Guest guest Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 Jeannie, I too take Depakote for bipolar and have been on it for 20 years. It requires a blood level draw from time to time as I am sure you know. I know of several people that have been on it for chronic pain. It can also add a significant weight gain if you are not careful. Take care, Annie A poet is, after all, to see From: Abbott <jeannieboo1@...> Subject: Re: Re: need advice neck pain Date: Friday, July 11, 2008, 5:53 AM Debbie, My husband is on Depakote for his bipolar condition, although I did read in the paperwork that comes with it that it can also help with pain. My husband has a lot of back and leg pain, he takes an opiate to help with that, Depakote does nothing for that pain, however, it has done wonders for the bipolar. you're the first person I know of who has been given Depakote for pain! He also has been given Lyrica for nerve pain-I had Neurontin, it didn't work, and when I went off of it, went through severe withdrawal. They're kinda in the same family of drugs, like Xanax and Valium are similiar also, some do better on one than the other. I guess we're always going to be looking for something that gives us consistant pain relief. I'm going to Curves now to see if that can build up my strength-my insurance pays the whole membership price, which is totally weird, I've never had insurance that pays for a gym membership. I'm just in my first week, my lower back is sore, as are my knees. I told my pain dr. i need to see an ortho dr. again, as I've had both knees replaced, and still have pain. I'll have to juggle that into my schedule somewhere. I'm trying to go all year without having to go in the hospital. Hope everything works out that you can stay surgery free. Jeannie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2008 Report Share Posted July 16, 2008 H Debbie do you have any side effects with the lyrica? Like weight gain? I hate allthe side effects, I had my epidural and am feeling some releif- Thank god. the nerve damage still drives me insane and my legs seem so tired lately? Kara > > > > > > >I was just prescribed Neurontin, which I didnt want to take but > now > > >it seems like I have to try it. > > > > I was on Neurontin for nerve pain. I couldn't take it. It was > like > > speed for me. My Wife and helpers at the studio knew when I took > it, > > and didn't like me on it. I now take Depakote for nerve pain. > > > > > > >I am 44 years old and thank goodness no little ones to take care > of > > >either as I think I would be beyond broke down at this pt. > > > > > >wendy > > > > I'm 47. When we had our studio clients always commented on my > > patience and caring for children and babies. Today with my > Chronic > > pain and chronic sleep depravation I have little or no patience > for > > unruly children. I'm generally on my last nerve or doing all I > can > > to stay awake. 24 x 7 pain and meds do that to you. I thank God > my > > " Child " is 23. Dave > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2008 Report Share Posted July 17, 2008 Hi Kara! I did have some side effects in the beginning, but to be honest the side effects were tolerable to get some relief. I haven't had any weight gain, if anything I am losing weight latey...but that could be stress and/or depression. The most I can recall was just feeling weird for the first week or so, a bit slower mentally - I don't drive but when I first started with Lyrica I remember thinking it was a good thing! In the first weeks these feelings subsided to where I didn't notice any side effects at all, just the benefit of feeling better from it. For that it was well worth the 'strange' feelings at first. I'm glad for you that you're getting some relief from the epidural, any side effects from that? They always make me a bit on edge and as my husband says " Debbie you're throwing bricks again " whenever I start sounding snippy and don't mean to. Plus I am always convinced that my air conditioning thermostat is broken/inaccurate when it says it's fine but I feel like I'm sooo hot! Sometimes with epidurals my face gets a little bit flushed and puffy too. Just an FYI in case any of these things start happening to you now, it all goes away! Best wishes to you! Debbie > > > > > > > > > >I was just prescribed Neurontin, which I didnt want to take but > > now > > > >it seems like I have to try it. > > > > > > I was on Neurontin for nerve pain. I couldn't take it. It was > > like > > > speed for me. My Wife and helpers at the studio knew when I took > > it, > > > and didn't like me on it. I now take Depakote for nerve pain. > > > > > > > > > >I am 44 years old and thank goodness no little ones to take care > > of > > > >either as I think I would be beyond broke down at this pt. > > > > > > > >wendy > > > > > > I'm 47. When we had our studio clients always commented on my > > > patience and caring for children and babies. Today with my > > Chronic > > > pain and chronic sleep depravation I have little or no patience > > for > > > unruly children. I'm generally on my last nerve or doing all I > > can > > > to stay awake. 