Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

[Cluless]

I am so sorry you are feeling awful still and that your doctor doesn’t “get it” and yes I thought this poem would ring true with many of us. When I read it I felt it was like a comforting hug and it gave me hope somehow. I know that’s sort of weird but it made me feel a bit better if that makes sense.

Cluless, please don’t hesitate to vent and share here. It’s not just “my” thread. It’s all our thread. For all of us dealing with chronic conditions that affect our quality of life. Big (((hugs))) and love to you and buckets of healing dust.

Is your endo an integrative medicine person? Or is he by the numbers?

It’s challenging finding the “right” doctors. I am still searching and if I find a good doctor I will shout it here and share it. A good doctor is more valuable than jewels when one’s health depends on it.


(((Hugs))).

Missy Thank you for starting this thread it helps reading about other's journeys. My endoS (4 in 12 years) were/are all strictly by the numbers this one is replacing my regular endo till she comes back from maternity leave. It just makes me sad that when they ask how are you and I respond Exhausted their reply is ''But you're not supposed to be''. Yeah, I know so let's get this fixed already lol I chose to laugh about it, what choice do I have?
I echo Annette read only the success stories it helps seeing that Yes there is hope. Hugs to you xo

 

[missy]

I agree Annette- it is good to read the experiences of people who are living well with Autoimmune diseases. I myself have been doing just that for well over a decade. Living well with AI diseases. And though my mom has challenges and good days and bad days she too has been successfully enjoying a good life despite her conditions. In addition, reading PSers experiences are so helpful. I like to know both the good and the bad because that way I have less surprises and (for me) it is about expectations. Thanks for chiming in Annette and I hope you are feeling well. I don't remember your health situation but I remember you were/are dealing with something. I always remember those wise words...Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. And IMO if they aren't now they probably will be at a future date. If you live long enough you encounter challenges of all sorts. It's not (just) about the challenges but more about what you do with them and how you deal with it.

Lyra, Great minds think alike haha because I always ask that when doctors want to prescribe meds what happens if I don't take anything or do anything and this time I got the response try the med and she will see me back in 3 months. My dh asked about side effects to which she replied there are hardly any. She said if I cannot tolerate it I can stop taking it which I did after a few days. I have been reading with Hashimoto's that the earlier you start the thyroid med the better the chance to minimize the damage to the thyroid so that was one of my concerns. I am generally a proactive individual and like to face facts and make a plan for dealing with stuff. I don't know how long I have had TPO antibodies in my blood as no doctor has ever tested that before so I have no way of knowing how long I have had Hashimoto's. I do know that if there is something I can do to minimize the damage to my thyroid I would like to do that. I have been reading about the hypoallergenic thyroid supplement (synthetic) called Tirosint. So that might be an option. I am still taking a break from doctors. I get what Annette wrote when she wrote she has a love hate relationship with them. I think many of us do.

And it is always a balancing act between the helpfulness of the treatments/medications and the negative side effects. The best we can do is minimize those negative side effects while maximizing the benefits. And sometimes no treatment is the best treatment. I am sorry in your case that damaging treatments are one of your best options. Remind me please, have you asked your medical professionals about LDN?

Medical science and medicine is more of an art than just a black or white or right or wrong science.

Cluless, you are very welcome. I am so happy we can discuss this and share what helps each of us and what doesn't and be there for each other in this way. I like to talk about things out in the open and share because I generally find it helpful. For me and hopefully for others. I know if I am feeling a certain way or going through something I am not unique in that and others may be dealing with similar feelings and issues. So discussing it and sharing info and support with others is often incredibly helpful. For those posting and sharing and also for others who are just reading and might be struggling and maybe, hopefully, gaining some benefit(s). I am sorry your endocrinologists don't see the whole person and just focus on some numbers despite you telling them you are exhausted. I hope you find a doctor who will work with you as part of a team and allow you to get to the place where you are feeling as well as you can. (((Hugs))).

And leaving you with the sweetest dog we saw yesterday on the subway as we were heading to Lincoln Center to see the ballet. His name is Tugboat a sweet 6 year old French bulldog. Awwwww. Now this is great medicine with NO negative side effects. Have you hugged a fur baby (or preferably many fur babies) today?

