Monday, blue Monday for the MVM's..June 27

[LoveMontana]

Good Monday morning y'all. Hotter than hell around here, and today I'm feeling like a real red neck for some reason and will just do as I damned well please. Might even wear my straw cowgirl hat while I'm doing it too. heehaw.

Barb, gotta admire you for running in that altitude with asthma. It would KILL me. The minute I walk too fast, I'm done in.
Oh wouldn't I love your humidity levels. Right now it's like soup here.

Thought you and your DD wanted to avoid BIG CITY traffic. LMAO Boy are you in for a surprise in Saulte Ste Marie, Ottawa and Montreal . It's densely populated there.


Shawnee, Would it pay for you to rent a chipper/shredder and use that ground up yard waste for mulch? My son does that and has the most wonderful garden.
Good luck in the stirrups. Get mine done every March but not free ever. and after all these years.

So what thyroid test do you recommend? My temp is always so darn low, and I really haven't had any of them in a few years. I'm always tired and so darn cold at times.

Roger, so what ever the hell happened with that "false alarm"? Did someone burn food on the stove or was there a real fire?

Oh you are going to love that Z pak but you need it for a full 5 days. See if she has more. It works wonders for me, and is so darn much better on the gut than the full 10 days of other crap. Hope you feel better very soon (((hugs)))

Loretta, you are one hell of a good woman and a SAINT for doing what you are doing with DSD. Bless your heart, but do take care of you too.
Holy cow!!! More company? Do get that hotel room or send the company there. Hopefully the sibs will be of some help with Marcia.

Julie check in when you can. We miss you.

You too Susan. We want updates on Ella.

Liz, what's up in your corner of the world?

Jackie, we miss ya. Come on in and say hi.

Ginny, Gotta give you a call soon and order more SOAP. Hat's off to you. I've been reading up on soap making and MOTHER OF PEARL!!! It's quite a job.

Waving to everyone else out there.

[Jewels]

Just a quick check in to let you know my life is still pretty rough right now. Decided to go back on meds...something I guess I need at this point in my life.

We are taking off tomorrow for some much needed R & R. Will not be long, just 4 days. Here is the link to the area.
http://www.clallam.net/CountyParks/h..._saltcreek.htm

Hopefully will return when I can be human again. (((hugs)))

[zip2play]

Hi Linda, Julie and everyone,

I coughed like a crazy man all night in spite of codeine cough syrup. Took first Zithromax 500 mg. this morning.
Linda,
No, the Tri-Pak is something newer than the Z-pack. It consists of 3- 500 mg. tabs instead of the old 6- 250 mg. package called Z-Pak. I read up on it and you can even take it as a SINGLE dose of 1500 mg. The packaging says you take it days one through three and it continues to work days 4-10. I DID think of splitting them and going for 6 days but nurse friend said the Tri-Pak is great and I can take as directed. Let's see if I can link this way:
http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/dr...max&trx=1Z5007
(Let me know if any of you can see this link.)

Shawnee,
My goodness, that thyroid takes fiddling. I am so lazy and couch potatoey, I always hope my thyroid is low and I can pop an extract to get an energy boost and perhaps a metabolic boost so I can eat a whole wedding cake without getting fat, but alas, my numbers are always rock solid. I guess I'm just unambitious and lazy GENETICALLY!

"It isn't 'cause she couldn't;
It isn't 'cause she wouldn't;
And Heaven knows,
It isn't 'cause she SHOULDN'T;
It's just because she's the laziest gal in town!
*************************GREAT Marlena Deitrich song

Today the boilerama is supposed to let up. We survived with the window fan last night bringing in 75 degree, albeit moist air though the joint. THis morning the air is a gray polluted mess (great on the lungs) and one step removed from foggy...if it warms above 80, the AC will be needed for survival in this humidity (over 90%.)

Julie,
Salt Creek looks pretty. Will you camp overnight or go the sane route...in a Howard Johnson's (where roughing it means they forgot to give you the compimentary shampoo!) Hiking to the Cocktail Lounge is usually a nice way to get in touch with Nature.
"Look honey, I think I spotted two Daiquiris and a Gibson over in that underbrush!"
Have a nice time.

Ginny,
What is the current count of your orchid holdings? Are you still doing e-bay to handle your overflow?

Bob is home today (judiciously avoiding the phone) and we will do something good. Maybe a LONG bus-ride to International Foods...the North Bergen branch of the one we that is now our Target: We didn't gain in that switch. They have some thing that can be gotten NOWHERE else... but it's a LOOONG busrtide and a hefty walk.

Be well all. (Oh, Loretta...I found 2 pounds of Lecithin buried in the pantry! )

[BarbCO]

Hey Julie, if you are still at home --

and have a good time! I think that playground equipment looks good! Take a twirl down that slide if the kids will let you have a turn!

Check in went you return, talking to us is good therapy.

