tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post8645022196993454791..comments2024-03-28T07:35:30.137-05:00Comments on common ground : Do you know what you might be missing?Debra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-859158352045403212017-06-17T07:06:48.256-05:002017-06-17T07:06:48.256-05:00So sorry to hear all that you are going through. Y...So sorry to hear all that you are going through. You may want to be tested for the MTHFR mutation. It is quite common and could be the root of all your issues, including thyroid. You need to take folate NOT folic acid, go off gluten and take methylcobalamin, a former of vit B 12 that your body can use. There's a lot of information on the Internet about this mutation. Check out Dr. Ben Lynche's website. Www.mthfr.net. Try to find a function medicine doctor in you area. 23andme.com does the testing for mthfr for a reasonable rate, but you need to find a qualified functional doctor to help interpret the results. Good luck on your health journey. You're not alone!Valeriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14493699462967483764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-26462026958419976932017-05-16T21:54:50.692-05:002017-05-16T21:54:50.692-05:00May sound odd but actresses use hemorrhoid cream t...May sound odd but actresses use hemorrhoid cream to shrink their eye bags. A little dab will do ya. I have tried it and yes it works. Shrinks swollen tissue.<br />grins,<br />dDeannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08019741103496608961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-2456666564653011422017-05-16T21:46:59.561-05:002017-05-16T21:46:59.561-05:00Hi there. When my TSH was classified as normal, I...Hi there. When my TSH was classified as normal, I had thyroid cancer. I've been thru it. The so called gold standard to check TSH levels did not let on I had cancer. What I found out is that this thyroid journey with mainstream doctors is deep rooted into politics where the masses with thyroid cancer are treated with having the thyroid removed and treated with inferior meds to where they may never get thyroid cancer again, but will die from something else. In my humble opinion the mainstream doctors including endocrinologist do not care how awful you feel as long as your numbers are where the thyroid association says is good. After taking Synthroid (T4 only treatment) for 5 and a half years I finally tried natural thyroid meds, Armour which has T1, T2, T3, T4 and a few other goodies. My regular doctor prescribed this for me and I'm still having issues stabilizing my TSH numbers. I feel better, but there are still issues. I sweated so much with Synthroid and gained weight. My endo ignored what I was saying and blamed peri-menopause/menopause as the problem. 3 years after I had my thyroid taken out, my husband was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He got so weak he couldn't hold a newspaper. He started Armour and immediately felt better. What I decided is the system does not want to prescribe a pig product because of religious issues as many on the thyroid board are jewish and muslim where both avoid pig products. Politics enters the picture. Synthroid is synthetic not made of pig products. Long story short, just reading wikipedia tells you all the hormones the thyroid puts out and T4 is not the only hormone a healthy thyroid makes. After hearing first hand that Armour is not stable, I read that Synthroid is the drug that isn't stable. The Synthroid patent is sold to where the meds are handed off to another company to make where it isn't tested for shelf life. Armor is actually the stable one and considered an old medicine which is stable. All the best in the thyroid jungle.<br />Deannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08019741103496608961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-9192868033645404312017-05-06T13:57:03.896-05:002017-05-06T13:57:03.896-05:00Wow. I hope that this is the answer you are prayin...Wow. I hope that this is the answer you are praying for. Praying for you! Katie Mansfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00016424092009814488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-52462945970656375752017-05-04T07:00:50.001-05:002017-05-04T07:00:50.001-05:00Debra, thank you so much for posting! I am in the...Debra, thank you so much for posting! I am in the process of determining what direction I will need to take with my thyroid which is overactive instead of under. A physical last month determined an irregular heartbeat, afib, which can be an indicator of thyroid issues. I just had a thyroid uptake and scan along with the panel. Rest assured I will be asking if T3 was tested at my appointment next week. I guess the scary part is this seems to remain challenging for doctors after reading different notes on the subject on the internet. Please keep us updated! Knowledge is power for us all! Good luck in your treatment!Linda Southworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09513866302070050887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-77602131517483712282017-05-03T22:57:41.670-05:002017-05-03T22:57:41.670-05:00Pamela , correction to the previous post new email...Pamela , correction to the previous post new email is plkmrose@yahoo.