General Medicine

» Elaine Moore - New Labs

In response to New Labs posted by kitykatt:

Hi,
ATD doses are generally based on your FT4 level. With yours being normal, too high of an ATD dose (for you) will cause the FT4 to fall too quickly while FT3 takes it's time falling. A good approach is to use the lowest ATD dose needed to lower levels while making sure FT4 is at mid-range. With FT3 also being elevated, a beta blocker would help to bring FT3 down while sparing FT4.
Your 10 mg dose was likely too high and brought your FT4 down too low. As soon as your stopped meds FT4 start rising back to where it was. FT3 fell somewhat but as I said it takes longer for it to fall into the normal range.
You probably need no more than a 5 mg ATD dose to keep your FT4 at least at mid-range.
You might do better with a GP, Family Practice Doc, osteopath or naturopath than an endo.
There's no rush here. Your FT4 is within range, a low TSH helps keep your levels from rising, and FT3 is falling, which could be from the ATDs or your dietary and other changes. It would be nice if this doctor had given you beta blockers to reduce any cardiac symptoms. Best, Elaine

» Elaine Moore - Reverse T3 and other questions

In response to Reverse T3 and other questions posted by aviano:
Hi Avi,
I saw the bump but not the original post. Can you resend it? I'm sorry to be behind with posts. My book on low dose naltrexone is due tomorrow and I've been rushing to get it finished. I'll be back as usual (daily) starting this weekend. And I'll be posting several new articles next week.

Overall, reverse T3 isn't helpful for anything, although it was 20 years ago before we had tests for FT3. Several naturopaths tried resurrecting this test but there's no reason. T3 is converted to either active potent FT3 or inactive reverse T3. More reverse T3 is made in infants, during bedrest and hospitalization, etc. It doesn't matter how much reverse T3 you have, but it's very important to know your FT3 level. Best, Elaine

» kitykatt - New Labs

In response to New Labs posted by daisyelaine:

Elaine, I can't thank you enough. The info you provided makes sense to me. I truly appreciate it as I felt very anxious about the meds. piece. I didn't want to go into hypo as the weight issue is a concern for me. I already am paying attention to my diet/ exercise and I did not want to go backwards. The old endo called and wanted me to up my dosage to 10mgs. in the am and 5mgs. in the pm. The new endo never called me back. I do have some atenolol from the old endo,but was trying not to take it again, because the weight issue. The cardiac symptoms are probably contributing to some of my not feeling well. I'm thankful there is no rush here.I didn't know. I really don't care for either doctor, and didn't know of my other options. Thank You! GOOD LUCK with your new book!

-- posted by kitykatt

» nurseheatherone - Antidepressents

In response to Internal Racing Feeling posted by daisyelaine:

Hi Elaine,
Thanks for the info. I am hoping that this costochonditis goes away soon, it is especially worse around the time of my period. I was reading an article recently that said something about Lexapro or SSRI's having an effect on the immune system. I beleive it was saying that it stimulates the immune system which I am pretty sure I want to avoid with being in a semi- remission with my GD at this point. Just checking if you have ever heard this before. Lexapro is the only medication I am taking at this time so I just want to make sure it is not causing more harm than good. Also on the subject of stimulating the immune system, I avoided the flu vaccine but am due for my tetanus shot, is this just as stimulating to my immune system, should I avoid it for a bit?
Thanks again, Heather

-- posted by nurseheatherone

» mariammc - supplements

In response to supplements posted by daisyelaine:

Great, thanks!

-- posted by mariammc

» Elaine Moore - New Labs

In response to New Labs posted by kitykatt:

Hi,
The atenolol will very mildly lower thyroid hormone levels by reducing conversion of T4 into T3. More importantly, even at a low dose, atenolol can reduce cardiac symptoms, including palpitations, and help you feel better. At a low dose, atenolol shouldn't contribute to weight gain. It's something to keep in mind if symptoms become bothersome. Best, Elaine

» Elaine Moore - Antidepressents

In response to Antidepressents posted by nurseheatherone:

Hi Heather,
I hadn't heard of antidepressants stimulating the immune system, but considering the nervous system affects the immune system, it's possible. It could also be that the antidepressants modulate the immune system rather than stimulate it, especially if it causes increased endorphins. Immunomodulation would be a good feature.

Vaccines do stimulate the immune system. You might want to hold off on your tetanus vaccine until your condition is stable for a while. Some healthcare facilities require employees to have tetanus shots every 10 years. If that's the case, you might be able to postpone yours a bit. Best, Elaine

» aviano - Reverse T3 and other questions

In response to Reverse T3 and other questions posted by daisyelaine:

Hello Elaine:
Thank you for responding..Below is my original question. I've read some studies indicating that while Free T3 does NOT correlate with manic symptoms, reverse T3 and T4 (can't remember if it was free or total) are in some cases.. One of the things that I'm curious about. I also have a friend that appears not to be able to convert her T4 or get a very good free T3 # going despite also adding in SR T3.
Wow! A new book on LDN! I'll be one of the first to buy it as while I haven't tried it yet, I'd like to more and am interested. How is your treatment going?
Avi

-- posted by aviano

» kitykatt - New Labs

In response to New Labs posted by daisyelaine:

Hi, Thank You so very much. I know it took a bit for me to understand. I appreciate your patience. It's only been three weeks or so since I stopped meds and started the re-dosing, and already I feel great. I,m amazed at how quickly I bounced back, I didn't realize how sick I had become. I'm so thankful you were here for me. I also found a holistic Dr. here, who accepts my insurance.(I'm in ct.) I'm really looking forward to meeting with him. Again , many thanks for helping me. I'm going to continue to read posts and will remain close in case I need more guidance. Two of the most important things you said to me, was that there was no rush , and to consider seeking help from a naturalist or osteopath. I never would have known that I had choices. So many choices. I feel very empowered!! Best to you, Jackie

-- posted by kitykatt

» cowlover614 - Please Help

In response to Please Help posted by daisyelaine:

Hi Elaine I think you missed my other post on here. It explained more of what has been going on with me. Anyway I went to the doctor today first he basis everything on TSH. I just started going to him. He wanted me to see this other doctor for his opinion. I have Graves and they are talking RAI. From everything I have read that isn't the way to go. Also I don't think my eye doc would go along with it. I won't risk the chance of my eyes getting worse lord knows I have went through 14 months of hell with this. One doctor saying one thing and another coming up with something else. I didn't really care much for the other endo's I had seen but both of them said RAI was out with Graves. I have been told Graves doesn't have anything to do with the thyroid so how does getting my thyroid zapped going to change anything. The people over at mediboard have been a big help to me but I am so confussed. I have had so much trouble just trying to get the right labs done at least today he did do the FT4. Can you please give me some input I am at my wits end with all of this!! Thanks so much Shirl

-- posted by cowlover614