[LoveMontana]

Hi again,
Holy Mother of Pearl it's TOO DAMNED HOT. AND to top things off, we have noise pollution here in our country paradise which woke me up. It seems we are going to have some new neighbors. They are building a house on a few acres of land next door.
Unfortunately the Binghamton PO decided not to buy the land because of the 40 ft. right of way between our properties, but fortunately the woods in that right of way blocks the view of that house.

Boy Roger, I''m out of the loop. Thanks for the link and information on the new Tri-Pak. I'll speak to my doctor about it next time I need an antibiotic.

Julie, hope you feel back to normal soon. Enjoy your trip.
It looks like a wonderful, relaxing place.

Barb, just read on the Golden that you have to interview TA's today. UGH!! Those welfare people are just about worthless and have no idea how to work. We had many at the Psych Center and it was like having additional patients to watch.

I need more coffee.
Later.

[shawneesioux]

Hi Y'all

RAIN here, and cool...wanna swap?

Montana, ditch the redneck hat...hats shade the face, but hold the heat in
Odd things can kick the Thyroid out of gear...like smoking cesession and Stress...recently discovered that Hypos should never eat under 30 carbs daily.
So the BASIC Tests are THS, FT3 and FT4. (the "F'' means FREE)
Maybe read NonstickPam's thread "Thyroid tests normal? Are you sure?"

Thyroid tests are normal?? Are you sure?

Zip, Good Luck with the meds, how great to have access to that "up to date" Nurse neighbor.
LOL, trust me, ya don't wanna be HypoT...cause if you're lucky enough to get the meds adjusted just right...that just levels the playing field, putting you on the same par as non - hypoT's. And if ya take too high a dose, it causes organ damage and other stuff ya don't want..
Hyper T folks are the skinny ones, excess energy and eat like horses...but being HyperT has its own set of problems too.

Barb, you sound like a mountain goat! Admirable

Julie and hope ya have a peaceful getaway.

Gotta get my butt in gear and face Suzy.

Hey to ALL, see ya later on.

Shawnee

[BarbCO]

Almost afternoon here!!

Too bad you will have neighbors Linda. I hate people I guess. Always did want to live on 40 acres with no one around. Where is their access road?

Yup, I agree with that thyroid stuff. I thought it would be the answer but am still going through testing - had TSH and T3, T4. I did read that about carbs also and I think I do need some!! Pam, over on health board appears to know what she is talking about -- check that link out.

True about the hat but get a palm hat with holes. Then you can put an ice pack on your head under the hat and around your neck. Of course, if you are outside, just have Gerald pour some water down the back of your neck!

How long is this heat for you guys suppose to last?

I have one more interview this afternoon and did 4 this morning. Hope the one this pm is the one. I've never had anyone answer a question with one sentence.

Zip, hope your meds spruce you up!! Did you ever find out the cause of the smoke?

Hi to the rest and lurkers today!!

Barb

[SuSUN]

Hi Gang,

Checking in again to say DS arrived yesterday afternoon. He is staying at DD's as they have the pool and more space! DH and I were over there until 10:30p.m. last night. DSonIL did a great BBQ welcome for DS. Real tender pork and huge shrimp on the barbie. They made a large jug of Margritas, as that is DS's fav drink. DD made some cosmopolitans for her and her DH. I drank diet 7UP as I was driver too.

The heat is still "ON" up here, just like Linda and Roger. Keep feelin a bit dizzy. My BP is normal, not sure what'sup there?

Ella is walking all around so independently now, into everything! She is a busy little girl, climbing and learning about everything. It is wonderful to see everything again as new thru her eyes.

Will write more later.
HUGS to ALL

SuSUN

[zip2play]

Hi Shawnee,
I read the link to Pam's info and I looked at Pam's results and I am rock solid at TSH's at 1.59 and 1.95. My lab is even worse than the one she alludes to with a reference range of .4 to 5.5. Not that I'd WANT to be thyroid deficient but if I were, any drugs that's I'd need to take would both pep me up AND make weight control easier. But I guess I can't blame my SLOTH and GLUTTONY on anything in my neck.
Is TSH now considered the only number to control oneself with in thyroid control?

Barb,
I spoke to the doorman today and he said their was a fire on the roof when they test ran the emergency generators. With this heat I guess they were preparing for a possible blackout...though apparently not preparing WELL. The smoke got dragged down the ventilation vents...seems that might be a bigger problem than wonky generators, eh wot? I don't know whether we have emergency power of not?


That site, www.drustore.com is EXTREMEMLY useful. Just put any drug in the SEARCH box and it will give you their price and, believe me, you will NOT find anything lower...a good standard if you don;t have a drug plan.

Which reminds me, does ANYONE understand the Medicare Drug plan? Would you please explain it in case Bob needs any prescriptions that he can't get through the VA (which is also in danger of succumbing to political expediency!) So far the best he can do is order from the site.
Loretta,
What do you and hubby do? Did you get a drug card yet????????
"Splain, Lucy!"

