So much for getting these results out quickly...
To recap- I was diagnosed with hypothyroid in Dec '04, then Hashi's in March '05. To simplify, I just put those antibody numbers in the 2004 column. (I am so detail oriented that this actually bothered me...) In April 2010, I had a regular physical/lab eval with my PMD, and those labs were PRE- gluten, legume, and (mostly) dairy free. I last knowingly ate gluten July 31, 2010. October 2010 is when I started my 6 month quest to send my Hashi's into dormancy.
I've got my old and new lab results in front of me, so I'm going to just document anything significant to my care.
Click here for my test results.
So, now to explain my situation a little...in order of the lab appearance.
My doctor believes my hgb A1c may be dropping to low and headed to close to hypoglycemia, however I am happy with my result this go-round. My fasting glucoses have remained completely stable, even though my fingerstick glucoses were high several times in the beginning of these past several weeks.
The total protein and albumin did not change in the right direction. To recap, he wanted my protein >7, and the albumin >5. He did not address the globulin in the beginning, so I am not sure where he wants it- but he did say that 2.6 is an improvement.
My Iron has been a roller coaster all these years! I am still happy with the 60. I haven't been taking any iron supplements- except for maybe 1 tab, maybe every 2-3 weeks. (I know...why even bother, right?!) I am anticipating that because of the lack of phytate containing grains in my diet (they steal minerals from you by binding strongly to them...and you don't get to keep them. So if you are osteoporotic, anemic, zinc deficient, etc...grains are a giant culprit.) my body will actually start absorbing all my iron (and other minerals) from food.
TSH result is so much better since he started me on the GTA product. And for the record, I am not as sleepy as I was a few short weeks ago. (I could've slept standing up!!) I no longer feel like taking a nap at 10 AM, 3PM, or 7PM. Another bonus is less and less hair is falling out. I still continue to take my 100mcg of Levothyroxine everyday. That hasn't changed since 2005.
He said that since my neutrophils dropped, he believes my gut infection is improving. If you remember he wanted it less that 60. That's wonderful, you know? ;) Tomorrow is actually the day I start the 2nd phase of the parasite killing action called GI Synergy, and I will continue it for the next 45 days. I just opened the container. *sniff sniff*... Garlic-y.
My Vitamin D is good! Yay!! He now has changed my yellow fish-juice supplement to a much more palatable Vitamin D dropper that is almost tasteless.
My Cholesterol panel is proof that eating fat and cholesterol doesn't equal a bad result in your body. I eat more bacon, coconut oil, butter, nuts, fatty pork chops than I ever have, and look at those results. My triglycerides actually have a notation under the result: "Verified by repeat analysis." The concern is my total cholesterol is too low. See, cholesterol is the building block of hormones. We want mine above 150. Not sure how I'm gonna accomplish this feat.
Then my Thyroid antibodies. The definitive marker that my autoimmunity is lessening and on it's way to dormancy. One down by 50, the other down by almost 200 pts. I was hoping they both would be in the 300s, but I also had no idea what to expect. My doc is pretty pleased.
Overall, many positives, a couple ho-hums. He has sent my labs to some people at Dr Kharrazian's office to see if they can give any advice.
About my TH-1 and TH-2 challenge...
I was to take 2 different sets of capsules on 2 different days. On the 1st day I took 2 caps of X-Viromin 3 times (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner). This product is supposed to help if I am TH-2 dominant. It has Vit A, C, Zinc, astragalus root extract, echinacea, licorice, thymus and spleen from porcine source, parotid from bovine source, lemon balm, pomegranate, maitake mushroom. So, if my TH-2 pathway is the dominant one, this blend is supposed to activate the TH-1 pathway to balance it out...like a see saw. (I hope you read the link in the last post that gives a great explanation of the whole process.) I was instructed to pay attention to my feelings throughout the day. Did I get sick? Moody? Tired? Any unusual symptom of an autoimmune flare up? Anything?!? If I knew it was the caps making me feel bad, I was to stop taking them the rest of the day. Well only one thing happened...and I'm not so sure if it has anything to do with this at all. There were rare times in the past where my heart would beat so hard that I would feel it in my neck. It would be during sleep, or just resting while laying on the couch. It would last a few seconds and quit. I always chalked it up to an adrenaline rush...like when you are dreaming and you suddenly startle and wake up, or jerk your body. That being said, I haven't had this happen since going gluten free...until the day I took these capsules. Once again, I was lying on the couch and drifted off into a dream...and BAM. Heart beat city for about 5-8 beats. Coincedence? Possibly.
Day 2: I did the same exact process with a product called X-FLM. This contains pine bark extract, green tea, grape seed extract, resveratrol, and pycnogenol. This would support me if I was dominant in the TH-1 response...again to balance it out- like a see saw.
Sigh. Ok. I woke up in a foul mood, and began arguing with my hubby just an hour or 2 into my day. (I know that never happens to any of you...) ;) . I even thought to myself...maybe I shouldn't take these today, as this argument could really skew the result. I shoulda listened to my own wonderful wisdom...but alas, I was too focused on completing the test. I was grumpy most of the day...but who knows if it had anything to do with the X-FLM...because I was grumpy before I even started taking them. Other things were I felt like I just had an energy drink and my throat was warm a couple times after swallowing the capsules.
So, to conclude...it was inconclusive. And for what it's worth, I can't recall what the argument was about. Typical.
Dr. Matthews wanted to try this again in the near future, and said not everyone can tell the 1st time. However...I'm not so sure I want to. When I signed up for this, he said we would find out by a blood test. It was only recently that he attended a Dr. Kharrazian seminar in which they offered this option to test a patient's symptoms. Apparantly, the labs can be wrong sometimes...and I'm sure it's more expensive than 12 little capsules. The gluten labs are sometimes wrong too, and we still do them. It's right tons more than it's wrong...and challenging myself with a known problematic substance is just wrong to me. I don't know. I just hate knowingly putting something in my body that is activating my dominant pathway, and essentially activating my autoimmune response. At my appointment tomorrow, I think I'm going to talk to him about it. I'm supposed to be doing everything possible now during these 6 months to dampen the response...right?
I believe Dr. Matthews did say that this week he was going to give me another saliva test to do. Good. I've decided to build a WOD around it. Spitting...for time.
Do any of you have any stories to share? Successes? Failures?
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!! God bless!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A Mini Lesson on TH-1 and TH-2
My doctor appointment is today! I should be getting my bloodwork results from last Wednesday. I am hopeful and anticipating good things. The holiday hustle has been keeping me from updating this blog routinely, however I will get my results posted quickly!
This past week I was challenged with some herbal capsules to see if I was TH-1 vs. TH-2 dominant. Prior to my post about how I felt during this process, I wanted to post a link to a great mini explanation about the T-Helper cells. See, it is critical to know their role for you is in this whole autoimmune process.
Please take some time to read this little post to get familiar with such an important tidbit.
Are you TH1 or TH2 dominant?
This past week I was challenged with some herbal capsules to see if I was TH-1 vs. TH-2 dominant. Prior to my post about how I felt during this process, I wanted to post a link to a great mini explanation about the T-Helper cells. See, it is critical to know their role for you is in this whole autoimmune process.
Please take some time to read this little post to get familiar with such an important tidbit.
Are you TH1 or TH2 dominant?
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Wagon- It's a Love-Hate Thing
I can hardly understand how 2 weeks can disappear just like *that*. Time flies when you can "cheat" with your meals... 
These are my new buddies. The 1st is that yellow AdrenaCalm cream that smells like vitamins. That and the Adaptocrine capsules are helping my adrenal glands work appropriately again. I do both of those 3 times a day. (I will say- for the cream- the middle time each day is a challenge, and I do miss it too often.
Interfase. >evil smirk< I started this almost 2 weeks ago. It is basically breaking down the outer membrane of the parasites that have made my intestine their home. I will take this twice a day on an empty stomach for 30 days. After which, I will take the capsules that kill the parasites all together. So far, so good. No problems with my gut as far as I can tell. Taking the Interfase at night on an empty stomach is helping me stay conscious of the need to not eat before bed. Helpful... and aggravating too.
I will be getting my labs drawn next week! The numbers I am most curious about are my Thyroid antibody levels. I want to know if they've gotten lower that the 500s they were before. Having labs to look forward to is also helping me stay focused with my food choices. And, of course...it also helps that I ate the last chocolate almond yesterday.
Cheers!
The first day off of my Clearvite regimen, this was my breakfast:
As you can see, I wasted no time at all to eat a Trader Joe's Gluten-free Gingersnap with a pat of butter on top...or 2. I made these paleo pumpkin pancakes with pecans on top with raw honey... and with more butta! The sausage is also from TJ's. The oily look to the black coffee is coconut oil. Enjoyable? Sure!
-->Sidebar- My coffee 1 year ago would not recognize the coffee I drink today. I used to use 1/4 (or more) International Delight Flavored Creamer, 3/4 coffee, plus a splenda. (I thought that was so much better than sugar). I gradually went to the Sugar free ID Flavored Creamer. Then dropped the splenda. Then I went to NO splenda. Then I went to half and half or heavy cream. Then black. Now I add coconut oil for the health benefits. I used to drink it for the sugary sweetness- now I drink it (and love it) for another reason apparently, because it does not even resemble the coffee of days of old.. <-- end sidebar.
However, the sugary goodness of my 1st meal? It was dangerous. By the end of the 2nd day, I was gobbling down 20 or so dark chocolate almonds in a single bound...Well, in like 10 minutes or so. ("No one can eat just one!") The justification was that I was "off" my strict diet. What a sucker. You really have no idea how much your body wants that junk until you go without it for awhile, and then let your guard down.
Backup a sec.
In the beginning of my 3rd week with the Clearvite, I asked my doc if I could drink my sweet "Afterglow" recovery shake after a workout, because I hadn't been. He said after a workout was fine, no problem. Well- I'm telling you no lie. I had finished that shake at the gym, hopped in the van, called my husband, and I was W-I-R-E-D. I hardly remember what I said, but it felt like my eyes were as big as baseballs, and I could see EVERYTHING so clear. I had drank that shake 3-4 times a week since May with no such effect. Zero. Our bodies must just become numb under our noses. But, essentially, just because we don't feel the buzz that cupcake or candybar gives us, doesn't mean our bodies aren't being sent for a ride each time. And for the record, I felt that high feeling from the shake only when I was not eating any other forms of sugar.
Since my breakout session with sweets, I am now back on the wagon. But it took several days. Thanksgiving wasn't hard like I thought it might be. Our 1st Paleo Turkey Day was actually a hit. The only questionable ingredients or menu items had were: There was raw honey in the salad dressing; Anthony made gluten free cornbread (corn is a grain); and I did make the dessert (Butternut Squash Creme Brulee) with muscavado (a type of organic pure sugar). All in all- Not too shabby for newbies! During this time, I was still eating gingersnaps at will...at least a couple everyday. Plus those dark chocolate covered almonds... What is it about biting into the chocolate, and taking the chocolate shell apart in your mouth?!?
Here's what our Thanksgiving Day Meal looked like:
Appetizers- Pecan stuffed dates (think pecan pie!), Strawberry salad, Red beets with Pistachio butter
14 lb Turkey and cranberry sauce (looks so small on that huge platter!), Brussels sprouts and bacon slaw, Steamed sweet potatoes/apples/cranberries, gluten free cornbread, carrot souffle, mashed cauliflower, ground beef stuffing (no grains used).
