BLOODLETTING - LET ME HAVE MY TEST RESULTS!

It’s the phone call you’ve been waiting for…

“Your test results came back normal”

The only time I would cringe at these words is when I KNEW something wasn’t, well…normal.
“IT CAN’T BE NORMAL!”

And the hopelessness I felt would intensify because I knew what would come next…a rush by the nurse or doctor to get me off the phone. It felt like they couldn’t hang up fast enough, so they could yell out…”Got rid of another hypochondriac, before they could ask any questions, Woo Hoo!”

Who made up these “normal” or “in range” lab values? And what is even more puzzling is why it is so difficult to get a copy of YOUR results from the doctor’s office. I used to accept them not giving (or offering) a copy, but now, as a seasoned thyroid patient, not getting my lab paperwork is not an option.

Making it a rule to get your test results will:

1. Give you an idea of what is “normal” for YOU. If your thyroid levels were slightly out of range but you felt great, talk to your doctor about this. Bring to him/her your old tests outlining when you felt good and when you didn’t.

2. Help you to see if you are progressing with a certain medication or declining. Don’t leave it up to your memory.

3. If it ever comes to the point of needing to fire your current doctor and you will want to provide this information to your new one. I recently did this and my new doc was so impressed by this.

4. See if a mistake was made. (My sister was recently told by her primary care physician that her test results were normal. Later she was getting examined by her gynecologist who called up her results on the computer. “They told you your test results were normal? They don’t look normal to me”, said her gynecologist. – Obviously a mistake was made and this happens more than you think, it doesn’t hurt to double check.

They took your blood, and now it feels like it is also going to take sweat and tears just to get those results in your hands. Some doctor’s offices try to make it an all out war to give them to you, but here’s a couple of ways you can get them easily, bypassing the doctor altogether:

1. Many doctor’s offices send you to an independent lab, when you check in at one of these labs, before they draw blood ask them to send you a copy, as well as the doctor’s office. They should oblige, but may have you fill out a release form.

2. There’s been a recent trend where doctor’s offices have signed on as employees or contractors with large hospital networks. These hospital networks are starting to incorporate convenient, secure access to your medical information (including lab work) online. With a login and password, you can easily see your results.

BEWARE: Reading through test results is like trying to understand Algebra or interest rates. Don’t jump to any conclusions if you happen to see the results before your doctor goes over them with you. If you’re like me, you would be convinced you will awake with tentacles in the morning. No need to add undue stress, to an already “not all that fun” experience.

Good luck my thyroid brothers and sisters on your quest of maneuvering through the lab work labyrinth.

CTL

EVERYBODY WAS FORUM FIGHTING

Forum - an assembly, meeting place, television program, etc., for the disscusion fo questions of public interest.

Thread - A set of posts on a forum, composed of an initial post about a topic and all responses to it.

If you've vistied a social media forum for those with thyroid conditions, you've probably read, started or contributed to some "forum fighting". Unfortunately, a little non-love can break out at any moment in these support groups. But, I hope this doesn't deter you from going back because, for the most part, there's a lot of great information and camarderie amongst these groups.

If you want to stay away from any forum fighting, these are the things to avoid:

The MAIN three topics to avoid in a thyroid forum:

     1. Healthy diet - DIET is the most horrendous four-letter word, don't ever bring up eating a healthy diet...EVER!

     2. Exercise

     3. Saying, "You may not feel well even after conventional treatments" - ... adding that it may take a lifestyle change. Ooohhh these are figting words.

Also avoid:

     1. Not answering the initial question on a forum post.
          Q. How much vitamin D do you all take?

           A. You should talk to your doctor.(This response is frustrating because this may be the same doctor who refuses to test their T3, what do you think they are going to say about vitamin D...nada)

     2. Telling someone to "Do their research" - Can come across as dissmissive and condescending. Getting on the forums and asking questions could be a part of their research.

     3. Telling someone to "Talk to their doctor" - I'm pretty sure you won't get sued if you decide not to use this disclaimer on an internet thyroid forum.

     4. Using harsh tones when you are passionate about a subject.

          Q: I'm thinking about getting my thyroid removed, has anyone had this done? Please tell me your experience.

