My Story (Part Nine): Questions and Theories

In the last "My Story" post, I discussed how I visited an alternative doctor in search of some help for my medical conditions. That "doctor" turned out to be not worthy of my money. Although I invested a lot of money and time in dealing with this doctor, he ultimately was not the doctor for me.

But, as I said, tests that were ordered by this doctor did make me start to see that I didn't JUST have Dystonia and Grave's Disease and problems with my medication. But, there seemed to be some things going on with my gut. This doctor had ordered tests that most traditional doctors would not have ordered--stool tests, hair analysis, and blood test to detect a variety of things. Through these tests, which were analyzed by a reputable lab, I received insight into a wide range of factors including that my digestive enzyme levels were extremely low and that I had several infections within my intestines. The tests revealed intestinal infections such as Giardia, Toxoplasmosis, etc.

I am still wondering how I got all of these infections in my stomach. In looking back, I know that I suffered a bout of food poisoning (September/October 2007) due to my refrigerator not getting cold enough. Stupidly, I kept putting off buying a new refrigerator, but I eventually bought another refrigerator. Prior to the purchase, I did experience extensive issues with diarrhea --I kept saying I was going to the doctor. But, after a few weeks, the diarrhea stopped; Maybe the symptoms disappeared, because my food was at the correct temperature due to my buying the new refrigerator. That bout of food poisoning could just be a piece of the puzzle.

I will always have questions that include:



1. How did I get the stomach infections?

2. Why did I react so poorly/strangely to Synthroid for nine years?

3. How do I get rid of the infections and prevent the potential recurrence of infections?

4. Did intestinal damage help to cause my illnesses?

5. Did intestinal damage cause me to have so many vitamin deficiencies (i.e. due to malabsorption)?

6. Did my Autoimmune Disease help to cause my Dystonia and intestinal issues?

7. Did my medications (i.e. Thyroid medications, antidepressants) help to cause neurological damage?

8. Why did I develop so many food intolerances and how long did I unknowingly have food intolerances?

9. Did the "overdose" or combination of Thyroid medication coupled with my other meds at the time help to trigger the Dystonia?



These are just a few of the questions that I have regarding my situation. They may or may not ever be answered. All I can do is research various areas in science/medicine/alternative medicine and try to figure out as much as I can figure out. Will I ever know for sure? Probably not.



Bottom line--I believe that infections and enviornmental toxins (i.e. medicines, food intolerances, etc.) caused my system to break down. I am unsure as to the order in which these triggers occurred in my body.



The majority of the immune system is in the stomach. If that's not working properly, then you will potentially have a problem--especially if you are genetically prone to Autoimmune Disease (i.e. Grave's Disease). It just takes that trigger (i.e. stress, allergies, medications, infections, etc.) to throw everything off balance.


My doctors have no clue as to how I got Dystonia. I will always have my theories. My doctors (i.e. neurologists) have not taken the time to really analyze my medical history. They write it down on paper, but that is as far as it goes. From what I hear, that is the norm, unfortunately. But, for true understanding you must ask questions and create theories. But, it's easier for most doctors to say, "No, 'that' couldn't cause Dystonia," or "The medication is not causing 'that' problem." Talk about malpractice...Malpractice should include lack of thought and concern into a patient's case.



There are some things that we will never receive answers. I do believe that God has a plan, and that He will not always reveal why you go through something.



I don't pursue getting well and finding answers because I lack faith. Although I do get tired and weary sometimes, I pursue getting well and finding answers because I do have faith. I have faith that He will guide me in finding what He wants me to know.



Next Post: Visit to a Gastroenterologist; Breathe test reveals bacteria in my gut

My Story: Part Eight (Desperate for Help)

In the last post, I discussed how I ended up taking a leave of absence, because I was getting sicker and sicker. This post covers my experiences from February 2008 to March 2008.

