Dear Kirk,
These tests are still in their infancy and are unreliable. You could learn what is known about them by reading everything Hans Selye, MD has written. Your library would be able to find you copies. However, that would not speed up the laboratories offering the tests since THAT depends upon enough physicians learning about it to make it profitable for the labs to create the tests. Catch 22.
Since it seems that the only thing that causes the vast majority of thyroid problems IS this process--and there can be no harm from learning & practicing an effective skilled rrelaxation technique (that being the only thing known so far that will reverse this cause)--why not get it started?
I wish I had better conventional tests to recommend. However, I would guess that they are 20 years in the future. So far, this problem is one that has to be addressed empirically.
Walt
Dear Sandy,
ALL chronic conditions (of which Graves is one) have at least dozens of symptoms associated with each one. I have yet (in more than 40 years of medical training & practice) seen even one patient who had more than 50% of any symptoms associated with that condition.
Next, before you do anything irreversible (RAI would one such) you at least need to become enough of an expert in this to know of your many options: IN THIS ORDER----
1. Use the search feature for this BB and read everything you can find about Graves and all the other thyroid conditions.
2. Put a note on the BB asking for testimonials of people who have used alternatives. Title it something like "Testimonials of Alternatives to Graves".
3. Read a copy of my book (link below).
4. Read a copy of Dr Pelletier's classic "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer" (also referenced in my book).
THEN, if you still have questions, write again. YOU CAN ALWAYS HAVE THE RAI. You cannot take it back.
Let us know how you do.
Walt
Dr. Stoll,
I have thyroiditis and autoimmune disease. I have been taking Armour thyroid, and my dr recently prescribed Lugol's Formula, which he said contains iodine.
I haven't been able to find any information on this formula, except for one cryptic newsletter post that said it shouldn't be taken for Hashimoto's (which is what I think I have).
I tried a single drop and it nearly burned a hole in my tongue. My dr didn't say anything about diluting it, but I can't imagine anyone taking it straight.
Can you tell me more about this formula?
In appreciation,
Irene in TX
I have just been diagonosed as having an overactive thyroid. I have had many symptoms, including: heat intolerance, menstrual irregulations, muscle cramps, fatigue, goiters, and sleeping difficulty. I have an appointment this week for a thyroid scan. My question is this: If diagonosed with this, then does that mean that I will have Graves Disease? Can Graves Disease be cured permanently.
In Reply to: Re: Lugol's Formula posted by Geri on March 03, 1998 at 16:15:12:
Dear Irene and Geri,
I'm passing on what Doc Walt told me about Lugol's solution. He suggested that I take it for fibrocystic breasts. I also am hypothyroid, with half a thyroid gland remaining after surgery some years ago. I take synthroid (can't tolerate Armour) and pharmacist-compounded T3.
Re. fibrocystic breast disease and Lugol's, Doc Walt suggested that for me it'd be a good idea to start with 5 drops of Lugol's mixed in a glass of water twice daily. It doesn't matter if you drink the Lugol's/water on an empty stomach or not. It tastes strong, even diluted. Take the Lugol's at 5 drops daily for a couple of months, and if no results, double the dose to 10 drops twice daily. Give it another couple of months. You can keep working your way up incrementally like this until you reach 20 drops in a glass of water twice daily. Doc Walt said that he's never seen anyone need to take more than 20 drops daily. He also said that Lugol's may have a beneficial effect on fibroids. Walt added that once you've found your correct dosage it takes 3 months for breast cysts to disappear, and 3 months for them to return unless you take a lifelong maintenance dose of Lugol's. This can be as low as 1 drop in a glass of water per week, and is something to be determined by experimentation. He said that one bottle of Lugol's kept in the refrigerator is enough to last you a LONG time. It's a prescription item. Along with the Lugol's (and this is all still fibrocystic breast-related), avoid caffeine like the plague and eat a reasonably low-fat diet. For my own metabolic reasons, I MUST avoid all refined carbohydrates, even trace amounts, and find Beth Loiselle's book extremely useful in keeping me on track in that regard.
I don't know what Lugol's can do to help any kind of thyroid disease, although I'll be curious to see if after 6 months of perfect eating habits I'll be able to start slowly dropping my thyroid supplement dosage and see if I have any functioning thyroid tissue left. I haven't noticed that the Lugol's is interfering with my thyroid supplement uptake. In the past, I've read conflicting reports about the benefits of supplemental iodine for hypothyroidism. Some reports have said that it interferes with thyroid supplement uptake; others say the opposite. I guess it's pretty individual. Hope this is of some use.
Kyra
In Reply to: Lugol's Formula posted by Irene in TX on March 02, 1998 at 11:59:48:
Dear Irene in TX,
Any physician who would not tell you about diluting Lugol's has NO experience using it! This datum should be printed on the lable of the Lugol's bottle AND the pharmacist should call your attention to it.
The usual dilution is about 5-20 drops in about 8 ounces of water.
Lugol's would be a very unusual treatment for any kind of thyroid condition now-a-days. In MY experience, it is mostly used for eliminating fibrocystic lumps of the breast and certain gynecological lesions.
I would suggest you use the search feature for this BB & read everything you can find about any thyroid condition. Graves is the most common one discussed recently although ALL thyroid conditions are caused by the same mechanisms.
Your pharmacist would be the best source for a complete description of Lugol's since it has been a prescription item for more than 100 years.
THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt
Sandy, I guess the best advice that I can give you is to follow what you learn on this board. Dr Stoll is right, use the search engine and you will be amazed at the answers that you will find.
The story of my daughter's fight with Graves Disease will be there. BTW she also was not losing weight with Graves. She had actually gained a ton of weight before I noticed something was awray and by the time we got it figured out I swore she had Hashimoto's yet the Dr swore it was Graves. From the bloodwork it was Graves, from 1/2 of the symthoms it was Hashimoto's.
The best advice that I can give you at this time is:
DO NOT PANIC and DO NOT TRY AND STICK YOUR ILLNESS INTO A BOX WITH A LABEL ON IT. You need all your wits about you to beat this and you need to understand that all of us are different and we each CREATE our own illnesses.
But the good news is that with a lot of fight, the willingness to go and get your own answers, hard work, determination and good Dr's both allopathic and Homeopathic you can beat this thing.
Today, less than one year later my daughter has moved from Graves, to Hashimoto's to almost normal, she is on the lowest dose of Synthyroid that they make plus here homeopathic remedy and vitamins. We expect her to be off allopathic meds in less than a month and potentially to be off of homeopathics as well. It was a hard battle, one that she often lost faith in, especially when the weight was going the wrong way, but today she is almost 25 lbs lighter, has a great attitude, has taken up singing and music and is getting ready to head off to college in June. She bears no resemblance to the 16 year old girl who was sad, near suicidal, overweight, bulging eyes, ill tempered, and hot and miserable all the time, today she is a beautiful smiling young woman, however as much as I ask her to help others with her expeirences, she always asks me to do it for her, it is too painful to relieve........Hang in there....