24 x 7 pain and meds do that to you. I thank God > > my > > > " Child " is 23. Dave > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2008 Report Share Posted July 17, 2008 Hi Jeannie! Sorry this reply took me so long, I've been a bit checked out lately with my DSL getting knocked out everyday here from storms. It was a long time ago that I tried the Depakote, I was hoping it would help the pain which my doc said it would, but my doc did say that it was also good for the problems I was having with migraines. I do remember he said that specifically that it was better to take this and not get a migraine than to wait until the migraine came and medicate...I still had the headache, another thing the depakote was supposed to help was that I had a seizure previous to seeing him and since I had the cervical fusion coming up he wanted me on meds to try and control it from happening. I remember specifically being perfectly happy watching a blue screen on tv for like 20 - 30 minutes, just staring at it. And also was caught once with the car door open in the driveway looking like I was listening to a good song on the radio, taping my foot and rocking a little. Eventually it was pointed out to me that I was listening to the dinging from the door being open and enjoying it! LoL! That's what a meant when I said it turned me into a space case! Pretty bad! I told my doc and I discontinued it asap! Yes, we're all willing to try just about anything to find relief!! Good luck to you with getting some strengthening at Curves, that's amazing that your insurance covers that! Good for you! ; ) Debbie > > Debbie, > My husband is on Depakote for his bipolar condition, although I did read in the paperwork that comes with it that it can also help with pain. My husband has a lot of back and leg pain, he takes an opiate to help with that, Depakote does nothing for that pain, however, it has done wonders for the bipolar. you're the first person I know of who has been given Depakote for pain! He also has been given Lyrica for nerve pain-I had Neurontin, it didn't work, and when I went off of it, went through severe withdrawal. They're kinda in the same family of drugs, like Xanax and Valium are similiar also, some do better on one than the other. I guess we're always going to be looking for something that gives us consistant pain relief. I'm going to Curves now to see if that can build up my strength-my insurance pays the whole membership price, which is totally weird, I've never had insurance that pays for a gym membership. I'm just in my first week, my lower back is > sore, as are my knees. I told my pain dr. i need to see an ortho dr. again, as I've had both knees replaced, and still have pain. I'll have to juggle that into my schedule somewhere. I'm trying to go all year without having to go in the hospital. Hope everything works out that you can stay surgery free. > > Jeannie > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 18, 2008 Report Share Posted July 18, 2008 HI group, I have the nicest PT tech and yesterday she told me while she was pulling my neck with her hands that the epidurals which have rather helped me increases your appetite. That I was not aware of-- Two years ago I lost over 50 pounds and since my treatments for cervical issues I have put on 20 pounds. I guess that steroids will cause weight gain? Any else see that occur? I am due for my third epidural at the end of the month. I can hardly wait as I am semi-crippled and have a difficult time coming down my stairs again. Thank you, Annie A poet is, after all, to see From: Debbie Carlomagno <debbiecarlomagno@...> Subject: Re: need advice neck pain Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008, 3:33 PM Hi Kara! I did have some side effects in the beginning, but to be honest the side effects were tolerable to get some relief. I haven't had any weight gain, if anything I am losing weight latey...but that could be stress and/or depression. The most I can recall was just feeling weird for the first week or so, a bit slower mentally - I don't drive but when I first started with Lyrica I remember thinking it was a good thing! In the first weeks these feelings subsided to where I didn't notice any side effects at all, just the benefit of feeling better from it. For that it was well worth the 'strange' feelings at first. I'm glad for you that you're getting some relief from the epidural, any side effects from that? They always make me a bit on edge and as my husband says " Debbie you're throwing bricks again " whenever I start sounding snippy and don't mean to. Plus I am always convinced that my air conditioning thermostat is broken/inaccurate when it says it's fine but I feel like I'm sooo hot! Sometimes with epidurals my face gets a little bit flushed and puffy too. Just an FYI in case any of these things start happening to you now, it all goes away! Best wishes to you! Debbie > > > > > > > > > >I was just prescribed Neurontin, which I didnt want to take but > > now > > > >it seems like I have to try it. > > > > > > I was on Neurontin for nerve pain. I couldn't take it. It was > > like > > > speed for me. My Wife and helpers at the studio knew when I took > > it, > > > and didn't like me on it. I now take Depakote for nerve pain. > > > > > > > > > >I am 44 years old and thank goodness no little ones to take care > > of > > > >either as I think I would be beyond broke down at this pt. > > > > > > > >wendy > > > > > > I'm 47. When we had our studio clients always commented on my > > > patience and caring for children and babies. Today with my > > Chronic > > > pain and chronic sleep depravation I have little or no patience > > for > > > unruly children. I'm generally on my last nerve or doing all I > > can > > > to stay awake. 