:::::::::::YOUR FEED BACK PLEASE ::::::::::::::::::

[stella5349]

How do you feel this forum is helping you? What do you like best?

Is there any more things that could be done to help you further?

Give us your feedback on any thoughts you may have.

Have any members really stepped up to the plate and made a difference for you? Tell us.

Inquiring minds want to know..................

[ChitChatNine]

I want to thank YOU, the members of this community because YOU are what make it such a GREAT COMMUNITY!  This board has been, and I can only anticipate it will continue to be, a wonderful place for people to come together to give/get thyroid support, advice and gain knowledge.  In the process of doing so, some may even make new friends along the way!

I have been a member of this fabulous community since Nov. 2006 when I first found out I had 2 thyroid nodules.  Since that very first posting, I cannot begin to tell you all how much this board has helped me with my thyroid issues from detection to surgery to medication to acceptance!  Utahmomma was my first contact back then.  THANKS UTAH!!!   This is something I will always hold dear to my heart.

I view our Thyroid Community as a fence .. the fence we build is built post by post and until every post is answered our job will not be done.  Through the sincere efforts of everybody in this community we WILL BUILD THAT FENCE and as we do .. WE WILL HELP EACH OTHER and when we are having a good day maybe give support/lend a hand, tell a joke --  and when we are having a bad day, perhaps, reach out for support & know we will get support from our friends.  

It is the uniquue dynamics of our own Community we see on this board day in and day out that sets us apart .. reminds us WE ARE NOT ALONE and makes us a true, solid community dedicated to helping each other.  To me, that is something very special and very proud to be a part of .. and, I think you may feel the same way, too!

So to all of us on the board ... pat ourselves on the back for a job well done .. a job in process .. lending a hand ..helping each other, and in the process maybe having some fun!

We all have one thing in common -- Our Community has thyroid concerns.  This is what brings us together and will keep us together .....ALL OFYOU ...  KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!!

Cheryl - Thyroid Co-Community Leader

[nellster]

Ah, where to begin.  Helped me, yes tremendously.  Because of AR I learned that I needed my Free's tested.  From others to numerous to mention, I learned that I am not alone.  Recently posted and 5 friends popped in to offer advice and their own experiences.  Where else could you find this kind of support?  I am still learning as much as I can and everyday I find myself reaching for this board to offer hope and information.  One side effect I am dealing with is hairloss...I can't tell you how many Dr's told me it would stop once my TSH was within range!!!!  I brought my issue to the board and they suggested I get my Ferritin level checked, sure enough, its at 22 with 70-80 being optimal for growth etc.  I could go on and on and on.  Yes the board has/is helping me.  I enjoy everyones company, I think of others and what they are going through daily  and keep all in my thoughts.  I like the board just the way it is although, if I could figure out the lingo (bump?), how to get some friends, and how to get a silly icon next to my name...hee-hee.  Many names come to mind...AR, ChitChat,Stella, Kitty, the list goes on.
What do I like best?  The fact that so many of you offer your knowledge and guidance to others without giving it a second thought and without judging......

Thank you for the board,
Nellster

[redheadaussie]

I like the fact that I can sit in my jim-jams and type to people all over the world with similar problems to mine. I usually avoid forums like the plague but this one has shown me warmth, friendship, and understanding. I can not express how helpful you all are in your own individual ways. I enjoy helping people ease their minds too about things that can be overwhelming.
  I don't feel like I have to justify myself, that you all know when I say how I feel, that I can  almost hear the empathy! Most of you are thousands of miles away from me, but just knowing even on a different time zone that someone will read what I write and understand what is happening makes me feel all soft and gooey inside. (blergh, that was soooo girly!)
  I really feel compelled to get this thyroid issue out to the public. It's National Thyroid Week here in Australia...June 1 to June 8...but guess what It says on the webpage....POSSIBLE dates! The Deafness Foundation is having their awareness week at the same time, and they use a butterfly as their logo, so does the Thyroid Association...so yet again we poor thyroidians get pushed aside! So by having this forum and hearing everyone's stories and helping each other, I believe we then are empowered to tell the people around us about thyroid conditions, and in a ripple effect this may help many more in the future.
I also think we are all realising the medical profession is just not up to scratch, and we as a group encourage each other to make real change. I love that!
  Thank you...that is all...now go back to being whining patients who have nothing better to do than waste doctors time! (that was a little joke! Don't hit me!)
Maria

[MKlacza]

I dont know where to even begin... YES, this forum has helped me through some of my scariest moments!!