Donna
Slicklane@aol.com
My 53 year old wife was diagnosed with Graves 7 weeks ago. She was put on PTU, but she developed severe skin rash and was taken off the drug 10 days ago. The Graves symptoms are returning with a vengance (sleeplessness, headaches, itches, shakes, nausea, mood swings, eye irritation, etc). These symptoms are intolerable for her without some medications and there seem to be no alternatives, (Tapazole is too similar says the MD). RA treatment is now scheduled for 3/9
She has been a daily meditator for 20+ years, with reasonably good diet habits and sufficient exercise. She has been in excellent health until now, although she has suffered the stresses of moving our household 28 times in the last 31 years, including a couple of years in polluted Sao Paulo Brazil. We have read Dr. Stoll's book during the last few weeks and feel philosophically akin, but feel like there are no alternatives except the RA at this point.
Are there any alternatives? Or does anybody have suggestions or advice that we might consider? Thank you.
Sorry, I got cut off. Three weeks ago My husband was 136 pounds and feeling great. He had a business trip to Vancouver. While he was there he ate fish and maybe even kelp with in 6 hours his immune system basically shut down and he became very sick with flu and cold like symptoms. He came home and I have been trying to get him well since. He now weighs 114 pounds. The weight loss has been a huge concern. Whatever happened when he was on his trip it is almost as if all of the rules have changed. The only thing I can think that may be an issue is his stress levels we have not addressed those that is an avenue that We are going to pursue. We have had a tremendous amount of stress from new baby, buying and selling our house, buying and selling a car, and a death in his family. I do believe that stress is probably the root cause of this disease for my husband. I am concerned because this has gone on for so long, the weight loss is so great, and I dont want to do any damage to his other organs. We do not want to make a poor choice we have looked into RAI treatment and we meet with a surgeon on monday. We will receive your book soon a friend ordered it for us. Iam anxious to read what you have written I feel it will be helpful. I just want my husband back and if you have any personal insight for me I would much appreciate it.
Thankyou, Traci
The first part of my message was not sent so here is a little backround information. My husband was diagnosed with Graves two months ago. We immediatly changed his diet to fresh fruits and vegetables, eliminated dairy and all processed foods. I thought we were doing the right things and then he got back from his trip and has gone down hill ever since.
In Reply to: Graves Disease posted by Tim and Traci Boh on March 07, 1998 at 16:45:39:
Use the search engine to get as much information as you can about Graves from all the posts here. My own daughter was diagnoised with Graves last July and today she is almost 100% thanks to a great homeopathic Dr and
good Endo.
So much of this illness is related to "state of mind", just my own opinion, and I am sure not a Dr. While you are dealing with it try and talk to others about the illness and what else could be going on. I read somewhere that a death in the family can trigger, I know that pregnancy and birth can also trigger, in my daughters case it was "death of a dream" that triggered it, boy was that one hard to figure out. We thought she was just being a typical teenager, mad at the world.
My prayers are with you. I am on a list from John Hopkins but I find that depressing, and Mary Solomon has a great webpage that I find enjoyable, and of course, I sure would not be where we are today if it hadn;t been for Dr Stoll.
In Reply to: Graves Disease posted by Bill Ososki on March 06, 1998 at 19:20:29:
Yes there are alternatives, first one is to find another Dr. Is she seeing a good Endo? What about a teaching hospital?
My daughter (16) was diagnoised with Graves and when I saw the 4 nodules in her sonogram I was about ready to burst into tears. We did not do the RAI...(whatever you call it). We got ourselves a good Endo and a great homeopathic Dr and we did both. We also do Cranial sacral therapy, a family therapist (these diseases can be triggered by state of mind), hypnosis, and yoga. We started battling this disease in July and today we have moved from Graves to hashimotos, are off all allopathic drugs (did PTu and Tapazole too) except for the lowest dose of synthryoid. We expect to be totally off synthryoid in about 4 weeks. We are on a herbal balancer and homeopathic remedy from our homeopath and my daughter never felt so great and she looks terrific.
Remember that once a part of your body is removed, or killed it doesn;t grow back and you are signing up for a lfetime of medication. Also please understand that while your Wife is ill she is not thinking straight and she needs your support. At one point my daughter was so ill she did not care if she lived or died and she thought about suicide and tried to remove a blade from a razor. We never knew this part of the illness until we all went to a family therapist and discovered it. What a shocker that one was..but that is how she felt, sick enough to want out of this lifetime, is pretty sick.
Please get your wife to another Dr. Locate a homeopathic if you can, run, do not walk to someone who
can sympathize and understand the pain that you are going thru. E mail me for some other websites, lists that will put you in touch with others in the same situation.
Donna M. McCormack
Not a DR...
In Reply to: Graves Disease posted by Bill Ososki on March 06, 1998 at 19:20:29:
Dear Bill,
Has your wife ever checked the effectiveness of her "meditation" with biofeedback? If not, how do you know that she is getting anything more than a relaxing nap?
Next, NO ONE has ever seen reversal (or prevention) of this condition with "daily" skilled relaxation. The least that is effective (and then nearly universally so--all by itself) is at least twice a day (never within 2 hours of retiring). Did you mean twice a day when you mentioned "daily"?
When you say that her only option is RA (I am assuming you mean RAI), it tells me that neither of you yet have enough information--either about her options OR about the long term effect of RA. She will certainly, eventually become hypothyroid (permanently). If you looked at the graph about thyroid replacement (in the book) you know what kind of permanent reduction in horsepower she will have to live with for the rest of her life.
You are holding in your hands the solution to this problem. It is almost universally human to "struggle on the hook" in the hope that there might be something easier. If there were, it would be in my book. The things recommended in the book for reversing this need to be done right (see the protocols in the wellness section in the resources section) for this to work. However, done right, they always work--AND they only INCREASE HORSEPOWER over a lifetime rather than permanently reduce it.
You both are going to do whatever you do. When people are sick & stressed they tend to make poor decisions. Be wary of that.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Graves Disease posted by Donna McCormack on March 07, 1998 at 18:27:39:
Dear Donna,
Thankyou for your response it is helpful to hear words of encougement at this very gloomy time. My husband is very weak and tired at 114 pounds. This has been avery difficult time for us with our new baby, new house and new Graves Disease. I thankyou for your prayers I am praying also. I want my husband and partner back and I want him back with his thyroid in tact not killed or removed.
