The Isocort didn't last. I decided it wasn't doing anything and quit taking it. I had a doctor's appointment about a week ago and my doctor agreed to let me try Hydrocort (oral hydrocortisone) after I told her about my results with the Pupil Test*. She wanted me to take 5 mg. 3 times a day and increase my Cytomel by 12.5 mcg daily. I started the Hydrocort at 2.5 mg once per day to make sure I wouldn't have a "thyroid dump"...but according to a moderator at the Real Thyroid Help forum...I did have a dump. I was expecting a super hyper awful feeling ..but instead it was absolutely wonderful. I had more energy that 1 day then I have had for several years. It was the fastest I've ever cleaned my house. Unfortunately, even though I still feel better on the Hydrocort (up the the full 15 mg a day now), I am not having any more days quite like that. I am sleeping better, feel more energetic during the day, less constipation, the heel pain and itching is gone again. No complaints.
Hydrocort and Cortef are both very weak steroids. They can be taken in doses as high as 30 or 40 mg per day without any of the side effects one would get from Prednisone. The amount taken is only to replenish your body with the amount that your adrenals are no longer making. Most people can take quit taking the hydrocortisone after a few months, which is long enough for the adrenals to rest.
The saliva test for adrenals is the recommended test for adrenal fatigue. The test will show your cortisol levels at different times during the day. My doctor did not do the test as she says she does not know how to interpret the results.
* The Pupil Test (copied from STTM website)
This is called the Pupil test. You need to be in a darkened room with a mirror. From the side (not the front), shine a bright light like a flashlight or penlight towards your pupils and hold it for about a minute. Carefully observe the pupil. With healthy adrenals, your pupils will constrict, and will stay small the entire time you shine the light from the side. In adrenal fatigue, the pupil will get small, but within 30 seconds, it will soon enlarge again or obviously flutter in it’s attempt to stay constricted. Why does this occur? Because adrenal insufficiency can also result in low aldosterone, which causes a lack of proper amounts of sodium and an abundance of potassium. This imbalance causes the sphincter muscles of your eye to be weak and to dilate in response to light.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sensitivities & Thyroid
I've been drinking coffee since I was 18. I love coffee. Something happened though about the time I quit smoking. Caffeine made me nervous, trembly and unable to sleep and I had to switch to decaf which I still drink daily.
Last year in an attempt to discover the cause of my daily headaches I decided to try a Claritin-D. I thought maybe the headaches which only occurred during the fall and winter might be from a allergy to woodsmoke. A half hour after taking one Claritin-D I considered having my husband drive me to the emergency room. I couldn't walk without falling over, I was very dizzy and felt inebriated. I did a quick search on the www and found that the "D" in the Claritin was a decongestant called pseudoephedrine and could cause the symptoms I was having.
In Mary Shomon's book "Living Well With Hypothyroidism" she states "some people with hypothyroidism seem to develop sensitivities to caffeine, to pseudoephedrine. and even natural ephedra, a herb used in many diet and energy supplements".
I also recall having horrible reactions to a diet pill containing ephedra back when I was in my 20's.
Glad that chocolate isn't on the list. :-)
Last year in an attempt to discover the cause of my daily headaches I decided to try a Claritin-D. I thought maybe the headaches which only occurred during the fall and winter might be from a allergy to woodsmoke. A half hour after taking one Claritin-D I considered having my husband drive me to the emergency room. I couldn't walk without falling over, I was very dizzy and felt inebriated. I did a quick search on the www and found that the "D" in the Claritin was a decongestant called pseudoephedrine and could cause the symptoms I was having.
In Mary Shomon's book "Living Well With Hypothyroidism" she states "some people with hypothyroidism seem to develop sensitivities to caffeine, to pseudoephedrine. and even natural ephedra, a herb used in many diet and energy supplements".
I also recall having horrible reactions to a diet pill containing ephedra back when I was in my 20's.
