Survey to show who we are
Lois
to these questions may serve more than general interest. We go to
our doctors telling them what we read here, and it's often
dismissed because they see us as just a bunch of people on the
Internet. Perhaps if we could paint a clearer picture of
ourselves, (some) doctors might realize that we merit being
listened to, especially when we're saying some of the same things
in great numbers. Even if they don't listen, let's enjoy finding
out what we have in common.
The gender and age questions are because too many people are told
that they can't have thyroid problems because they're men (thyroid
problems are more common in, but not limited to, women) or because
they're too young.
A note on the questions about education and jobs/professions: I
hesitated to add them because these criteria are often used to
determine a person's status in society, and one of the things I
appreciate about this group is that we don't have that kind of
hierarchy here. To varying degrees, we're all mostly self-taught
on the subject of thyroid problems, and what we've learned about
health is more relevant to this subject than our education or type
of work. However, I'd like doctors to see that we come from a
variety of backgrounds, and that we can't be pigeon-holed. Please
feel free to omit those questions or any others if you prefer not
to answer them.
Because of the length of this intro, the questions are in the post
following this one. If you are reading this group for someone
else, you are welcome to respond for them if you have their
permission to do so. Lurkers, if you haven't posted before, this
is a great time to jump in and introduce yourself.
Thanks, everyone,
Lois
Lois
1. What is your gender?
2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
problems?
3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
someone else's, or... ??
5. Were you actively looking for more information about
thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
here?
8. If you have hypothyroidism:
a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
eliminate your hypo symptoms?
c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
difference for you?
9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
here?
10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
11. What is your level of education?
12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
working?
Emily Arden
----------
In article <bzFk6.164$5R2.11...@news1.van.metronet.ca>, "Lois"
<no....@infoserve.net> wrote:
> Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
> 1. What is your gender?
F
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
39
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
36 (approx.)
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
Self
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health
Looking for info
or did you just come across this group?
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Feeling very ill and not being taken seriously
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
I know what to ask for now and to change doctors if necessary.
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
Still working on it.
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
Took away the aches and flu-like feeling.
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
Excellent.
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Sadly, nothing.
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
MA-Counseling
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
Changing careers.
>
>
Mary MacTavish
>Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
>1. What is your gender?
Biologically and sociologically female.
>
>2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
>problems?
36
>
>3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
somewhere in the 30-34 range.
>
>4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
>someone else's, or... ??
Mine.
>
>5. Were you actively looking for more information about
>thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
Looking -- I've been using usenet for years.
>
>6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Exhaustion.
>
>7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
>here?
My health hasn't changed so much as my approach to my own care --
being my own advocate -- has changed. I've learned a lot about my
rights and responsibilities.
>
>8. If you have hypothyroidism:
>a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
We'll find out when we get there :)
>b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
>eliminate your hypo symptoms?
Nope. Still sore.
>
>9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
>here?
We mostly seem to have a clue as far as accurate information goes.
>
>10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
>you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
About 75%.
>
>11. What is your level of education?
Many years of college, only a 2-year degree.
>
>12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
>health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
>working?
Teacher and editor/writer.
.
Mary MacTavish
http://www.prado.com/~iris
WyrdWoman
>
> 1. What is your gender?
Female
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
24 (diagnosed last week)
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
I was a teenager when I noticed that my thyroid was enlarged, but that
was pretty much the only symptom.
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
I've been lurking for over a month after my doctor wanted to do an
antibody test. I had never heard of Hashimoto's thyroiditis before then
and wanted to educate myself.
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
Actively looking. I did a newsgroup search for "thyroid," and here I
am.
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
I'm overweight and have an enlarged thyroid, but I haven't been feeling
bad. My heart races at times (especially when working out), which can
make me feel kind of loopy.
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
My health hasn't changed, but I've greatly increased my knowledge about
thyroid disease. I'm also glad to learn what problems other people have
with their doctors so I can be on the lookout.
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
I couldn't get an appointment with an endocrinologist until May 10, so
I'm not sure about any of this yet. I might not need medication for
awhile, since I'm in the "early" stages of Hashi's.
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
Good -- the personal element makes it more interesting to read than just
a fact sheet. People have also provided a lot of good sources of
information.
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Not too much. But I have to give props to my doctor, since he
discovered the thyroid problem. I made an appointment with my general
practitioner to learn about weight loss options, and he wanted to check
my thyroid. He could see that it was enlarged, so he took a blood
sample that day. My TSH was .11 [range =.32 - 5.00], but since my
symptoms were hypo, he thought to check for antibodies. I got tested
again two weeks later, and my TSH went up to 1.75 and I had an antibody
level of 2.2, which is apparently low but indicative of trouble down the
road. I'll see an endo for more tests.
From what I've read, many doctors would just prescribe some weight loss
drug rather than check a patient's thyroid, so I'm very glad that my
doctor is knowledgable about it.
> 11. What is your level of education?
I'm a senior in college, about to get a BS in Computer Science.
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
Student and mother to my 3-year-old daughter.
--
WyrdWoman
http://www.wyrdwoman.com/
http://www.dunscathaig.com/
dBasement
"Lois" <no....@infoserve.net> wrote in message
news:bzFk6.164$5R2.11...@news1.van.metronet.ca...
dBasement
"Lois" <no....@infoserve.net> wrote in message
news:bzFk6.164$5R2.11...@news1.van.metronet.ca...
> Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
> 1. What is your gender?
>
Male
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
40
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
> 40
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
>Mine I think
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
>Actively looking
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
> TED
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
> My TED has gone from actively hot to somewhat cold
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
I don't feel particularly unwell
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
N/A
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
> N/A
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
> You definitely have to do some sifting. There are some really sincere
people here and others that are a little off the wall. No names.
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
50%
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
> HS, some college
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
Civil Engineering Technologist looking for any excuse not to have to
ork. - Actually I love my work and would have to be in pretty serious
condition to give it up.
>
>
Judy Gunnery
>
> 1. What is your gender?
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
>
No
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
i'm good now and my tsh is 1.3
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
N/A
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
N/A
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
Very good information.>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
college graduate
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
>
I stopped working to take care of my mother, who passed away a little more
than a year ago, but I was in the computer industry -- everything from
installation and training in the early days, to marketing, and software q.a.
I no longer work.
>
Sara Avery
>
> 1. What is your gender?
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>
closest guess is about 1
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
my own health concerns
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
Someone on a lowcarb list had recommended it.
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
overweight
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
My mental health has changed greatly by having others in similar situations
with whom to converse about this stuff. My hormonal problems have been
rather complex and I'm just now starting to get major relief from them
through a program of mind/body therapy. I think that my participation on
this newsgroup opened my mind up to alternative possibilities I would not
have considered before.
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
>
Very excellent, most of it!
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Almost none.
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
Master's degree (in music performance)
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
Professional violinist, but changing soon to two new ones: teaching the Ron
Fletcher method of Pilates (which I believe has had some benefit for my
hormonal problems) and I'm just beginning to train so that I can lead others
through the mind/body therapy I've been doing for myself.
Sara
>
>
>
Stacey
> Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
> 1. What is your gender?
Female
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
25
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
18
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
my own health concerns
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
actively looking for info about thyroid and related health
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
getting the best possible treatment to alleviate my symptoms so that I
felt normal again
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
I am slowly getting better... although I am still searching for the
*just right* dosage!
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
not sure... haven't found it yet!
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
I was on T4 only, and it helped but not for long, and it didn't help
everything
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
yes, it does make a difference, but I still think my dosage is too low
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
absolutely wonderful!!!!
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
probably about 10 - 15%
> 11. What is your level of education?
I am a senior in college
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
I am working towards my teaching credential, before my health problems
started I was doing whatever would pay the bills, but now I have a hard
enough time with just 12 units (at one time I was able to take 15 units
and work about 50 - 60 hrs a week at two jobs)
Stacey
OLAV AULIBRÅTEN
> 1. What is your gender? And bloodtype?
female 0+
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
definitely right meds for me
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
Would never have gotten to try thyroxine with tests within range.
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
2 or lower, I felt bad when TSH rose to 2.39.
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
Tried T4 did NOT help for brain fog.
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
Just started.
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
> The best.
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
> Absolutely nothing
> 11. What is your level of education?
> Qualified to tke courses at the University or whatever you call it
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
> I just stopped a cleaning job
I am enclosing my bloodtype as I wonder if there are mostly 0 or A who have
autoimmune thyroid disease.
we should not have wheat but eat it anyway becaue we live where we live.
Nora
P 24028
female
>2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
>problems?
40
>3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
33 for most symptoms (one year after the birth of my first child)
childhood for others
>4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
>someone else's, or... ??
my own
>5. Were you actively looking for more information about
>thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
actively looking
>6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
fatigue and anxiety (ultimately due to hypo)
>7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
>here?
details on side effects and symptoms have helped me judge
my needs better
>8. If you have hypothyroidism:
>a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
Not sure yet, but 1.8 is defintely way too high for me.
>b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
>eliminate your hypo symptoms?
No. When I took it alone, I got colder and more fatigued.
>c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
>difference for you?
Hugely! My brain came back. My strength is returning.
>9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
>here?
The best information hereis better than that available anywhere
in the world. The worst, well, that should just be ignored. :-)
>10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
>you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Nothing much directly. Mostly from reading the book my doctor wrote.
>11. What is your level of education?
PhD in biology, BS in chemistry
>12. What is your job/profession?
computer programmer - the sedentary nature of the job agrees
well with the needs of my former fatigue, though the brain fog
which started only when I got much worse was a real problem
Note:
I post anonymously solely because of the existence of news archives
that would allow potential employers or insurers to learn more about
my health problems than they need to know. Deja is gone, but now the
question is whether Google will respect the requests Deja received to
remove individual's postings from the archive. If only fellow
thyroid patients read the messages posted here, I would not be
anonymous.
Paula
24...@my-deja.com
------------------------------------------------------------
free newsgroup access via http://MailAndNews.com
Jerry
>
> 1. What is your gender?
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started? 38--right after I had
my 2nd child.
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here? Mentally & emotionally a big help...I know now that I'm not the
only one with these
problems, & that many are worse off than me, which gives me
pause for reflection.