-Most recipies were obtained from websites listed as my favorite sites on the right sidebar-
The sugar consumption came to a hault the night my husband's car broke down on me...on a work night. I was worrying a bit about the repairs and such...and fretting how I was going to get home at the end of my shift in the middle of the night. A Public Safety Officer had gone to the gas station to pick up some coolant for my car, and came back with three gas-station hot chocolates for the nurses. "Oh, come on, you're having a rough night!", was what I heard. I drank that whole thing. Bottoms up, and tapped on the base. It was killer. nom nom nom. And afterwards I felt weak. I didn't really need that chocolate flavoring, HFCS, sugar, and other things I couldn't pronounce. It certainly wasn't helping me- especially in these 6 months. It actually probably set me back mentally and physically (After you taste that, it's harder to resist next time). Despite what they say about having "cheat" days every now and then...Sometimes it's just easier NOT to cheat. Especially if you have a goal in mind.- And I do. So I stopped with the treats.
Interfase. >evil smirk< I started this almost 2 weeks ago. It is basically breaking down the outer membrane of the parasites that have made my intestine their home. I will take this twice a day on an empty stomach for 30 days. After which, I will take the capsules that kill the parasites all together. So far, so good. No problems with my gut as far as I can tell. Taking the Interfase at night on an empty stomach is helping me stay conscious of the need to not eat before bed. Helpful... and aggravating too.
I will be getting my labs drawn next week! The numbers I am most curious about are my Thyroid antibody levels. I want to know if they've gotten lower that the 500s they were before. Having labs to look forward to is also helping me stay focused with my food choices. And, of course...it also helps that I ate the last chocolate almond yesterday.
Cheers!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Time to Wake Up!
For starters, I have to make a correction to a previous post-(and I've already edited that particular post). Apparently I had a misunderstanding about one of the products I take. The GTA with porcine glandular stuff in it is actually to support my low thyroid function...not for the hypochlorhydria as I had thought he said. Duh. You'd have thought I'd have figured that one out on my own. I've heard of pig hormones being the source for thyroid help but I didn't put 2 and 2 together. Anyway, now that I know this, I feel comforted in the fact that my high TSH is being aided in some additional way aside from me taking my 100 mcg of levothyroxine daily.
At my appointment yesterday I told him how sleepy I had been. He said it was time to get my adrenals back under control. He added 2 things, but he was out of one product. The office will call me when it comes in so I can go pick it up. I think it is a capsule. The one I did get to bring home is another cream called AdrenaCalm. It is yellow and smells like B vitamins. (It is a distinct smell, and you'd recognize it if you ever took a B vitamin). What's in it? Well, if it looks like a duck... you guessed it. There are lots of B Vitamins, among MANY other herbs. I will be rubbing this on vascular areas 3 times a day. It's lovely that I'll be so lotioned up in the cooler dry weather when I usually have had dry skin... But there is a downside. When it's cold and my hands and feet are cold, it's not such a comfortable thing. It's almost the last thing I want to do. Who wants to take off their socks and expose their cold tootsies? (And then have to rub cool lotion on them to boot?) Now, if I had all sorts of extra time, I could warm some washcloths, or warm my hands...but I don't. Cooking 3 meals a day, homeschooling, nursing, and household chores are my time fillers. (Oh yeah, you got me...and Facebook- Curses!) Ok- I will be using the vitamin smell one on my lower body (behind the knees and such) so I don't have to smell like a vitamin all day long. Plus, I just looked at my white socks, and there is some yellow tint on them. Hopefully it's not going to stain my clothes- but now I'll plan to be extra careful. I'll continue to use the OxiCell Glutathione cream on my arms (inside the elbow area) because it's scent is fine.
I am almost sad to say I have one more day of the Clearvite left. I have grown to really like having this particular shake before I eat. It was easy to shake up, a yummy vanilla/blueberry flavor, and part of my routine for 20 days so far. They say 21 days makes a habit....so I suppose it's ok to feel a little sad it's going away for now. However...Hot diggity! I sense a dinner out on Friday!! Sushi? Chipotle? Popcorn? I may just wake up and have me some Trader Joe's Gluten Free Ginger Snaps with butter and a pot of coffee for breakfast. Yeah, I know. It's no IHOP, but it's yummy to me.
Interestingly, he stated because of the likelihood of my TH1 dominance, I may feel better with my coffee again. (We will soon do a challenge to see which TH pathway is dominant in my body.)
Aside from never being able to have gluten again, I still won't be able to have dairy yet at this point either. Unfortunately that means no pizza. (Can you see me frown and poke out my lower lip? -Because that's what I'm doing.) Next Tuesday I'll ask when I can have cheese again...or if once a week is ok. It's getting really old having to turn down gluten free pizza at work.
At my appointment yesterday I told him how sleepy I had been. He said it was time to get my adrenals back under control. He added 2 things, but he was out of one product. The office will call me when it comes in so I can go pick it up. I think it is a capsule. The one I did get to bring home is another cream called AdrenaCalm. It is yellow and smells like B vitamins. (It is a distinct smell, and you'd recognize it if you ever took a B vitamin). What's in it? Well, if it looks like a duck... you guessed it. There are lots of B Vitamins, among MANY other herbs. I will be rubbing this on vascular areas 3 times a day. It's lovely that I'll be so lotioned up in the cooler dry weather when I usually have had dry skin... But there is a downside. When it's cold and my hands and feet are cold, it's not such a comfortable thing. It's almost the last thing I want to do. Who wants to take off their socks and expose their cold tootsies? (And then have to rub cool lotion on them to boot?) Now, if I had all sorts of extra time, I could warm some washcloths, or warm my hands...but I don't. Cooking 3 meals a day, homeschooling, nursing, and household chores are my time fillers. (Oh yeah, you got me...and Facebook- Curses!) Ok- I will be using the vitamin smell one on my lower body (behind the knees and such) so I don't have to smell like a vitamin all day long. Plus, I just looked at my white socks, and there is some yellow tint on them. Hopefully it's not going to stain my clothes- but now I'll plan to be extra careful. I'll continue to use the OxiCell Glutathione cream on my arms (inside the elbow area) because it's scent is fine.
I am almost sad to say I have one more day of the Clearvite left. I have grown to really like having this particular shake before I eat. It was easy to shake up, a yummy vanilla/blueberry flavor, and part of my routine for 20 days so far. They say 21 days makes a habit....so I suppose it's ok to feel a little sad it's going away for now. However...Hot diggity! I sense a dinner out on Friday!! Sushi? Chipotle? Popcorn? I may just wake up and have me some Trader Joe's Gluten Free Ginger Snaps with butter and a pot of coffee for breakfast. Yeah, I know. It's no IHOP, but it's yummy to me.
Interestingly, he stated because of the likelihood of my TH1 dominance, I may feel better with my coffee again. (We will soon do a challenge to see which TH pathway is dominant in my body.)
Aside from never being able to have gluten again, I still won't be able to have dairy yet at this point either. Unfortunately that means no pizza. (Can you see me frown and poke out my lower lip? -Because that's what I'm doing.) Next Tuesday I'll ask when I can have cheese again...or if once a week is ok. It's getting really old having to turn down gluten free pizza at work.
Thanksgiving is coming up next week already. We are beginning to plan our new and exciting Thanksgiving dinner, gluten and dairy free. I, probably along with most of you, love traditions. Since we can't have the old stand-by with stuffing, my famous cream cheese mashed potatoes, or pumpkin pie, we will be converting some of them into paleo-esque recipes. Others, we will just ditch all together and come up with something new and completely different. I attempted a new recipe last night as a side dish- as a trial to see if it's Thanksgiving worthy. It was awesome!
I just steamed sweet potatoes, granny smith apples, and cranberries...then added butter, of course. No extra sugar or sweeteners added and it was still YUM! The kids say it is a GO for Turkey day.
I saw a woman in Dr. Matthews office who was just getting started on her program. I feel a bit bad that she'll probably be on her strict diet right smack dab in the middle of the holidays. But on the other hand, who knows? Maybe she is already gluten free, and just as determined as I am to win this battle. I hope so, because it will definitely take some discipline. I know how hard it is going to be for me to watch everyone eating all the cookies and treats and pies and candy... OH. And White Chocolate Peppermint Mochas from Starbucks. Mmmmm. I'm a-gonna have to figure out a way to conconct that with some allowed ingredients.
Lastly, I will say I had an awesome wod (Workout of the Day) on Monday. It was a metcon of back squats, shoulder presses, deadlifts, and rowing. I hadn't gone to workout for 1 1/2 weeks for a couple of reasons, one of which was that I was tired. I was tired on Monday as well...but going really helped! Funny how that works sometimes. You think you can't do something, and then what you think will just put over the edge going the wrong way...actually is what helps you take a step in the right direction. Well...it did in this case for now. I am going to CrossFit today as well...but my legs are so super sore from Monday, it should be interesting. Even walking looks strange, so I imagine box jumps, slam balls, and kettlebell swings will be hilarious.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
So...Let's Talk Feelings
One thing I didn't discuss in the last post was how I've been feeling. For the most part, I don't feel much different than before. I'm unsure if that's because my diet was similar to this detox diet (minus the daily sweet treats), or if I'm not supposed to feel different. There is one thing, though. I'm sleepy in the middle/end of the day. Honest to goodness Sleeeeeepy, with a capital S. I work 3p-3a 2 days in a row, then have off 5 in which I homeschool my two 4th graders. I have been doing this for 4 years now. Recently in the past month or two, I have noticed a greater inability to recover and return to a regular schedule during the week. However, in the past week, I am literally falling asleep at the chiropractors office waiting for my appointment, eyes are heavy at the dinner table at 5pm, and kids are saying, "Mommy, are you sleeping?" when we're watching a movie. If per chance, I fall asleep and take a 30 minute catnap, I'll be up the rest of the night, and into the morning... say until around 4AM. I am frustrated with that whole scenario. So I fight to stay awake, and even then sometimes I get a second wind and am up the rest of the night. When I wake up in the morning (usually around 8-9) I'm o-so-tired....whether I fell asleep at a normal hour or not. It's definitely a struggle, because I am aware of how good sleep impacts our health.
And of course, now I'm going to brainstorm reasons why I feel so tired:
1) Well...my TSH is high.- But then I'd still be tired in the middle of the night...and not get that second wind where I feel like "This is what I wished I felt like all day today!"
2) I'm detox-ing. My body is trying to reset. My liver is probably releasing something into my bloodstream. - But really, I'm just making that up. Sounds good though, right?
3) I haven't had sweets. -But I was already eating rather well. Sweets were here, but come on...a ginger snap cookie or 2 from Trader Joes at night, or 3/4 cup of coconut milk ice cream a few nights a week? - Was that really too much? Seriously...do you know where I've come from? I used to eat the equivalent of that amount of sweets with my breakfast!! Can't be the lack of sweets...well, maybe.
4) I have significantly decreased my coffee/caffeine intake. This is potentially my winner right here. However, I can say that my tiredness has not correlated directly with my caffeine intake. For instance, I had coffee today, but my eyes also shut at 3:45 at the chiropractor's office too.
*Yawn*
It's not even 7PM. I am ready for beddy-bye-bye time. But, I'll munch on leftovers, eat a piece of fruit with almond butter, drink some tea, etc...just to stay awake. This is not a good thing. My next appointment is on Tuesday the 16th. I hope to not sleep through it...
