Autoimmune News / 1st Qtr 2003 / Autoimmune Disease News -- Graves', Hashimoto's, Thyroid, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Scleroderma, Psoriasis, Sarcoidosis, Adrenal Problems, Raynaud's Phenomenon, Hair Loss, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Other Conditions

Author: Mary J. Shomon
ISBN number: 0060938196
List price: $14.95 (US dollars)
Published by: HarperCollins, HarperResource
Buy the Book: At local bookstores everywhere

ORDER NOW
Online: at Amazon.com, Iherb.com,
and others
Phone Orders: Call Iherb.com toll-free at 888-792-0028

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Contact Mary Shomon, Author, Editor

Visit Mary Shomon's
Thyroid-Info.com site for thyroid information

If you have a suspected or diagnosed thyroid problem, order Living
Well With
Hypothyroidism, the bestseller in its 16th printing

Welcome to the third issue of The Autoimmune Report, my news and information report on autoimmune disease. This newsletter is copyrighted by Mary Shomon, and cannot be legally reproduced without permission. Feel free, however, to forward a single copy to someone who might be interested in reading the newsletter or subscribing to it in the future.

NOTE: This issue was delayed because I spent the better part of the past few months caring for my mother, who was dying of lung cancer. I’m sorry for the delay. For more information about my experiences, see the “Notes from Mary” section at the end of this newsletter.

SUBSCRIBING/UNSUBSCRIBING/DISTRIBUTION

To subscribe to the email version of The Autoimmune Report, using the address you wish to sign up, send an email to autoimmune-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com

To unsubscribe, send an email to autoimmune-unsubscribe@topica.email-publisher.com

If you have any problems subbing or unsubbing, email me at autoimmune@thyroid-info.com and I'll personally handle it for you) To contribute information, thoughts or ideas for the newsletter, write to me, the editor, Mary Shomon personally, at autoimmune@thyroid-info.com.

ON THE WEB: My Autoimmune Disease home page is located at http://www.autoimmunebook.com. I also run patient information sites on thyroid disease site at http://www.thyroid-info.com and http://thyroid.about.com.

SEND NEWS! If you see something autoimmune-related in the news or on the web, please feel free to let me know, send me a note, or forward the URL to me if it's on the web. My email is autoimmune@thyroid-info.com regular mail is P.O. Box 565, Palm Harbor, FL 34682, fax is: 425-977-1175.

GET THE BOOK: LIVING WELL WITH AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE: Published October 2002! For more information, see http://www.autoimmunebook.com.

DAD'S DIABETES MAY AFFECT NEWBORN'S BIRTH WEIGHT

New research has connected a father’s type 2 diabetes with lower birth weight in his child. This finding adds additional support to a theory that there are genetic aspects to the risk of diabetes and to fetal growth. In the research that looked at more than 8,000 parents, children of diabetic fathers tended to be born approximately 6.5 ounces less in body weight than those with non-diabetic fathers. Research has already shown that there is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for newborns with a birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds, but this was thought to be primarily environmental. But since a father’s diabetes cannot influence the environment of the fetus, researchers assume that this is evidence of a genetic link.

SOURCE: British Medical Journal 2003;326:19-20.

HHS ANNOUNCES RESEARCH PLAN TO FIGHT AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

In January, HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced the release of a comprehensive research plan from HHS' National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fight autoimmune diseases, a collection of disorders including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis that affect an estimated 14 to 22 million Americans. The plan will foster research to identify genetic, environmental and infectious causes of autoimmune diseases and to develop new treatments and prevention strategies.

"Each year, millions of Americans suffer pain, illness and even death as a result of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases," Secretary Thompson said. "This new research plan will guide our efforts to understand the causes of these diseases and how we can better treat and prevent them to improve people's lives." The Autoimmune Diseases Research Plan provides specific recommendations on future research directions and demonstrates the commitment of HHS to continue a robust program of autoimmune disease research. The plan also calls for educating the medical community and the public about autoimmune diseases.

"This plan highlights many unprecedented opportunities to increase our understanding of autoimmune diseases at the population, individual and molecular levels, with a conceptual focus on the underlying mechanisms shared among many autoimmune diseases," said Elias Zerhouni, M.D., director of the National Institutes of Health. "This strategy should ultimately allow the translation of new knowledge into more effective treatments and prevention strategies."

Autoimmune diseases result when the immune system attacks the body's own organs, tissues and cells. Physicians and scientists have identified more than 80 different autoimmune diseases. Some are well known, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and systemic lupus; others are less familiar, such as autoimmune hepatitis, Sjögren's syndrome and pemphigus.

"The social and financial burdens imposed by these chronic, debilitating diseases include poor quality of life, high health care costs and substantial loss of productivity," said Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). "In addition, the majority of autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women, and the NIH is committed to addressing this health disparity."