So, I left work in February. When I left, I thought it would be only temporary--until I could figure out what was going on. Was it not enough thyroid hormone replacement? Was it too much Thyroid Hormone Replacement? Was it the combination of drugs that have been in my system? To this day, I have my theories, but no answers. My questions may never be answered by doctors. Sometimes, although I have been diagnosed with various illnesses, I sometimes collectively refer to my conditions as Environmental Illness, because I feel that various toxicities helped to contribute to the break down of my neurological system and my immune system.

In continuation, I was so desperate to get some answers that I consulted a doctor that I found on the Internet who had an office about 45 minutes away from me. The doctor was a Chiropractor who claimed to have extensive knowledge regarding the Thyroid and Thyroid issues. Yes, I was leery, because he was a Chiropractor, but he had listed many other certifications. When I called, I was in tears, because I felt so ill. The secretary assured me that he would be able to help. She was very kind.

On my first visit, the Doctor was very encouraging. He ordered numerous tests including a stool test, blood test, and a hair analysis. He agreed that the "traditional" doctors don't do much in terms of treatment for people with Thyroid issues. He also put me on a detox diet in which I could only eat fruit, vegetables, and some meat. Usually, there is no meat involved in the detox diet he prescribes, but my weight is so low already that I was allowed to eat meat. I was put on green food tablets, a protein shake, fish oil, and a few other things. I was on this diet for about a month or two. I remember not being able to eat my usual Easter Dinner because of the diet--that hurt. On this diet, I continued to suffer from constipation. I was told to take something called Turkey Rhubarb and to drink more water. Well, I was drinking a lot of water, and the Turkey Rhubarb made my stomach hurt.

On the next visit, his nurse went over the results of the tests. There was a lot covered. I will discuss some of the more important points. I was told that I suffered from Adrenal Exhaustion. I was told that I had food sensitivities to milk, soy, and eggs. My cholesterol was a bit high as usual (common in patients with Thyroid issues). I was also told that I had a high level of some metals such as lead and cadmium in my system. The tests showed that I had a very low amount of digestive enzymes, a high amount of bacteria in my stomach, various stomach infections such as toxoplasmosis and several others. Some of these results could explain my elimination issues and inability to gain weight.

I now know that this doctor was on the right path as far as some things. I believe the results of the blood tests and the stool tests, because the lab that processed the tests is a reputable lab. I'm leery about some of the results that were received through the hair analysis. Some items have been confirmed by other doctors and/or second opinions. For example, even more food
intolerances were eventually confirmed by a blood test ordered by my allergist. The stomach bacteria was confirmed by a test done by my gastroenterologist. And, I have a history of mineral and vitamin deficiencies. In terms of the metals, I had a blood test done by another doctor who specializes in Environmental Issues. This test showed that the level of metals were not elevated, but I have read several sources that say that Hair Analysis is the best way to measure metals in the body. So, perhaps the doctor's test were accurate for the most part.

However, some of the doctor's practices did not sit well with me. For example, his test showed that I had an intolerance to soy, eggs, and dairy. But, as part of my detox diet, the doctor had given me a protein shake to take three times a day that contained milk and soy and I had been eating eggs during my diet. The test that showed food intolerances did not come back until after I had finished the detox. So, I had been ingesting lots of soy, eggs, and dairy for two months. The test should have been done before telling me to take the protein shake. Ingesting a large amount of the soy, milk, and eggs could have potentially wreaked even more havoc on my intestines, and have caused me to be more ill.

The doctor did not seem interested in treating my Graves' Disease and Thyroid issues, although that was my major concern. It seemed like all he did was throw supplements at me (i.e. Chelation pills to remove heavy metals, cream for Adrenal Fatigue, enzymes, etc.).

The real disappointment was that he acted like he would address my thyroid issues. He even told me there was a medical doctor in his office who could prescribe Thyroid Hormone Replacement. That turned out to be a lie.

At the doctor's suggestion, I bought a bottle of supplements that he gave to his Parkinson's patients. Although, I still shake, at that time, I was shaking as if I could have had Parkinson's Diseases. I bought the expensive supplements. But, I decided not to take them--out of fear. After all, he hadn't done any test on me to justify me taking pills that he gives to Parkinson's patients.