I have made some darling friends through this community... friends that I will always hold dear to my heart. We are a very special bunch because each and everyone of us know what the other is speaking of.

I in a million years would have never of thought that this forum would have gotten me through what I have been through and more. YOU are always here for me regardless... Morning til night and thensome.

Stella has helped me to learn and understand my own body. Any question I ask, she answers..even if she isnt quite sure.. she tries to get me through. I am so very greatful for you N!! VERY!!! You are like my so called "DR" on this forum. You have so much knowledge, I trust every ounce of knowledge coming from your keyboard to mine!!!

Dscoochie, Skeeter, Liz, iunderstand... just to name a few have become such dear and amazing support for me. I look forward everyday to hopping on the computer and reading my notes or messages awaiting me from you all.

I can be completely healed tomorrow, and I still would never leave. So many helped me as I am here to do just that!! I thank god every night for this community!!

love, mk

[AR-10]

I think I am alive today because of this forum.

No exageration at all. If it weren't for the members that helped me when I first came along, and supported me for a year while I was extremely ill and depressed, I'd be dead.

They know who they are, and I will never forget what they did for me.

What would be helpful to me? Well... everyone could send me a hundred bucks, and a $50,000 dollar grant from Medhelp would be sweet!! LOL!!

[pep88]

Where else can you go (in the real world) and talk to tons of people who've been in your shoes?  I've talked to people in my area who have had thyroid issues and one neighbor who even had half her thyroid out.  NONE of them even know what meds they take.  It's SHOCKING!!!  I  have to name a few brands before it jogs their memory!  I've asked them what their TSH is and they look at me all glazed over as if they should know what that stands for, but don't... UGH!!!   One of my girlfriends, who has had life-long thyroid issues and is pregnant, didn't even know her TSH or what med she was on.  Just that she took thyroid medicine.  At my insistance, she had her TSH checked and her doc upped her meds.  It probably saved that baby...  All because "I" was alert and aware after joining this community!

Of course, in their defense, I was a similarly unaware person until I found you guys and the forum after my TT!  And the ways in which you've helped me are too numerous to mention.  Just the things that get brought up and talked about sometimes help me the most.  Things I'd never think of or notice if left to my own devices...  I've learned something different from each and everyone of you.  

And of course, I have my little "experts" that I go to for help, like everyone else... AR for test results (We all know he's had EVERY test known to man and has Google'd the results up one side and down another...stuff I don't have the time nor patience to do and I thank him for being my human encyclopedia...), and Utah, for her input on cancer issues... And of course there's ChitChat.  What can you say about a cheerleader like ChitChat?  And well, just about everyone, really....  You all mean a lot to me and I aspire to help a one or two, as time permits, myself...  

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all.

Oh, and PS, I'd be in for a cut of AR's.... LOL!!!

[pep88]

AR's "take"... that is...

[mw1943]

Althought I don't feel qualified to give much advice...just prayers and tears....   but read the posts everyday and learn something new most every day..it has become a life-line for me. I have two note books full of answers, sometimes repeated, cause I get foggy and forget.  Just so glad I lucked up and found this forum where it is like a family ...who understand how it feels to live without a thyroid or going throught he same kinds of problems.


Margie
pap ca. 2007 TT; RAI 2007

[nissah46]

I love the sharing of information.  I don't always have an answer for people, but there will be someone who does. I still haven't figured out how to put up a profile picture.  Every time I tried, it just went to photos, so I gave up. I am helpless when it comes to figuring out things, so I wait for my kids to show me, and sometimes it sticks.
Trish

[Dee603]

I'm actually a very quiet person and somewhat shy, but because of all that I had read through here, I went and changed doctors....I have a doctor now who is compassionate, knowledgeable, and a woman...I so often feel that women are treated as whiners and not as individuals...I got the courage up to stand up to my previous doctor and tell her how I felt she treated me...I wasn't rude, but because of the posts in here, I realized that I need to take charge of my own health...I just got my thyroid scanned Tuesday and Wednesday of this week...not sure when I will get a biopsy of the nodule I have, but I am at least moving forward...this site is wonderful because of how diverse the people are, but I see how compassionate everyone here is...when I'm feeling down, I read some posts and it brings a smile to my face...this community is wonderful and I sincerely appreciate everyone here...thanks

[Me967]

Hi.  I'm Me.  I'm just new here.  Hopefully know what's going on by next week.  As of now.  ??????     A DAAA.       Helllllp!      Need input.         I'll check back next week with a comment.  Untill then,

Take Care;  Amy.