And of course, now I'm going to brainstorm reasons why I feel so tired:
1) Well...my TSH is high.- But then I'd still be tired in the middle of the night...and not get that second wind where I feel like "This is what I wished I felt like all day today!"
2) I'm detox-ing. My body is trying to reset. My liver is probably releasing something into my bloodstream. - But really, I'm just making that up. Sounds good though, right?
3) I haven't had sweets. -But I was already eating rather well. Sweets were here, but come on...a ginger snap cookie or 2 from Trader Joes at night, or 3/4 cup of coconut milk ice cream a few nights a week? - Was that really too much? Seriously...do you know where I've come from? I used to eat the equivalent of that amount of sweets with my breakfast!! Can't be the lack of sweets...well, maybe.
4) I have significantly decreased my coffee/caffeine intake. This is potentially my winner right here. However, I can say that my tiredness has not correlated directly with my caffeine intake. For instance, I had coffee today, but my eyes also shut at 3:45 at the chiropractor's office too.
*Yawn*
It's not even 7PM. I am ready for beddy-bye-bye time. But, I'll munch on leftovers, eat a piece of fruit with almond butter, drink some tea, etc...just to stay awake. This is not a good thing. My next appointment is on Tuesday the 16th. I hope to not sleep through it...
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Unwanted Guests
Tonight was tough. I was <this> close to reaching up to that top shelf to grab down those ginger snaps. Instead I bit into a chunk of butter, made myself some decaf green tea, and sat down to watch a movie with the family. Yup, butter. It satisfies. However...it would be so much nicer if I could put a giant pat of butter on top of a ginger snap. ...Aragh!! Ok. Ok. Calm down, sister. Let me think about Christmas shopping... That'll get my mind off the sweets. *sigh*
I've done pretty darn good this past 1.8 weeks. (So has the rest of Team Montoya- GO TEAM!!). Two more days of the 3x/day Clearvite- then it's weaning off time. I don't think about sweets until night-time, for the most part...and I haven't had a single sweet treat. Kerrygold butter and almond butter have taken 1st and 2nd place, respectively, of the open-the-fridge (or pantry), grab-out-a-treat game that most of us play in the evening. I've had coffee probably 1/2 of the total days, and only one small cup on those days. We made a new soup tonight from a recipe given to me by my doctor. New Mexican Stew. Yummy- and perfect for the weather! I'm going to lookup more paleo-type soups, because they seem to make everyone feel all warm inside- physically and emotionally.
A side benefit from this blatant tourture of no sweets is my decreasing hip/thigh chub. I'm not overweight, but I still held onto this padding around my hips despite the workouts and paleo-esque eating. It's not gone...but I notice a difference. And that makes any girl smile, I think.
The lemon fish juice (aka Ultra-D Complex) is still no fun, but I must say it doesn't taste exactly as it did in the beginning. The glutathione cream has now become a chore at times...partially because it's chilly- and I don't want to take off my socks. *brrrrr* So, I put it on my wrists or behind my knees.
I have found that I do not eat 3 meals a day. I have come to this conclusion because I am supposed to drink my shake and take my GTA 3x/day before meals. Well sometimes my snacks are large enough to be a meal...and I get confused, "Should I take it NOW?" I mean, "What if I'm not hungry LATER? This could be my last shot until dinner." Yeah, I graze, and I'm probably not supposed to.
Dr Matthews just saw Dr. Kharrazian's seminar in Charlotte this past week, and came back with lots of new autoimmune info and updated/new product info. As a result, I got some new products. The 1st is called Glutathione Recycler. It's a capsule I take 3x/day. He showed me a picture of the glutathione cycle in the body, and the conversions that take place, but I can't recap it for you beyond telling you it's going to boost the glutathione cream's usefulness somehow. My brain didn't capture enough to do it justice.
Well...I suppose it's only a matter of time before I divulge something to you. The poo culture has come back. Aside from a little ...ok, alot of initial mortification, I'm slowly becoming ok with the fact that parasites have decided to make their happy little home inside of my GI tract. I'm not sure how or when they moved in. I don't recall swallowing a U-haul packed with furniture and toys for the little guys. Where did they come from? Sheesh. I'm just like you. I could've picked them up anywhere. I'm a pediatric nurse and I eat lots of fresh veggies and fruit- maybe that makes me higher risk, I don't know. What I do know is I am the super sanitary one (ask my family, friends, and co-workers) -so this little news just "figures." I'm honored and all, but they should've called first. Now their days are numbered. ~insert evil laugh here~ The good news is I don't have any bothersome symptoms. That's really good news, actually. See, there is a new natural treatment that will eradicate the unwelcome tenants...but it's a total course of 60 days. What hangs in the balance between this lengthy new natural treatment and going to my PMD for a quick antiparasitic- is all of my good gut flora. See, the culture also tested my healthy gut flora. I've got some...but not a great amount. It's on the low side of normal for almost each specific type except one. I'd like to protect that as much as possible. Taking a script would be like setting a bomb off inside my not-so-healthy gut, killing the good guys and the bad guys. I'd need to take more probiotics and such to rebuild, and it could prolong my journey to health. Yes, it's a quick fix, and it wouldn't be super terrible to start from scratch... In fact, if I had nagging symptoms, I'd be on it. But the truth is, I don't have any symptoms to date. (Praise God!) I don't know what the name of it is yet, but this new product has been used for 2 years in Dr. K's patients with positive results. Not too many of the good guys get blown up. Minor casualties, yes...but we're not talking genocide. At this point, I'd rather be more of a sniper.
Dr. Matthews ordered the treatment, and when I'm finished with the Clearvite, I shall begin the eviction process. So, little buggers- too bad, so sad.
I've done pretty darn good this past 1.8 weeks. (So has the rest of Team Montoya- GO TEAM!!). Two more days of the 3x/day Clearvite- then it's weaning off time. I don't think about sweets until night-time, for the most part...and I haven't had a single sweet treat. Kerrygold butter and almond butter have taken 1st and 2nd place, respectively, of the open-the-fridge (or pantry), grab-out-a-treat game that most of us play in the evening. I've had coffee probably 1/2 of the total days, and only one small cup on those days. We made a new soup tonight from a recipe given to me by my doctor. New Mexican Stew. Yummy- and perfect for the weather! I'm going to lookup more paleo-type soups, because they seem to make everyone feel all warm inside- physically and emotionally.
A side benefit from this blatant tourture of no sweets is my decreasing hip/thigh chub. I'm not overweight, but I still held onto this padding around my hips despite the workouts and paleo-esque eating. It's not gone...but I notice a difference. And that makes any girl smile, I think.
The lemon fish juice (aka Ultra-D Complex) is still no fun, but I must say it doesn't taste exactly as it did in the beginning. The glutathione cream has now become a chore at times...partially because it's chilly- and I don't want to take off my socks. *brrrrr* So, I put it on my wrists or behind my knees.
I have found that I do not eat 3 meals a day. I have come to this conclusion because I am supposed to drink my shake and take my GTA 3x/day before meals. Well sometimes my snacks are large enough to be a meal...and I get confused, "Should I take it NOW?" I mean, "What if I'm not hungry LATER? This could be my last shot until dinner." Yeah, I graze, and I'm probably not supposed to.
Dr Matthews just saw Dr. Kharrazian's seminar in Charlotte this past week, and came back with lots of new autoimmune info and updated/new product info. As a result, I got some new products. The 1st is called Glutathione Recycler. It's a capsule I take 3x/day. He showed me a picture of the glutathione cycle in the body, and the conversions that take place, but I can't recap it for you beyond telling you it's going to boost the glutathione cream's usefulness somehow. My brain didn't capture enough to do it justice.
Another new product he added is called Nitric Balance, "An Amino Acid and Herbal Supplement." Remember how he wanted my protein and amino acid levels to be higher? Well... lucky me. It's got ATP (adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium), Xanthinol Nicotinate, Acetyl L-Carnitine, Alpha GPC, Alpha Ketoglutaric Acid, and Vinpocetine listed as the "Blend." It is a liquid. A peppermint flavored liquid. A very strong peppermint flavored liquid. Like mouthwash that you swallow instead of swish and spit. It coats my esophagus with mint. And not good-like, like my decaf mint green tea. That's a good mint. This one is like...well...like mouthwash. I am very pleased it's just 1 teaspoon once in the morning.
Well...I suppose it's only a matter of time before I divulge something to you. The poo culture has come back. Aside from a little ...ok, alot of initial mortification, I'm slowly becoming ok with the fact that parasites have decided to make their happy little home inside of my GI tract. I'm not sure how or when they moved in. I don't recall swallowing a U-haul packed with furniture and toys for the little guys. Where did they come from? Sheesh. I'm just like you. I could've picked them up anywhere. I'm a pediatric nurse and I eat lots of fresh veggies and fruit- maybe that makes me higher risk, I don't know. What I do know is I am the super sanitary one (ask my family, friends, and co-workers) -so this little news just "figures." I'm honored and all, but they should've called first. Now their days are numbered. ~insert evil laugh here~ The good news is I don't have any bothersome symptoms. That's really good news, actually. See, there is a new natural treatment that will eradicate the unwelcome tenants...but it's a total course of 60 days. What hangs in the balance between this lengthy new natural treatment and going to my PMD for a quick antiparasitic- is all of my good gut flora. See, the culture also tested my healthy gut flora. I've got some...but not a great amount. It's on the low side of normal for almost each specific type except one. I'd like to protect that as much as possible. Taking a script would be like setting a bomb off inside my not-so-healthy gut, killing the good guys and the bad guys. I'd need to take more probiotics and such to rebuild, and it could prolong my journey to health. Yes, it's a quick fix, and it wouldn't be super terrible to start from scratch... In fact, if I had nagging symptoms, I'd be on it. But the truth is, I don't have any symptoms to date. (Praise God!) I don't know what the name of it is yet, but this new product has been used for 2 years in Dr. K's patients with positive results. Not too many of the good guys get blown up. Minor casualties, yes...but we're not talking genocide. At this point, I'd rather be more of a sniper.
Dr. Matthews ordered the treatment, and when I'm finished with the Clearvite, I shall begin the eviction process. So, little buggers- too bad, so sad.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I've Got Happy Feet
The 3 week Detox plan....drum roll please...
To start off my mornings I get to drink a Clearvite shake- 8 oz. It's sort of a ramp up, wean off type of program with this stuff. The first 4 days I drank it just before breakfast, days 5-7 it's before breakfast and dinner; days 8-14 before all 3 meals; days 15-17 before breakfast and dinner; days 18-21 back to one before breakfast. Today is day 5. Clearvite is an enzyme based, multi vitamin, mineral & herbal dietary supplement powder. I've just mixed it with water, because we've run out of almond milk. I chose the Vanilla flavor this time, but it tastes like a blueberry muffin. I suppose that's because there is dried blueberry powder in the ingredients. The kids and Anthony are also taking part in this detox shake...because it certainly isn't going to hurt them. The kids are getting a half dose. I'm gonna take this opportunity to give them all some props. <<Props>>
Of course it wouldn't be a good detox program without a wonderful diet to follow, now would it? It's pretty paleo-esque, so not too different from what we've been doing. However- it doesn't allow my indulgences of gluten free ginger snap cookies, popcorn with a movie, a pot of coffee a day (hey...some days are worse than others...and our pot is small.), or coconut milk ice cream. That's right. No sweets. On the paper it says no caffeine, but he told me I could have a small cup of coffee occasionally. Primarily because of the TH 1 vs. TH 2 dominance. I know I didn't go into all of that yet, but that will have to be another post. Suffice it to say, it's very possible that caffeine may help my autoimmunity, if I'm TH 1 dominant (which most Hashi's patients are). Hot diggity!