When I asked this doctor if it was possible that I had been given to much Thyroid Hormone Replacement (I was bouncing off of the walls), he performed some ridiculous kinesiology test that would test for weakness/intolerance. The doctor had me hold my pill in one hand. Then he had me hold my mother's hand. Then, he held her hand. After doing that, he said the medicine was okay for my system, because he didn't feel any weakness in my mother's hand. Now doesn't that sound ridiculous? It did to me. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. It was after that, I decided I would no longer be his patient. While some people believe in kinesiology, I do not believe in the method he used. I would eventually find out that I was taking too much Thyroid Hormone Supplement. So, his "measurement" technique was ridiculous in deed.

Even if he would have discussed why it was necessary to take all of the supplements in order to...But, it was just "take all of these." I asked questions, but got no clear plan of action as to where he was going with all of it. I spent a lot of money on the supplements and visits to his office and insurance did not cover this type of treatment. I was very disappointed about being so encouraged that he could help me and then realizing that he probably would not be the one to help me. But after prayer and discussing the situation with others, I am just grateful that I did decide to stop seeing this doctor.

Even though I feel duped by this doctor in many ways, I feel blessed that his tests opened my eyes up to some things. The test results led me to investigate my intestinal issues. The results led me to further investigate food intolerances. While I feel he was a snake oil salesman in a sense, it was a necessary part of my path. I am still searching for help and answers. This was to be a part of that puzzle.

My dream doctor: A doctor who is knowledgeable medical doctor with an equal amount of knowledge in Naturopathic Medicine. I'm still searching...





The next "My Story" will discuss how an internist sent me to a Neurologist.

MY Story (Part Seven): Taking A Leave of Absence from Work

My last post discussed how I got off of antidepressants and asked to be switched to another type of Thyroid Hormone Replacement.

This post covers what happened between November 2007 and February of 2008).


The Endocrinologist that I had for a few years decided to reduce my Synthorid, and he added Cytomel (another type of synthetic, Thyroid Hormone) to my regimen. After taking this medicine, I still wasn't feeling any better. So, I decided to consult another Endocrinologist. He turned out to be rude and very arrogant. But, through blood work, I did find out that I had become extermely Hypothyroid while on the new combination of medications.


By January, I decided to visit the Endo who prescribed me Synthroid and Cytomel. I asked this doctor to put me on Armour Thyroid, a natural Thyroid replacement that comes from Pigs. I had found a site called Stop The Thyroid Madness. The site discussed many aspects of how Synthetic Thyroid Hormone Replacement is not good for some people. Well, I knew that it never worked for me.


So, I went back to the Endo who had put me on Synthroid and Cytomel. Since it wasn't working, I asked to be put on Armour Thyroid. But, I let the doctor talk me into taking Levoxyl, another Synthetic Thyroid Hormone Replacement. Well, if I thought my body was jittery and out of control on the Synthroid, Levoxyl really upped the level of anxiety and nervousness. I remember being at work and just feeling terrible on this medication. I called my Mother from work in tears, because I felt so poorly. She called the Endo for me, and I soon had a prescription for Armour Thyroid.


The next day, I began taking the medication. I felt a little better off of the Levoxyl, but not much better. By, the middle of February, my body was giving me more signs that something was terribly wrong.


By the middle of February, I left my job as a teacher. My intentions were to take only a temporary leave of absence until something could be figured out in terms of what was going on with me. That day, I also stopped taking my antidepressant. I figured why take it since I felt worse than ever and was having the same symptoms as before and then some. I had even been noticing that my neck was moving involuntarily. I would later realize that this would be the final stages before the Dystonia would fully reveal itself.