[Smilerdeb]

I have found this forum and site to be a lifesaver when going through the HELL!
There isnt much info on Graves Disease, Thyroid Disease oe=r RAI and Surgery in Australia.
That is why I come here.
I dont take Doctors or Endos words as Gospel as I found they were overmedicating me to the stage I suffered Fibrillation because of being so HypeR and so damn toxic (liver problems from Anti-Thyroid Drugs).
I have found out more here than anywhere else I know.
Thankyou  to everyone of you especially Stella and AR-10 :)

[utahmomma]

I just love *all* about this forum - especially the fact that there are those here who *understand* how horrible this nasty, invisible condition can make you feel.  It's great to know there are always friends here to lend support through tests, surgeries, hypohell, LID, medication changes, etc.

It's nice to know that you can turn your horrible experiences into something good for others and it's great when someone gets an extra test, a second opinion, or a different treatment because of what they learned about here and see what a difference it makes for them!

Besides, y'all are my "evil butterfly shaped gland" buddies!  :-)

[jeblondon]

Hi all,
I am not very keen normally on cyber chat/information/support forums - I had a bad experience of one a couple of years ago that started out well and with the best intentions but broke down in a really nasty 'trollish' way!
I have steered well clear of forums since then but I can honestly say that I have been so impressed by the information and support that this site offers that I have had to rethink my opinion!!.
I like the layout and accesibility of this site. I like the easy to navigateness' of it! (New word there!)
On this particular forum there is just enough 'personal stuff' without it becoming 'cliquey' or political.  There is a tremendous feeling of being part of a community that shares a common problem whilst offering unconditional support and guidance.  I like that I can dip in and out when I get a minute and that my questions are answered and no one is crowding me out with excessive rantings about this that or the other!  There are so many other forums out there that people can go onto for a rant or an argument. I like that this one tends to stick to the point - that being that we all have a thyroid problem/question/dilemma. Or that we might have helpful information to give to others on thyroid issues. That opinions are given with no expectation that we MUST take the advice.  With no axes to grind or political/religous/social comments to overwhelm the cries for help that come in or the quiet voices giving sometimes amazing advice and insights that could literally save a life.

I think we have to thank the incredible co- cl's ChitChat and Stella for that - what a fantastic job you do ladies!!  You seem to be always hereabouts - amazing dedication.
But - also - the great people who come in and out of the site. Thank you too!  
Hey!  I've had a thought - maybe it's only nice guys who get thyroid problems??!!!!!
Revolutionary!!!!

Back to serious - ahem.....
.
I am in the uk and have had problems here getting the information I need to make informed choices about my condition/treatment.  It has been a godsend to get my confidence up to speaking about my thyroid problems with the medics who are treating me.

If I were to add to the site I would try to put more separate info about the meds we are given and the various scales/ranges of the tests.  I appreciate it would have to be monitored and adjusted/updated as necessary but ir would save a lot of time reading through so many posts and answers just to find out what a TSH of 2.89 *might* mean.
I wish Dr Lupo could put on something more definitive, a kind of number board that more clearly explained about this stuff.
I woul also like a 'recommended reading' area - perhaps there is one and I have missed it?

Hope you are all ok out there
J x

[Christy1950]

This site provides critical information, comfort and support. Without it most of us would have thought we were crazy and alone especially with the huge range of symptoms that we all experience. We would put up with the incompetancy and bad service provided by some medical facilities thinking that that is all there is out there but by being guided by those who have been there done that keeps us out of the potholes and on the straight and narrow. It also shows us that we don't have to put up with  the number of unprofessional and unhelpful medical staff that we encounter in our travels to wellness and there is alternatives. Wonderful fountain of knowledge and most important friendship.