Back to the diet. What to have: Lots of water, water, water, herbal teas and decaf green tea. Fresh fruits, veggies, and beans are allowed, but we don't eat beans (Unless it's Chipotle time!!) because of the lectins in them. Here's a post to read about that. The only oils allowed are olive, coconut, and flaxseed. As far as protein, it's mostly fish (no shellfish), chicken, turkey, and lamb. What NOT to have: Eggs- but since my test was negative, I am allowed to eat them. (Can I get a shout out?!?) Normally beef is nixed, but once I said we only eat beef from 100% grass fed sources, he crossed that out. The same about dairy. Normally ALL dairy is out, even butter...but he crossed butter out too when I said it was from grass fed cows. The same went for meat with nitrates. We can't have those- but we buy nitrate free meats. He seemed surprised and happy with the diet we were already on. Does that mean we get a gold star? So- no dairy, grains, legumes (including peanuts), soy and soy products, sugar and artificial sweeteners, sodas, fruit juices, tomatoes, white potatoes, meat with nitrates (bacon, hotdogs, canned meat, sausage, cold cuts, etc...), and anything prepared with gluten.
With my meals, 3 times a day, I'm taking this stuff called GTA. It's got selenium, porcine gladular concentrate, superoxide dismutase and catalase. This product is for the high TSH. It's sort of like a natural Levothyroxine product (supporting my thyroid).
*Ugh* and *Sigh*~ Twice a day, because of my poor vitamin D level I am subject to ingest this yellow liquid Vitamin D called Ultra-D Complex. Don't be jealous or anything, but it tastes like fish with a hint of lemon. I'll just say -it throws me and I make a face each time I down the 2 teaspoons (4000 IUs) like a shot. (Daily total is 8000 IUs) So much so, that I just looked at the bottle now to read the label...and it says "Orange Flavor." Who could tell?!? It's cod liver oil, some other stuff, and some more "fish body oil." The stories are true about cod liver oil. But- I am an adult. I can hack it. Want some ironic observations? #1-The vitamin D drops the rest of the fam gets taste like nothing. They drop the drops directly into their mouths. (It's from Carlson) #2- The Omega 3 Fish oil liquid from http://www.strongerfasterhealthier.com/ actually has zero fish oil taste- and many flavors to choose from. Right now they are on chocolate flavor. If my kids remind me it's time for the fish oil- you know it's not bad at all. #3- My Ultra-D complex has very little omega 3s, and the SFH kind has bunches and bunches. It's just not right. I suppose that the D Complex is necessary because it has the other things like Vitamin A, Biotin, B6, etc... but when this program is over...I hope I can join my family once again.
Then comes the fun. I get to use this super duper cream ON MY FEET 3 times a day! I know it's a side benefit, but I'm telling you after 5 days, my feet just may be softer than yours! (I mean, when's the last time you rubbed your feet with lotion even just once a day for 5 days in a row?) It's called OxiCell. It has a powerful antioxidant in it called Glutathione. You can actually get this stuff in IV form. The next best way it's absorbed is through vascular areas- one popular place is the bottom of your feet! I sense at least few foot massages in my future...
This plan is hard....and it's not hard. It's hard when I'm at work this past weekend, starving as usual, and a fellow gluten free buddy offers a piece of his gluten free pizza to me. I instinctly reach down into the box, pull a piece up close to my nose to smell the yumminess, then remember..."I can't have those tomatoes!" I pick off the tomatoes quickly so I can sink my teeth into the cheese pizza. Wait... cheese! I can't have dairy! So I stand there...looking longingly at the already folded in half, small triangle goodness. Luckily my friend knows me and what I'm doing, and didn't hold it against me or roll his eyes (too much, anyways). Never even thinking that the crust probably had some sort of grain in it, I put it down. I have witnesses.
Another co-worker brought in this too good to be true pumpkin/whipped cream/cool whip dip thing that I swear I wanted to grab my spoon and the bowl and take it and hide in the med room and eat it all. But it had dairy and sugar- so I didn't even taste it- I just smelled it. I was sad for a little, but I'm ok now. I just thought of my kids and their chant, "Gluten is bad, protein is good, don't be sad, eat what you should."...and just subbed "sugar" for "gluten." Cute. Work is the hardest. Nurses' stations and sweet treats just go-together, and I sometimes feel like the oddball. However- one doctor brought in carrot sticks and celery this weekend and specifically said it was because he knew I was eating healthy. It definitely made me smile.
It's not really that hard to eat like I'm supposed to though, say, in my home. Everything here is fair game. Except the GF ginger snaps I put on the tip top shelf in the pantry... I better be able to have one in 2.2 weeks. We have meat, veggies, fats, and nuts. We ran out of fruit, and I'm not so sure we should buy as much as before -until these 3 weeks are up. As a friend of mine stated about herself, "Even a piece of dried fruit sends me on a wild sugar safari." I am the same. Caffeine: I have gone for 3 days without coffee (by choice) to just see. Probably not a great idea, since it was also the first few days without sweets. What a combo!! Yes, I am quite moody, ask the kids. Tomorrow when I wake up, I will have a small cup and attempt to save what's left of my reputation.
The great thing is the feeling I get when I make the right choice. These "hard" choices get so much easier with each choice. It's past midnight as I write this, so when I wake up, it'll be day 6. Day 6 will be easier than day 5 (PLUS- I'll have some coffee!). Day 2 was easier than day 1. In fact, I had GF pizza on day 1 at a friend's house during a birthday party. <And I wish that one could get a pass- it was homemade, and it was gooood.> Once since then, I had ground beef with tomato sauce. It was cooked, and we ate it. But now I'm on a roll, as they say. Once I was successful with a little, it gave rise to go further and be better. Who knows- maybe by the end of this, that Ultra-D Complex won't make me make a face.
To start off my mornings I get to drink a Clearvite shake- 8 oz. It's sort of a ramp up, wean off type of program with this stuff. The first 4 days I drank it just before breakfast, days 5-7 it's before breakfast and dinner; days 8-14 before all 3 meals; days 15-17 before breakfast and dinner; days 18-21 back to one before breakfast. Today is day 5. Clearvite is an enzyme based, multi vitamin, mineral & herbal dietary supplement powder. I've just mixed it with water, because we've run out of almond milk. I chose the Vanilla flavor this time, but it tastes like a blueberry muffin. I suppose that's because there is dried blueberry powder in the ingredients. The kids and Anthony are also taking part in this detox shake...because it certainly isn't going to hurt them. The kids are getting a half dose. I'm gonna take this opportunity to give them all some props. <<Props>>
Of course it wouldn't be a good detox program without a wonderful diet to follow, now would it? It's pretty paleo-esque, so not too different from what we've been doing. However- it doesn't allow my indulgences of gluten free ginger snap cookies, popcorn with a movie, a pot of coffee a day (hey...some days are worse than others...and our pot is small.), or coconut milk ice cream. That's right. No sweets. On the paper it says no caffeine, but he told me I could have a small cup of coffee occasionally. Primarily because of the TH 1 vs. TH 2 dominance. I know I didn't go into all of that yet, but that will have to be another post. Suffice it to say, it's very possible that caffeine may help my autoimmunity, if I'm TH 1 dominant (which most Hashi's patients are). Hot diggity!
Back to the diet. What to have: Lots of water, water, water, herbal teas and decaf green tea. Fresh fruits, veggies, and beans are allowed, but we don't eat beans (Unless it's Chipotle time!!) because of the lectins in them. Here's a post to read about that. The only oils allowed are olive, coconut, and flaxseed. As far as protein, it's mostly fish (no shellfish), chicken, turkey, and lamb. What NOT to have: Eggs- but since my test was negative, I am allowed to eat them. (Can I get a shout out?!?) Normally beef is nixed, but once I said we only eat beef from 100% grass fed sources, he crossed that out. The same about dairy. Normally ALL dairy is out, even butter...but he crossed butter out too when I said it was from grass fed cows. The same went for meat with nitrates. We can't have those- but we buy nitrate free meats. He seemed surprised and happy with the diet we were already on. Does that mean we get a gold star? So- no dairy, grains, legumes (including peanuts), soy and soy products, sugar and artificial sweeteners, sodas, fruit juices, tomatoes, white potatoes, meat with nitrates (bacon, hotdogs, canned meat, sausage, cold cuts, etc...), and anything prepared with gluten.
With my meals, 3 times a day, I'm taking this stuff called GTA. It's got selenium, porcine gladular concentrate, superoxide dismutase and catalase. This product is for the high TSH. It's sort of like a natural Levothyroxine product (supporting my thyroid).
*Ugh* and *Sigh*~ Twice a day, because of my poor vitamin D level I am subject to ingest this yellow liquid Vitamin D called Ultra-D Complex. Don't be jealous or anything, but it tastes like fish with a hint of lemon. I'll just say -it throws me and I make a face each time I down the 2 teaspoons (4000 IUs) like a shot. (Daily total is 8000 IUs) So much so, that I just looked at the bottle now to read the label...and it says "Orange Flavor." Who could tell?!? It's cod liver oil, some other stuff, and some more "fish body oil." The stories are true about cod liver oil. But- I am an adult. I can hack it. Want some ironic observations? #1-The vitamin D drops the rest of the fam gets taste like nothing. They drop the drops directly into their mouths. (It's from Carlson) #2- The Omega 3 Fish oil liquid from http://www.strongerfasterhealthier.com/ actually has zero fish oil taste- and many flavors to choose from. Right now they are on chocolate flavor. If my kids remind me it's time for the fish oil- you know it's not bad at all. #3- My Ultra-D complex has very little omega 3s, and the SFH kind has bunches and bunches. It's just not right. I suppose that the D Complex is necessary because it has the other things like Vitamin A, Biotin, B6, etc... but when this program is over...I hope I can join my family once again.
Then comes the fun. I get to use this super duper cream ON MY FEET 3 times a day! I know it's a side benefit, but I'm telling you after 5 days, my feet just may be softer than yours! (I mean, when's the last time you rubbed your feet with lotion even just once a day for 5 days in a row?) It's called OxiCell. It has a powerful antioxidant in it called Glutathione. You can actually get this stuff in IV form. The next best way it's absorbed is through vascular areas- one popular place is the bottom of your feet! I sense at least few foot massages in my future...
This plan is hard....and it's not hard. It's hard when I'm at work this past weekend, starving as usual, and a fellow gluten free buddy offers a piece of his gluten free pizza to me. I instinctly reach down into the box, pull a piece up close to my nose to smell the yumminess, then remember..."I can't have those tomatoes!" I pick off the tomatoes quickly so I can sink my teeth into the cheese pizza. Wait... cheese! I can't have dairy! So I stand there...looking longingly at the already folded in half, small triangle goodness. Luckily my friend knows me and what I'm doing, and didn't hold it against me or roll his eyes (too much, anyways). Never even thinking that the crust probably had some sort of grain in it, I put it down. I have witnesses.
