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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 138 to 162 of 458. Go back in thread:
Posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 1:33:57
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on November 1, 2003, at 21:41:35
Ha ha. We're still on that!
I actually have to give it back. I "broke up" with a friend and it was hers. (it was a healthy choice to end the friendship).
Alina is the name.
I'll have to go and buy it now.
I ordered that Bartos book from B&N. I'll pick it up soon.
HOw're you otherwise?
I'm hesitant to start Li. if I am hypothyroid. I think I should try thyroid meds first before adding Lithium. I was so tired today. I don't get it. Maybe it's depression coming on - a bad one - I can feel the listlessness and the sallow rooms after the sun goes down so quickly. Everything is sallow. It's like the whites of my eyes go sallow and the lens' of my eyes do too. I feel stale and luke warm and shivering loneliness. This is a long lasting depression I feel enhancing itself. Not the couple day cyclic stuff, but a long going one. I can feel it. Taking the Depakote away has "reduced" my Lamictal; today I upped to 75mg, but with the way I feel I need more! in a week I go to 100. Quitting drinking is a bit of an downer too I think. really. whereas before in my depressed states, I'd mask it with alcohol. or in an exhausted/depressed state = alcohol booster did the trick. Even Styron didn't get his first depression until after his 50's and it was because he QUIT drinking! How's your sobriety?
take care,
katia
Posted by fluffy on November 2, 2003, at 11:46:58
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 1:33:57
Hi you guys--
I just have to report this-- I've had 7 (!!!) NORMAL days!!! I know this is success, as I had been rapid cycling for at least 3 months (about a 10 day cycle), if not more mildly for the past year or so. I could even feel myself switch during the day...I'd look at my mood chart and go, "here I go again...like clockwork". Either the fish oil has kicked in, or the Trileptal is zapping the rapid cycling...either way, I don't want to mess with it. I also considered getting my thyroid checked out, i.e. asking what my level was instead of my pdoc saying...it's normal. My mom has Graves disease, and she's been harping on me for years to get it checked out.
I had a crazy halloween party two nights ago, and I indulged in drinking for the first time in months. I have to admit that it was REALLY FUN. I haven't paid for it yet. But I know it's a once a year deal...
Katia--I'm so sorry you're feeling crappy. As you did for me, I'm sending some TLC your way. If it is depression, just remember that IT GETS BETTER! Something I couldn't imagine a week ago. Also, if it helps...it took me about 3 months to pull out of a 3 month depression when I was first diagnosed, cycling pretty wildly after my stint on SSRI's. It seemed never-ending. Lamictal gave me some hope, but I felt my hopes being dashed again over the past 2 months or so. Now I'm back to hoping again. There's something to the saying, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." I know that you know that, but you sure helped me with your warrior mind-set not too long ago.
Best to you...take lots of care.
Stay in touch,Katy
Posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 13:30:42
In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by fluffy on November 2, 2003, at 11:46:58
HI Katy,
Thanks for your words. I'm feeling down yes. But so far it's a mild down. Like I went to a dinner(ish) party last night and it was torture. I was exhausted and people were too loud. And I wasn't drinking so that was no fun. Actually it wasn't hard not to partake; it was just hard because of my low mood. Part of this is me feeling sooooo dizzy and tired. My morning temps are low 97.3 I'm not sure what my blood pressure is.
If this doesn't improve, I'll put in a call to my doctor.
That's great your feeling tip top shape. It must have been about trying to adjust your meds. Glad to hear Trileptal works. I'll keep that in mind.
take good care,
Katia
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 14:44:46
In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by fluffy on November 2, 2003, at 11:46:58
Yaaaaayyyy Katy!
Isn't it amazing how we can go from the absolute pits to feeling pretty darn good? It seems that having hope is the thing that gets us through the really bad times. I can go through just about anything as long as I have that ray of hope that it's temporary, or that no matter what, I can stand it. I may not like it, but I can hold on until things get better. One good thing about feeling bad is how great you feel when you come out of it. On the other hand, clinging to the good times brings misery too in fearing their loss. I guess even keel is what I'm shooting for even though I have to admit that some days still suck big time.Trileptal, huh? That's very encouraging. It seems that for those for whom it works it works very well. That's one of the few I haven't been on. Guess I'll stick with lithium cause its working but I wish I could find something that isn't anti-thyroid.
