New to Group

[Guest guest]

HELLO STELLA,

LET ME SAY WELCOME TO THE GROUP.

LET ME ALSO SAY DON'T WORRY ABOUT YOUR COMPUTER SKILLS. THAT IS NOT WHAT IS IMPORTANT HERE. WHAT MATTERS THE MOST IS THAT YOU CONTINUE TO FEEL FREE TO COME HERE AND TELL US HOW YOU ARE FEELING PHYSICALLY,AND EMOTIONALLY AND WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE TODAY.

ALL OF US SHARE ONE THING AND THAT IS THAT WE ARE ALL IN PAIN FROM AN INJURY OR A DISEASE. WE ALL NEED TO HAVE A PLACE THAT WE CAN GO AND LET OFF STEAM FROM THE STRESS THAT COMES WITH CHRONIC PAIN.

DON'T HESITATE TO COME HERE AND SOUND OFF AND ASK FOR HELP. I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A GOOD PLACE TO COME TO AND LET YOURSELF TALK ABOUT WHAT IS BOTHERING YOU. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE WHO WILL OFFER YOU A SHOULDER TO LEAN ON AND WHO UNDERSTANDS HOW YOU FEEL.{ HAVING TO DEAL WITH ALL THE PAIN THAT YOU ARE IN.}

I HAVE CONTINUOUS PAIN IN MY NECK AND LOW BACK DUE TO RUPTURED DISKS IN BOTH OF THOSE AREAS. I ALSO HAVE SEVERE HEADACHES AND ALSO HAVE PAIN IN MY LEGS AS WELL.

IT IS A HARD THING TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH PAIN 24/7,BUT THAT IS WHAT I DO EVERY DAY.

SINCE YOU ARE A PART OF THIS GROUP YOU ALSO KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.

IT IS SOMETIMES HARD TO ACCEPT THAT OUR LIVES HAVE CHANGED DUE TO THE PAIN THAT WE ARE IN,HOWEVER THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE MUST DO IN ORDER TO MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR LIVES.

I GUESS THAT I WILL STOP FOR NOW.

I HOPE THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HELP YOU IN SOME SMALL WAY.

FELL FREE TO EMAIL ME WHENEVER YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE.

UNTIL THAT DAY,TAKE CARE AND DON'T GIVE UP.

SINCERELY,

LARRY{GULLEYWASHER6869}

Stella <stella44446@...> wrote: hello everyone. I'm new here. Not very good with the computor so will see how this goes.I suffer with chonic neck back arm leg pain and severe headaches like many of you. I look forward to being a part of this group and look forward to learning about everyone and learning from everyone.

[Guest guest]

HELLO STELLA,

LET ME SAY WELCOME TO THE GROUP.

LET ME ALSO SAY DON'T WORRY ABOUT YOUR COMPUTER SKILLS. THAT IS NOT WHAT IS IMPORTANT HERE. WHAT MATTERS THE MOST IS THAT YOU CONTINUE TO FEEL FREE TO COME HERE AND TELL US HOW YOU ARE FEELING PHYSICALLY,AND EMOTIONALLY AND WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR LIFE TODAY.

ALL OF US SHARE ONE THING AND THAT IS THAT WE ARE ALL IN PAIN FROM AN INJURY OR A DISEASE. WE ALL NEED TO HAVE A PLACE THAT WE CAN GO AND LET OFF STEAM FROM THE STRESS THAT COMES WITH CHRONIC PAIN.

DON'T HESITATE TO COME HERE AND SOUND OFF AND ASK FOR HELP. I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A GOOD PLACE TO COME TO AND LET YOURSELF TALK ABOUT WHAT IS BOTHERING YOU. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE WHO WILL OFFER YOU A SHOULDER TO LEAN ON AND WHO UNDERSTANDS HOW YOU FEEL.{ HAVING TO DEAL WITH ALL THE PAIN THAT YOU ARE IN.}

I HAVE CONTINUOUS PAIN IN MY NECK AND LOW BACK DUE TO RUPTURED DISKS IN BOTH OF THOSE AREAS. I ALSO HAVE SEVERE HEADACHES AND ALSO HAVE PAIN IN MY LEGS AS WELL.

IT IS A HARD THING TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH PAIN 24/7,BUT THAT IS WHAT I DO EVERY DAY.

SINCE YOU ARE A PART OF THIS GROUP YOU ALSO KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.

IT IS SOMETIMES HARD TO ACCEPT THAT OUR LIVES HAVE CHANGED DUE TO THE PAIN THAT WE ARE IN,HOWEVER THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE MUST DO IN ORDER TO MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR LIVES.

I GUESS THAT I WILL STOP FOR NOW.

I HOPE THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HELP YOU IN SOME SMALL WAY.

FELL FREE TO EMAIL ME WHENEVER YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE.

UNTIL THAT DAY,TAKE CARE AND DON'T GIVE UP.

SINCERELY,

LARRY{GULLEYWASHER6869}

Stella <stella44446@...> wrote: hello everyone. I'm new here. Not very good with the computor so will see how this goes.I suffer with chonic neck back arm leg pain and severe headaches like many of you. I look forward to being a part of this group and look forward to learning about everyone and learning from everyone.

