PING-Karen (Queen of the Squishies)

Amy, it is quite amazing. The acupuncture I've been getting since Feb. is building in me an underlying strength that I have never had before. It's creating a foundation upon which I seem to be able to rest, and to draw on when I need it. I have a long ways to go, but it has been an amazing journey so far. I am also taking minerals, and Chinese herbs, along with almost daily far-infrared treatments. I'm very pleased. Thanks for asking!

Karen, Queen of Squishies

May I add my own 2 cents worth, since you express an interest in the subject? I have been going to the same doctor now for 1.5 yrs. Unlike Karen, I haven't had any really serious problems - but I had the typical stress, fatigue, weight related problems, lackluster as far as vitality goes. I have to say that, just as I'll never ever return to the traditional approach to piano teaching - I'll also never return to the traditional approach as far as health and nutrition goes. It's easier to get up in the morning, it's easier to teach all afternoon and not be spent by 6 pm, it's easier to say no to certain tempting treats (though chocolate remains an impossible to resist temptation), etc. The doc and I have been working to stabilize some serious mineral imbalances, esp calcium, and to energize my sluggish hormone producing glands, like adrenal, thyroid, liver, etc. and it's working.

Musicmaker

Thanks, gals. the reason i ask is that i've been on synthroid for my thyroid for a while now. couple years, but am still gaining weight. and i could excersize till the cows come home!! since i found out about this, several years now, the fatigue, lack of interest in many things, and sometimes a melancholy (sp?), that almost overtakes me. i know alot has to do with outer issues (job, money, kids, boss, etc) but, wow, i just need something to balance me out. the medicine aint doin' it, ya know? i bought some books on herbal remedies and one on natural healing. i have to read them thru and see if i can convince my Dr. to help me. is that a good way to go? any more suggestions?

amy in CNY

Your key phrase there "balance me out" leads me to suggest looking up a good acupuncturist in your area. That is exactly what they do, and what they call it. Hugs to you, btdt for a long time. Now improving! yay!

Karen, Queen of Squishies

You too.....me too...... I actually went of my meds for awhile. Long story, won't go into right now. Actually lost almost 10 pounds. Yeah for me. Told this to the Dr. and he said that being on Synthroid shouldn't be making me gain weight. Well to the hell with that, then what is might I ask?????? I don't sit around and eat my bon-bons all day. Like you, I can exercise till the cows come home and nothing. Let us know what you end up doing cause I jsut might follow suit.

Cindy from MO

ok, will do. i know the Dr said last visit i may need my meds increased, but really, do i want to go that route? this past week has been torture. cant get focused and have so much to do. i will let y'all know what happens. calling my PCP tomorrow.

amy in CNY

Increased thyroid meds may not be a bad thing. You may be too low and that's why you have the weight and other symptoms. Once you get the meds and blood levels to the correct levels, you should feel better.

Thyroid meds should help you lose weight, not gain. The big weight gain drugs are the steroids and some antidepressants. Are your thyroid meds generic? Some formulas have the right amount of the drug, but not in a way you can absorb it easily. A different pharmacy might have a different company's generic that you absorb better. You also have to take it on an empty stomach, not with iron or calcium- a half hour before or a couple hours after eating at least, and morning preferred in case it makes you a little hyper you can get active and burn off some of the energy. Did your doc order a new thyroid blood test to see if the pills actually did bring up your levels?

If you use a drug store where you can talk to the pharmacist try taking in a complete list of your meds, including vitamins and over-the-counter and herbals all with the times you take them marked in & see if the pharmacist picks up on anything the doc missed.

Going off your meds is pretty drastic, but if they aren't helping you where is your motivation to take them?

Jane in NE Ohio