Anyway, I told my Vice Principal that I didn't feel well and would need to leave work. I did this very abruptly, because I didn't really know what the heck was going on. So, many of my co-workers had no idea what was going on and many still don't know. How could I communicate to them what I was not understanding? I felt bad about leaving so suddenly, but there was nothing I could do about that at the time. I knew it was physical, but I truly felt like I was losing my mind. None of my doctors (Endocrinologists and Psychologist) were being of any help in helping me to try and figure out what was going on.


In a desperate attempt for help, I even went back to that arrogant Endocrinologist. He took a blood test to check the levels of my Thyroid Hormone, etc. Those tests came back normal. Since my tests were normal, he had nothing for me. I explained that I was uncontrollably hyped up and I felt like crap--fatigued and depressed and light headed at times. He told me that was something for my "shrink" to handle. Needless to say, he is no longer my physician. The nerve!


So, I ended up trying another Endocrinologist. I often joke that I will have tried every Endocrinologist in my city. I asked her to check my Adrenal Glands along with my Thyroid Hormone level. The blood test showed the Adrenal Glands were okay. I theorize that they were not okay, at this time, even though the test showed that my Adrenals were okay. Sometimes, these types of test do not tell the full story. She also told me to increase my Thyroid Hormone Replacement.


I wasn't totally comfortable with that suggestion--my palpitations were worse, the circles under my eyes were darker, and the list goes on and on. I looked and felt physically ill. So, I went back to the other endocrinologist (not the rude one). The blood test showed that I needed to be on more Thyroid Hormone Replacement.


While I was still weary of taking more Thyroid Hormone Replacement, I started to increase the amount since two doctors had told me to do so. For those thinking about trying Armour Thyroid or any other natural Thyroid Hormone Replacement, PLEASE make sure that your doctor has experience with this medicine.

I now see that my Endocrinologists did not know what they were doing. They are so used to prescribing Synthetic Thyroid Hormone that they probably do not have much experience with the others(natural Thyroid Hormone Replacements). In fact, I am finding out through my research and reading that many Endocrinologists will not prescribe natural Thyroid Hormone Replacement. These are strong medications that can and will harm weakened bodies if not administered correctly.

Even though my blood tests were normal, my symptoms were not normal. PLEASE be careful...I wish I would have known what I know now. But, I guess it was a process, and I would not know the outcome until it reared its ugly head.

In retrospect, I think that I should have been properly weaned off of Synthroid. And, my dosage of Armour Thyroid should have been slowly increased. I was given 60mg right off. Then I was told to increase to 90 mg of Armour Thyroid shortly after. This coupled with other issues (some known and some unknown) was obviously too much for my body to handle.



In the next "My Post," I will discuss what happened next: I ended up going to "An Alternative Doctor." Finding this "doctor" was a mixed blessing and a disaster rolled up into one...

My Story (Part Six)

Inspirational word of praise: No weapon formed against you shall prosper- Isaiah 54:17

I will try to speed up the "MY STORY" entries. I do not want these to be the main focus of my blog. But, it is important to share my background, because I will be discussing, in upcoming posts, how I feel that toxins, genetics, stress, etc. play a role in progressive illnesses. So, please bear with me through several more "My Story" entries. In the future, I plan to do more day-to-day type entries about my life in relation to trying to ease my symptoms/issues through diet and other means.

On the last "My Story" post, I discussed getting off of antidepressants. I decided to get off of antidepressants and anxiety medication, because I was starting to think that the antidepressants were causing and/or exacerbating some of my issues.

For a long time (years) I have had issues with shaking, tremors, constipation, an over all feeling of having a constant adrenaline rush going through my body, intolerance to cold, constant fatigue, inability to gain weight, etc. I wanted to see if getting off of these medications would help to resolve any of these issues.

Through research and listening to my body, I now know that a lot of these symptoms (including some of the anxiety) have been due to the Graves' disease, vitamin deficiencies, and the Dystonia. And God knows how many of my symptoms have been exacerbated by toxins induced by medications and food intolerances that I have. The body has been through a lot.

