoid, and regain my health, listening to my own body. It was one of

the best things I ever did, and I vow to stay on this list to help others do

the same as long as the medical establishment continues in its ignorance.

Also, please don't worry about rambling and being " boring, " you are no such

thing, everything you say is important and informational, and helps us to help

you.

Keep in touch, and keep fighting!

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Sherrie,

Is the spinal the same as and epidual? I am looking into the pain pump and nervous block which would numb my leg for about 8 hours.

I also went to the hospital today for the last of my final blood work. I have a pink wrist band I have to wear until surgery so they know I have donated my own blood.

I am having such a hard time deciding what route to go for pain. My Aunt had the epidual and pain pump.

MY doctor's medical asst promised me I would be in lalala land with the pain pump.

I quess I will wait until I can talk to the that puts me to sleep before I make a decision.

They also have me down for a private room. Now lets hope I get one.

Kim