The plan was created at the request of Congress as part of the Children's Health Act of 2000, and it was prepared by the NIH Autoimmune Diseases Coordinating Committee, a body of government and outside experts under the direction of NIAID. This committee, established in 1998, facilitates collaboration among the NIH institutes, other federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, and private organizations. In developing the plan, the committee analyzed the existing NIH research program and sought the advice of non-federal scientists.

Highlights of the plan include the following:

The Burden of Autoimmune Diseases: Studies will more accurately determine the incidence, prevalence and severity of autoimmune diseases in the United States as well as the number of deaths that result from these disorders.

Cause of Autoimmune Diseases: The plan calls for researchers to identify the genetic and environmental factors that lead to autoimmune diseases and to investigate the relationship between them. Other studies will examine more closely what happens to the immune system during autoimmune diseases. To facilitate this research, new animal models of autoimmune disorders will be created.

Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention: The plan calls for developing centralized, broad-based clinical research centers with the capacity to test potential new treatments and diagnostics with multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary clinical studies. The plan encourages public-private partnerships in creating new treatments. Scientists are also challenged to improve the screening processes that identify at-risk individuals.

Training, Education and Information: According to the plan, new training and career opportunities must be available to scientists considering a career in autoimmune disease research. For physicians, continuing medical education materials on autoimmune diseases should be created to update them on the latest research advances. For the general public, autoimmune disease information will be made available via the internet and ongoing public education campaigns.

Print copies of the plan can be ordered by writing to the NIAID Office of Communications and Public Liaison at the following address: 31 Center Drive MSC 2520, Bethesda, Md. 20892-2520. The plan can also be found in PDF format on the NIAID Web site.

FDA OKS ANTIBODY DRUG FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

In January, the FDA approved the rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira (adalimumab), which is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories Inc. This will make Humira available six months earlier than had previously been estimated. Humira is an antibody, given by injection, that blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein that plays a critical role in inflammation. It is expected to be a competition from other approved anti-TNF drugs such as Enbrel (etanercept), made by Amgen Inc., and Johnson & Johnson's Remicade (infliximab). Humira helps to reduce signs, sympsom and progression of severe rheumatoid arthritis in those who have tried and not responded sufficiently to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Humira is typically given by injection every other week. Enbrel is a twice-a-week injection, and Remicade is given as intravenous infusion. Humira does carry serious warnings regarding the potential of dangeros – even fatal – infections, including tuberculosis. These are warnings that are also associated with other anti-TNF drugs, and patients are typically screened for tuberculosis before being prescribed these drugs. The pharmaceutical company believes that Humira may also have applications in other autoimmune conditions, including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

FISH, FISH OILS, MEDITERRANEAN DIET MAY HELP AUTOIMMUNE SUFFERERS

In Living Well With Autoimmune Disease, I discussed at length some reasons why you should consider eating more fish, and taking fish oil supplements to help with your autoimmune disease. Essential fatty acids found in fish and fish oils are natural anti-inflammatories, and since autoimmune diseases usually involve inflammation of organs, joints, and tissues, these essential nutrients can help ease symptoms in many people. Now, more research supports what I recommend in the book!

A small Swedish study reported on in the March issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, indicated that people who follow a Mediterranean diet – with higher consumption of olive oil, cooked vegetables, and fish – have a reduction in symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In the study, half the subjects followed the “Cretan Mediterranean Diet,” eating large amounts of fruits, vegetables, cereals, beans, poultry, and fish, with very limited red meat and high-fat dairy. The main fat source was olive and canola oils. The people following the diet reported less pain and greater energy, and interestingly, also lost an average of approximately 6.5 pounds.

A December 2002 study reported on in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reported that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids – typically found in fish and fish oils have anti-inflammatory properties and, therefore, might be useful in the management of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer, arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and migraine headaches.

Researchers from the University of Ulster have also found that a diet rich in oily fish, such as mackerel and herring, may significantly reduce symptoms of lupus. The researchers looked at the effects of fish oil supplements, given 3 times a day for 24 weeks. By the conclusion end of the study, those taking the fish oil supplements had reduced disease activity, improved quality of life, far less fatigue, and reported feeling overall in better health than the placebo group. Lead researcher Dr Emeir Duffy said: “ 'From our study and from other work, there is evidence that increasing dietary intake of the polyunsaturated fats found in fatty fish can have beneficial effects for lupus sufferers. Good examples of fatty fish include mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, tuna and salmon.”

SOURCES: J Am Coll Nutr 2002 Dec;21(6):495-505

DRUG MAY TREAT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS, CROHN'S DISEASE

Studies reported on in the New England Journal of Medicine have reported that an experimental drug may be promising in treating two autoimmune conditions -- multiple sclerosis (MS) and Crohn's disease. The new drug, called natalizumab, is designed to interfere with the autoimmune attack on the nervous system that is seen in MS, and the autoimmune attack on the digestive system found in Crohn's disease. In the study of relapsing-remitting MS or secondary progressive MS patients, monthly natalizumab injections reduced relapses by half over a six-month period. Patients had about 90% fewer new brain lesions. The Crohn's patients studied found that two natalizumab infusions increased symptom-free periods among patients who had moderate-to-severe Crohn's. (Natalizumab is being marketed as Antegren by the US drug companies Elan and Biogen). It’s expected that further studies will help establish the potential usefulness of natalizumab in the future.