Another co-worker brought in this too good to be true pumpkin/whipped cream/cool whip dip thing that I swear I wanted to grab my spoon and the bowl and take it and hide in the med room and eat it all. But it had dairy and sugar- so I didn't even taste it- I just smelled it. I was sad for a little, but I'm ok now. I just thought of my kids and their chant, "Gluten is bad, protein is good, don't be sad, eat what you should."...and just subbed "sugar" for "gluten." Cute. Work is the hardest. Nurses' stations and sweet treats just go-together, and I sometimes feel like the oddball. However- one doctor brought in carrot sticks and celery this weekend and specifically said it was because he knew I was eating healthy. It definitely made me smile.
It's not really that hard to eat like I'm supposed to though, say, in my home. Everything here is fair game. Except the GF ginger snaps I put on the tip top shelf in the pantry... I better be able to have one in 2.2 weeks. We have meat, veggies, fats, and nuts. We ran out of fruit, and I'm not so sure we should buy as much as before -until these 3 weeks are up. As a friend of mine stated about herself, "Even a piece of dried fruit sends me on a wild sugar safari." I am the same. Caffeine: I have gone for 3 days without coffee (by choice) to just see. Probably not a great idea, since it was also the first few days without sweets. What a combo!! Yes, I am quite moody, ask the kids. Tomorrow when I wake up, I will have a small cup and attempt to save what's left of my reputation.
The great thing is the feeling I get when I make the right choice. These "hard" choices get so much easier with each choice. It's past midnight as I write this, so when I wake up, it'll be day 6. Day 6 will be easier than day 5 (PLUS- I'll have some coffee!). Day 2 was easier than day 1. In fact, I had GF pizza on day 1 at a friend's house during a birthday party. <And I wish that one could get a pass- it was homemade, and it was gooood.> Once since then, I had ground beef with tomato sauce. It was cooked, and we ate it. But now I'm on a roll, as they say. Once I was successful with a little, it gave rise to go further and be better. Who knows- maybe by the end of this, that Ultra-D Complex won't make me make a face.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Things Are Not Always What They Seem
My labs are back, and I've started on my 3 week cleansing and detoxification program. It has been an interesting few days! This little regimen is a bit tough for me. But, before I go into detail about the discipline I am conjuring up, I'm going to attempt to explain the results of my bloodwork first. I say that because even though most of my labs appear to be within "normal" limits, a much more narrow control of them is necessary for my health. I was surprised to find out that there are many (not all) lab reference ranges out there that change with the "averages" of the most recent patients that had that blood test done. Although not an accurate analogy, it still reminds me of how women's jeans have appeared to change their sizing over the years.
Glucose, glucose, glucose...how you confuse me. Two weeks ago I bought a glucometer to check my sugars at home. Except for twice at 96 and 99, they were always over 100. The highest was 154. It didn't matter if it was 1st thing in the morning, or 2 hours after I ate- it was over 100. I was VERY surprised to see 83 listed on my lab results. Even though the reference range for this says 65-99, Dr. Matthews said that he would almost consider me borderline hypoglycemic. Now...how can I be sure that wasn't a fluke? Well, let's look at the Hemoglobin A1c. This value shows your glucose control over the past 3 months. My result was 5.4%. That looks fine according to the reference range (4.8-5.6) and according to Dr. Matthews, however, less than 5 is optimal according to some other sources. So, all that said, I'm not really sure where I fit in with my glucose levels- but I'm willing to bet in the end, hindsight will be 20/20.
On to my protein and albumin. Again, both appear to be wonderfully perfect. Total serum protein is 6.7 (6.0-8.5)- but he would like that to be >7; and my serum albumin is 4.5 (3.5-5.5) and he would like that to be >5. He says the numbers in my blood suggest hypochlorhydria (not enough acid in my stomach). Another lab value that suggests this is my neutrophil count. My result was 70 (40-74%) and he would like it to be <60. Being that 70 is on the higher side of normal, he suspects I may have a bacterial infection in my gut...which can be due to the hypochlorhydria. We do not have that result yet, but it would be cool if he guessed correctly! (Well...sort of.) For a well written article (that doesn't take forever to read) on the thyroid-gut connection, look here.
How 'bout my iron?!? Whoot whoot!! My iron has come from 13 (45-145) in April 2010 to a whopping 98 (35-155)!! (See how those reference ranges are different?) And that's with only taking an iron supplement for about 30 days straight back in April, then probably twice a week for another month, to then maybe once a week. (Keep in mind I had removed gluten so I'm absorbing much better these days!)
Let's talk lipids. Many people hear that I'm eating butter, bacon, coconut oil and the like, and assume my triglycerides and cholesterol are going to skyrocket. However, since I've removed gluten, decreased grains to almost non-existent (I indulge in rice with sushi and a rare piece of gluten free pizza), and artificial or processed junk foods (aka too many carbs), quite the opposite is happening. It is high insulin levels that lead to high triglycerides and such, and you can read about it all in Robb Wolf's Book.
Let's Compare:
In 2004:
Total Cholesterol- 178 (0-200)
Triglycerides- 96 (<150)
HDL Cholesterol- 71 (>39)
VLDL Cholesterol- 19 (0-40)
LDL Cholesterol- 88 (0-99)
Total Chol/HDL ratio- 2.5
Now:
Total Cholesterol- 142 (100-199)
Triglycerides- 46 (0-149)
HDL Cholesterol- 65 (>39)
VLDL Cholesterol- 9 (5-40)
LDL Cholesterol- 68 (0-99)
Total Chol/HDL ratio- 2.2 (0.0-4.4)
LDL/HDL ratio- 1.0 (0.0-3.2)
C-Reactive Protein, Cardiac- 0.20 (0.00-3.00)
Sha-bang! Well, almost. He would like to see my Total Cholesterol >150 and my HDL <60. He mentioned that my HDL result suggests inflammation.
Another lab that suggests I'm inflamed is my Homocystine Plasma level. While also appearing normal (I sense a theme here) at 6.2 (0.0-15.0), Dr. Matthews wants it less than 5. I don't know much about that specific lab value yet.
Then comes the thyroid. I am baffled. I thought for sure it would be low, low, low. After all, am I not Mrs. Absorption now?! Plus, my autoimmunity has improved, too. Alas, my TSH is 6.16 (0.450-4.5...but the Endocrine Society agrees that anything over 3.5 should be considered hypothyroid). Just in April it was 1.76 (0.350-4.5). And yes, I have taken my 100 mcg Levothyroxine daily. I'm not sure what gives here, but it sure is fishy to me. Is it because Hashi's goes back and forth, waxes and wanes? Dr. Matthews said not to worry. As we go through this process, it will improve. I am maintaining on my usual 100 mcg at this point. The comforting fact is that I'm not such a weenie after all. My CrossFit WODs were becoming extra-special taxing, and I was manytimes wanting to quit in the middle. I always pushed through, however ugly it got, and finished...because I couldn't be THAT GIRL. Believe me when I say I can't wait for my TSH to improve.
Vitamin D. For shame. I am low in this prohormone as well. A mere 27.1 (32-100). The goal is >40. I questioned this goal because I thought people with Hashi's or autoimmunity want a nice high level. We unfortunately didn't have enough time to dive into that one...(I ended up meeting with him for an entire hour) but I'm sure it will be brought up again in the future. I'd like to know how long sun exposure lasts in the body. I mean- How long can your body maintain Vit D levels after Summer turns to Fall, and you are no longer at the pool everyday? In April it was 36 (30-89). -And that's before pool season. It would have been cool to know what my Vit D level was in the summer months. Nonetheless, I truly wish my Vit D level was spot on, because, well...uh, hold on...I'll tell you that one later.
On to the saliva tests. According to my Adrenal Stress Index, my cortisol load is 56 (23-42). Only once throughout the day was I within range...and that was around noon. Otherwise, I'm all jacked up. My DHEA Pooled value is 3 (3-10 mcg/ml) so I'm in the Maladapted Phase I. My Total Salivary SIgA is <5 (25-60) which is obviously depressed. To take the totality of all that...and to put it in layman's terms, I'm stressed, and my stress coping abilities are lacking. Potentially another reason my workouts were suffering. ...um...or maybe I should say I was suffering during my workouts...
All of the tests for antibodies to egg, soy, and dairy are NEGATIVE! YeeHaw! Now, to be fair, I haven't had much soy or dairy at all in the last few months, so they could be falsely negative. Honestly, as much as I eat those things, it wouldn't be missed too much anyway. But the eggs! I ate plenty of eggs, pretty much on a daily basis- so if it was negative...it was negative! Bring on the eggs!!!
My antibodies to gliadin (gluten) were 3 (<13). That's considered negative, but again, I haven't had it in months. He said that sometimes he has people eat gluten prior to testing to show a positive antibody on paper, but personally I didn't need proof. I very much get-it. Gluten is bad for human consumption, plus I have Hashi's. I won't eat it anymore.
Lastly, the hormone tests. All were fine, except for the Free Testosterone. Wha...? It's 43 (10-38). My MD checked my blood Testosterone level way back in 2007 and it was fine at 29.5 (10-70). I was now having images of a mustache and a hairy chest...but he said it was probably related to my blood sugars. Really? Well...let's fix that, then.
So, that's it. Those are my labs minus the stool test as it's not resulted yet. I was going to continue this post to include my 1st treatment supplements and diet plan, but it's gotten a bit lengthy. I'll do us all a favor and write about that hopefully tomorrow as I drink my new, temporary, morning fix.
Glucose, glucose, glucose...how you confuse me. Two weeks ago I bought a glucometer to check my sugars at home. Except for twice at 96 and 99, they were always over 100. The highest was 154. It didn't matter if it was 1st thing in the morning, or 2 hours after I ate- it was over 100. I was VERY surprised to see 83 listed on my lab results. Even though the reference range for this says 65-99, Dr. Matthews said that he would almost consider me borderline hypoglycemic. Now...how can I be sure that wasn't a fluke? Well, let's look at the Hemoglobin A1c. This value shows your glucose control over the past 3 months. My result was 5.4%. That looks fine according to the reference range (4.8-5.6) and according to Dr. Matthews, however, less than 5 is optimal according to some other sources. So, all that said, I'm not really sure where I fit in with my glucose levels- but I'm willing to bet in the end, hindsight will be 20/20.
On to my protein and albumin. Again, both appear to be wonderfully perfect. Total serum protein is 6.7 (6.0-8.5)- but he would like that to be >7; and my serum albumin is 4.5 (3.5-5.5) and he would like that to be >5. He says the numbers in my blood suggest hypochlorhydria (not enough acid in my stomach). Another lab value that suggests this is my neutrophil count. My result was 70 (40-74%) and he would like it to be <60. Being that 70 is on the higher side of normal, he suspects I may have a bacterial infection in my gut...which can be due to the hypochlorhydria. We do not have that result yet, but it would be cool if he guessed correctly! (Well...sort of.) For a well written article (that doesn't take forever to read) on the thyroid-gut connection, look here.
How 'bout my iron?!? Whoot whoot!! My iron has come from 13 (45-145) in April 2010 to a whopping 98 (35-155)!! (See how those reference ranges are different?) And that's with only taking an iron supplement for about 30 days straight back in April, then probably twice a week for another month, to then maybe once a week. (Keep in mind I had removed gluten so I'm absorbing much better these days!)