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
Definitely around 2.0. When I got down below 1.0, I started getting
hyper symptoms.
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms? I am a lot better, but not "normal" or where
I was before going hypo.
Everyday is different. I'd prefer stablility/consistancy
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you? N/A
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here? Most is very good/informed. Some is unsubstantiated
opinion/speculation. A few posters are ridiculous.
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional? About 25% /
not a whole lot.
>
> 11. What is your level of education? Some college
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working? Was a graphics artist for Advert. Dept. of newspaper. Now a
full time mom.
Would like to return to work this coming Fall, but don't know if my
health
fluctuations will allow it. I don't know if I would be considered a
"reliable" employee as I'd
need/use a lot of sick days.
>
>
>
WyrdWoman
>
> I am enclosing my bloodtype as I wonder if there are mostly 0
> or A who have autoimmune thyroid disease.
I'm A+ and was just diagnosed with Hashi's. Why do you think blood type
plays a role? I'm curious to learn more.
Paul
>
> 1. What is your gender?
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
I am not sure of exact age but for as long as I can remember I have had
some of the symptoms that go along with thyroid problems, I guess I would
have to say around the time my first child was born 27 yrs ago.
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
The need to find out more about thyroid problems, husband suggested to
try and find a newsgroup for some of my answers I was looking for and
couldn't find with my dr.
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
Actively looking for more information.
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
I have only been here for a short period of time, so I guess my biggest
health concern was what do I do now that I have found out I have a thyroid
problem.
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
I believe that this newgroup has made me more aware of how I have been
affected by this health problem for years and that I am not alone.
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
I am not sure yet on this one, still feeling very ill.
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
Still uncertain on this also.
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
Not taken that yet.
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
I believe it is great, I am new, but I do appreciate all of the honest help
and advice people give here.
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
My doctor told me nothing!!
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
Some college
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
I am an Adminstrative Secretary for a School District.
>
>
>
Paul
started.
Mary MacTavish
>>
>> I am enclosing my bloodtype as I wonder if there are mostly 0
>> or A who have autoimmune thyroid disease.
On Wed, 21 Feb 2001 14:23:49 GMT, "WyrdWoman"
<wyrd...@SPAMcarolina.rr.com> said:
>
>I'm A+ and was just diagnosed with Hashi's. Why do you think blood type
>plays a role? I'm curious to learn more.
I'm B+
But being as both blood type and Hashi's are genetic, it might be that
Hashi's and blood type are correlated but not causative.
Ingrid Cassier
>
> 1. What is your gender?
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
was apparently for the suppression of a nodule)
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
>
I did get a great explanation of how the thyroid functions, what it does,
what I was being treated for (for the past 12 years) and the risks and
after-treatment of the operation from my surgeon.
> 11. What is your level of education?
>
University
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
Functional analyst in the computer business
Marie (UK)
>
> 1. What is your gender?
Female
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
>
41
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>
Several years before diagnosis of hypo
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
>
Mine
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
>
Both
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
>
Too numerous to mention.
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
Feeling much better, not quite there yet, though.
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
Still trying to find that out
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
N/A
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
Yes, but not sure that T4 may have been sufficient.
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
>
Excellent, mostly.
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Nothing. Except from reading books, Dr. Arem, etc.
> 11. What is your level of education?
Seemingly, not as good as most of the others I've read about here.>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
>
Financial accounting. Had to give up work soon after being diagnosed,
but I have now been working again for a few months.
Marie
ElaineP
"Mary MacTavish" <ma...@removeleftoftheWwrexham.net> wrote in message
news:3a9ade95....@nntp3.tsoft.net...
I'm A+, my hypo daughter is B+ (she got the Hashi gene, but not the blood
type)
ElaineP
>
> 1. What is your gender?
Female
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
34
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
I think my late teens, but severe symptoms at 30.
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
mine
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
actively looking
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Why was I still feeling awful when my doctor said everything was "normal"?
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
I now feel "normal"
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
For a year I felt very good with a TSH of .31. A few months ago I started
feeling hyper with a TSH of .57 - go figure. (my symptoms are usually ahead
of the lab results, so I'm guessing the number was about to nosedive). I'm
in the process of adjusting my dose so I don't know where I'll end up. I am
taking T3. It made all the difference in the world. Brain fog went away
completely, anxiety that I didn't know I had went away, colors were brighter
(really!)
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
Excellent!
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Almost none, until I found a better doctor
> 11. What is your level of education?
Masters
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
I stopped working as a physical therapist due to health problems combined
with my husbands work schedule (he was away for a week at a time about two
weeks in the month). I'd like to go back to work soon, but not to physical
therapy. I'm trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. ;-)
Twang
> 1. What is your gender?
male
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
40-41 ? I'd have to look.
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
looking back, best guess is 38
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
my health concerns.
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
I don't remember. I think I just looked up thryoid.
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Probably was just curious. I didn't have any thyroid related problems until
the last couple of years.
I do think my stomach problems were related, but at that time I didn't know
that, and felt fine except for the stomach.
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
This is about the third or fourth time I've spent any appreciable amount of
time in here. And this time out, I'm finding that the determination to live
better is a bigger task than it has been.
This newsgroup, it's participants and posts have been beneficial on both a
human and purely informational manner.
I think this group definately added impetus as to living better all around,
so I consider any progress part of that.
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
Damned if I know.
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
It seemed to be for years. Then for the last two years, it sucked entirely.
Now on Armour. (90)
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
Impossible for me to tell.
If I had a Dr. who did what I thought ought to be done, he would have:
tested tsh t4 t3 (all the blood numbers)
reduced synthroid prescription until test results came back, because I had
complained the presc. was too high.
instead he switched to an equal does of armour, and only tested for tsh a
month later, then reduced the armour because the 'commensurate' dose was too
high.
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
excellent.
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
can you say 'jack shit' in here?
> 11. What is your level of education?
some college.
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
musician.
Dingbat
>
> 1. What is your gender?
FEMALE
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
LAST YEAR...27
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
DON'T KNOW FOR SURE AND DR.S WOULD DISAGREE, BUT I WOULD SAY WITH MY FIRST
PREGNANCY 3YRS AGO
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
MINE
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
ACTIVELY LOOKING, BUT HUBBY FOUND ALL OF YOU FOR ME!
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
FATIGUE, BRAIN FOG AND MOOD SWINGS, IF I HAVE TO PICK.
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
I DON'T FEEL QUITE SO ALONE, CONFUSED OR DEPRESSED. SOMETIMES WHEN I'M
BATTLING A DAY OF DEPRESSION OR FRUSTRATION, READING SOME OF THE POSTS HELPS
TO EASE THINGS UP FOR ME.
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
I AM FEELING PRETTY GOOD NOW, BUT I HAVEN'T DONE A TEST RECENTLY TO KNOW
WHERE I AM. MY LAST TEST WAS 3.95.???
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
IF THEY SHOULD BE 100% ELIMINATED, NO.
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
EXCELLENT
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
HUMM???MY DR. TOLD ME MY TESTS WERE SHOWING LOW AND I HAD TO TAKE SYNTHROID
FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. SHE DID BRIEFLY EXPLAIN HOW THE THYROID
WORKS.......SO WOULD THAT BE 1%???
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
2-YEAR DEGREE
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
>
CHILD CARE PROVIDER
NEVER STOPPED,BUT DOES IT COUNT IF I WANT TO. I JUST DO ALOT OF DEEP
BREATHING!!!!!LOL
>
Elania
>
>2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid problems? 36
>
>3. How old were you when the symptoms started? 30-32 (guessing)
>
>4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
>
>5. Were you actively looking for more information about
>
>6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here? Too many
symptoms! Doc told me none were treatable. I had to find out if that was true.
>
>7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read here? I'm much
more proactive, and so I've gotten treatment, and gotten better. Not done, but
better!
>
>8. If you have hypothyroidism:
>a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
>b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
>eliminate your hypo symptoms?
>c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
>difference for you?
>
>9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
and it's wonderful that things stated as 'fact' are usually linked to the
source article. That makes all the difference to me! Keep up the great work,
gang!
>
>10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
My GP didn't know anything about this stuff. The endo, when I finally got the
referral told me everything I had just read here, with very few exceptions.
>
>11. What is your level of education? Some college
>
>12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
>health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
>working?
job going through the beginning stages of this illness (Hashi's/Hyper)
>
>
JOHN
>
> 1. What is your gender?
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
>
thyroid problems
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
>
throat/throat being constricted and breathlessness
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
>
other people experience the same things is reassuring
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
improvement
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
Not so far (after nearly 2 years)
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
>
Good, very helpful
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Very little. Neary all my knowledge of Thyroid problems has either been
from this newsgroup or articles/books recommended on the group
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
>
Qualified as a nursery nurse. Currently working in Finance
>
CDA
> > 1. What is your gender?
> Female
> >
> > 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> > problems? 49
> > 3. How old were you when the symptoms started? 45 or earlier
> > 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> > someone else's, or... ?? being diagnosed with Graves
> > 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> > thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
Actively Looking
> > 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Had just been diagnosed with Graves by my primary care physician and I
wanted to know as much about it for my first appointment with my
endocrinologist
> > 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> > here?
I'm still hyper, but less so. I'm on BRT, by choice, as a result of
research here and other places.
> > 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> > a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
I'm not hypo, but this question is just as relevant to people who are
hyper. It seems, though I haven't been there but once, and for a very
short time, that I feel best with a TSH of .89
>
> > b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> > eliminate your hypo symptoms?
N/A
> > c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> > difference for you?
N/A
> > 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> > here?
It was very good in helping me find out treatment options for Graves.
When I went in for my first appointment with my endocrinologist, I was
more informed. There seems to be much more information about being hypo,
which I read, too, since that may be a problem in the future, but I wish
there was more information available about Graves, particularly block
and replace. Then again, I wish the doctors knew more! I'd like more
information on studies and research being done.
> > 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> > you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Not much. They are in a hurry, too many people to see, not enough time.
Most of my knowledge has come from this group or other sights, as well
as books and articles recommended by the news net.