          A: Why in the world would you do this to yourself? I would never do this!

     5. People who are looking for personal experiences and are bombarded by Googled links (This may also fall into category of not answering the question)

          Q. Has anyone tried CoQ10, if so, how did it make you feel (keywords here are "how did it make YOU feel".)

          A. Check out CoQ10rocksyoursocksoff.com

     6. Advice being offered from someone who doesn't have a thyroid condition - "My favorite cousin's best friend's sister has thyroid disesae and she is fine because she meditates while listening to a CD called Desert Sands twice a week".

     7. Thread "hijacking" or changing the subject - I've seen this act draw the ire of many many people. I personally don't get mad at this because "attention deficit" is what most of us thyroidians do best, watch how quickly a thread can shift subjects, it can be quite comical.

Remember to not say things like:

"In my opinion" (inserting the word "humble" will only make things worse. Ever notice that the people who use the world humble in this phrase...aren't?)

 "Just my point of view"

"This is what think"

Please note: You are probably wrong anyway...ya know...with your brain fog and all, so try not to have a point of view or an opinion.

There you have it, reasons for forum fighting (in my humble opinion). Please don't ever think that the extreme hormonal shifts we suffer from or the mood swings, the fatigue, seeing someone eat junk food and not gain a pound, joint pain or our general malaise has anything to do with the arguments on these forums, on the contrary, it is because of all those scenarios I've mentioned above.

I'll bet the forums having to do with politics or religion don't have the same kind of melees we have.

Kidding aside, I've been a part of many thyroid forums for several years now, and yes an argument breaks out now and then, but this has not deterred me from staying on them. I have met some of the most beautiful, amazing and strong individuals. They have helped me through some tough times. Yes we fight, but we also laugh and cry together. I need my time with these supporters because at the end of the day, they are the ones in my life who get it.

FOR THYROID CARE GO SEE A...PART II

From Web MD


The Appeal of Integrative Medicine
“What makes integrative medicine appealing? Advocates point to deep dissatisfaction with a health care system that often leaves doctors feeling rushed and overwhelmed and patients feeling as if they're nothing more than diseased livers or damaged joints. Integrative medicine seems to promise more time, more attention, and a broader approach to healing -- one that is not based solely on the Western biomedical model, but also draws from other cultures.

"Patients want to be considered whole human beings in the context of their world," says Esther Sternberg, MD, a National Institutes of Health senior scientist and author of The Balance Within: The Science Connecting Health and Emotions.”


If you haven’t heard of integrative medicine, you will. Populations are getting sicker and it is evident within the medical community, change is needed.

Conventional vs. Integrative


Conventional Medicine – has no model for health/well-being. It focuses on disease suppression and it is reactive.

Integrative Medicine – Designed to treat the person, not just the disease. Both doctors and patients alike are bonding with the philosophy of integrative medicine and its whole-person approach.



See the illustration below

If you can’t find an integrative doctor in your area, look for these keywords in a medical practice, as they are the next best thing.

• Complimentary (I switched from an Endo practice to a “complimentary” practice)

• Alternative

• Healing

• Functional

I was always under the impression conventional doctors were primarily in the business of wellness/healing until I began working in the medical field. And then, it wasn’t until I acquired a chronic disease did this newfound knowledge had become my reality. What I’ve learned behind the scenes is that insurance companies, medical associations and big pharma are the ones dictating our healthcare. This means doctors are required to adhere to all of the industry’s respective guidelines when it comes to your health….meanwhile, you keep getting sicker.

If you’ve been treated with radiation or had your thyroid removed, but still not feeling any better…you’ve probably asked your Endo to check other things, like your hormone levels, T3, vitamin and mineral levels, but they’ve refused. If this has happened to you, it is possible that this could be the reason:

Your doctor (primarily a specialist, like the Endocrinologist) has to follow the medical “gold standard of care” guidelines set forth by the “powers that be” for thyroid care, if they don’t they could be subject to:

• Insurance Claims Denials – Doctors won’t get paid for their service; they would have to “eat” the cost of serving the patient.

• A reprimand

• Criminal charges – If doctors continue to prescribe tests/treatments that are deemed not a “medical necessity” they could be brought on fraud charges.

BUT THERE’S GOOD NEWS!