 

[jaaron]

Aw, what a sweet doggy.

I'm dashing out now to get the dogs for their run while the sun is still out, so will be back later, but wanted to say quickly that I agree about finding success stories. The internet is an amazing source of information - I honestly can't remember how we functioned without it, although I'm old enough that I should. The downside, though, is that when it comes to issues like this, the people who are spending a lot of time posting about them and on forums are those that are having a difficult time finding that success, which can paint a slightly distorted picture. Those that are successful mostly move on without giving it much thought. Just something to keep in mind.

I honestly believe that everyone's path through this is different. But if there's one piece of advice I could give, it's that if something isn't working for you, don't accept it as 'that's just the way things are'. Don't go away, tail between your legs, because a doctor says you *should* feel fine. If you don't actually feel fine, make sure they understand that it's their job to get you feeling that way. And if they won't, find another doctor. If they make you feel like an overly-demanding, slightly unstable middle-aged woman who should accept poor advice and/or treatment because that's all they're prepared to dispense, stand up, mid-appointment and walk out. There will be someone else out there who will listen to you. I went through quite a few endos before I found one who actually listened.

Missy, the integrative medicine specialist, are his initials DB?

 

[cmd2014]

Jaaron, I agree wholeheartedly. I don’t even think of myself as having an issue - it’s as simple as I take my 0.1 mg of synthroid/day (and actually I am taking the brand name drug, not the generic...see how little thought I give it?) with my coffee and breakfast whenever it is I happen to get up (yes, in what is apparently the all wrong way), and have a yearly blood test with my annual physical unless I think I need adjusting (which is maybe once every couple of years). I wouldn’t even identify myself as living with an illness at this point (well, not on this front, anyway) - even though in the beginning this messed with pretty much every aspect of my life. Missy, I hope you get there too.

 

[missy]

Aw, what a sweet doggy.

I'm dashing out now to get the dogs for their run while the sun is still out, so will be back later, but wanted to say quickly that I agree about finding success stories. The internet is an amazing source of information - I honestly can't remember how we functioned without it, although I'm old enough that I should. The downside, though, is that when it comes to issues like this, the people who are spending a lot of time posting about them and on forums are those that are having a difficult time finding that success, which can paint a slightly distorted picture. Those that are successful mostly move on without giving it much thought. Just something to keep in mind.

I honestly believe that everyone's path through this is different. But if there's one piece of advice I could give, it's that if something isn't working for you, don't accept it as 'that's just the way things are'. Don't go away, tail between your legs, because a doctor says you *should* feel fine. If you don't actually feel fine, make sure they understand that it's their job to get you feeling that way. And if they won't, find another doctor. If they make you feel like an overly-demanding, slightly unstable middle-aged woman who should accept poor advice and/or treatment because that's all they're prepared to dispense, stand up, mid-appointment and walk out. There will be someone else out there who will listen to you. I went through quite a few endos before I found one who actually listened.

Missy, the integrative medicine specialist, are his initials DB?

Hi Jaaron, no his initials are RK. I am planning to cancel my appointment with him after my convo with a good friend who went to him and had a bad experience. I think I might go to MH but have to check his website out more. Please share who DB is with me (I feel like I probably already know but my brain is not working as clearly as I would like it to right now)...you have my contact info I believe but just in case you don't.

https://loupetroop.com/listings/other/for-any-of-the-nirdis-its-missy

And haha yes I agree. Don't know what I did before the internet but considering I didn't learn how to use the internet or even get a computer until 2006 there are a whole lotta unaccounted years there for me .

Jaaron, I agree wholeheartedly. I don’t even think of myself as having an issue - it’s as simple as I take my 0.1 mg of synthroid/day (and actually I am taking the brand name drug, not the generic...see how little thought I give it?) with my coffee and breakfast whenever it is I happen to get up (yes, in what is apparently the all wrong way), and have a yearly blood test with my annual physical unless I think I need adjusting (which is maybe once every couple of years). I wouldn’t even identify myself as living with an illness at this point (well, not on this front, anyway) - even though in the beginning this messed with pretty much every aspect of my life. Missy, I hope you get there too.