> >
> > 11. What is your level of education?
college grad
> > 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> > health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> > working?
Fortunately, I know longer have to work as a benefits and compensation
consultant; I couldn't do it the way I feel, however, that is not why I
left. Currently, I do some freelance writing.
Elizabeth Eloheimo
Lois wrote:
>
> Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
> 1. What is your gender?
female
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
50
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
have had some for years, maybe most of my life, but really started
noticing a change for the worse about 3 years before dx
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
my own
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
actively looking
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
extreme fatigue
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
I was able to get the information I needed to approach my doctor about
another treatment option. She agreed and I am feeling better than I have
in years!
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
I don't know, because I don't know what it is since I've been feeling so
great.
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
When I was on Levoxyl, I still had many hypo symptoms and did not feel
truly well at all.
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
YES! As I mentioned above, since I started taking Thyrolar (at the
proper dosage - thanks, Ted!) I feel better than I have in years. Better
than that, I feel reborn!
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
I think much of it is top-notch.
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
maybe 1%
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
2-year technical degree
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
civil engineering - I review highway construction plans, specifications,
and estimates and I teach engineers how to prepare plans, specs, and
estimates.
Amethyst Ivy
female
2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid problems?
40, though I think I have had it for 10 years
3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
30
4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns, someone else's,
or... ??
just to learn more about other's experiences
5. Were you actively looking for more information about thyroid-related health,
or did you just come across this group?
actively seeking thyroid info
6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
no concerns.
7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read here?
learned about T3
8. If you have hypothyroidism:
a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
I feel pretty good with my current TSH, so I believe to feel good it should be
below 1.5
b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to eliminate your hypo
symptoms?
It wasn't so I asked for T3
c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a difference for you?
It made a huge difference! I have so much energy now & less leg cramping
9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read here?
It's OK. I find most of my info on the about.com site & in books
10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did you also
learn from a doctor or another health professional?
I learned most of my info on my own
11. What is your level of education?
nursing school
12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of health
problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
working?
Worked as a nurse in nursing homes & schools. I haven't worked for a couple of
years, but it wasn't due to being hypo
>>
PBirger
>female
>2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
>problems?
>3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
>someone else's, or... ??
>5. Were you actively looking for more information about
>thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
>6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
>7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
>here?
because this group has given me strength to be pro-active where my health is
concerned, something I wish I had discovered long long ago. Doctors do not
know everything and sometimes they don't even have the luxury of caring that
they don't know everything. I have always trusted them implicitly. Unwisely.
>8. If you have hypothyroidism:
around "1"
>b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
>eliminate your hypo symptoms?
>difference for you?
going hyper from too much T4.
>9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
>here?
understanding our thyroid issues than any medical professional out there
because we are all walking in the same shoes (more or less)
>10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
>
>11. What is your level of education?
>12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
>health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
OLAV AULIBRÅTEN
website that virtually all autists are 0 or A (Autists cannot have caseine
or gluten, see www.gluten-free.org/reichelt who is norwegian by the way
also www.advimoss.no/default.htm) and
http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/library/weekly/aa040700a.htm
about a connection between celiac and thyroid antibodies.
Why 0 and A should not have wheat? A simple urine test. They have tested a
lot of foodstuffs see
http://home.online.no/~dusan/ER4YT/FoodLists.html
Dr Mercola also supports this theory.
Nora
"WyrdWoman" <wyrd...@SPAMcarolina.rr.com> skrev i melding
news:VbQk6.95239$k8.22...@typhoon.southeast.rr.com...
OLAV AULIBRÅTEN
say.
"Mary MacTavish" <ma...@removeleftoftheWwrexham.net> skrev i melding
news:3a9ade95....@nntp3.tsoft.net...
Steph
> Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
> 1. What is your gender?
Female
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
29 (I'm 30 now)
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
Not sure
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
My own concerns
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
Actively looking for information
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
What it meant to have a thyroid problem, especially in relation to
weight (I'm overweight)
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
Health has not changed, but I feel much more knowledgeable and have a
better understanding of what symptoms to watch out for
>
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
>
Not applicable - I have a goitre, and elevated T3 levels/undetectable
TSH, but normal T4. I'm not on any medication.
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
Excellent - the majority of posters are very well informed and
supportive to others (I have been lurking here for some time now)
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Only the basics of the role of TSH, T4 and T3 and possible long-term
complications of hyperthyroidism.
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
Masters degree in Mathematics/Engineering
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
I'm a research assistant at a UK university
Lynne
1. What is your gender?
2. How old were you when you were first
diagnosed with thyroid problems?
..41...
3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
..Probably in my early thirties...
4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns, someone
else's, or... ??
..my own health...
5. Were you actively looking for more information about thyroid-related
health, or did you just come across this group?
..looking for answers...
6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
..how thyroid disease would affect my life...
7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read here?
..my attitude is much more positive...
8. If you have hypothyroidism:
a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
..last TSH was 16 and still dropping...
b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to eliminate your
hypo symptoms?
..not sure yet...
c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a difference for
you?
..N/A...
9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read here?
..mostly very accurate...
10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did you
also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
..I have a wonderful GP who is well informed, so I would say around
98%...
11. What is your level of education?
..trade school...
12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
working?
..real estate agent...
Valkyrie J. Liles
> Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
> 1. What is your gender?
>
Female
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
>
27
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>
16
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
>
My own
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
>
I was searching!
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
>
Learning what Graves disease meant, how to cope with it, and to talk to
realy people who have experienced the same problems
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
>
I am certainly more proactive in my own recovery, happier because of the
support, and feel less alone.
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
>
For the most part, supportive and excellent. I also haven't felt too
nervous about posting.
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
>
None, my doctor told me I had Graves Disease, shoved a pamphlet and a
prescription in my hand and said: "see you in 6 weeks"
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
>
2 years college ( I dropped out for a job)
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
Computers
so0u0077
1. What is your gender?
2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
problems?
*18 years old
3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
*15 years old
>4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
someone else's, or... ??
*My health Concerns
5. Were you actively looking for more information about
thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
*I was activly looking for more thyroid Info
6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
* The fact that even though i was takeing my meds i was still feeling
really ill. The hearing loss and continued fatigue were kinda worring.
7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
here?
* I have become more informed so that means that i was able to talk to the
doctor better and get her to up my dose .. it is starting to help
although i still feel kinda crap
8. If you have hypothyroidism:
a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
* 150 mg
b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
eliminate your hypo symptoms?
* I do not think so as i stil have them
c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
difference for you?
9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
here?
*It is very good.. sound advice.
10.How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
* They confirmed what i learnt on the ng but only after i brought it up -
i was pretty cluless before i came here.
11.What is your level of education?
* I am curently rewading Sociology at theuni of Liverpool UK. I have 5
A-levels at grade A.
12.What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
working?
*I am a student so i do not work
Roy Candler
wrote:
>Who are we? Why did we come here? What works for us? The answers
>to these questions may serve more than general interest. We go to
>our doctors telling them what we read here, and it's often
>dismissed because they see us as just a bunch of people on the
>Internet. Perhaps if we could paint a clearer picture of
>ourselves, (some) doctors might realize that we merit being
>listened to, especially when we're saying some of the same things
>in great numbers. Even if they don't listen, let's enjoy finding
>out what we have in common.
Good idea, and I've sent in my answers. What, I wonder, will you be
doing with the results? Seems to me like you could have the makings
of a very useful database (for want of a better word) there.
Roy
Roy Candler
wrote:
>Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
>1. What is your gender?
Male
>2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
>problems?
41- hyper (only took a couple of visits to Dr and a blood test)
>3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
41
>4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
>someone else's, or... ??
Curiosity, and involvement with local thyroid self-help group
>5. Were you actively looking for more information about
>thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
Actively looking
>6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
The fact that many people on treatment are not feeling well
>7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
>here?
N/A, I'm OK. Hyper -> RAI -> athyroid ->T4 for the past 16 yrs.
>8. If you have hypothyroidism:
>a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
DIdn't ask until 2 yrs ago. Results then showed TSH suppressed. Doc
happy with that, me too (may have been false reading, though, as taken
2 hrs after daily dose of T4). Latest results not in yet.
>b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
>eliminate your hypo symptoms?
Yes
>c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
>difference for you?
Not tried, as no apparent need
>9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
>here?
Mostly, very good - and if anyone does post dodgy info, there are
enough knowledgeable folk to deal with it.
>10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
>you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Little, if any. BTF newsletters, Joan Gomez "Coping with thyroid
problems" (the sufferer's Bible), Thyroid UK information pack, all
helped.
>11. What is your level of education?
Two A-levels, one at age 17, the other at age 50 (late developer?)
>12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
>health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
>working?
Customer service engineer, since 1965.
Roy
Mary MacTavish
<nora...@c2i.net> said:
>B should only eat white bread as lecthins in the bran are harmful to B they
>say.
Who are "they" who are saying this?
I know I feel physically much better when I eat whole grains.
DEG
Lois <no....@infoserve.net> wrote in article
<bzFk6.164$5R2.11...@news1.van.metronet.ca>...
> Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
> 1. What is your gender? F
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems? 47
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started? 36
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ?? My own situation and drive to learn more, more,
more, more
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group? Actively
seeking
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Graves, long term implications
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here? Not at all - yet
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here? Fair to excellent
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional? Not much,
unless you include abstracts from medical journals, which I peruse
endlessly
>
> 11. What is your level of education? some college
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working? negotiate contract terms and conditions with suppliers
>
>
>
Lois
: 1. What is your gender?
Female.
: 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
problems?
38.
: 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
About 12, but they started getting worse when I was about 35.
: 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
: someone else's, or... ??
My health concerns.
: 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
: thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
I was new to the Internet, and I just came across this group.
: 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came
here?
Fatigue.
: 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
: here?
Because I learned here that the current TSH range is far too wide,
I pushed for thyroid meds when my TSH was around 4. Because of
what I'd read here about T3 (and because I learned here that all
the synthetic T4 meds have lactose as a filler, and I'm severely
lactose intolerant), I insisted on desiccated thyroid right from
the beginning. Without this group, I probably would've had to wait
for a few more years for my thyroid to get even worse before
getting meds, and then I would've had problems with synthetic T4
because it contains lactose (but I wouldn't have known that, and I
might have thought that I was reacting to the T4 itself), and who
knows where I'd be now.
