LIVE WebChat with Dr. Lupo - coming Sunday, January 25th

[stella5349]

It's official. Dr. Lupo has accepted the invitation coming over to our community and "LiveChat" with our members.

Here is your chance to ask him what you have been wanting to. There are guidelines we need to follow. Please read below.

Questions will be prearraged for Dr. Lupo. This will be easier to follow on the thread for both him and us. Please pick a SUBJECT you would like to have your question fall under.

The "subjects" to pick from are:

a. HypOthyroid questions
b. HypERthyroid questions
c. Cancer and Surgery
d. autoimmune conditions or parathyroid disease
e. Other

Each subject should fit a question asked. These questions can be about labs - symptoms - hormones - surgery and scans for example.

Questions will be taken until - THURSDAY, JANUARY 22. This will give the Co Leaders a chance get the final post together for Dr. Lupo to "get on board" and easily answer these questions.

This is a first here on our community. IF anyone has any suggestions - please let me know.

I cannot stress enough that this is STILL an internet community forum. This chat is designed to offer you ONLY suggestions to take to your physician. Under no circumstances - will this chat become a "debate" over treatment plans and medications. Dr Lupo will determine how he conducts his suggestions and will post accordingly.

OK - so start entering your questions on THIS thread.  I hope you are looking forward to this LiveChat coming up. The polls and responses from members have been overwhelming and we are pleased to offer this to you.

Please spread the word to other members you are in contact with that may benefit from this too. We welcome all questions pertaining to the SUBJECTS above.

[Cherann]

Hello. Thanks for being here, these forums are great. I have a slightly different issue, although still pretty much related.  I have, cysts, 1 dominant nodule, I don't know at this point if I will even have surgery, but of course it's on my mind, for one reason in particular.  I'm not a wimp, don't want the bad thing, but not panicy or anything.  This week I have a thyroid /uptake  scan test. 2 days test. Please bear with me, new at the thyroid thing.  OK, my concern I have ,had a surgeon, not a specialist in thyroid, tell  me, even if I have cancer they might have problem doing it because I have tracheotomy scar from on ventilator,  (!4 years ago, entubated for about 3 months due to severe case of  ARDS.  In your opinion can they do a safe surgery for thyroid because I have this issue?  Not being able to have it done worries me more than what they might find.   Would like to add this particular surgeon, only in practice 3 years, and kind of had a real negative attitude, the kind that makes you leave office feeling gloomy.  Sorry if this long, but haven't been able to get reponse, except one. It's probably because it's a question out of th norm.  Is it that much more difficult with tracheotomy scar? Thank you just for your opinion.  Appreciate it much. Cherann

[manju77]

To Dr lupo,

a. HypOthyroid questions


Here are the results of my test before i was on levothyroxine on November

TSH 5.934
Thyroxine(T4) 10.0
T3 uptake 30%
Free Thyroxine index 3.0


All the tests above were normal except for TSH which was high.

Now I am on Levothyroxine on 75 mcg and the results of the tests after 6 weeks are

Free T4 1.9 (0.7-1.8)
TSH 0.04 (0.5-6.00)

My doctor says the dosage is right as it has lowered the TSH.But I am worried it is too low now and becoming hyperthyroid from hypothyroid.

Also i haven't still got my periods yet.Will lowering the dosage help.

Thanks for your time doctor

[ChitChatNine]

5:00PM Eastern Standard time :)

[Aurorah]

what time does the live chat start?

[ChitChatNine]

Everybody's questions look super!  I cannot wait until Sunday!  Thanks to all and we look forward to this exciting event with Dr. Lupo..Stella, great job pulling this together.

C~

[stella5349]

OK the questions have now been submitted to Dr. Lupo and he will be LIVEon the community Sunday night at 5pm EST.

Watch for details here on how to chat with him on this LIVE thread.

At this time all this post is closed until Sunday at NOON. If you have any additional thoughts - please let me know via PM's

Thank you

[Cynnieb4]

Dear Dr Lupo, I have a question regarding infertility issues and hashimotos/ hypothyroid. I really want to have kids. I am still young. I lost one when I was younger. I was just wondering if this is an issue that might be able to be resolved once I am completely stabled???? I am working with my obgyn. I know I don't have much time with all the cysts. Where trying to figure if there coming from the thyroid or if its with the endometriosis and all the other issues I am having.My mom passed from ovarian, so there watching me for that as well. Thankyou so much for your time. Cynthia

[chris5666]

I have felt bad for nearly three years before the doctors finally figured out something was wrong. I have thyroid cancer and had my thyroid removed just before Christmas....one month ago. I am still feeling horrible. I am on Synthroid 100, and vitamins, and even Lexapro now...and yet, I am still not feeling any better.  I am too tired and achy every day! When am I ever going to feel normal again? Was all of this even worth my time? I have Radiation treatment in April and do not wish to continue any of the treatments unless I start feeling better now. It is just not worth it anymore.