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the welcome. I spent a great deal of time reading the

posts already here. It is so sad to know that people have to exist

with such pain and that so many of us have to spend our energy (what

we have anyway,lol on getting someone to listen to us. I have spent

the last 5 years trying to get someone to treat me. I had a work

comp case so of course no one wants that, and it took them 2 years to

approve any true treatment for me, I had to fight all the way.I would

get one thing approved and have to go back to court to get the next.

In the mean time i kept getting worse. had i had treatment initially

i would not have the chronic pain i have now. i am a little bitter

over that. Then, because you didn't get treatment when you should

have it now effects more parts and they say, well, you hurt your

neck, we approve that if your arm or back hurts to bad, and of course

I lose my job so no insurance, when u do get insurance they rider

every part of your body they can, so you get no treatment, just pills

and more pills if your lucky to keep you going. Now my ex employer

has filed bankruptcy so once again, to bad for me...God it is so

frustrating. but I guess I can look at it this way, it could be

worse..right.. well sorry didn't mean to ramble. Thanks again for

the welcome

hello everyone. I'm new here.

Not very good with the computor so

> will see how this goes.

>

> I suffer with chonic neck back arm leg pain and severe headaches

like

> many of you. I look forward to being a part of this group and look

> forward to learning about everyone and learning from everyone.

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the welcome. I spent a great deal of time reading the

posts already here. It is so sad to know that people have to exist

with such pain and that so many of us have to spend our energy (what

we have anyway,lol on getting someone to listen to us. I have spent

the last 5 years trying to get someone to treat me. I had a work

comp case so of course no one wants that, and it took them 2 years to

approve any true treatment for me, I had to fight all the way.I would

get one thing approved and have to go back to court to get the next.

In the mean time i kept getting worse. had i had treatment initially

i would not have the chronic pain i have now. i am a little bitter

over that. Then, because you didn't get treatment when you should

have it now effects more parts and they say, well, you hurt your

neck, we approve that if your arm or back hurts to bad, and of course

I lose my job so no insurance, when u do get insurance they rider

every part of your body they can, so you get no treatment, just pills

and more pills if your lucky to keep you going. Now my ex employer

has filed bankruptcy so once again, to bad for me...God it is so

frustrating. but I guess I can look at it this way, it could be

worse..right.. well sorry didn't mean to ramble. Thanks again for

the welcome

hello everyone. I'm new here.

Not very good with the computor so

> will see how this goes.

>

> I suffer with chonic neck back arm leg pain and severe headaches

like

> many of you. I look forward to being a part of this group and look

> forward to learning about everyone and learning from everyone.

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the welcome. I spent a great deal of time reading the

posts already here. It is so sad to know that people have to exist

with such pain and that so many of us have to spend our energy (what

we have anyway,lol on getting someone to listen to us. I have spent

the last 5 years trying to get someone to treat me. I had a work

comp case so of course no one wants that, and it took them 2 years to

approve any true treatment for me, I had to fight all the way.I would

get one thing approved and have to go back to court to get the next.

In the mean time i kept getting worse. had i had treatment initially

i would not have the chronic pain i have now. i am a little bitter

over that. Then, because you didn't get treatment when you should

have it now effects more parts and they say, well, you hurt your

neck, we approve that if your arm or back hurts to bad, and of course

I lose my job so no insurance, when u do get insurance they rider

every part of your body they can, so you get no treatment, just pills

and more pills if your lucky to keep you going. Now my ex employer

has filed bankruptcy so once again, to bad for me...God it is so

frustrating. but I guess I can look at it this way, it could be

worse..right.. well sorry didn't mean to ramble. Thanks again for

the welcome

hello everyone. I'm new here.

Not very good with the computor so

> will see how this goes.

>

> I suffer with chonic neck back arm leg pain and severe headaches

like

> many of you. I look forward to being a part of this group and look

> forward to learning about everyone and learning from everyone.

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

STELLA,HELLO

I KNOW ALL ABOUT WORK COMP ANS HOW YOU GET THE SHAFT ON EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO HAVE DONE. IT IS A REAL SHAME THATS WHEN A PERSON GETS HURT ON THE JOB THAT THEY ARE TREATED SO BADLY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF YOU.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE EVERY COMP ADJUSTER TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE PAIN THAT WE LIVE WITH 24/7. BUT ,THAT IS JUST WISHFUL THINKING.

I CAN ONLY WISH THAT YOU WILL FIND SOME RELIEF FROM YOUR PAIN.

TAKE CARE AS BEST AS YOU CAN,

LARRYStella <stella44446@...> wrote:

Thank you for the welcome. I spent a great deal of time reading the posts already here. It is so sad to know that people have to exist with such pain and that so many of us have to spend our energy (what we have anyway,lol on getting someone to listen to us. I have spent the last 5 years trying to get someone to treat me. I had a work comp case so of course no one wants that, and it took them 2 years to approve any true treatment for me, I had to fight all the way.I would get one thing approved and have to go back to court to get the next. In the mean time i kept getting worse. had i had treatment initially i would not have the chronic pain i have now. i am a little bitter over that. Then, because you didn't get treatment when you should have it now effects more parts and they say, well,

you hurt your neck, we approve that if your arm or back hurts to bad, and of course I lose my job so no insurance, when u do get insurance they rider every part of your body they can, so you get no treatment, just pills and more pills if your lucky to keep you going. Now my ex employer has filed bankruptcy so once again, to bad for me...God it is so frustrating. but I guess I can look at it this way, it could be worse..right.. well sorry didn't mean to ramble. Thanks again for the welcome hello everyone. I'm new here. Not very good with the computor so > will see how this goes.> > I suffer with chonic neck back arm leg pain and severe headaches like > many of you. I look forward to being a part of this group and look > forward to learning about everyone and learning from everyone.> > > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