BTW, you go get that thyroid checked out, girl. In fact, even before, start taking your morning temperature like Katia's been doing. It's not perfect but probably the best indicator of the state of how much thyroxine is being assimilated. The standard tests, even though sensitive, don't pick up how much of the hormone is getting into your cells.
In case you need instructions, here goes: if you can find a mercury basal thermometer, great, otherwise get a basal digital thermometer. A regular one is OK but digitals are notoriously inaccurate and basals are better. If mercury, shake down the night before. Take your temp (conflicting views on armpit or mouth, but mouth is easier and quicker) first thing when you wake up. Hold that pee and don't move around. Get the average for 5 days (wait til after your period). If it's lower than 97.6 you're probably hypothyroid. If lower than 97.3, definitely. I don't know what exact numbers for too high but probably around 98.4. Your Mom's Grave Disease is hyperthyroid which is a whole other kettle of fish that I'm not familiar with. But a bum thyroid either way will leave you miserable. So glad you're doing well.
- Barbara
Posted by Dalilah on November 2, 2003, at 15:12:55
In reply to Re: Way to go!, posted by otter on November 1, 2003, at 20:51:56
Hi Otter,
I found the mood chart at http://www.manicdepressive.org/tools.html under "blank mood charts." This tool really helps me a lot.
Also, Lamictal did cause some agitation/irritation with the world but it went away pretty quickly. The tricky thing with this med is that you have to wait til you get up to a higher dose, in my experience, before you get the anti-depressant quality.
Good luck,
- Dalilah
> Dalilah-
>
> Can you tell me where you found the mood chart online? I was diagnosed with Bipolar II today and given lamictal to take in addition to my Celexa and I am worried the lamictal will make me more anxious/agitated or depressed. Thanks!!
>
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 15:22:43
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 1:33:57
> Ha ha. We're still on that! Alina is the name.
**I'm ordering it from Amazon TODAY so I don't have to keep bugging you.
> HOw're you otherwise?
**Pretty good. I just wish I were happier and less tense but am very grateful that I'm not in a crisis.
> I'm hesitant to start Li. if I am hypothyroid. I think I should try thyroid meds first before adding Lithium.
**Good idea. Lithium will just push it over and make you feel worse.
>>I was so tired today. I don't get it.
**Could be your thyroid. There's nothing like a low thyroid fatigue. It goes to the bones.
>>I can feel the listlessness and the sallow rooms after the sun goes down so quickly. Everything is sallow.
**Oh, that's a great way to describe it. Sallow. I know exactly what you mean about the sun and the sallow rooms. I've always gotten claustrophobic and depressed when I'm inside and the setting sun is coming in a west window. You probably know this one but it's always comforted me to know a great mind felt the same way.
There's a Certain Slant of Light
There's a certain slant of light,
On winter afternoons,
That oppresses, like the weight
Of cathedral tunes.Heavenly hurt it gives us;
We can find no scar,
But internal difference
Where the meanings are.None may teach it anything,
'Tis the seal, despair -
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the air.When it comes, the landscape listens,
Shadows hold their breath;
When it goes, 'tis like the distance
On the look of death.
-Emily DickensonGrim, but isn't that how we feel at times?
>>I feel stale and luke warm and shivering loneliness.
**Even if it turns out not to be thyroid, this coldness is telling you something that's probably more to do with physical than neuro.
>>Quitting drinking is a bit of an downer too I think. really. whereas before in my depressed states, I'd mask it with alcohol. or in an exhausted/depressed state = alcohol booster did the trick. How's your sobriety?
**Pretty good. I went off the wagon twice now for a birthday party and a dinner party, but only had 1 glass and it was plenty. I went right back to abstinence easily. Oh, there are times when I'd love to have a snootfull, especially when I'm cooking dinner, but the memory of how bad it made me feel wins over. I have no doubt that my problem drinking days are a thing of the past. It just ain't worth it, although I've love to find an equal high that you don't have to pay back.