SOURCE: The New England Journal of Medicine 2002;348:15-23,24-32,68-72.

COMBAT STRESS MAY INCREASE RISK OF AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

As soldiers continue to mount a campaign in the Middle East, researchers have reported that veterans who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder – or PTSD – are three times more likely to develop autoimmune diseases.

Researchers from the American Psychosomatic Society presented results of an as-yet unpublished study which found that Vietnam veterans who served in combat and who had suffered from PTSD were more likely to develop autoimmune conditions, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis and hypothyroidism.

From data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 15 years ago on the veterans in the study, researchers found that as many as 5 percent of the veterans had PTSD. Among those with PSD, 19 percent developed an autoimmune disease.

Rachel Yehuda, director of the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder program at the Bronx Veterans Medical Center in New York, told the Associated Press: "When you are exposed to an extremely traumatic event it affects both your mind and your body."

Interestingly, in a separate study, the researchers found that Vietnam veterans with PTSD were likelier to have abnormally high T-cell counts and white blood cell counts, both of which are evidence of an overactivated immune system.

SMALLPOX INFORMATION CENTER

Find out about the disease, the vaccine, and the relationship between smallpox vaccine and autoimmune conditions, and why you may not be a good candidate for this vaccine. Also, controversies over forced vaccination, and healthworkers who will not give the vaccine.

http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blsmallpox.htm

ANOREXIA, BULIMIA MAY BE AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS

Researchers have preliminarily concluded that the eating disorders anorexia nervosa, and bulimia – suffered by as many as three percent of women – may be autoimmune diseases. Swedish researchers have found evidence that the brains of people suffering from these eating disorders may be under attack from autoantibodies. If confirmed, this information would dramatically change the understanding of these conditions, which have been understood as mental health issues. The Swedish researchers speculated that hypothalamic system in the brain, which controls the body’s regulation of eating, might be targeted by autoantibodies in women with anorexia and/or bulimia. Since a small percentage of women who do not have these conditions appear to carry the particular antibodies studied, there is also speculation that certain stress factors may trigger the disorder in those who carry the antibodies and are thus susceptible. Research will continue into this finding, but the experts have suggested that the findings may suggest that if fully verified, it may be found that obesity is also autoimmune in nature.

DOCTORS & INSURANCE NEWS

10 Signs That You Need a New Doctor
Do you leave message after message for your doctor, and never get a return call? Does your doctor dismiss the Internet as a source of quackery and nonsense? Does your doctor regularly recommend remedies that only he or she sells? Does your doctor sit at his or her desk and read, go through mail, or type on the computer while you are having an appointment? These are just a few signs that it might be time to find a new doctor. Explore these 10 signs, and see if it might be time for someone who can make a real difference in your health.

Dispelling Myths About Health Insurance
One in seven Americans lacks health insurance of any kind. If you don't think this is a serious problem, keep reading, because the risks of having no health coverage are great for both the uninsured and for all Americans.

FIVE STEPS TO PREVENTING MEDICATION ERRORS

Many autoimmune patients take a variety of medicines each day, introducing the opportunity for error. Here is an article that can help you understand the risks of medication error.

Medication errors occur every day, both in the health care setting and at home. Although no medicine is entirely risk-free, you can take precautions to ensure your safety.

In the hospital, medicines pass through a series of steps to prevent possible errors before reaching the patient. This helps protect the safety of patients during their hospital stay.

"Checks are in place at the point when medicine is prescribed, when the prescription order is documented, when the medication is dispensed, and when the prescribed medicine is administered to the patient," says Diane Cousins, R.Ph., vice president of the Center for the Advancement of Patient Safety at the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). "The patient is also monitored to assess any response to the medication-all in an effort to ensure patient safety."

In the home, consumers must make informed decisions on their own about the safe use of medicines. A free brochure, "Think It Through: A Guide to Managing the Benefits and Risks of Medicines," is now available to help consumers safely use medications. This free brochure is available on the Web at: http://www.usp.org/thinkitthrough.

This brochure educates consumers on the five critical steps in making decisions about medications: Talk, Know, Read, Avoid, Monitor. These steps allow consumers to lower the risks and obtain the full benefit from medications.

Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professionals. Keep an up-to-date list of medicines and dietary supplements you use, and always ask questions about any concerns or thoughts you may have.

Know your medicines-prescription and over-the-counter. Be aware of when, how, and how long to use them, what to do if you miss a dose, and whether or not there are any side effects.

Read the label and follow directions. Always double-check that you have the right medicine, particularly if you are refilling a prescription, and never combine medicines in the same bottle.

Make sure you understand the directions; ask if you have questions or concerns.