Anyway, after getting off of antidepressants, the symptoms grew worse. I got remarried in August of 2007. I remember a family member telling me that, during the ceremony, I was shaking like a crack addict; I was shaking. While I can, somewhat, laugh at this comment now, I must admit that these types of comments do hurt. Not being able to control your body is very painful.

We never know what someone is going through. A person could have a hosts of illnesses including Parkinson's, MS, or Dystonia (FYI: Parkinson's and Dystonia are both Neurological Movement Disorders).

I received good advice from my mother, "You are sick. If a person doesn't know that and/or can't accept that, then that is their problem." She also reminded me that I have gone years without knowing the full extent of my medical issues(while I have a clearer picture, I am still baffled by many of my symptoms/issues) and that it is understandable that others would not have had an understanding of my symptoms/problems either. In other words, I can't be so hard on others who have made comments/assumptions without knowing and/or understanding the extent of the medical issues that I have struggled with for years. I pray on it!

In continuing, in October of the same year, I was in a wedding--my cousin's wedding. Right before the wedding, I started to back out. I decided to be in the wedding, because I loved my cousin very much and did not want to cause problems or hurt anyone. But, I was concerned about my tremors, etc. The concern/self-consciousness about the tremors and not being able to be still increased my anxiety/nervousness and set the tone for more disaster.

Instead of admitting that I was in no shape to be in a wedding, I carried through and was in the wedding. I was shaking and moving to the point where I got "those comments" afterwards. "Did you feel yourself shaking?" Of course! Needless to say, I internalized the embarrassment tremendously. Although the wedding was simply beautiful, I regret that I could not enjoy it the way that I wanted.

There must be something about weddings that just cause me terrible trauma-LOL. Seriously, I have issues/symptoms most of the time. I just feel more self conscious when I am publicly displayed--therefore, making the symptoms worse. Trust me, I've tried to work on that one in counseling. But, as I've stated, it's more to it. When there are contributing factors (i.e. underlying illnesses, food intolerances/allergies, toxins, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, etc.) causing reactions within the body, all the counseling and antidepressants in the world will not resolve the issue. Everything is not solely psychological/mental when there are physiological/physical components added to the mix. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to pinpoint and correct many of these types of underlying issues. As, the body is very complex and modern medicine has a ways to go.

Anyway, after ten years of struggling with crazy symptoms that have been dismissed by doctors, I had had enough. I was even more determined to get to the bottom of why I continued to stuggle with these issues.

As I mentioned earlier, I had gotten off of antidepressants in August. By December, I was back in the doctor's office with my Mother begging for help, because I felt worse without the antidepressants (I felt bad on them, but worse without them). So, I got back on an antidepressant.

I was even given a prescription for Xanax, for anxiety. Well, the depression was better, but my other symptoms were not any better. Xanax looked at me and laughed; it was like I had taken nothing. I even told the doctor, "I don't think it is normal for someone not to have any affect from Xanax." But, my theories/observances were dismissed once again. So, I stopped taking the Xanax. Yet, that is another medicine(and, I've been on many meds that I haven't mentioned) that could've possibly contributed to damaging my neurological system even further.

To anyone considering antidepressants, please be very careful in making the decision to take them. As I have come to realize, there could be an underlying(medical) issue that has not been addressed which could be contributing to the depression.

None of my doctors have ever attempted to make any connections between my medications, my Graves' Disease, and my continuing medical problems. Now, that I have started reading prolifically on the Internet and various books, I see that I am one of so many people who have been negatively affected by Autoimmune Disease and the faulty treatment of Autoimmune Disease. Unfortunately, there are so many horror stories out there.

When I visited the Endocrinologist in December of 2007, I pleaded to be put on another type of thyroid medicine besides Synthroid. Instead, the Doctor decided to only reduce my dosage of Synthroid. In addition, I was given another drug called Cytomel. Hoping that these changes in medicine would help, I accepted the change in prescription.