There are days when I feel great, refreshed and clear. But others when I'm consumed with anxiety and tension. In the past I'd head right for the bottle because that anxiety is real hard to deal with and a drink would immediately put me in a better mood. Not fair!
Without it I notice how I much I ruminate and worry. If one of my cats is out I imagine wild beasts lurking in wait for it. I worry about money and winter coming on and there's very little I can do to take my mind off it. Life can seem very dangerous without something to numb out on. I think exercising alot more will help. In fact, its snowing right now in Oregon and I'm about to hoist up my petard for a walk.
>>Even Styron didn't get his first depression until after his 50's and it was because he QUIT drinking!
**Yeah, it's got to have something to do with what it was masking and the process of detoxifying. But his sure was something else.
> take care
**You too. And hugs to your thyroid.
-Barbara
> katia
Posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 15:47:46
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on November 1, 2003, at 16:35:45
To Barbara, Kaia & and fluffy:
I too am attempting to get off effexor only because I want to see if I am finally normal, my blood pressure is too high and I would like to stop taking the micardis. I am also hypothyroid and take 2 grains of Armour daily. Barbara, I was wondering if you know if the L-Tyrosine is harmful to the liver. My liver enzymes are way too high and I do not know if it from the wine I love or other meds. Any thoughts? Thanks to all.
Posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 16:00:15
In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 15:47:46
Hi Foodie,
What were your symptoms for hypothyroid? And when were you diagnosed?
katia
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 16:00:44
In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 15:47:46
>>I was wondering if you know if the L-Tyrosine is harmful to the liver. My liver enzymes are way too high and I do not know if it from the wine I love or other meds. Any thoughts?
**Good question. I don't know how it affects the liver. If you find out please let us know. About wine, well, you know. It's not helping your depression or your liver. Makes you feel better in the short run but not the long.
Posted by otter on November 2, 2003, at 16:14:04
In reply to Re: Way to go!, posted by Dalilah on November 2, 2003, at 15:12:55
Dalilah- Thanks for the feedback. I think the form will really help!
Otter
Posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 17:10:08
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » foodie, posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 16:00:15
I was diagnosed approximately five years sgo. My tests always came back low normal but my body temp was consistently 97.2, debilitating fatigue, cold hands and feet, weight gain, hair loss. The fatigue was the worst. After going through doctors like kleenex i finally found one who looked beyond the tests and considered symptoms too. I am now with a DO and he is great. The downside is that even though I take the Armour daily (and don't let anyone tell you synthetic is just as good - WRONG - unreliable) I did not see a drop in the weight.
Posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 17:13:09
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » foodie, posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 16:00:44
I know. But don't we always want to blame it on something else and not us? Shoot, Adam even tried to blame God because he ate the fruit Eve gave him ("it was the woman you gave me"). Thank you for the reminder.
Posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 17:51:35
In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by foodie on November 2, 2003, at 17:10:08
Hi,
See these are two symptoms I don't have: hair loss and weight gain. I flucuate between 115-130 for the past 15 years. I'm at 130 now :-( but that's because I have been eating more and not exercising like I was. 115 is too low and I"m rarely there. So I cannot attribute my weight gain in the past year to hypothyroid; well maybe some of it. But because of my decrease in exercise and increase in eating. Not that I"m eating that much; but I've been working in a restaurant the past year and eating late and fatty rich foods.
However, I have the other symptoms: cold hands/feet/bum/nose (all my extremities - yes bum is extremely extremity), low body temp, low blood pressure (today it's 85/69), dry skin, FATIGUE; dizziness and grogginess/space case in the morning with puffy eyes and bags and COLD.
The more I talk about it and hear about it, the more I think I could benefit by trying armour. And is there danger in "just trying it" if I"m not hypothyroid? anyone know that?