24 x 7 pain and meds do that to you. I thank God > > my > > > " Child " is 23. Dave > > > > > > ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 18, 2008 Report Share Posted July 18, 2008 Hi Annie!!! Yes, you're right. I would have to say for me the first two weeks after having epidurals done it's the worst! That's when I feel the side effects from the steroids the most. It took me a long time to figure out that the steroids did increase my appetite and to watch out for that. I gained a lot of weight during my treatments (so many treatments I lost count) and over the years it all snuck up on me. I did lose it, and then some, but I was MISERABLE! Between becoming disabled and suddenly home and not moving, then the surgery, injections, epidurals, radio frequency....I gained 60 lbs!! Now, when I have anything done I am very careful to watch out for the side effects, which to me were/are many. Besides feeling like King Kong the first time, have you been experiencing any other side effects? Face getting puffy or flushed looking? Lots of heat coming from your neck and head? Night sweats? I get agitated too and although to me what I say comes out just fine, I have been told by a few people that I come off as being very snippy afterwards. Having good results from your epidurals?? Hugs!!! Debbie > > > > > > > > > > > > >I was just prescribed Neurontin, which I didnt want to take > but > > > now > > > > >it seems like I have to try it. > > > > > > > > I was on Neurontin for nerve pain. I couldn't take it. It > was > > > like > > > > speed for me. My Wife and helpers at the studio knew when I > took > > > it, > > > > and didn't like me on it. I now take Depakote for nerve > pain. > > > > > > > > > > > > >I am 44 years old and thank goodness no little ones to take > care > > > of > > > > >either as I think I would be beyond broke down at this pt. > > > > > > > > > >wendy > > > > > > > > I'm 47. When we had our studio clients always commented on > my > > > > patience and caring for children and babies. Today with my > > > Chronic > > > > pain and chronic sleep depravation I have little or no > patience > > > for > > > > unruly children. I'm generally on my last nerve or doing > all > I > > > can > > > > to stay awake. 24 x 7 pain and meds do that to you. I thank > God > > > my > > > > " Child " is 23. Dave > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 Hi Nicola - swollen glands and infections were very common for me before I got treated, I presume this is because immunity is low. If you've seen the doc then see how it goes and go back if it doesnt settle with the antibiotics. Its difficult to say more without knowing what your other symptoms are, if you've had blood tests/got a diagnosis etc. Do you have antibodies? I dont so I dont know a lot about this but I understand that you can get flare ups - Im sure someone will let you know if swollen glands can be caused by a flare. It is difficult to keep up with all the posts but you've done the best thing and posted a question - its late now for hypoTs so check back tomorrow as Im sure you will get lots of advice. Anyway, welcome out of lurking - glad you've joined us and taken the plunge! Please tell us a bit about your symptoms etc so we can help you more. Gill I am the lurker of the group, and I have to say a big thankyou to you all for all the work you do and advice you give, I don't get to read everything but I do try.Well, I have to say I plod on with life and should try and get myself treated but I also am battling to earn a living and balancing is not easy all my energy is taking up by trying to go to work which I no is a catch 22.But I have just looked up dates in feb and see Dr P is at his closest surgery and I am really going to try and make an effort to see him, I really need to be able to sit down and try and make sense of all the info but I am dyslexic (as I am sure you will gather!) so it is another brick in front of me, but I will try and get a friend to make sense of it.My question and worry is, have any of you had swollen glands in your head, neck, face.a week ago I had all these glads come up very very painful, only on the left hand side of my head and neck, at the back of my ear unbearable pain, I went to my GP who was so unhelpful, she told me it was probably and infection but unless I told her what else was hurting she could not help and Might be a good idea to take anti biotics, well I do not have a temp so decided not to take them, well yesterday I was so much pain I started to take them but I suppose if it is an infection will take a few days to kick in, was at a stage today to go to A & E but am to nervous in case I am just being stupid.Sorry for rambling onNicola Internal Virus Database is out-of-date.Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.6/1192 - Release Date: 21/12/07 13:17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 14, 2008 Report Share Posted September 14, 2008 Hello NicolaI am sorry to hear that you are suffering so much and hope the antibiotics kick in soon and start to heal whatever is causing your swollen glands. I can't help in identifying the cause, but I can help hopefully, in giving you some relief meanwhile. If you don't have any castor oil in the house, then get some in as soon as possible. One of the most effective and natural treatment for swollen lymph glands is the application of castor oil. You can make a castor oil pack by simply soaking a small piece of flannel in castor oil. I might help to warm it first. Cover the mixture of flannel and castor oil with a plastic sheet. Place this pack on the skin and then place a hot water bottle over the plastic to provide heat to the pack. You will definitely see and feel a significant reduction in swelling. A castor oil pack when applied on the skin helps in increasing circulation, promoting functions of tissues and healing tissues and organs present underneath the skin. When castor oil is absorbed through the skin, several extraordinary things happen. The lymphocyte count of the blood increases and the flow of lymph increases throughout the body. This speeds up the removal of toxins surrounding the cells and reduces the size of swollen lymph nodes. The end result is a general overall improvement in organ function and you will start to feel much better.You can also try drinking a mixture of 1 teaspoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Where are you living to be near to one of Dr Peatfield's clinics. Are you in Yorkshire or pretty near? It certainly is the best thing you can do in seeing him to get all your problems sorted. You are NOT being stupid in wanting to get this problem sorted Nicola. If you need to go to A and E, then go. The doctors and nurses are there to help you and they most certainly will not think you are stupid. It is essential you get some good medical care as soon as possible.Let us know how you get on, and good luck.Luv - SheilaMy question and worry is, have any of you had swollen glands in your head, neck, face.a week ago I had all these glads come up very very painful, only on the left hand side of my head and neck, at the back of my ear unbearable pain, I went to my GP who was so unhelpful, she told me it was probably and infection but unless I told her what else was hurting she could not help and Might be a good idea to take anti biotics, well I do not have a temp so decided not to take them, well yesterday I was so much pain I started to take them but I suppose if it is an infection will take a few days to kick in, was at a stage today to go to A & E but am to nervous in case I am just being stupid.Sorry for rambling onNicola No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.21/1669 - Release Date: 12/09/2008 14:18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 HI Lori, Welcome to the group. Have you had your Adrenal Glands checked? Sounds like you and I and quite a few others are in the same boat. I am 50 and was diagnosed with Hypothryoidsim, Hashimoto¹s Disease and high cholesterol in 2002. I got on Levoxyl which is a T4 med like Synthroid and within a year I started gaining about 10 lbs a year. I tried every diet ‹ and it¹s unrealistic. I was down to 1200 calories a day and exercising 4-5 days a week to lose maybe a pound or two. That¹s no way to live. So I tested cortisol levels which is a function of our adrenal glands. In 2005/2006 it was very high but by May of this year I had totally crashed and was in total Adrenal Failure. When this happens, you really can¹t get well until you treat and address your adrenal glands. You won¹t have energy or lose weight, no matter what. Things will just get worse. There are many approaches to treating adrenal glands and I use what is called ³The Schwarzbein Method² by which you must do 5 steps and all five of them -- 1‹ eat healthy in terms of protein/carb/fat ratio 2 ‹ eliminate toxins sugar, white foods, and if gluten intolerant, eliminate wheat from your diet 3‹Reduce sressors in your life and you must sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, every night 4 ‹ Cross exercise once you are able ‹ this means cardio and stretching and weight bearing exercise 5 ‹ Take proper medications for any illness you have It¹s basically a lifestyle change that will help heal your adrenals. I have been on this program since June of this year and my cortisol levels have improved and I have lost 6 lbs now without dieting at all ‹ I eat a lot of fruits, veggies, turkey, chicken and fish and yogurt, nuts, etc. getting rid of bread was the hardest thing for me carbs have been my comfort food all my life ‹ and I am finally losing those cravings. I guess what I am getting at is that many of us get treated for thyroid when we really need to have our adrenal glands checked FIRST and address that PRIOR to treating the thryoid or it will just speed up the adrenal fatigue. If you can rule out adrenal problems, then you would want to look into your medication dosage 25mcg is pretty low and have your Free T3, Free 4 and TSH and antibodies checked for hashimotos. Do you have your latest thyroid labs and the ranges for your numbers? Sue On 11/11/08 6:25 PM, " lorirodriguez66 " <lorirodriguez66@...