Some more info on Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

I received the copy of my blood tests from my new doctor. They tested for Thyroid Peroxidase AB(anti-bodies) my test came back high at 56 should be below <35. The symptoms probably gradually started this past summer. It is very surprising when all your symptoms fit into the disease's little description...the symptoms I am most worried about are the heart palpitations, the constipation,( never had this problem before and I want to be able to get the toxins out!) and the higher cholesterol I had my cholesterol down at 167 this past June and now it is up to 212!  GRRRR!
Here is more information on lab tests and thyroid issues....

http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/thyroid_antibodies/test.html

Help to read your blood test results

I am still waiting on the copy of my blood test results from my new doctor. I came across this site and it tells how to interpret blood test results for the layperson. It tells what CRP measures and homocysteine etc, tests I have mentioned on earlier posts. Do get your results from your doctor and keep them in a binder so in case your doctor loses them or moves or becomes ill, or you need a second opinion, you have your own copies for the next doctor  Click on the link below.

http://amarillomed.squarespace.com/howto

New Allergies

I had an ALCAT allergy test done at the new doctor. I now have allergies to turkey, white potatoes, cauliflower, sunflower and olive(and their oils/products), avocado, apple, bayleaf, coconut, lemon, cucumber,pineapple, in additions to the other long list I already have....(many of these foods I am presently eating and they now have become an issue, my body has become allergic to them now too!)

I am to avoid completely haddock,malt,oat, spelt,  and gluten in general, all dairy, all eggs and egg products(chicken is included in that family), yeast, cauliflower,mustard,olive, sunflower, beet sugar.
Many of those things I don't eat already, but it seems I am creating allergies to foods I had been eating that were OK.

I was using olive oil to cook with, now I cannot have it...it is a high allergy. I have to revamp my whole menu AGAIN! AHHHH!

A Quick Note on my Life and my Doctor's Visit

Hi Everyone,

Hope you all are getting ready for the holidays! Count those blessings!

 I am a little down this year as I had lost my parents this past spring/summer. Even though I usually don't even get to visit them(they lived far from me)...there's just a hole in my heart that they're not here anymore...especially on Christmas! My family and my husband's family members all live far away also.

Also my husband's dad just passed away about a week and a half ago....it's not the usual happy go lucky holidays for us....then add to that that our marriage is hurting from all the stress and loss and we are going to see a marriage counsellor.

Add to this that I found out at my doctor's visit that I now have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis! For symptoms see the link below, turns out I am a classsic, I have just about all the symptoms....

Heart Palpitations - yes
Fatigue -yes
Depression -yes
Modest weight gain -no
Cold intolerance- yes
Excessive sleepiness- yes
Dry, coarse hair- yes
Constipation - yes
Dry skin - yes
Muscle cramps - yes
Increased cholesterol levels - yes
Decreased concentration - no
Vague aches and pains - yes
Swelling of the legs - no


http://www.medicinenet.com/hashimotos_thyroiditis/article.htm


 OK Come on now....I had been feeling run down, thought it was all the stress and sadness. I am feeling majorly let down, I can't believe I have gotten another disease, as I thought I had been taking such great care of myself and I thought I was getting better.

I forgot to get copies of my bloodwork, they said they will send them, so I will let you know more when I get the copies to go through.

They also mentioned that I may possibly have Lyme's disease but I will try to pin them down on that...they think I have it...I'll tell you more about that after I study up on Lyme's and on my blood test results when I receive them.

Healing Lupus and other autoimmune diseases

This is an interview with a Naturopath on their protocol to reverse/heal Lupus.
It is terrific information! Please get a cup of tea or a green smoothie, (print it out if you want) so you can sit in a comfy chair--or get under your covers and enjoy a GREAT read!

http://healing-lupus.com/Interview_with_Dr_Ratansi.pdf

Arthritis (joint pains) and Nightshades

In " Pain Free in 6 Weeks..." by Sherry Rogers MD. She says it is worth it to try avoiding all nightshades for 3-4 months and see if your pain lessens or goes away entirely. She says it was Dr. Norm Childers that did the research on nightshades. Both Sherry Rogers and Norm Childers swear that a diet without nightshades can rid you of pain you've suffered for years. I think it's worth a try!

http://www.noarthritis.com/nightshades.htm

A Celiac Disease "Quiz"

Here is a link to a Celiac Disease checklist of symptoms. Many of them over lap with Lupus symptoms!
Take a look!

http://www.celiaccentral.org/disease-symptoms-checklist/

Dr. Oz Anti-Cancer Foods

Or you could say foods to eat to be healthy! In all my research about Lupus, food allergies are a common issue in people affected by Lupus, you should be tested to see if you are allergic to any of the foods in the list. I personally am allergic to onions, garlic, and yogurt/dairy from this list (that I am presently aware of) Learn about nutrition and what your body needs and BE HEALTHY and WELL!

http://www.doctoroz.com/sites/default/files/images/AntiCancer%20Shopping%20List.pdf


http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/anti-cancer-diet

Dr. Oz Show on Celiac Disease

This show will air on Thursday December 10th, 2009. This Thursday! Please watch if you have any questions on Celiac Disease. Dr. Oz has been doing a pretty good job of teaching people about many health issues!