Dr. Stoll, I have read alot (not all) of your book and am very encouraged. One of the questions I haven't found an answer for yet is WHAT CAUSES the brain fog and memory loss in Graves Disease? It is so hard to read, listen, and learn when your brain is in this "fog" state!! I feel like I'm in a catch 22 situation. And most of the time, if I grasp what is being said, I don't retain it for long. For the past few days I go into this deep sleep many times during the day. It is almost uncontrollable and sometimes I just wake up and didn't know I had been asleep. This is interfering with any bio-feedback I am trying to learn.
I also have read yours and Bill's posts on "needing improvements" and want to tell you.... it may need improvement, but it is still a far sight better than any other site!! Thank you for your dedication, you have obviously been a good example to your son!
Bonna
In Reply to: Graves Disease: Brain Fog and Memory Loss posted by Bonna on March 08, 1998 at 22:48:25:
Dear Bonna,
Great question since it gives me a chance to again reiterate the causes of BOTH the Graves (or any thyroid condition) AND the "brain fag".
Both are caused (at the base) by the intolerable storage of stress-effect in the hypothalamus. This, in turn, puts a direct stress on the thyroid through the pituitary AND indirectly causes the LGS that is behind "Brain Allergies". See the book by that name in the resources at the back of my book.
The Graves is NOT causing the brain fag.
You ARE in a sort of "catch 22" with the relaxation technique. However, since you are doing the sleeping anyhow, your answer would be to do your skilled relaxation practice a dozen times a day till the spontaneous sleepytime ceases--because it will IF you practice effective skilled relaxation that often during this transition stage. Hold a big serving spoon in your hand while you are learning so, if you slip on into delta (sleep) while you are doing it, the slip from your hand will wake you up so you can go back to your practice.
Let us know how you do.
Walt
My doctor gave me a rx for levoxyl .05mg. I am wondering will this shrink the goiter that i have. I took this med 2 years ago. and the doc took my levels and said i didn't need it. Since that time my neck has increased and a Oral pathologist at our local dental school siad i should go back immediatley to have the levels checked again my doc was furious that i had be taken off. She is the one who prescribed the levoxyl today and i have taken the first today. Should I forget hte family doc and go straight to a specialist. Thank you ????
In regard to Graves Disease, I was diagnosed 4 years ago with it. I started off taking 6 high blood pressure tablets a day and 6 PTU a day for about 6 months. This lead to my Endo. doctor deciding I needed radioactive Iodine treatment due to my thyroid gland being enlarged. I don't know If that was the right thing to due but I felt it was the only choice I had. I feel that Graves Disease is not taken seriously enough because it is so rare and unheard of. At 33 I do not have the energy I feel I should have or the emotional strenght I had before being diagnosed with this awful roller coaster ride disease I have. I will tell you that you will have good days and bad days. I now take one levoxyl tablet a day to control my disease, however without the love and support of my family and friends I don't think I would have made it through the treatment period.
In Reply to: Graves Disease: Brain Fog and Memory Loss posted by Bonna on March 08, 1998 at 22:48:25:
Bonna
I used to take Ginkgo Biloba tincture for brain fog and it worked so well. I don't need it anymore now that I've changed my eating habits to exclude almost all processed foods, but I wouldn't hesitate to take it again for awhile if it would get me over a hump.
Good luck! Nancy
I have a problem, I had c345 fused and had a corpectomy now 7 months later c2 is deteriorating I need to know what is going on . I'm only 40 years old. When they operated in July they said they saw cysts on my thyroid . Is this related in anyway? If anyone one has any answers please email me thankyou
In Reply to: goiter posted by Kathy on March 10, 1998 at 13:13:05:
Dear Kathy,
There are many kinds of goitres. Each one has a little different conventional approach. However, ALL the conventional approaches only cover up the symptoms (enlarged thyroid [goitre]). They are all caused by the same causes. How the person presents with whatever they have depends upon their own particular genetic susceptibility--NOT on different causes.
The only approach that I have seen consistantly actually resolve the causes of these problems has been discussed many times right here on this BB for many years. Use the search feature and the archives to look up everything you can find about all thyroid conditions (especially Graves since it has been discussed the most) here on this BB.
Then, if you have more questions, write again. You could understand what to do about your situation by reading a copy of my new book (link below). If you want to understand the mechanisms behind your condition (in depth) you would want to read a copy of Dr Pelletier's classic: "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer" (1992)--also referenced in the back of my book.
In the meantime, you should follow the recomendations of the doc you trust most till you know better. Also listed in the back of my book are (800) numbers to call to find the closest physician to you who would look at this in a much wider aspect than simply suppressing the symptoms.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Graves Disease posted by Faye on March 10, 1998 at 16:33:13:
Dear Faye,
It is a little late for your thyroid (it having been treated as it was). However, the Graves is but the tip of the iceberg of what you have causing your present condition. Your present treatment is just covering up THAT until the next "tip" rears its ugly head. THEN, your docs can treat THAT tip till the next one appears--and it WILL.
When you are ready to learn what you should have been taught, BEFORE doing something irreversible, use the search feature provided with this BB (perhaps already in the archives) and read everything you can find about ANY thyroid condition.
My book even has a graph explaining exactly why you are still having up & down days even while being treated as well as any conventional approach can do it (link below).
THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Cervical fusion/associated problems posted by Nicki on March 10, 1998 at 18:24:11:
Dear Nicki,
Of course they are related.
Use the search feature provided with this BB & read everything you can find about any spinal condition frequestly surgerized. THEN, do the same for all thyroid conditions (especially Graves since it has been discussed the most). ALL thyroid conditions are caused by the same mechanisms that also cause recurrence of spinal structural problems.
THEN, when you have more questions, write again.
Walt
I am currently taking Levoxyl and was diagnosed with Leukopenia six months ago. Have any studies been performed on the link between taking this antithyroid medication and contracting this disease?
Thank you.
Posted 3/12/98
In Reply to: Graves Disease posted by Lora on March 11, 1998 at 22:09:08:
Lora, while I agree with Dr Stoll to search the archives and then get back to the board if you have any questions.....and that your Mom has to focus on this problem, I do have to add my 2 cents.
And that is that I was told by many people that my 16 year old had to focus on the problem herself (Graves) to be successful and while I agree with that, I also was able to support and assist when the times got rough and my daughter could not help herself. IMHO I came face to face with my own feelings about a person should be able to heal themselves if they inadvertenly make themselves sicK. When our family therapist tossed back to me the burden that I was putting on my daughter
"Take your own illness under control and resolve it" I realized what a horrible burden I was putting on her. yes there is a lot of research, especially with Thyroid problems which indicates that it is a breakdown of the body caused by emotional trama but if the patient could resolve it they would, no one wants to be sick.