Thanks so much cmd2014. So glad you are doing well. And yes when things are under control you don't give them another thought. So glad you have reached that point and long may it continue. Truth be told I don't think of myself as having health issues either and even discussed this with my derm this past week. I said yanno despite the long list of AI stuff I have I feel good independent of a few ongoing issues that cause discomfort. I block it from my mind often and go about my life enjoying day to day. Sometimes it hard to ignore but often it does not adversely affect me. And he said yes he has thousands of people similar to me with similar issues and we are healthy when push comes to shove. Anyway it was comforting to hear and we all do the best we can with what we have. Attitude does make a difference though I also strongly believe in letting yourself feel what you feel to move through it and move forward. The new normal keeps changing and is always in flux if that makes sense.

Quick question-do you take your synthroid with your coffee? I read that we should not take it with coffee but I know that as long as you take it at the same time with the same food/drink you are probably just fine as then the dose can be adjusted accordingly. If you could expand on how you take it ie with coffee or not and how soon you can eat after you take it I would appreciate that. Thanks.

 

[cmd2014]

Yes. I pop it in my mouth (along with my reactine for my allergies and my B12 supplement for my random low B12 levels, and whatever else I happen to be taking so long as it’s not known to specifically negatively affect absorption like iron supplements) and wash it down with my first swig of my morning coffee. I eat my breakfast at the same time as I take my pill, and finish my cup (or two) of coffee and go on with my day. Workdays I’m typically up around the same time every day. Weekends and vacations it’s whenever I happen to get up. I’m pretty cavalier compared to my sister who sets an alarm for 5 am every morning just so she can take hers with a full bottle of water on an empty stomach at least two hours before food or coffee. But for long term real life, if it means I take a bit more to stay balanced vs doing the weird lifestyle change thing, it’s worth it (my sister said that she figures it’s worth it since she could *die* if she doesn’t do this...I shrug and figure when she’s been doing it for years like I have, she’ll probably be in a different place with it too).

 

[MarionC]

I will be reading this thread with great interest. I’ve been exhausted for years with joint and muscle pain and a general feeling of being unwell. My doctor finally put me on ritalin 10 years ago so I could function, but it is an awful drug. Surely there is a better way, and I hope together we find answers. Every so often I go back to the doctor for more tests and they always say I’m very healthy.
I have one question. What does it mean when you eat even a small protein meal and practically go into a coma afterward? Someone mentioned that and I wonder how it relates to the autoimmune issues. Thanks.

 

[missy]

I will be reading this thread with great interest. I’ve been exhausted for years with joint and muscle pain and a general feeling of being unwell. My doctor finally put me on ritalin 10 years ago so I could function, but it is an awful drug. Surely there is a better way, and I hope together we find answers. Every so often I go back to the doctor for more tests and they always say I’m very healthy.
I have one question. What does it mean when you eat even a small protein meal and practically go into a coma afterward? Someone mentioned that and I wonder how it relates to the autoimmune issues. Thanks.

I am not sure and hopefully another PSer will chime in but perhaps it indicates a Food sensitivity to what you are eating. For example if you are carb sensitive or glucose sensitive eating carbs could produce a similar reaction. I can’t eat bread without feeling sluggish and uncomfortable.

I read somewhere that protein has been shown to influence sleep or sleep-related hormones in some people. Specific to protein and salt. Interesting right? That might account for your symptoms at least in part.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

Missy, I just want to clarify something. I am suggesting you use your wonderful library, a hop, skip and a jump away, to get clinical studies, or better yet case studies of people who successfully, as cmd has, eliminated their symptoms or to gain a better understanding of remedies.. Medical Drs write such books as part of publishing their findings to help others, whether physicians or lay people. Often the bibliography will give clues to where the research came from. Anecdotal is another category, which if you are lucky, might be found in a book with success stories.
I understand you like these discussions and it may produce results for you, but I don't think the internet is the place for in depth information. Of course, JMO.

Annette

 

[missy]

Annette, thank you for clarifying and it is a good idea to visit our wonderful library right here. Thank you for taking the time to post and as always I appreciate it.

However I respectfully disagree with you re finding info and support online. As I wrote above I’m not new to the autoimmune chronic disease merry go round and I have found the info and support online to be invaluable. I learned so much more from online support groups than many of my doctors. Physicians only have a limited amount of time to spend with their patients and there is so much useful collective real life experience and info online that can (and has for me) help immensely. I am under no circumstances suggesting that it take the place of good medical care but is instead a valuable and helpful adjunct to such care.