Glad that chocolate isn't on the list. :-)
Heel Pain and Thyroid
I started having heel pain while on Armour and it has continued even when switching to Synthroid and Cytomel. Mine is a pain in the back of the heel (Achilles tendinitis), but others have pain on the ball of the heel (plantars fascitis). Now that I am on Hydrocort (oral hydrocortisone), I have not had any heel pain. I theorize that the Hydrocort is letting the thyroid hormones into my cells while before they were just pooling up in my blood. Other people have noticed their heel pain went away once starting thyroid meds.
It's likely that the edema many complain about is compressing the nerves in the ankles and feet. The Achilles Foot Clinic says that most cases of PF are caused by the genetic structure of a person's foot...BUT other causes include HIGH/LOW THYROID, diabetes, arthritis, collagen disorders, tumors or nerve injuries.
If you do have a thyroid disorder and are suffering from heel pain, try to optimize your thyroid medications and see if the pain doesn't go away.
It's likely that the edema many complain about is compressing the nerves in the ankles and feet. The Achilles Foot Clinic says that most cases of PF are caused by the genetic structure of a person's foot...BUT other causes include HIGH/LOW THYROID, diabetes, arthritis, collagen disorders, tumors or nerve injuries.
If you do have a thyroid disorder and are suffering from heel pain, try to optimize your thyroid medications and see if the pain doesn't go away.
Smoking & Thyroid
I quit smoking in February of 1998...almost 10 long years ago and still have those nicotine cravings. Anybody remember the Satin cigarettes? Boy, I miss those.
I smoked a pack a day for 20 years. I'm embarrassed to say I even smoked through my pregnancy, that's how addicted I was. (BTW - My daugher is healthy, beautiful and in college now.) I think I had a harder time quitting than the average Joe. I went to a Hypnotist, plunked down my $60, left and never smoked a cigarette again...but how I wanted one.. I chewed straws, leaned in close to anyone smoking to take a huge breath of the trailing smoke, I cried. I ended up depressed. If you've ever had the depersonalization, you know it is an awful feeling...one I never want to have again. I was on Paxil for about 6 to 9 months. I gained about 20 pounds during this time. The Paxil did help the depression, but not completely. I imagine I was already Hypothyroid at that time and that my body was crying out for Thyroid hormones and not an anti-depressant. I quit the Paxil cold-turkey , but do NOT recommend anyone else to do this. I seriously thought I was going crazy with the withdrawals.
Even 10 years after quitting, I still have those cravings. Last spring when I went thorough the ordeal with the Armour (taking it without dealing with the adrenal problems first) - I had severe cravings for a cigarette. I sure didn't want to start back up smoking...so instead I bought some herbal cigarettes. Still not good for you, but no nicotine. I buy the Smokin Joes from eBay dealer clovesmokes. The Smokin Joes are made in the USA and not in China like some of the herbals. I liked the Cherry flavor, but that has been discontinued. These are a strong herbal cigarette, but help to ease those cravings. You won't get addicted to these, I was smoking one or two a day or so till I got through my rough patch...now I smoke maybe 2 a month. My husband likes these too. I'm not suggesting you go out and buy a pack, but if you are considering starting up smoking regular nicotine cigarettes again - this is a better option.
Smoking seems to increase the chance of someone having thyroid problems. Quitting seems to sometimes bring out the Hypothyroid symptoms, perhaps because the nicotine masks the fatigue and weight gain that Hypothyroid patients often experience.
A good Smoking/Thyroid link
I smoked a pack a day for 20 years. I'm embarrassed to say I even smoked through my pregnancy, that's how addicted I was. (BTW - My daugher is healthy, beautiful and in college now.) I think I had a harder time quitting than the average Joe. I went to a Hypnotist, plunked down my $60, left and never smoked a cigarette again...but how I wanted one.. I chewed straws, leaned in close to anyone smoking to take a huge breath of the trailing smoke, I cried. I ended up depressed. If you've ever had the depersonalization, you know it is an awful feeling...one I never want to have again. I was on Paxil for about 6 to 9 months. I gained about 20 pounds during this time. The Paxil did help the depression, but not completely. I imagine I was already Hypothyroid at that time and that my body was crying out for Thyroid hormones and not an anti-depressant. I quit the Paxil cold-turkey , but do NOT recommend anyone else to do this. I seriously thought I was going crazy with the withdrawals.