STELLA,HELLO

I KNOW ALL ABOUT WORK COMP ANS HOW YOU GET THE SHAFT ON EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO HAVE DONE. IT IS A REAL SHAME THATS WHEN A PERSON GETS HURT ON THE JOB THAT THEY ARE TREATED SO BADLY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF YOU.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE EVERY COMP ADJUSTER TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE PAIN THAT WE LIVE WITH 24/7. BUT ,THAT IS JUST WISHFUL THINKING.

I CAN ONLY WISH THAT YOU WILL FIND SOME RELIEF FROM YOUR PAIN.

TAKE CARE AS BEST AS YOU CAN,

LARRYStella <stella44446@...> wrote:

Thank you for the welcome. I spent a great deal of time reading the posts already here. It is so sad to know that people have to exist with such pain and that so many of us have to spend our energy (what we have anyway,lol on getting someone to listen to us. I have spent the last 5 years trying to get someone to treat me. I had a work comp case so of course no one wants that, and it took them 2 years to approve any true treatment for me, I had to fight all the way.I would get one thing approved and have to go back to court to get the next. In the mean time i kept getting worse. had i had treatment initially i would not have the chronic pain i have now. i am a little bitter over that. Then, because you didn't get treatment when you should have it now effects more parts and they say, well,

you hurt your neck, we approve that if your arm or back hurts to bad, and of course I lose my job so no insurance, when u do get insurance they rider every part of your body they can, so you get no treatment, just pills and more pills if your lucky to keep you going. Now my ex employer has filed bankruptcy so once again, to bad for me...God it is so frustrating. but I guess I can look at it this way, it could be worse..right.. well sorry didn't mean to ramble. Thanks again for the welcome hello everyone. I'm new here. Not very good with the computor so > will see how this goes.> > I suffer with chonic neck back arm leg pain and severe headaches like > many of you. I look forward to being a part of this group and look > forward to learning about everyone and learning from everyone.> > > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

STELLA,HELLO

I KNOW ALL ABOUT WORK COMP ANS HOW YOU GET THE SHAFT ON EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO HAVE DONE. IT IS A REAL SHAME THATS WHEN A PERSON GETS HURT ON THE JOB THAT THEY ARE TREATED SO BADLY BY THE INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF YOU.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE EVERY COMP ADJUSTER TO HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE PAIN THAT WE LIVE WITH 24/7. BUT ,THAT IS JUST WISHFUL THINKING.

I CAN ONLY WISH THAT YOU WILL FIND SOME RELIEF FROM YOUR PAIN.

TAKE CARE AS BEST AS YOU CAN,

LARRYStella <stella44446@...> wrote:

Thank you for the welcome. I spent a great deal of time reading the posts already here. It is so sad to know that people have to exist with such pain and that so many of us have to spend our energy (what we have anyway,lol on getting someone to listen to us. I have spent the last 5 years trying to get someone to treat me. I had a work comp case so of course no one wants that, and it took them 2 years to approve any true treatment for me, I had to fight all the way.I would get one thing approved and have to go back to court to get the next. In the mean time i kept getting worse. had i had treatment initially i would not have the chronic pain i have now. i am a little bitter over that. Then, because you didn't get treatment when you should have it now effects more parts and they say, well,

you hurt your neck, we approve that if your arm or back hurts to bad, and of course I lose my job so no insurance, when u do get insurance they rider every part of your body they can, so you get no treatment, just pills and more pills if your lucky to keep you going. Now my ex employer has filed bankruptcy so once again, to bad for me...God it is so frustrating. but I guess I can look at it this way, it could be worse..right.. well sorry didn't mean to ramble. Thanks again for the welcome hello everyone. I'm new here. Not very good with the computor so > will see how this goes.> > I suffer with chonic neck back arm leg pain and severe headaches like > many of you. I look forward to being a part of this group and look > forward to learning about everyone and learning from everyone.> > > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/19/2004 11:02:41 AM Eastern Standard Time,

smooches@... writes:

set

up an appt for a CT scan and some radioactive iodine thingy before

they put me on any meds.

Dear ,

Are you having the radioactive uptake test, or RAI? As you might be aware,

this group is into a relatively natural approach to thyroid disease to address

the underlying imbalances that cause it, rather than destroying the gland. We

have found the radioactive uptake test to be unnecessary, as other tests are

better and less dangerous. Also, taking anti-thryoid meds along with using

supplements and nutrition, which you can find on iThyroid.com, seem to work best

for most folks.

By meds that you will be taking, do you mean anti-thyroid meds, or the

Synthryoid people take after having RAI? Please research further before

submitting

to anything radioactive, and check back with us soon.