Avoid interactions. Before starting any new medicine or dietary supplement, ask if there are possible interactions with what you are currently using. Whenever possible, use the same pharmacy for all your medication needs.

Monitor your medicines' effects and the effects of other medications or supplements you use. Pay attention to how you are feeling and write down the changes so that you can remember to tell your doctor or pharmacist.

For a free copy of the Think it Through brochure by mail, contact the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) by writing to FCIC, Department 73, Pueblo, CO 81009; by calling (888) 878-3256 and asking for Department 73; or visiting http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/usp.htm.

Source: NAPSI, February 2003

INSIDE MARY'S MEDICINE CABINET

People are always writing to me to ask "what drugs and supplements do YOU take?" First off, let's be clear...the optimal combination of supplements for you is the one that will work best for YOU. And what works best for me may not work best for you. I've come up with my own regimen with my physicians and health practitioners, after years of trial and error.

Most of the supplements I use are easily available at health food, vitamin and natural products stores. For certain products, I've provided additional information or links to retailers. For most of the supplements, for easy online ordering, I've provided links to Iherb.com, a reputable online herb/supplement/vitamin store that I regularly use.

IMPORTANT NOTE

I do not recommend self-management of health problems. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician or health practitioner before starting any new supplements, vitamins, herbal remedies, or other treatments.

My Thyroid Medication

Currently, I take Armour Thyroid. At various points along the way, I've tried and had periods of success with Thyrolar (synthetic T4+T3), and levothyroxine plus Cytomel, and levothyroxine plus time-released T3. Personally, I don't do as well on levothyroxine alone. But I personally feel best on Armour. That doesn't mean it's right for you, or anyone else. Because the best thyroid medicine for you is the one that makes you safely feel the best, and only you and your practitioner can determine which drug is right for you. For more information read my article What is the Best Thyroid Drug?. For more information on Armour Thyroid, visit their website. (Remember that Armour Thyroid is a prescription medicine, and requires a doctor's prescription.)

Fighting Cold and Flu Viruses

Proboost Thymic Protein

An excellent immune-enhancing supplement that has potent antiviral properties, and may be able to reduce viral antibodies. For more information, see Things That Work: Thymic Protein.

Order Proboost now from Iherb.com.

Sambucol

Derived from the elderberry, this patented extract is a strong flu-fighter. I love this during the winter cold and flu season. I also use the Children's formula for my child when she gets winter colds. (It also tastes terrific!)

Order Sambucol now from Iherb.com.

L-Lysine

Lysine is an excellent anti-viral, and is particularly helpful for fever blisters, herpesvirus, and colds. I start using lysine the minute I sense an oncoming virus or cold, and it helps prevent it sometimes, or at least minimize its duration.

Order Lysine now from Iherb.com.

Royal Cat's Claw Extract

This South American medicinal herb has incredibly potent antiviral properties, and is one of the up and coming wonder-herbs of the 21st century, as far as I am concerned. I can't LIVE without this year round, for infections, stomach upset, colds, viruses, and any time I'm feeling low on energy. I like the extract form, rather than the tea, because it's easier to take, and tastes fine. I will only use Whole World Botanicals for Cat's Claw, because their Cat's Claw is organic, and very potent.

Order Cat's Claw now from Whole World Botanicals.

Daily Vitamins

Daily Energy Enfusion, and B Complex

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD's "Fatigued to Fantastic!®" Daily Energy Infusion is a powdered vitamin formula. When mixed with water, it makes a tasty citrus flavored drink, with vitamins, minerals and supplements that can replace 20 different pills a day! It's a comprehensive vitamin formula for thyroid, autoimmune, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients.

Order Daily Energy Enfusion now from Iherb.com.

B Complex

In order to preseve optimal flavor, Jacob Teitelbaum, MD's "Fatigued to Fantastic!®" Daily Energy Infusion does nfot include B vitamins. The Bs -- which don't taste very good -- are instead packaged separately in a capsule that you can take with your daily drink mix without ruining its flavor.

Order Daily Energy B Complex now from Iherb.com.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a basic around my house. Almost every day, I take as much as 2000 mg (2 grams), usually in a powdered form that I can just mix into my vitamin drink, or into juice. I like the crystals in powder form -- less pills to swallow or chew. Vitamin C seems to really help knock out colds and viruses more quickly.

Order Vitamin C now from Iherb.com.

Hair and Skin

Essential Oils

I like Atkins Diet Essential Oils, which provides essential omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids through a combination of borage seed oil, flax seed oil, and fish oil. Order Atkins Diet Essential Oils now from Iherb.com.

Essential Oils

Enzymatic's Eskimo Oil is a fish oil capsule that is particularly fresh, with one key benefit -- no "burping up fish taste" after you take it. (Believe me, if you haven't taken fish oil, this is NOT a pleasant after-effect.) But you never get this with the Eskimo Oil. I take Eskimo Oil in addition to the Essential Oils, to make sure I'm getting enough of the healthy fish oils.