As with everything YMMV. The key is finding what works for you.

 

[monarch64]

Missy, I’m sorry that you’ve been going through health issues of late and historically. I don’t have anything constructive to offer, but I do offer my support and listening ear. Life is just difficult and wellness and happiness seem to be too often the exception. Anyway I just wanted to offer those sentiments and wish you well. Xo

 

[missy]

Thanks sweet Monnie. I think your mom has some AI issues IIRC and hope she is doing well. I know I share about my health issues and I appreciate the opportunity to do so here. It's funny because I was just reading a book by Mary Shomon (recommended here and thank you to the PSer who recommended it) and I just read this.

The act of writing about stressful events and situations can actually have a positive impact on your health. In a 1999 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers reported that some patients with chronic diseases had improvements in their health after writing about major life stresses, such as car accidents or the death of a close friend or relative. The study looked at 112 patients. Each patient spent an hour each day writing, and four months after the study began, almost half of those who wrote about their stresses had experienced significant improvement in their health. The benefits of “downloading” your concerns and stresses, whether by writing in a journal or sharing your personal experiences with others who can relate via an online support group, is a natural stress reduction activity. What scientists call “expressive writing” not only gives your mind a place to unload stressful concerns or worries, it can also be a relaxation, or peaceful activity, that also helps to reduce stress by calming down your system and allowing you to focus better.

Shomon, Mary J.. Living Well with Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You... That You Need to Know (Living Well (Collins)) (Kindle Locations 2437-2440). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.

And for me this is true. Makes me feel better to get it out and share. And also I do get some very helpful tips and info from others who have gone through something similar. PSers are a wise group of people and know a lot about a lot of things. And I hope my sharing here helps others as well.
Despite all that I share here and how it might seem to some most of my time is spent enjoying life. I know that an outsider (who doesn't know me otherwise except from my PS posts) reading what I share here might not realize I have a good quality of life despite some health issues. But I do and knock wood that continues. I feel very fortunate and am very content in and with my life despite some health issues. We all have something right?


Speaking of which, how is your skin now that the weather is warming up? Hope it is calm and all skin issues have resolved for you. Spring is coming woohoo.

 

[BlingDreams]

Missy, do you do any kind of intense exercise (where you sweat, heart rate rises, etc.)? Doing so on a regular basis (4-5x/week) can be very good for AI issues as it produces anti-inflammatory responses within the body.

 

[missy]

Missy, do you do any kind of intense exercise (where you sweat, heart rate rises, etc.)? Doing so on a regular basis (4-5x/week) can be very good for AI issues as it produces anti-inflammatory responses within the body.

Hi ILikeShiny, yes I workout every day. I actually love working out for the most part. I do the elliptical and pilates every day unless we are cycling that day.

 

[caf]

Missy, do you do any kind of intense exercise (where you sweat, heart rate rises, etc.)? Doing so on a regular basis (4-5x/week) can be very good for AI issues as it produces anti-inflammatory responses within the body.

I Like Shiny - definitely exercise is really good for us AI'ers BUT I haven't found exercise produces an anti-inflammatory response in my body. My experience after 8+ years with RA and 30+ years of Hashimotos is to more often than not I get an an inflammatory response after exercise. I have more joint swelling, pain, etc. And sometimes a rash. But who knows maybe my response is just weird.

 

[missy]

I Like Shiny - definitely exercise is really good for us AI'ers BUT I haven't found exercise produces an anti-inflammatory response in my body. My experience after 8+ years with RA and 30+ years of Hashimotos is to more often than not I get an an inflammatory response after exercise. I have more joint swelling, pain, etc. And sometimes a rash. But who knows maybe my response is just weird.

Aww caf, I'm sorry. Is it a hard workout you are doing that causes an inflammatory reaction? Can you try an easier workout to see what happens?
How about less aerobic activities and more mind relaxing and body lengthening flexibility exercises like Pilates? Maybe you can find a routine and exercises that don't aggravate your inflammation? I'm just trying to brainstorm for you because I know how upsetting it must be not to be able to workout. How about brisk but not hard walking? Or cycling but not spinning? How about yoga?

