Re: Re: New to group - seeking alternative to synthroid

[Guest guest]

Marina,

You wrote:

> ... Until your e-mail, I did not know that

> Hashimoto's destroys the thryoid. ...

Yes, it is an autoimmune disorder in which your own antibodies attack

both the thyroid gland and the hormones it produces. It may be

characterized as a roller coaster ride until the gland is completely

destroyed and you go on a full replacement dose. Then things will settle

down.

> ... TSH at 2.5, my T4 at 1.3, and my peroxidase thyroid

> antibodies at 352. ...

With significant antibodies, I am not sure that 2.5 is a " normal " TSH

reading, even though it is in the middle of the reference range. I

insist on a lower number, even without antibodies.

> ... antibodies in the last

> few years, and they have dropped from 631 - perhaps the result of my

> adopting a dairy and gluten-free diet. ...

That diet may be helping your system somehow, but it is doubtful that

these affect thyroid antibodies; a general allergic reaction, perhaps,

but not iodine specific hormones.

> How can I find out whether my thyroid gland has been destroyed? ...

Your tests already suggest that. You could prove it by going off your

meds. Most of us would not DARE to do that.

> ... What are my options for an alternative to synthroid? ...

A generic? Many on this list will also recommend Armour, which is a

combination of T4 and T3 from dessicated porcine glands. There are also

synthetic versions of T3. I'm on T4 only.

That's about it.

> ... the thought of some kind of national disaster

> in which I cannot get access to synthroid. What would happen? I

> would just die?

First, you would not be alone in feeling deprived. Close to 10% of women

are eventually afflicted. This is the second most prescribed drug in the

U.S. A disaster which would affect long term supplies of this common a

medication would cause you to have a lot more to worry about than

hypothyroidism.

If you try to stockpile it, keep your stores in the freezer.

I try to fill my prescriptions right before potential national

disasters.

Chuck

[Guest guest]

Good thinking I think we have had one for 6 years now

Gracia

> I try to fill my prescriptions right before potential national

> disasters.

>

> Chuck

>

>

>

--

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.17/227 - Release Date: 1/11/2006