JaimeLynne

Quote: Originally Posted by SgtPepperette Jamie, she sounds like a doctor I tried to get into here. But there was a year long wait list. I think its worth the money, since they really get to the root cause. The doctor I was looking into, you would only need 2-3 visits, and than once a year to maintain. I have felt like complete crap. So exhausted all I can do is come home and take a 2-3 hour nap. Like last night I got 8 hours of sleep, went to a meeting, and just got home and took a 2 hour nap. I could of probably slept till morning. I did that the other day. Got roughly 9 hours of sleep the night before, came home and laid down around 7:30pm, and didnt wake up till 6am the next morning. Hypothyroidism is taking over my body. I am filling out her patient request form online and here are her prices (ouch!): New patient labs is $3052.00 and this includes a total of 23 laboratory tests. Dr. Johnson’s hourly fee is $450. The typical new patient consultation usually takes two hours but occasionally takes longer depending on the complexity of the patient. So, I'd be looking at about $4k upfront. I think like the doc you were looking into you'd go about 2-3 times at first, then 6 months, then 1x/yr. I am so sorry to hear you've been having a rough time. I totally understand. Last night I had to stay home from work and my friend just came over and hung out with me on the couch. That's been the majority of my weekend nights lately... I came up here (to my room) earlier to try and do some hw (I've fallen so far behind in school) but I couldn't stop thinking about how awful I feel, so I've been in tears most of the afternoon. That's why I started doing research on the internet looking for a doc. I feel that I at least need a diagnosis, then I can move onto treating this cr@p. What meds are you on, again? Has that book that you are reading helped at all?

Check out this doctor's website: Dr Marina Johnson - Institute of Endocrinology and Preventive Medicine I was searching the web for information on Hypothyroidism and came across this doctor, located in Irving, Texas. She is an M.D., Board Certified in Endocrinology & Metabolism and Internal Medicine, however she prefers to use natural methods (diet, exercise, supplements, herbs, etc.) before pharmaceutical ones. Quote: "If a problem can be treated with nutrition or supplements or herbs, I will generally opt for that approach first because the safety profile is better. If there is a hormone deficiency or excess, of course I will address that as well and correct the hormone imbalance. However, if the problem is severe or the natural therapies are not effective, then we go to stronger pharmaceutical prescription drugs. To me this is just common sense. Why would you want to use an elephant gun to kill a mosquito? Conversely, if the patient is having a heart attack, you’re not going to treat them with vitamins! You always want to temper your therapy to the severity of the problem." - Dr. Marina Johnson She does extensive testing (hormones, neurotransmitters, digestive tract function, body mineral levels, screening for heavy metals, liver detoxification function, and blood levels of antioxidants & vitamins) as well as a thorough personal history investigation, etc. to determine the root of the problems. Quote: Medical Director, Marina Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.E. is a UCLA/USC trained graduate and is board-certified in internal medicine, endocrinology and anti-aging medicine. She attends many continuing education programs both in mainstream endocrinology and in natural medicine. Dr. Johnson specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement for women and men. She believes in the judicious use of growth hormone for patients who demonstrate deficiency on diagnostic testing. Whenever possible, the goal is to first restore normal hormone function of the body. If however, the body is unable to provide adequate levels, then therapy is indicated. IEPM is an exclusive fee-for-service medical practice. We do not belong to any managed care insurance plans and we cater to an upscale clientele. Our patients are sophisticated health consumers with high expectations who recognize the value of this type of medical care. IEPM provides a medical setting where the patient can receive innovative and scientifically-based solutions for health problems; compassionate, personalized care; and patient advocacy and education in an elegant, comfortable setting From the sounds of it she is expensive but extremely thorough.

Quote: Originally Posted by Chantal85 I had prepared my Fi by telling him I would spend no more than $1500. I bought mine for $1092 which included having the dress ordered for my own hollow to hem length. The rest of it fits like a glove so I don't intend on doing any alterations. Because I'm under the budgeted price I believe I deserve a new pair of Manolos.... I like the way you think! My dress was $918 before tax. I also ordered an A-Line Slip for $39 (-10% discount), and got a veil for free. The grand total (tax here = 8.25%) was $1,031.74

Thanks again for all the nice compliments! I think I got over my buyer's remorse, lol. My BFF who is a professional clothes designer came over and looked at the pics last night. She is definitely one to give her honest opinion and she really liked it. I think I just needed another opinion (other than my Grandma's) of someone who knows me and what I look like in person. Yay, I'm super excited now! It is so hard to keep this a secret from Martin

The lady at the boutique where I bought my dress suggested that I lightly tuck in the middle of it into the back of my dress during the ceremony, and then take it out for everything else. The one I got isn't very long though.

