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Posted 4/28/2009 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Frances,

I'm sorry you had a funeral to attend today. You are already dealing with so much....and I pray that your grief will be lifted from you as soon as possible. You're in my thoughts today, and I hope you are getting through things okay. ((hugs))
Posted 4/29/2009 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
All,
Thank you so much for your kind words & prayers. Today was a hard day so I am heading to bed, but I just wanted to thank everyone for their continued support. Kitt, I know you are going through a tough struggle right now too, so I wanted to especially mention how much I appreciate you dropping me a note.

I did get a call from my doctor today. My hair has been falling out so they ran some blood work to find out what's up. The Iron levels came back low, so I will start supplements for that next week. I also have a really high TSH level, so we're treating that. I'm hopeful that maybe that will help with both the weight loss & the anxiety/depression. My doc says for sure it should help me keep more weight on & stop blacking out so much. :) I remember before that it was super high when I was in the hospital & my psych said that it could be causing/contributing to me feeling really sad & low energy. Hopefully they will finally be able to figure out what is going on with me & get it fixed. I think I need to take your wise advice & put these medical issues before my mortgage payments, at least for the time being. I know that Iron is important for a lot of things & I think TSH is probably important for even more things -- not sure.

So I need to set aside my other worries for now & really just focus on getting my physical symptoms under control. I really can't express how much all the advice & such for everyone means to me. I will be sure to re-read the posts tomorrow or Thursday & will respond to each of you then.

hugs,
frances
Posted 4/29/2009 1:08 PM (GMT 0)

Good Morning Dear Frances,

Yes you do have to focus on your health first but I am relieved to hear that your labs did reveal what might be causing some of your problems.  I wish I could send you a few pounds as I have extra and your sure welcome to them. smhair .

It's really important for myself to be able to stay in the moment. I have found that by avoiding things like dwelling on past or worrying about the future I am usually able to get done what needs to get done when it needs to get done.

I know I preach this a lot but when I am able to stay in the moment I do much better.  Lately this has been a struggle but I keep on trying and I know you do too my friend.

You are a wonderful, kind and caring person and you deserve all the good in this life so reach out for that brass ring and hold on tight.  Things will get better.

I wish you peace,
Kitt

Posted 4/29/2009 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi again, Frances,

I’m glad you were able to get some info from your doc about some of your symptoms. I agree that thyroid issues and iron deficiency can wreak havoc on a person, physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s good that you’ll be receiving treatment for this, and that you’ve decided to put your health issues at the top of your list. I hope so much that you’ll see an improvement soon. (((hugs)))

I also wanted to mention something that may be a bit off topic to this thread, but is pertinent to your wonderful coping skills. I was doing some reading last night in the Chronic Pain forum, as I struggle with that issue myself. I read your post on the “Reinvisioning a new future with CP” thread, where you talked about finding ways to fulfill your vision for your life, in spite of your health issues, and I found it enormously helpful and inspirational. Having meaning and purpose in life, in my opinion, has to be one of the most important factors in maintaining forward movement, and keeping hope alive for the future. I want to thank you, so much, for your words of wisdom.

You have my continued prayers and best wishes for your health, your financial situation, and your job search. I hope today is better for you.
Posted 4/29/2009 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt,
Thanks so much! Yes, I would welcome a few extra pounds from you. If only ... ;)

Raniah,
Thanks for mentioning that post. It has been a real battle for me. I know a lot of people can just focus on today & be happy with that, but it's just not in me to keep going when I feel my life has no direction. I'm starting to realize that it still can have direction & purpose even in the midst of illness & that has literally been life-changing for me. It is so much easier to make the little decisions when I know what my overall goal is. 'Course, now I come to find out that hypothyroidism may be a big part of what's been causing me to struggle to make decisions & not be able to think as clearly as I used to, which I think is even better than just having to adjust to being overwhelmed & confused much of the time. :)

Aurora,
I am continuing to work with my bank. They're not too cooperative. Next time I see my doctor (in July) I will be able to get injections, so hopefully that will help.

Karen,
As always, thanks for the encouragement. I've been reading a bit about growing peanuts & am thinking about maybe growing some peanut plants alongside my beans. Oh, how fun it's going to be. :)
Posted 4/30/2009 11:23 AM (GMT 0)
Frances,

Gardens are so therapeudic for the soul. I hope that you have a big one with lots of different vegatables in it. We tried to grow peanuts once, but we are not in the right climate and our soil wasnt' right. But it was fun to try.