: 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
: a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel
well?
Just below 1 works best for me.
: c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
: difference for you?
When I increase my dose, I notice the effects of T3 within minutes
of taking my meds, and if I delay taking my meds, I feel hypo
later in the day. I need T3.
: 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you
read here?
Overall, excellent. If anything is posted that can be questioned,
it is questioned by the more knowledgeable people here.
: 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions
did you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
I learned very little from my GP. My internist explains things,
but he often starts an explanation and then says, "But you
probably already know that." (That's a compliment to this group.)
: 11. What is your level of education?
A university degree (a BFA) plus teaching courses.
: 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because
of health problems, what was your job/profession before you
stopped working?
I'm a teacher and a sometimes writer, and I'm getting into editing
as well.
Lois
Lois
: Good idea, and I've sent in my answers. What, I wonder, will
you be
: doing with the results? Seems to me like you could have the
makings
: of a very useful database (for want of a better word) there.
I've been thinking about that after seeing all the great
responses. A database would help with some questions, but not all.
I'd like to compile something like the flwg:
-----
"X% are women; X% are men. [Men are underrepresented in the survey
so far, but some regulars of the male variety haven't joined in.]
The average age when people were diagnosed with thyroid problems
was X, while the average age that the symptoms started was X. The
gap between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was from X to X
years, with most (?) people being diagnosed with a year or so.
Just about everyone was actively looking for health info for
themselves. Some of the biggest health concerns that brought
people here were X, X and X. Some people's health changed as a
result of this group, while others learned enough to discuss
treatment options with their doctors [expand on this?].
"Everyone (hypo and hyper) who has found a suitable level for
their TSH said theirs needed to be under 2, and X% said they
needed theirs under 1. Of those who have found the optimal thyroid
hormone levels, X% are doing OK on T4 only, and X% found that T3
has made a huge difference for them.
"Generally, people have found the health info here to be quite
good (with the exception of what a few posters post, but people
are capable of deciding what's credible and what isn't). A couple
of people (X%) learned 75-98% of this info from their doctors, but
the majority (X%) were given very little info from their doctors.
[The point of this question was to show part of why we need to
have this kind of NG. Most of us aren't learning much from our
doctors, so we have to look elsewhere to learn about our health.
How dare they put down this group when this is the situation, and
the info here is mainly accurate.]
"The range of education is wide: X% have post-secondary education,
X% have a college or university degree, X% have a Master's degree,
and X% have a PhD. Among the professions represented in this group
are Xs, Xs, Xs and Xs." [In other words, don't mess with us. Just
because we don't have medical degrees doesn't mean we can't think
for ourselves.]
-----
Well, that was easy. Now we just have to fill in the details.
Would you or anyone else like to volunteer? I can do it, but I
have several other projects on the go now, and why not spread the
fun around. It was great to see some lurkers delurk, and you're as
welcome as anyone else to volunteer. We should wait a few days to
compile the details until more people have had a chance to take
part, though. The more people who are included, the more relevant
this collection will be.
Thanks, everyone,
Lois
OLAV AULIBRÅTEN
connection?
http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/library/weekly/aa040700a.htm
Also, Don Wiss has some references to gluten/wheat and other autoimmune
diseases. www.gluten-free.org good pages! He also has a lot about supposed
Fibro but actually being celiac. And some Hoggan archives about
celiac/thyroid.
B and bran is from D'Adamo. Dr Mercola advocates the same diet, by the way.
You can read more about it for example here
http://home.online.no/~dusan/ER4YT/FoodLists.html
Nora
"Mary MacTavish" <ma...@removeleftoftheWwrexham.net> skrev i melding
news:3a9567af....@nntp3.tsoft.net...
Kevin G. Rhoads
>1. What is your gender?
Male
>2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
>problems?
8
>3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
7
>7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
>here?
NEJM article Feb 1999 (pointer to from a.s.t.) finally pushed
MD to try T3/T4 combo.
>8. If you have hypothyroidism:
>c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
>difference for you?
Dramatic.
>11. What is your level of education?
presently in 7th grade
>12. What is your job/profession?
Middle school student.
Answering for my son, Thomas
--
Kevin G. Rhoads, Ph.D. (The Cheshire Cat for official Internet mascot.)
kgrhoads@NO_SPAM.alum.mit.edu
ElaineP
> Well, that was easy. Now we just have to fill in the details.
> Would you or anyone else like to volunteer? I can do it, but I
> have several other projects on the go now, and why not spread the
> fun around. It was great to see some lurkers delurk, and you're as
> welcome as anyone else to volunteer. We should wait a few days to
> compile the details until more people have had a chance to take
> part, though. The more people who are included, the more relevant
> this collection will be.
>
> Thanks, everyone,
> Lois
I can do it. I do want to wait a few days for more responses, especially
from the guys. Hey guys come one and play!
--
Elaine
remove spamfree to e-mail me
Mary MacTavish
<nora...@c2i.net> said:
>Have you read Mary's article about the celiac/ autoimmune Thyroid
>connection?
>http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/library/weekly/aa040700a.htm
From Mary's page:
"The researchers studied 172 patients with autoimmune thyroid disease,
and two control groups, and found that the 3.4% of patients with
autoimmune thyroiditis had celiac disease, and the prevalence was only
0.6% and 0.25% among the control groups."
Though the difference between the people with thyroid disease and the
control group is enough to be significant, that 3.4% of the people
with autoimmune thyroiditis had celiac disease means that 96.4% did
not.
There's an obvious correlation, but it would have to be a lot higher
than that for me to worry.
>Also, Don Wiss has some references to gluten/wheat and other autoimmune
>diseases. www.gluten-free.org good pages! He also has a lot about supposed
>Fibro but actually being celiac. And some Hoggan archives about
>celiac/thyroid.
>B and bran is from D'Adamo. Dr Mercola advocates the same diet, by the way.
>You can read more about it for example here
>http://home.online.no/~dusan/ER4YT/FoodLists.html
I still can't find any hard science supporting those. I'll keep my
eyes open.
Mary MacTavish
<kgrh...@NoSpam.alum.mit.edu> said:
>>7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
>>here?
>NEJM article Feb 1999 (pointer to from a.s.t.) finally pushed
>MD to try T3/T4 combo.
I want to convince my doctor to try the combo. I'd appreciate any
authoritative information you can point me to -- you meaning *anyone*!
;) -- supporting the efficacy of this plan, especially in helping with
connective tissue pain.
s.holland2
> Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
Female
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
43yrs
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
3 months previously aged 42 yrs
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
Own because there is not much info available re: Graves in my local
library
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
Actively looking
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Not really a health concern, just didn't feel in control of what was
happening
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
No change yet
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
>
N/A
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
Mostly good, though it can be confusing sorting out Hypo from Hyper
sometimes
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
None
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
>
'O' level standard (UK) + some adult education
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
>
Voluntary foster home for a Cat Rescue Charity, prior to dx clerical
assistant (sales. purchasing and estimating for an electronics
company)
>
Shirley
ElaineP
"Mary MacTavish" <ma...@removeleftoftheWwrexham.net> wrote in message
news:3a97a706...@nntp3.tsoft.net...
> On Thu, 22 Feb 2001 13:38:56 -0800, "Kevin G. Rhoads"
> authoritative information you can point me to -- you meaning *anyone*!
> ;) -- supporting the efficacy of this plan, especially in helping with
> connective tissue pain.
Bringing Dr. Arem's "The Thyroid Solution" and pointing to the chapter on
combo therapy, and the NEJM article to my doctor helped. Also see
http://thyroid.about.com/library/ast/bl-t3refs.htm - it's a compilation of
T3 references. Good Luck!
JeanC
>Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
>1. What is your gender?
Female
>2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
>problems?
35
>3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
33..34? i can't say for sure
>4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
>someone else's, or... ??
my health concerns
>5. Were you actively looking for more information about
>thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
Actively looking for information on thyrroid related health
>6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Graves' Disease
>7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
>here?
For the positive with the information I found from others who are
living with the disease
>8. If you have hypothyroidism:
>a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
>b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
>eliminate your hypo symptoms?
>c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
>difference for you?
not applicable
>9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
>here?
Very good
>10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
>you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Not much, i found most of my info in books, websites and support groups
>11. What is your level of education?
College graduate
>12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
>health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
>working?
Currently employed as a library assistant
JeanC
"To lose confidence in one's body is to lose confidence in oneself"
Simone de Beauvoir
http://www.uidaho.edu/~bjcraw/
Lisa Kool
>
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>
fit. Last 6 months--heavily symptomatic
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
Mine
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
> Did a search on "Thyroid" and here you are
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
> I wanted to see how well everyone's meds are dealing with their
symptoms, and what to expect in the long run from Hashi's/Hypo
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
-Only been on Levoxyl two weeks...but *mental* health is certainly looking
up!
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
I'll certainly make it my business to find out!
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
We'll see
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
> Well, I really come for support and commiseration , but I do check out
many of the offered links. Some are better than others. (Hedge hedge)
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
None, but I didn't really ask. I do my own research.
> 11. What is your level of education?
BS
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
>
> Hospital staff pharmacist. So, I feel like a dope for not catching on to
my own disease earlier...been heavily symptomatic for about 6 mos, but
chalked it up to depression (my dad just died suddenly). Read just recently
that a sudden emotional shock, like a divorce (nope) or a death in the
family (hmm...) can make Hashi's suddenly worse. Finally figured out that
depression might make you gain weight, lose your appetite, have horrible
stomach acid, be exhausted, lose interest in life/hobbies, etc...but it
doesn't give you a swollen mass in your neck. -Lisa
Lois
: I can do it. I do want to wait a few days for more responses,
especially
: from the guys. Hey guys come one and play!
Thanks a lot, Elaine. And yeah, you guys, it's in your interest to
participate. If we get the percentage of males higher, we (you)
will be able to refer to this survey when doctors say that
hypo/hyperthyroidism is a women's disease.
