Oh, Allie!
That is a lot for you to deal with and think and worry about…. But good that you do not have lupus. When read about connective tissue disease, go to a reliable website, NIH, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, University of Washingon medical center are suggestions. I know at least six people with connective tissue disease. Most of them go to a good rheumatologist for continuing care. It is complex, and in the long run, you need a doc who really does work with that a lot.
I have taken prednisone several times. I don’t like it much, but you are taking a very short course. Perhaps to see if it helps you. Do you mean that you take each of those doses one day for five days, tapering to 20 mgm?
I have some questions, primarily based on my concern about your complicated regimen of meds and supplements, and also from what I do and what I have learned. I know you have lived long enough that each doctor may prescribe different things, have different thought of treatment, and of course, you have your own preferences and opinions, too. I respect that a lot.
My thoughts with questions.
1. Is it your idea or someone else’s to take a lot of supplements?
I ask, because i don’t take any of them. I did have my Vitamin D checked, it is super fine (50.)
I have a cardiologist, for I have some heart stuff going on, and the cardiologists are pretty much concluding from some long term longitudinal studies, that unless there is a deficiency, it makes no difference one way or the other. Assuming you/we eat balanced meals, and eat basically the way we have eaten all of our lives, it has been nutritionally healthy and balanced. There is an interesting article in the Science Section of the NYT on this very subject (i think it was today.)
My question behind my question, is I am wondering if you can work on taking many less pills of all kinds. But depends on your belief system on all of this. It is a big industry, it makes lots of money. So that is my two cents on that subject.
2. Next…
There REALLY is controversy about Cytomel. I do not recall how long you have been taking thyroid supplements. Most endos don’t encourage it, and some will prescribe it if the patient asks for it. Some do, if the patients ask for it, because they just don’t feel well, or feel tired, and think it will help. The downside of it is that it metabolizes VERY quickly, and so there is a big “dump” of the T3 (cytomel) and then it is gone. So a person can potentially feel more energy, then feel a crash. So the schedule you are on now is very hard, and you should be taught about the drug,and what to expect about it. Also, you should know fairly quickly if it does or does not make you feel better. Most people who want it, simply stop it, saying they could not tell any difference.
A good conversation to have with your doc.
Here is a short explanation of what I am explaining from the FDA:
Quoting from the discussion.
Pharmacokinetics (means how it works (my words!)
Since liothyronine sodium (T3) is not firmly bound to serum protein, it is readily available to body tissues. The onset of activity of liothyronine sodium is rapid, occurring within a few hours. Maximum pharmacologic response occurs within 2 or 3 days, providing early clinical response. The biological half-life is about 2-1/2 days.
T3 is almost totally absorbed, 95 percent in 4 hours. The hormones contained in the natural preparations are absorbed in a manner similar to the synthetic hormones.
Liothyronine sodium has a rapid cutoff of activity which permits quick dosage adjustment and facilitates control of the effects of overdosage, should they occur.
So it worth questioning his rationale. Most docs try very, very hard NOT to have meds on certain days and not others. This really tough to be compliant with.
3. I just HAVE TO ASK! My thought is that suddenly, or gradually becoming gluten free is a VERY BIG DEAL! And another bandwagon that everyone and their brother seems to be jumping on now. Why has he told you to have a 100% gluten free diet?
What is his reasoning? This is very very difficult, and if you have symptoms, and you know it, a trial of eating less wheat, or no wheat, rye and barley for a week or two should tell you something, one way or they other. Most people say they have GI symtoms, bloating, and more if they eat gluten. They may have gluten insensitivity.
Celiac disease, is a whole different ball game. Usually, you would have known long ago, if that were anything you were dealing with. There is a very sensitive lab test for celiac disease, if you have concern about it.
So these thoughts and questions of mine are “food for thought.” For you.
I would really ask your doc his reasoning.
In the meantime, have a great job interview,and believe that you will feel better and get your old self back. It will happen.
In conclusion, maybe another day we can discuss the thought of you getting a second opinion…..
Shirley