I hope that the day is going well for you. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

Luv and hugs, Karen
Posted 5/27/2009 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Frances, You've been in my thoughts quite a bit lately. I hope you don't mind that I brought this thread up again, because I really would like to know how you're doing with the health concerns and job search and all that you've had to deal with. You continue to be in my prayers, and I hope you are staying strong and feeling better. I don't want to put you on the spot, but I would be happy to know how you are when you feel up to posting about it. Take good care of yourself, and remember that we care about you very much. ((hugs))
Posted 5/27/2009 11:32 AM (GMT 0)
frances, sorry i haven't read all the threads, get confused, but for the short time i have been on this forum you have given some exceptional insights, experience and never ending compassion. i am not working, 8 yrs now, disability support pension, albeit at one stage i was unemployed for 2 yrs, never gave up, eventually snagged a beauty until unwellness preceeded. studying again, been 8yrs since i cracked up at uni, i am enjoying it, hoping that the door that opens is one that you choose, hence keep on a knockin' my friend. sorry for your recent loss frances, i send you and all concerned with loving compassion. jamie
Posted 5/28/2009 1:29 AM (GMT 0)

Dear Frances,  I'm sorry for not posting you sooner.  You have been on my mind. I am glad your labs showed what is wrong and that you will get the care you need.  Now we need to get some nourishing food in you. I wish I was there to cook up a big meal for you. I have many years experience.  I am so sorry about your Aunt.  It is hard to lose those we love but time heals all wounds and just take the time you need to grieve.  I hope all is going well with the unemployment.  They are good about sending your checks but be sure you do your call ins.  How are things going with the bank and mortgage?  I so hope they will refinance for you.  If not maybe they can give you some extra time.  I want you to know I think of you often and you are always in my prayers.  I am always here for you and will keep up with writing you.  Now take good care of you.

Gentle hugs,

Aurora

Posted 5/28/2009 12:52 PM (GMT 0)

Hello Fances,

How are you my friend.  I will always remember how much you supported me when I was in need and I am here for you now and always.................please email me if you would like to.  I am always open to you. 

I am praying that you are doing well.

I have new issues to deal with but I am strong and will get through them with help from great and wonderful members like you.

Love

Kitt

Posted 5/29/2009 9:32 AM (GMT 0)
frances, sending u love and compassion. may the positive life force energies encumber your spirit and renew your hopes and dreams, jamie
Posted 6/1/2009 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all!
Sorry I don't have time to respond to you all personally at the moment, but I have read your comments & they are all so sweet to read.

I have started on some supplements & those are helping. I have been fighting with my insurance company to cover my meds & finally got that straightened out last week, so I will call the endocrinologist tomorrow to get the synthyroid. Supposedly that will help with a bunch of things -- keeping my energy level up, raising my blood pressure, stopping the nose bleeds, decreasing dizziness, moderating temperature, improving mood... I'm sure I've missed some things, but you get the idea. It should really help.

I had a temp job last week, so that was nice. I did finally figure out unemployment. Thanks to everyone for the advice -- especially Aurora. I have been trying to eat better. It has seemed a losing battle, but then I found out that the weight loss is probably also related to my thyroid issues, so perhaps that will improve soon. I have been buying more fresh fruits & veggies and have been adding salt to everything I eat. I forgot to eat extra salt one day & blacked out, but other than that one time, I have been going along okay.

Working has been physically & mentally draining, so I apologize for not checking in with you all for a while. I have at least a few days off this next week, so I will try to get caught up with everyone. In the meanwhile, I will be praying for blessings, healing & hope for all of you.

peace,
frances
Posted 6/1/2009 1:55 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Frances,  I am so glad to hear that you got your insurance straightened out and that they will be giving you your thyroid med.  That probably is a reason for the weight loss. I'm not sure why you are supposed to have so much salt because salt can raise blood pressure but if you were told to have salt then you lucky duck!  I love salty foods but have to watch it because of blood pressure.  If you are looking for a food that is very nutritious, tasty and will help you gain some weight eat potatoes.  Potatoes have iron and they have potassium and if you buy a bag on sale you can make a meal out of a potato. You can bake them and then load them up with veggies or cheese and bacon and sour cream.  All things I shouldn't have except the veggies.  It's great you found a temp job.  Maybe it could turn into full time.  I truly hope that with your meds and insurance that you will start to feel better and stronger.  Please take good care of yourself and know I am thinking of you and wishing for the best for you.