Even 10 years after quitting, I still have those cravings. Last spring when I went thorough the ordeal with the Armour (taking it without dealing with the adrenal problems first) - I had severe cravings for a cigarette. I sure didn't want to start back up smoking...so instead I bought some herbal cigarettes. Still not good for you, but no nicotine. I buy the Smokin Joes from eBay dealer clovesmokes. The Smokin Joes are made in the USA and not in China like some of the herbals. I liked the Cherry flavor, but that has been discontinued. These are a strong herbal cigarette, but help to ease those cravings. You won't get addicted to these, I was smoking one or two a day or so till I got through my rough patch...now I smoke maybe 2 a month. My husband likes these too. I'm not suggesting you go out and buy a pack, but if you are considering starting up smoking regular nicotine cigarettes again - this is a better option.
Smoking seems to increase the chance of someone having thyroid problems. Quitting seems to sometimes bring out the Hypothyroid symptoms, perhaps because the nicotine masks the fatigue and weight gain that Hypothyroid patients often experience.
A good Smoking/Thyroid link
Friday, January 25, 2008
Headaches and Thyroid
The last 4 years I have been plagued with chronic daily headaches that lasts through the fall and winter. During those months I had more days with a headache than without. Advil and Tylenol don't touch it, a Darvocet or Vicoden is helpful. The first headache started the day after a fall bonfire, I woke up feeling like I was suffering from the worst ever hangover. I went to several doctors, none had a solution and after several months the headaches would go away and I wouldn't see the doctor again. This year is the first in 5 that I haven't had the headaches (migraines according to the neurologist). Why?? Maybe because this year I started on thyroid medication.
A study found that 30% of patients with hypothyroidism presented with headache a few months after the initial symptoms of hypothyroidism. The headache was slight, nonpulsatile, continuous, bilateral and disappeared with hormone therapy.
Why did I have mine in the colder months? There is a theory that the north wind is to blame. Benzene from the factories can cause headaches, dizziness and pain (brain tumours and leukemia too). Is pollution partly to blame for seasonal headaches?
I think my headaches were caused by the combination of my weakened immune system and Hashimotos along with the change of weather. Hopefully now that I am on thyroid medications the headaches will continue to be a thing of the past.
A study found that 30% of patients with hypothyroidism presented with headache a few months after the initial symptoms of hypothyroidism. The headache was slight, nonpulsatile, continuous, bilateral and disappeared with hormone therapy.
Why did I have mine in the colder months? There is a theory that the north wind is to blame. Benzene from the factories can cause headaches, dizziness and pain (brain tumours and leukemia too). Is pollution partly to blame for seasonal headaches?
I think my headaches were caused by the combination of my weakened immune system and Hashimotos along with the change of weather. Hopefully now that I am on thyroid medications the headaches will continue to be a thing of the past.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Female Problems & Thyroid
I've had PMS problems since the birth of my daughter over 18 years ago. The irritability, fatigue, breast tenderness, bloating and especially the cramping had come to last almost 2 weeks of every month. The cramping always started at ovulation... and it's not the sharp pain called mittelschmerz. It is intense cramping that feels like someone is twisting and pulling my insides - these sensations come and go sometimes lasting over a week.
About 15 years ago, I started taking 1200 mg of calcium daily and that helped significantly for a couple years. It stopped working suddenly and I came to rely on over the counter pain medications. Fibroids were discovered later during a medical exam and they were blamed for the painful cramps. A ultrasound showed several fibroids, one as large as a 3 month pregnancy. I began taking Darvocet at that time. I have continued to take the Darvocet for the cramps for about 5 years. My gynecologist was frowning on my use of the Darvocet which is a narcotic and she threatened to cut my supply off unless I scheduled a hysterectomy. I was having cramps, but nothing else (no excess bleeding) that I felt warranted such a major surgery. Once I was diagnosed with the Hashimotos, she promised to give me some time to see how the thyroid hormones might affect my cramping. Thankfully, the Synthroid/Cytomel combo seems to have lessened the cramping. In the past 3 months I have taken only 2 Darvocet. There is still some cramping, but it is manageable. It's only been 3 months though, so I am trying to not be too optimistic.