I just got mine today and it is pretty lightweight compared to the rest that I tried on. It felt the most comfortable. I think the material is taffeta.

The pics of the kiddos passed out is hilarious!! Carly, you looked beautiful! You two make a very handsome couple

Quote: Originally Posted by Andi woo hoo! great dress! I love it! you getting your dress already makes me feel behind! ACK! Don't worry Andi, you're totally not behind. Like I said I wasn't planning on *ordering* one for a few months. Ack, I am actually kicking myself for going with one so quick!!!

Thanks everyone! Of course I have that nervous feeling of "what did I do"?? lol But I am in sales and I know when you are buying something of significant value and you fall in love with something, that is the time to get it! Once you walk out of the store you pass through a theoretical black hole and forget 60-80% of what you've just seen. I learned that in a sales manual sometime ago. Funny that I had to use that on myself today! I had always envisioned myself in a lacy dress, and several of them looked so beautiful but most of those either fit too snug (think mermaid shape) to walk down a ton of stairs or they were way too heavy. I think I am just being really critical of myself now but I just need realize that the lighting wasn't the greatest and in person it felt so good that I didn't wanna take it off! It's definitely a dress I feel like I can move around in and enjoy myself which is a big plus at LC! Quote: Originally Posted by Amy&Andy You look beautiful in that dress! I can't believe it just fits you like a glove Soooo lucky! I'm glad you got the, "it's the one" feeling...yay! yay! Actually we are ordering it 1 size bigger, just because it was really snug around the corset. And they can always take it in if they need to.

Congrats Mrs. Martha!

Quote: Originally Posted by Rachelle E. That dress is gorgeous Jaime!!!! Omg I seriously love it! And I'm glad you got it at Lulu's! I had a great experiece w/ them ordering all the dresses for my wedding. Congrats on finding THE ONE! :-) I loved Lulu's!!! It was so relaxed and wonderful. Thank you for telling me about them! Now I just have to vow not to go in any other dress stores between now and next May and I'm set! lol The dress will be in mid-November and then they will begin alterations shortly thereafter...

Wow, I am still in shock. I wasn't planning on ordering my dress until Oct. or Nov... I went with my Grandma to Lulu's boutique in Dallas. I tried on about a dozen dresses. We were about ready to wrap things up when I saw one dress hiding in the corner that I had not yet tried on. Sure enough, that was the one! It was actually the very first one I picked out. I loved it because it felt good on, and since I'm getting married at Las Caletas with a ton of stairs and whatnot that is very important! I did try on some gorgeous dresses that looked beautiful on me but like I said this one not only looked good on but it felt comfortable! It is a Diamond White Maggie Sotterro dress. I will have the front hemmed to about 1" from the floor, and have the train shortened about 18". It will bustle on the sides. I think it is the "Lavina" dress... Ok I know y'all love pics so here you go! (Of course I had no idea that I'd actually BUY a dress today so please excuse the fact that I have no makeup on and badly need a haircut )

Quote: Originally Posted by ErinB Did you think about getting a hotel for the night in town? You might be able to get a good rate during the week somewhere and it would be a change of scenery. You could also try a last minute thing on-line. Even if the room was $200 it would be way less than a pro shoot. I think that's a great idea! Lots of pro BD photogs do this. Try Hotwire.com A tub full of bubbles might be fun - no lingerie needed Sounds like you two are going to have a blast! I think the idea of doing it for a 1 Yr Anniversary present is a great idea. I talk about BD pics a lot so I wonder if FI is sort of expecting them for the wedding day... may have to put it off a year to surprise him

Quote: Originally Posted by Alyssa My absolute favorite white wine on the planet is Mer Soleil - it is a Chardonnay from CA - it is SO GOOD!!!!!!!! Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2004 winemaker's notes: Initial aromas of the ripe apple/pear/grape combination inherent in Chardonnay quickly evolve into rich scents of mango, pineapple, lemon, butterscotch and subtle smoke. Explosive flavors—tropical fruits and spices with a balancing layer of zesty citrus from the mid-palate on through to the extended finish. Seems to fill every corner of the mouth. Yummm, that does sound good

Quote: Originally Posted by CaliaA07 I love my husband's wine! We make wine! We also buy it and try something different each time. I'll have to go check the bottles and tell you what ones. We actually have some grapefruit wine thats being made right now. Though peeling all those grapefruit was a PITA!!!!! Ooooh how neat!