My theory for trying a new medicine was that on days that I didn't take the Synthorid, I felt more calm. But, after a few days without the medicine, I would start to feel badly. As, when thyroid hormone medications are not taken by a person who needs them (due to having had the thyroid radiated, etc.), the body will eventually react very poorly. If the body does not receive thyroid hormone, death is inevitable due to the probable failure of various organs and systems in the body.

Even with the new medications, I wasn't feeling much better. I started to think, again, that it was the Synthroid and/or antidepressants causing the problem.

Eventually, I was put on two other types of thyroid hormone medications. The depression went away, but I encountered a whole bunch of other problems that I never imagined would occur.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.-Phillippians 4:13. While I do get frustrated and weary at times, I know that the Lord has a plan for me. He is leading me through this journey for which I am grateful to be led by Him.


Next: "MY STORY" post will discuss the new medicines that I was put on and the eventual diagnosis of Dystonia, a neurological movement disorder.

My Story (Part Five): I Want Off of the Drugs (Prescription Drugs-LOL)

So, I began taking Calcium for my bone density issues. While working, I didn't exercise like I was supposed to. I had killer fatigue. Every day, after teaching all day, I would come home and nap. My version of a nap would usually be at least two hours. My Mom would always say, "Won't taking long naps keep you up when it's time to go to bed?" Usually it was not a problem, because I was walking through life very tired and fatigued. I've had insomnia a few times. But, that was usually due to medication or something I had eaten particular day. Good thing I learned to avoid caffeine (i.e. Pepsi, Coffee, and Coke) a long time ago; because, these substances trigger a response in my body.

Throughout the years, I have lived with symptoms that have been very disturbing. Imagine what it would be like to feel like you are being shot up with hits of adrenaline on a daily basis-while at the same time, suffering from gripping fatigue. Definitely, a conflict within the body.

Over the years, I have been in counseling (I did suffer a trauma during childhood which I will not go into). I have issues. Who doesn't? But, I know that 'my issues' are not solely responsible for all of my ongoing 'issues'. Throughout my life, I have suffered with anxiety and depression. As mentioned before, I was placed on antidepressants years before being diagnosed with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism.

Based on my research, I now know that many Graves' disease patients are diagnosed with disorders such as depression and anxiety when in actuality, the Graves' disease is helping to trigger the anxiety and/or depression. Autoimmune disorders are often initially misdiagnosed.

While on Synthroid (the medicine I took for seven years as a Thyroid Hormone Replacement), I always needed an antidepressant because I continued to get depressed. Whenever I tried to get off of the antidepressant, I ended back on one again. There have been quite a few.

I continued to have extreme anxiety, shakiness, etc. So, my doctors gave me anti-anxiety medications. None of those worked. Xanax looked at me and laughed. In fact, in retrospect, these drugs may have made matters worse for me.

I continued to complain about symptoms to my counselors, to my physicians, and to anyone who would listen. "Oh, let's increase the medicine," "You need to try this anti-anxiety medication instead," and I heard so many other reasons/responses as to why there were still problems.

Finally, in August 2007, I had enough. I stopped taking my antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines. I asked my Endocrinologist at the time if I could try another medicine that I had read about. I requested this, because taking the Synthroid always made me feel worse. I wasn't quite sure what was helping to exacerbate my symptoms. So, my goal was to remove all of the possible culprits-the Synthroid and the antidepressants and the anti-anxiety medicines.

Next My Story Post: I will discuss what happened next.

MY STORY (PART FOUR): "You Need to Take Medication for Osteopenia"

Needless to say, once diagnosed with Osteopenia, I was upset that no doctor ever mentioned the mere possibility that I could develop bone issues. Yes, I was young and Osteopenia is not prevalent in younger people. However, I had other issues or risk factors.

I wish that more medical professionals would think outside of the box. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. So, I have slowly but surely learned that I must be my own health/medical advocate in terms of reading and research as much as I can before accepting a certain type of treatment.

I do thank God that He had my friend invite me to the health screening that revealed that I had Osteopenia. Without that initial screening, who knows how much longer it would have been before I realized that I had been affected by Osteopenia.

