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 | Sticking Out Our Necks | Issue #66 -- March 2003 "We're Patients...Not Lab Values! from Mary J. Shomon, Author of Living Well With Hypothyroidism, Living Well With Autoimmune Disease, and The Thyroid Diet Success Guide |
DOES THYROID TREATMENT AFFECT BONE DENSITY AFTER MENOPAUSE?
There's no significant difference in the rates of fracture among post-menopausal women treated with thyroxine versus those not taking thyroxine. Bone mineral density among the thyroxine- treated women even has a slight tendency to increase, whereas in the control group there was a significant decrease. (Read the full story in the print newsletter*).
Source: Stenstrom, M.G., "The Prospective Risk of Fractures in Postmenopausal Women on Thyroxin Treatment is Not Altered Compared with Controls in a Longitudinal Study of 6083 Women," Abstracts from the Goteborg, Sweden Meeting, Hot Thyroidology, European Thyroid Association, 2002
STOMACH ACIDS MAY MAKE YOUR THYROID TREATMENT LESS EFFECTIVE
People with gastritis, ulcers, or chronic H. Pylori infection, and those who take Prilosec require increased doses of thyroxine in order to treat goiter and hypothyroidism, compared to those who did not have these effects. (Read the full story in the print newsletter*).
Source: Centanni, M., et. al., "Increased Need for Thyroxine in Goitrous Patients With Impaired Gastric Acid Secretion," Abstracts from the Goteborg, Sweden Meeting, Hot Thyroidology, European Thyroid Association, 2002
GRAVES DISEASE & HYPERTHYROIDISM
IS LITHIUM A POSSIBLE AID IN GRAVES' TREATMENT?
A short course of lithium can be a useful adjunct to RAI treatment, in that it more quickly helps reduce thyrotoxicosis, and avoids worsening hyperthyroidism after antithyroid drugs are stopped in preparation for RAI. (Read the full story in the print newsletter*).
Source: Bogazzi, F. et. al., "Treatment with Lithium Prevents Serum Thyroid Hormone Incrase After Thionamide Withdrawal and Radioiodine (RAI) Therapy in Patients with Graves' Disease," Abstracts from the Goteborg, Sweden Meeting, Hot Thyroidology, European Thyroid Association, 2002
DIAGNOSING AND MANAGING GRAVES' DISEASE
A Canadian medical journal has summarized the discussion of the risks and benefits of conventional diagnosis and treatment approaches for Graves' disease. A good overview of the conventional perspective. Read it now at http://thyroid.about.com/library/news/blgravesdx.htm
ANTIBODIES IMPACT EFFECTIVENESS OF ANTITHYROID DRUGS IN GRAVES' DISEASE
Graves' disease patients who test positive for blocking antibodies initially respond well to antithyroid drugs, but are slower to achieve remission. Measurement of blocking antibodies may be useful in selecting treatment options for Graves' patients. (Read the full story in the print newsletter*).
Source: Tada H, et. al., "Blocking-type anti-TSH receptor antibodies and relation to responsiveness to antithyroid drug therapy and remission in Graves' disease," Clin Endocrinol 2003 Apr;58(4):403-8
SYNTHROID & DRUG NEWS
FDA OPENS DOOR FOR GENERIC SYNTHROID
Last week, 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 about it now!
SYNTHROID LAWSUIT -- MARCH UPDATE
If you filed several years ago to be part of the class action lawsuit against Synthroid, are you still waiting for your check? Find out the latest on the status of the settlement, and whether you can expect payment anytime soon. Read the Lawsuit Update now
SHOULD YOU SELF-MEDICATE WITH SYNTHROID?
If you're taking a levothyroxine product like Synthroid, can you periodically increase or decrease your own dosage based on your symptoms? It's something many patients do without telling their doctors, but is it safe? Find out now
WHICH THYROID DRUG COSTS THE MOST?
When it's time to pay for your thyroid drugs, which ones put the biggest hole in your pocket? Which are the money-savers? Did you know one drug can cost as little as a third the price of another? Find out more now.
