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"Getting help with unknown medical conditions"
Monday, April 8, 2013
Recent Article
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"Getting help with unknown medical conditions"
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Drug Interactions
Howdy-ho Readers!
Now I originally was going to start this post in a piss-poor mood because I think im done with my current doctor. I was going to rant and rave about his methods, bedside manner, and understanding of thyroid conditions. Instead I decided to write this small passive-aggressive side note and skip on to the real subject :)
Recently, I had alot of lower stomach issues. The doctor, not sure if it was bacterial or viral, decided to put me on strong antibiotics anyway. Well instead of making me feel better, I feel exceptionally worse. Now, being the genius I am, it took me a couple of days to realize that maybe I was having some drug interactions, instead of a drug reaction.
Sure enough, CIPROFLOXACIN (the heavy antibiotic) can reduce the effects of levothyroxine. Everything im about to write down is parahrasing from www.drugs.com. So take my warning with a grain of salt. Ciprofloxacin interrupts gastrointestinal absorption of levothyroxine. It is recommended that there should be a 6 hour gap between the medications. Then, of course, ciprofloxacin is suppose to be taken every 12 hours. So unless your up around midnight this is all a sticky wicket.
Anywho, I know now that was im feeling is the same as before I was on medication for my thyroid. I am super tired, things don't feel right in my chest, and my body is achy.
Be warned people. Check drug interactions for yourself because doctors don't always know/ think to look into it.
Cheers,
Maddy
Now I originally was going to start this post in a piss-poor mood because I think im done with my current doctor. I was going to rant and rave about his methods, bedside manner, and understanding of thyroid conditions. Instead I decided to write this small passive-aggressive side note and skip on to the real subject :)
Recently, I had alot of lower stomach issues. The doctor, not sure if it was bacterial or viral, decided to put me on strong antibiotics anyway. Well instead of making me feel better, I feel exceptionally worse. Now, being the genius I am, it took me a couple of days to realize that maybe I was having some drug interactions, instead of a drug reaction.
Sure enough, CIPROFLOXACIN (the heavy antibiotic) can reduce the effects of levothyroxine. Everything im about to write down is parahrasing from www.drugs.com. So take my warning with a grain of salt. Ciprofloxacin interrupts gastrointestinal absorption of levothyroxine. It is recommended that there should be a 6 hour gap between the medications. Then, of course, ciprofloxacin is suppose to be taken every 12 hours. So unless your up around midnight this is all a sticky wicket.
Anywho, I know now that was im feeling is the same as before I was on medication for my thyroid. I am super tired, things don't feel right in my chest, and my body is achy.
Be warned people. Check drug interactions for yourself because doctors don't always know/ think to look into it.
Cheers,
Maddy
Friday, March 1, 2013
Turning to Homeopathic and Updates
Howdy-ho Everyone!
Well I've been lowered further to .075MG and the doctor loves my results. I have a horrible memory for numbers, but he has mailed me the new results.
Personally, some joint pain has returned and good old fatigue is creeping back. Which goes to show numbers are just a basic measurement and everybody is a unique little snowflake. The reason we lowered my medications was due to heart palpitations I was experiencing. For a week all was well and dandy, than on a trip to the east coast they started up again. While in our hotel room I found out Citalopram, the anxiety medication I was on, can cause heart palpitations!
Well damn! Guess how quickly I decided to ween myself off that fun pill of trouble? So now I'm about two weeks from being off it completely. Next on my hit-list is my Nexium for GERD/Acid Reflux.
I'm tired of putting all these synthetic chemicals in my body with their own adverse side effects. For the time being, I have no desire to get off my thyroid medication. But everything else - probably gonna go! My next post will be on some homeopathic examples and better lifestyle choices.
As for updates, my side bar is out of date with all the thyroid blogs and websites out there. If you personally read this blog, and would like a link to your own thyroid related page, please send me a link either in a private message or a comment below and I will get on that :) I prefer if your blog is somewhat upbeat. Life is already full of ups and downs and I would prefer linking resources that can instill a sense of hope and/or encouragement.
Cheers!
Well I've been lowered further to .075MG and the doctor loves my results. I have a horrible memory for numbers, but he has mailed me the new results.
Personally, some joint pain has returned and good old fatigue is creeping back. Which goes to show numbers are just a basic measurement and everybody is a unique little snowflake. The reason we lowered my medications was due to heart palpitations I was experiencing. For a week all was well and dandy, than on a trip to the east coast they started up again. While in our hotel room I found out Citalopram, the anxiety medication I was on, can cause heart palpitations!
Well damn! Guess how quickly I decided to ween myself off that fun pill of trouble? So now I'm about two weeks from being off it completely. Next on my hit-list is my Nexium for GERD/Acid Reflux.
I'm tired of putting all these synthetic chemicals in my body with their own adverse side effects. For the time being, I have no desire to get off my thyroid medication. But everything else - probably gonna go! My next post will be on some homeopathic examples and better lifestyle choices.