Lois
Lois
: >2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
problems?
: 8
: >11. What is your level of education?
: presently in 7th grade
Well, that'll bring down the averages. ;-)
Lois
Jane Arsenal
> 1. What is your gender?
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
34
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>
30
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
>
Mine
Here I'll make this a little easier
--
Tracer i-124 10/17/00 .
Scan and ultra sound 10/18/00 .
DX on 10/20/00 cold nodule on right lobe.
Surgery scheduled for 11/21/00 lobectomy of right side.
DX 11/21/00 TT due to Papillary Carcinoma, 3.0cm x 2.5cm right side
and 0.6cm x 0.4cm x 0.2cm left side.
DX 11/23/00 Chronic Thyroiditis, left lobe and , mild chronic
thyroiditis right lobe
Hypo from 11/21/00 to 01/19/01, nine weeks! Scheduling Screw up!
3 mCi dosage of i-131 (Tracer) for Scan 01/15/01.
TBS Lot's of thyroid activity left in the neck, no mets anywhere
01/17/01
RAI 75.7 mCi treatment 01/17/01
Start Synthroid 01/18/01 0.1mg daily to start.
02/14/01 DX Hypoparathyroid, parathyroids not working since surgery.
(taking Calcium Supliments)
02/14/01 TSH supressed to 4.8 mcU/mL, Doctor will not increase
Synthroid dosage of 0.1mg. (High Normal Range)
New TSH Test mid march to see if level dropped, if not doctor will
then increase Synthroid dosage.
Second RAI due in July 2001.
Margaret Plichta
>
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started? Sort of a mystery, but I
think I have had this on-going now for close to 9 years.
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
I was actively searching, and searched in the newsgroups
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
My thyroid, I was/ am still getting used to the problem.
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here? Well, my attitude is much better, but I am newly diagnosed.
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
Still in progress
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here? This is a great site.
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
I have a good doctor, so although he explained things to me carefully, I
didn't listen too well, and have heard the same good information here.
>
> 11. What is your level of education? 18+ years
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
What haven't I done? I think that hypothyroidism has caused me to feel
minor depression for so long, that it affected the way I worked. I easily
burned out in a high stress job, fled that career and completely went in
another less-stressful direction, which I eventually hated, tried several
other jobs and was so lethargic I just didn't care anymore. I got to the
point where I couldn't imagine getting up in the morning and going to work
every day--it seemed like such a boring chore. I wondered what was wrong
with me, seriously thought about getting some counseling, because I thought
I was lazy and that guilt over being lazy was killing me. I just got a new
job, which led to a pre-employment physical and they discovered the nodule
on my thyroid. I work in the government now.
>
>
Repairman
> >1. What is your gender? Male
> >
> >2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid problems?
> >
> >3. How old were you when the symptoms started? 43
> >
> >4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
have much faith/trust in today's McDoctors
> >
> >5. Were you actively looking for more information about
for groups for a source of honest feedback
> >
> >6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here? Was I
crazy in feeling so lousy, Doc wasn't reassuring.
> >
> >7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read here? An
educated patient is more likely to recieve truthfull info from the Dr. and
better treatment, I have so far.....
> >
> >8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> >a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
> >b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> >eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> >c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
that is skin started to improve & joint pain lessened. Sleep apnea went away
also
> >
> >9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
the same boat as me and if I should try their ideas.......Mostly good info.
& sources for info. . Gave me hope that I may get very close to feeling
normal again, or at least close to normal. Since I'm feeling better my
lurking time has diminushed as I've got a lot of things to catch up on. A
big THANK YOU to all you dedicated AST folks out there.....
> >
> >10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
from my GP, by the time I got reffered to a Endo. I was able to demonstrate
my concern for my heath & I feel he's giving better treatment as I have
knowledge about my condition.
> >
> >11. What is your level of education? High School
> >
> >12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> >health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
home appliances. I did take a lot of sick time in the beginning as it was
too painful to walk, crawl around on floors, use handtools, etc. but I've
bounced back to 80% of normal.
--
John
"It is said some suffer from insanity, I choose to enjoy it"
Wideman
> ..F...
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first
> diagnosed with thyroid problems?
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns, someone
> else's, or... ??
> ..my own health...
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about thyroid-related
> health, or did you just come across this group?
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read here?
> my health is better because I am better educated and know what to tell the
dr
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
.> .41
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to eliminate your
> hypo symptoms?
> >
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a difference for
> you?
> I believe it does
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read here?
> I think the information here is very helpful . These people know how bad
you can feel. They also understand brain fog.
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did you
> also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
> Very little.
>
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
> some college
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
> Homemaker>
Byron Atkinson
> 1. What is your gender?
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
40
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
It seemd like forever I guess teen years
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
Health concerns Fatigue - unable to wake up alert in mornings, originally
thought the Diabetes was the cause of the fatigue, but even getting that
under control did not help with the tiredness and confusion
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
>
Actively looking
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Tiredness - trouble staying awake weght gain, unable to funiction at times
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
It has yet to change, but it has certinly made me wonder about my current
treatment.
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
Don't know I have not felt well in years
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
Still Hypo
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
Still Hpyo
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
FO rthe most part it is enlighting
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Almost nothing
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
College
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
Engineer - Have not stopped but if things don't get better soon, I will have
no choice, but to stop.
>
Em
> > 1. What is your gender?
Female
> >
> > 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> > problems?
22 ('ish)
> >
> > 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
Not too sure, but probably about 18. Doctor diagnosed it as "stress" to
start with but I demanded a blood test, and to my amazement, I got one!
(family history of thyroid)
> >
> > 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> > someone else's, or... ??
My own
> >
> > 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> > thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
I was actively looking but saw the newsgroup on a website, so I searched
and found it.
> > 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
My overactive thyroid/anaemia.
> > 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> > here?
Not sure my 'health' has changed through reading a newsgroup, but it's
certainly opened my eyes a little bit to UK treatment (or lack of it as it
would appear).
> > 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> > a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
> > b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> > eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> > c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> > difference for you?
Am not "hypo"
> >
> > 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> > here?
Lots of differing opinions which often make you rethink your own and your
Doctors.
> > 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> > you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
I have learned 'so' much here. My Dtr basically never told me anything about
levels of results, expectations or length of treatment.
> > 11. What is your level of education?
Not relevant to my thyroid condition!!
> >
> > 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> > health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> > working?
>
Sales Co-Ordination/Supervisor
> What haven't I done?
I haven't made enough fuss! My Doctor doesn't explain things, does not take
the time to listen to me and is very bias on his own opinions. His idea of
suggesting and explaining that I have surgery was this "The best thing for
you now is surgery. (He gestured to be slitting his throat at this point).
I don't think Radioactive Iodine is the best treatment for you. Yes,
surgery, that's what I'd suggest next. See you again in 3 months." So, I
think, that yes, I need o make more fuss!!! I also need to establish the
link between suffering from anaemia everytime prior to going hyperthyroid.
Kevin G. Rhoads
the MD wanted him back in for another blood test,
"just to be sure" -- before starting him on synthroid.
Lois
: Answering for my son, Thomas
It isn't really clear from the survey questions, but there were 2
intents behind them--a) to show what people with thyroid problems
are really like (when our symptoms started, how long it took to
get a diagnosis, what our worst symptoms are, where we need our
TSH levels, T3 supplementation, etc.), and b) what kind of people
are providing info here.
Most people are in both groups, but Kevin, you fit into the 2nd
category only. You provide a lot of help here, and I think you
should be included in the relevant questions of the survey. What
gets to me is how dismissive doctors can be when patients say they
read something on the Internet, esp. if it's from a newsgroup, as
though we're a bunch of unintelligent losers who have nothing
better to do than to get online and play doctor. Showing that we
come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions, including a
few PhD's, might help dispel this myth.
Elaine, I don't know if deT will be here to participate, but I
think we should include him in the answers that we know for him
(male, diagnosed in his late 30s, has a PhD, geochemist).
On the subject of getting info from the Internet, see my post with
the subject line "Canadian website supports use of T3."
Lois
Lois
: > > 11. What is your level of education?
:
: Not relevant to my thyroid condition!!
I agree. I explained the reason for this question in the intro
post to this thread and in another post in this thread responding
to Kevin. As I said in the intro, feel free to omit any questions
you want to.
Lois
Black Sheep
> 1. What is your gender?
Female
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
61
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
61
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
My own
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
Member of Alt.support.stop.smoking referred me here when I posted about
diagnosis. She too became hypothyroid after quitting cigarettes.
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Couldn't remember what I read, or remember words, or learn anything. And
still very tired although on T4 for 2 months.
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
In spite of Alzheimer like brain if you read the same thing over and over
eventually it sinks in! I learned about T3 here and eventually convinced my
doctor to let me try it. When I got on the T3 my brain came out of
hibernation.
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
No idea. I still felt awful when it was at 1.2 on T4 only.
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms?
It was not.
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
An enormous difference. I am no longer a zombie, I am alive.
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
Mostly excellent. You quickly learn the names of the knnowledgable people.
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
None of it.
> 11. What is your level of education?
University graduate.
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
I was retired before I became hypothyroid.
Dawn
gkraemer
Lois <no....@infoserve.net> wrote in message
news:bzFk6.164$5R2.11...@news1.van.metronet.ca...
> Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
>
>
> 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> problems?
>
> 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
I've had cold hands and feet all y life. Period always irregular. Voice
hoarseness in started at 41. I've become progressively more forgetfull over
past three years. I believe I've always had allergies, but I only diagnosed
that about four years ago. Mitral valve prolapse diagnosed 01/01.
>
> 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> someone else's, or... ??
My own. I've come to understand that I need to steer doctors to proper
remedies.
>
> 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
actively looking
>
> 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
> recently diagnose hypothyroid
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> here?
So far not
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well? unsure
> b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> eliminate your hypo symptoms? not yet (7 weeks on synthroid)
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> difference for you?
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> here?
Most are quite interesting. It's great to see others have similar symptoms.
Alternative treatment ideas are noteworthy.
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
I was given a prescription for synthroid and told it would take at least
six weeks to start feeling better.