Order Enzymatic's Eskimo Oil now from Iherb.com.

Evening Primrose Oil

Periodically, I go through periods when I have shedding or hair loss, and that's when I start taking Evening Primrose Oil daily. Usually after two months, shedding slows, slops, then hair regrowth starts up again. EPO can help prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHA, which causes hair loss.

Order EPO now from Iherb.com.

Other Daily Essentials

Enzymatic Acidophilus Probiotic Pearls

A daily probiotic is an absolute essential for everyone, in particular autoimmune and thyroid patients who may not have optimal digestion. Everyone in my family now takes Enzymatic Acidophilus Probiotic Pearls daily. One tiny, easy to swallow pearl has billions of active probiotic bacteria that can fight infection and restore the balance in the intestinal system. For more information on the benefits of probiotics, read: More Reason for Probiotics.

Order Proboost Pearls now from Iherb.com.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is excellent for heart health (and thyroid patients are at higher risk of heart disease.) Additionally, I have mitral valve prolapse, and find that CoQ10 prevents palpitations. CoQ10 brands are notoriously unreliable, which is why I will only use the Vitaline, which is clinically evaluated and highly recommended by many practitioners.

Order Coenzyme Q10 now from Iherb.com.

B-12/Energy

Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are both important for energy, and for heart protection. Folic acid is also essential if you are of childbearing age, and may possibly become pregnant, as folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects in your developing baby. A sublingual formula of B-12 is best. My favorite brand is actually the house brand from my local Trader Joe's store. But a good brand is Advanced B-12 Complex from Source Naturals, which comes in dissolvable tablets.

Order B-12/Folic Acidnow from Iherb.com.

Weight Loss Help

The ephedra- and stimulant free- Awe Slim Liquid Diet Support from Now Foods is a pleasant tasting liquid vitamin formula that features hydrolyzed collagen, Super CitriMax™, l-carnitine, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), l-arginine, l-ornithine and aloe vera. I find that it helps keep weight loss on track, and provides the right amounts of CLA and additional minerals helpful for optimal blood sugar and weight loss. I take it every night.

Order Aweslim now from Iherb.com.

Sleeping Help

For those nights I can't sleep, or when I'm getting overtired and need to really get a good night's sleep and catch up on restorative sleep, I used to take Ambien, but now rely on Jacob Teitelbaum, MD's Revitalizing Sleep Formula, Enzymatic Therapy. The supplement features valerian and several other herbs, but doesn't leave you groggy in the morning. (Note: a very small percentage of people find valerian stimulating instead of sleep inducing.)

Order Revitalizing Sleep Formula from Enzymatic Therapy now.

THE LATEST THYROID NEWS

If you haven’t been over to my site at About.com, there are a number of articles that may be of interest.

FDA Opens Door for Generic Synthroid
In March, the FDA turned down Abbott's request to change the way generic thyroid drugs are evaluated, paving the way for generic competitors to Synthroid. Was the Abbott proposal just a stalling tactic? Would you want a generic Synthroid? Find out more now.

Endos Say Normal TSH Now .3 to 3: Millions More at Thyroid Risk
Major news: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists say that the new TSH "normal range" is now .3 to 3.0, and the narrower range doubles the number of people with thyroid conditions. But why has it taken the endos so long to figure this out, and why do they still think thyroid is so easy to diagnose and treat?

The 10 Things Your Doctor May Not Have Told You About Graves’ Disease
Expert and author Elaine Moore shares important information about Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism that you need to know.

New Survey Reveals That Thyroid Patients Need Answers, Better Treatment
Despite the fact that an estimated 1 in 10 Americans suffer from thyroid problems, these common conditions are still misunderstood by doctors, as evidenced by recent research among thyroid patients. This first independent, qualitative survey looks at thyroid patient concerns such as unrelieved symptoms, weight, attitudes toward patient organizations, and effective treatments and solutions.

Understanding Thyroid Lab Tests
Michelle was frustrated. She always had trouble keeping a normal weight...[she] became so fatigued...I said, “I think your thyroid condition is under-treated.” “How could that be? My other doctors said my thyroid tests were normal!” “Unfortunately...the ‘TSH’ blood test has its limitations. It isn’t accurate for everyone...” Read Dr. Ken Woliner's facinating account of thyroid testing.

A WEIGHT OFF MY MIND

If you're not already receiving it, consider subscribing to my free email newsletter, "A Weight Off My Mind," which focuses on helping autoimmune disease patients to lose weight and feel great.

The most recent issue is online, at http://www.thyroid-info.com/dietnews/13janfeb.htm and features the following stories:

2003 Thyroid Survey Results -- Summary: First Patient Quality-of-Life Survey Of Nearly 1000 Patients Published
Endos Say Normal TSH Is Now .3 To 3, Millions More Considered "Out Of Range"
Americans Need To Stop Weight Gain, Say Experts
Selecting Personal Trainers... What You Need To Know!
Weight Loss: Eat To Live - Not Live To Eat
How To Get In The "Zone" Every Time
Lose Weight In 2003! Revised "Thyroid Diet Success Guide" Published
Silly Stuff! Is It What You Eat?