[shellsa]

michelle here im a butterfly shaped scar person too  yeah i love this support too it really helps that we all stick togeather through this makes us strong i still have a scar thats sensitive the keleoid scar stings most of the time i do moistureise it.  lots of good medical help throug this forum any time u need it good close friends through internet too

[Rite760]

Well I can honestly say I wouldn't change a thing. This place saved me when I thought there was nobody left to turn to, who believed in me and recongnised before the medical profession that I did have a problem. I particularly love the way you USA guys just say things straight from the heart. It's as though I can actually "feel" the empathy you have and your genuine interest in helping people. There is no where here in the UK that we have this approach. "The stiff upper lip" thing just never goes! And lastly I have to say that everyone here is absolutely brilliant, but that the first person I met here helped me more than I can ever say and I will never, ever, be able to show enough thanks for her help. And that is Stella. Also Cheryl has been a gem, and helps me feel confident to carry on trying to help others, when sometimes I feel embarrassed coz I don't have all the answers. AR has also been fantastic, he's so clever with stuff that is way beyond me and his sense of humour literally kills me! And lastly 998, he's a wiz at stuff too, never fear understanding the results of a scan whilst he is around! My thanks to all of you on this site, you literally saved me!

[stella5349]

I didn't take a moment to reconized my feeling here and thoughts to improve.

I sign on in the winter of 2007. I was a lurker for many months prior to logging in. I was a mess emotionally and physically for years and was researching to know end why I felt so bad. Books - websites - all kinds of things.  I never touched a computer while at home in my past (except to pay bills) and on top of learning what was wrong with me I know had to figure this stuff out.

I went back to work (definately not ready physically) on a fluk job interview to be a school secretary which I love doing.  Money was/is tight so I needed to return to work. I was frantic to get well.  

I always seemed to fall back on Med Help.com in my searches but never entered the forums. (wasn't sure how to do it) Then I accidentally got on - logged in (god knows why I picked stella as a name) and started posting.

I had so much information I already knew - but couldn't put it all together. I knew how I felt - but didn't have the strength to fight with the doctors to help me.

AR responded on my tests. HOLY cr@p!! someone responded!! and his thoughts totally made sense. Kitty also walked me through a ton of labs and it was all concrete information from both of them.

Yep - I cried............ but those two posts gave me the mind set to move forward - instead of caving.

After  3 yrs of total pain - acid - IBS - anxiety ( OH MY) and swinging from hypo to hyper on any given day. I started listening to me - more than the docs.  I started to trust ME - I switched my meds due to now knowing I wasn't converting T4 into T3.

Little by little the symptoms started going away- as I got stronger mind and body - I started putting forth the old me and thinking outside the box. I started using the natural remedies to rid myself of certain aliments. Vinager for acid  for example.

Anxiety was off the charts and heart palps for me. I was on many meds to "cover" the problems. Then a stupid nodule was found and that sent me over the edge.

Then I really jumped off the horse and went into holistic healing stuff about 3 months ago. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would go and get needles put in me - but here I am and it really is pleasantly something great.

I think AR and I are so similiar in our situations. When we talk - it like a mirror of symptoms and situations. That give me reassurance. I hate the fact we both suffer this swinging thyroid stuff.

Improving the board::::::::

I think it all has to come from ALL of us especially new comers.

It is sooooo important to really get everything out there. Age - labs - symptoms- Dx's - family history etc.  I think under our profiles a personal history page should be offered to get that stuff in there.  When you visit your doctors you need details to get to the problems- same applies here. If we went to the doctor and said " I feel bad" they shrug it off too b/c it is to vague. The more individual info the better.

There is an answer to this madness.......... I am dedicated to finding it for myself and others. There is a key to unlock here -  No medical school would of given me the knowledge of what I know b/c of getting hit with this disease. (even though if I had the money I would go)  I never want to give bad or inaccurate information. I - as others- know what that is like when our doctors do it.

I've got good friends here - some better than I had before this disease.

Now -- I need to get this ugly weight off - any suggestions from you??? 20pounds doesn't sound like alot - but for me it stinks.  I think if I would drop the gut - I would feel better mind and body!!

[moojy]

Nellster, I am also learning the acronyms, but I did find this list.  I hope it helps you.
Now if I could only understand the medical jargon!