> wrote: > > > > Hi, > > I'm new to the group and not sure where to start. There is alot of > information on here and alot is over my head. I was diagnosed with > Hypothyroid in the beginning of this year and around June of this year > diagnosed with Sleep Apnea so I now take Synthroid 25mcg and I use a > CPAP, I've also recently been told I have high blood pressure and > Cholesterol, I've started taking medicine for the Cholesterol. My dr > says I'm regulated at this dosage but I don't feel a change. I have > zero energy, I'm forgetful and foggy. I've gained about 50lbs in the > last 5 or 6 yrs. I've looked into many different diets, alternative > care and supplements. The latest supplements I've found and am trying > are SUMA, Stevia, Muira Puama, MACA, SAGE, and KELP. I'm desparate for > something to work, miserable with feeling tired and not being able to > do anything with my family. Please help!! Thank you in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 lorirodriguez66, If you were diagnosed hypoT in January, why are you still only on 25 mcg of T4? If the diagnosis is correct, forget the herbs and get the right dose. Do you have your lab results on which the diagnosis was based? Chuck You wrote: > > > Hi, > > I'm new to the group and not sure where to start. There is alot of > information on here and alot is over my head. I was diagnosed with > Hypothyroid in the beginning of this year and around June of this year > diagnosed with Sleep Apnea so I now take Synthroid 25mcg and I use a > CPAP, I've also recently been told I have high blood pressure and > Cholesterol, I've started taking medicine for the Cholesterol. My dr > says I'm regulated at this dosage but I don't feel a change. I have > zero energy, I'm forgetful and foggy. I've gained about 50lbs in the > last 5 or 6 yrs. I've looked into many different diets, alternative > care and supplements. The latest supplements I've found and am trying > are SUMA, Stevia, Muira Puama, MACA, SAGE, and KELP. I'm desparate for > something to work, miserable with feeling tired and not being able to > do anything with my family. Please help!! Thank you in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 Lori, If you can get on a higher dose of thyroid meds, you will probably find that you will not need the cholesterol meds. Your doctor needs to listen to your concerns and let him know you want to dose by symptoms not just labs. I was one that had high cholesterol of the mid 200's after I was on a good dose of Armour my cholesterol went down to 180. Venizia > > > > > > Hi, > > > > I'm new to the group and not sure where to start. There is alot of > > information on here and alot is over my head. I was diagnosed with > > Hypothyroid in the beginning of this year and around June of this year > > diagnosed with Sleep Apnea so I now take Synthroid 25mcg and I use a > > CPAP, I've also recently been told I have high blood pressure and > > Cholesterol, I've started taking medicine for the Cholesterol. My dr > > says I'm regulated at this dosage but I don't feel a change. I have > > zero energy, I'm forgetful and foggy. I've gained about 50lbs in the > > last 5 or 6 yrs. I've looked into many different diets, alternative > > care and supplements. The latest supplements I've found and am trying > > are SUMA, Stevia, Muira Puama, MACA, SAGE, and KELP. I'm desparate for > > something to work, miserable with feeling tired and not being able to > > do anything with my family. Please help!! Thank you in advance. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 I do have the results and they show I'm regulated at the dose, so how do I get my dr to listen to me not feeling right even though the results show me at a normal level? > > > Hi, > > I'm new to the group and not sure where to start. There is alot of > information on here and alot is over my head. I was diagnosed with > Hypothyroid in the beginning of this year and around June of this year > diagnosed with Sleep Apnea so I now take Synthroid 25mcg and I use a > CPAP, I've also recently been told I have high blood pressure and > Cholesterol, I've started taking medicine for the Cholesterol. My dr > says I'm regulated at this dosage but I don't feel a change. I have > zero energy, I'm forgetful and foggy. I've gained about 50lbs in the > last 5 or 6 yrs. I've looked into many different diets, alternative > care and supplements. The latest supplements I've found and am trying > are SUMA, Stevia, Muira Puama, MACA, SAGE, and KELP. I'm desparate for > something to work, miserable with feeling tired and not being able to > do anything with my family. Please help!! Thank you in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 Wow, thanks for all the info. I have not had my Adrenals checked, are doctors supposed to check that when they check the Thyroid levels? They never even mention the Adrenals. I'll look into the diet you mentioned, does it prohibit eating breads, white carbs totally? I have my first appt with an Endocrinologist in Dec, long wait to get in. > > > > Hi, > > I'm new to the group and not sure where to start. There is alot of > information on here and alot is over my head. I was diagnosed with > Hypothyroid in the beginning of this year and around June of this year > diagnosed with Sleep Apnea so I now take Synthroid 25mcg and I use a > CPAP, I've also recently been told I have high blood pressure and > Cholesterol, I've started taking medicine for the Cholesterol. My dr > says I'm regulated at this dosage but I don't feel a change. I have > zero energy, I'm forgetful and foggy. I've gained about 50lbs in the > last 5 or 6 yrs. I've looked into many different diets, alternative > care and supplements. The latest supplements I've found and am trying > are SUMA, Stevia, Muira Puama, MACA, SAGE, and KELP. I'm desparate for > something to work, miserable with feeling tired and not being able to > do anything with my family. Please help!! Thank you in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 post your results