FYI for those who might not be familiar with the benefits of regular exercise for one's health (generally and of course there are exceptions as with cat's experience).

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170112115722.htm

Exercise ... It does a body good: 20 minutes can act as anti-inflammatory
One moderate exercise session has a cellular response that may help suppress inflammation in the body
Date:
January 12, 2017
Source:
University of California - San Diego
Summary:
It's well known that regular physical activity has health benefits, including weight control, strengthening the heart, bones and muscles and reducing the risk of certain diseases. Recently, researchers have found how just one session of moderate exercise can also act as an anti-inflammatory. The findings have encouraging implications for chronic diseases like arthritis, fibromyalgia and for more pervasive conditions, such as obesity.
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FULL STORY

It's well known that regular physical activity has health benefits, including weight control, strengthening the heart, bones and muscles and reducing the risk of certain diseases. Recently, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found how just one session of moderate exercise can also act as an anti-inflammatory. The findings have encouraging implications for chronic diseases like arthritis, fibromyalgia and for more pervasive conditions, such as obesity.

The study, recently published online in Brain, Behavior and Immunity, found one 20-minute session of moderate exercise can stimulate the immune system, producing an anti-inflammatory cellular response.

"Each time we exercise, we are truly doing something good for our body on many levels, including at the immune cell level," said senior author Suzi Hong, PhD, in the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "The anti-inflammatory benefits of exercise have been known to researchers, but finding out how that process happens is the key to safely maximizing those benefits."

The brain and sympathetic nervous system -- a pathway that serves to accelerate heart rate and raise blood pressure, among other things -- are activated during exercise to enable the body to carry out work. Hormones, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, are released into the blood stream and trigger adrenergic receptors, which immune cells possess.

This activation process during exercise produces immunological responses, which include the production of many cytokines, or proteins, one of which is TNF -- a key regulator of local and systemic inflammation that also helps boost immune responses.

"Our study found one session of about 20 minutes of moderate treadmill exercise resulted in a five percent decrease in the number of stimulated immune cells producing TNF," said Hong. "Knowing what sets regulatory mechanisms of inflammatory proteins in motion may contribute to developing new therapies for the overwhelming number of individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions, including nearly 25 million Americans who suffer from autoimmune diseases."

The 47 study participants walked on a treadmill at an intensity level that was adjusted based on their fitness level. Blood was collected before and immediately after the 20 minute exercise challenge.

"Our study shows a workout session doesn't actually have to be intense to have anti-inflammatory effects. Twenty minutes to half-an-hour of moderate exercise, including fast walking, appears to be sufficient," said Hong. "Feeling like a workout needs to be at a peak exertion level for a long duration can intimidate those who suffer from chronic inflammatory diseases and could greatly benefit from physical activity."

Inflammation is a vital part of the body's immune response. It is the body's attempt to heal itself after an injury; defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria; and repair damaged tissue. However, chronic inflammation can lead to serious health issues associated with diabetes, celiac disease, obesity and other conditions.

"Patients with chronic inflammatory diseases should always consult with their physician regarding the appropriate treatment plan, but knowing that exercise can act as an anti-inflammatory is an exciting step forward in possibilities," said Hong.

 

[ksinger]

Annette, thank you for clarifying and it is a good idea to visit our wonderful library right here. Thank you for taking the time to post and as always I appreciate it.

However I respectfully disagree with you re finding info and support online. As I wrote above I’m not new to the autoimmune chronic disease merry go round and I have found the info and support online to be invaluable. I learned so much more from online support groups than many of my doctors. Physicians only have a limited amount of time to spend with their patients and there is so much useful collective real life experience and info online that can (and has for me) help immensely. I am under no circumstances suggesting that it take the place of good medical care but is instead a valuable and helpful adjunct to such care.

As with everything YMMV. The key is finding what works for you.