ANA-      antinuclear antibody
ENDO –  endocrinologist
ENT -    ear nose and throat doctor or otolaryngology   head and neck surgery
FNA / FNB /FNAB - fine needle aspiration or needle  biopsy
HYPER-  hyperthyroidism - having a low TSH level
HYPO -  hypothyroidism - having a high TSH level
LID -     low iodine diet
PTC -     Papillary Thyroid Cancer
PTH –    Parathyroid Hormone
RAI  -    radio-iodine (or I-131 or I-123) - can be either used at a low dose for scanning/Graves treatment or a high dose for cancer treatment
Tg -        thyroglobulin
TGab-    thyroglobulin antibodies
ThyCa - thyroid cancer
Thyroid nodule(COLD) not producing any thyroid hormones (suspicious for cancer)
Thyroid nodule (HOT) producing too much thyroid hormone
Thyroid nodule (WARM) producing thyroid hormone
TPOab- thyroid peroxidase antibodies
TRab   -thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody
TSH-    thyroid stimulating hormone
TSI-     thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins
TT -      total thyroidectomy
WBS-   whole body scan (utilized with RAI)

[moojy]

THE BEST   - The commaradarie of the group.  Everyone here to help each other.  It is amazing!  It is educating me to take charge of my own health.  

STEPPED UP - AR-10 has incredible knowledge on test results and is ready to extend his hand to all of us to help make sense of things.  Thank you AR-10!

Many others are equally ready to offer their information and support.  It is nice to know you can ask any question and get a great answer from the group. What a great extended family I have found here!  

[skeeter42]

This forum has been so wonderful.  Words can't even describe how many of you have helped me out with your knowledge and all the research that some of you are able to do.  I don't have the patience for a dial-up connection to research everything I would like too.  When you live in the sticks....some of the luxuries of life aren't as pleasant....yes, I have indoor plumbing...last week!  LOL  

As far as who helps me the most...AR and Stella are so great and are so knowlegeable that without them I would not even know where to begin when I go to the doctors.  The first thing I do when I get test results is get them posted to AR as soon as I get home.  

MK..she has really bcome a wonderful friend to me.  Dscoochie...totally awesome.  I could go on and on.  

Without this forum I would probably already lost my mind by now thinking it was just me and that my life was the only miserable one out there....sorry that everyone else has their problems as well..but we aren't crazy!!

I don't always chime in on discussions but I read a lot of the posts and learn so much that I just think everyone on here is incredible and thank everyone that has helped me through such a terrible time in my life!!  

INCREDIBLE!!!  A GOD SEND TO ME....THIS FORUM AND EVERYONE ON HERE THAT HAS TOUCHED MY LIFE BY KIND THOUGHTS AND CARING.

THANK YOU!!

[peggy64]

What can I say to describe how this place helps me. I live in a house full of men and they are very unsympathetic, can't handle it and bury their sweet little heads in the sand.
Therefore you all have been wonderful, I feel at home because so many of these posts could be what I would have written.

I am new at this thyroid problem so this place has been a haven for me.

Thank you to all who keep it going and to all for participating and sharing your struggles and stories.
Peggy

[ravenhawk]

Wanted to say hello and thank God I finally found this forum! I've had enlarged thyroid since I was 15. After a few months of feeling reasonably happy and somewhat usefully whole, I knew something was wrong. The Doc says the thyroid has got to go. The good news for me, I guess, is no surgery. They want to use radiation. There are 4 nodules.Don't think it really matters.Anyone ever been through this? Radioactive and in isolation for 3 days after. Having had 7 spine and 1 parathy surgery this sounds like the game plan. Again,what a wealth of help and warmth!
Life,Light,Laughter,
Kerri(Ravenhawk)

[ChitChatNine]

Awesome thread to keep answering to .... just like this thread, all is good for awhile and the thread scrolls down, and then the thyroid stuffs act up again and come to the surface .. let's keep this thread going .. feel free to answer .. all our newbies and lurkers!

C~

[Venora Moonwind]

I love the people here. You have helped soooooo much through this past 2 years that I dont even know where to begin.
Blessed to all here
Love Venora

[stella5349]

Ravinhawk

Recently I put in Health Pages here a step- by step- outline with RAI ablation.

I hope that give you some information.

[Rnrsq]

This forum has helped immensely.  It is a voice of reason among a lot of strange medicine available on the internet. You guys were a huge help when I had to find a new doctor.

[4helen]

As a relative newbie to both this site and to the utter disgraceful naughtiness that Mr T can get up to if left 'unattended'

---am filled with admiration for the kindness and true generosity of spirit of all those who participate here to make the dream of cracking the mystery of thyroid disorder - a reality. In a very short time, many of you have considerably impacted my treatment plans and thyroid disorder knowledge.  Funny how the process works ---where I can offer tiny scraps of knowledge in return, it is priviledge to try.