Thanks Tami I know we love just about every wine we taste that's from Australia and New Zealand. CA wines are hit and miss for us. I will have to try out the Kim Crawford and Sauvignon Republic!

Martin and have really been getting into wine the past year or so. Here are our favs right now: White * Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc (2007, New Zealand, $10-15) This is my absolute favorite white! It is light, refreshing and I love the peach in it - it is really easy to drink so be careful * Barefoot Pinot Grigio (California, $5-9, great inexpensive white - we serve this at our art gallery and always get compliments. I was strictly a red wine girl before this!) * Clos du Bois Pinot Grigio (California, $10-15) Red * Peter Lehmann's Clancy - 43% Shiraz, 42%Cab, 15% Merlot (2004, Australia, $16-22) This is our FAV red! * Clos du Bois Merlot (2004, California, $10-15) * Ravenswood Shiraz (California, $8-12, we also like the Cab & Merlot) As you can tell we love Australian & New Zealand wines, with Californians following close behind. I'd love to see your favs and add to our collection! Oh, and if you have any good champagnes you'd like to add I'd love to see those as well. We're spoiled and like Moet on occasion

What a neat idea!

Quote: Originally Posted by SgtPepperette I can relate to what your say, completely! Im going to pick up that book. Ive started reading a book by a local doctor here. Dr. David Brownstein, Overcoming Thyroid Disorders. I just picked this up so havent been able to get into the guts of the book. But so far it looks promising on some things I can try to help ease my current symptoms. Its comforting to hear Im not the only one going through this! I agree, it's nice to know you're not alone in this! Today was an especially rotten day because I have a sore throat and ear ache (I think I've been battling a cold for the past week or so). I didn't get out of my pajamas until 7pm! I slept til 11 and then took a nap from 3:30-5:30 (even after taking Sudafed, which usually makes me nuts!). It seems like the fatigue will never end, and it's hard because my FI doesn't fully grasp what's going on. He hears what I tell him, but I think it's difficult for him to imagine me being so ill. I feel bad for him because I really have not been myself for the past year. Being sick so much has made me cranky, irritable and depressed. I really miss my old self, and I know those around me do too. On a bright note, my Grandma said that she spoke with my Aunt about what's been going on with me. It turns out that my Aunt's good friend/neighbor just graduated with a degree in Nutrition with a special emphasis on dealing with thyroid conditions through nutrition! She asked for the name of the book I am reading, and they are going to put us in touch. Hopefully she will be of some help - I'll let you know what I find out! Quote: Originally Posted by Mandy Wow, sorry! What a rookie mistake! I saw the month and day, but failed to look at the year. Thanks for pointing this out! lol, no problem

Quote: Originally Posted by ~*petals*~ I started sending out my STDs, and I found a dress! Good for you! I just ordered my STDs - they should be in shortly. Then we have to get all of them labeled and mailed. I also started the dress shopping process.