As for updates, my side bar is out of date with all the thyroid blogs and websites out there. If you personally read this blog, and would like a link to your own thyroid related page, please send me a link either in a private message or a comment below and I will get on that :) I prefer if your blog is somewhat upbeat. Life is already full of ups and downs and I would prefer linking resources that can instill a sense of hope and/or encouragement.
Cheers!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Daily Dose
Hi everyone! So today is a short post since I have of a question and would love opinions.
What time of day do you take your daily thyroid medication?
I personally have been taking it first thing in the morning at 6am or so. I hear others take it at night thou and it helps them get up the following morning. Then there are other cases, which Im really interested in, where people split up their dosage throughout the day.
Thoughts?
What time of day do you take your daily thyroid medication?
I personally have been taking it first thing in the morning at 6am or so. I hear others take it at night thou and it helps them get up the following morning. Then there are other cases, which Im really interested in, where people split up their dosage throughout the day.
Thoughts?
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Heart Palpitations
Being a hypochondriac and having hypothyroidism just don't mix. Seriously. So many symptoms can be directed back to that pesky thyroid of mine but my mind does a number on me in the process.
When I was all the way up to 0.100MG of Levothyroxine at the beginning of my diagnoses my heart was going CRAZY. Heart palpitations up the ying-yang, creating the horrible sensation that my heart was giving out every few minutes/hours. I would lie awake and feel like my whole body was one big pulse as my heart hammered away even while I was resting. Needless to say I was terrified, but I blamed it on anxiety.
Once I settled into Kentucky two things happened: I was lowered to 0.088MG and the good doc put me on 10MG of Citalopram (a childs dose) to help me relax. This system, dare I say, was perfect for about 4 months. No more panic attacks, no crazy heart rhythms.
Than last Friday I was waiting at the postal office when the feeling of my heart dropping came back. I had the sickening feeling that I was going to pass out in line and driving all the way home I felt an odd tingling in my left arm. The hypochondriac in my head started to scream 'THIS IS THE BIG ONE MADDY! YOUR FINALLY HAVING A HEART ATTACK!' So I did the responsible thing and ignored it and laid around all weekend waiting for my heart to give out. Plus, im pretty cheap and didn't want to go to the ER.
Did I mention my inner hypochondriac is quite dramatic?
By Tuesday I was sure I had some kind of blood clot between the heart palpitations, the weird pain in my left arm and the mild pain in my chest. I went in the same day and the good doc checked me out, and did a run through. No signs of heart problems, blood clots, or any other medical problem I let fester in my mind.
I was reminded that heart palpitations are connected to hypothyroidism and we've agreed to lower my dose to 0.075MG. Also, I learned the weird sensation under my left arm was a 'refereed' pain from the palpitations. In one month I go back in to have some blood work redone and check everything out. I promise to update in a timely fashion when the news gets back.
In the meantime, if your experiencing the same problems please don't ignore it like I do and go see a doctor.
Cheers,
Maddy
When I was all the way up to 0.100MG of Levothyroxine at the beginning of my diagnoses my heart was going CRAZY. Heart palpitations up the ying-yang, creating the horrible sensation that my heart was giving out every few minutes/hours. I would lie awake and feel like my whole body was one big pulse as my heart hammered away even while I was resting. Needless to say I was terrified, but I blamed it on anxiety.
Once I settled into Kentucky two things happened: I was lowered to 0.088MG and the good doc put me on 10MG of Citalopram (a childs dose) to help me relax. This system, dare I say, was perfect for about 4 months. No more panic attacks, no crazy heart rhythms.
Than last Friday I was waiting at the postal office when the feeling of my heart dropping came back. I had the sickening feeling that I was going to pass out in line and driving all the way home I felt an odd tingling in my left arm. The hypochondriac in my head started to scream 'THIS IS THE BIG ONE MADDY! YOUR FINALLY HAVING A HEART ATTACK!' So I did the responsible thing and ignored it and laid around all weekend waiting for my heart to give out. Plus, im pretty cheap and didn't want to go to the ER.
Did I mention my inner hypochondriac is quite dramatic?
By Tuesday I was sure I had some kind of blood clot between the heart palpitations, the weird pain in my left arm and the mild pain in my chest. I went in the same day and the good doc checked me out, and did a run through. No signs of heart problems, blood clots, or any other medical problem I let fester in my mind.
I was reminded that heart palpitations are connected to hypothyroidism and we've agreed to lower my dose to 0.075MG. Also, I learned the weird sensation under my left arm was a 'refereed' pain from the palpitations. In one month I go back in to have some blood work redone and check everything out. I promise to update in a timely fashion when the news gets back.
In the meantime, if your experiencing the same problems please don't ignore it like I do and go see a doctor.
Cheers,
Maddy
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
The Sappy Update
Wow, its been sometime! I got settled in my new place and kinda let time get away from me..
What really drew me back was a text message I recieved the other day from a very good friend of mine. I haven't seen her in almost a year but the other day I found out she has read my blog, and recommended I continue this if it makes me feel better. The gesture meant alot more than I can convey.