I loved the Dr Lupo LIVE CHAT and hope that we can do that again.  Would be great fun to add a BOOK CLUB PAGE so we could share our thyroid health reading ideas, be they from books or other sites.  And of course being a bit of an ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE kook -- wish we could make a little corner for these 'ideas' as the MH Complimentary Medicine Thread is not thyroid specific, or nearly as active.

: )    

[898]

1)Best medical forum I ever come across.
2)Online communication, information exchange and LEARNING experience
3) Ability to see the PEOPLE behind the questions not just 'patients'.
4) Diversity of users and questions.

[mommy2two2008]

HUGE help to me ALL OF YOU...   I have been a total wreck some of this last year and you guys keep me fighting to get answers on my possessed thyroid gland with normal blood.

AMAZING--- TRUELY THANKFUL

[Barb135]

As a relative "newbie" (June 08) to the thyroid scene, this site has helped me in several ways.  

1)  It's let me know that I'm (a) not alone, (b) not crazy and (c) not a hypochondriac as my PCP would have me believe

2)  It reminds me that no matter how badly I feel, there are those that are going through much worse than I am, which helps me to keep it all in perspective.  

3) I've gotten a wealth of information from all the posts and because of the help from everyone who posts, as well as someone very special (you know who you are) - I have learned enough to demand better treatment and proper testing.  I've learned that I don't have to settle for just feeling "ok" and that not everything is "age related" (again as my PCP would have me believe) - I have a right to feel the very best I can.  

4) Because I have just recently (Dec 08)been dx'd with Hashi's, I'm sure I have a long way to go, but I have a much better idea of what I might expect and how to handle it along the way.  

5) Because of this site, I have managed to get my meds changed and believe that I'm already seeing some improvement, even if it's only temporary.

6) Last, but certainly not least - I've learned that doctors are not always right and they don't always have to have the last word.  They are not always the compassionate people that we think they should be and are not always looking out for our best interests.  

I'm still learning to stand up and speak for myself.

Thanks everyone.

[stella5349]

YEAaaaaaaaaaaa   BARBIE!!!

actually Helen - Laura1967 is the Leader over on that side for Complementary Med.

check that out!

[annie234]

This forum has helped me more than any Doctor! Nobody really knows how it feels unless they have gone thru this torture! Thank you all for your help.

[Jennifer1987]

This forum is like a 'safe' place for me. I love to come on here in the evening to just chill... I used be addicted to bebo, ha not anymore.. Medhelp has taken its place! Im kinda new to this thyroid thing to, and from the moment I posted I got great support from many people...I new nothing about thyroid and what ways it messes with the body and mind, how it can screw a person up and make them think they are crazy! I love everything about the forum but its mainly the kind and inviting people Iv spoken to that has made it the great forum it is....  What stood out to me most was the help, time and effeot the leaders put into the running of the forum.. They always seemed to be there with an answer.. I think Iv made a good few 'friends' with the added bonus of they know what Im going through! Its really cool to talk to people and know their not say 'shes crazy or get over it'. So to sum it up, this forum KICKS A$$!!!

[blksapphire]

Well, lets see where do I begin.  I lurked around for a couple of months before I actually became a member.  I would come in here and try to absorb any information that would help me think that I was NOT crazy.

My first responses came from AR, Utah, Cheryl and Gravelady... they were a great help.  Wonderful things are done on this site.   We are here for people and we support each other in a way that outsiders wouldn't understand.   They wouldn't know unless they walked a mile in our shoes.

I always felt as if I didnt have enough knowledge on the subject to help anyone, so for a few months I kind of felt left out and the waalaa... somebody posted a question and I had an answer.  that made me feel as if I could help someone.   Now if I can't help,  I have no problem letting the poster know to hang on, one of the more knowledgables will answer.

I'm not sure what we can do to make it better.  We listen, we write, we help each other and we know at any give time we can vent on this site, because our family and friends do not have a clue as to what we are going through.