Anyway, once diagnosed with Osteopenia, my internist at the time suggested that I start taking one of those medicines for Osteoporosis (i.e. Fosamax). I asked my doctor several questions regarding the medicine. Through that inquisition, I realized that testing for this medicine had not been done on women in my age group (premenopausal). So, I elected not to take the medicine. At this point, I am glad I have not taken any prescribed medicine for this issue. I say this, because I have heard some very negative side effects that have occurred due to these types of medications.

So, I was prescribed 1200mg daily of a Calcium Supplement. In addition, weight bearing exercise is supposed to help with bone issues. Currently, I try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day using a treadmill , exercise videos, and small hand weights. My mom keeps getting after me about getting a personal trainer. Well, she is on the right track. I just haven't done it (they are not cheap). But, perhaps, eventually I can look into it.


The following is an article that discusses the importance of Calcium, Vitamin D, and Magenesium in terms of bone health:
http://www.calmnatural.com/osteoporosis-prevention-treatment

MY STORY (PART THREE): Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism continued

At this point, I had been on Synthroid, a medicine taken to replace Thyroid Hormone, since 2001. I had been to quite a few endocrinologists at this point. None of them ever mentioned that I was in jeopardy of developing bone density issues. . .

In 2005, I was diagnosed with Osteopenia. Osteopenia is a precursor to Osteoperosis. You might think that a doctor diagnosed me with this disorder. Nope. A former co-worker and friend of mine asked if I wanted to go to a free health screening at a nearby grocery store. The store was giving free blood pressure screenings, cholesterol checks, and bone density tests. I said, "Why not?" So, I went to the screening with my friend. I really went, because I have a history of high cholesterol (probably related to the thyroid issue and genetics, because I don't eat that poorly).

Boy, was I in for a surprise! Not about my cholesterol. It was on the high side (At least, the "good cholesterol" was good). But, I was given a very basic bone density that involved measuring my foot. I was told that I have the bones of an 80 year old. I was only 32 at the time. At first, I laughed at the technician. I surely thought that he was joking. But, he assured me that he was very serious. He informed me that I needed to have a more complete bone density scan done through the doctor's office.

So, I scheduled the appointment. To make a long story short, it was found that I have Osteopenia, the precursor to Osteoporosis. I never liked milk. However, I frequently ate cheese and yogurt. So, I was kind of baffled. My primary care physician was baffled, too. "Typically, a young woman does not get Osteopenia/Osteoporosis."

I had read a few books/articles on thyroid disease. But, nothing ever stood out that made me think that I needed to be really vigilant about making sure my bones were okay. By 2005, I had been to at least 5 or 6 endocrinologists and none of them informed me of the need to be concerned about the health of my bones.

So, I started to research more. Now, I know that thyroid medication can possibly help to deplete calcium in the bones. Also, I may have been hyperthyroid longer than I realized. This, too, can cause bone problems. Trust me when I tell you, not many Endocrinologists will inform you of this possibility. It does make me angry that I was not informed of this possiblity. But, this is just one example of how I feel that I have been dismissed and/or uninformed by my doctors.

Next Post: I will discuss what happened next...

MY STORY(PART TWO): Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism

(I feel the need to back track and discuss my journey through illness in my quest to regain health. I have already discussed my diagnosis of Leaky Gut Syndrome. This post will discuss
my diagnosis of Graves' Disease and how it affected my thyroid. My next posts will continue where this one leaves off.)

Graves' Disease is an autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease in 2001. Graves' Disease triggered my body to produce too much thyroid hormone. Thus, I developed hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, shakiness, and rapid heart beat. Prior to being diagnosed with Graves' Disease, I had all of these symptoms and then some. Prior to being diagnosed with Graves' Disease, I was put on antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines. Now, I know, a large part of my problems are/were not mental in nature but are/were due to the tiny thyroid gland functioning improperly.