Can a psychiatrist write an RX for that?
katia
Posted by cupcake on November 2, 2003, at 20:11:48
In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 17:51:35
i've been reading the hypothyroid thread b/c i'm also hypothyroid (and new here!). i've been taking synthroid for about 2 years now. i'm also taking effexor xr for depression, and my p-doc just had me start trying a low dosage of strattera as well (for inattentiveness, difficulty concentrating).
tomorrow i'm getting a blood test at my endocrinologist's b/c i feel like i need to change something about the synthroid--either increase the dosage or change to another med. i've gained about 35 pounds over the last year (which is a huge weight gain for me), my hair's been thinning, i have been feeling really tired and out of it, and i have a hard time thinking clearly sometimes - like there's oatmeal in my brain. so i have a feeling it's definitely the thyroid probs.
i'm going to see if he'll let me switch to armour. but will l-tyrosine have a negative interaction with my other meds (effexor, synthroid/hopefully now armour, strattera, glucophage) if i take it as an additional supplement?
right now for supplements i'm also taking:
omega 3-6-9 pill with borage, flax, and fish oils;
vitamin b complex;
vitamins a, c, and e antioxidant vitamin;
and a calcium/magnesium/folic acid/selenium supplement
(because i heard that people who are hypothyroid tend to be deficient in selenium and vitamin A and have trouble converting beta carotene to vitamin A)whew, too many pills!
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 22:14:14
In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by katia on November 2, 2003, at 17:51:35
Katia,
Not everyone gains weight. You're probably running around alot in the restaurant and probably in your late 20's, early 30's so it's not a big problem yet (hah, just you wait). My hair never thinned. The main symptoms are tiredness and cold, those are 'required'. The others vary from person to person.It wouldn't be a very good idea to 'just try it' with thyroid meds. If you get tested your results won't be accurate. You don't want to screw around with hormones because if it's not what you suspect you'll feel alot worse. Also, taking thyroid can shut your own functioning down so you gotta be careful.
I totally agree about the synthetic brands. I was taking twice as much just recently of a generic Synthroid and not feeling like I was getting it. I used to take Armour but my naturopath has me on Westhroid which is basically the same but she thinks its more consistent and bioavailable. To me, it doesn't feel as jaggy as the Armour. - Barbara
> See these are two symptoms I don't have: hair loss and weight gain. I flucuate between 115-130 for the past 15 years. I'm at 130 now :-( but that's because I have been eating more and not exercising like I was. 115 is too low and I"m rarely there. So I cannot attribute my weight gain in the past year to hypothyroid; well maybe some of it. But because of my decrease in exercise and increase in eating. Not that I"m eating that much; but I've been working in a restaurant the past year and eating late and fatty rich foods.
> However, I have the other symptoms: cold hands/feet/bum/nose (all my extremities - yes bum is extremely extremity), low body temp, low blood pressure (today it's 85/69), dry skin, FATIGUE; dizziness and grogginess/space case in the morning with puffy eyes and bags and COLD.
> The more I talk about it and hear about it, the more I think I could benefit by trying armour. And is there danger in "just trying it" if I"m not hypothyroid? anyone know that?
> Can a psychiatrist write an RX for that?
> katia
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 22:29:59
In reply to Re: hypothyroid, posted by cupcake on November 2, 2003, at 20:11:48
Hi Cupcake,
>
> i'm going to see if he'll let me switch to armour.**Good luck. Most endos sneer at Armour or the other natural brands. In fact, its a rare mainistream doc who'll prescribe it, period. The old 'T4 converts to the active T3' is still the mantra out there but that's not true for alot of us. You might propose a 'trial, just to see'. The other thing he may do is prescribe Cytomel which is a synthetic T3. That's been successful for alot of people and seems to fly better in the mainstream medical world.
BTW, if you do get onto Armour or another natural brand, split the dose into morning and afternoon. Otherwise, the T3 spikes early and can cause hyper symptoms and then a letdown.
>>but will l-tyrosine have a negative interaction with my other meds (effexor, synthroid/hopefully now armour, strattera, glucophage) if i take it as an additional supplement?
**l-Tyrosine has an effect on dopamine synthesis but not hugely. DL-Phenylalanine is made from Tyrosine and has more of speedy effect. Not good for bipolars or anxious people and can raise blood pressure. I'd be more concerned taking it than tyrosine. You can try it and see how you feel. I don't use it every day cause it can feel agitating, but 1M every few days seems to do the trick.
