Visit the Microscopic Colitis Foundation Website
Tex, I finally got a thermometer to measure my temperature and explored the links you sent for Dr. Rind's site on metabolic health last night. Very interesting stuff! Thank you.
All my life, when ever I went to a new Dr., they would test me for HYPER thyroidism because I was so " wound -up" but it always came back normal, until my mid forties when I got the HYPO DXs. I had long suspected that my "Hyper-ness" was connected to adrenal issues and even once asked for a adrenal function test ( which of course came back normal, as I guess I was not yet in total adrenal burn-out.) I have had most of the symptoms of Adrenal fatigue shown Dr. Rinds's site all my life, so it is likely that is why I ended up getting Hypothyroidism (body shutting down thyroid because Adrenal glands can't keep up.) I responded very well to Atenelol for BP because it works on lessening adrenalin, apparently, and have felt much better since I started it 3 years ago. The LDN seems to have that same calming effect for me.
I doubt that there are any Dr.s around here who know anything about what Dr. Rind writes about on his site (small town, no specialists, only GP's.) So I will not likely seek any further help with this. It seems to me all of these diseases are all tied together somehow, and who knows maybe, as you propose, gluten intolerance is the root culprit of them all! It is so complicated.
Still, I can't help but wonder what my life might have been like if this adrenal problem had been recognised and treated? Not that I have had a bad life, but it has been a "whirlwind". Perhaps I might not have gotten all the other Auto immune reactions!
Thanks again for all the information you so willingly provide us.
Linda
Tex: taking temperature to measure thyroid function
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Linda in BC
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Tex: taking temperature to measure thyroid function
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
The 13th Dali Lama
The 13th Dali Lama
Linda,
I made a couple of feeble attempts to locate a doctor with a good working knowledge of thyroid issues, but I finally settled on a doctor who was willing to allow me to experiment, and settle on what I feel works best. In the good old days, (before the advent of synthetic thyroid supplements, and the TSH test, doctors had to think about what they were doing, in order to treat a patient. I'm sure that most patients were either under or over treated, (or not diagnosed at all), but at least the doctors had to give some thought to their treatment. Now, it's a matter of letting the tests do the thinking, and doctors just follow a simple plan for prescribing treatment. The plan is usually too simple, unfortunately, (an attempt at one-size-fits-all), but at least more people are being diagnosed and treated. Doctors love one-size-fits-all treatments, but then, I suppose that approach appeals to almost everyone. By the reference to "one-size-fits-all", I'm talking about using the results of the TSH test, and trying to squeeze the patient into the approximate center of the so-called "normal" range of values. Unfortunately, not everyone "normally" has a TSH value that fits this pattern. If they did, the "normal" range wouldn't be so wide, and there wouldn't be "normal" people with TSH values that fall outside of the limits of the bell-curve distribution.
Probably the biggest problem with medical thinking and treatments, comes from the way that doctors think of the human body - namely, as an engineering problem. Engineers solve complex problems by breaking huge, complex structures or devices down into individual components, so that they can analyze the design on an elemental basis, and then assemble all the pieces, and viola - they have a sophisticated design that works well. Unfortunately, the human body doesn't lend itself to that sort of treatment nearly as well as mechanical designs, because almost all of the various systems in the body interact with each other in complex ways that we only partially understand. In engineering, the most important step in solving a problem, is to properly, (and completely), define it. With the human body, it is usually impossible to completely define the problem, no matter how simple it might appear to be on the surface, simply because we do not understand all the complex interactions. This confounds the analysis, and almost always negates the potential for finding an "optimal" solution.
When an engineering, (or mathematical), problem is complex, and not enough data is available for a proper analysis, then the only way to arrive at a "solution", is to make an educated "guess" for a solution, and then iterate attempted solutions, until the known boundary conditions are met. The resulting solution will not be unique, but it will be "a" solution to the equations. (This is the sort of problem that you typically see on qualifying exams for engineering PhD candidates.)
Anyway, the point is, the primary problem with health "solutions", is that too much guesswork is involved, resulting in incomplete sets of solutions. IOW, mainstream medicine simply doesn't understand well enough how the body works, to be able to properly define the technical aspects of the problem, and as a result, we're unable to come up with a "robust" solution, (as they say, LOL), whenever something goes wrong.