Sometimes I forget the amazing support system I have. No one pushes me beyond my limits, and no one asks me to hurry up. Honestly I am very lucky and grateful for those that have been in my life!
I hope this doesn't come out as bragging. I write this as a shout out to everyone that sticks with me. Who has dropped off soup, stayed at home with me, let plans change, visit me in the ER, drive me to doctors appointments when im dizzy, made me a "get better" package, sent flowers, let my cry in front of them, and simply kept in touch. In means so much to know that while im down, im not out in friend's lives.
It has been a crazy few months and it means the world to me that your still here.
I plan to update more regularly in the near future. Maybe 2x a month?
What really drew me back was a text message I recieved the other day from a very good friend of mine. I haven't seen her in almost a year but the other day I found out she has read my blog, and recommended I continue this if it makes me feel better. The gesture meant alot more than I can convey.
Sometimes I forget the amazing support system I have. No one pushes me beyond my limits, and no one asks me to hurry up. Honestly I am very lucky and grateful for those that have been in my life!
I hope this doesn't come out as bragging. I write this as a shout out to everyone that sticks with me. Who has dropped off soup, stayed at home with me, let plans change, visit me in the ER, drive me to doctors appointments when im dizzy, made me a "get better" package, sent flowers, let my cry in front of them, and simply kept in touch. In means so much to know that while im down, im not out in friend's lives.
It has been a crazy few months and it means the world to me that your still here.
I plan to update more regularly in the near future. Maybe 2x a month?
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Big Changes and Anxiety (pt.1)
Lots of moving and lots of changes recently! To keep it brief I made alot of big decisions revolving my life that I hope pan out. I quit my job, packed up all my belongings to fit into one car and moved back out east. It was a crazy few days as I basically spent 25 hours going from the front door of my parent's house in Germany, to my apartment in Colorado. Than the following day we were packed up and on the road to Kentucky! Two days later, I was in a new home closer to family for support. I was proud, and surprised my thyroid (and me) handled those 4 days so well. Two days later, however, the old anxiety ridden me washed back up on shore..
Which segways into my main topic: ways to deal with anxiety (part 1). Sometimes things just snowball out of control. You've probably heard the cliche 'mind over matter' or simply been told 'its all in your head.' Panic attacks and anxiety issues shouldn't be taken lightly though. They are generally a physical manifestation of stress in your life.
A few months ago, my coping abilities were shot. I had been sick for months with no answer, and was only starting to get an idea for what my symptoms meant. The german doctor, hearing all this, gave me a sample packet of a herbal supplement containing St. John's Wort.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a small yellow flowered plant considered a weed in most of the United States. It is more widely known as a medicinal treatment for forms of depression and mood elevation. In Germany you can get it over the counter in 600mg tablets for once a day use. The only brand name I know and am familiar with is Neuroplant .
I only did 11 tablets before I became stubborn. I’ve always had mixed feelings about pills that “enhance your mood.” Surprisingly thou, my stress and anxiety went down quite a bit. More importantly to the sanity of loved ones, my mood started to pan out. Talking about things that use to make me a debbie downer, were really more of a matter I could shrug off. It felt like when someone brought something up that could be worrisome, my brain recognized that but just pointed its middle finger to the sky.
So why only 11 tablets? Because although I felt more “stable” my entire disposition became gloomier. Basically, I was a gloomy gus but felt like I could deal with anything. It was an odd combo for me and I didn't like it. I won't knock it to the point that I would say others shouldn't give it a shot, but for me personally it wasn't working.
Which segways into my main topic: ways to deal with anxiety (part 1). Sometimes things just snowball out of control. You've probably heard the cliche 'mind over matter' or simply been told 'its all in your head.' Panic attacks and anxiety issues shouldn't be taken lightly though. They are generally a physical manifestation of stress in your life.
A few months ago, my coping abilities were shot. I had been sick for months with no answer, and was only starting to get an idea for what my symptoms meant. The german doctor, hearing all this, gave me a sample packet of a herbal supplement containing St. John's Wort.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a small yellow flowered plant considered a weed in most of the United States. It is more widely known as a medicinal treatment for forms of depression and mood elevation. In Germany you can get it over the counter in 600mg tablets for once a day use. The only brand name I know and am familiar with is Neuroplant .
I only did 11 tablets before I became stubborn. I’ve always had mixed feelings about pills that “enhance your mood.” Surprisingly thou, my stress and anxiety went down quite a bit. More importantly to the sanity of loved ones, my mood started to pan out. Talking about things that use to make me a debbie downer, were really more of a matter I could shrug off. It felt like when someone brought something up that could be worrisome, my brain recognized that but just pointed its middle finger to the sky.
So why only 11 tablets? Because although I felt more “stable” my entire disposition became gloomier. Basically, I was a gloomy gus but felt like I could deal with anything. It was an odd combo for me and I didn't like it. I won't knock it to the point that I would say others shouldn't give it a shot, but for me personally it wasn't working.
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