General Medicine

» nurseheatherone - Antidepressents

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

Great, thanks!

-- posted by mariammc

» Elaine Moore - New Labs

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

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

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

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

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

» Elaine Moore - Reverse T3 and other questions

Hi,
The FT3 test is a good indicator if one is converting T4 into T3 properly since it measures the available free T3 in the system. Selenium and zinc are needed for this conversion. If these levels are low, conversion can be impaired.
Some people don't absorb thyroid replacement hormone well. Sometimes, taking essential oils like the omega-3's along with replacement hormone helps absorption since thyroid hormone is fat soluble. Some people with hypothyroidism also need digestive enzymes. And studies have shown that people with celiac disease or even mild gluten sensitivity who are eating gluten have damaged villi and malabsorption. They often need to take extra replacement hormone to ensure that enough is absorbed.
I'm doing great on LDN. It's even brought my blood pressure down, which supports the theory that hypertension has an autoimmune component. The book is at the publishers and will likely be out in the fall. Usually, production takes around 10 months. Take care, Elaine

» Elaine Moore - New Labs

Hi Jackie,
I'm glad I was able to help you. Please keep in touch and let us know how things work out with your new doctor. Best to you, Elaine

» Elaine Moore - Please Help

Hi Shirl,

Sometimes, when RIA is recommended, doctors think that removing thyroid tissue removes the antigen stimulus, and the resultant thyroid antibody production. However, this is incorrect. Like most toxic substances, RAI causes the immune system to respond dramatically, and this increases thyroid antibody production. The antibodies and the immune system chemicals produced during the immune response trigger TED.
With surgery you don't have this dramatic increase in thyroid antibodies, and thyroid antibody levels often fall. But sometimes they can rise because the antibodies are produced against the TSH receptor, a protein on many different cells besides thyroid cells.

The goal with TED is to help the immune system heal and reduce thyroid antibody production. It's important to keep thyroid hormone levels, primarily FT4, at least at mid-range. Hypothyroidism needs to be avoided. If FT4 falls too low, the thyroid gland speeds up its activity trying to fix the problem. This causes increased thyroid antibody production. It's important to recognize that TSH is falsely decreased whenever there are TSH receptor antibodies. A low TSH doesn't mean that you're still hyperthyroid. Some doctors get confused by this. Your FT4 is the best indicator of thyroid status when you have Graves' disease. Hope this helps, Elaine