You're most welcome,
Tex
I made a couple of feeble attempts to locate a doctor with a good working knowledge of thyroid issues, but I finally settled on a doctor who was willing to allow me to experiment, and settle on what I feel works best. In the good old days, (before the advent of synthetic thyroid supplements, and the TSH test, doctors had to think about what they were doing, in order to treat a patient. I'm sure that most patients were either under or over treated, (or not diagnosed at all), but at least the doctors had to give some thought to their treatment. Now, it's a matter of letting the tests do the thinking, and doctors just follow a simple plan for prescribing treatment. The plan is usually too simple, unfortunately, (an attempt at one-size-fits-all), but at least more people are being diagnosed and treated. Doctors love one-size-fits-all treatments, but then, I suppose that approach appeals to almost everyone. By the reference to "one-size-fits-all", I'm talking about using the results of the TSH test, and trying to squeeze the patient into the approximate center of the so-called "normal" range of values. Unfortunately, not everyone "normally" has a TSH value that fits this pattern. If they did, the "normal" range wouldn't be so wide, and there wouldn't be "normal" people with TSH values that fall outside of the limits of the bell-curve distribution.
Probably the biggest problem with medical thinking and treatments, comes from the way that doctors think of the human body - namely, as an engineering problem. Engineers solve complex problems by breaking huge, complex structures or devices down into individual components, so that they can analyze the design on an elemental basis, and then assemble all the pieces, and viola - they have a sophisticated design that works well. Unfortunately, the human body doesn't lend itself to that sort of treatment nearly as well as mechanical designs, because almost all of the various systems in the body interact with each other in complex ways that we only partially understand. In engineering, the most important step in solving a problem, is to properly, (and completely), define it. With the human body, it is usually impossible to completely define the problem, no matter how simple it might appear to be on the surface, simply because we do not understand all the complex interactions. This confounds the analysis, and almost always negates the potential for finding an "optimal" solution.
When an engineering, (or mathematical), problem is complex, and not enough data is available for a proper analysis, then the only way to arrive at a "solution", is to make an educated "guess" for a solution, and then iterate attempted solutions, until the known boundary conditions are met. The resulting solution will not be unique, but it will be "a" solution to the equations. (This is the sort of problem that you typically see on qualifying exams for engineering PhD candidates.)
Anyway, the point is, the primary problem with health "solutions", is that too much guesswork is involved, resulting in incomplete sets of solutions. IOW, mainstream medicine simply doesn't understand well enough how the body works, to be able to properly define the technical aspects of the problem, and as a result, we're unable to come up with a "robust" solution, (as they say, LOL), whenever something goes wrong.
You're most welcome,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Linda in BC
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- Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:39 am
- Location: Creston British Columbia
BP.. adrenalin
Just a note, my blood pressure shot up today for the first time in a couple of weeks. I am working on a final report for work, (am on page 32 now and about two thirds done) and that is probably why. So.... today I learned that 1) my adrenal galnds are still pumping out the adrenalin when I get stressed and 2) the LDN cannot control that! I guess I wil continue to monitor BP and take meds as needed for
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
The 13th Dali Lama
The 13th Dali Lama
I hear you. Because of all the drugs I'm taking that have the potential to lower my BP, I have to check my BP before I take any of them in the morning, and again at night, (because I have instructions to skip the drugs, if my systolic BP is below 100 mmHg). I find that my BP seems to vary much more late in the day, than it does in the mornings, (usually), depending on my "stress enviroment" during the day. 
Tex
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Linda in BC
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- Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:39 am
- Location: Creston British Columbia
Hmmmm, Ok, if you have been told to do that then I guess I'm not off base to do it. I took the BP pill and of course now my BP is quite low ( for me) 113/77 and I feel like I am trying to walk through a million gallons of water ( tired, heavy) Sheesh!
My other options are just to take it when I know I am going to be working at a my computer/desk and likely to be stressed. Or to take 1/2 the dosage twice a day.
The reason I mention this last option is because the D. is really bad today ( frequent - 7 times so far) and I am sure the stress/ adrenaline has to do with that . Maybe I will need that beta blocking from the BP meds to calm the adrenals ( it is Atenolol ) all the time , to work hand in hand with the LDN. Increase the Seratonin , decease the adenalin = happy, calm (D-free ?) Linda?
Gosh, this is so hard without a doctor... but I don't suppose any doctor, even if he had the knowledge, would ever have the time to monitor me the way I can monitor my reactions myself. Like you said, we are not machines.. there are no easy and quick fixes as everything is inter- dependent (the hip bone's connected to the....
(supposed to be singing penguins))... ... in a living system like our bodies.. but sometimes I wish we were like a machine!!!
My other options are just to take it when I know I am going to be working at a my computer/desk and likely to be stressed. Or to take 1/2 the dosage twice a day.