Remember my analogy in the last blog post. Math, Science and English teachers must teach those subjects according to the guidelines of their associations, but the Social Studies teacher could technically teach all three subjects, without a reprimand.

The integrative doctor is just like the social studies teacher. They have a bigger canvas to paint on and it’s accepted.

Isn’t it silly that all you have to do is call yourself something else and the insurance companies and others will not deny the patient’s treatment? Perhaps this is why “integration” is growing in popularity.

For emergent immediate needs to “stop the bleeding” so to speak, a conventional doctor may be ideal in some cases, but for on-going chronic conditions that the conventional doctor can’t/won’t address, an integrative doctor may be worth looking into.

Click here to find a doctor in your area who practices integrative medicine in the U.S.


CTL

FOR THYROID CARE, GO SEE A...

WHAT IS YOUR CATHARTIC RELEASE?

A recent death in the family reminded me of the difficult phases we go through when losing someone: Getting that initial call, grieving tears, trying to be strong (or not), visitation, funeral service and offering solace.

That’s an enormous amount of weight in terms of stress quickly pressing down on a person. Softening the blow is important for those of us with a chronic disease, because this added “weight” may in fact keep us out of commission longer than the average person.

 This is why, I believe, it is important for us to have some sort of outlet, something constructive, perhaps in the arts that bring forth a cathartic release.

My artistic stress reducer is writing, although I am not the grammarian by any stretch (as I’m sure my regular blog readers can attest) yet, it is still something that brings me a level of joy and comfort.

What do you like to do? Cooking, baking, gardening, photography, drawing, painting, sewing, landscaping, woodworking, the list goes on and on.  Is there something I didn’t mention? Give us some ideas.

Jail time, is also stressful, so try to keep it legal, teepeeing your neighbor’s yard or “tagging” (graffiti) the highway underpass, and should not be included in your “art” therapy.

Here are some helpful websites and blogs that may get you going or enhance your interests:

  ART

http://www.soulcollage.com/

SoulCollage^® is a creative and satisfying collage process. You make your own deck of cards - each collage card representing one aspect of your personality or Soul. Use the collage cards intuitively to answer life's questions and participate in self-discovery.

http://www.zentangle.com/ 

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Zentangle Youtube Video

http://www.youtube.com/user/Zentangle

ART LESSONS

http://artbysuzannegibson.blogspot.com/

http://artlessonsbysuzanne.blogspot.com/

http://wineandwatercolors.blogspot.com/

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

http://www.photographyblog.com/

GARDENING

http://allanbecker-gardenguru.squarespace.com/

http://inmykitchengarden.blogspot.com/

http://www.gardeningblog.net/

COOKING

http://smittenkitchen.com/

http://www.simplyrecipes.com/

SEWING

http://www.sewing.org/

JEWELRY MAKING

http://www.ninadesigns.com/blog/

I hope you find your cathartic release

Love you

CTL

COMMON SENSE UNIVERSITY

If these reputable medical organizations are saying this about the thyroid…

Web MD “Your thyroid controls your metabolism, which is how your body turns food into energy, and also affects your heart, muscles, bones, and cholesterol”

Mayo Clinic “These hormones circulate in your bloodstream and help regulate your metabolism. They maintain the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates, help control your body temperature, influence your heart rate, and help regulate the production of proteins. Your thyroid gland also produces calcitonin — a hormone that helps regulate the amount of calcium in your blood.”

Medicine Net “The Thyroid regulates the body's metabolism and effects processes, such as growth and other important functions of the body.”

Merck “These hormones act on cells in virtually every body tissue by combining with nuclear receptors and altering expression of a wide range of gene products. Thyroid hormone is required for normal brain and somatic tissue development in the fetus and neonate, and, in people of all ages, regulates protein, carbohydrate, and fat metabolism.”

…Then for the life of me I can’t figure out why the following tests aren’t routinely run, or at least given once, to someone with a thyroid condition.

1.       Comprehensive Metabolic Panel– It has been suggested that people with chronic diseases should get this test done routinely.

2.       Vitamin and mineral levels (not just D, B12 and Iron…ALL) – because of our difficulties with metabolizing. Are our essential nutrients going to each bodily system correctly?