This is a must see! You can go to the link below and see what Dr. Oz will  be covering this week.

http://www.doctoroz.com/

Fred Pescatore on Flu Prevention

I don't know about 50,000 IU of vitamin D,(seems like too much!) but a bigger dose than you usually take is a good idea. Just about everyone who lives above the equator needs to supplement vitamin D3! Get tested for vitamin D3 levels(ask your doctor if they don't test you at your yearly physical) and take supplements if needed.  Read the Woman's Day article.
Here's the link. The doctor that they asked about his flu prevention protocol is Fred Pescatore MD.

http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Health/Conditions-Diseases/Flu-Fighting-Natural-Remedies.html

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from Doctor Oz Show

Some of the CFS symptoms really sound close to Lupus symptoms!

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/what-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-and-how-xmrv-related

Stress relief through "Tapping"

I said stress relief because that is what I need right now! You can also lessen or stop food cravings, lessen or get rid of anger, fear, or any other unwanted emotion that is holding you back!  See the links below! The holidays are a very stressful time for a lot of us. Also having Lupus or any other chronic illness can be very stressful.

 I had heard about this technique a long time ago, but thank you God for putting it "just where I could see it" to remind me that I can use it now because I am ready to use the tapping technique.

Acupuncture has helped me a great deal and tapping works with the acupuncture meridians also. Enjoy the links and give this a try!

The biggest issue for me lately is finding a doctor that believes what I believe... and still sees patients.

I have just tried a new doctor that looks promising...I will keep you updated on my progress.

http://www.thetappingsolution.com/blog/

http://renegadehealth.com/blog/2009/12/03/learn-eft-tapping-for-busting-through-cravings/

Have a great day!

Healthy Gift Giving

From Andrew Weil MD (He posts on twitter and has a newsletter too)

Q Ideas For Healthy Gift-Giving?

What with all the food and drink of the holiday season, I would love to give healthy gifts this year, something my friends and relatives could enjoy, guilt free. Any suggestions?

A Answer (Published 12/13/2006)

I can think of several healthy gifts that should please almost everyone:
■A box of good quality dark chocolate: Good dark chocolate (with at least 70 percent cocoa) really is a healthy treat you could consider, especially for the women on your list (it is the number one craving among women). Chocolate is a source of polyphenols, the same kinds of antioxidants found in red wine and green tea. The fat it contains is mostly stearic acid, which doesn't raise cholesterol levels. And the flavonoids in dark chocolate are good for the heart - they reduce the stickiness of platelets, inhibiting blood clotting and reducing the danger of coronary artery blockages. For those on your holiday gift list who like chocolate, splurge on a box of the best, imported from Belgium, France or Venezuela.

■Flowers: A beautiful bouquet or a long lasting flowering plant is sure to please women, although I recommend that everyone (male and female) keep fresh flowers in the home for their beauty, fragrance, and the lift they give our spirits.

■A Massage: A gift certificate for a soothing massage. Some types of massage are more relaxing than others. One of the best is Trager work, a system that uses rocking and bouncing movements to lull you into a dreamy altered state.

■Music: We're all affected by music. It has the power to inspire, uplift us, change our moods, and even alter consciousness. Almost anyone would welcome a CD or two, and for special people on your list, tickets to a concert would be a memorable treat.

■A Session with a Personal Trainer: This would be a great gift for someone who wants to get more exercise in the new year.

■Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A bottle of high quality extra virgin olive oil is sure to please the health-conscious (and any of the cooks) on your list. A trip to a gourmet market should provide you with many possibilities. Depending on your budget, you could put together a sampling of two or three bottles.

■Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, pistachios and cashews contain healthy monounsaturated fats that can lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack. However, because they’re high in calories, nuts may not be the best gift for those who would find it difficult to eat them in moderation.

In addition to these suggestions, click here for more healthy pleasures. Happy holidays!

Andrew Weil, M.D.

What type of gifts do you give for the holidays? Click here to share your inspirations in our discussion groups.

Check out Louise Hay

Try a search of her books/DVDs at your local library. I just recently watched a DVD called "You can Heal Your Life" and looked at some of her book of that same title. It was very moving...made me see that as positive as I try to be there is always room for improvement! Here is a link to her site's affirmations check this one out. There's a new one every day!

http://www.louisehay.com/affirmations/index.php

She also has a book called "Heal your Body" I have requested that one from the library next.

The Causes of Disease

I have done a lot of research on what holistic doctors believe is the causes of disease, here are the major ones:

1) Nutrient Deficiency
2) Food Allergies/Leaky Gut
3) Toxins
4) Stress
5) Gut bugs (parasites/candida/etc.)