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
college grad (bachelors in journalism)
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> working?
Worked in magazine publishing till my twins were born in 1990. Now a mother
of four daughters. I was operating my own small biz teaching people to use
puters plus doing puter upgrades until my energy gave out in summer of 2000.
>
Robert Dillon
find it.
Mary Dillon
rldmld@webtvnet
Kevin G. Rhoads
>1. What is your gender?
Male
Presently 49.8, no signs of thyroid disorders.
>4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
>someone else's, or... ??
Felt that thyroid treatment for my wife's hypo- could be improved.
>5. Were you actively looking for more information about
>thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
Yes -- meaning both.
>10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
>you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
About 10-20%, mostly only the technical stuff
>11. What is your level of education?
PhD in electrical engineering -- specializing in several areas, including
measurement, modelling, dynamics and feedback/control issues. (First
degree in theoretical math, 14 years as a house tutor in one of the MIT
undergrad dorms, 10 years as a full time consultant) part-time faculty
at MIT (teaching freshman vector calc Falls, and differential equations
in spring)
>12. What is your job/profession?
Working full time, advanced development, on ion implanters. (multi-
megabuck precision particle accelerators used to make computer
chips & transistors)
Don't know as much about thyroid as deT (yet, give me a few more years
and I may start getting close) -- but I do know the basics, and enough
about measurement and modelling to know that most MDs don't
know diddle about the problems and issues with those things -- even
though they use them every day. So, re-educating the medical system
one MD and one patient at a time. ;-)
Laura
2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid problems?
27
3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
25; right after starting BCP
4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
someone else's, or... ??
Mine and my daugther
5. Were you actively looking for more information about thyroid-related
health, or did you just come across this group?
I was actively looking for more information when I found this group by
searching the news groups for thyroid.
6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Tired; weight gain; constipation
7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read here?
No more constipation and fatigue; Was working on the weight. Have to
wait until the baby is born now.
8. If you have hypothyroidism:
a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
Below 1.0
b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to eliminate your
hypo symptoms?
No
c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a difference for
you?
Took care of the last lingering symptoms
9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read here?
Excellent
10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did you also
learn from a doctor or another health professional?
I've learned so much more here. All my prior doctors have been number
people and never wanted to think outside the box.
11. What is your level of education?
Bachelor in MIS
12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of health
problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped working?
I am currently a pregnant, unemployed mainframe application programmer.
Unemployment wasn't due to health problems just location. However, the
thyroid definitely effected my job performance when I was working.
C. Scheible
Female
2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid problems?
22
3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
21 (just about 6 months after my ex-husband and I separated--MAJOR
LEAGUE stress!). First symptom to rear it's ugly head was the enlarged
thyroid (about the size of a lemon at the time). Then came the fatigue and
weight gain.
4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns, someone else's,
or... ??
My own.
5. Were you actively looking for more information about thyroid-related
health, or did you just come across this group?
I was researching Thyroid when I found this group.
6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
Fatigue; mood wings; hair loss; weight; dry skin...
7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read here?
I'm a much more informed patient. As a result of information I received
here, I have decided to change doctors. My endo was just NOT listening to
me. He actually refused to run a free T3 test, even though I've had a
partial thyroidectomy.
8. If you have hypothyroidism:
a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
<1.0
b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to eliminate your
hypo symptoms?
No
c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a difference for
you?
Still trying to get it prescribed.
9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read here?
Some of the best on the web!
10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did you also
learn from a doctor or another health professional?
The only thing my doc has ever really told me is "trust me, I know what
I'm doing". Just about everything I know I either learned here, at
thyroid.about.com or from books.
11. What is your level of education?
Business School.
12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of health
problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped working?
I am currently a Community Office Assistant (aka Secretary) at a
(world-wide) non-profit agency.
Twang
Paula Burch <pbu...@condor.bcm.tmc.edu> wrote in message
news:97j1tn$q...@gazette.bcm.tmc.edu...
> Mary MacTavish (ma...@removeleftoftheWwrexham.net) wrote:
> : "OLAV AULIBRÅTEN" <nora...@c2i.net> said:
> :
> : >B should only eat white bread as lecthins in the bran are harmful to B
they
> : >say.
> :
> : Who are "they" who are saying this?
Dr. Peter D'Adamo, who has I think three books out on the blood type diet.
> : I know I feel physically much better when I eat whole grains.
> There is no scientific evidence that people of different blood
> types should eat different types of food.
I don't have the original book, I only have the 'eat right for your type'
book. Some of it makes little sense to me, I admit.
>It's merely a hook
> to base a diet book on. Diet books are a wonderful money-maker,
Well...you could be right. I don't know. Let's put it this way.. you don't
know what the book says, but you know it's not right.
You criticize it, yet you offer no substance.
No offense, but where's your science?
> all the more so if they contain weird and interesting bogus ideas.
> The idea that it is healthier to eat refined bread than whole
> grains is certainly a weird one.
I'm not going to type out the whole book for you here..but the idea is that
certain blood types do well/poorly with different foods.
Here's what I know from experience.
When I eat red meat my gut goes nuts.
That's one thing the blood type diet got right.
When I eat according to the blood type diet, I drop weight.
Something I had trouble with before.
As for the rest of it, I'm still up in the air.
The reasons being: I was put on a candida diet at the same time..between the
two I had jack squat for food choices.
I couldn't possibly tell if the way I feel was affected by glutens, or
lectins or any other damned thing unless I stayed strictly on the diet for a
long time and then sampled and judged reactions,and even then some foods may
cause a reaction soon, others only after consistent eating over a longer
period of time.
For me, the blood type diet may have some credence, judging by the effect,
but the way it was presented to me, the way I was left to struggle with two
damn strange diets, the fact that I changed from syn to armour at the same
time.... things are just a mess.
I will say that his ideas in the book I have are NOT scientific at all.
It seems more like speculation....... but it's supposed to be based on
successful treatment, too.
As I say, I'm up in the air on this one, but I'd like to see more substance
to the criticism, otherwise you're just shouting it down.
thanks.
>
> --
> Paula Burch, Ph.D. ... pbu...@bcm.tmc.edu
> Year 2001 Lunar Calendar - http://www.flash.net/~pburch/lunarcal.html
> Hand Dyeing pages - http://www.flash.net/~pburch/dyeing.html
Lois
: lois, how can I take the survey? can you send it to me or where
can I
: find it.
Of course you can. The questions are in the 2nd post in this
thread. The first post is the intro, which you can read at
http://groups.google.com/groups?oi=djq&as_ugroup=alt.support.thyro
id or www.deja.com/group/alt.suppor.thyroid. Click on this thread,
and then on "Start of thread (oldest)."
Since those posts might not be on your server any more, I've
copied the questions below my name, for you and anyone else.
It's great to see how many people are participating. We have over
40 participants so far--enough to be more than anecdotal. We can
use this to give our group credibility (our backgrounds), to prove
that this isn't just a women's disease (helpful for men whose
doctors say they can't have thyroid problems b/c they're men), to
show that even 8-year-olds can be hypo, to indicate the average
TSH level needed, and to show a high percentage of people who need
T3 to feel well. The fact that it isn't 100% gives us more
credibility, I think. Thanks, everyone. (Pls snip the part above
the line when responding so that the posts aren't unnecessarily
long.)
Lois
------
1. What is your gender?
2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
problems?
3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
someone else's, or... ??
5. Were you actively looking for more information about
thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
here?
8. If you have hypothyroidism (or maybe hyperthyroidism too):
a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
eliminate your hypo symptoms?
c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
difference for you?
9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
here?
10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
11. What is your level of education?
12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
Lois
: > There is no scientific evidence that people of different blood
: > types should eat different types of food.
Twang responded in part:
: No offense, but where's your science?
Kevin once said that you can't prove a negative, or something like
that. My opinion is that b/c there's a gap between scientific
testing and theory--the theory has to be in existence for
scientists to have a reason to test it--and this theory hasn't
been tested scientifically AFAIK, we can't use science to argue
for or against it. Not yet, anyway.
Paula:
: > all the more so if they [diet books] contain weird and
interesting bogus ideas.
: > The idea that it is healthier to eat refined bread than whole
: > grains is certainly a weird one.
I agree with you on that.
Twang:
: the idea is that
: certain blood types do well/poorly with different foods.
: Here's what I know from experience.
: When I eat red meat my gut goes nuts.
: That's one thing the blood type diet got right.
: When I eat according to the blood type diet, I drop weight.
: Something I had trouble with before.
:
: As for the rest of it, I'm still up in the air.
Theoretically, it's plausible to me. For example, my ancestry is
Northern European. For thousands of years, they were hunters and
gatherers, so their bodies adapted to that kind of diet. Then I
come along, influenced by the thinking in my corner of another
continent. I decide to eat a semi-vegan grain-based diet, and my
health goes downhill. I hate the idea of eating animals that think
and feel and that I can be friends with, but I strongly suspect
that my health would be better if I did. (I'm eating fish and some
chicken now, more so than before, but not a lot.) Some people can
do fine on a vegan diet, but how many of them are blood type Os?
We type O's are supposed to eat meat, and Twang, if eating red
meat gives you problems, are you a blood type A? Another type O
person I know feels the same as I do about eating animals, but she
went back to eating meat b/c the difference in how she feels when
eating meat and not eating meat is "night and day."
I'd really like to see some studies done on this theory.
Lois
Mary MacTavish
said:
>People with one auto-immune disease are at increased risk for
>all other auto-immune diseases. This in itself is surely
>sufficient to explain the increased incidence of celiac disease
>among thyroid sufferers. There is no apparent reason, in the
>above statistics, to expect that there is any sort of causality
>between autoimmune thyroiditis and celiac disease.
Yup. There's also a connection between Hashi's and diabetes, and
Hashi's and rheumatoid arthritis. Every doctor I've talked to have
given the tendency of someone with autoimmune disease to develop
another as the reason.
But I didn't know celiac was autoimmune :) Thanks :)
Twang
> : Paula Burch wrote:
> : > There is no scientific evidence that people of different blood
> : > types should eat different types of food.