Luv & Hugs,

Aurora

Posted 6/1/2009 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Frances, I'm so glad you came to check in.....I've really been thinking about you a lot lately. You sound very positive and strong, despite the challenges you're dealing with, and I hope things will improve after you get the synthroid. I know the thyroid can affect so many different functions of the body, and I feel confident that you will feel MUCH better once you have a regular and appropriate dose of medication. Re: the salt, is this related to the iodine production, or lack thereof, of the thyroid? Like Aurora, I am curious to know. Keep the faith, and remember we are all here with good thoughts and prayers for you.
Posted 6/1/2009 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Hello frances, Sorry I only noticed this thread today, I catched-up on the history of this thread and I'm very sorry about what you are going through but I'm glad that you are fighting hard with determination and that you found a temp job, which as aurora60 said could even turn into a perminent one, if it doesn't at least it's helping you pay some of your bills.

considering your nutrition issues, I would suggest varayeti of foods. yes I know it's a dificult time for you considering the financial issues. but try to increase the varayeti of food you eat. for example, difirent types of meat like fish , or even bread and potato as some suggested. beans are good but you need to include all types of food in your diet. in short don't leave anything out, vegitables, fruits, meat beans, even bread.

I'm really sad to hear about how all problems seem to combine on you at the same time, unemployment, health issues, bad nutrition the house morgage etc.. but I'm inspired by the strength you show and your strong will, keep it up girl and you will get where you want to be I'm sure of it, you are doing the right things.

good luck to you, and take care of yourself :)
Posted 6/1/2009 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
Aurora/Raniah,
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE potatoes, but I had to cut them out b/c my potassium is too high (sodium & potassium are inversely related). Sometimes I cheat b/c I love potatoes & I drown them in salt so I can still eat them, but bananas & potatoes are out for now so I try to be good & not cheat too much. :) My BP is super low (70/40) so that's why I need to get my sodium up. I've even gone to the infusion unit at the hospital, had 3L of saline & even after all that still my sodium was barely at the bottom of the normal range. But you're right, I am a lucky duck that I get to eat salt. I love it. I can eat it right out of my hand & be perfectly happy. :) I'm sure all of that will change once I start on the synthyroid, but I guess it's a small price to pay in order to be healthy.

Akram,
I have been eating more bread. I like the whole grain kind, but the sourdough has more salt. A friend suggested matzo, since it is less filling & has the same amount of salt per serving so I can eat more of it & thereby get more salt. I figure I'll try anything to keep the blackouts away. I am trying to eat more meat & fish. I have to watch my cholesterol (which is crazy high) so I was not really eating much more than occasional chicken or turkey. I really don't want to be on that evil cholesterol medication. It makes me nervous b/c I still don't think there's enough research to prove that it actually does anything to help prevent coronary disease. It seems to me that most of the research suggests all it does is hide the problems behind a low testing number for the cholesterol test, so I've been trying for 6 months to get it down on my own. But I think now I need to just get past that & start eating meat again so I can keep my energy up. Nuts are good b/c they have a lot of salt, but I think that probably there isn't any substitute for meat for giving energy & nutrients. So, I'm crossing my fingers that everything works out.

All,
Thanks for your well wishes. You give me so much strength to face life's trials. :)

frances
Posted 6/1/2009 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Frances, if you like eating meat here is something jucy you may like: wiener Schnitzel it has bread crums, eggs and flour in it. try cooking that at least once a week I think it's good for you and I think it's very tasty :) I think it's called veal scallopini in the US. here is a picture of veal scallopini. I can get you the reciepi if you want.

about salt, maybe you could try drinking margerita? I heard they use salt in it hehe. also you can add extra salt on your sallad I guess, I like a lot of salt in my sallad hehe. also you can add salt to pop-corns too.
Posted 6/2/2009 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Frances, I wouldn't be surprised if the blood pressure and high cholesterol issues fell into place once you get your thyroid regulated. I'm certainly no expert, but I went through some extensive testing years ago, when my doc suspected that I had a problem with my thyroid, and I was astonished to find out just how many functions could be affected by a malfunctioning thyroid gland. I agree with you about cholesterol meds, and as a person with familial hypercholesterolemia (whew, that's a mouthful!!), I've had lots of trials with cholesterol-lowering drugs. As with all meds, some people can tolerate them, and some cannot. I'm in the latter category. I have been taking red yeast rice (hong qu) for a few years now, with remarkable success and no side effects (using it in combination with a healthy diet and moderate exercise), and my doctor is very pleased with the results. Not only has it lowered my cholesterol to a healthy level (and it was extremely high before), it has not had any negative effects on my liver function, which was an issue with the cholesterol meds I took in my previous trials. It might be something to keep in your back pocket for future discussions with your doc, just in case high cholesterol is still an issue after your thyroid gets straightened out. I hope you continue to keep your positive attitude and healthy spirit alive....it's not only good for you, but it's very inspiring to the rest of us, as well. Best of luck with the endocrinologist, and all that you're dealing with right now.
Posted 6/3/2009 10:15 AM (GMT 0)

frances, dropping a line of hope and strength to you, luv, jamie

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