[bet643]

You are a Prince, thank you so much!!!!  After my total thyroidectomy 4 yrs. ago for pap. carcinoma and dx with hashimotos, I was placed on 150 mcg. of Synthroid.  Even though I have the problems of joint pain, brain fog, lack of sleep and all of the other lovely problems that go along with it, the most trouble I am having is heart palps. I have them quite often. I was told that it would slow down over 3 yrs. ago, but nothing yet. They cause me to lose sleep, which I do not need since I barely sleep as it is. I am worried that I will end up with a heart attack. I can't give you my labs since I will not see my Endo until this Friday, that's when he will go over my labs with me. I am a walking zombee most of the time. It takes me about 2 to 3 hrs. to function after my meds are taken at 7:00 AM and I am wiped out by 3;00 PM.  So I guess you can say that I'm only good for about 4 to 5 hrs. a day. I am concerned that my ths is alway high, but I have yet to get a good explaination on why it's alway high. I'm just so tired and  feeling weak and would like to know if it will ever get better?

[rohit_786]

Subject: Hashimoto's thyroditis / Pituitary adenoma

Thanks Dr Lupo for your time here. I have been posting my questions/answering other here for last 3 years . I have two questions.

About Me first :-

Male , 37 years , diagnose Hashimoto's in 2006

Question # 1
I recently diagnose Pituitary tumor because of hig prolactin level , the size of tumor is 6mm. My question is , do you think my hypothyriodism is because of pittuitary disorder ?.

Question # 2:

My thyroid level keep bouncing for last 3 years, current number is TSH 1.67, FT4 = 1.37 FT3 = 3.32.

I still have muscles pain/joint pain , fatigue and still weight gain issue.Can't hold my temper , fuse very quickly and very low sex drive and low libido.

Some more data about my hormone which is tested pretty recently

Total Testosterone 300 (300-1090)
LH  1.67 (1.5-9.0)
FSH 3.2 (3.0-10)

Free testosterone level is also in low side.

My question is , do you think those hormones are responsible for my symptoms as my thyroid numbers are fine  ?.

Current medicine

Levoxyl 88mcg/day
Bromocriptine  2.5mg/day.


I really appreciate in advance for your response.

[laura1967]

Thank you for your time here Dr Lupo. I am one of the community leaders here and I would like to touch on 2 questions that are asked frequently.

1- Can a person have Both Graves and Hashimoto's? Or is it only considered Graves regardless of both tests showing positive.

2- Do you know an approximate timeframe that one would expect from Hashimoto antibodies attacking the thyroid to completely destroy of the gland?

Thank You.
Laura

[baz5]

I forgot to tell you that my Rheumatologist put me on methotrexate for the UCTD. How do you feel about that? I am also on Lexapro 10mg, Inderal 80 mg, Aspirin 325mg.
I am now also taking fish oil, One a day vitamin and vitamin D daily.
I am a little weary of being on methotrexate personally.  I am trying to trust my doctor but the more I read and ask questions the more I am unsure.

[baz5]

Thank you for your time!  I will try and make this quick.  At age 33 I had a stroke...reasons unknow...doctors think possible migraine induced. I did have a PFO corrected shortly after....just in case that was the cause.  I have always had painful joints, infections and actually alot of "Lupus" symptoms growing up but I have always tested negative on my ANA's.  Until recently when I decided to see a Rheumatologist (9/08) because I thought enough is enough.  I tested positive for Anti-nuclear antibody ab (A) , Thyroid Microsomal ab >1300, Vitamin D level low, DHEA level low, Free T4 1.1,
TSH 5.97.  My Doctor seems to think I have UCTD but now doing some research I am wondering why Hashimoto's wasnt a consideration.  I will be talking to my Rheumatologist about it but I wanted to here what you had to say.  I am also going to set up an appointment with an Endocrinologist.  Any thoughts? Thank you for your time!

[porkchoptx]

Dr. Lupo,

Does synthroid wash out during dialysis treatments?  Normally take the pill at 7am. Dialysis treatment is at 10am.  Treatment lasts approx 3 hours 15 minutes.

Thanks for chatting!

[Me967]

Sorry I just went over what I typed and meant to say at the beginning....my HR can run high (110+) for days and then drops low (60) for days and sometimes both in the same day.  Sorry for the typo.  The numbers don't bother me as much.  The symptoms of pains, lightheadedness, sweating, SOB and heart palps do.

The winter pains are so bad I live on Zanaflex for up to 5 months a year in which why FMS is a question for me in relation to thyroid issues and pains.  

Again sorry for the wording and Thank you again for your time.  Amy

[ambo02]

Thank you for you time!  I'm 50yr old  with no thyroid. Had 2 differents surgeries cause of goiter(complex cyst 7.5cm)  Tried RAI didn't work actually got bigger so had surgery 2007.  I'm on Armour 90 and right now having problem with TSH of 52. Going to new Dr cause my other one moved. Just haven't been feeling well. (gall bladder removed, divertiltis and getting colds easy)  Since I don't have a thyroid should I get  it checked reg.  And can you start to grow another thyroid nodule?

[stella5349]

Yes - so if you have a question- please post it.