Let's talk lipids. Many people hear that I'm eating butter, bacon, coconut oil and the like, and assume my triglycerides and cholesterol are going to skyrocket. However, since I've removed gluten, decreased grains to almost non-existent (I indulge in rice with sushi and a rare piece of gluten free pizza), and artificial or processed junk foods (aka too many carbs), quite the opposite is happening. It is high insulin levels that lead to high triglycerides and such, and you can read about it all in Robb Wolf's Book.
Let's Compare:
In 2004:
Total Cholesterol- 178 (0-200)
Triglycerides- 96 (<150)
HDL Cholesterol- 71 (>39)
VLDL Cholesterol- 19 (0-40)
LDL Cholesterol- 88 (0-99)
Total Chol/HDL ratio- 2.5
Now:
Total Cholesterol- 142 (100-199)
Triglycerides- 46 (0-149)
HDL Cholesterol- 65 (>39)
VLDL Cholesterol- 9 (5-40)
LDL Cholesterol- 68 (0-99)
Total Chol/HDL ratio- 2.2 (0.0-4.4)
LDL/HDL ratio- 1.0 (0.0-3.2)
C-Reactive Protein, Cardiac- 0.20 (0.00-3.00)
Sha-bang! Well, almost. He would like to see my Total Cholesterol >150 and my HDL <60. He mentioned that my HDL result suggests inflammation.
Another lab that suggests I'm inflamed is my Homocystine Plasma level. While also appearing normal (I sense a theme here) at 6.2 (0.0-15.0), Dr. Matthews wants it less than 5. I don't know much about that specific lab value yet.
Then comes the thyroid. I am baffled. I thought for sure it would be low, low, low. After all, am I not Mrs. Absorption now?! Plus, my autoimmunity has improved, too. Alas, my TSH is 6.16 (0.450-4.5...but the Endocrine Society agrees that anything over 3.5 should be considered hypothyroid). Just in April it was 1.76 (0.350-4.5). And yes, I have taken my 100 mcg Levothyroxine daily. I'm not sure what gives here, but it sure is fishy to me. Is it because Hashi's goes back and forth, waxes and wanes? Dr. Matthews said not to worry. As we go through this process, it will improve. I am maintaining on my usual 100 mcg at this point. The comforting fact is that I'm not such a weenie after all. My CrossFit WODs were becoming extra-special taxing, and I was manytimes wanting to quit in the middle. I always pushed through, however ugly it got, and finished...because I couldn't be THAT GIRL. Believe me when I say I can't wait for my TSH to improve.
Vitamin D. For shame. I am low in this prohormone as well. A mere 27.1 (32-100). The goal is >40. I questioned this goal because I thought people with Hashi's or autoimmunity want a nice high level. We unfortunately didn't have enough time to dive into that one...(I ended up meeting with him for an entire hour) but I'm sure it will be brought up again in the future. I'd like to know how long sun exposure lasts in the body. I mean- How long can your body maintain Vit D levels after Summer turns to Fall, and you are no longer at the pool everyday? In April it was 36 (30-89). -And that's before pool season. It would have been cool to know what my Vit D level was in the summer months. Nonetheless, I truly wish my Vit D level was spot on, because, well...uh, hold on...I'll tell you that one later.
On to the saliva tests. According to my Adrenal Stress Index, my cortisol load is 56 (23-42). Only once throughout the day was I within range...and that was around noon. Otherwise, I'm all jacked up. My DHEA Pooled value is 3 (3-10 mcg/ml) so I'm in the Maladapted Phase I. My Total Salivary SIgA is <5 (25-60) which is obviously depressed. To take the totality of all that...and to put it in layman's terms, I'm stressed, and my stress coping abilities are lacking. Potentially another reason my workouts were suffering. ...um...or maybe I should say I was suffering during my workouts...
All of the tests for antibodies to egg, soy, and dairy are NEGATIVE! YeeHaw! Now, to be fair, I haven't had much soy or dairy at all in the last few months, so they could be falsely negative. Honestly, as much as I eat those things, it wouldn't be missed too much anyway. But the eggs! I ate plenty of eggs, pretty much on a daily basis- so if it was negative...it was negative! Bring on the eggs!!!
My antibodies to gliadin (gluten) were 3 (<13). That's considered negative, but again, I haven't had it in months. He said that sometimes he has people eat gluten prior to testing to show a positive antibody on paper, but personally I didn't need proof. I very much get-it. Gluten is bad for human consumption, plus I have Hashi's. I won't eat it anymore.
Lastly, the hormone tests. All were fine, except for the Free Testosterone. Wha...? It's 43 (10-38). My MD checked my blood Testosterone level way back in 2007 and it was fine at 29.5 (10-70). I was now having images of a mustache and a hairy chest...but he said it was probably related to my blood sugars. Really? Well...let's fix that, then.
So, that's it. Those are my labs minus the stool test as it's not resulted yet. I was going to continue this post to include my 1st treatment supplements and diet plan, but it's gotten a bit lengthy. I'll do us all a favor and write about that hopefully tomorrow as I drink my new, temporary, morning fix.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Snoopy, STAY!
Ok. So, I get the call today (Tuesday) to set up my appointment- My blood and urine labs have come back. I'm like..."Great! When can I come in?" As I'm ready to grab my hoodie and run out the door, she says, "Next Tuesday." Are you serious? You are talking to the girl who snooped for her Christmas presents well into her teens... Possibly even later than that, but "teens" sounds better... I have been a pro detective in my day. They have the results of my blood, and I am so extremely curious!! After a tiny bit of prodding, I got myself an appointment this coming Thursday at 2pm. That's still 2 days away.
What is my hemoglobin a1c? How's my cholesterol and/or triglycerides since I now eat butter by the chunk, bacon by the slab, and coconut oil by the spoonful? Is my Iron level close to normal now that I've stopped eating the gut damaging gluten and still take supplemental iron occasionally (which can now be absorbed)? Is my TSH still within normal limits with this big diet change?
*Sigh*
If those labs were hidden in this house somewhere...rest assured I wouldn't be waiting until Thursday.
What is my hemoglobin a1c? How's my cholesterol and/or triglycerides since I now eat butter by the chunk, bacon by the slab, and coconut oil by the spoonful? Is my Iron level close to normal now that I've stopped eating the gut damaging gluten and still take supplemental iron occasionally (which can now be absorbed)? Is my TSH still within normal limits with this big diet change?
*Sigh*
If those labs were hidden in this house somewhere...rest assured I wouldn't be waiting until Thursday.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Move over, Anthrax
Prior to starting this treatment plan, Dr. Matthews required a meeting that also included my better half. He said it was because my partner had to know what was going to be involved in the 6 month course. No doubt that it's better to have both spouses on board with such a lifestyle change...the drop out rate is higher when one spouse doesn't understand the importance of the necessary tweeks. It's good to be married to Anthony and have such incredibly willing kids. Being alone in this would be tough. I'm pretty sure I was ahead of the curve because I had already eliminated gluten and dairy. The rest of the peeps in the house also had nixed gluten and had almost entirely eliminated dairy- except for a week when Anthony picked up some raw milk in South Carolina and "sampled" a gallon and a half of it. Yeah- they all enjoyed that week. But I wasn't comfortable continuing it until we knew what was ok and what wasn't in this whole autoimmune thing. The kids have half my genetic makeup, so I'm looking out for their health too. (I'll describe my close family's health in another post someday.)
It was during this meeting he spoke to us about the cost of treatment ($5200) and what was included. Anthony felt we didn't have a choice but to give it a try.
When the meeting was over, we went home to figure out our finances. It is frustrating to know I am doing my best to stay as healthy as possible and prevent myself from becomming a statistic, yet insurance wouldn't recognize something like this. To be clear, I said "frustrated"...not "surprised."
A little over a week later, I met with Dr. Matthews to get started. He sent me home with some lab orders for LabCorp and some mail-away lab kits. Once the results trickled in, I would be started on my personalized journey.
The labs he needed from me were from my blood, saliva, stool, and urine. I was wondering if my earwax was feeling left out. Oh well...If it's going to help me get to my goal...bring it on. I got the stool sample out of the way quickly. The test was for bacteria, yeast, and parasites I believe. It was quite interesting- a little spork attached to the inside of the specimen lid for your convenience. How very thoughtful. I'm glad Anthony worked late that night. Nurse or not, yuck is still yuck. Privacy has it's perks in times like these.
The next morning came quickly, and as usual, I was starving. But wait! First I had to spit into this vial as much saliva I could muster...about 4 mls were needed. I couldn't even brush my teeth 1st. It took like 15 minutes. Then I headed out the door for some fasting labs at LabCorp. They drew 5 tubes of blood and took a urine sample there. I couldn't wait to get home to EAT!!! I had to do 3 more saliva tests throughout the day. Unfortunately, because of them, I couldn't have a drop of coffee, tea, chocolate, cruciferous veggies, onions or garlic all day. The saliva tests were timed- morning, noon, afternoon, and midnight. They were checking my cortisol levels throughout the day as well as antibodies to eggs (Please God let that be negative), dairy, gliadin (gluten), and soy. There was a 5th saliva sample too- but that one you actually pour a little from your noon and afternoon ones into the vial. That one was for hormones (FSH and LH). It was a very long day. I couldn't eat for 60 mins prior to giving the sample. And since I tend to graze all day, I was irritable. Plus...did I mention I couldn't have coffee?
So, FedEx came to our house pick up the stool sample that day, and the saliva was sent via USPS the next day. It's just kind of weird to think that there's stuff like that being sent in the mail. Move over Anthrax?! ...At least the people receiving my samples are expecting them. Comforting.
I expect to hear from Dr. Matthews office in the next day or two because I'm sure my blood and urine tests are back. I'm looking forward to my results and new instructions...Mostly.
It was during this meeting he spoke to us about the cost of treatment ($5200) and what was included. Anthony felt we didn't have a choice but to give it a try.
When the meeting was over, we went home to figure out our finances. It is frustrating to know I am doing my best to stay as healthy as possible and prevent myself from becomming a statistic, yet insurance wouldn't recognize something like this. To be clear, I said "frustrated"...not "surprised."
A little over a week later, I met with Dr. Matthews to get started. He sent me home with some lab orders for LabCorp and some mail-away lab kits. Once the results trickled in, I would be started on my personalized journey.
The labs he needed from me were from my blood, saliva, stool, and urine. I was wondering if my earwax was feeling left out. Oh well...If it's going to help me get to my goal...bring it on. I got the stool sample out of the way quickly. The test was for bacteria, yeast, and parasites I believe. It was quite interesting- a little spork attached to the inside of the specimen lid for your convenience. How very thoughtful. I'm glad Anthony worked late that night. Nurse or not, yuck is still yuck. Privacy has it's perks in times like these.
The next morning came quickly, and as usual, I was starving. But wait! First I had to spit into this vial as much saliva I could muster...about 4 mls were needed. I couldn't even brush my teeth 1st. It took like 15 minutes. Then I headed out the door for some fasting labs at LabCorp. They drew 5 tubes of blood and took a urine sample there. I couldn't wait to get home to EAT!!! I had to do 3 more saliva tests throughout the day. Unfortunately, because of them, I couldn't have a drop of coffee, tea, chocolate, cruciferous veggies, onions or garlic all day. The saliva tests were timed- morning, noon, afternoon, and midnight. They were checking my cortisol levels throughout the day as well as antibodies to eggs (Please God let that be negative), dairy, gliadin (gluten), and soy. There was a 5th saliva sample too- but that one you actually pour a little from your noon and afternoon ones into the vial. That one was for hormones (FSH and LH). It was a very long day. I couldn't eat for 60 mins prior to giving the sample. And since I tend to graze all day, I was irritable. Plus...did I mention I couldn't have coffee?