LEVOXYL MAKER TARGET OF FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS
The SEC and the FTC are both investigating Levoxyl manufacturer King Pharmaceuticals over a variety of pricing and business practices. Get the details
THYROID CANCER UPDATE
IS GENE THERAPY A POSSIBLE TREATMENT FOR ANAPLASTIC THYROID CANCER?
Researchers have reported reduction of tumor size using retroviral gene therapy on an end-stage anaplastic thyroid cancer patient. (Read the full story in the print newsletter*).
Source: Taccaliti, A., et. al., "Gene Therapy in End-Stage Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma," Abstracts from the Goteborg, Sweden Meeting, Hot Thyroidology, European Thyroid Association, 2002
LOW-IODINE DIET: YES OR NO?
For years, docs have debated whether thyroid cancer patients should follow a low-iodine diet to help make their radioiodine treatment more effective. Now, research comes down on one side of the issue. Find out the details now.
THERAPEUTIC RAI FOR THYROID CANCER
Therapeutic doses of RAI can be a help in thyroid cancer treatment, in particular helping to identify cancer that a whole body scan has not detected. (Read the full story in the print newsletter*).
Source: Koh JM, et. al., "Effects of therapeutic doses of 131I in thyroid papillary carcinoma patients with elevated thyroglobulin level and negative 131I whole-body scan: comparative study," Clin Endocrinol 2003 Apr;58(4):421-427
THYROID CANCER SURVIVORS' WORKSHOP
The Thyroid Cancer Survivors' of the Capital Area will be hosting a workshop for patients on April 5th, featuring noted area thyroid experts. Get the details.
ADVOCACY AND PATIENT RIGHTS
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. Is it time to get a new doctor? Find out now.
WHY YOU CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO SPEAK UP!
Patient advocate Leslie Blumenberg thinks that every thyroid patient should know that unless you speak up on your own behalf, your health may be at stake! Find out the compelling reasons why you can't afford not to be your own advocate. Read it now
SUPPLEMENTS AND THE THYROID
ANTIOXIDANTS AND THE THYROID
Research has found that antioxidants may play a direct role in helping the thyroid. Find out more about these new studies!
SELENIUM'S PROTECTIVE POWERS
Can selenium protect your thyroid? French researchers have some new findings on the subject. Read about it now.
FERTILITY ISSUES
THYROID AUTOIMMUNITY AND INFERTILITY
Thyroid autoimmunity is elevated in women with infertility, and can affect the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, and raise miscarriage risk. (Read the full story in the print newsletter*).
Source: Poppe, K., et. al., "Impact of Thyroid Autoimmunity on the Outcome of IVF in Infertile Women," Abstracts from the Goteborg, Sweden Meeting, Hot Thyroidology, European Thyroid Association, 2002
HYPERTHYROIDISM AND MALE FERTILITY
Hyperthyroidism can negatively affect a man's fertility. (Read the full story in the print newsletter*).
Sources: Ceccarelli, C. et. al., "Spermatogenesis is Impaired in Hyperthyroidism," Abstracts from the Goteborg, Sweden Meeting, Hot Thyroidology, European Thyroid Association, 2002
Krassas, G.E. et. al., "A Prospective Controlled Study of the Impact of Hyperthyroidism on Reproductive Function in Males," Abstracts from the Goteborg, Sweden Meeting, Hot Thyroidology, European Thyroid Association, 2002
*HOW TO READ THE FULL STORY IN THE PRINT NEWSLETTER
Full length versions of all the stories that are marked as "Read the full story in the print newsletter"are featured in the March/April issue of "Sticking Out Our Necks: Print Edition." This newsletter is available only to paid subscribers. If you order by April 15th, you can still get the March/April issue, AND a FREE GIFT -- the 8-page 2002 Thyroid News Roundup. A one year subscription to Sticking Out Our Necks is only $25. To order securely online right now, go to: http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htm.