Best,

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

,

I felt the same as you did when I was diagnosed with hyperT, scared but

really glad to have an explanation for all these weird symptoms I'd had for

years (irregular periods, insomnia, shaky hands, big appetite and more).

One thing to think about: dr's generally agree that a sonogram of the

thyroid along with tests of thyroid hormones (free t3, t4, TSH) is more

effective in evaluating size, nodules, degree of hyperactivity etc. of your

thyroid than a radio-iodine uptake scan, which is what your doctor seems to

have ordered. And you don't have to ingest a poison! Apparently there have

been cases of thyroid eye disease precipitated by the scan (see

ithyroid.com). Ask your doctor to change this diagnostic test.

Good luck! Nissa

New to group

>Hi everyone just wanted to say hi and give you a bit of background.

>This past friday I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. Of course I

>freaked out, but on the other hand it explained alot of things. For

>the past few months Ive lost my voice like times. This last time it

>has lasted for 2 weeks. Finally today its coming back. Im not sure

>if that has anything to do with this but it just might the doctor

>said. Another thing is that Ive always had irregular periods and

>the doctors could never find the reason. I also had no luck in

>becoming pregnant. The doctor said that we might have the answers

>we've been waiting for. ( i sure hope so) So I have to call to set

>up an appt for a CT scan and some radioactive iodine thingy before

>they put me on any meds. Ive also had trouble sleeping for the

>longest and just never thought anything of it. In a way im relieved

>but in another way im scared. Any comments are appreciated.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Please have an ultrasound instead of the RAIU scan. That scan is outdated

and unnecessary, unless you are going to have RAI (I had it done before I

knew better and it temporarily made me more hyper and with drier eyes). RAI

is a permanent treatment decision, and once done, you can't go back. A

large minority of people (30%) have significant problems post-RAI

(triggering or worsening eye disease, not doing well on thyroid replacement

medication). Medication should ALWAYS be tried first, and contrary to what

most doctors will tell you, you can stay on it indefinitely.

The tests for diagnosis are:

Free T4

Free T3

TSH

TSI (thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins - the antibodies responsible for GD)

TPO-antibodies

Ultrasound

Also, before you take any anti-thyroid medication (ATD, like PTU or

Tapazole), please be sure to get a WBC and liver panel.

PTU is better than Tap if you are trying to get pregnant, as it is

considered safer for pregnancy.

There is so much more info, but I'm pressed for time. Please join

Graves_Support and see the Open Letter to the Newly Diagnosed by Pam B in

the files section (2nd to last listing):

graves_support/files/

Also Mediboard.com is great, and best to start with the Thyroid Awareness

101 thread:

http://www.mediboard.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=004549

Elaine also has a great book, called Graves' Disease: A Practical Guide.

Lifestyle and dietary changes DO help (i.e., stress reduction, no smoking,

avoiding excess iodine, etc.). The problem is with the immune system, not

the thyroid; the thyroid is the victim of the unfortunate attack of

autoimmune antibodies. Best thing to do is read all you can before you make

your decisions. It can be hard to think when hyper, and all the more reason

to get stabilized on meds.

I hope this helps.

At 10:57 AM 1/19/2004, you wrote:

>Hi everyone just wanted to say hi and give you a bit of background.

>This past friday I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. Of course I

>freaked out, but on the other hand it explained alot of things. For

>the past few months Ive lost my voice like times. This last time it

>has lasted for 2 weeks. Finally today its coming back. Im not sure

>if that has anything to do with this but it just might the doctor

>said. Another thing is that Ive always had irregular periods and

>the doctors could never find the reason. I also had no luck in

>becoming pregnant. The doctor said that we might have the answers

>we've been waiting for. ( i sure hope so) So I have to call to set

>up an appt for a CT scan and some radioactive iodine thingy before

>they put me on any meds. Ive also had trouble sleeping for the

>longest and just never thought anything of it. In a way im relieved

>but in another way im scared. Any comments are appreciated.

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/19/2004 4:16:59 PM Eastern Standard Time,

smooches@... writes:

whats the difference between having the radioactive uptake test, or

RAI?

THanks

I think someone already wrote to explain the difference, so you probably know

the answer by now. The RU test is done supposedly to see if you have Graves,

but there are other tests that do this better. RAI is permanent destruction

of the thyroid gland, after which most people become hypothyroid w/in 2 years

and have to take Synthroid for the rest of their lives.

AntJoan

[Guest guest]

Thank you and everyone else for your replies. I will check

with my doctor and tell her i dont want this. I dont know anything

about this..I just started the research. As far as this Radioactive

iodine thing....is there two different things? All the doctor said

was that they were going to inject me with iodine to be able to see

or soemthign liek that. I dont quite remmeber that well cause i was

panicking. Should I not do this? Im a bit confused . Please help.

> >Hi everyone just wanted to say hi and give you a bit of

background.

> >This past friday I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. Of course

I

> >freaked out, but on the other hand it explained alot of things.

For

> >the past few months Ive lost my voice like times. This last time

it

> >has lasted for 2 weeks. Finally today its coming back. Im not

sure

> >if that has anything to do with this but it just might the doctor

> >said. Another thing is that Ive always had irregular periods and

> >the doctors could never find the reason. I also had no luck in

> >becoming pregnant. The doctor said that we might have the answers

> >we've been waiting for. ( i sure hope so) So I have to call to

set

> >up an appt for a CT scan and some radioactive iodine thingy before

> >they put me on any meds. Ive also had trouble sleeping for the

> >longest and just never thought anything of it. In a way im

relieved

> >but in another way im scared. Any comments are appreciated.