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-46949464717463001842017-05-03T22:56:41.922-05:002017-05-03T22:56:41.922-05:00Hi Debra, I changed my email. it was plkmrose@gmai...Hi Debra, I changed my email. it was plkmrose@gmail.com now is....plklmrose@yahoo.com. So I have missed a bunch. You have been on my heart lately also... I so glad you seem to have gotten the upper hand on this. I'm so glad you have shared this info. with us. Will continue to keep you in my prayers.<br />Big Hugs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-44615275534037732902017-05-03T07:29:28.648-05:002017-05-03T07:29:28.648-05:00Oh my gosh lady! I am so sorry you ave been battli...Oh my gosh lady! I am so sorry you ave been battling this for so long! Prayers that you start feeling yourself again real soon!Pamelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18283260830637529760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-5100463511542012802017-05-02T20:27:41.968-05:002017-05-02T20:27:41.968-05:00Wow, feeling as miserable as you do, I'm amaze...Wow, feeling as miserable as you do, I'm amazed that you had the strength and determination to do all this research and to stick with it and insist the Dr.s listen to you! GOOD FOR YOU!! I'm so happy you're feeling a bit better. I hope this is just the beginning of a full recovery. You are amazing. God Bless you, and I wish you continued progress.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09018865291259271068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-76410374959786123312017-05-01T17:24:13.774-05:002017-05-01T17:24:13.774-05:00Thanks so much for sharing Debra! I look forward ...Thanks so much for sharing Debra! I look forward to your next post in this. You must be so happy to finally be getting some answers and help with this.<br />Always a pleasure having you share at Amaze Me Monday!!!<br />Blessings,<br />Cindy Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02897883854642097143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-80961719715188769262017-04-30T13:58:35.561-05:002017-04-30T13:58:35.561-05:00I live in MA but I come from Greece.
Honestly, i...I live in MA but I come from Greece. <br /><br />Honestly, it made me a little angry too, reading your post because I know how tough hashimoto - and any thyroid problem - is and not testing for one of the 3 main and major thyroid hormones is unbelievable.<br />If they know about the hormones in Greece, they definitely know in US. <br /><br />ps. It's great you posted all this information. The more people know, the better!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02782226571390672777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-91906994432021900642017-04-29T15:17:12.125-05:002017-04-29T15:17:12.125-05:00Hey there, I came over to your blog, where are you...Hey there, I came over to your blog, where are you located? Drs are just now realizing that T 3 is a contributor to this nightmare. I have to say that I'm angry with primary care here in the states. If you're not informed you get undiagnosed unless it hits them in the face. Thanks for leaving a comment!Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-90781870618936578922017-04-28T23:49:44.486-05:002017-04-28T23:49:44.486-05:00First of all, I hope you manage control it and fee...First of all, I hope you manage control it and feel better soon.<br />I had a 20-something bestie and my mom, both suffering from Hashimoto. It's a subtle disease, with so many symptoms, it's tough to be diagnosed. The problems it's causing though are anything but subtle. It also fluctuates and if the test happen on a "good" day, the doctor will miss it.<br />You described almost every single aspect. Know that it IS manageable but you need a kick butt doctor to keep testing (because the medication needs constant re-adjustment).<br /><br />I find it crazy strange about the T3 strange. Back home, the very basic first test for thyroid includes T3, T4 and TSH. All 3. It's the standard entry test. ENTRY.<br /><br />It blows my mind that you share that they do not test for T3 by default...<br /><br />Best wishes and keep fighting it!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02782226571390672777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-49799301930776197432017-04-28T17:40:11.642-05:002017-04-28T17:40:11.642-05:00thanks so much Stacey, I think I may be on the rig...thanks so much Stacey, I think I may be on the right track!Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-74053974314293554992017-04-28T17:38:41.839-05:002017-04-28T17:38:41.839-05:00Hi Kelly, yes, the doctors have told me my tests w...Hi Kelly, yes, the doctors have told me my tests were all normal, but clearly when they did the tests I asked for it showed that my T3 levels were way in the red zone of LOW. Next time you have your thyroid tests done ask them specifically for Free T3. that's they key. If you don't have that test we don't get a complete accurate assessment. all my other tests were fine, but my doctor was stunned when she saw that I wasn't getting the benefit of my replacement hormone. thanks for sharing what you go through, even though it's hard I know that it helps so many people understand what they themselves might be experiencing. Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-53691954632611965042017-04-28T17:28:19.243-05:002017-04-28T17:28:19.243-05:00thankyou, Vickie, It's terribly slow going. I&...thankyou, Vickie, It's terribly slow going. I'm not a very patient patient, especially since I've been like this for what seems forever. I've worked in healthcare myself, (long years ago) and been through "the system" so many times. There are so many people that really care, but most doctors are overworked and not enough time to devote to individual patients. a lot of loose ends and disconnects withing the health care system. I hope you can work through your diet. My sister-in-law has gone through that and she's a vegetarian so it's really hard for her to find foods she can tolerate. big hugs, friend!Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-24324505318200664752017-04-28T16:43:40.027-05:002017-04-28T16:43:40.027-05:00Jane, thanks so much for sharing, it's good to...Jane, thanks so much for sharing, it's good to do it in a comment so others can read it, too. I know you've had problems. I guess we just usually don't share how bad things can be for us. Do you know that Eczema (all forms) are associated with HypoThyroid? Have you had blood tests for that? Low Thyroid could be what's causing it to stay with you. I know when I was young (a kid and until I was in my 30's) I would have it all over my hands arms feet, up to my ankles. It was horrible! so I can imagine just a little what you go through. Please get your thyroid checked and have them do a "Free T3" test to see if you're producing enough. This could be part of this whole equation with your immune system. I really appreciate you, sweet friend. Let me know about all this ok? xoxoDebra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-56192800164040268232017-04-28T15:48:41.620-05:002017-04-28T15:48:41.620-05:00Hi Cindy, mine was really low too, but since I'...Hi Cindy, mine was really low too, but since I've found out I've been supplementing, now it's up. You're so right. I think many people have problems with their iron and then a host of other illnesses because they don't know the dangers of low B-12.Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-35169108915870256662017-04-28T13:04:58.426-05:002017-04-28T13:04:58.426-05:00ALERT EVERYONE ! Have your B12 LEVELS CHECKED !! ...ALERT EVERYONE ! Have your B12 LEVELS CHECKED !! Should be at least 400-500 ! Level! I was misdiagnosed by 7 doctors for three years! Was left with permanent nerve damage ! Neuropathy in feet and legs! Tremors daily! Had all those symtoms! CHECK b-12 defiencency symptoms! Very scary ! I have pernicious anemia !! My body does not absorbe b-12! Scary! Almost ended up with permanent brain damage! I take innections of b-12 Now! Check your levels everyone !!!<br />Cindy Louhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06876844848421791055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-60025926300791612012017-04-28T08:33:25.636-05:002017-04-28T08:33:25.636-05:00Debra, I just can't even imagine. I really hop...Debra, I just can't even imagine. I really hope you find the answers you desperately need. In the meantime, you are sharing great information with others.Staceyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05728612514516285320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-87888681434138115412017-04-28T08:10:05.486-05:002017-04-28T08:10:05.486-05:00Wow! This info is so eye opening! I have Graves ...Wow! This info is so eye opening! I have Graves Disease which is a hyper thyroid. I was diagnosed in my late 30's. I took a radio iodine tablet to kill part of it so that it became hypo. Then it's treatable with Synthroid. However, my tests all show a normal thyroid level now. I assume that yours did too? I've never heard about the T3 hormone being tested. I'm thrilled to hear that you are finally receiving the proper treatment! I have some of those symptoms you mentioned but they are related to other things. They are intermittent so I'm not worried. I have other health issues that I'm being treated for which explains them. Thanks for taking the time to put this post together. I'm sure it will help someone. Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16938178631385143773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-27434714245744827562017-04-28T07:59:03.712-05:002017-04-28T07:59:03.712-05:00Debra, I can't imagine how frustrating all thi...Debra, I can't imagine how frustrating all this has been for you!! I hope that your new medication eradicates all of your symptoms! Kudos to you for researching this and finding an answer to your problem. Even though I work in healthcare, I know that we've got to be our own advocate, which is unfortunate. I've been eliminating foods to help with my symptoms, but I'm ready to throw in the towel because pretty soon there will be nothing left for me to eat! I hope that everybody reading your post comes away with the thought that if you're not convinced that your doctor is right to keep searching for answers. Thanks so much for sharing this with us and take care.<br />xo, VickieVickie @ Ranger 911https://www.blogger.com/profile/12847126296813987337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-8358815718568725382017-04-27T23:54:41.778-05:002017-04-27T23:54:41.778-05:00Debra,
I so identify with you on many levels. No...Debra,<br /><br />I so identify with you on many levels. Not sure how much or often we should share our health problems on our blogs. I've come to believe that most of my readers are friends and more often than not, talking about my problems enables others to share their stories. Please keep us updated. Like you, I exhaust every avenue in getting info on my symptoms and possible causes. Thank goodness for the Internet, as we can always ask questions with our physicians but it's often a one way street. <br /><br />If you've kept up with me you may know I'm suffering from an auto immune disorder which has caused my severe eczema. Some think it's just an annoying rash, but this has overtaken my life over the past three years. Itchy, oozing skin that cracks and bleeds, inability to move my elbows and knees without pain, stiffness and bleeding, and totally not being able to turn my head as the pain and dryness in my neck is excruciating. I was taking a powerful medication last year which almost totally alleviated my symptoms. The side effect was it lowered my immunity and my lymph nodes enlarged at a huge rate. My GP thought the lumps in my breasts were questionable so I underwent a painful and emotional needle biopsy. All of my lymph nodes in my breasts and armpits were hugely enlarged. I waited days on pins and needles, sure I had stage IV breast cancer. It was an infection similar to mono, but called CMV. It's a virus with so many of the symptoms you described. I had been sleeping 16 hours a day and feeling so terrible that I couldn't keep up with the simplest things in life. I had no desire to get out or do any of the things I loved. I dreaded when my kids came over...I just wanted them to leave so I could sleep. I would actually fall asleep in my chair reading or watching TV. Physically and psychologically, I suffered. The guilt was immeasurable.<br /><br />I'm off that medication now, but the virus reactivates, as all do. I'm going through that again now. I try to get 10 hours of sleep and then a 2 hour nap in the afternoon. It takes a lot of discipline to keep moving. When I have 'good' days I try to get laundry done, clean the house and prep a few meals. Thank God I don't have a full time job or little ones. I'm blessed in that department. My husband is supportive but also confused. <br /><br />I'm sorry for droning on...I should have sent an email. The end may be in sight if my insurance approves a new medication recently passed by the FDA. Just waiting and trying to get through each day.<br /><br />I wish you all the best and I'm sending you a huge hug for your bravery and openness. You've got a friend here.<br /><br />Jane xxxBlondie's Journalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12988377413260331618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-33505747795797928752017-04-27T23:08:22.163-05:002017-04-27T23:08:22.163-05:00thankyou, I think I missed my calling as a researc...thankyou, I think I missed my calling as a research assistant, LOL!Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-10105226123977421112017-04-27T23:07:06.184-05:002017-04-27T23:07:06.184-05:00I know... all the heart stuff and this on top of i...I know... all the heart stuff and this on top of it, but I feel like the heart stuff is related to the rest of this. Now if I can get past this and not drive like a drunk lady maybe we can get together for that lunch we've been planning!Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com