Quote: Originally Posted by foxytv I didn't think I had any symptoms, but it turns out the big-ass goiter was what was causing me to be hoarse and sound raspy so often. The lump in my throat was visible, but I presume since it had been there for so long (years and growing, it seems) that I just thought it was normal. I actually went to see a doctor when viewers (I worked in TV at the time) who happened to work in the medical field started to write letters, email and call to say they thought I had a suspicious growth in my neck that I needed to get checked out. If it's been reason for pause with either you or the school doctor ... I would have someone else check it out, even if your TSH test results are fine ... just to be on the safe side. Quote: Originally Posted by SgtPepperette Ive been battling thyroid disease for the last 2 years. I was orginally diagonised with hyperthyroid, and graves disease. Every year I walk in the Breast Cancer 3 Day, and I was out on a training walk. It was 13 miles, not that big of a walk to me. And during the walk I felt like I was having heart attack symptoms. It turned out my thyroid was working 6 times the normal level. So I had a radio active iodine treatment. Basically I take a pill that has radioactive iodine in it, and it kills my thyroid through my bloodstream. So it completely burned out my thyroid. So now I am hypothyroid. My doctor put me on synthroid. Well its been almost two years and my levels jump around every month. My doctor can not get it regulated at all. I was interested in armour, but she was completely against it. Instead she put me on a T3 medication along with synthroid. I started to feel a bit better but still not great. Well she took me off that and now Im only on synthroid. Im in the process of finding a new doctor. My doctor also makes pretty rude comments, and doesnt truly take what Im saying in consideration. She treats me based on bloodwork, while I prefer to use those labs, and how Im actually feeling. At one point, she said your always fatigued. Its probably your diet. I would prefer a holistic doctor but most around me are really expensive, and have a long wait list. Im fatigued, like I could honestly sleep 14-16 hours a day. Weight gain comes on very easy, and is very difficult to lose. Weakness, muscle fatigue, and the list goes on. I feel so defeated by this. And question if I made the right decision with the iodine treatment at the time. It all happened so fast, that I didnt really research it as much as Id like. Its very frustrating! Oh no, I was *just* reading today that the Radioactive Iodine treatment can cause permanent Hypothyroidism I'm so sorry to hear your struggles with this!!! In the book I'm reading it says that symptoms of hypOthyroidism can be mistaken for hypERthyroidism. I found it interesting that the book and the medical articles online seem to disagree with this. But then again I find that many doctors are usually fairly stubborn in going strictly "by the book" (i.e. what they learned in college that has since been outdated). On the flip side some of the holistic docs freak me out some too because they are so far on the opposite side of the spectrum. I'm looking for something in between but have yet to find the right doc. Your symptoms are almost identical to mine! I can sleep 10 hours at night and then after I come home from school (30 min drive each way + 2 hrs in class) I am completely exhausted. I also almost always get a slight (99-99.5 degree) temperature with this exhaustion. I also tend to gain weight easily, have the muscle fatigue and horrible pains in my joints and bones from my lower back down, sensitivity to cold... Like you said, the list goes on... I definitely recommend the book "Hypothyroidism Type II" by Dr. Mark Starr. It really opened my eyes. I can't wait to read through the entire thing once my Dad finishes with it. Again, I'm so sorry to hear you've been struggling with this for the past 2 years. I know what it feels like, and you're definitely not alone!

Quote: Originally Posted by foxytv I didn't think I had any symptoms, but it turns out the big-ass goiter was what was causing me to be hoarse and sound raspy so often. The lump in my throat was visible, but I presume since it had been there for so long (years and growing, it seems) that I just thought it was normal. I actually went to see a doctor when viewers (I worked in TV at the time) who happened to work in the medical field started to write letters, email and call to say they thought I had a suspicious growth in my neck that I needed to get checked out. Wow, that is crazy! Thank goodness for your viewers watching out for you (no pun intended ). When I was little I saw a big lump in my Grandma's armpit when we (the family) were all lounging around their pool. Being a kid, I blurted out "what's that, Grandma?". I felt so embarrassed but it ended up being a tumor that she had not caught and they were able to remove it Quote: If it's been reason for pause with either you or the school doctor ... I would have someone else check it out, even if your TSH test results are fine ... just to be on the safe side. I think you're right. I had never heard of this before and thought I was just being a hypochondriac. But now it is causing me anxiety and I'd rather be put to ease than constantly wonder what it is. I did have a complete blood work done about 2 years ago at school, but everything came back normal. I did have a slightly low amount of something (a component to iron) which caused me to have restless leg syndrome but that because I didn't eat red mean, which I now do occasionally. This issue (with the severe fatigue and all) did start until about a year ago. I've read that it can come on slowly. Plus, if they only tested the TSH and not the FT3 & FT4 that could be why my thyroid test showed up normal. At least now I know what to make sure they test. Thanks for the advice and I will keep y'all posted. This thread has been very helpful.

I am so glad to hear you are doing better Martha! The book is so interesting. I was so fascinated that I scanned/flipped through the whole thing when my Dad brought it to dinner the other night.

Shoot, I can't see them...

Quote: Originally Posted by Mandy Just be careful taking any supplements over the counter while you're pregnant/breast feeding. You've probably had this for a long time, so don't feel like if you can't get it under control today, you're failing. Just to clarify, Martha posted this over a year ago (before she was prego). I just revived it today.