> >

> >

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Nissa,

As far as the tests you mentioned Im assuming those are the test

they perfomed when they took the bloodwork. Or how else would they

have known right?

I find it strange that I can be jumpy and exhausted at the same

time. Really weird. When the doctor first asked me if I expereinced

shaky hands i said no..but ive been paying attention to alot of

things lately and i do have the shaky hands.

Do you or anyone know if this might of messed with my fertility?

Like I mentioned before we've been trying to get pregnant and it

just hasnt happened. Any info would be appreciated.

Take care

> ,

>

> I felt the same as you did when I was diagnosed with hyperT,

scared but

> really glad to have an explanation for all these weird symptoms

I'd had for

> years (irregular periods, insomnia, shaky hands, big appetite and

more).

>

> One thing to think about: dr's generally agree that a sonogram of

the

> thyroid along with tests of thyroid hormones (free t3, t4, TSH) is

more

> effective in evaluating size, nodules, degree of hyperactivity

etc. of your

> thyroid than a radio-iodine uptake scan, which is what your doctor

seems to

> have ordered. And you don't have to ingest a poison! Apparently

there have

> been cases of thyroid eye disease precipitated by the scan (see

> ithyroid.com). Ask your doctor to change this diagnostic test.

>

> Good luck! Nissa

>

> New to group

>

>

> >Hi everyone just wanted to say hi and give you a bit of

background.

> >This past friday I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. Of course

I

> >freaked out, but on the other hand it explained alot of things.

For

> >the past few months Ive lost my voice like times. This last time

it

> >has lasted for 2 weeks. Finally today its coming back. Im not

sure

> >if that has anything to do with this but it just might the doctor

> >said. Another thing is that Ive always had irregular periods and

> >the doctors could never find the reason. I also had no luck in

> >becoming pregnant. The doctor said that we might have the answers

> >we've been waiting for. ( i sure hope so) So I have to call to

set

> >up an appt for a CT scan and some radioactive iodine thingy before

> >they put me on any meds. Ive also had trouble sleeping for the

> >longest and just never thought anything of it. In a way im

relieved

> >but in another way im scared. Any comments are appreciated.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi AntJoan,

whats the difference between having the radioactive uptake test, or

RAI?

THanks

> In a message dated 1/19/2004 11:02:41 AM Eastern Standard Time,

> smooches@p... writes:

> set

> up an appt for a CT scan and some radioactive iodine thingy before

> they put me on any meds.

>

>

> Dear ,

>

> Are you having the radioactive uptake test, or RAI? As you might

be aware,

> this group is into a relatively natural approach to thyroid

disease to address

> the underlying imbalances that cause it, rather than destroying

the gland. We

> have found the radioactive uptake test to be unnecessary, as other

tests are

> better and less dangerous. Also, taking anti-thryoid meds along

with using

> supplements and nutrition, which you can find on iThyroid.com,

seem to work best

> for most folks.

>

> By meds that you will be taking, do you mean anti-thyroid meds, or

the

> Synthryoid people take after having RAI? Please research further

before submitting

> to anything radioactive, and check back with us soon.

>

> Best,

> AntJoan

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I don't think hyperT does anything permanent to your fertility - maybe

others know more about this. Being hyper affects all your hormones,

including sex hormones like progesterone. I got pregnant while I was hyper

(I didn't know I was hyper). I had irregular periods and I kept getting

pregnant and then miscarrying very early, like in the 5th week. My dr

prescribed progesterone tablets and I got pregnant the first cycle I tried

them! Apparently, being pregnant can make your hyperT go away (temporarily)

because your immune system is depressed. If I had it to do over again,

though, I would definitely take the meds (anti-thyroid drugs) while pregnant

and post-partum! HypoT, which is usually induced by the radioactive iodine

treatment, can be very harmful to a fetus, causing retardation if your

thyroid levels are too low.

Now that I've been on anti-thyroid drugs for a while, my periods are

perfectly regular and, though I haven't wanted to test it, I assume I'm much

more fertile.

I think your fertility will be fine! Let us know the results of your

bloodwork - be sure to get copies of the lab tests from your dr so you can

track the changes in your thyroid levels!

Nissa

New to group

>>

>>

>> >Hi everyone just wanted to say hi and give you a bit of

>background.

>> >This past friday I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. Of course

>I

>> >freaked out, but on the other hand it explained alot of things.

>For

>> >the past few months Ive lost my voice like times. This last time

>it

>> >has lasted for 2 weeks. Finally today its coming back. Im not

>sure

>> >if that has anything to do with this but it just might the doctor

>> >said. Another thing is that Ive always had irregular periods and

>> >the doctors could never find the reason. I also had no luck in

>> >becoming pregnant. The doctor said that we might have the answers

>> >we've been waiting for. ( i sure hope so) So I have to call to

>set

>> >up an appt for a CT scan and some radioactive iodine thingy before

>> >they put me on any meds. Ive also had trouble sleeping for the

>> >longest and just never thought anything of it. In a way im

>relieved

>> >but in another way im scared. Any comments are appreciated.