To subscribe to “A Weight Off My Mind ,” email weightoffmymind-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com or send an email to diet@thyroid-info.com with the subject "Subscribe Diet."

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS FOUNDATION RELEASES NEW PUBLICATION: PREGNANCY FOR WOMEN WITH MS

A new publication, "Pregnancy for Women with MS" has been released by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF). For many reasons, deciding whether to have children can be difficult for a woman with MS. This helpful guide separates fact from fiction and provides the information about pregnancy and MS. This new publication provides information for women with MS, answering questions about becoming pregnant and raising children. For additional information about National MS Education and Awareness Month, any other services of the MSF, or to receive the new Pregnancy for Women with MS booklet, call 1-888-MSFOCUS (673-6287) or visit http://www.msfocus.org.

ARE YOU STAYING UP TO DATE ON THYROID INFORMATION?

"Sticking Out Our Necks" is the only independent, patient-oriented thyroid-related newsletter, reaching hundreds of thousands of readers per month. I've been publishing the newsletter since July of 1997, and if you have a thyroid problem and aren't getting this newsletter, you're missing news that could critical to your health.

A copy of the most recent issue is online at: http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/janfeb2003.htm

But in the meantime, some of the key stories you may wish to review include:

Endos Say Normal TSH is Now .3 to 3, Millions More Considered "Out of Range"
First Thyroid Patient Quality-of-Life Survey Published
Hysterectomy Increases Risk of Thyroid Cancer
More Heart Disease Risk Factors Found for Hypothyroidism
Thyroid Disease Frequently Goes Undiagnosed In Cancer Patients
Thyroid Function And Pregnancy
Film Critic Ebert Recuperating From Thyroid Cancer Surgery
Canadian Baby Boomers Popping Pills -- Esp. Synthroid -- At Record Rate
Two Companies Receive FDA Approval To Sell Potassium Iodide Pills
Perchlorate In The News
TSH: Can It Measure Thyroid Status?
TSH Is Inadequate For Measuring Severity Of Hypothyroidism
Relapses In Graves' Disease
I'm A New Me!
The 10 Things Your Doctor May Not Have Told You About Graves' Disease
Thoughts And Feelings: How They Can Cause Thyroid Problems
The Most Important Steps In Losing Weight And Toning Up
Three Steps To Happiness! Healing Through Joy
Top Ten Things To Do For Yourself This Year
Five Steps To Preventing Medication Errors
Depression: What Everyone Should Know

Again, see these stories online at http://www.thyroid-info.com/news/janfeb2003.htm

And to subscribe, send an email to thyroidnews-subscribe@topica.email-publisher.com, or email thyroidnews@thyroid-info.comwith the subject "Subscribe News."

THREE STEPS TO HAPPINESS! HEALING THROUGH JOY

If you need to stop, reconnect with the people and things that bring you joy and happiness in this life, a simple book by one of my favorite doctors, Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, is required reading. I've been carrying this book around for months, reading it when I need inspiration and uplifting, and finding it to be a total treasure.

Dr. Teitelbaum, a doctor who specializes in chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and thyroid problems, and who himself suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, has outlined in a simple, easy-to-read way a three-step process that will help you move into your natural, joyful state of being.

Says Dr. Teitelbaum: "Happiness is our natural state of being. It is who we are. This happiness is obvious when you look at little children before they take society's beliefs. Their natural state is to feel all of their feelings without resistance, leaving them free to spend most of their time being happy and playful. It is not necessary to be happy all the time. By applying the simple three-step principles in this book, however, you can develop the ability to be happy whenever you choose."

Dr. Teitelbaum's personal experience with thousands of very ill patients shows that these techniques can help you reclaim both health and passion in your life!

You can get the book at bookstores, online from Amazon.com. by ordering directly from Dr. Teitelbaum online or by calling Dr. Teitelbaum's office at 410-573-5389.

HOW TO LIVE WELL WITH AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE -- STARTING TODAY!

If you have a family history of autoimmune disease, a diagnosed condition yourself, or mysterious symptoms, you need my recently published "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know." The book, which was published in October of 2002, is a complete guide to understanding the more than 80 mysterious and often difficult-to-pinpoint autoimmune disorders -- and finding the conventional and alternative keys to diagnosis, treatment, recovery...and even prevention or cure. Book sales are strong, and since publication, the book has been featured in Woman’s Day, Publisher’s Weekly, the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association’s newsletter, numerous radio programs, and many other media outlets.

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from the conditions, with symptoms ranging from fatigue to joint pains to depression, to numb hands and feet, to heart palpitations. These are all signs that the immune system has turned upon itself, causing autoimmune conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and irritable bowel disease. All too frequently, these symptoms are overlooked or misdiagnosed for years!