So, FedEx came to our house pick up the stool sample that day, and the saliva was sent via USPS the next day. It's just kind of weird to think that there's stuff like that being sent in the mail. Move over Anthrax?! ...At least the people receiving my samples are expecting them. Comforting.
I expect to hear from Dr. Matthews office in the next day or two because I'm sure my blood and urine tests are back. I'm looking forward to my results and new instructions...Mostly.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
In the Beginning...
Welcome! This is the start of my Autoimmune Hypothyroid (Hashimoto's) journey. I didn't realize that so many people I knew also had benign (and sometimes whacked-out) thyroid symptoms -until I started talking about my own. I had been writting a little on my Facebook page, but was encouraged by my techno-savvy, way awesome husband, to start a blog instead. Reason being- not only to document this journey of mine for me, but to see if anyone else out there could benefit from my story.
First off, let me play a somewhat lengthy catch up.
It was December of 2004. I was 29 years old, and I went for a physical with a new MD. I can't exactly remember why he checked me for hypothyroid. It was probably just the benign symptoms like cold hands/feet, tiredness, dry skin, hair falling out in the shower, and constipation. He probably had to probe and ask me specific questions related to each of those complaints, because I wouldn't have brought any of those itsy-bitsy pesky symptoms to his attention on my own. (I'm a nurse, OK? I don't go to the doctor unless I'm on death's door. I am a pro at self-diagnosing, ignoring, then moving on.)
Well, my labs came back in a few days. Boy was I healthy, I was impressed! What wonderful blood I had. It must've been all that healthy cereal like Total Raisin Bran, Cheerios (and Lucky Charms, too :)... I ate numerous times a day. The only 2 things that were off were my Hemoglobin (11.7. Normal 12-15) and my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). My TSH was nice and high at 16 (should be below 3.5 in someone who is truly healthy). I was officially diagnosed with hypothyroid. I wasn't shocked...my mom also had the same diagnosis. I was given a script for Synthroid (I go generic, so it was Levothyroxine). We did not treat the low hemoglobin. It was considered "borderline anemia" by my PMD.
Three months later, in March of 2005, I went to a repeat visit to see if my dose for Levothyroxine was good. My PMD decided to also check my thyroid antibodies. He said it was a good idea to know if I had "Autoimmune Hypothyroid," or "Hashimoto's." That way, he'd be prepared for other autoimmune diseases as they rear their heads. "Like diabetes," he said. I sat there and adamantly told him, "No, not me. I'm not going to get diabetes. I mean, I'm healthy, can't you see?" I just was like, "Give me my hypothyroid pill, I'll be ok. No one in my family history has diabetes, I'm not overweight, and I'm not worried." I was OK with my hypothyroid. It just meant I had to take a pill, right? Even as a nurse, I had no idea what an autoimmune diagnosis really meant. My doctor probably wanted to shake me. He was trying to explain autoimmunity, but I wasn't listening. I truly didn't care what lab he wanted, or what it showed. I was FINE.
Well, there were 2 different antibodies checked- (even though only one has to be positive) Antithyroglobulin Antibody and Thyroid Perioxidase Antibody (TPO Ab). My Antithyroglobulin one was negative, but my TPO Ab was 5057 (Normal at this lab was 0-60). It was a no-brainer. I had Hashimoto's. What did that mean for my medical treatment? What changed in my life right after being told I had Autoimmune Hypothyroid? What did my doctor tell me I had to do different? Not a darn thing. He just had prepared himself to be on the lookout for my demise...essentially. I simply continued on my Levothyroxine at 100 mcg per day. (Well...if truth be told, mostly daily. I hated pills.) I lived in ignorant bliss.
Fast forward a few years. My TSHs were usually within normal limits. However, looking back, I never got over being cold, having dry skin, my hair still fell out, and occasionally I was still constipated. Now why do you think that is? Hmmm...
April 2008, probably while chomping on my 3rd cup of ice that day, I was informed a new lab popped out of range- my Iron level. My MD had done an Iron profile, because he wanted to know more than just my hemoglobin. At this point, my Iron was 19. (Normal for this lab was 42-145.) Wow, did I become anemic. "Easy explanation," I thought to myself. "I have bad menstrual cycles." Well, at the risk of losing all credibility, and this will sound completely crazy, I was SO addicted to chewing ice I didn't WANT to improve my iron. I WANTED to chew ice!! (See, once my iron levels improve, I would no longer crave ice.) Besides, I didn't FEEL like my iron was that low. I functioned fine. Sure, I slept till almost noon most days, but come-on, I worked 2 days a week from 3p-3a. I mean, that's just like night shift! (I can explain everything away, I told you...)
It just kept getting better. (And by that, I mean worse.) In 2009, my Iron had dropped from 19 to 11. I promised my MD I'd take some Ferrous Fumerate. ...At least I had it in the cabinet... I'd take it here and there, but I really blew that promise. God bless my husband, children, and my co-workers, who had to sit next to me as I was chomp chomp chomping away on my Sonic ice in my Route 44 size cups. (No lie- it had increased to like 4 of those per DAY.)
Around this time, my Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching husband, Anthony, started to talk of this "thing" called CrossFit. Soon after, he went to a CrossFit Nutrition Seminar instructed by Robb Wolf. Life would never be the same.
At this point, I must tell you how I had been living. There were usually 12 boxes of various cereals in my pantry, fast food galore, if it's frozen-in-a-box-and-easy-to-heat-up...it's for me. Oh- and don't forget candybars. I loooove me some candybars. Limited Edition Triple Chocolate Twix's to be specific. Exercise? Me? No way man- I was allergic to that. I hadn't exercised since 1997, and that was for like 4 months. Well, to be most accurate, on a whim in 2007 or 08 I paid $124 for 6 months of a gym membership and went ONCE. But, I totally prided myself in the fact I drank only water and coffee (no sodas and such) and my kids didn't get alot of sugar (compared to other friends, that is.) I wasn't overweight (5' 8" 125ish lbs) and I didn't look bad...but I sometimes got winded going up the stairs. I hardly ever got sick, yet I was not healthy.
Early 2010, Anthony had won Charlotte's 2010 Best of the Best Nutrition Coach. Maybe it was time for me to hop on board the "Health Train." In April 2010, I decided (that's really key) I was going to actually become healthy and see about this new-to-me lifestyle called CrossFit. The problem was, I got winded super easy. "I won't be good at CrossFit unless I overcome my anemia," I thought to myself. So, a multivitamin and Ferrous Fumerate tablet became a daily part of my life. Amazingly, after 5 days of taking them, I no longer had to go to Sonic for a couple bags of ice. I didn't even think about it- I didn't even miss it! I no longer needed to sleep till noon. At 9am, I was feeling like I was SuperWoman. "I am a CrossFitter, and I love it!"
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me, my body was still wreaking havoc. I was feeling so wonderful no longer being dreadfully anemic, I didn't realize what else was happening under my nose. I had recently been hearing the words "autoimmunity," and "gluten" in the same conversations. Now, gluten was already making an exit from our lives. Anthony had learned so much when he went to Robb Wolf's seminar. He found out what it did to our bodies, and how people can have completely different symptoms from it. We just hadn't lived it out 100% yet. We finally emptied any and all gluten from our home over about 2-3 months (May through July). July 31st 2010 was the last time I knowingly ate gluten. It was my 35th Birthday Girl's Night Out, and it was the dessert after a paleo dinner that did me in (Big surprise).
..But now it's into August and September...and all this recent talk about autoimmunity... it was bringing up a distant memory. I hadn't thought about Hashimoto's in YEARS. In fact, I litterally forgot I was diagnosed with the autoimmune component, and had to review my labs to assure he did in fact, diagnose me with it. Sure enough, there was the note he wrote me on my lab print-out, and my 5057 number circled and highlighted. Anthony called in to one of Robb Wolf's radioblog episodes to ask about Hashimoto's and diet recommendations. Those recommendations included: Being gluten free- check. Dairy free (unless it's butter from grass fed cows)- check. Egg free- Uh...don't mess with my eggs, Robb. According to Robb's advice, I was doing pretty good. I was taking my Fish oils and probiotics. We used coconut oil regulary. Robb told him about someone named "Dr. K." He mentioned that Dr. K was also on a previous episode and we should listen to it. Anthony downloaded it to my iPod. I had no earthly idea how much I did NOT know about my condition. I listened to it more than once. One particular time in September, I was in the dentist's chair. I was beginning to feel hopeless. That feeling of, "Where am I going to find a Doctor who is up on this stuff like this super-smart neuro endocrine immunologist chiropractor Dr. Kharraizian person?" Which MD would I see when there is no script preventing future autoimmunity- no pill I can take to prevent rhumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, alzheimers, lupus, multiple sclerosis, etc. Was I just a ticking timebomb? THEN:
Still in the Dentist's office, up on the TV, was a local Chiropractor who had a Thyroid Treatment Program he was advocating. I was intrigued so I called the number. I asked the staff pointed questions I had learned from Dr.K's interview on my iPod. Turned out, Dr. Matthews had been "trained under" Dr. K! I was ecstatic! My hopeless state immediately turned to hope. (Sidebar: Just prior to this, I sustained an injury in which I started to see a Chiropractor. I only recently understand that Chiropractic care is truly beneficial. Prior to this, I didn't understand the practice, and thought it was plain weird. I was medically trained, and sometimes you've gotta unlearn what you once thought was true. Now I can say with certainty that my chiropractor helped me where massage or therapy wouldn't cut it at all. End sidebar.) Dr. Matthews also treats patients in the Duke research study called the MURDOCK study. That itself is interesting, and I hope they expand their study to include Hashimoto's treatment.
At the end of September, I met with Dr. Matthews and got an order for my Antibody levels to be checked again...to get an idea of where I was now. No, I have no idea what has happened to my levels in between 2005 and now. All I know is that my TPO Ab went from 5057 to 583, and my Antithyroglobulin Ab went from being negative to 546. I was super excited at the improvement in my TPO Ab- I know it's improved. But the other one...what happened? Did it also increase to high levels like the other one during those 5 years? Or did that just start? At this point, after reading Dr. Kharraizain's book, remembering all sorts of symptoms I had that I "explained away," and as I put my lifestory together in hindsight...I believe that 2004/05 was the beginning of my problem...and it got worse while I sat back and ignored it. The important thing is what was on the page before me was a very active autoimmune attack against my own body. Stop the Madness!! How can I tell my cells to stop the homicide? I already stopped giving them things to attack that look so similar to my thyroid hormone.... I hadn't had gluten in 2 months. (The less gluten there is to attack, the less antibodies are active, and the less they attack me.)
