Feb 26 2004
Thyroid Disease Poses a Challenge -- Especially to Some DoctorsProminent endocrinologist Paul Ladenson pronounces that "The only hard part about making the diagnosis of an underactive or overactive thyroid gland is thinking about the possibility. Once that occurs, it's very easy in the laboratory to rule these disorders in or out." Them's fighting words around here, as you know! Ladenson a dedicated "slave to the TSH test" may think it's easy "in the laboratory" to rule thyroid disease in or out, but people are not petri dishes, and doctors are not lab technicians. If diagnosing thyroid problems is merely reading a number off a piece of paper as determined by a laboratory, then exactly why would anyone pay a high-paid endocrinologist -- like Ladenson -- to simply read a number off a piece of paper? Read my commentary, and then get a copy of the American Medical News article to share with your doctors! (February 26, 2004)
Take the Thyroid Cancer Survivors Survey
If you're a thyroid cancer survivor, the Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association (ThyCa) wants you to take part in their Thyroid Cancer--Patient Experience Survey. The anonymous and confidential survey is providing critical information for both healthcare professionals and patients on the treatment, management and experiences of thyroid cancer survivors. Click here to start taking the survey now. (February 26, 2004)
Anaplastic Survivor to Lead Cancer Support Group
Clayton Twigg and his wife Rose will be the new moderators of the Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association (ThyCa) Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Listserv, reports the ThyCa newsletter. Twigg beat overwhelming odds, and has survived the rare and usually lethal anaplastic form of thyroid cancer. Twigg has reported that a grape-sized tumor disappeared three months after he used the experimental drug combretastatin. (February 26, 2004)
Endos Issue Statement on Perchlorate
Their big conclusion? "Perchlorate levels in water within the interim EPA guidelines of 4-18 ppb do not appear to be associated with any significant impairment of thyroid gland function in adults." Is it another cop-out by the endocrinology community? I think so... (February 24, 2004)
Healing Your Thyroid Without Drugs -- Thyroid and your Biography
Dr. Brian Sheen discusses how the accumulation of unexpressed thoughts and feelings can cause thyroid problems, updated, with a new case study. (February 2004)
Debate Over Subclinical Thyroid Disease Continues
The debate over subclinical thyroid disease continues with a January 2004 journal article. (February 2004)
Soy Formula Complicates Hypothyroidism in Children
A look at research that shows that soy formula can complicate the treatment of hypothyroidism in infants and children. (February 2004)
The Top Thyroid Sites: Pros & Cons
If you do a search on the word thyroid in major search engines, you'll come up with a list of key sites, including the ATA's Thyroid.org site, Richard Guttler's Thyroid.com, and many others. Some are worth viewing, others have, well, let's just say they have an agenda. Let's take a look at some of the key sites, their strengths and weaknesses, and some information about them you may not know. (Feb 6, 2004)
Winter Exercise Tips
Does cold weather make you want to burrow under the covers and wait until spring? If so, you're not alone. But winter is not the time to stop exercising. Lynn Bode has these thoughts about why we should keep exercising, despite the cold! (Feb 6, 2004)
Practicing to Lose Weight
When/If we tell others we are wanting to lose weight, then usually along the way, they will ask us; "So, are you losing weight.?" And in that moment, where does our mind go? Susan James shares her thoughts on why the question need not be: "Are you losing weight?" but rather, "Are you practicing losing weight?" (Feb 6, 2004)
Modest Exercise Can Prevent Weight Gain
The results of a Duke University Medical Center randomized controlled trial strongly suggests that not only can 30 minutes of daily walking prevent weight gain in most sedentary people. (February 2, 2004)
What's REALLY Funny...Doctors Decide What THEY Think Thyroid Patients Seek on the Internet...
If you want to hear something that is truly funny, check out the seminar titled "Thyroidology on the Internet: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly," which was presented at the September 2003 American Thyroid Association meeting. A bevy of endos offer their opinions about what they think about various websites. (January 29, 2004)
Why Your Doctor Thinks I'm Crazy: Part 2
Excerpts from some of the hundreds of emails and forum posts from furious patients who can't believe that doctors are making fun of patients and calling me "crazy!". (January 29, 2004)
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