It was a long and diffcult road for us. My eyes opened up when I found out that our daughter was so sick in her heart, her body and her mind that she did not care if she lived or died. I am glad that we were able to help her get her body, mind and heart to a point where she could in fact care, and then to move her into a mindset where she wanted to care and resolve the issues. I had nightmares about not understanding her pain and being too involved in my own mindset that I only added to the burden.
sometimes illnesses are such that you have to step in and support the patient and allow them to take a deep breath before they can support themselves. I am sure that is what you are doing for your Mom, and I am sure that Dr Stoll would support you doing that while Mom gets on her feet.
And from one Mother to another's daughter, I know that I will be able to count on my daughter, just as your Mom is able to count on you, when my time comes.
God Bless, and do not hesitate to lean on me......
we have a success story we love to share.......
donna
In Reply to: Levoxyl and Leukopenia Disease Connection posted by Carole on March 12, 1998 at 23:37:52:
Dear Carol,
Of course they are related! You need to read a copy of my book (link below) that was written precisely for the purpose of helping people understand how these kind of things ARE related. Until you understand THAT, what will be the next tip of the iceberg to show p?
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Graves Disease posted by donna m. mccormack on March 13, 1998 at 20:26:48:
Dear Donna,
I REALLY appreciate your note. You are saying more of what needs to be said. I could write an entire book about this subject alone. However, there are great limitations of what can be offered on such a 'site. The reason I take the line I do is that nearly everyone, who is beginning to realize that the conventional pap they have been offered is limited, come to this BB from a totaly conventional paradigm. I try to show them the other end of that continuum in the hopes that they will end up somewhere in between.
Your note, combined with my notes, will do more good than anything I can say in the space & time I have to offer.
I hope you will continue to share your wisdom with the BB.
Walt
I was dignosed with Graves Disease in 1980 and I agree it is a struggle. Please read everything you can get your hands own and get in with a physican that you feel comfortable with. It's been my experience that the more you know about Graves Disease and asking questions of your doctor and getting answers to those questions can help a lot. Also, talking with others that suffer from this disease can also be of a lot of help and support.
Dr. Stoll,
Thankyou so much for your book. Everyone around me wants to
read it. I've also bought Beth Loiselle's book and The Relaxation Workbook. Both excellent.
My question is about taking liquid kelp. I had an appointment with a homeopathic dr. and nutrionist that came
highly recommended. She prescribed Thymuplex, Thyroid Support which is thyroidinum and liquid kelp. After 3 days on the remedies I felt very shakey so I discontinued the kelp and felt better. I know homeopathy is treating like with like but the kelp kind of worries me because it's so opposite of what you would normally do. Common sense would say more iodine is the last thing my thyroid needs. Can you give me some insight on this?
Thanks so much,
Teri
I would be interested in learning anything you can tell me about this disease, as I have been told very little also, just that in extreme cases it may cause blindness. Also, I worry about my eyes bulging, as I have always had very large eyes anyway. I don't want to end up looking like a freak because I can't get any answers. Of course I've talked to my doctor, but they are all for the radioactive iodine, and I know that will kill part of the thyroid, but what about the disease process already in place? Will it stop Graves Disease? If not, what will?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
I too have Graves Disease and hyperthyroidism. I have taken Tapazole and Inderal. I am not sure what was the result of what, but my heart was affected by the hyperthyroidism. I had a lot of stress in my life at that time, which I still do, but my heartrate was about 142 instead of the 70 or 80 that is normal. Tapazole effectively curbed the hyperthyroidism and Inderal slowed down my heart, but I also have Graves Disease, which I too have questions about. I don't know what treatment is available for this or if the RAI works on Graves Disease also. I have been told that the Tapazole works on the hyperthyroidism, but does nothing to stop the disease process. So I am looking into the RAI at this time. My doctors have recommended it. I don't like being told I'll have to stay away from my pets for two days or that I can't be in the same bed with my husband for two days. This sounds pretty harmful. I know it kills your thyroid, but then, we need to take supplements to bring up the dosage! What are the answers? Just wanted to share with someone with the same problem. It has caused blurred vision and hair loss.
Hope to hear from you.
In Reply to: Graves Disease posted by Teri on March 16, 1998 at 11:32:31:
Terri, your note was directed to Dr Stoll and I am sure that he will answer. I just wanted to get my 2cents in as a person who "daubles" in homeopathy for my family and animals and who has come to respect if even more with Michelle's thyroid problem. However please note that
although I man an alternative therapy for horses board on AOL my daubling does not cross over to people. LOL.
Having been brought up in an allopathic world yet having a very gifted Grandmother in the ways of healing with alternatives, it has been an interesting journey for me.
I was often thinking I could toss the baby out with the bath
water, if I was not careful.
What worked for me on the journey of combining allopathic and homeopathic was attempting to get the two Dr's to work together. For example, my endo does all the blood work and I fax that to my homeopathic who does not do bloodwork and does not seem to really relay on it. But because I can see the changes and the results and I know that the Dr's can it makes me feel better to have them at both locations as a point of reference. I also keep a very detailed book on changes,symthoms, etc so that I can relate them both to the Dr's. My allopathic Endo is not thrilled that I am also using a homeopathic Dr but he tolerates it nicely.
Also when using a homeopathic remedy the Dr will tell you to call them if you have ANY side effects at all. (remedies do not usually have side effects) If you have a problem it usually means that it is not the correct remedy and once the side effects are described you can be switched to a new remedy without losing time. Or you can cut back, in the case of herbals (not strickly homeopathic in nature).
Before you attempt to adjust your own remedies/herbals please contact your Dr and work thru that issue.
Please note that homeopathic remedies do not interfere with Allopathic Drugs so there is little risk to that. But you were given herbals and that is something entirely different from a homeopathic remedy.
As for like curing like, that is the foundation of homeopathy. There are great websites around, great newsletters out there to learn more on the topic. go to any search engine and key in Homeopathic and just keep going until you find what you need.
Michelle is currently on a homeopathic remedy and a herbal. The herbal is named, BMR Complex by Tyler,
It contains 400 mg of Iodine among other things.
She looks and feels great. She is still on the high side of normal with her blood work but frankly I like to keep her in that range, and she is still on the lowest dose of synthyroid there is until the Endo feels she should come off of it.
Now admittedly what might be keeping Michelle on the high side of normal is one of two things:
-Her thryoid that was trying to kill her is regulated and working
-The remedy and herbals are supplementing her thyroid levels.
We will not know the answer to this question until she is off all of the synthyroid and we test again, and then remove her from the homeopathic remedy, and retest and then the supplement and retest.