3.       Hormone levels – Who knows…a hormonal imbalance could have caused your problems in the first place.

4.       Stomach Acid Testing – Digestive issues and thyroid disease can go hand in hand.

5.       Bone Density – There is a link between thyroid disease and osteoporosis.

6.       Cardiovascular system tests – The thyroid influences your heart rate.

7.       Parasite testing-These little buggers could have caused all of your problems, as well OR as a result of poor digestion because of a bum thyroid, these parasites could be thriving in your gut as we speak.

 Why those tests? I am using a deductive scientific technique from my studies of Commonsenseology.

You see…when I was first diagnosed, my TSH was off the charts abnormal. I’m sure my thyroid was malfunctioning for many years prior to diagnosis as well. And then after treatment, my body still misbehaved with continued fluctuation of my thyroid lab numbers.

So my question is…If this gland is so important to all bodily functions...what kind of damage has been done since my thyroid decided to quit working?

I am not a doctor. I don’t have any sort of clinical degree, but what I do have is a PhD in common sense. Unfortunately, commonsenseologists can’t legally diagnose or treat…all they can do is just…well… wonder…wonder why so many thyroid sufferers who just can’t seem to get well on any kind of thyroid medication, whether it be natural, generic, brand or a T4/T3 combo.  Perhaps if those other lab tests were performed, irregularities could be discovered and then addressed…optimal health just might be possible. Woo Hoo!

I didn’t mention the obvious “no brainer” tests that should be done on someone with thyroid disease like T3, free's and the reverse's, and even testing for adrenal issues.

So you are probably saying…”Crazy Thyroid Lady, if docs aren’t gonna test ALL the thyroid hormone levels AND other related endocrine issues, what makes you think they will test anything else?  I would say to this, “You’re right”, and this is why I propose that all these uncooperative thyroid-treating doctors, enroll at CSU – Common Sense University. With a Common Sense and Medical degree combined, imagine how much better off we’d be?

Crazy Thyroid Lady

IT'S NOT THYROID RELATED...BULL!

This week’s blog is short because it is my hope that you will consider taking some time to peruse the list below. This list comes from the Medicare National Coverage Determinations report. Extracted from that report is the Thyroid Testing list (below). The list indicates that thyroid function testing may be medically necessary with the following patient conditions/complaints/symptoms.

It is important to note that many major insurance companies adopt Medicare’s (The government) reimbursement coverage guidelines.

So the next time a doctor says to you “I don’t think your symptoms are “thyroid related” show them this list. I had an ER doctor tell me one time that memory loss has nothing to do with thyroid disease. It would have been great to have this list at the time…I could’ve said “Nuh Uh buddy, check out code number 780.93.”

The government assembles a team primarily of doctors to create, update, review and edit this list annually.

Here is the entire 2013 Medicare National Coverage Determinations Report - http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coverage/CoverageGenInfo/downloads/manual201301.pdf

