Thyroid

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Comment by suej on June 8, 2009 at 8:49pm

Leeta,
Thank you so much for your thought. I too am a teacher but lately I feel like I am falling apart between being constantly tired, in pain not being able write some days. I think maybe you have mentioned some key points in your comments especially about how things are inter-related. I think it might also be important to factor in potential chemical imbalances some of which might either trigger our symptoms or agrievate them. I am too interested in learning the best way to achieve the optimun diet for the conditions we have (notice I didn't say perfect because that may not be attainable) I haen't mentioned the fact that I also have psoriasis (mild compared to some I'm sure) so that two autoimmune diseases and one neuro-muscular. Do I sound like I'm falling apart?

Take care,

Sue

Comment by chyvonneb on June 8, 2009 at 3:51pm

Hi,

I am very sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

You may have read some of my posts in the Dystonia Group. It details some of my medical history. Also, Ellen has written some interesting comments about the connection between Dystonia and Graves' Disease, an Autoimmune Disease that has affected my thyroid.

I have always felt that my Dystonia and Grave's Disease and intestinal issues were somehow related. But, until reading Ellen's posts, I had never read a source that discussed the connections. It was very interesting and disturbing when Ellen and Beka informed me that they, too, have Graves’ Disease. But, it confirmed that some of my theories have not been so off of the wall, as doctors would have you believe.

I know everyone's causative factors might be different. Unsurprisingly, but thankfully, my genetic test for Dystonia came back negative. I believe, and have always believed, that I was medicated improperly for years in terms of thyroid medication and antidepressants. Recently, I found out that I have intestinal permeability and food intolerances as well. I feel that all of these were contributors in my case. However, no doctor will ever acknowledge any of this. But, I know otherwise.

Today, I saw a brief comment on the news about Parkinson's , in some cases, being related to antidepressant usage. You think? Yes, these types of illnesses often have genetic components. But, it often takes something to trigger them (i.e. toxins, medications, allergies, etc.). Since these areas are not greatly researched in connection to degenerative diseases, it often appears that a person "just happens" to get a disease/illness. I don't believe anything just happens. It is unfortunate that doctors are not researchers in the sense that they will take a case and tear it apart in order to determine and acknowledge causative factors in illnesses/diseases.

I have learned a little bit about the immune system through researching and reading. Certain toxins trigger illness/disease in those who have a predisposition. It seems that a lot of doctors do not have much interest or an abundant knowledge about the immune system and what can happen when it becomes weakened or compromised. I think more research into the Immune System would answer a lot of questions and give many clues into the reason some people have diseases/disorders and why others do not (i.e. Autism, etc.). Hopefully, more connections will be made in the future. And, hopefully these connections will lead to cures and ways to prevent these devastating diseases and disorders.

Good luck and God bless

Comment by suej on June 5, 2009 at 8:55pm

I was reading with interest the comments about thyroid problems and dystonia. I have had thyroid problems since 1997 and was recently diagnosed with dystonia. At one point I did ask my dr (several years ago) if there was a relationship between the tremors/ spasms I was having and my thyroid problems they thought I was crazy and said no .... now I beginning to wonder.

Comment by chyvonneb on April 28, 2009 at 1:47pm

I came across this website about Graves' disease/ Autoimmune Diseases.

It is pretty interesting. It discusses possible triggers, etc. Check it out...

http://www.elaine-moore.com/MyArticles/EnvironmentalTriggersandInfluences/InfectionandAutoimmuneDisease/tabid/208/Default.aspx

Comment by chyvonneb on April 26, 2009 at 12:37pm

Hi everyone. I seem to be prolific with my posts (LOL). I am just excited to have found a forum to discuss some of the issues I have been going through. Yes, I have family who is supportive. But, it is really helpful and refreshing to be able to discuss these issues with people who are not only going through it, but with people who are posing questions and wanting help and/or answers.

Anyway, I wanted to know if anyone has read "The Autoimmune Epidemic" by Donna Jackson Nakazawa (published in 2008). This is a very informative book. It is not necessarily an easy read; but, I read a little, put it down, and then I pick it up again.

This book offers insight into the possible causes and effects of Autoimmune Diseases. Some facts mentioned include that, collectively, there are more people with an Autoimmune Disease (i.e. Graves' Disease, Lupus, MS, etc.) than with cancer. The book also offers insight into how diet can possibly play a role in helping to calm some of the effects of these diseases.

In addition, I am glad that the book mentions, "An essential first step for anyone suffering from autoimmune disease is to ensure that his or her gastrointestinal tract is thriving." Chapter 6 ("Shielding Your Immune System: Rethinking Food, Stress, and Everyday Chemicals") is a must read.

Over that past year/two years, after becoming increasingly tired of getting sicker and sicker, I have been really researching information on diet, exercise, etc. in an effort to try and help to slow down some of the negative effects that have occurred in large part due to my Graves' Disease.

Until recently reading/posting on WEGO, I looked at my problems more in terms of Thyroid problems. Ellen S. (thank you) has helped to clarify that I must think of my issues in terms of Graves' Disease (ie. My thyroid was attacked by the Graves' Disease). Although, I (obviously) know I have Graves' Disease, I always focused on the Thyroid as the big picture.

Ellen and all of us who are suffering with Graves' Disease (and related disorders) need to inform many doctors/Endocrinologists that they need to focus on The Disease as well (LOL), because my experience is that this has not been the focus. The focus has been on simply regulating the TSH levels and not worrying about anything else (i.e. symptoms, antibodies, etc.). Hopefully, this will change...

But, I encourage everyone to keep reading and researching. Knowledge is Power...

Leeta

Comment by chyvonneb on April 23, 2009 at 11:09pm

Please feel free to read my blog at http://chyvonneb.blogspot.com/. I discuss my health related issues including Graves' disease.

Comment by Jenn on April 22, 2009 at 4:08pm

I'm here for info.. Ellen and my neurologist put the bug in my ear that my dystonia might be thyroid related.. so Id like to learn more :P

Comment by Ellen S on May 1, 2008 at 4:33pm

Welcome to the WEGO Thyroid group!

We're so glad that you've found us and we encourage you to introduce yourself in the introduction thread which can be found by going to the discussions box above and clicking the link view all. Enter the word "Introductions" into the search box at the top of the page.

All people with thyroid related disorders, and anyone interested in these conditions are encouraged to join in for friendly and compassionate support and information.

Thyroid disorders make life a challenge, but living a healthy and purposeful life is possible, and this is just the place to learn and share your experience!

Adding your diagnosis with your signature at the bottom of your post (ex: Hashimoto's, Grave's or Cancer) will help the reader to understand where you've been and what you've experienced.

Let's get started!

Ellen- Graves, RAI, possible Hashi's

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