Once diagnosed, doctors may prescribe pain relievers, hormones, or immunosuppressants to treat the symptoms, but when a patient asks about the cause, the life-long health implications, or how to heal such conditions, doctors simply shrug their shoulders.

Living Well With Autoimmune Disease is the first book that to recognize that these conditions are closely related, not standalone, and frequently stem from toxic exposures and underlying dysfunctions that may be treatable using nutritional and alternative approaches to complement traditional treatments.
The book features:

Many first-person accounts from autoimmune disease patients
Recommendations and treatment suggestions from some of the nation's leading practitioners
A detailed Risk Factors and Symptoms Checklist that you can take to your practitioner to aid in diagnosis
Information on the latest innovative conventional and alternative treatments for autoimmune conditions
The optimal diet to prevent, heal -- and sometimes even, cure -- autoimmune disease
A detailed Resources section featuring patient support groups, hotlines, websites, practitioners and more to help you in your effort to live well
A look at the future of autoimmune disease diagnosis and treatment "Publisher's Weekly" wrote about the book: "...those with autoimmune illnesses are being shortchanged by the medical establishment...this informative self-help manual is badly needed...Shomon's guide is designed to empower patients to participate in their own care..."

This is the second book in my "Living Well..." series published by Harper Collins. My first book in the series, Living Well With Hypothyroidism, is a bestseller now in a 16th printing with over 100,000 copies sold.

Living Well With Autoimmune Disease has a website, www.autoimmunebook.com, which features a chapter of the book, as well as the table of contents, and reviews, including Publisher's Weekly, Amazon.com, and reviews from some of the nation's leading integrative medicine practitioners and authors.

ORDER LIVING WELL WITH AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

The book is available at local and online bookstores everywhere, and the list price is $14.95

Online

Order now online at Iherb.com for Iherb's special price of $10.00, plus shipping

Order online at Amazon.com, for $10.47, plus shipping

Phone Orders

Call Iherb.com toll-free at 888-792-0028

AMERICAN AUTOIMMUNE RELATED DISEASES ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDS “LIVING WELL WITH AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE!”

IN FOCUS, the newsletter of the American Association of Autoimmune Related Diseases (AARDA) featured “Living Well With Autoimmune Disease” in its December 2002 issue, praising the book. I was so pleased that this organization, which I respect greatly, had good things to say about my book! Said the review:

"…this chubby 475-page soft cover book is filled from front to back with easy-to-read descriptions of autoimmune disease in general along with overviews of many of the more than 100 autoimmune diseases. It offers to help the reader gain greater insight into the environmental, genetic, hereditary, nutritional, and mind-body factors that make millions of people more or less susceptible to autoimmune disease – and it does it in an upbeat, trust-your-instincts way. In addition, it leads the reader through the maze of key symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and conventional treatments for the most common autoimmune diseases – as well as the most innovative and promising new and alternative treatments.

Of particular help to many readers will be the chapter on “finding and working with the Right Practitioner.” Also, the author suggests steps that the reader might use in putting together his/her own “autoimmune repair plan.”

According to Pat Barber, AARDA’s patient educator, Living Well With Autoimmune Disease – What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You…That You Need to Know, is a ‘must-read book.’ This very likely will be a well-thumbed resource book for the autoimmune disease patient and his/her family.

Order your copy now, at Iherb.com, $10.00, plus shipping
Order at Amazon.com, $10.47, plus shipping
Order by Phone from Iherb.com: Toll-free 888-792-0028

TIME TO SUPPORT AARDA!!

If you are not already a member of AARDA, it’s time to join! Subscribe to InFocus for $24.00 a year now!

You can also contribute to AARDA online.

LIVING WELL WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM

If you, a friend, or family member has confirmed or suspected thyroid disease, you'll want to read "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctors Don't Tell You...That You Need to Know." Most people, whether they are hyperthyroid, have autoimmune Graves' or Hashimoto's disease, thyroid cancer, nodules or hypothyroidism -- end up being hypothyroid. That's where this book, published in 2000 by harperCollins, comes in. "Living Well With Hypothyroidism" is a top 40 Amazon.com health bestseller, and in its 16th printing! You can find out more information, read a free chapter online, and get more information on the book and how to order it at http://www.thyroid-info.com/book.htm.

Don't forget that you can order it from Iherb.com for a special rate of $10

You can also order "Living Well With Hypothyroidism" from Amazon.com for $11.20 plus shipping

NOTES FROM MARY

Some of you know that my mother, Pat, who ran the home office for the my print newsletter, has been battling lung cancer for more than two years. She was here at my house for the holidays, and after returning to Florida, she had to go into the hospital to have a procedure done to help drain some fluid from her lungs during the first week of January. After the procedure, they told us her right lung was entirely collapsed, her cancer had spread, and that she had 3 to 6 months to live. They recommended she contact hospice. They then proceeded to recommend draining the working lung, to prevent infection or collapse.