here. http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com Gracia I do have the results and they show I'm regulated at the dose, so how do I get my dr to listen to me not feeling right even though the results show me at a normal level? > > > Hi, > > I'm new to the group and not sure where to start. There is alot of > information on here and alot is over my head. I was diagnosed with > Hypothyroid in the beginning of this year and around June of this year > diagnosed with Sleep Apnea so I now take Synthroid 25mcg and I use a > CPAP, I've also recently been told I have high blood pressure and > Cholesterol, I've started taking medicine for the Cholesterol. My dr > says I'm regulated at this dosage but I don't feel a change. I have > zero energy, I'm forgetful and foggy. I've gained about 50lbs in the > last 5 or 6 yrs. I've looked into many different diets, alternative > care and supplements. The latest supplements I've found and am trying > are SUMA, Stevia, Muira Puama, MACA, SAGE, and KELP. I'm desparate for > something to work, miserable with feeling tired and not being able to > do anything with my family. Please help!! Thank you in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 Hi Lori, Most docs don't know a thing about adrenals and I myself did not until several years ago and didn't really give it any real attention until this past year. It's not a " disease " as per se, of yet, but it's a syndrome so the insurance companies and medical community try to steer us away from it as if it's all in our heads. It's not something they can make big bucks off prescribing high dollar meds for. I take supplements for mine. You can have a doctor check your cortisol. There is something called a cortisol 24 hour saliva test. I know labcorp offers it and you would have to probably convince your doctor to test for it. If you read up on adrenal fatigue and its symptoms and give those symptoms to your doctor you might have a fighting chance to get her/him to order the test. My endo of five years listened to my symptoms and was very versatile in treating my thyroid with any med combination I wanted to try but she did not want to get involved in the adrenal part at all - most doctors just want " good numbers " and to treat symptoms with drugs. I take natural supplements and herbs for my adrenal fatigue and follow those 5 steps I wrote about. Not everyone has to eliminate bread and white carbs totally but there is no value in " white food " -it is bleached and then " enriched " and is not good for us. Whole grains, long grain, etc are good -- if you are not having problems with gluten intolerance. When I had my cortisol checked, I had my gut checked too and I was found to be gluten intolerance. When I eat these simple carbs I gain weight no matter the calories. Take them out and I lose weight no matter the calories. My body cannot process carbs very well at all, turning it all into fat. I think this is partially adrenally related as well - all I know is I finally stopped gaining weight after 5 years and lost those 6 pounds so far with no dieting so once I get my adrenals healed I can step up my exercise and even do some 'light dietiing' and the weight should come off much more easily. I have also noticed a great improvement in my blood pressure -- it used to be all over the map - but lately it's been aournd 130/70 and it's gone as high as 190/104 (!) But recently it's been as stated above even when I am nervous and having " white coat " syndrome so that's a huge plus. If your doctor won't test your cortisol - and most won't, many of us go to canaryclub.org and they do a panel of cortisol, sex hormones and DHEA for $95.00 -- Sue On 11/14/08 8:38 PM, " Lori " <lorirodriguez66@...> wrote: > Wow, thanks for all the info. I have not had my Adrenals checked, are doctors > supposed to check that when they check the Thyroid levels? They never even > mention the Adrenals. I'll look into the diet you mentioned, does it prohibit > eating breads, white carbs totally? I have my first appt with an > Endocrinologist in Dec, long wait to get in. > > > >> >> >> >> Hi, >> >> I'm new to the group and not sure where to start. There is alot of >> information on here and alot is over my head. I was diagnosed with >> Hypothyroid in the beginning of this year and around June of this year >> diagnosed with Sleep Apnea so I now take Synthroid 25mcg and I use a >> CPAP, I've also recently been told I have high blood pressure and >> Cholesterol, I've started taking medicine for the Cholesterol. My dr >> says I'm regulated at this dosage but I don't feel a change. I have >> zero energy, I'm forgetful and foggy. I've gained about 50lbs in the >> last 5 or 6 yrs. I've looked into many different diets, alternative >> care and supplements. The latest supplements I've found and am trying >> are SUMA, Stevia, Muira Puama, MACA, SAGE, and KELP. I'm desparate for >> something to work, miserable with feeling tired and not being able to >> do anything with my family. Please help!! Thank you in advance. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 You tell them to treat you, as a person and your symptoms and not your numbers. What were your numbers and your ranges? Sue On 11/14/08 8:28 PM, " Lori " <lorirodriguez66@...> wrote: > > > > I do have the results and they show I'm regulated at the dose, so how do I get > my dr to listen to me not feeling right even though the results show me at a > normal level? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 Did the provider run any free T3 and 4 tests? You can have a normal TSH and still have hypo T/ The TSH is Not a thyroid hormone test. It stands for thyroid stimulation hormone which is released from the anterior pituitary gland. So, if there is something wrong the the feedback system between the thyroid and the anterior pituitary, your TSH reading could be skewed; if there is something wrong with the anterior pituitary gland itself, the result can be skewed. Most providers who have any real education in thyroid disease only look at the Free T3 and 4 tests, the Reverse T3 test. They completely disregard the TSH. It is a worthless test. What you need to understand is that you treat by the symptoms and use the tests as a reference tool. Nancie -- Re: Need advice I do have the results and they show I'm regulated at the dose, so how do I get my dr to listen to me not feeling right even though the results show me at a normal level? > > > Hi, > > I'm new to the group and not sure where to start. There is alot of > information on here and alot is over my head. I was diagnosed with > Hypothyroid in the beginning of this year and around June of this year > diagnosed with Sleep Apnea so I now take Synthroid 25mcg and I use a > CPAP, I've also recently been told I have high blood pressure and > Cholesterol, I've started taking medicine for the Cholesterol. My dr > says I'm regulated at this dosage but I don't feel a change. I have > zero energy, I'm forgetful and foggy. I've gained about 50lbs in the > last 5 or 6 yrs. I've looked into many different diets, alternative > care and supplements. The latest supplements I've found and am trying > are SUMA, Stevia, Muira Puama, MACA, SAGE, and KELP. I'm desparate for > something to work, miserable with feeling tired and not being able to > do anything with my family. Please help!! Thank you in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2008 Report Share Posted November 15, 2008 Lori, We can't advise you in a vacuum. Please share the test results and include the reference ranges, both for your diagnosis and what you are calling " regulated. " Thanks, Chuck You wrote: > > > I do have the results and they show I'm regulated at the dose, so how do > I get my dr to listen to me not feeling right even though the results > show me at a normal level? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2008 Report Share Posted November 15, 2008 25 mcg of Synthroid is a starting dose that is usually gradually raised to the range of 100 to 200 mcg. 25 mcg would very seldom be enough long term. Perhaps it would help if you could post your complete blood test results [including ranges]. There are no known supplements that will treat hypothyroidism with a beneficial result greater than placebo. Luck, .. .. > > Posted by: " lorirodriguez66 " lorirodriguez66@... > <mailto:lorirodriguez66@...?Subject=%20Re%3ANeed%20advice> > lorirodriguez66 <lorirodriguez66> > > > Fri Nov 14, 2008 8:44 am (PST) > > Hi, > > I'm new to the group and not sure where to start. There is alot of > information on here and alot is over my head. I was diagnosed with > Hypothyroid in the beginning of this year and around June of this year > diagnosed with Sleep Apnea so I now take Synthroid 25mcg and I use a > CPAP, I've also recently been told I have high blood pressure and > Cholesterol, I've started taking medicine for the Cholesterol. My dr > says I'm regulated at this dosage but I don't feel a change. I have > zero energy, I'm forgetful and foggy. I've gained about 50lbs in the > last 5 or 6 yrs. I've looked into many different diets, alternative > care and supplements. The latest supplements I've found and am trying > are SUMA, Stevia, Muira Puama, MACA, SAGE, and KELP. I'm desparate for > something to work, miserable with feeling tired and not being able to > do anything with my family. Please help!! Thank you in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2008 Report Share Posted November 16, 2008 hi you are being poorly treated for hypothyroidism. I am just amazed that doctors aren't more embarrassed about what they do. can you post your test results with ranges? I assume doc didn't do Free T3 testing b/c he just doesn't know enough. you must educate yourself. http://www.drbrownstein.com http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com Gracia Hi, I'm new to the group and not sure where to start. There is alot of information on here and alot is over my head. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid in the beginning of this year and around June of this year diagnosed with Sleep Apnea so I now take Synthroid 25mcg and I use a CPAP, I've also recently been told I have high blood pressure and Cholesterol, I've started taking medicine for the Cholesterol. My dr says I'm regulated at this dosage but I don't feel a change. I have zero energy, I'm forgetful and foggy. I've gained about 50lbs in the last 5 or 6 yrs. I've looked into many different diets, alternative care and supplements. The latest supplements I've found and am trying are SUMA, Stevia, Muira Puama, MACA, SAGE, and KELP. I'm desparate for something to work, miserable with feeling tired and not being able to do anything with my family. Please help!! Thank you in advance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.9.2/1783 - Release Date: 11/12/2008 10:01 AM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2009 Report Share Posted January 7, 2009 , I too have had issues with independance lately. It seems like the goofier the weather gets the more I need help with something. I have even been having trouble getting around and need either someone to help me get up or down or some kind of walking cane to help me keep my balance. Stacie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2009 Report Share Posted January 7, 2009 Good luck from me, too, - with your op on Thursday. Not good to hear you had such a traumatic turn. Glad you're feeling somewhat better. Take good care. And, be kind to yourself. You're in my thoughts, and prayers. hugs Carlene > > > From: heidi heidilhlokey@...