What does the rest of the world have to say about female problems and thyroid?
Dr. John Lee has corrected PMS symptoms in his patients by using progesterone cream. Their hypothyroid symptoms decreased or disappeared! Dr. Lee believes too much Estrogen interferes with thyroid hormone - if you have too much estrogen, adding progesterone will solve the problem. Personally I've never had any luck with progesterone cream..but if you would like to read more do a search for Dr. John Lee and Thyroid.
Here is another website that sees a connection between gynecology and the thyroid.
An interesting read.
A google groups writer named Marianna wrote this interesting bit on 6/12/2000
"Hi Mazie,
Wow, I wish I'd talked to you about six years ago.
I have avoided having a hysterectomy by taking T3.
I had terrible bleeding (all the time) and I had numerous gynae operations to cure
it. (four)
Nothing worked. I couldn't have a hysterectomy because I was busy with work and
kept putting it off. It is a major operation and I just couldn't go through with
it. You still sound young.
Then I was told about T3 by this group, and in Three weeks, THREE WEEKS, I stopped
bleeding.
So, at least TRY the T3 before you jump in and have the operation, at least you
will know you tried everything, and really the T3 changed my life."
And finally:
Mary Shoman - trying to sell a book, but some interesting info here anyhow!
Covers infertility and other common female problems.
About 15 years ago, I started taking 1200 mg of calcium daily and that helped significantly for a couple years. It stopped working suddenly and I came to rely on over the counter pain medications. Fibroids were discovered later during a medical exam and they were blamed for the painful cramps. A ultrasound showed several fibroids, one as large as a 3 month pregnancy. I began taking Darvocet at that time. I have continued to take the Darvocet for the cramps for about 5 years. My gynecologist was frowning on my use of the Darvocet which is a narcotic and she threatened to cut my supply off unless I scheduled a hysterectomy. I was having cramps, but nothing else (no excess bleeding) that I felt warranted such a major surgery. Once I was diagnosed with the Hashimotos, she promised to give me some time to see how the thyroid hormones might affect my cramping. Thankfully, the Synthroid/Cytomel combo seems to have lessened the cramping. In the past 3 months I have taken only 2 Darvocet. There is still some cramping, but it is manageable. It's only been 3 months though, so I am trying to not be too optimistic.
What does the rest of the world have to say about female problems and thyroid?
Dr. John Lee has corrected PMS symptoms in his patients by using progesterone cream. Their hypothyroid symptoms decreased or disappeared! Dr. Lee believes too much Estrogen interferes with thyroid hormone - if you have too much estrogen, adding progesterone will solve the problem. Personally I've never had any luck with progesterone cream..but if you would like to read more do a search for Dr. John Lee and Thyroid.
Here is another website that sees a connection between gynecology and the thyroid.
An interesting read.
A google groups writer named Marianna wrote this interesting bit on 6/12/2000
"Hi Mazie,
Wow, I wish I'd talked to you about six years ago.
I have avoided having a hysterectomy by taking T3.
I had terrible bleeding (all the time) and I had numerous gynae operations to cure
it. (four)
Nothing worked. I couldn't have a hysterectomy because I was busy with work and
kept putting it off. It is a major operation and I just couldn't go through with
it. You still sound young.
Then I was told about T3 by this group, and in Three weeks, THREE WEEKS, I stopped
bleeding.
So, at least TRY the T3 before you jump in and have the operation, at least you
will know you tried everything, and really the T3 changed my life."
And finally:
Mary Shoman - trying to sell a book, but some interesting info here anyhow!
Covers infertility and other common female problems.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