THYROID TESTING LIST

Code	Description
017.50-017.56	Tuberculosis of the thyroid gland
183.0	Malignant neoplasm of ovary
193	Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland
194.8	Malignant neoplasm of other endocrine glands and related structures
198.89	Secondary malignant neoplasm of the thyroid
220	Benign neoplasm of ovary
226	Benign neoplasm of thyroid gland
227.3	Benign neoplasm of pituitary gland and craniopharyngeal duct
234.8	Carcinoma in situ of other and unspecified sites
237.4	Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of other and unspecified endocrine glands
239.7	Neoplasm of unspecified nature, thyroid gland
240.0-240.9	Goiter specified and unspecified
241.0-241.9	Nontoxic nodular goiter
242.00-242.91	Thyrotoxicosis with or without goiter
243	Congenital hypothyroidism
244.0-244.9	Acquired hypothyroidism
245.0-245.9	Thyroiditis
246.0-246.9	Other disorders of thyroid
249.00-249.01	Secondary diabetes mellitus without mention of complication
249.10-249.11	Secondary diabetes mellitus with ketoacidosis
249.20-249.21	Secondary diabetes mellitus with hyperosmolarity
249.30-249.31	Secondary diabetes mellitus with other coma
249.40-249.41	Secondary diabetes mellitus with renal manifestations
249.50-249.51	Secondary diabetes mellitus with ophthalmic manifestations
249.60-249.61	Secondary diabetes mellitus with neurological manifestations
249.70-249.71	Secondary diabetes mellitus with peripheral circulatory disorders
249.80-249.81	Secondary diabetes mellitus with other specified manifestations
249.90-249.91	Secondary diabetes mellitus with unspecified complication
250.00-250.93	Diabetes mellitus
252.1	Hypoparathyroidism
253.1	Other and unspecified anterior pituitary hyper function
253.2	Panhypopituitarism
253.3	Pituitary dwarfism
253.4	Other anterior pituitary disorders
253.7	Iatrogenic pituitary disorders
255.2	Adrenogenital disorders
255.41	Glucocorticoid deficiency
255.42	Mineralocorticoid deficiency
256.31-256.39	Ovarian failure
257.2	Testicular hypofunction
258.0 – 258.9	Polyglandular dysfunction and related disorders
262	Malnutrition, severe
263.0-263.9	Malnutrition, other and unspecified
266.0	Ariboflavinosis
272.0	Pure hypercholesterolemia
272.2	Mixed hyperlipidemia
272.4	Other and unspecified hyperlipidemia
275.40-275.49	Calcium disorders
275.5	Hungry bone syndrome
276.0	Hyposmolality and/or hypernatremia
276.1	Hyposmolality and/or hyponatremia
278.3	Hypercarotenemia
279.41	Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome
279.49	Autoimmune disease, not elsewhere classified
281.0	Pernicious anemia
281.9	Unspecified deficiency anemia
283.0	Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
285.9	Anemia, unspecified
290.0	Senile dementia, uncomplicated
290.10-290.13	Presenile dementia
290.20-290.21	Senile dementia with delusional or depressive features
290.3	Senile dementia with delirium
293.0-293.1	Delirium
293.81-293.89	Other specified transient mental disorders due to conditions classified elsewhere
294.8	Other persistent mental disorders due to conditions classified elsewhere
296.00-296.99	Episodic mood disorders
297.0	Paranoid state, simple
297.1	Delusional disorder
297.9	Unspecified paranoid state
298.3	Acute paranoid reaction
300.00-300.09	Anxiety states
307.9	Other and unspecified special symptoms or syndromes NEC
310.1	Personality change due to conditions classified elsewhere
311	Depressive disorder, NEC
327.00	Organic insomnia, unspecified
327.01	Insomnia due to medical condition classified elsewhere
327.09	Other organic insomnia
327.29	Other organic sleep apnea
327.52	Sleep related leg cramps
327.8	Other Organic sleep disorders
331.0, 331.11, 331.19, 331.2	Alzheimer’s, pick’s disease, Senile degeneration of brain
331.83	Mild cognitive impairment, so stated
333.1	Essential and other specified forms of tremor
333.99	Other extrapyramidal diseases and abnormal movement disorders
354.0	Carpal Tunnel syndrome
356.9	Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, unspecified polyneuropathy
358.1	Myasthenic syndromes in diseases classified elsewhere
359.5	Myopathy in endocrine diseases classified elsewhere
359.9	Myopathy, unspecified
368.2	Diplopia
372.71	Conjunctival hyperemia
372.73	Conjunctival edema
374.41	Lid retraction or lag
374.82	Eyelid edema
376.21	Thyrotoxic exophthalmos
376.22	Exophthalmic ophthalmoplegia
376.30-376.31	Exophthalmic conditions, unspecified and constant
