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1. Thank you so much for the information.
I went to my local hospital with all my records with "Iodine based fluids allergy" written clearly and large. In spite of that, one of the doctors started to do some kind of test using iodine while saying, offhandedly, "you're not allergic to iodine, are you?"
When I was home safe and sound, I called the ER and asked how could that have happened and why wasn't I given a plastic bracelet with that info on it. When I was told that they're not used in the ER, I contacted public relations and, after going through a few people, I reached someone who agreed with me that ER patients should have allergies noted on the bracelet.
So, who knows. You can be as responsible as I was, in bringing all my
medical records, and still get in trouble. My story ended happily; I've
wondered since how other patients make out under similar circumstances.
Keep up your good work.
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2. I am 16 years old and for as long as I can remember I have been watching my Aunt/God mother struggle with Multiple Sclerosis. It had always seemed pretty well under control until the last year or so. At this point she is in a wheel chair, is ghostly pale, and looks like a cancer victim in their last days. I have heard that MS victims can't die from the MS alone but can die from complications of MS. I was wondering if this was true and if not about how long will my aunt have to live. All I am asking is a simple reply back so that our family can be prepared for any situations that may be thrown at us in the coming months. Your reply would be greatly appreciated.
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3. Would anemia cause by iron deficiency severe?
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4.
I am sorry to bother you but I had a quick question. I am male 31 and 214 lbs. To make a long story short I have experienced fatigue for the last several years and have gained 14 lbs in 2 months. For the last year I have had constipation and bloating nearly every day. I have been to a gastro doctor and had a barium enema, which was normal.
Anyway to make a long story short I had my thyroid checked. My TSH was
normal at a 1.6 (normal = .4 - 4.2)
My T4 was 5.0 (normal = 4.4 - 12.2)
My T3up was 29.7 (normal = 25.5 -37.2)
FTI was 1.4 (normal 1.4 -3.4)
Is it possible to have a normal TSH but a low normal T4 and STI? DO I need to get further tested by and endo? Could a person have hypo with such numbers even though TSH was normal? Just looking for your opinion. I live in a small town and not a lot of people around here are knowledgeable of such things. Are there any other tests I should ask for?
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5. I have been diagnosed as insulin sensitive. I have been on 2000 mg. of
glucophage and every diet drug for 18 mos. with no results of weight loss, but an awful lot of diarrhea. Have adhered to a low-end carb diet. I might add that the diarrhea remained with me the whole 18 months, sometimes as much as 20 times a day. Recently had a second opinion and was told to quit all glucophage immediately as it was not working and was too powerful for me. They felt as though I were overmedicated. I was put on xenical 120mg 3Xday and Meridia 15mg. once daily and hopefully this would jumpstart my metabolism so to speak. In two months I lost 7 lbs.
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ANSWERS
1.
Thanks for your words of encouragement. I too get frustrated by so many stories such as your own. I can only say that you will make a difference by being in control - just believe it. Your good example will also remind health professionals that patients really can be informed and involved. So many professionals don't trust patients and don't believe patients can know what is right for them!
Thanks again for helping me spread the word,
Marie Savard, MD
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2.
I can't imagine how hard things must be for everyone. Patients with MS who are in the wheelchair often have trouble swallowing, taking deep breaths and can get pneumonia or other problems. They also can't move around well and can get bed sores too which can get infected. if she looks so pale, has her blood been checked for anemia? What does her doctor or neurologist say? People in wheelchairs with MS can live many years - does she have the fight to live?
I wish your family all the best under the circumstances,
Marie Savard, MD
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3.
Anemia or a low hemoglobin level could be quite severe with iron deficiency. In fact, women with heavy periods can have hemoglobin levels dangerously low - 6-7 grams - and not realize it except for fatigue, shortness of breath. A man or older woman could bleed from colon cancer for months to years and become iron deficient and have very low hemoglobins too. Did you get a copy of your results? If your iron or ferritin level is low - then why? from heavy periods or GI/gastrointestinal losses?? It is important to find the cause AND to treat it with iron (add vitamin c with the iron for better absorption).
Best of luck,
Marie Savard, MD
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4.
You are right to suspect you could have an underactive thyroid based on your symptoms....but if your TSH is normal (and there is no laboratory error or mistake) then it is unlikely that your thyroid gland has failed or is underactive. On the other hand, since your T4 is low normal and you have such dramatic symptoms of low thyroid - you could possibly have a more unusual condition where the pituitary gland is underactive and producing insufficient TSH to stimulate your thyroid gland. IF you had this condition, you would likely have some problems with libido/sperm count and have a high prolactin level as a tip off. I would repeat the blood work, add a prolactin level, do a "free T3" test as well. If all that is normal - then there must be some other explanation.
Hope this is of help....
Marie Savard, MD
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5.
It sounds like you were given glucophage to prevent diabetes - not because you have it. What was your hemoglobin A1C? Is your fasting glucose normal?
It is true that research has shown that glucophage can delay or prevent the onset of diabetes - however diet and exercise worked better than glucophage.
I am all for prevention - but you obviously gave glucophage a great chance and it didn't work. The diarrhea is a common side effect - also nausea and loss of appetite. Unfortunately you had the lower bowel side effects. Do you have an apple-shaped figure, i.e. is your waist circumference greater than 35 inches?
No matter what you do - the fact you care so much is great - and the best sign that you will be successful.
If you continue to lose weight - even 10% overall - by whatever means that YOU can do - you will be way ahead. Believe it or not - exercise is probably even more important than weight loss!!
Best of luck,
Marie Savard, MD
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