If you are not receiving the Sticking Out Our Necks bimonthly print newsletter, you are missing out on essential thyroid news. Plus, if you subscribe now, you'll receive the free 8-page "2002 In-Depth Thyroid News Roundup Report," which features 45 news reports on thyroid disease, with research references. To subscribe, go to:
http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htm. A one year subscription is only $25. Order securely online now, with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover, or via mail/phone/fax (Visa and MasterCard only). For information about subscribing see http://www.thyroid-info.com/subscribe.htm or call 1-888-810-9471.
Free Special Report When You Order Now! Some of the important news stories included in the free 8-page "2002 In-Depth Thyroid News Roundup Report," include:
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WHAT TO DO WHEN A POST-IT NOTE IS LODGED IN YOUR BRAIN
By Sibyl McLendon
The biggest gap in the world is between "I should" and "I did."
~H. Jackson Brown
There is an interesting commercial running in the U.S. right now. It shows a man at the doctor, and the doctor tells himthat the reason he is having headaches is there is a post-it note stuck in his brain. When they look at the x-ray, it shows a note that says, "Use me." The doctor tells his patient that if he has an idea that he never does anything with, this note could turn into a folder or even a filing cabinet.
Great commercial! It graphically illustrates an important point in life: it doesn't matter how many good ideas you have, it only matters what you do with them. It doesn't matter how well intentioned you are, as my Grandmother always said, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." In life, your Mother was right: Actions speak louder than words.
Are you sitting on a good idea? Get off of it and make it happen! Have a dream? Turn it into reality. What do you really have to lose by trying? If you are afraid that people will laugh at you, consider the idea that they may not. They may think you are brilliant. How will you ever know unless you share your idea?
Afraid you will fail? So what if you do? Everyone fails at one time or another; you will be in fine company with the greatest minds that ever lived. You may learn something in the process that could help you to succeed the next time. But you will never know if you can do it or not unless you give it a try. Consider that you may very well succeed. Fear is a poor reason to never try.
Thinking great thoughts may make you feel important but no one is ever going to know if you don't make things happen. Why not take some steps today to getting your idea out of your head and into the world. Set some goals for yourself and stick to them. Be realistic but also be brave. You don't want to be looking back over your life someday with a bad case of the "what-ifs." Don't die with an un- tried dream still locked inside of you. Don't allow the note to become a filing cabinet in your brain!
I'd rather be a could-be if I cannot be an are; because a could-be is a maybe who is reaching for a star. I'd rather be a has-been than a might-have-been, by far; for a might have-been has never been, but a has was once an are.~Milton Berle
Sibyl McLendon, a Navajo woman living in the American Southwest, is a personal empowerment coach for Circle Of Grace http://www.circle-of-grace.com. Sibyl can be contacted at sibyl@www.circle-of-grace.com
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INSIDE MARY SHOMON'S MEDICINE CABINET Find out what thyroid medicine I take, as well as my daily supplements and vitamins, what I take to fight colds and flus, things that help with weight loss, enhance energy, and help hair and skin. |
AUTOIMMUNE NEWS
If you're not getting "The Autoimmune Report," my free email newsletter on autoimmune disease, you're missing out on key stories that can affect your health! Here are just a few stories reported in the current issue!
- HHS Announces Research Plan To Fight Autoimmune Diseases
- Fish, Fish Oils, Mediterranean Diet May Help Autoimmune Sufferers
- Combat Stress May Increase Risk Of Autoimmune Diseases
- Smallpox Information Center
BOOK RECAP
 | For the people in your life who have thyroid disease, or who have a suspected thyroid condition, there's my book, 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. If you, a friend, or family member has confirmed or suspected thyroid disease, there's my book, 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 is 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 by going to Iherb.com's online store.