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

>> >

[Guest guest]

Hey Nissa

Im sorry to hear about your miscarriages.

The reason I ask..is because we've been trying to get pregnant for

the past year havent succeeded yet. And like I've said I've had

irregular periods since the first day of my period about 12 years

ago. So Im wondering if this hyperT has anything to do with it. Im

going to see a fertility doc next week. Im hoping he will have some

answers for me. I guess my major concern now is how this affects my

fertility and if this was the cause of infertility. Ill keep you

updated.

Thanks again

> >> ,

> >>

> >> I felt the same as you did when I was diagnosed with hyperT,

> >scared but

> >> really glad to have an explanation for all these weird symptoms

> >I'd had for

> >> years (irregular periods, insomnia, shaky hands, big appetite

and

> >more).

> >>

> >> One thing to think about: dr's generally agree that a sonogram

of

> >the

> >> thyroid along with tests of thyroid hormones (free t3, t4, TSH)

is

> >more

> >> effective in evaluating size, nodules, degree of hyperactivity

> >etc. of your

> >> thyroid than a radio-iodine uptake scan, which is what your

doctor

> >seems to

> >> have ordered. And you don't have to ingest a poison! Apparently

> >there have

> >> been cases of thyroid eye disease precipitated by the scan (see

> >> ithyroid.com). Ask your doctor to change this diagnostic test.

> >>

> >> Good luck! Nissa

> >>

> >> New to group

> >>

> >>

> >> >Hi everyone just wanted to say hi and give you a bit of

> >background.

> >> >This past friday I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. Of

course

> >I

> >> >freaked out, but on the other hand it explained alot of things.

> >For

> >> >the past few months Ive lost my voice like times. This last

time

> >it

> >> >has lasted for 2 weeks. Finally today its coming back. Im not

> >sure

> >> >if that has anything to do with this but it just might the

doctor

> >> >said. Another thing is that Ive always had irregular periods

and

> >> >the doctors could never find the reason. I also had no luck in

> >> >becoming pregnant. The doctor said that we might have the

answers

> >> >we've been waiting for. ( i sure hope so) So I have to call

to

> >set

> >> >up an appt for a CT scan and some radioactive iodine thingy

before

> >> >they put me on any meds. Ive also had trouble sleeping for the

> >> >longest and just never thought anything of it. In a way im

> >relieved

> >> >but in another way im scared. Any comments are appreciated.

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

> >> >

[Guest guest]

Yes, do NOT do this. The RAIU scan is different from RAI. The scan is

usually the less destructive form of iodine, but still, it can cause

temporary hyper exacerbation (at least it did with me). The scan is used to

check for nodules, and also to see how much iodine your thyroid absorbs,

but really, the ultrasound is safer and will show nodules, and the TSI test

is definitive for diagnosing Graves'. That is, if you have TSI (stimulating

antibodies), then you have GD. The RAIU scan is used to determine how much

of a dose of RAI to give you, if you are going to have RAI. RAI destroys

thyroid tissue, and almost always leads to hypothyroidism, and at that

point, thyroid hormone replacement is required.

You may print out what I wrote about the necessary testing, and do your own

research as well. Hopefully you have a doctor who is willing to work with

you and treat you according to your preferences. It is not unusual to go

through several doctors in order to find one who is suitable.

At 03:05 PM 1/19/2004, you wrote:

>Thank you and everyone else for your replies. I will check

>with my doctor and tell her i dont want this. I dont know anything

>about this..I just started the research. As far as this Radioactive

>iodine thing....is there two different things? All the doctor said

>was that they were going to inject me with iodine to be able to see

>or soemthign liek that. I dont quite remmeber that well cause i was

>panicking. Should I not do this? Im a bit confused . Please help.

[Guest guest]

At 03:10 PM 1/19/2004, you wrote:

>I find it strange that I can be jumpy and exhausted at the same

>time. Really weird.

That is typical for hyperT. It is like an engine running in high gear.

> When the doctor first asked me if I expereinced

>shaky hands i said no..but ive been paying attention to alot of

>things lately and i do have the shaky hands.

>Do you or anyone know if this might of messed with my fertility?

Yes, it is common to have problems conceiving when hyperT. Best thing to do

is to get thyroid levels in the normal range, and then try again. You

should be on a relatively low maintenance dose and stabilized before you

try to conceive, and that may take 2-3 months.

Watch that your doctor doesn't overmedicate you, if you decide to take the

medication route; they often incorrectly dose you according to TSH, which

is WRONG. TSH lags, and is falsely suppressed by the presence of

antibodies. So it is essential to go by the levels of Free T3 and Free T4

at which you feel best (most feel best when those values are in the middle

to upper end of the normal range). ALWAYS get a copy of your lab results

and keep them in a binder; also take notes on how you felt the day of the

blood draw, and attach it to the sheet. This way, you will find the FT3 and

FT4 levels that are right for you. " Normal " is different from person to

person, so them saying " you are in the normal range " is NOT enough.

[Guest guest]

One thing about the hard time getting pregnant. You need to get your

progesterone checked by a high risk pregnance doctor. Most regular

OBGYN's don't know low progesterone for pregnancy vs. regularly. If

your progesterone is low (get the numbers!!!!!) you can not sustain

a pregnancy (I lost 4)

Good luck

> Hi everyone just wanted to say hi and give you a bit of

background.