>
> Twang responded in part:
>
> : No offense, but where's your science?
>
> Kevin once said that you can't prove a negative, or something like
> that. My opinion is that b/c there's a gap between scientific
> testing and theory--the theory has to be in existence for
> scientists to have a reason to test it--and this theory hasn't
> been tested scientifically AFAIK, we can't use science to argue
> for or against it. Not yet, anyway.
OK.
Yes, A negative. Irish ancestry.
Another type O
> person I know feels the same as I do about eating animals, but she
> went back to eating meat b/c the difference in how she feels when
> eating meat and not eating meat is "night and day."
>
> I'd really like to see some studies done on this theory.
I'm going to get back on it as strongly as I did the first month.
That is, I'm going to stop experimenting and instead develop more meal
plans.
Tell you what.. meat stinks. After not eating it for a long time..the smell
of bacon or hamburger just nauseates me.
> Lois
>
>
Tracey
>1. What is your gender?
>
> Female
>
>2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid problems?
>
> 36
>
>3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>
> >
>4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns, someone
else's,
>or... ??
>
> My own.
>
>5. Were you actively looking for more information about thyroid-related
>health, or did you just come across this group?
>
> I was actively looking
>
>6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
>
>weight, fatigue
>
> 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read here?
>
I have a better understanding of what is happening to me physically.
>
> 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
>a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
>
>I don't know yet - only started replacement medication
>
>b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to eliminate your
>hypo symptoms?
>
> I am not sure what my medication replaces. If Eltroxin replaces the T4, it
has certainly helped alleviate some of the symptoms.
>
> c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a difference for
>you?
>
>N/A
>
> 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read here?
>
Excellent
>
> 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did you
also
>learn from a doctor or another health professional?
Frighteningly little from medical profession.
>
> 11. What is your level of education?
>
> Tertiary education.
>
> 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of health
>problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped working?
>
I am self employed.
I was a legal secretary before I was diagnosed and it definitely affected my
work detrimentally, although due to not being diagnosed, I put it down to
emotional stress (our daughter died just about when my thyroid started doing
it's thing / work pressure ( highly pressurised job at the time.
>
Lois
: Tell you what.. meat stinks. After not eating it for a long
time..the smell
: of bacon or hamburger just nauseates me.
I know what you mean. That makes it even harder to think about
eating red meat again.
Since you're moving to a vegetarian/vegan diet, you'll need to
watch your ferritin and B12 levels.
Iron is available from non-meat sources, and men need less of it
than pre-menopausal women do, but if you don't pay attention to
your iron intake, it could drop, and possibly too far. A good idea
might be to get your ferritin level checked now, while you're just
beginning this diet, and get it checked at least once a year. I
thought about this when reading your posts in the "dizzy when
rising" thread--I've had the same problem, and I attributed it to
adrenal insufficiency, but Ted/deT pointed out in the "weird test
results and contradictory symptoms" thread in Jan. that my
symptoms could also be from anemia. Taking iron supplements when
you don't need them is dangerous (look up hemachromatosis), but if
the one-note troll tries to tell us again that we should have very
low levels of iron, I'll point you to my previous response on that
subject. Not having enough iron stores is also a serious problem.
B12 is from animal sources only, including eggs and most dairy
products. It's absorbed less easily if we're hypo, and as we get
older, so it's another nutrient to keep an eye on. If you
eventually go to supplements, a lot of B12 supplements also
contain folic acid or folate, and if you get too much of that,
that can cause other problems.
Ah, life is fun. It took me a long time to understand why Ted
argued against supplements except when really necessary, but I get
it now.
Lois
------
"Now at last I can look at you in peace; I don't eat you any
more."
-Franz Kafka
Twang
> Twang (tw...@dtgnet.com) wrote:
> : Dr. Peter D'Adamo, who has I think three books out on the blood type
diet.
>
> ...But no scientific evidence supporting his wild assertions.
>
> : Well...you could be right. I don't know. Let's put it this way.. you
don't
> : know what the book says, but you know it's not right.
> : You criticize it, yet you offer no substance.
> : No offense, but where's your science?
>
> only ask for any scientific evidence (it's not scientific if it
> does not include proper experimental controls), and point out
> that wacky dietary claims for which there is no scientific evidence
> have a long history of turning out to be false.
I put aside any ideas about other diets, as they aren't in question.
What I wanted to know was this: if you know there is 'no science' to the
blood type diet, then you must know it's premises. I don't know any more
than is in the eat right for your type book.
If you are saying you searched for scientific premises and found none, I
understand. It just seemed like you were saying you had decided without
looking.
> : I'm not going to type out the whole book for you here..but the idea is
that
> : certain blood types do well/poorly with different foods.
>
> It's an idea, but there is no proof of it available anywhere.
Yes.
Except for the testimonials about patients treated successfully, none of
which were named-as I recall.
> What I think is that different *people* (not blood types) may do
> better on one or another of the diets, but it is basically chance
> whether the diet one does best on is recommended for one's
> blood type - chance that may be encouraged by recommending that
> those with the commonest blood type consume the diet that happens
> to agree with a large number of people.
Well, that seems to be reasonable and not reasonable. The Dr.would have to
know he's crapshooting, but figures he's 'the house' so the odds are in his
favor. He recommends a diet, asking about blood type first, that he knows
probably can't hurt, and will address therefore the patients overall
nutritional balances.
If he's right, the patient gets better, if he's wrong... then what?
How successful does the Dr. have to be in treatment comparing to scientific
back up? If I get rid of your headache, who cares if it's voodoo?
On the other hand.. it's not proper diagnosis and treatment specifially
proven empircally to be efficacious, and therefore suspect and possibly
dangerous.
>
> There's no harm (or not much, depending on the recommendations)
I lost 26 pounds in ..what was it.. a bit better than a month.
> in trying the diet for yourself and seeing whether you like it,
> but it is a matter of chance whether your blood type predicts the
> diet that you yourself happen to do best with. I say this simply
> because no reliable evidence has ever been presented correlating
> blood type with dietary needs. Why has Dr. D'Adamo not done a
> well-designed prospective study determining whether people placed
> on the "correct" diet for their blood type were more or less
> likely to like it than those from another blood type? Well, why
> should he? He sells plenty of books without any need for proof
> of any sort. Proving that there is no correlation between blood
> type and dietary needs would be bad for his income, while proving
> that there is a correlation is not required for him to sell a
> lot of books.
Maybe he's got the odds figured that those books sell because the diet works
well enough that nobody has ever objected strenuously.
In which case, science or not, he's got something.
Maybe it's just another case of reasonably benign quackery, depending on the
'authority' of Dr.-hood dominating the patient, and instead of moving the
medicine wagon to the next town, the patient either simply moves on, or
follows the diet, etc. No down side.
I can't possibly know. All I can testify to is loss of weight, and less
stomach problems by far. When I eat meat, especially, those problems return.
I've a tendency to get dizzy standing up, and sometimes seem to have poor
equilibrium. And I've been noticing this esp. late afternoon.
I have no idea...adrenals... not enough attention to vitamin/nutritional
balance.. complications from changing from syn to armour... otherwise
thyroid related...
but yeah.. I see no science and I've heard of no reports on studies so we
don't disagree especially.
Thanks.
>
> --
> Paula Burch, Ph.D. ... pbu...@bcm.tmc.edu
> Year 2001 Lunar Calendar - http://www.flash.net/~pburch/lunarcal.html
> Hand Dyeing FAQ - http://www.flash.net/~pburch/dyeing.html
Twang
> Twang wrote:
> : Tell you what.. meat stinks. After not eating it for a long
> time..the smell
> : of bacon or hamburger just nauseates me.
>
> I know what you mean. That makes it even harder to think about
> eating red meat again.
>
> Since you're moving to a vegetarian/vegan diet, you'll need to
> watch your ferritin and B12 levels.
I don't even know what ferritin is.. I've been taking a B complex daily.
> Iron is available from non-meat sources, and men need less of it
> than pre-menopausal women do, but if you don't pay attention to
> your iron intake, it could drop, and possibly too far. A good idea
> might be to get your ferritin level checked now, while you're just
> beginning this diet, and get it checked at least once a year.
I appreciate the suggestion.
I
> thought about this when reading your posts in the "dizzy when
> rising" thread--I've had the same problem, and I attributed it to
> adrenal insufficiency, but Ted/deT pointed out in the "weird test
> results and contradictory symptoms" thread in Jan. that my
> symptoms could also be from anemia. Taking iron supplements when
> you don't need them is dangerous (look up hemachromatosis), but if
> the one-note troll tries to tell us again that we should have very
> low levels of iron, I'll point you to my previous response on that
> subject. Not having enough iron stores is also a serious problem.
I was thinking about that, too. I'm looking into a multivitamin with Iron
that's decent.
> B12 is from animal sources only, including eggs and most dairy
> products. It's absorbed less easily if we're hypo, and as we get
> older, so it's another nutrient to keep an eye on. If you
> eventually go to supplements, a lot of B12 supplements also
> contain folic acid or folate, and if you get too much of that,
> that can cause other problems.
Thanks again.
> Ah, life is fun. It took me a long time to understand why Ted
> argued against supplements except when really necessary, but I get
> it now.
I'll read more about this and try to see if I can work my supplements out
better.
!
Lois
: I don't even know what ferritin is.. I've been taking a B
complex daily.
(Lois)
: > Not having enough iron stores is also a serious problem.
:
: I was thinking about that, too. I'm looking into a multivitamin
with Iron
: that's decent.
Ferritin is the level of iron stores in your body. You might not
need more iron. If you find out what it is now and you're not
anemic, and if you get it checked down the road and it's gone down
a lot, you'll be able to see what it was when you changed your
diet. Unless you know that you need more iron, I suggest an
iron-free multi-vitamin. That's what my naturopathic doctor
recommends (for most people, not for me).
If you don't eat meat, you also have to pay attention to the
amount of protein in your diet. When I moved towards a vegan diet,
I read that we don't need nearly as much protein as most people
eat, so I didn't worry about it, but while it could be a
coincidence, my hypo symptoms got worse at around the time I
changed my diet. Protein is needed for the thyroid hormones to
work properly. There are lots of great non-animal protein sources,
but it takes planning to make sure they're in your diet.