You can also order Living Well With Hypothyroidism from Amazon.com for $11.20 plus shipping, by clicking here.
 | For the people in your life who have a diagnosed autoimmune disease, or who have symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, joint/muscle aches, rashes, unexplained fevers, and other mysterious symptoms -- but no diagnosis -- there's Living Well With Autoimmune Disease: What Your Doctors Don't Tell You...That You Need to Know. The book was published in October 2002 by HarperCollins. Website: www.autoimmunebook.com. For you and the people in your life who have a diagnosed autoimmune disease, or who have symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, joint/muscle aches, rashes, unexplained fevers, and other mysterious symptoms -- but no diagnosis -- there's Living Well With Autoimmune Disease: What Your Doctors Don't Tell You...That You Need to Know. The book is for anyone with Graves' disease, Hashimoto's disease, or your family and friends who have any of the 80 autoimmune diseases, including:
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- Hair and Skin Diseases -- Including Scleroderma/Crest Syndrome, Alopecia, Psoriasis, Vitiligo, Pemphigus
- Gastrointestinal Conditions -- Including, Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) / Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Celiac Disease/Celiac Sprue, Pernicious Anemia
- Joint and Muscle-Related Conditions -- Including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spondyloarthropathies: Reiter's Syndrome and Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Neuromuscular Conditions -- Including Multiple Sclerosis, Raynaud's Phenomenon, Guillain Barré Syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis
You can also order the book from Amazon.com for $10.47 plus shipping, by clicking here.
Phone Orders: to order either book by phone, call Iherb.com tollfree at 1-888-792-0028.
NOTES FROM MARY: TRYING TO PERK UP!
Many thanks to everyone who wrote to express your condolences, share your own stories, and generally offer such kindness to me after sharing the story of my mother's death in the last issue. You have been so sympathetic and supportive, and it's been just amazing and encouraging. Your letters have given me great comfort, and I thank you all.
Hundreds of emails a week come in with questions, and I'm sorry that I'm so late in responding. It's going to be slow going for a while, as I'm on deadline writing two new books, plus trying to catch up on work from all the time I spent with my mother during her last days, so I'll try to get to your email questions as I can, but it's going to be weeks, at minimum. Please, if you need information urgently, I'd suggest you first make sure you've read all of my books, then try asking on the forums, or consider scheduling a thyroid coaching session by phone with Richard Shames, MD, who can be a tremendous and sympathetic help to you.
| As for me, my main challenge now is perking up and getting my energy back. I'm starting to feel better, and sleep better, but one of the main after-effects of going through such a stressful time has been fatigue. I just had my thyroid checked, and will find out the numbers soon, but in the meantime, a new supplement I've been taking to help is Rhodiola. It really seems to help with energy and fatigue. Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that increases the body's resistance to stress, and has been used in the traditional medicine of Russia, Scandinavia, and other countries. I find I can work out more energetically if I've taken my rhodiola earlier in the day as well. I tend to take one in the morning, and then one mid-afternoon -- during my slump period -- and find that it helps my energy greatly. And since I'm one of those people who eats when I'm tired -- to try to bolster my energy -- getting more energy and NOT eating has a double whammy positive effect on my diet. The product I've been using is Longevia Rhodiola Rosea from Longeverco. It's actually a synergistic combination that includes rhodiola along with other herbs, fruits and extracts that help complement the rhodiola. I get mine from Iherb.com. Go to Iherb's Rhodiola page now. |  |
Note: For those who want to know all the details about rhodiola, here is an excellent scientific article.
 | Another thing I've been using for energy is ginseng tea. I frequently have this as my first cup in the morning (my dear husband actually makes me a cup every morning!) to perk me up and get me going. When it comes to ginseng tea, I'm a one-tea woman...Long Life Three-Ginseng is the only one I drink. It has a naturally sweet taste, so it needs no sweetener, and it's just delicious. It's not always easy to get at health food and vitamin stores, but some do carry it. I get mine online from Iherb.com See Three Ginseng Tea at Iherb now. |
I know warmer weather certainly helps inspire my energy, so I hope things are warming up where you are, and that you have all the energy you want and need!
Live well,
-- Mary
"Sticking Out Our Necks" email edition is published monthly by Mary Shomon. Please invite your friends to subscribe! Send them a copy with your recommendation. "Sticking Out Our Necks" is copyright 1997-2003 by Mary Shomon.
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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 a new treatment program. Please see our full disclaimer.