>
> right now for supplements i'm also taking:
> omega 3-6-9 pill with borage, flax, and fish oils;
> vitamin b complex;
> vitamins a, c, and e antioxidant vitamin;
> and a calcium/magnesium/folic acid/selenium supplement
> (because i heard that people who are hypothyroid tend to be deficient in selenium and vitamin A and have trouble converting beta carotene to vitamin A)**Good bunch of supplements. Thanks for the reminder about selenium. I'd forgotten about that.
>
> whew, too many pills!**Ain't that the truth. Sometimes I wonder if I'm assimilating them. Lots of $$ to flush down the can.
Have you been to the About Thyroid website? It's fabulous. Everything you ever wanted to know about thyroid. Mary Shomon definitely leans towards the Armour camp. There's loads of very interesting articles too.
Good luck and welcome to the Babble Buds. - Barbara
Posted by katia on November 3, 2003, at 0:36:31
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 22:14:14
If it's not good to just try the meds for it; then what other diagnostic tool do I have? The general thyroid test was normal. I've been taking my temp and blood pressure; so if there's a comprehensive test out there anyone know of one? Yes, I'm 33 yrs. old. I have to be careful about gaining weight. Even when I'm thin, I'm a fat person in a thin body if you know what I mean. I'm never happy with it and I'm always on the verge of losing it if I don't monitor it - like NOW! A lot of overweight people in my family.
katia
Posted by katia on November 3, 2003, at 0:39:22
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » cupcake, posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 22:29:59
Hey Barb,
I tried that website below and it didn't lead anywhere. Is it correct?
> http://about.thyroid.com
>
> Good luck and welcome to the Babble Buds. - Barbara
>
>
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 3, 2003, at 10:00:23
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 3, 2003, at 0:39:22
Sorry 'bout that. Try this:
> Hey Barb,
> I tried that website below and it didn't lead anywhere. Is it correct?
>
> > http://about.thyroid.com
> >
> > Good luck and welcome to the Babble Buds. - Barbara
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 3, 2003, at 10:08:35
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 3, 2003, at 0:36:31
Do you have a doctor or other health person who could monitor this? Usually if a person has definite symptoms but the blood test is normal (do you know what your numbers were? sometimes the 'normal' TSH values are too high. they should be less than 2.0) then an enlightened doc will prescribe it. I read your post to mean that you would just take the meds on your own but maybe you meant to just do it with your doc (hmmmm, that almost sounds like getting on the table with your pdoc). The other thing is getting hold of the med. You can always get them over the internet but they're a whole lot cheaper at a drugstore with a script from your doc. Yeah, I'd say definitely do a trial.
Oh, oh, oh, I just remembered something!! I don't where I found this but I wrote this down in my notebook: Depakote can cause hypothyroid just as lithium does!! I'm going to do a Google search on thyroid+depakote and you might want to do the same.
> If it's not good to just try the meds for it; then what other diagnostic tool do I have? The general thyroid test was normal. I've been taking my temp and blood pressure; so if there's a comprehensive test out there anyone know of one? Yes, I'm 33 yrs. old. I have to be careful about gaining weight. Even when I'm thin, I'm a fat person in a thin body if you know what I mean. I'm never happy with it and I'm always on the verge of losing it if I don't monitor it - like NOW! A lot of overweight people in my family.
> katia
>
Posted by cupcake on November 3, 2003, at 10:41:40
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » cupcake, posted by BarbaraCat on November 2, 2003, at 22:29:59
hi barbaracat -
thanks for the advice...
you wrote:
> **Good luck. Most endos sneer at Armour or the other >natural brands. In fact, its a rare mainistream doc who'll >prescribe it, period. The old 'T4 converts to the active T3' >is still the mantra out there but that's not true for alot of >us. You might propose a 'trial, just to see'. The other >thing he may do is prescribe Cytomel which is a synthetic >T3. That's been successful for alot of people and seems >to fly better in the mainstream medical world.** i just came back from the endo dr. i pushed for armour and mentioned that my mom's been taking it and feels a bit better. he said that as a person who only prescribed armour for years, he was finally a convert to synthroid and believed it was the best preparation out there. i asked about its link with osteoporosis and he said that was only a risk if you were taking too high of a dose. ? sigh. he listened to me, but he also told me to keep up my efforts to improve diet and exercise (which is good) and not to overwhelm myself too much "extrapolating" about different symptoms and medications. grrrrr!