I really feel that by using the two Dr's together (even tho
it is without one dr's consent) is the only way to go. I just wish it was all covered by insurance. But that is another battle. I was just explaining to someone tonight on the John Hopkins list that I hate having to pay for a homeopathic Dr out of my own pocket but if homeopathics offers a cure and I do not go after that cure, even if it costs me money, then I am not valuing the time and energy that I spend running from AtlopathicDr to Allopathic Dr that are covered.
In Reply to: Re: Graves Disease posted by Donna M. McCormack on March 17, 1998 at 01:48:36:
Thankyou Donna,
You really have been a big help and an inspiration!
Teri
In Reply to: Graves Disease posted by Teri on March 16, 1998 at 11:32:31:
Dear Teri,
Thanks for the book testimonial.
The effect of the iodine in kelp depends so much on the individual (and the specific thyroid disorder they might have) that there is no way I can say much from here.
HOWEVER, it certainly would be a good idea to stop it & talk to the person who recommended it. Your bodymind is still the best laboratory we have to determine things like this.
By applying the things you have learned from the books you mentioned, you are likely not going to have to deal with this pathology longer than 6-12 months anyhow. You might as well feel good in the meantime.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Graves Disease posted by Tammy Summers on March 16, 1998 at 16:45:46:
Dear Tammy,
RAI will eventually kill ALL of your thyroid. The half life of the radioactivity is about (50) years so it will continue to destroy your thyroid all that time. Insist that your docs explain this to you.
There are many better, safer, less expensive and more effective options you at least deserve to know about.
Use the search feature for this BB & read everything you can find about ANY thyroid condition (since they are all caused by the same mechanisms).
THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after I had my son.
He is now 14 months old. I have been taking Levothyroxine
for almost a year. I still cannot lose the weight. I am
still tired. I have no sex drive. And, my endocronologist
tells me that I have leveled out. I am confused. Am I ever going to get back to 'normal'. I've never had a problem with these issues before. So, with all this I am
starting to get depressed about it all. Can you please
give me some helpful advise.
Thank you.
In Reply to: Re: Levoxyl and Leukopenia Disease Connection posted by Walt Stoll on March 14, 1998 at 12:08:04:
Can you tell me what Leukopenia Disease is?
I am also taking Levoxyl. Can you also, tell
me the difference between Synthroid and Levoxyl?
Everyone I know with Hypothyroid takes Synthroid.
I am the only one taking Levoxyl.
Thank you for your time.
I am synthriod and have been on it since 1990. I had cancer in my thyriod glands in 1990. The doctors removed my entire left side of my glands and about 90% of my right side. Since Spring of 1997 they have found another small lump again. I hope that I don't have to go through the surgery again. It was very emtional for me. I think alot of it is because of the C word. I am doing fine at this time. I am glad to find more out on my thyriod.
Sincerely,
Sandy Smith
I was just told I have this disease, what I want to know
is it common for people to gain 20 lbs in 1 month.
I am very tired, muscles ache, face breaking out and just don't feel like myself.
I have been put on some medication and my big concern is
this going to make me gain even more weight?
Thanks
Pamela
Hello Dr. I am a 31 year old Male 6'4" 230lb Athlete. The reason that I am writing to you is that I have been battling with something for the last 5 months. In November I left the office after consuming coffee all day and went to the gym where I worked out on the Stair Master and did some heavy exercises on my abdomen area. After leaving the Gym and entering the cold I felt a little lightheaded. I drove my car to a mall where I needed to do some shopping but as I was paying, I felt myself becoming faint and my legs became weak and I thought I was going to pass out. I managed to get back to my car and then drive home - all the while my heart started to race out of control and I managed somehow to keep from passing out. When I arrived home my wife and I thought I was having a heart attack and I was rushed to the hospital. When the ambulance attendants they took my temperature (among other things) and this turned out to be low - about 35.8C (Canadian measures). They also poked my finger for the blood sugar and it seemed to be fine. When I reached the hospital I was given an ECG and my blood work was done. Everything seemed to be fine and I was told that I suffered a panic attack. The same symptoms happened the next day, although not as bad, but these incidents occurred after I left a heated house, went into the cold and back into a heated house. One Dr. that saw me in the emergency put me on Paxil! After taking it for 5 days my GP told me to get off of it because he suspected it was a Thyroid condition and he also diagnosed me with episodic Asthma. For about six weeks I played it cool and stayed away from the Gym and did not go out much. Then, when I was feeling better I went back to the Gym and repeated the same exercises as had previously - although this time not as intensely. Once again the same symptoms came on - and again my legs felt weak as if the blood was just not reaching the lower end of my body. From this point on, the same "Panic Attack" symptoms came on a regular basis and I was put on Paxil again. After about 5 days I felt a strange pressure starting in the back of my neck that moved over the left side of my head and effected my vision in my left eye. As the pressure increased my bowels filled and when I sat up to go to the bathroom I almost passed out and almost vomited. I went back to the hospital where the Dr. Diagnosed me with Labrynthitis, Irritable Bowel Disease and dehydration. He took me off Paxil and put me SERC and Clavulin because he suspected that I might have an infection too. When I ran this latest diagnosis past my GP he said that it could be that, but that it did not explain the constant low body temperature, shortness of breath, and strange pains that roam from the abdomen upwards to the left side of the chest. (I was also sent to a Cardiologist who pronounced that my heart was as strong as a horse's).
Thoroughly frustrated last Saturday morning when I awoke freezing once again (this problem with low temperature seems to hit every time I sit down) I tapped into the computer "low body temperature". The first thing that popped up was Hypothyroidism. When I sat down to look at the symptoms and signs and then read them off to my wife we could not believe that I had/have over 75% of the signs/symptoms listed. The most interesting ones were Panic Attacks, Irritable Bowel disease, low body temperature and the Asthma. Nothing that I had ever been diagnosed with before until the first "attack" four months ago. Other symptoms that I have are:
Low body temperature,
Dry skin/hair,
Inappropriate weight gain,,
Brittle nails,
Insomnia and/or narcolepsy,
Poor short-term memory and concentration,,
Fatigue,
Headaches and migraines,
Low motivation and ambition,
Cold hands and feet,,
Fluid retention,
Dizziness or lightheadedness,
Irritability,
Easy bruising,
Skin problems/infections/acne,
Dry eyes/blurred vision,
Heat and/or cold intolerance,
In Reply to: Graves Disease posted by Pamela Abelow on March 18, 1998 at 20:48:05:
Pam, I am sure Dr Stoll will respond, however let me tell you from our personal experience with our 16 year old daughter, you answer is yes,yes,yes.
We were shocked to learn that Michelle had Graves Disease when the fact of the matter was that when she presented herself to the Dr with this ailment she was a good 15 lbs overweight and we did bloodtests the result said Graves. All the research I looked at indicated that Graves was a weight loss, not a weight gain, and when I saw the 4 nodules in her thyroid on sonogram I swore she had Multinodular Hashimotos.
