I'm lost - please help!

[kaspara]

I had an ovarian cyst the size of a grapefruit removed when I was 19, had severe candidiasis since I was 17, suffered from depression, dry hair, dry skin, sore throat, pre-menstrual bloating, etc. for YEARS, was diagnosed with ADD at 40 (always had the symptoms but no one made the connections), was diagnosed with B12 deficiency at 40 & hypothyroidism at 41 (diagnosed more or less by accident) and sometimes get weird skin rashes doctors can't diagnose. No treatments have worked to relieve ANY of my various symptoms and I feel so frustrated. When I took blood tests after 1st month of hypothyroidism diagnosis on .1mcg, tests came back normal so doctor left me on .1mg eltroxin with no relief of symptoms and this year's test diagnosed me extremely underactive so I've been on .15mcg for the last month and I'm gaining weight despite exercise and diet, my feet and hands are so swollen at night I can hardly walk. My mom, sister and aunt have all been diagnosed with hypothyroidism in last few years but don't have my severity or problems. If there's anyone out there with advice, considering I live in Saskatchewan with limited access to specialists, it would be greatly appreciated. I can't seem to find answers to any of my problems or if they're related. I'm startting to go crazy!

[Kay_007]

Hi there,

I bought Dr. Nancy Dunne's book called Natural Diet solution to PCOS and infertility in April and it says to cut out bread, pasta, rice (even brown rice), dairy, sugar, soy and caffeine. She allows green tea for caffeine. Basically, the diet is mainly vegetables, fruits and meat. With God's help, my hormones are stabilizing. I was so surprised at how effective it was considering how I felt all these years doctors couldn't help. I finally am seeing a medical doctor who is also a naturopath - it's a big help too. Also, I exercise almost everyday. Please don't give up hope. Keep exercising and try the diet recommended by Dr. Dunne. You can only order the book online though. I hope this helps.

[winnie0366]

KASPARA - Welcome to the boards! I hope that you fully utilize this board (and the internet for that matter) as you have limited access to specialists.

I don't mean to scare you, but based on what you're describing it sounds like you have an autoimmune issue, in particular, celiac. Celiac is basically an allergy to gluten (found in wheat, rye, barely and used as a filler in a lot of processed foods and meats). Though there is no "cure," it is EASILY treatable. Once a gluten-free diet is followed the symptoms disappear and the body begins to repair itself. Unfortunately it is a disease that the medical profession often overlooks and tend to narrow-mindedly catergorize patients as needing to be "thin" or have gastrointestional problems. The truth is very little people show those symptoms. The fact that you are having problems moving (inflammation), have a B-12 deficiency, rashes, bloating and menstrual irregularities seem to warrant such a test for celiac. If you are unable to talk to your doctor about testing for it, you can always try a gluten-free diet and see if your symptoms improve.

There is also an area on this board for Canadian cysters so you may want to drop by and see if anyone there can recommend a doctor.

http://www.soulcysters.net/canadian-cysters/

Feel free to ask anything and hope to see you on the boards again soon! Good luck, best wishes and know that you are not alone!!

[SunnyInSeattle1]

Welcome Kaspara and good luck.