Back to Dr. Matthews and the Thyroid Treatment Plan he offers. It's a 6 month plan complete with supplements, labwork, meal plans, you name it. I would meet with him 22 times. If my labs didn't go where we needed them to start heading in the 1st 60 days, a refund of what hadn't been paid out for tests and such would be given back to me. The cost was $5200. I had 2 choices. Sit around and wait for my potential future scripts: Insulin for diabetes, anti-inflamatories for arthritis, pain pills for fibromyalgia, and memory pills for Alzheimers (etc.)...or try something unconventional and quite different than what I was trained for. Alternative medicine. Natural products. Paleo-esque foods. Vitamins. Fish oils ...All in an attempt to make those antibodies go essentially dormant. To find and remove the other triggers besides gluten. To snap my body back into place. To let me continue my life in a state of health. We didn't have $5200 lying around. It was not going to be covered by insurance- except for possibly some lab tests. It was steep for us, but the alternative was much more costly.
Well, that's where the beginning part of the story ends, and the 6 month journey of the unknown starts.
First off, let me play a somewhat lengthy catch up.
It was December of 2004. I was 29 years old, and I went for a physical with a new MD. I can't exactly remember why he checked me for hypothyroid. It was probably just the benign symptoms like cold hands/feet, tiredness, dry skin, hair falling out in the shower, and constipation. He probably had to probe and ask me specific questions related to each of those complaints, because I wouldn't have brought any of those itsy-bitsy pesky symptoms to his attention on my own. (I'm a nurse, OK? I don't go to the doctor unless I'm on death's door. I am a pro at self-diagnosing, ignoring, then moving on.)
Well, my labs came back in a few days. Boy was I healthy, I was impressed! What wonderful blood I had. It must've been all that healthy cereal like Total Raisin Bran, Cheerios (and Lucky Charms, too :)... I ate numerous times a day. The only 2 things that were off were my Hemoglobin (11.7. Normal 12-15) and my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). My TSH was nice and high at 16 (should be below 3.5 in someone who is truly healthy). I was officially diagnosed with hypothyroid. I wasn't shocked...my mom also had the same diagnosis. I was given a script for Synthroid (I go generic, so it was Levothyroxine). We did not treat the low hemoglobin. It was considered "borderline anemia" by my PMD.
Three months later, in March of 2005, I went to a repeat visit to see if my dose for Levothyroxine was good. My PMD decided to also check my thyroid antibodies. He said it was a good idea to know if I had "Autoimmune Hypothyroid," or "Hashimoto's." That way, he'd be prepared for other autoimmune diseases as they rear their heads. "Like diabetes," he said. I sat there and adamantly told him, "No, not me. I'm not going to get diabetes. I mean, I'm healthy, can't you see?" I just was like, "Give me my hypothyroid pill, I'll be ok. No one in my family history has diabetes, I'm not overweight, and I'm not worried." I was OK with my hypothyroid. It just meant I had to take a pill, right? Even as a nurse, I had no idea what an autoimmune diagnosis really meant. My doctor probably wanted to shake me. He was trying to explain autoimmunity, but I wasn't listening. I truly didn't care what lab he wanted, or what it showed. I was FINE.
Well, there were 2 different antibodies checked- (even though only one has to be positive) Antithyroglobulin Antibody and Thyroid Perioxidase Antibody (TPO Ab). My Antithyroglobulin one was negative, but my TPO Ab was 5057 (Normal at this lab was 0-60). It was a no-brainer. I had Hashimoto's. What did that mean for my medical treatment? What changed in my life right after being told I had Autoimmune Hypothyroid? What did my doctor tell me I had to do different? Not a darn thing. He just had prepared himself to be on the lookout for my demise...essentially. I simply continued on my Levothyroxine at 100 mcg per day. (Well...if truth be told, mostly daily. I hated pills.) I lived in ignorant bliss.
Fast forward a few years. My TSHs were usually within normal limits. However, looking back, I never got over being cold, having dry skin, my hair still fell out, and occasionally I was still constipated. Now why do you think that is? Hmmm...
April 2008, probably while chomping on my 3rd cup of ice that day, I was informed a new lab popped out of range- my Iron level. My MD had done an Iron profile, because he wanted to know more than just my hemoglobin. At this point, my Iron was 19. (Normal for this lab was 42-145.) Wow, did I become anemic. "Easy explanation," I thought to myself. "I have bad menstrual cycles." Well, at the risk of losing all credibility, and this will sound completely crazy, I was SO addicted to chewing ice I didn't WANT to improve my iron. I WANTED to chew ice!! (See, once my iron levels improve, I would no longer crave ice.) Besides, I didn't FEEL like my iron was that low. I functioned fine. Sure, I slept till almost noon most days, but come-on, I worked 2 days a week from 3p-3a. I mean, that's just like night shift! (I can explain everything away, I told you...)
It just kept getting better. (And by that, I mean worse.) In 2009, my Iron had dropped from 19 to 11. I promised my MD I'd take some Ferrous Fumerate. ...At least I had it in the cabinet... I'd take it here and there, but I really blew that promise. God bless my husband, children, and my co-workers, who had to sit next to me as I was chomp chomp chomping away on my Sonic ice in my Route 44 size cups. (No lie- it had increased to like 4 of those per DAY.)
Around this time, my Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching husband, Anthony, started to talk of this "thing" called CrossFit. Soon after, he went to a CrossFit Nutrition Seminar instructed by Robb Wolf. Life would never be the same.
At this point, I must tell you how I had been living. There were usually 12 boxes of various cereals in my pantry, fast food galore, if it's frozen-in-a-box-and-easy-to-heat-up...it's for me. Oh- and don't forget candybars. I loooove me some candybars. Limited Edition Triple Chocolate Twix's to be specific. Exercise? Me? No way man- I was allergic to that. I hadn't exercised since 1997, and that was for like 4 months. Well, to be most accurate, on a whim in 2007 or 08 I paid $124 for 6 months of a gym membership and went ONCE. But, I totally prided myself in the fact I drank only water and coffee (no sodas and such) and my kids didn't get alot of sugar (compared to other friends, that is.) I wasn't overweight (5' 8" 125ish lbs) and I didn't look bad...but I sometimes got winded going up the stairs. I hardly ever got sick, yet I was not healthy.
Early 2010, Anthony had won Charlotte's 2010 Best of the Best Nutrition Coach. Maybe it was time for me to hop on board the "Health Train." In April 2010, I decided (that's really key) I was going to actually become healthy and see about this new-to-me lifestyle called CrossFit. The problem was, I got winded super easy. "I won't be good at CrossFit unless I overcome my anemia," I thought to myself. So, a multivitamin and Ferrous Fumerate tablet became a daily part of my life. Amazingly, after 5 days of taking them, I no longer had to go to Sonic for a couple bags of ice. I didn't even think about it- I didn't even miss it! I no longer needed to sleep till noon. At 9am, I was feeling like I was SuperWoman. "I am a CrossFitter, and I love it!"
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me, my body was still wreaking havoc. I was feeling so wonderful no longer being dreadfully anemic, I didn't realize what else was happening under my nose. I had recently been hearing the words "autoimmunity," and "gluten" in the same conversations. Now, gluten was already making an exit from our lives. Anthony had learned so much when he went to Robb Wolf's seminar. He found out what it did to our bodies, and how people can have completely different symptoms from it. We just hadn't lived it out 100% yet. We finally emptied any and all gluten from our home over about 2-3 months (May through July). July 31st 2010 was the last time I knowingly ate gluten. It was my 35th Birthday Girl's Night Out, and it was the dessert after a paleo dinner that did me in (Big surprise).
..But now it's into August and September...and all this recent talk about autoimmunity... it was bringing up a distant memory. I hadn't thought about Hashimoto's in YEARS. In fact, I litterally forgot I was diagnosed with the autoimmune component, and had to review my labs to assure he did in fact, diagnose me with it. Sure enough, there was the note he wrote me on my lab print-out, and my 5057 number circled and highlighted. Anthony called in to one of Robb Wolf's radioblog episodes to ask about Hashimoto's and diet recommendations. Those recommendations included: Being gluten free- check. Dairy free (unless it's butter from grass fed cows)- check. Egg free- Uh...don't mess with my eggs, Robb. According to Robb's advice, I was doing pretty good. I was taking my Fish oils and probiotics. We used coconut oil regulary. Robb told him about someone named "Dr. K." He mentioned that Dr. K was also on a previous episode and we should listen to it. Anthony downloaded it to my iPod. I had no earthly idea how much I did NOT know about my condition. I listened to it more than once. One particular time in September, I was in the dentist's chair. I was beginning to feel hopeless. That feeling of, "Where am I going to find a Doctor who is up on this stuff like this super-smart neuro endocrine immunologist chiropractor Dr. Kharraizian person?" Which MD would I see when there is no script preventing future autoimmunity- no pill I can take to prevent rhumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, alzheimers, lupus, multiple sclerosis, etc. Was I just a ticking timebomb? THEN:
Still in the Dentist's office, up on the TV, was a local Chiropractor who had a Thyroid Treatment Program he was advocating. I was intrigued so I called the number. I asked the staff pointed questions I had learned from Dr.K's interview on my iPod. Turned out, Dr. Matthews had been "trained under" Dr. K! I was ecstatic! My hopeless state immediately turned to hope. (Sidebar: Just prior to this, I sustained an injury in which I started to see a Chiropractor. I only recently understand that Chiropractic care is truly beneficial. Prior to this, I didn't understand the practice, and thought it was plain weird. I was medically trained, and sometimes you've gotta unlearn what you once thought was true. Now I can say with certainty that my chiropractor helped me where massage or therapy wouldn't cut it at all. End sidebar.) Dr. Matthews also treats patients in the Duke research study called the MURDOCK study. That itself is interesting, and I hope they expand their study to include Hashimoto's treatment.
At the end of September, I met with Dr. Matthews and got an order for my Antibody levels to be checked again...to get an idea of where I was now. No, I have no idea what has happened to my levels in between 2005 and now. All I know is that my TPO Ab went from 5057 to 583, and my Antithyroglobulin Ab went from being negative to 546. I was super excited at the improvement in my TPO Ab- I know it's improved. But the other one...what happened? Did it also increase to high levels like the other one during those 5 years? Or did that just start? At this point, after reading Dr. Kharraizain's book, remembering all sorts of symptoms I had that I "explained away," and as I put my lifestory together in hindsight...I believe that 2004/05 was the beginning of my problem...and it got worse while I sat back and ignored it. The important thing is what was on the page before me was a very active autoimmune attack against my own body. Stop the Madness!! How can I tell my cells to stop the homicide? I already stopped giving them things to attack that look so similar to my thyroid hormone.... I hadn't had gluten in 2 months. (The less gluten there is to attack, the less antibodies are active, and the less they attack me.)
Back to Dr. Matthews and the Thyroid Treatment Plan he offers. It's a 6 month plan complete with supplements, labwork, meal plans, you name it. I would meet with him 22 times. If my labs didn't go where we needed them to start heading in the 1st 60 days, a refund of what hadn't been paid out for tests and such would be given back to me. The cost was $5200. I had 2 choices. Sit around and wait for my potential future scripts: Insulin for diabetes, anti-inflamatories for arthritis, pain pills for fibromyalgia, and memory pills for Alzheimers (etc.)...or try something unconventional and quite different than what I was trained for. Alternative medicine. Natural products. Paleo-esque foods. Vitamins. Fish oils ...All in an attempt to make those antibodies go essentially dormant. To find and remove the other triggers besides gluten. To snap my body back into place. To let me continue my life in a state of health. We didn't have $5200 lying around. It was not going to be covered by insurance- except for possibly some lab tests. It was steep for us, but the alternative was much more costly.
Well, that's where the beginning part of the story ends, and the 6 month journey of the unknown starts.
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