Well, she had Graves........Notice the HAD...But that is another story, one you can get bits of when you use the search engine here and read all the old posts, and BTW that HAD is not a typo....
But getting back to your ?
, to slow down your rapid heart rate (Michelle could hear her own heartbeat at rest, just as a person can hear their heart pounding after a very intense exercise, that is how bad hers was) the medication to slow that down is known as a BetaBlocker and yes it slows down your metabolizm and yes you will gain even more weight.
Now if you are weight consious, this weight gain will throw you for a loop, and you will get pretty tired of everyone looking at you weird when you tell them you have Graves and they wonder why you are not rail thin with bulging eyes. My daughters own Endo accused her of being a closet eater because she continued to put on so much weight. I watched what she ate and the fact is she had almost no appetite at all, but whatever she did eat she gained. It is horrible to know what goes in your body
will truly end up going straight to your hips, but you have to just hang in there and resolve yourself to the fact that first they have to get your heartrate normalized, while they attempt to shut down your thryoid hopefully with medication, I am not a believer in RAI. Once your heart rate stablizes and your thryoid is shutdown then they can start decreasing your medication and allow your heart to come back to normal.
A word of caution tho' pick up one of those wrist monitors for blood pressure and pulse and take it 4 times a day and record the information on a log. That way when you go back to the Dr you can show him what you registered at so they are not so hesitiate to take you off the Betablocker. Even with a pulse beat of almost walking dead we had to fight with the Endo to get Michelle off of the BetaBlockers. Once off the Betablocker, ask your
Dr to keep you on the high side of normal for your thryoid functions. The range is pretty big and this is usually easy enough to do. On the high side of normal you will find it easier to lose weight. Michelle joined a health spa got a personal trainer and has dropped 20 lbs in the months she has been off of the betablocker. She feels she has a way to go since the 20 she dropped was the 20 she added while on the betablockers, and not the 15 she was over before she saw the Dr.
We started dealing with Graves last July and today we are just a visit away from being off all allopathic meds. We had a lot of help, love and support from our homeopathic Dr, a Cranial Sacral Therapist, and a family therapist. Without this support group I am afraid we would have been destined to only follow the allopathic route. Sure we have a good endo, maybe even a great endo but saddly he thinks Michelle's cure was at the result of what he did and only he did. We are keeping our fingers crossed that what he calls a miracle, he will realize is truly the result of allopathic and homeopathic working together.
When you do the search on this database you will see other posts from me of what worked, do not hesitate to
contact me via e mail Slicklane@aol.com for clarification on any of it.
Donna
In Reply to: HYPOTHYROID HANGUPS posted by julia on March 18, 1998 at 15:23:34:
Julia,
While you are waiting for Dr Stolls reply let me tell you from my daughter's personal experience that there is a wide range of normal to the blood tests. Find out what the range is by looking to some of the websites that have this information or the thryoid associations. Each time your Dr takes a blood test, get a copy of it, and DEMAND to be on the high range of normal. Make your Dr do a test and adjust your medication accordingly at least every 2 weeks, remember you are the patient. Because you are Hypo all it means is that he will increase your dosage of meds. Then just eat a sensible diet, exercise, and the weight will start to drop off.
As a testimonial my daughter has lost 20 lbs with this practice. Of course I drive the Endo nuts but heck I just make him give me a script to go to the lab and then he has to call with the results and a new prescription. By doing other things (homeopathically etc) we are almost totally off of all allopathic meds but we needed to do the above while we were getting there so that we could normalize the weightgain. Even tho Michelle will be totally off of Allopathic meds she may still be taking a herbal and a homeopathic remedy for a few ore months depending on the blood work.
Use the search engine to get lots of good information on this website. You will find that what worked for us,
homeopathic and allopathic may work for you. Also read as much as you can of Dr Stoll's and others on the subject. And although people will suggest the Zone Diet realize that until your medication is adjusted it may not work for you.
Donna M. McCormack
Slicklane@aol.com
For the past 1 1/2 years, I've suffered from shortness of breath. At the onset, my Dr. sent me to a cardiologist, who gave me a clean bill of health (heart-wise). I've been trying to pinpoint when it occurs and exercise seems to have no bearing on it. However, it does seem to worsen after eating. I'm at a wall in regard to this and would appreciate any help you could provide.
I'm wondering if it's not a problem with my thyroid, as my sex drive had decreased. I'm 45 years old and currently taking Premphase 0.625mg/5mg for menopause. HELP!
Dear Dr:
My brother was diagnosted with Graves Desease last fall. His symtoms seem to be primarily associated with eye problems. His doctor has recommended he wear an eye patch on his eye. He has been doing this for the last several months. He is not taking anything else for the problem and when asked what his doctor says he tells me once it gets bad enough then he'll perform surgery. This doesn't seem to me to be the best course of action. I was wondering if there is any other treatment other than surgery for graves desease eye problems.
Brothers medical history:
Age 56 height 6'
Overweight 280"
Blood Pressure 120/85
Other problems:
Sorisis - Has had this problem for several years. Last treatments included chemo theraphy and sun lamps. Problem still exists.
Diverticulitis - Doctors have said he has this problem, but he has never had a clonoscopy.
TMJ- Pain in his jaw was diagnosted as TMJ without any x-rays taken. Treatment Advil.
Asthma - Childhood problem.
Past Smoker - up to 3 packs a day. Has not smoked in 3 years.
Prematurely Gray Hair-
Mother died of problems related to anemia.
My feelings are that I don't believe he is getting good advice or treatment for any of his problems. I believe he may have an immune system problem.
I look forward to hearing what you advice may be. Thank you for your time.
After 6 months and 4 blood tests showing a high SED rate, my Doctor checked my thyroid. I've just been diagnosed with Hypothyroid. I've been given Synthroid and told to go back for another blood test in 6 weeks. I've also been referred to a Reumatologist for my SED rate. Could the high SED be a different medical problem? I have to mention that I have been experiencing a chest tenderness for the past 8 years and the doctor diagnosed it as Chostochondritis but later decided he wasn't sure - that's why I've been referred to the Reumatologist. Could you please give me your opinion? What could it be?? Is my doctor doing a good job?
I've already been tested negative for Lupus and Reumatic Athritis.
Thanks for reading my message.
In Reply to: Re: Levoxyl and Leukopenia Disease Connection posted by julia on March 18, 1998 at 15:28:49:
Dear Julia,
Leukopenia is not a disease. it simple means that you have less white blood cells than normal. Both your hypothyroidism AND the leukopenia are caused by the same mechanisms. So long as your conventional physician continues to treat any symptoms you have as though they were causes, all that is being done is covering up the problem while you develop more tips of the iceberg.