Thanks for the good work, team

Terri

[glori5]

This forum helps keep me on my toes. Even tho it seems that I've gotten to the place where I've learned to live with this stuff, and have learned how to take my meds without forgetting, etc, there comes a time like right now when things become rotten. I have new stress in my life that keeps building up until I'm back into the anxiety whirlpool again. Ireally do like what I am doing in tutoring, but the stress of living in with the family has been building up even tho they are friends of mine. I am moving out this week, but I am to the point where I am not even excited about it, and worrying about not being excited about anything......and then I realize that I'veskipped some of my meds various times, and also realize that its time for another dr visit. Which means docshopping since I'min a new area. Anybody know of a thydoc in the Austi, TX area? Today I was really discouraged about things, then came on this forum and the various letters, and comments made throughout helped me wake up to the fact that i'm not totally loco, there are things I can do to get out of this cycle of anxiety. So I'm adding my big THANK-YOU!!!!! God's blessings for all that you discussionleaders( or what ever you call yourselves )do to makethisforum possible.

[freeatkast]

Love the idea; don't seem to get much response to my questions, not sure if it is how my questions are posed or just becuase I'm new

[CatieC]

Yes, yes, yes. This community has helped me tremendously. I joined in Feb 2008 when I found out I had a nodule which was inconclusive after my FNA. I was soooo scared. I didn't know where to turn. Then I found this forum. I lurked for a day (I never posted on a forum before). The next day I posted my situation and chitchatnine was there to calm me down and help me through. After my first post there were so many others who came forward and helped me and eased my fears and listened to me when I was down. I
learned so much from those on this forum. I knew nothing about hypothyroidism, let alone Hashi's.

She probably doesn't know this but Stella helped me alot. When I joined she was in the midst of her "situation". And I saw how she pulled herself up. I read her journal entries and saw how she took control of her life and her health. She is an inspiration.

There are countless others who have helped me and to them I say thank you. Thank you for your compassion and knowledge and advise.

Even though I'm not there yet, I am taking control of my health thanks to this forum.

[Me967]

I came here approximately a year ago from the heart forum.  I met mommytotwo in which was fairly new too; but welcomed me and insured me that though she was new someone would chime in that would be able to answer.  Then I met AR, and Utah, Swansong, Chitchat, then Redheadassie (God bless her now during this very hard time), and sooo many on down the line since....I could go on and on.  

I never fully understood thyroid issues and still don't really; but, I know if I ever have a question someone is here to help and care.  Alot of which I would trust more than my own doctor and they understand because they are going threw the same or similar issues or have.  My personal issues I think are related to quite a few different forums and I just don't seem to fit anywhere anymore.  LOL

I usually just ease drop on post and people now to see how they are doing.  Occasionally now though I know the answers.  Unfortunately a lot of times I'm to shy to chime in though.  Some just come and go but;.....Bottom line.....trying not to ramble on here.....you all have become like family.  We may not talk often, but, I think this is more than just a forum.  It's like a group of friends and family that you know are always there and understand whenever no one else does on how you are really feeling.  

I just love MedHelp and all of the great people on it.  This forum though.... a lot of my issues don't belong here; yet, I have seemed to become the closest to the members of this forum.  Then again all of my issues, womanly, heart, diabetes, muscle pains and aches all seems to tie in together here somehow.  ???  

Anyhow.....I need to wrap this up with a simple....Thank you to everyone and God bless you all.

  

[ChitChatNine]

At the current point in my thyroid issues the Vitamin D you all have helped me with has been tremdously helpful!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

[blksapphire]

I have previously posted on this thread, However, this site does not stop at one.  Every person that stops by gets some type of assistance.  Even those who has an illness that we are not knowledgable about.

I have been here over a year and I have met some of the nicest  people on this site.  Stella, Utah, Jessie, AR, Chitchat, RHA,  and on and on.  What a great help.  When I have questions this is where I come.

I have sent a couple other people to the site but they are too chicken to join. O well!

This is the best thyroid family in the world.  This is why we have people from all over.

At this point in my thyroid cycle, I have been led to the cardio cycle per the Endo dr.

If you are a newbie and reading this, just know this is the best place to be.

Terri
  

[ann4512]

it is a brill site i have realy learned at lot everyone is so helpfull,great bunch of people. so thank you to everyone  love to all xxx HAPPY ST PADDY'S DAY FROM THE IRISH

[monica148]

I do like this forum, however, I will there was more detailed information.  I would like to see, for example a track for thyroid cancer, broken down by type, and then be able to follow that line directly. I know it is a dream, but if we could click on the main topic, such as thyroid cancer, and then click on the type, and then click on the treatment, such as TT, partial thyroidectomy, and RAI, that would be helpful.  We would be able to narrow down our searches to make it more efficient.
I like the site a lot, and wish there were more that related directly to what I am looking for when I am searching.  
Thanks everyone for sharing.