Lois
OLAV AULIBRÅTEN
http://www.gluten-free.org/hoggan/
and other gluten-free links at www.gluten-free.org
Nora
"Twang" <tw...@dtgnet.com> skrev i melding
news:vtmn6.54$wz1...@newsfeed.slurp.net...
OLAV AULIBRÅTEN
Twang
Lois <no....@infoserve.net> wrote
> If you don't eat meat, you also have to pay attention to the
> amount of protein in your diet. When I moved towards a vegan diet,
> I read that we don't need nearly as much protein as most people
> eat, so I didn't worry about it, but while it could be a
> coincidence, my hypo symptoms got worse at around the time I
> changed my diet. Protein is needed for the thyroid hormones to
> work properly. There are lots of great non-animal protein sources,
> but it takes planning to make sure they're in your diet.
>
> Lois
Now that I've decided to pay stricter attention to what I eat, I find that
protein is the biggest hassle. thanks a lot... I appreciate the help.
Twang
OLAV AULIBRÅTEN <nora...@c2i.net> wrote in message
news:IFKn6.4$Bc2...@juliett.dax.net...
Monica Drake
"Twang" <tw...@dtgnet.com> wrote in message
news:IyFn6.159$T92....@newsfeed.slurp.net...
Good morning guys (gals). I absolutely refuse to jump into this discussion
since I havent read the book or given the whole premise much thought. I did
want to say one thing though, regarding the following:
>>I lost 26 pounds in ..what was it.. a bit better than a month.>>
It is 100% totally, absolutely, scientifically IMPOSSIBLE to lose 26 pounds
of fat in less then 2 months. What was lost was 26 pounds of weight which
factually MUST have been mostly water retention and muscle/tissue in
addition to just a bit of fat. If you eat correctly and exercise optimally
then a FAT loss of 1-2 pounds a week is possible (possible, not guaranteed
mind you). Just want to point that out because losing massive amounts of
weight rapidly can be dangerous. High protein diets (which I am on a
modified version of myself - just so no-one thinks I am slamming it) causes
water to be pulled from the tissues which results in an immediate loss of an
impressive amount of pounds. It is just water though. I lost 10 pounds in
two weeks when I first started the high protein diet and was glad to see it
go, it was water that I was more then ready not to haul around anymore. But,
it's important to remember that the goal is not to be as light as a feather
but to get the total body fat % down to the healthy range of 22-25%. You
cannot lose FAT by dieting alone, only two things burn fat.... building
muscle and aerobic exercise. If you check out this website:
http://www.healthcentral.com/cooltools/CT_Fitness/bodyfat1.cfm you can
calculate your body fat % and see if you are in the healthy range. Remember
that you can have two women, both 5'4" and both weigh 125 pounds but one is
lean and musclular and healthy and size 6 and the other is soft and flabby
and size 16 and waiting for a heart attack. Keeping track of your
measurements is a better way to measure progress then by getting on a scale.
Women gain weight starting at the bottom and moving up, so a chart showing
upper arm, waist, hips, thighs and calfs will show healthy changes from
month to month.
That's it, lecture over {grin}. I just get crazy when I see/hear women going
on about losing massive amounts of weight really fast. And remember that the
fast you lose, the faster your body will regain the second you go off the
diet.
Rissa
Twang
Monica Drake <erd...@idirect.com> wrote in message
news:bzQn6.55315$Ki.2...@quark.idirect.com...
>
> "Twang" <tw...@dtgnet.com> wrote in message
> news:IyFn6.159$T92....@newsfeed.slurp.net...
> >
> > Paula Burch <pbu...@condor.bcm.tmc.edu> wrote in message
>
> Good morning guys (gals). I absolutely refuse to jump into this discussion
> since I havent read the book or given the whole premise much thought. I
did
> want to say one thing though, regarding the following:
>
> >>I lost 26 pounds in ..what was it.. a bit better than a month.>>
>
> It is 100% totally, absolutely, scientifically IMPOSSIBLE to lose 26
pounds
> of fat in less then 2 months. What was lost was 26 pounds of weight which
> factually MUST have been mostly water retention and muscle/tissue in
> addition to just a bit of fat.
I can believe that, I'm weak as a cat.
If you eat correctly and exercise optimally
> then a FAT loss of 1-2 pounds a week is possible (possible, not guaranteed
> mind you). Just want to point that out because losing massive amounts of
> weight rapidly can be dangerous.
I thought so, too. But it didn't seem to bother the Dr.
High protein diets (which I am on a
> modified version of myself - just so no-one thinks I am slamming it)
causes
> water to be pulled from the tissues which results in an immediate loss of
an
> impressive amount of pounds. It is just water though.
I ate only rice and vegetables for the whole time.
I lost 10 pounds in
> two weeks when I first started the high protein diet and was glad to see
it
> go, it was water that I was more then ready not to haul around anymore.
But,
> it's important to remember that the goal is not to be as light as a
feather
> but to get the total body fat % down to the healthy range of 22-25%. You
> cannot lose FAT by dieting alone, only two things burn fat.... building
> muscle and aerobic exercise.
That was my usual approach.
Hell.. I was only 187 lbs fully dressed, inc. winter coat, to start with.
Now my pants fall off.,
If you check out this website:
> http://www.healthcentral.com/cooltools/CT_Fitness/bodyfat1.cfm you can
> calculate your body fat % and see if you are in the healthy range.
I've used that before, I've always been in the healthy range.
Remember
> that you can have two women, both 5'4" and both weigh 125 pounds but one
is
> lean and musclular and healthy and size 6 and the other is soft and flabby
> and size 16 and waiting for a heart attack. Keeping track of your
> measurements is a better way to measure progress then by getting on a
scale.
> Women gain weight starting at the bottom and moving up, so a chart showing
> upper arm, waist, hips, thighs and calfs will show healthy changes from
> month to month.
I'm male, but I get the gist.
> That's it, lecture over {grin}. I just get crazy when I see/hear women
going
> on about losing massive amounts of weight really fast. And remember that
the
> fast you lose, the faster your body will regain the second you go off the
> diet.
>
> Rissa
I appreciate the help. I don't plan on going off the diet, as it's
maintained that I am allergic to a lot of foods..suddenly.
take care.
Lois
: Now that I've decided to pay stricter attention to what I eat, I
find that
: protein is the biggest hassle. thanks a lot... I appreciate the
help.
Here are some tips for adding non-animal protein to your diet.
- Keep bags of nuts and seeds on hand for snacks or to mix in with
other food. Sesame seeds, cashews, and sliced almonds sometimes go
well in a stir-fry. Sunflower seeds and walnuts are good in some
salads.
- Almond butter and tahini are my favourite spreads for crackers
and rice cakes. They are the protein snacks I crave when I feel a
hypoglycemic episode coming on.
- Chick peas (garbanzo beans) go well with pasta, rice and other
grains. Keep cans of them on hand, or cook a batch at a time,
freeze it, and take out a handful to throw into whatever you're
cooking.
- TVP (textured veg. protein) is also easy to add to a number of
dishes. It's made from soy, which some hypo people can't tolerate
it, but I eat it in small amounts.
- Soy cheese can be grated over vegetables or other dishes. I use
it to make sauces too.
- Kamut (a grain) is not a complete protein, but it's high
protein. Kamut pasta is available at most health food stores.
- Quinoa is a complete protein grain that looks like cous-cous,
but has a stronger taste. Be sure to use spices with it to enhance
the taste, which isn't all that good by itself. (A recipe booklet
might be included in the box.)
- Collect legume/grain combo recipes that you like (there are lots
of them out there), make a batch on the weekend, and freeze most
of it. Then you'll have a meal available when you're too tired or
busy to cook.
- Have packaged "add water" mixes containing legumes (available at
health food stores) on hand.
Happy eating,
Lois
Twang
Lois <no....@infoserve.net> wrote in message
thanks.. I'll figure out which of these I can have and I'm sure it will help
a great deal.
Hazel Az
How old are you now?
I'm 43..
Hazel Az
"s.holland2" <s.hol...@ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:ztyl6.17554$5n4.3...@news6-win.server.ntlworld.com...
> Lois <no....@infoserve.net> wrote in message
> news:bzFk6.164$5R2.11...@news1.van.metronet.ca...
> > Please see the post before this one for the intro to this survey.
> >
> > 1. What is your gender?
>
> Female
> >
> > 2. How old were you when you were first diagnosed with thyroid
> > problems?
>
> 43yrs
> >
> > 3. How old were you when the symptoms started?
>
> 3 months previously aged 42 yrs
> >
> > 4. What brought you to this newsgroup--your health concerns,
> > someone else's, or... ??
>
> Own because there is not much info available re: Graves in my local
> library
> >
> > 5. Were you actively looking for more information about
> > thyroid-related health, or did you just come across this group?
>
> Actively looking
> >
> > 6. What was your biggest health concern when you first came here?
>
> Not really a health concern, just didn't feel in control of what was
> happening
> >
> > 7. (How) has your health changed as a result of what you read
> > here?
>
> No change yet
> >
> > 8. If you have hypothyroidism:
> > a) At what level do you need your TSH to be for you to feel well?
> > b) If you are on only T4 supplementation, is it enough to
> > eliminate your hypo symptoms?
> > c) If you have taken or are taking T3, did/does it make a
> > difference for you?
> >
> N/A
>
> > 9. What do you think about the quality of the information you read
> > here?
>
> Mostly good, though it can be confusing sorting out Hypo from Hyper
> sometimes
> >
> > 10. How much of what you've read here about thyroid conditions did
> > you also learn from a doctor or another health professional?
>
> None
> >
> > 11. What is your level of education?
> >
> 'O' level standard (UK) + some adult education
>
> > 12. What is your job/profession? If you stopped working because of
> > health problems, what was your job/profession before you stopped
> > working?
> >
> Voluntary foster home for a Cat Rescue Charity, prior to dx clerical
> assistant (sales. purchasing and estimating for an electronics
> company)
> >
> Shirley
>
>