The reason I mention this last option is because the D. is really bad today ( frequent - 7 times so far) and I am sure the stress/ adrenaline has to do with that . Maybe I will need that beta blocking from the BP meds to calm the adrenals ( it is Atenolol ) all the time , to work hand in hand with the LDN. Increase the Seratonin , decease the adenalin = happy, calm (D-free ?) Linda?
Gosh, this is so hard without a doctor... but I don't suppose any doctor, even if he had the knowledge, would ever have the time to monitor me the way I can monitor my reactions myself. Like you said, we are not machines.. there are no easy and quick fixes as everything is inter- dependent (the hip bone's connected to the....
(supposed to be singing penguins))... ... in a living system like our bodies.. but sometimes I wish we were like a machine!!!"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
The 13th Dali Lama
The 13th Dali Lama
FWIW, my BP this morning was 104/58, and tonight it is 114/61. I just assumed that it's a good idea to not let one's BP get too low. I asked the doc who was in charge of my case at the hospital, (when he prescribed all that stuff), what I should do if my BP seemed too low. That's when he told me to check it before taking the drugs, and skip them if the systolic pressure is below 100 mmHg.
I have also noticed that I don't have as much energy as I used to have, and it's no wonder, because not only is my BP lower, but my pulse rate is also lower than it used to be.
Tex
I have also noticed that I don't have as much energy as I used to have, and it's no wonder, because not only is my BP lower, but my pulse rate is also lower than it used to be.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Linda in BC
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- Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:39 am
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Wow, Wayne your Diastolic is low! Was your doc not concerned about that? (or hey.. maybe mine is usually just darn high ) At 113/77 today I could hardly stay awake.. no wonder you don't have so much energy. Maybe you should ask him about the diastolic too ...
Hi Mia! Woah, you are way up there ..not many GI docs for sure. Good luck with appointment in Vancouver. When are you going? .. When they "call you for an appointment"? (...six months later....) I sure hope this guy can do a lot in one session. I would probably only have to go to Calgary which is about 5-6 hours by car. Guess I am not so bad off after all
Cheers,
Linda
) At 113/77 today I could hardly stay awake.. no wonder you don't have so much energy. Maybe you should ask him about the diastolic too ... Hi Linda. I'm also in British Columbia- I'm up North by the Queen Charlotte Islands. I'm going to fly to Vancouver in order to see a GI doctor - I've put it off for around 8 years! I know the hassle involved - not to mention expense of the plane flight,hotels etc.
Mia
Hi Mia! Woah, you are way up there ..not many GI docs for sure. Good luck with appointment in Vancouver. When are you going? .. When they "call you for an appointment"? (...six months later....) I sure hope this guy can do a lot in one session. I would probably only have to go to Calgary which is about 5-6 hours by car. Guess I am not so bad off after all
Cheers,
Linda
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
The 13th Dali Lama
The 13th Dali Lama
Linda,
Before I started taking all these pills, my average BP was running around 130/75. It's time to review how I'm doing, so I'm going to go have some blood drawn in a few minutes, for a CBC, and I have an appointment to discuss the results with my doc tomorrow. Both pressures seem to be slowly creeping lower, with each passing week, so I certainly intend to bring it up, if he doesn't.
Tex
Before I started taking all these pills, my average BP was running around 130/75. It's time to review how I'm doing, so I'm going to go have some blood drawn in a few minutes, for a CBC, and I have an appointment to discuss the results with my doc tomorrow. Both pressures seem to be slowly creeping lower, with each passing week, so I certainly intend to bring it up, if he doesn't.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Linda in BC
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- Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:39 am
- Location: Creston British Columbia
My understanding is that there are several different methods ( i.e. types of drugs that they use) for lowering blood pressure. Perhaps a different kind might not be so "effective"... good luck with the appointment. Tell your doc that we need him to keep you healthy and energetic so you can continue to be our "galahad"
Linda
Linda
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
The 13th Dali Lama
The 13th Dali Lama
)Linda,
Basically, I'm taking an "ACE" inhibitor, lisinopril, for the BP. But I'm also taking metoprolol, (a beta-blocker), to relieve heart stress. Metoprolol works by slowing down the heart rate, so I'm sure this is the reason why my heart rate is going down. However, as the heart rate goes down, BP will automatically be reduced also, due to the reduced pumping, so metoprolol consistently lowers BP, for most people. Also, Simvastatin is associated with reduced blood pressure, of course. There's no telling what effect the Placix is having, but it's not supposed to lower BP.