Your very best bet (to get back in control of your health) would be to commit yourself to learning all you can about your condition. Start by using the search feature for this BB & read everything about thyroid that you can find (much of it is listed under Graves disease).
THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
Both the levoxyl and the synthroid are the same thing just made by different companies.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: hypothroidism/hyperthyrodism posted by Sandy Smith on March 18, 1998 at 15:30:20:
Dear Sandy,
Why not learn why you have this? Since you were not given that option in the first place, you are facing surgery again.
You could use the search feature for this BB & read everything about thyroid you can find. THEN, if you have more questions, write again.
Walt
Is there any solution or medication to increase sex drive if on synthroid?
thanx, mary
In Reply to: Labrynthitis? posted by David O'Keefe on March 19, 1998 at 00:00:28:
Dear David,
Wonderful history!
Any physician who had taken the time to "see the forest for the trees" would recognize your condition. You DO NOT have MANY conditions but have one major mechanism causing everything.
In MY opinion, you can stop worrying about this being a life threatening condition. However, you realy need to understand what is happening so you will be willing to do what will get you out of this fix. There are several things you could do to get temporary relief (a deep, total-bady, therapeutic massage, 3 times a week for 2 weeks would do you wonders--temporarily) but you really need to focus on what will give you permanent relief & prevent any recurrence.
Toward that end, I would suggest a couple of references and have you start looking for such a physician in Canada. I do not have their address or phone but I would be surprised if you could not find a reference to the Canadian Holistic Medical Association. Look for members close to you & when you have the references under your belt, you will have much of the expertise needed to choose the one for you. Apparently your present doc will be a block to your progress rather than a help. There is no longer any excuse for not knowing these things except for intentional ignorance. It will be hard enough for you to understand this without having to drag him, kicking & screaming, into the medicine of the 21st century.
Read my book (link below) because it not only lays the groundwork for understanding this but also gives you the resources for getting started reversing it. THEN, one of the books in the resources in the back: "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer" by Dr Pelletier--available in any bookstore & library--would help you understand this in depth.
You have severe, total body "bracing" caused by intolerable fight or flight stored stress-effect in the hypothalamus. This is directly causing ALL of your signs & symptoms. Complicating factors, indirectly caused by this same mechanism, already present are probably plagiocephaly, leaky gut syndrome, temperomandibular joint syndrome (aggravating the plagiocephaly and the labyrinthitis), as well as dysautonomia (causing the thyroid-like symptoms), etc. Once you have the above references under your belt, you will begin to understand this jargon.
Unfortunately, my (800) number does not span international borders. SO, if you intend to order one of my books, you will have to call me at home. The cost for international shipment adds $2 to the price listed for one book. Have no fear of leaving your credit card number by phone since I am the only one who will see it, done this way. My home number is (850) 747-8669. If I am there, I will answer the phone. If I am on the computer, or gone, the service will take your rmessage. I need your name & shipping address along with how many books you want (for the 4 book deal, you need to add $4 for international S&H). Leave me your phone number in case I have trouble with the order. Be sure to spell everything.
THEN, as you get well, I hope you will share your experiences with the BB participants. What you are experiencing used to be rare but now is increasingly common. Just think how reassured you would be if someone with your exact symptoms shared, with you on the public BB, how they got over them .
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Graves desease with associated eye desease posted by john kiehm on March 19, 1998 at 11:40:40:
Dear John,
Graves Disease is not a deficiency of eye patches!!!!!!!!
Both you and your brother need to use the search feature for this BB & read everything you can find about any thyroid condition (since they are all caused by the same mechanisms).
Besides, your excellent summary of his other "conditions" PROVES that everything he has is caused by the same mechanism.
There is a book that was written about him more than 20 years ago & had a new edition published in 1992: "Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer", by Dr Pelletier, describes exactly what has happened to his total health. If he is willing to become a student of his condition, everything is reversable.
MY book goes into more detail about what he could do to reverse this (link below).
Walt
In Reply to: Labrynthitis? posted by David O'Keefe on March 19, 1998 at 00:00:28:
Oh my...this is me too!
Dear David and Dr. Stoll,
I can't believe I actually found someone with the SAME symptoms. I have almost all the same symptoms as David and
have had them for several years. They are getting worse. I also stopped eating cabbage (I LOVE cooked cabbage) because I thought it was thyroid. I have seen doctors and no one is
able to help me or knows what it is. They all think it is in my head or just panic attacks.
I have been under ENORMOUS STRESS the last few years and actually all of my life but the last few years I was not able to do many activities that de-stressed me.
I am ordering your book, Dr. Stoll and I am going to do all those things you suggested and try to find a Holistic Doctor
in my area (Portland, Oregon)
I am also going to look for a massage therapist. Dr. Stoll, what do I look for with a massage therapist? What kind?
Also, I bought the book the relaxation workbook you suggested. I LOVE that book.
I REALLY had a feeling that all of this was because of long years of stress and that my whole body was out of balance and causing the illness.
The teachings of my religion say that the balance and harmony of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system help promote good health. (the Baha'i Faith)
Isn't that the balance of the fight or flight/ and the relaxation response?
Thank you very much, Dr. Stoll.
I will write to you my results as I follow this program.
David, please write if you wish.
I hope BOTH of us heal. I have been in tears again and
again over the last 2 years...praying for an answer.
Maybe this is it. I am certain I should feel better.
Thanks again, Dr. Stoll. You are great.
In Reply to: HYPOTHYROID DIAGNOSIS/SED RATE posted by Xenia Roberts on March 20, 1998 at 08:50:07:
Dear Xenia,
ALL of your stated conditions are related to the same basic causes. If you only treat the tips of the iceberg, as any conventional physician will recommend, you will end up with several "specialists" treating those tips and you just will continue getting new ones.
Ues the search feature for this BB & read everything you can find about ANY thyroid condition (Graves may be the most one most commonly mentioned) since they all are caused by the same things. THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
These conditions are totally unnecessary. However, if only the symptoms are treated, they are incurable.
Walt
In Reply to: Graves Disease posted by Pamela Abelow on March 18, 1998 at 20:48:05:
I was diagnosed with Graves Disease over two years ago.
I went to the doctor with a resting heart rate that was
dangerously high. I have been on various medications and have had a radioactive treatment designed to "kill" part of the overactive gland twice.
I have had some days and weeks of feeling back to normal.
But have many more days feeling "hungover". Sudden weight gain and loss, hair loss, tiredness, irregular menstrual cycle are all some of the problems we may experience.
I would like to hear from anyone who has "recovered" from Graves disease and feels well again!??