Here are some excerpts from emails I was sending to family and friends to update them on my mother's condition, from both my home, and later, from Florida...

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15TH

My mom is still in the hospital...she's having some sort of procedure done on her good lung in order to prevent it collapsing or filling with fluid. In the meantime, she's not getting pain meds or other things she needs in a timely manner...with 20 patients for every nurse, you apparently have to have a screaming hissy fit every time you need anything. It's all I can do not to get on a plane, and not go to that hospital and start taking names... But they don't want me to come now.

They've met with hospice and have figured out what sorts of services are available. I still don't know when they want me to come -- right now, my mom says she wants me to wait till she's gotten organized. I think she's holding me in reserve for when she can no longer manage her medical situation...

(NOTE: I decided to go ahead and fly down to Florida on Sunday the 18th)

TUESDAY JANUARY 21ST

Mom is home (we got her home late Tues p.m.) -- what a medical adventure that was.

Met with hospice team at the hospital before we left. I am amazed and impressed with hospice...they've been fantastic beyond belief.

We spent all day yesterday getting things organized...all the equipment arrived, the nurse came and I got all the medicines organized, and learned how to work with the morphine, we got the room organized with all the medical supplies...went straight from 8 a.m. till 11 p.m. without stopping. My aunt is here, she did about 10 loads of laundry, my cousin is here too, she got in from NJ at 5 p.m., and then gave my mother a foot massage for an hour.

All in all, my mother is MUCH happier, and far more comfortable physically here. It's amazing how different things are when she can sleep, eat and get medication on HER schedule, vs. the hospital's.

We've all ended up with our roles. I'm medical director, drug dispense, scheduler and project manager, Dad is production, facilities, equipment and purchasing manager, my Aunt is head of housekeeping (laundry, and home organization) and my cousin is personal care!

Today we had another nurse visit, my cousin shampooed my mom, I did all the medications all day, and am cooking dinner, my Aunt reorganized the fridge, Dad did the shopping, so we're all working hard, and spending good time with my mom in the midst. Mom even had enough energy to get wheelchaired from bedroom to living room to have lunch at the table with us. Given that over the weekend, we thought it was pretty likely she was dying and wouldn't make it out of the hospital, this is a huge thing.

I've decided to stay through till the 7th of Feb (originally was supposed to go home last nite, and then come back the 1st, but I need to be here to help with the meds and such.)

MONDAY JANUARY 27TH

My mom has transitioned into the early stages of dying. She's moving in and out of lucidity, eating and drinking little, has reported seeing dead relatives, but is having amazingly clear conversations with us as well. She's in no pain, and is totally comfortable, and has said "if I realized that your loved ones come for one, and that everyone around you gives you so much love, and you would be at so much peace, I'd tell everyone that dying is lovely!"

She's simply utterly amazing!

My husband and daughter and my brother are all coming in the 8 p.m. range tonight, and I think she's holding out to see them. Then my guess is she will either die, or slip into a coma.

The chaplain, a nun, came today and prayed with her and gave her communion, and told us my mom is very much at peace, with one leg in our world, and one in the next. It certainly seems that way...Mom is predicting things for the future, giving us all advice, and it's really quite astounding.

It's the hardest thing I've ever done, but an incredible privilege to be here with her.

We have opera music, flowers, and lots of love all around her, and she's at peace and in comfort. What more could we ask given the circumstance.

FRIDAY JANUARY 30TH

My Mom died last nite at 9:40 p.m. eastern.

We had called the local priest to come...she was not lucid at all yesterday, and was breathing quite raspy and irregularly all day. He came at 9:30 p.m. and was wonderful...did a short service, and then called out to her and quite firmly but lovingly told her it was her time, that God was waiting.

He left, and ten minutes later, she took her last breath, with all of us by her side.

The hospice nurse came, and cleaned her up and I picked out a beautiful dress and strappy sandals she loved. The nurse dressed her, and I put on some makeup for her. She is having a closed casket, but she looks peace, and so beautiful.

Gratefully, my daughter slept through it all, and had given Grandma a big nite nite kiss before she went to sleep. She drew a lovely picture of heaven which is tucked in Pat's hands, along with her rosary.

Hug those you love tight for me, everyone, because life is so so incredibly precious...

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 5TH

I gave the eulogy at my mother's funeral, and if you'd like to see it, I've included it online: http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/patshomon.htm

* * *

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Every single person from the hospice, from the nurses to the home health aides, to the chaplains, to the delivery people, were simply amazing. The respect and caring for not only my mother, but my entire family, was astounding, and life-affirming, and allowed us to care for my mother with greater strength for us all, and comfort for her. If you aren't familiar with hospice, check out the programs in your own area, and consider volunteering time or resources. They are doing an incredibly important thing in this world to help people live well.

Live well,

-- Mary

The Autoimmune Report is published monthly by Mary Shomon. Please invite your friends to subscribe! Send them a copy with your recommendation. The Autoimmune Report is copyright 1997-2006 by Mary Shomon.

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