[dawnangela]

I have found such a huge comfort in talking to ppl who are going through a similar experience as me..It has certainly helped in my anxieties over this thyroid illness, calmed me down no end..Keep up the awesome work guys..Dawn x

[carla559]

Hi - this is a very helpful site.  I was really surprised at the number of gals that
had the same symptons and trouble getting diagnosed and the bs, etc.  Everyone
so far has been very helpful, sympathetic and I have received many helpful suggestions
and product referrals.  
Thanks much everyone!!
Carla

[Mellowscout]

I have found this forum to be helpful in most ways.  Sometimes I post a question and get no answer { or one answer }...though I realize that we all have lives off the computer and sometimes don't know the answer to the questions!  The people and friends that I have made on this forum definitely keep my spirits up and it keeps my spirit to just be able to log in somewhere that people already know what I am going through.

That being said, the way I feel that this forum could be more helpful, is if people were a lilttle more positive.  I know, we all have some sort of thyroid disorder that makes us stressed, anxious, and depressed and I realy understand that.  I am right there with you.  And I understand this is a place for people to come and vent and ask questions and feel comfortable doing so.  I'm saying we should stop doing that.  But I am saying that I think more people need to post their positive experiences and the things they do to keep them more spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally Positive.  I have found almsot nothing on this site from people who have taken control of their disease and realize that you have the disease, the disease does NOT have you!!

I hope I don't come across as whiney since that's the opposite of what I want!  I hope that everyone gets their diseasse under control and continues to comment on others questions and continue to work towards a better life, in this community and off line.  Thanks.

Mellowscout...grateful.

[Mellowscout]

Oops, reading back through I realize that I left a few words out! Second paragraph, "I'm saying we should stop doing that."  I meant to say, we should NOT stop doing that!! ite!Hope that clears up any confusion.

But this does remind me of one other thing that could help, especially newbies, I have no real idea how to USE this site!  Like, after I post a question, how do I erase it if I don't want to have it posted in the forum anymore.  A tutorial would be nice =)

Thanks.
Mellowscout...again.

[loonette]

This site has been a tremendous help.  I have gone to a few other sites and don't see the responses come as quickly as this one does.  The leaders of the site have done a good job in promoting that sense of community.  I have gone from Hypo - Hashimoto's - goiter - TT - Thyroid cancer - RAI - WBS to who knows what else.  Each time I have questions I feel I can find the answer somewhere on this site.  I will have many more and now I am at the point where I think I can be of help to someone else who might have a similar situation.  It's a bit of a comfort to have some sense of control in an otherwise seemingly uncontrollable situation like a thyroid condition.  Thanks to all!

[stella5349]

Once a post is placed there is no taking it back. It's on the board.

[Smilerdeb]

And all the ones who do typo's come out of the woodwork lol (hehehehe)
Me included! lol

[ChitChatNine]

Here's a link to our best kept secret!

It's the FAQ's which is sort of like a tutorial!

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=88

Hope this helps!

It's over on Improving MedHelp Suggestions on their Health Pages!

C~

[Barb135]

I don't mean to sound controversial, but I think it's great that anyone can come here at any time of the day or night and whine and complain, vent,etc all they want and know there are plenty of people who will understand. Often our families get tired of hearing it - not because they don't care -- just because the same old stuff gets old to someone who doesn't share the problem.........we all have to vent.  

I hear a lot of positive things every day on this sight..... yes, we have those who are not doing well, but to me --- the most positive thing is the people who are willing to spend their time offering suggestions, explanations, etc that might help someone to feel better.  There are tons of posts in which someone might say "*I* do such and such for this problem" or whatever the case my be.  I've done that myself a lot of times.  

Now, I'll end on a really positive note ----- I've been on this site for about a year and I'm currently feeling better than I've felt in years.  I still have some hypo/Hashi symptoms and I'm dealing with some other issues as well, but still "better is better".... AND ----- I owe most of it to the wonderful people on this site who have been willing to answer questions, send along a word of encouragement, support or whatever.  Even though I'm better, I plan to stick around in hopes that I can repay some of the kindness by passing along some of the knowledge, support and encouragement that has been given to me..........Thanks everyone..........