[mariposarose]

Go figure, I'm going to be on a train that evening to go see my doctor the next morning. Will the answers to these questions be posted here on the forum? Thanks!

[4helen]

e) Other

Is it possible to shrink an FNA (Thy3 - inconclusive - 4 cm) nodule other than by surgical means?  

Is there any thumb rule 'growth metric' of how many centimeters per year a follicular neoplasm grows, or is this entirely individual?

Thx kindly Leaders and Dr Lupo       : )

[Twilight_Princess]

Subject: Hypothyroid

What I want to know is I had a complete hysterectomy in February 2008 and I opted NOT to take hormone replacement therapy - could this have an effect on my thyroid? I am beginning to think it is wrecking havoc on everything from not taking hormones.

I also have a 2 cm tumor on my left adrenal gland. This was discovered by accident by having a CT scan done on my abdomen. So far the tumor hasn't grown since Feb. 2006. My Endo tells me the tumor is "just there", so as far as I'm concerned it's undiagnosed. Could this tumor also be causing havoc on my thyroid and hormones? Not sure what to think anymore.

[Super_sally888]

Topic: Hypothyroid  & Pregnancy

Thank you so much for your time and support. I am sure I speak for all of us here, who so greatly appreciate your information sharing and educating us.

1. I understand that it is very important to maintain good thyroid hormone levels (high normal) in early pregnancy, and that the baby will start to generate it's own thyroid hormones about 12 weeks AOG.  Does it matter if hormone levels become low normal (as measured by FT3 and FT4) in third trimester, or should levels still be adjusted to keep high normal target even during third trimester?

2. Is it normal practice that the increased dose of thyroid hormones is reduced back to the prepregnancy dose immediately after the delivery? Or would there be an adjustment period?

3. My Endo told me that women with hypothyroid often have problems breastfeeding.  Is this your experience?  Is there anything that can be done to increase breastfeeding success?

(I am 38, now 37 weeks pregnant with first baby: hypothyroid - FT3,FT4 low normal & TSH below limits treated w/ thyroxine 200 mcg plus dessicated 155 mcg, GD treated w/ humulin 30 units/d, & pituitary microadenoma - prepregnancy had high prolactin levels treated with bromocriptine).

Thank you.

Sally

[Selvi007]

Hypothyroid questions

Hi Dr. Lupo,
Let me begin by thanking you for your time!  

I recently had RAI for hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease).  It has been 2 months since my procedure. I know my labs from month 1 & 2 extremely fluctuate which my Dr. mentioned isn't normal.  

1) When labs fluctuate as quickly as mine, is there anything I can do to prevent such upswings and downturns? Is there any additional tests that I should ask my Dr. to include on my labs? Please see below Lab test results.

2) How long does it take to move from a TSH of 96.3 to a level where I will feel better. I am currently taking Levoxyl 0.075 mg for 2 weeks now.

2) What books could you recommend as I learn to manage hypothyroidism.  I am looking for a reference that will help with diet, exercise, pain management, etc.

12/10/08: Month 1 post RAI  (no Levoxyl)
TSH: 0.04         normal lab ranges [.34 - 4.82]
Free T4: 1.36    normal lab ranges [0.60 - 1.60]

1/8/09: Month 2 post RAI (no Levoxyl)
TSH: 96.3        normal lab ranges [.34 - 4.82]
Free T4: 0.43   normal lab ranges [0.60 - 1.60]

Thanks,
Selvi

[Cloulou]

Thank you for being here. I am over a year post TT and a high dose of RAI (341). I have experienced jaw, neck and ear pain which has gotten progressively worse. I have recently been diagnosed and begun treatment for Salivary Gland Burnout. I am scheduled for a dialation procedure on the 30th of this month in an attempt to reopen the ducts however I have been told that this is a temporary fix and the glands need to begin functioning on their own. The procedure involves threading graduated sizes of balloon caths into the ducts. I have been taking antiobiotics, using hot compresses to release some of the fluid and pressure as well as anti inflammatories and lots and lots of water. The sour candy causes extreme swelling so I don't use it very often. To date the Parotid Gland is the only gland that can be treated with dialation however I have pain and fluid under my jaw and in my neck which involve the submandibular & sublingual glands. The dialation is not a permanent fix. Are you aware of any other options that may be available for damaged glandular tissue? I have read a study about stem cell transplant written by RS Redman of the Oral Pathology Research Lab at the VA Med Ctr in Washington and published in Biotechnic & Histochemistry Volume 83, Issue 3&4 June 2008. I am looking for any and all information and options. The condition is very painful making it difficult to sleep and the release of fluid causes nausea and heartburn and it is becoming increasingly difficult to eat. In my employment I use the telephone regularly and it is painful to have the phone touching my face. Thank you in advance for any information that you may have.

Cindi

[peggy64]

Dr. Lupo, thank you for being here tonight. we appreciate your time.
My question is:

Can a person that has been on meds for hypoT, expect their thyroid to start functioning normally and DC the medication? Does this happen, even if rarely?

Thank you.

Peggy