> Subject: [HeidiLiane] NEED ADVICE> HeidiLiane > Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 6:52 PM> > > > > > > H> I have done the same thing going into a family dollar with all > the bags saying they forgot to put something in there. the lady put it > in a smaller bag and put something on top of it.I said I am so sorry it > is my Fibro fog. Then at a Winn Dixie I wore my heavy coat in there it > was cold outside I was looking at the DVD some people walked by me I > said I am not going to shop lift I am looking for this Wayne Cd > you sold it and it was here yesterday so they found another one d for > me. Yes it gets bad like this.I find myself worse when i am in pain and > have gotten less sleep too. so I hope they can find what is causing it > too. Best of luck with surgery on Thursday. I hope it is something > simple I had a thermal ablation in the hospitial back in 1999 now they > do it in dr's offices. But yes I will be praying for you that it gets > better. But mine occurs with less sleep more pain too. IT makes us > all want to scream go away doesn't it. I have heard fish oil works too > I take 3,000 mg a day and still get ti so what works for one person > might not work for someoe else but before yuo try fish oil please talk > toy ur dr too ok sweetie I love you and am praying for yuo too.> heidi> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2009 Report Share Posted January 7, 2009 > > > > > > From: heidi heidilhlokey@ ... > > Subject: [HeidiLiane] NEED ADVICE > > HeidiLiane@gro ups.com > > Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 6:52 PM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > H > > I have done the same thing going into a family dollar with all > > the bags saying they forgot to put something in there. the lady put it > > in a smaller bag and put something on top of it.I said I am so sorry it > > is my Fibro fog. Then at a Winn Dixie I wore my heavy coat in there it > > was cold outside I was looking at the DVD some people walked by me I > > said I am not going to shop lift I am looking for this Wayne Cd > > you sold it and it was here yesterday so they found another one d for > > me. Yes it gets bad like this.I find myself worse when i am in pain and > > have gotten less sleep too. so I hope they can find what is causing it > > too. Best of luck with surgery on Thursday. I hope it is something > > simple I had a thermal ablation in the hospitial back in 1999 now they > > do it in dr's offices. But yes I will be praying for you that it gets > > better. But mine occurs with less sleep more pain too. IT makes us > > all want to scream go away doesn't it. I have heard fish oil works too > > I take 3,000 mg a day and still get ti so what works for one person > > might not work for someoe else but before yuo try fish oil please talk > > toy ur dr too ok sweetie I love you and am praying for yuo too. > > heidi > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 NO they are not right to brush everything off and you are not wasting your dr's time...its what he gets paid for isn't it? I get all the symptoms you describe except for the depression and I have only been diagnosed as hypo for a year now. Just recently increased from 25mcg levo to 50mcg and still getting nowhere fast. I have been taking my basal temperature on waking for a few days now and I am intrigued that the readings are so low considering that I feel so hot? Most weird... I suffer from hot flushes (worse at night) and I feel like I am burning up from inside out. I wonder what the Doc would make of that if I dared mention it next time I see him? Gillian Feel that i am wasting my dr's time but am suprised at how they brush > everything off. Are they right to? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 3, 2009 Report Share Posted February 3, 2009 Hi, I have experienced all you describe and more while taking levo ( T4). Read the website to learn more and ask you doc for a referral to an endocrinologist that specialises in thyroid ( most specialise in diabetes) I am now well. need advice Diagnosed 18months+ and am supposed to be on 150mcg levothyroxine daily. Take 200mcg, levls were 'fine'. Have symptoms of excessive tiredness, ache all over, pins n needles in hands and feet, slow in my thinking and memory is terrible. Mood low and i am really short tempered. Have had P.N.D in past and mild depression, Dr's think its that, I say no cos this feels different, I think that this all ties in to my Hypothyroidism . ------------------------------------ TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical practitioner before changing medication. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.