> Have you been to the About Thyroid website? It's >fabulous. Everything you ever wanted to know about >thyroid. Mary Shomon definitely leans towards the >Armour camp. There's loads of very interesting articles to
>o.yes, i have, it's very informative!! thanks!
Posted by TombLove on November 3, 2003, at 13:56:40
In reply to Re: Lamictal, posted by St. John on October 25, 2003, at 14:58:36
I am a paranoid schitzophrenic mulitple with depressive swings. I have been been on Stellazine for 30 years, Adderall for 8 and Celexa for the past year. I tapered off Stellazine and Adderall 6 mos ago and am on Celexa alone for the past 6 mos. I am doing fairly well.
My experience with Lamictal (added to Stella and Adderall) was a nightmare! I had rapid cycling, deep depression to euphoria and back again in a matter of minutes. I was on Lamictal for about a month before taking myself off. Soon there after I
I realized that I was PTSD and added Celexa which helped tremendously.
I hope Lamictal works for you but it's not for me.
Posted by katia on November 3, 2003, at 15:01:22
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » katia, posted by BarbaraCat on November 3, 2003, at 10:08:35
Hi Barb,
god you're organized! you have a little notebook for notes! how intelligent! I have lost bits of scraps of pieces of whatever that important info written on them in a haste. I think I'll get an "info notebook"!
thanks for the enthusiasm regarding researching dep. and hypothy. the thing about that is, I've felt this way for quite a while, not just since Depakote. But I do have to say, since the weather made an uprupt change from INTENSELY HOT to now FRIGID, i've gotten dizzy, foggy, and cold. The change in weather also coincided with the ending of Depakote - so not sure if this is depression or something else. I'm just BLAH and dizzy and exhausetd. I'd like to get a more comprehensive test done to see if I'm hypothyroid. Does the changing of weather affect hypthyroid , i.e. make it worse at times? I have an appt. with my GP on Thursday over something else (that something else was going on three months ago - it's just this is the first appt. I could get). I'm under the state's healthcare which absolutely sucks. So I doubt (with my TSH levels "normal") he will be ready to refer me to an expensive endocrinologist even if he wants to. My pdoc just doesn't respond to this. I bring it up and he just doesn't say anything. All he said last time was "if we start you on Lithium, then we may need to do something about it". as tho' he didn't HEAR me when I say "I think I'm hypothyroid". I don't know what he could do. He almost acts like he simply not his ballgame and I need to take it elsewhere.
I need to call him and address it further and more directly because he certainly isn't on the ball about it, nor is he good with proactively addressing things that don't fall under "psychiatry". it's so frustrating.
BTW, I don't know what my TSH levels are. I'll ask my pdoc.
thanks.
katia
Posted by nmk on November 3, 2003, at 15:18:11
In reply to Re: Lamictal side effects » fluffy, posted by BarbaraCat on October 31, 2003, at 19:31:09
Hi Barbara,
I have been remiss in writing but I think of you often. I had some down time at work today and was following this thread since I always like to hear what is going on with you and the girls. Hope I didn't intrude by sticking my nose in.
What really struck me about your post (the Buddha one) was that we do have to take it day by day or in my case, second by second. Life has dealt us a sh*tty hand but as you go through more and more down times, you eventually come to the realization that it won't last forever.
I am now up to 300mg of Lamictal and 50 mg of zoloft and still cycling every month before and/or during my period. My doc and I decided last month to decrease the zoloft to 25 mg to see if that would reduce the cycling. Unfortunately, it sent me into a severe depression which last throughout my period. Needless to say, I went back up to 50 mg of zoloft and am feeling better. I just don't know about the Lamictal...my pdoc says he has some patients on as much as 600 mg. Whatever. He also talked about another option (which I am not even considering at the moment) which is shutting down my ovaries, injecting myself with Lupron, and adding back estrogen. He stated that this would provide a steady level of estrogen in my body and would prevent me from my sensitivity to my flucuating hormones. I am reading anything and everything and driving myself crazy(so to speak) in the process.
Please write me and let me know how things are going with you. I miss you.