I agree with Missy. A forum of people who also have what you have, can be a well of experience and some amazing knowledge, and you often get to see (through their stories) the wide range of medical approaches that exist for your condition. There are some fora that are not so great too, of course. But if you choose wisely, you can glean all sorts of information about the experiences of others with various treatments, work-arounds, and actual research going on. Of course, you have to exercise your own discernment, but that comes into play to a degree even with doctors, who are most assuredly not god, nor are they always abreast of the latest stuff. We are always walking a fine line between ascribing too little or too much expertise to doctors. I don't want to discount the expert advice I pay for, but I don't want to meekly go in like a dutiful supplicant either.

 

[stracci2000]

Gee, Missy, so sorry you are dealing with this!
I just wanted to chime in and wish you well with this health issue.
I think you've gotten good advice from our awesome PS people.
Big hugs!

 

[caf]

Aww caf, I'm sorry. Is it a hard workout you are doing that causes an inflammatory reaction? Can you try an easier workout to see what happens?
How about less aerobic activities and more mind relaxing and body lengthening flexibility exercises like Pilates? Maybe you can find a routine and exercises that don't aggravate your inflammation? I'm just trying to brainstorm for you because I know how upsetting it must be not to be able to workout. How about brisk but not hard walking? Or cycling but not spinning? How about yoga?

FYI for those who might not be familiar with the benefits of regular exercise for one's health (generally and of course there are exceptions as with cat's experience).

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170112115722.htm

Missy - all great suggestions. I have a treadmill and use it for walking (when weather doesn't permit walking outside here in CO). I like yoga, cycling and swimming. But have some limitations with them due to my cervical spine fusions. And funny you mentioned Pilates...my rheumatologist recommended I do Pilates as physical therapy and he will prescribe it (once I get out of the flare I am in and my joints and inflammation settles down and maybe insurance will even cover it) I have done Pilates once and liked it - was really sore after it but can see how doing it would be really beneficial. I used to run and, of course, can no longer do that. Also fast walking can aggravate things - as you suspected. Right now I try and eat right and move more throughout the day. I break up my treadmill walking if I don't have time to do it all at once. And I always try and park far from where I am going to I have to walk to get there... but I do miss a hard workout or long run and the feeling that comes after you are done.

The article you provided was really interesting... it would be so great if exercise would reduce my inflammation. Okay now you have reminded me I need to get on the treadmill and get in some more steps for today.

 

[missy]

Missy - all great suggestions. I have a treadmill and use it for walking (when weather doesn't permit walking outside here in CO). I like yoga, cycling and swimming. But have some limitations with them due to my cervical spine fusions. And funny you mentioned Pilates...my rheumatologist recommended I do Pilates as physical therapy and he will prescribe it (once I get out of the flare I am in and my joints and inflammation settles down and maybe insurance will even cover it) I have done Pilates once and liked it - was really sore after it but can see how doing it would be really beneficial. I used to run and, of course, can no longer do that. Also fast walking can aggravate things - as you suspected. Right now I try and eat right and move more throughout the day. I break up my treadmill walking if I don't have time to do it all at once. And I always try and park far from where I am going to I have to walk to get there... but I do miss a hard workout or long run and the feeling that comes after you are done.

The article you provided was really interesting... it would be so great if exercise would reduce my inflammation. Okay now you have reminded me I need to get on the treadmill and get in some more steps for today.

Thanks @caf and thinking good thoughts for you. Slow and gentle moment and I hope it helps. And yes Pilates is wonderful. I only do Reformer pilates however as I am not graceful enough or coordinated enough to do floor Pilates. If you decide you enjoy Pilates I highly recommend getting something like what I have as it makes following the proper Pilates form a breeze and also I can get on and off it much more easily than floor Pilates. But I am probably older and much less graceful than you so you might prefer floor Pilates.

I got my Balanced Body Pilates reformer at Costco. Reasonable cost and I love it.



Haha even our kitties love it.



Here's a link for you. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

https://www.pilates.com/BBAPP/V/store/pilates-reformers.html

 

[caf]

Missy - thanks for the reformer information. It will be a long time before I can be trusted to have my own and be stable enough on it. And Missy - I think I am way older than you - 58 is my number. I do try to get on the treadmill daily - I do 10-15 minute increments at a time. Working my way up to 4-5 miles a day on the treadmill. And I agree slow and gentle. I love your kitty on your reformer. I am down to one kitty but still have my three doggies. So sad - had to put my other kitty down last month - I was devastated. I did everything I could for her - but then there was nothing else and it was her time. Cancer sucks.