> This past friday I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. Of course

I

> freaked out, but on the other hand it explained alot of things.

For

> the past few months Ive lost my voice like times. This last time

it

> has lasted for 2 weeks. Finally today its coming back. Im not

sure

> if that has anything to do with this but it just might the doctor

> said. Another thing is that Ive always had irregular periods and

> the doctors could never find the reason. I also had no luck in

> becoming pregnant. The doctor said that we might have the answers

> we've been waiting for. ( i sure hope so) So I have to call to

set

> up an appt for a CT scan and some radioactive iodine thingy before

> they put me on any meds. Ive also had trouble sleeping for the

> longest and just never thought anything of it. In a way im

relieved

> but in another way im scared. Any comments are appreciated.

>

>

[Guest guest]

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/graves_disease/84431

What's the Rush?

by Elaine

Author: elaine moore

Published on: November 9, 2001

Related Subject(s): Graves' disease -- Patients -- Anecdotes , Graves'

disease -- Treatment

In the active stages of Graves’ disease, common symptoms such as impatience

and anxiety can influence our decisions regarding treatment. In my case I

rushed into treatment despite having few symptoms. Without giving my thought

to what I was actually doing, I felt compelled to deal with this diagnosis

quickly. Perhaps I would have ended up still choosing radioiodine ablation,

but I strongly doubt this.

While my symptoms didn’t require immediate aggressive treatment, many

patients do have symptoms that mandate prompt treatment. However, there are

many drugs available, particularly beta adrenergic blocking agents like

propranolol that are effective in keeping symptoms in line. These drugs

reduce heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety although they do not have an

effect on thyroid hormone levels.

Alternative medicine in the form of dietary changes, nutrient supplements to

correct deficiencies, herbal medicine, homeopathic remedies, stress

reduction methods and energy healing methods have all been shown to cause

immune system changes that help correct the immune system defect responsible

for Graves’ disease. However, these methods act subtly and take longer to

work than conventional medical treatments. For patients with mild symptoms,

these therapies may be sufficient. For patients with moderate to severe

symptoms, they may be used to complement conventional medicine.

It’s important for patients to have their symptoms and thyroid hormone

levels monitored by a naturopath or conventional doctor. If diagnosed with

Graves’ disease today, I would consult an integrationist physician, one who

is trained in both conventional and alternative medicine. Integrationist

practitioners generally reduce cardiac symptoms with beta blockers and

attempt a trial of alternative medicine to see if the response is sufficient

to reduce symptoms until remission is achieved.

While even alternative medical treatments can cause unwanted effects if used

improperly, under the guidance of a naturopath this is unlikely. All of the

conventional treatment options, however, can cause serious side effects. At

a low dose and used for only as long as necessary, anti-thyroid drugs are a

safe bet. Unfortunately, some doctors keep patients on these meds

hypothyroid, somehow thinking that this is the goal. The true goal in using

anti-thyroid drugs is to reduce symptoms and bring thyroid hormone levels

into the normal, not hypothyroid, range until remission is achieved. Had I

researched Graves’ disease when I was diagnosed, I’d opt for alternative

medicine. If this hadn’t reduced my symptoms (had they been severe), I would

have opted for anti-thyroid drugs and combined them with lifestyle changes

until I achieved remission.

To prevent relapse, I would have continued with the lifestyle changes such

as avoiding iodine, practicing yoga or tai chi daily, and following a

nutrient rich diet. If somehow I could not tolerate either of the available

antithyroid drugs or strong iodine solution and my symptoms were

life-threatening, I would have considered surgery. Never, if I had to do it

again, would I choose radioiodine.

Those who say that radioiodine passes through the body quickly and only

targets the thyroid should have been working in the lab with me after my

thyroid was ablated. Working in nuclear chemistry with I-125 tracer, I

contaminated our radioactive counter. Then I contaminated all the kits just

by touching them. We found the counting trays were almost contaminated.

Since we ran all of our hormone and tumor marker assays using radioiodine

tracers, we had to send all of our test samples to a different lab. It took

days to decontaminate the room. After that we ran my urine through the

counter to see how long radioactivity was detected. It was many weeks before

my levels of radioactivity were low enough for me to enter the nuclear

chemistry department. Outside the door the head of the lab posted a picture

of me with an x through it. That’s when I began to realize I should have

researched treatment before not after having it.

Of course by then I was severely hypothyroid. Within a week after my

ablation, my TSH was up to 9 and I barely had the energy to make it to work.

My thyroid was swollen first from radiation thyroiditis and then from

becoming hypothyroid so quickly. My eyes bulged and I began gaining weight.

Had I just spent a few days learning all I could instead of having RAI

within a week of my diagnosis, I would likely have fared much better than I

have.

That’s why when people write to me and say they were just diagnosed and have RAI

scheduled in two days, I urge them to hold off and study their options first.

It’s important to be fully informed before having treatment. Of course, the

problems I had are not necessarily problems for other people. People must

explore all their options and then decide what treatment will work best for them

as long as they remember that there is no need to rush. Furthermore, in light of

recent studies regarding radioiodine, (see Graves’ Disease Simplified from

November 2, 2001), if there is any need to rush, it should be to rush as far

away from anyone who suggests that you rush into treatment.