376.33-376.34	Orbital edema or congestion, intermittent exophthalmos
378.50-378.55	Paralytic strabismus
401.0-401.9	Essential hypertension
403.00-403.91	Hypertensive chronic kidney disease
404.00-404.93	Hypertensive heart and chronic kidney disease
423.9	Unspecified disease of pericardium
425.7	Nutritional and metabolic cardiomyopathy
427.0	Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
427.2	Paroxysmal tachycardia, unspecified
427.31	Atrial fibrillation
427.89	Other specified cardiac dysrhythmia
427.9	Cardiac dysrhythmia, unspecified
428.0	Congestive heart failure, unspecified
428.1	Left heart failure
429.3	Cardiomegaly
511.9	Unspecified pleural effusion
518.81	Acute respiratory failure
529.8	Other specified conditions of the tongue
560.1	Paralytic ileus
564.00-564.09	Constipation
564.7	Megacolon, other than Hirschsprung’s
568.82	Peritoneal effusion (chronic)
625.3	Dysmenorrhea
626.0-626.2	Disorders of menstruation
626.4	Irregular menstrual cycle
648.10-648.14	Other current conditions in mother, classifiable elsewhere, but complicating pregnancy, childbirth, or puerperium, thyroid dysfunction
676.20-676.24	Engorgement of breast associated w/ childbirth & disorders of lactation
698.9	Unspecified pruritic disorder
701.1	Keratoderma, acquired (dry skin)
703.8	Other specified diseases of nail (Brittle nails)
704.00-704.09	Alopecia
709.01	Vitiligo
710.0-710.9	Diffuse disease of connective tissue
728.2	Muscle wasting
728.87	Muscle weakness (generalized)
728.9	Unspecified disorder of muscle, ligament, and fascia
729.1	Myalgia and myositis, unspecified
729.82	Musculoskeletal cramp
730.30-730.39	Periostitis without osteomyelitis
733.02	Idiopathic osteoporosis
733.09	Osteoporosis, drug induced
750.15	Macroglossia, congenital
759.2	Anomaly of other endocrine glands
780.01	Coma
780.02	Transient alteration of awareness
780.09	Alteration of consciousness, other
780.50	Insomnia
780.51	Insomnia with sleep apnea, unspecified
780.52	Insomnia, unspecified
780.60	Fever, unspecified
780.61	Fever presenting with conditions classified elsewhere
780.62	Postprocedural fever
780.63	Postvaccination fever
780.64	Chills (without fever)
780.65	Hypothermia not associated with low environmental temperature
780.66	Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction
780.71	Chronic fatigue syndrome
780.72	Functional quadriplegia
780.79	Other malaise and fatigue
780.8	Generalized hyperhidrosis
780.93	Memory loss
780.94	Early satiety
780.96	Generalized pain
780.97	Altered mental status
780.99	Other general symptoms
781.0	Abnormal involuntary movements
781.3	Lack of coordination, ataxia
782.0	Disturbance of skin sensation
782.3	Localized edema
782.8	Changes in skin texture
782.9	Other symptoms involving skin and integumentary tissues
783.0	Anorexia
783.1	Abnormal weight gain
783.21	Abnormal loss of weight
783.6	Polyphagia
784.1	Throat pain
784.42	Dysphonia
784.43	Hypernasality
784.44	Hyponasality
784.49	Other voice and resonance disorders
784.51	Dysarthria
784.59	Other speech disturbance
785.0	Tachycardia, unspecified
785.1	Palpitations
785.9	Other symptoms involving cardiovascular system
786.09	Other symptoms involving respiratory system
786.1	Stridor
787.20	Dysphagia, unspecified
787.21	Dysphagia, oral phase
787.22	Dysphagia, oropharyngeal phase
787.23	Dysphagia, pharyngeal phase
787.24	Dysphagia, pharyngo-esophageal phase
787.29	Other dysphagia
787.91-787.99	Other symptoms involving digestive system
789.51	Malignant Ascites
789.59	Other Ascites
793.99	Other nonspecific (abnormal) findings on radiological and other examination of body structure
794.5	Thyroid, abnormal scan or uptake
796.1	Other nonspecific abnormal findings, abnormal reflex
799.21	Nervousness
799.22	Irritability
799.23	Impulsiveness
799.24	Emotional lability
799.25	Demoralization and apathy
799.29	Other signs and symptoms involving emotional state
990	Effects of radiation, unspecified
V10.87	Personal history of malignant neoplasm of the thyroid
V10.88	Personal history of malignant neoplasm of other endocrine gland
V10.91	Personal history of malignant neuroendocrine tumor
V12.21	Personal history of gestational diabetes
V12.29	Personal history of other endocrine, metabolic, and immunity disorders
V58.69	Long term (current) use of other medications

Don't forget to get your copy of my thyroid book, Wow Your Mom Really is Crazy. Buy it on Amazon today.