When I get a moment I will post my big kitty. And maybe my dogs.

Have a good day.

Cindy

 

[missy]

Missy - thanks for the reformer information. It will be a long time before I can be trusted to have my own and be stable enough on it. And Missy - I think I am way older than you - 58 is my number. I do try to get on the treadmill daily - I do 10-15 minute increments at a time. Working my way up to 4-5 miles a day on the treadmill. And I agree slow and gentle. I love your kitty on your reformer. I am down to one kitty but still have my three doggies. So sad - had to put my other kitty down last month - I was devastated. I did everything I could for her - but then there was nothing else and it was her time. Cancer sucks.

When I get a moment I will post my big kitty. And maybe my dogs.

Have a good day.

Cindy

Hi Cindy, we are around the same age...I am 52 so we are both baby boomers. I am so sorry about your kitty. That is devastating. (((Hugs))).
And yes whenever you feel like it I would love to see photos of your sweet furbabies.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

Missy,Ksinger-- I in no way suggested that a thread, such as this, was not a valuable tool in both knowledge and support for an individual. Why I clarified, was I thought I was adding another component to the search for knowledge. I was also not directing Missy to medical Drs as I know she is not neglectful in these areas. I was advocating for more rigorous research at the main library where original research can be found. I have done this myself and found extraordinary things, which is why I suggested it. So, I do agree that these types of threads are helpful and supportive. So, I agree with you both.

Annette

 

[missy]

Hey Annette thanks for clarifying and no worries. I know you mean well always.

 

[missy]

Just a quick update. I saw a new endocrinologist this AM and he did a sonogram of my thyroid and found that I have 3 nodules. I saw them on the sonogram. Weird seeing that on your thyroid.

He’s starting me on 60mg of Armour Thyroid. He also took more blood and I’m seeing him in a couple of weeks to get the results. He said it can take 12 weeks to start seeing an improvement in my symptoms but he feels confident that I need a thyroid med and that it will help so I will fill the rx and start taking it this week.

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying a healthy happy Spring. We made it through Winter woohoo.

 

[junebug17]

Thanks for the update Missy - Sorry about the nodules but glad you are on your way to feeling better, and I hope this medication works well for you.

 

[mary poppins]

Hi, missy. Checking in to see how you are doing. I saw this information on LDN in one of my AI forums and thought it might be of interest to you.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3962576/

 

[missy]

Thanks for the update Missy - Sorry about the nodules but glad you are on your way to feeling better, and I hope this medication works well for you.

Thank you Junie! I am not one who loves to wait, watch and see but I guess in this case that is the best thing to do.

Hi, missy. Checking in to see how you are doing. I saw this information on LDN in one of my AI forums and thought it might be of interest to you.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3962576/

Thank you mary poppins! I appreciate the link. I am doing OK. My left eyebrow skin and hair is worse but just taking it one day at a time as there is not much else I can do at this point. Not everything has a fix and I am accepting that. I am on a new thyroid med and seeing my endocrinologist next week. I still have not received the blood test results from my visit 10 days ago so I am waiting for those results. I appreciate you taking the time to share the info and check in with me.

How are you doing?

 

[missy]

So coincidentally I just received my latest blood test results a little while ago.

Iodine deficiency (funny the NYU Endocrinologist refueled to test me for thst saying no one in the USA has an iodine deficiency).
TSH doubled from last month (going in wrong direction)
B12 low
WBCS low below low normal
RBCS on high end of normal
Ferritin low
(but Iron is normal)

Does anyone have recommendations on how to increase my iodine and ferritin? I can’t eat meat and am just wondering how to increase ferritin if my iron is in a good range already.
I’m already taking B12 supplements but know injection is best. I think I’d rather just increase my B12 dose in supplement form first and see if that helps the B12.

I’m taking the thyroid med so maybe that will help in due time but I don’t know how to increase the ferritin and iodine in the meantime.

 

[junebug17]

Missy, just looked quickly and found this

https://www.thyroid.org/iodine-deficiency/

Seems like a reliable site and might have some other good info for you.

Doing a little more reading - seems unusual to have low ferritin with normal iron levels - might be best to ask the doctor about this at your next appointment.