Now you can correct these if you:

1) Eat and drink nutritionally dense foods. Green smoothies, tons of veggies/salads and some fruits.
2) Get tested for food allergies/leaky gut ,or try an elimination diet, and avoid allergenic foods.
3) Detox -there are colon,kidney,liver cleanses, and drink clean water, and eat "clean" foods, no pesticides, sweat(sauna and /or exercise) use toiletries and other things you put on your skin that you would feel safe eating. do body/skin scrubs
4) Breathe, don't sweat the small stuff, let things go
5) Get tested for parasites/candida and treat them. Take out sugar and starches from your diet and starve those candida bugs. For parasites see your doctor, there are drugs or herbs to get rid of parasites.

Follow these tips and you could be feeling better in no time!

My "Regular " Smoothie

1/2-1cup Dino Kale or Baby Spinach
2 stalks Celery
1 Apple
1/2 Lemon
1 large or 2 small Carrot/s
1/4 -1/2 cup water
Ice (optional)

I blend this all up on the Whole Juice setting on my Blentec Blender and that's my morning drink! Drink your smoothies at room temperature for easier digestion!

For more recipes and smoothies see http://www.lupushopecookbook.blogspot.com/

Happy Thanksgiving!

Whether you plan to have turkey, tofurkey, or raw "meatloaf" (there's recipes for raw meatloaf/mashed potatoes and gravy and "noasted" a raw stuffing recipe in Alissa Cohen's book Living on Live Food)
for dinner today..... hug your loved ones and count those blessings, and don't complain about what's for dinner, find a recipe you love and "dig in"!

Also after a modest dinner, go out and play! (or just take a walk)

Happy Thanksgiving and see the link below for a card that you can send to your friends/family. Hope it gives you a giggle! (or a GOBBLE)

http://ecards.myfuncards.com/myfuncards/ComposeCard.jhtml?cardID=11316

How My Blood Work Improved

My last blood work was in June 2009. I hope to go for new blood work in December or January. I have to OK it with the doctor/s.

My thyroid test is fine. (I haven't had a doctor check yet for anti thyoid antibodies...I'll ask next time I go for blood work)

B12- low(am taking supplements)
D3-low(am taking supplements)
Ferritin(Iron) -slightly  low(eating more  dark green leafy veggies)

CBC levels are all on target except for hemoglobin/hematocrit (slightly low---due to iron defficiency)

Fasting glucose 80 ! (Dr. Oz said to shoot for 75, I'm close!)
Metabolic Panel is all on target

Cholesterol went from 205 in Jan 2008 to 167 in June 2009
LDL was 135 , HDL was 46  in 2008

June 2009
HDL 53
LDL 101(could come down a little)
Triglycerides 64

Cardio CRP is a 0.7 (low inflammation!)
Homocysteine is a 7.5 (low inflammation)
Hemoglobin A1C  5.7(no diabetes)
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) 9

Bad News as of June 2008 (but still working on my health to get rid of these Lupus markers)
Still  have DS DNA double stranded DNA
Still have anti cardiolipin antibodies(AB IGG)
still have antiphospholipid antibodies
still have an ANA of 1:80 with a speckled pattern(went down from a 1:160)

Green Cleaning

Found a good video on green cleaning and natural products, get rid of those toxic cleanong products...one a a time or all at once, whichever fits your lifestyle.

In my township we have a "STOP" day that happens twice a year that you can bring toxins, paints, batteries and e-waste(electronics) to be disposed of properly.
You can do that, or just replace products with natural cleaning items, as the bottles are empty and used up!

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/how-to-use-green-cleaning-products/17wy3eklt

Thanksgiving!

What is your Thanksgiving about???  Do you REALLY think about what you're thankful for??? Or are you too busy planning the menu, cleaning the house, shopping.... 

Please take the time and take a deep breath, or better yet 5 slow, deep breaths in a row (stimulates deep relaxation), and really concentrate on what you are thankful for and the blessings in your life.

What am I thankful for???

1)My husband that supports me in every aspect of my healthy living/eating
2)My 2 healthy children (that drive me CRAZY sometimes they are 13 and 14 and a half TEENAGERS! AAAAHHH!!!)
3) My improved health
4) The internet and the lovely people that post help, education and encouragement through the computer!
5)Doctors that sincerely want to help people.
6)The people I've met that are on similar healing paths Karen, Lisa, Cami glad to meet all of you and thank you for sharing!
7) My husband's 1977 Classic RV, great to have "family fun days" in
8) My animals' health. (Yea! no vet visits needed)
9) My house, and food to eat, and heat.
10) My guitar and piano.
11) My cooking skills to deal with all these food allergies!
12) The public libraries (free books and DVDs for all1)
13) My Blendtec Blender, Food Processor, Dehydrator
14) My husbands car (20yrs old) and my van (11 yrs old) that still run.
15) There's probably more and I will add on as necessary! Thank you God!

Do count you blessings and say thanks!