Linda,
Temps are breaking with the rain moving in from the South (75 now)...we've been raining lightly for 2 hours, and boy, do we NEED it. (Bob went to see the new BATMAN movie in the back yard...yecccchhh, ptooey!) AND I NAPPED waiting for the Zithromax to work it's magic.! ZZZZ
Before that we watched IN GOOD COMPANY, a pleasant movie.

[shawneesioux]

Hi again y'all

Feels like winter here...

HEY SuSUN So the tiny tyke is exploring her world, huh? Amazing, how fast a tot can get around, once the walking "confidence" kicks in...seems like it can be in three places at once.
Sounds like one fantastic feast at your DD's to celebrate DS's arrival. Bet he enjoys being UNCLE

Extreme heat can make anyone feel dizzy, take care.

Barb, did ya survive that last interview, now have your feet propped up...glass in hand ??

Zip..LOL, you opened a can of worms re thyroid.
I'd never, ever take thyroid meds if I didn't need to...a lot of folk see them as a weight-management aid, but they are in fact serious sh*t, and scarey to me.
Here's what happens if ya take em and don't need em, or need some but get too much:
Symptoms of high thyroid levels include headache, chest pain, increased pulse rate, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, and weight loss"

LOL, you could wind up very skinny, and very dead.

TSH is a pituitary hormone, which stimulates the thyroid to release T4 and T3.
(the T4 has to be converted to T3 for the body to utilize it)
Personally I feel the TSH is an important test initally for anyone not on T. meds...its an indicator. After medication, not as important as the FT3 and FT4 levels..and how the patient actually feels.
Too many Docs place too much emphasis on the TSH for monitoring ongoing treatment. Lab levels should then be a guideline, not Gospel. Hell, I looked great on paper yet felt like leftover crap, with raging symptoms.

BTW, the new TSH guidelines have been changed, now: .03 to 3.
You could feel great at your current level. Some feel great at closer to 1.
When I felt ok, mine were usually around 1.2

Here's something Pam said that kinda describes what I have been experiencing as I kicked between hypo and hyper...(and during this time I added 7 lbs, then dropped 4..with no change in eating habits)

Pam quote:

I have Hashimoto's hypothyroid, and we have hyper periods when our thyroid is dying because of the antibody attacks, and we swing from hyper to hypo until the thyroid "dies" off, and we become completely hypo. During my three "hyper" periods in my life (I didn't know I had Hashi's at this time), I lost weight so easily, all I had to do was follow the induction guidelines, and whoosh, off it came, and then when I would go hypo, it would be harder for me, and I had to really stay strict.

The problem with having untreated (or undertreated) Hashimoto's disease is that it is autoimmune, and once you have one autoimmune disease, others sometimes follow. During the time I was never diagnosed (even though I complained of all the symptoms) and didn't get the hormones my body needed, I was left open to other diseases
----------------------------------------------------
This is a good basic site. As ya scroll down, you'll see some of the causes, plus perhaps some surprises ...like the problems that simple things like too much "innocent" cole slaw and raw broccoli can cause. GAWD, even Fluoride, which I took ( Dr Rx) in drops while preggers with my DD. (also doesn't help that I have an Iodine allergy)

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/basics_s...thyroid101.htm

A couple bottom line personal opinions: every hypo or hyper person needs to be treated individually, by symptoms instead of just relying on Lab #.

Also, its real ***** that so very many people who have progressed to brain fog have to fight with Drs to be adequately treated. Really sucks when ya can't think straight, and then try to get help from Docs who don't have a clue about the complications of the disease.

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/s...d.php?t=285585

[shawneesioux]

I BLEW IT ON THE NEW "normal" Test range for TSH, I put the damned decimal in the wrong place: (brain fog...or just common ol' senility ?)

"The new guidelines, however, the range for acceptable thyroid function, and thyroid treatment should be considered for patients who test between the target TSH levels of 0.3 to 3.04, a far narrower range."

[OrchidCactus]

Hey gang,

Just wanted to pop in and let everyone know all is well here. Not much new today, plugging along as normal

Shawnee, having to learn all that would give me brain fog! Sheesh.

Zip, hope the 3 pack does the trick and you're feeling good soon.

Linda, what you read re the soap is probably the cold process stuff. That requires a chemical reaction which I DON'T do as I would probably blow up the county. What I do is much simpler and less dangerous but still gives me excellent results!

Susan, I guess now Ella will be learning the 'no' word.... once they start walking confidently, kids are FAST!!! I reckon lotsa moms are afraid to even blink!

Loretta, glad your DSD listens to you, use the resources available to get her settled in whatever situation is best for her and y'all. Hope the others will give some helpful insights, but don't let them push you where you don't want to go. HUGS!!!

Julie, we're leaving the light on for ya. Enjoy your excursion!

Liz, did the email come through ok? How you doing with the new meds?

To all, have a great night... off to get in a little lurk b4 bed.