My 15 year old daughter was diagnosed with chronic Graves
disease two years ago. After many doctors and pills she is
worse now than when we started. She is on prednisone for
the exopthalmos, and many other pills. She has had 17
fibroid tumors removed and now 3 months later has more. She
has been on antibiotics almost a year because her immune
system is so compromised. We need any help we can get to
find someplace that can deal with all of these problems.
We live in a small rural town, and no one specializes in
pediatric endocrinology. Our home phone is 541-459-3351
e-mail or any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
In Reply to: re: sex drive + hypothyroidism posted by mary on March 21, 1998 at 01:01:31:
Dear Mary,
Since ALL thyroid conditions are basically caused by an overwhelming storage of fight or flight stress-effect in the hypothalamus, ALL people with any of these conditions have a reduced sex drive. When one is being chased down the trail by a sabretooth tiger, the last thing they are thinking about is sex. As far as the bodymind is concerned, this is exactly what is happening.
This is why covering up the symptoms of hypothyroidism by replacing synthroid is so inadequate. NOTHING is being done about the WHY. Until the WHY is dealt with, taking the synthroid is a good idea.
If you need any help understanding that--and what to do about it--use the search feature for this BB and read everything you can find about any thyroid condition.
This IS a reversable problem but ONLY is the causes are addressed.
THEN, if you still have questions, write again.
Walt
In Reply to: Graves Disease posted by Pamela Abelow on March 18, 1998 at 20:48:05:
sounds to me like you need your synthyroid adjusted to get out of being hypothryoid at this point.
If you use the search engine on this message board you will find lots of posts.
My daughter has successfully battled Graves and is a few days away from being off all allopathic medication, however she did not opt for RAI. To my knowledge, Killing all or part of your thyroid subjects you to daily medicaiton
and constant monitoring for the rest of your life. Alternatives can and will help but.....
Donna McCormack
Not a DR.
Slicklane@aol.com
In Reply to: Re: Graves Disease posted by Donna M. McCormack on March 24, 1998 at 06:19:15:
I just wanted to be sure to add to this thread and note the board that as of last Friday, Michelle (my almost 17 year old who was diagnosised with Graves) is totally off all allopathic meds. As a matter of fact based on her levels being a little over the high side of normal we have also discontinued her herbals. We will do another bloodtest in 3 weeks and we expect this one to be right on the money.
The Endo suggested that if it continues to be a litle over the high end of normal we could put her back on tapazole, however since he does not agree with my homeopathic ways I did not want to push his nose in the fact that Michelle is also on Homeopathics. Saddly we have a "Don't ask/don;t tell" relationship these days.
I would have liked to get a bloodtest just off the synthryoid and then 3 weeks later get off the herbals to be sure we were okay doing that, but I do not want to put this Dr in the position of recommending something and me refusing to follow it. (Yeah, like I don't do that now, LOL).
On an aside note, Michelle had her singing lesson on Saturday and her teacher says it is the best she has ever done. Michelle believes it is because she is off of the meds, interesting thoughts.
On another note, since I had convinced the Endo to do a full bloodworkup (we had not done one since November) because I wanted to be sure everything else was in line, he also did some hormone testing. Michelle has had scant menses, a common sign of thyroid issues and the Dr wanted to be sure that the hormones were in line as well. One of the tests is indictative of ovarian cyst victims so off we go to the Gyn to do an ultrasound to be sure. It is interesting that when the therapist that does the body logic and Cranial sacral therapy she usually indicates a point of stagnant energy in that area. Michelle has just written that one off as the fact that she has not become sexually active yet and told the therapist accordingly. I am glad that I had just taken Michelle to our family GYN last week to introduce them and to open the door to some future discussions surrounding birth control etc. since Michelle leaves for college in June. It was almost comical to watch the nurses face when Michelle announced she was not "sexually active yet", the nurse said, "Good then I don't have to ask the rest of these Questions". I told her to go ahead and ask the rest so that Michelle would be prepared to respond to them in the future, and the look on Michelle's face when the nurse went down the list of
"Have you ever had..".was equally comical. I am sure the suspected cyst will be dealt with accordingly, and if there it is just one more sign of the body trying to get itself into balance.
I have to say my outlook on all of this has sure changed over the last few months. Maybe part of my lesson in all of this is to understand that we are the ones responsible for our own healing, not our Dr's
Donna M. McCormack.
In Reply to: Re: Graves Disease posted by Donna M. McCormack on March 29, 1998 at 08:25:52:
Thanks, Donna, for your wonderful note.
It helps people to see that wellness is an ongoing lifestyle change and we are never done with it till we are dead.
By the way, if she turns out to have ovarian cysts (I would not be surprised since the thyroid condition is an indivisable part of the endocrine network.) I would look more seriously at the candida connection. Since I learned enough to look, I have yet to see a case of ovarian cysts or endometriosis that did not also have candida. Both of these conditions will clear up when the candida (and its susceptibility causes) have been dealt with.
Walt
In Reply to: Re: Graves Disease posted by Walt Stoll on March 30, 1998 at 10:54:55:
Well, the marvels of working thru the insurance system.
The Endo said he suspected Cysts in the ovaries so I get a script for a sonogram and call the Primary and get
a referral to our GYN. Our GYN, looks at the bloodtest and says, 'Yep, this is a good diagnoisis, congrats to the Endo, but I would not change anything about treating her, and PS we don;t do sonograms for ovaries, just babies. Besides once the thyroid condition stablizes the rest of the body should too". Did I mention how much I like this GYN? She is our oldest daughters Dr and really tells it like it is.
So back to the Primary to complain about the referral and I do a lot of crying and carrying on and we get a rush referral to a Diagnostic lab that does a Sonogram the same afternoon, and I watch the songram being done. A far cry from watching the 4 nodules that showed up on the sonagram for the throat, this sonogram comes up totally clean. We will wait for the official report from the Dr but these Tech's are about as good as it gets, and compassionate enough to walk you thru what they are looking at.
We spent a lot of time soulsearching this past weekend, did not feed the body any negative energy, and went out and had some fun. The two of us, Michelle and I, went to a Biker Bar that had a karoake bar in it and had a blast singing and making fools of ourselves. Good thing hubby is out of town......but I have got to tell you this will be our last child going off to college really soon and I am into making memories.......
We are beginning to think that what was in the bloodtest
was what was in the body 2 weeks ago but that we are getting into such harmony finally and getting off the drugs that it is not there now. Maybe that doesn;t make sense, but hey.......you have to believe in something. What the bloodtest showed was supposed to be about 100% correct, yet it was not confirmed with a sonagram 2 weeks later. .. We will keep working on eating healthy, having fun, and paying attention to what the body is asking for.