My endrocrinologist (the doctor who deals with endocrine disorders) suggested that I have my thyroid basically detroyed with radioactive iodine. In retrospect, I wish I would have tried holistic approaches before taking such drastic measures.

Once the thyroid is destroyed by radioactive iodine therapy, the patient usually becomes hypothyroid (or develops an underactive thyroid). After a few short months, I became hypothyoid and was put on a medicine called Synthroid. This medicine has to be taken for life since the thyroid is a gland that affects almost every part of the body. Without this tiny gland functioning properly, you could die eventually.

I never did well on this medicine. I always experienced extreme anxiety and nervousness while on this medicine. I always felt better for a few days when I refused to take it. But, then I would have to take the medicine because I would start feeling extremely tired and have other disturbing symptoms. While on this medicine, I also always needed an antidepressant. The antidepressants worked. But, no anxiety medicine (and I was given many) ever worked.

Below is a link to a site that discusses Graves' Disease and Autoimmunity (pretty interesting):
http://www.elaine-moore.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

Next: I will discuss my diagnosis of osteopenia ( a precursor to osteoporosis)

MY STORY (PART ONE): Leaky Gut Syndrome

In addition to my other health issues which include Dystonia and Graves' Disease, I have been diagnosed with Leaky Gut Syndrome. Leaky Gut Syndrome is intestinal permeability. In other words, I have developed holes in my intestines that cause bacteria, toxins, and food to leak into my bloodstream. This can cause a number of problems within the body including food allergies/food intolerances and inflammation.

I always suspected that something was not quite right with my stomach. Why? Well, I have always been underweight (currently 5'6'' and 111 pounds) although I love to eat and at one point or another I have been told that I have several deficiencies (i.e. Vitamin D, Zinc, Osteopenia (bone density issue). There are other reasons for my suspicions, but those are just a few. In my research, I have also found that Leaky Gut Syndrome is common in people with Autoimmune Disorders.

Based on research that I have been doing, I decided to consult an allergist. I explained to the allergist my symptoms, illnesses, etc. My allergist did do a skin test. The skin test showed that I was allergic to ragweed, dust mites, and feathers. The test did not show that I was allergic to any foods.

I had asked the allergy doctor to do a test that would show delayed food reactions. So, I was given a blood test. This test showed that I was allergic to 14 different foods. Amongst the foods that I am currently intolerant to are the following: chicken, milk, eggs, almonds, trout, almonds, lamb, corn, and corn. No more pizza for a while. Now, that hurts! The allergist says that I need to stay away from all of these foods for at least six months.

Based on my research on Leaky Gut Syndrome, I asked the allergist about the possibility of my issues being connected to Leaky Gut Syndrome. He said that intestinal permeability was a possibility. But, he did not have much information to give me in this area.

So, I consulted an integrative doctor. This particular doctor is also a family medicine doctor. I had read about this doctor in a health related magazine. She took an oral history for about an hour. She concluded that I did have Leaky Gut Syndrome. Since I suspected that this was an issue for me, I had been trying various remedies all along. Many of these same supplements were suggested by the integrative doctor. She added a few more to the regimen as well.

So, now I am taking various medicines and/or supplements for my thyroid condition and for the Leaky Gut Syndrome. I have chosen not to take medicines for the Dystonia due to the possible nasty side effects. Much of the time, I am in pain/discomfort. But, my goal is to stay off of meds for the Dystonia.

Anyway, I am on the following supplements on a regular basis: Probiotics, digestive enzymes, L-Glutamine, Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D. I also take Selenium, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C, and Aloe Vera Juice. In addition, I take Armour Thyroid for my thyroid condition. Needless to say, I am on a crazy schedule, because many of these meds and/or supplements require that I take them several hours apart.

What have I noticed since starting these supplements? I have been on this regimen for about two months. I have noticed that my bowel movements are much more frequent. This is a good thing. I continue to experience bloating after eating my food/meals. Hopefully this will subside.


The following is an excellent site if you would like to read more about Leaky Gut Syndrome:
http://leakygut.co.uk/