[Guest guest]

Here is an explanation of the up take scan test you are asking about.

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/graves_disease/64958

In the old days, that was all they had to try and diagnose us. But it has

many false readings, and does NOT tell the difference between several

different types of hyper.

You take a risk letting them do this, as it could cause your hyper or your

eyes to get worse. Maybe, maybe not. It is a risk.

Like said, the tests you need are:

TSH

FT4

FT3

TSI antibodies

TPO antibodies

and an ultra sound of your thyroid, to make sure there are no hidden lumps.

This group of tests is less expensive than the radioactive scan, from what I

have heard, but the doctors that are not real current in thyroid matters,

are not aware that these antibody tests are now available to all areas.

I wish you the best of luck, and please remember..

ALL of this is YOUR choice only ! ! !

No one can choose for you. Not me, or , or Ant Joan. Not your Mother,

Husband or Doctor. Only you.

YOU must live with the consequences every moment of your life forever.. no

one else is stuck inside your body.

As you have already discovered. That darn thyroid controls everything.

Your body, intelligence and every single emotion and feeling you have.

Personally, I took the drugs. I never had a scan.

Now, for two years so far, I am in remission.

That means no pills and no symptoms.

At one year in remission the odds of never going hyper went WAY up.

Now at two years, it turns to the chances of every going hyper again, being

a very, very small chance.

I had really, two reasons to choose the antithyroid drugs.

1. I do not believe in my deepest heart and soul, that swallowing anything

with enough radioactivity to kill a part of my body is a very wise idea.

2. And the most important.

I am not capable of living with any other human being in control of me. With

no thyroid and needing pills to stay alive, no matter what happens, I would

always be completely at the mercy of what ever doctor was treating me.

ONLY he, could decide if I was too happy or too sad.

If I was too thin or too fat.

If I was my intelligence was 'correct' or not.

And If I complained or disagreed with him, there is absolutely nothing I

could do.

I could.. go to another doctor... but many hypo patients do that for years

and years, and never get it right.

I am not a gambler, and RAI is a crap shoot at best.

It might work perfect, and you go dancing off into the sunset. But what if

you are not part of that particular group ?

---------------Who are you going to BLAME ?----------------------------

-------------that is the key in WHO chooses now-------------------------

-Pam L-

3 1/2 years Graves', TED, and PTU.

Remission since Jan. 28th. 2002 !

Key: SLOW reduction of PTU (despite an incompetent endo ! ), eight hour

dosing,labs every 4 weeks, improved lifestyle, herbs, REAL food/ no

processed pre-made food, and looking at the big picture.

Triggers are: MSG/any 'flavorings', glutamates ,aspartame, pesticides,high

iodine foods.

_____________________________________________________

Pills alone only help the symptoms. We must help our bodies to heal.

_____________________________________________________

* " What a long, strange, trip it's been " ...Jerry .... Peace*

[Guest guest]

Hi Stella sorry for the delay I thought I typed you a reply but I

guess it got lost in land anyway welcome too the group. I

hope you can find some answers, help and friends here. If you have

any questions feel free too post, someone should have an answer for

you. It sounds like we are pretty similar except for the headaches, I

don't envy you those any I hate them. Have you had surgery for any of

your problems or are you still in the see 1,000 dr's phase?? Best of

luck welcome again. Sharon ~*~*~*~*~group owner~*~*~*~*

> hello everyone. I'm new here. Not very good with the computor so

> will see how this goes.

>

> I suffer with chonic neck back arm leg pain and severe headaches

like

> many of you. I look forward to being a part of this group and look

> forward to learning about everyone and learning from everyone.

[Guest guest]

Hi Stella sorry for the delay I thought I typed you a reply but I

guess it got lost in land anyway welcome too the group. I

hope you can find some answers, help and friends here. If you have

any questions feel free too post, someone should have an answer for

you. It sounds like we are pretty similar except for the headaches, I

don't envy you those any I hate them. Have you had surgery for any of

your problems or are you still in the see 1,000 dr's phase?? Best of

luck welcome again. Sharon ~*~*~*~*~group owner~*~*~*~*

> hello everyone. I'm new here. Not very good with the computor so

> will see how this goes.

>

> I suffer with chonic neck back arm leg pain and severe headaches

like

> many of you. I look forward to being a part of this group and look

> forward to learning about everyone and learning from everyone.

[Guest guest]

Hi Stella sorry for the delay I thought I typed you a reply but I

guess it got lost in land anyway welcome too the group. I

hope you can find some answers, help and friends here. If you have

any questions feel free too post, someone should have an answer for

you. It sounds like we are pretty similar except for the headaches, I

don't envy you those any I hate them. Have you had surgery for any of

your problems or are you still in the see 1,000 dr's phase?? Best of

luck welcome again. Sharon ~*~*~*~*~group owner~*~*~*~*

> hello everyone. I'm new here. Not very good with the computor so

> will see how this goes.

>

> I suffer with chonic neck back arm leg pain and severe headaches

like

> many of you. I look forward to being a part of this group and look

> forward to learning about everyone and learning from everyone.