Interestingly, my BP is still "elevated" this morning, at 116/66, which is a little higher than it was last night. I'm afraid that it would be tough to convince my doc that my BP is too low, because he has been taking BP meds for 30 or 40 years, (hypertension runs in his family), and he regulates his own systolic pressure between 100 and 110 mmHg. I've never asked him what his diastolic pressure runs at, though.
Tex
Basically, I'm taking an "ACE" inhibitor, lisinopril, for the BP. But I'm also taking metoprolol, (a beta-blocker), to relieve heart stress. Metoprolol works by slowing down the heart rate, so I'm sure this is the reason why my heart rate is going down. However, as the heart rate goes down, BP will automatically be reduced also, due to the reduced pumping, so metoprolol consistently lowers BP, for most people. Also, Simvastatin is associated with reduced blood pressure, of course. There's no telling what effect the Placix is having, but it's not supposed to lower BP.
Interestingly, my BP is still "elevated" this morning, at 116/66, which is a little higher than it was last night. I'm afraid that it would be tough to convince my doc that my BP is too low, because he has been taking BP meds for 30 or 40 years, (hypertension runs in his family), and he regulates his own systolic pressure between 100 and 110 mmHg. I've never asked him what his diastolic pressure runs at, though.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Linda in BC
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- Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:39 am
- Location: Creston British Columbia
Hi Ant:
I have not read that about serotonin and the gut... hmm.
I referred to serotonin because with LDN one's production of endorphins, enkefalins and metenkefalins is increased and these neurotransmitters are thought to regulate the immune system. "The brief blockade of opioid receptors between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. that is caused by taking LDN at bedtime each night is believed to produce a prolonged up-regulation of vital elements of the immune system by causing an increase in endorphin and enkephalin production. "
While there hasn't been any research on MC and LDN specifically, People with Crohn's ( and other "auto-immune" diseases like MS, Chronic Fatigue, celiac disease) have had really good results using it.
http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/index. ... s_LDN_work_
Do you know where you heard that about serotonin and the gut? I would like to know more.
Linda
I have not read that about serotonin and the gut... hmm.
I referred to serotonin because with LDN one's production of endorphins, enkefalins and metenkefalins is increased and these neurotransmitters are thought to regulate the immune system. "The brief blockade of opioid receptors between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. that is caused by taking LDN at bedtime each night is believed to produce a prolonged up-regulation of vital elements of the immune system by causing an increase in endorphin and enkephalin production. "
While there hasn't been any research on MC and LDN specifically, People with Crohn's ( and other "auto-immune" diseases like MS, Chronic Fatigue, celiac disease) have had really good results using it.
http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/index. ... s_LDN_work_
Do you know where you heard that about serotonin and the gut? I would like to know more.
Linda
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
The 13th Dali Lama
The 13th Dali Lama
Linda,
I'm not Ant, obviously, but:
These are the two references cited in the Wikipedia quote above:
http://themedicalbiochemistrypage.org/nerves.html#5ht
http://arjournals.annualreviews.org/doi ... 307.110802
Tex
I'm not Ant, obviously, but:
http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/content/36/14/16.fullDoses of serotonin reuptake inhibitors used to treat depression and other psychiatric disorders are well known to be capable of triggering nausea, diarrhea, and constipation in patients. They do so because they increase the activity of serotonin in the gut and thus put the gut into high gear.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SerotoninApproximately 80 percent of the human body's total serotonin is located in the enterochromaffin cells in the gut, where it is used to regulate intestinal movements.[1][2] The remainder is synthesized in serotonergic neurons in the CNS where it has various functions, including the regulation of mood, appetite, sleep, muscle contraction, and some cognitive functions including memory and learning.
These are the two references cited in the Wikipedia quote above:
http://themedicalbiochemistrypage.org/nerves.html#5ht
http://arjournals.annualreviews.org/doi ... 307.110802
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
-
Linda in BC
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 801
- Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:39 am
- Location: Creston British Columbia
Thanks, Tex.. I think ...
80% stored in the gut!!!
You know a person could go nuts trying to keep track of all these things.. (the knee bone connected to the ... ) It's worse than formatting a newsletter in Microsoft Publisher!!
Throwing her hands in the air she says" Guess I will just have to wait and see if the LDN helps the D." As I said, I have seen an improvement with lower frequency but not with consistency, not at all.
Linda
80% stored in the gut!!!
You know a person could go nuts trying to keep track of all these things.. (the knee bone connected to the ... ) It's worse than formatting a newsletter in Microsoft Publisher!!
Throwing her hands in the air she says" Guess I will just have to wait and see if the LDN helps the D." As I said, I have seen an improvement with lower frequency but not with consistency, not at all.
Linda
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
The 13th Dali Lama
The 13th Dali Lama