Nicole:)))
Posted by BarbaraCat on November 3, 2003, at 17:21:01
In reply to Re: hypothyroid » BarbaraCat, posted by katia on November 3, 2003, at 15:01:22
> Hi Barb,
> god you're organized! you have a little notebook for notes! how intelligent! I have lost bits of scraps of pieces of whatever that important info written on them in a haste. I think I'll get an "info notebook"!**A notebook is a great thing, when I can find it. Mine has a red cover for just that reason.
>> Does the changing of weather affect hypthyroid , i.e. make it worse at times?
**I definitely feel worse when the weather is cold and damp when my thyroid isn't corrected. The body has to work harder to keep warm and it just doesn't have the extra ooomph.
>>I'm under the state's healthcare which absolutely sucks.
**Yeah, my husband was on it recently and it was unbelievable how hard it was to find a doctor that accepted it. What he ended up doing was to call a few hospitals and ask the recommendations dept who was a new doctor in the area. They usually accept it to build their practice.
>>So I doubt (with my TSH levels "normal") he will be ready to refer me to an expensive endocrinologist even if he wants to.
**An endo won't help either. In my experience they're even more conservative than other docs and to prescribe something like Armour would be blasphemy. But I've heard of real good endos as well.
You should go to the http://thyroid.about.com website. There's a list of top doctors by state posted. That's how I found my naturopath. There's alot of info that can answer your questions.
BTW, if you can spring for a visit with an alternative health practitioner you'll find alot more comprehensive care. I don't believe CA has naturopaths but maybe there's someone else that can prescribe. I know you're on a tight budget but my experience is that my naturopath costs much less than seeing a doc in the long run, both financially and psychologically.
The other thing is simply to state that you want to try this and see how it goes. Be a broken record about it - 'yes, I understand, and I still want to try this and see how it goes'. They eventually get it that you're not going to roll over. One thing we forget - they're getting paid for providing service to us, not the other way around. But who knows, maybe your doc is familiar with the recent research that states that a combo T3/T4 therapy is more effective (especially with mood disorders) than T4 alone and that subclinical hypothyroidism doesn't always show up on tests and should be treated based on symptoms alone. And you might do just fine on T4 alone if he insists on it, but as you'll find in the thyroid.about.com website, T3/T4 wins hands down.
You know, maybe you're not hypothyroid but this low temp/cold thing is a sure giveaway that something is way off.
>>My pdoc just doesn't respond to this. as tho' he didn't HEAR me when I say "I think I'm hypothyroid". I don't know what he could do. He almost acts like he simply not his ballgame and I need to take it elsewhere.
**That sucks. Thyroid should be the first thing that's looked at in ANY mood disorder and the second thing is ALL hormones. He should be up on something as basic as the thyroid. Why he doesn't at least acknowledge your concerns is neglectful of courtesy at the very least. You need to call him on this and let him know your frustration.
This goes back to why I hate mainstream medicine. They're incompetant, plain and simple, with anything that isn't mechanical. I have been medically screwed, misdiagnosed and harmed far too many times in the current managed healthcare travestry and I see it happen all the time. You can't expect too much out of the majority of them cause they just don't seem to get it, but that's not helping us one bit.
Suspecting and treating a thyroid disorder is not rocket science and not a life threatening procedure. Sure, you have to proceed with caution as with any hormone therapy but if it doesn't work out it's no big deal to come off it.
> I need to call him and address it further and more directly because he certainly isn't on the ball about it, nor is he good with proactively addressing things that don't fall under "psychiatry". it's so frustrating.
**Like I said...
> BTW, I don't know what my TSH levels are. I'll ask my pdoc.
**I'm gonna stress this again for when you get your results. The TSH range is between approx point .3 and 5 with higher numbers meaning greater hypothyroid. Alot of doctors will accept from 3-5 but that's not low enough. You don't want to go lower than .5 because you're headed for too much thyroid and that feels jagged and anxious. The best range is between 1 and 2. My TSH was swinging between .9 and 16 recently and the endo my HMO doc consulted with said not to worry, I souldn't be symptomatic. Bullcrap. As anyone with half a brain would imagine, there's no way to not feel 'symptomatic' with those wildly swinging values. Grrrrr! Of course, my naturopath just rolled her eyes, shook her head and prescribed Westhroid for me.
-Barbara
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