Medical Marijuana

Introduction 

Welcome back to the Thyroidcafe. You may remember the marijuana of the psychedelic sixties, part of the counterculture movement. Or maybe you’re like me and the “War on Drugs” in the 80’s villainized marijuana as a gateway drug. Now in 2019, we are seeing the marijuana plant in a more dynamic way. No longer demonized, but studied. Through this we have learned about the properties of marijuana and its medical uses. But before we move Thyroidcafe to Amsterdam, let’s examine the medical benefits and risks of this controversial plant. 

Plant Parts: Chemicals in Marijauna and What They Do

There are two well understood chemicals in cannabis, THC and CBC, though there are more. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the chemical in marijuana that gives you the “high.” THC benefits are anti-inflammatory properties, has dopamine (pain killer), can ease your mind, and increases appetite. Now I don’t need any help finding the chips and I need my mind firmly inside my body, so the following is my preferred option. CBD (cannabidiol) is the no-high alternative to THC. It is also anti-inflammatory, has dopamine (pain killer) and can ease your mind. I will discuss THC and CBC more blow. Because of the restriction on marijuana, the other chemicals found in marijuana are less studied.  

A Plant by Any Other Name

You go to the store and there’s all the tomatoes. Some are for hamburgers, others for salad and there’s always those Roma’s nobody knows what to do with. Pizza? Fancy pizza?

 

Anyways, like tomatoes, marijuana has many varieties. But I will explore the three most notable . Cannabis Indica is known for its relaxation qualities, both mental and physical. It also decreases nausea, pain, and increases appetite. Another variety is Cannabis Sativa. I use this variety during the day as it is not a sedative. It dulls my pain, increases creativity, focuses me and even gives me energy. This is a picture of the product I use, it’s sold in most health food stores.

 Lastly, Cannabis Ruderalis is naturally high in CBD and low in THC, giving it no “high.” It does a great job treating depression. Each species of cannabis can be made to have more or less CBD and THC. Keeping the species in mind enables you to treat your symptoms specifically. 

What does Medical Marijuana treat? 

With the Opioid Crisis rearing its ugly head, pain management is one of the most sought after characteristics of marijuana. Many people with thyroid problems suffer from anxiety and depression. Personally, I have found relief from both using Cannabis Sativa. Medical marijuana also helps with insomnia. On the other hand, some strains of cannabis can give you more energy and clarity of thought. This is why it’s important to know the variety. Lastly, all varieties helps with inflammation. While this isn’t a miracle drug, there are obvious benefits to be explored. For a list of other diseases cannabis is thought to help, see below the conclusion. 

More than Puff, Puff, Pass: Types of Marijauna products

Before you bless the neighbours with a skunk-like smell, let’s discuss your options for taking medical marijuana. Availability depends on where you are, so please explore. Both CBD and THC oils can be bought online. Oils have a high concentration, so a little drop ‘ill do ya. See below for how much I take (140 lbs)

Half a dropper full is enough for me.

 I use the CBD oil to relieve my pain, anxiety and ease my depression. Next are waxes, or butane hash oil, they can be vaporized. It is potent and is popular for those treating chronic pain. Tinctures sound more exciting than they are. To make tinctures, alcohol is infused with cannabis and take a few drops under the tongue. Taking it this way allows it to take effect faster and last longer (45 mins-ish). Balms take the high out of cannabis. Lotions, sprays and topical oils are rubbed into the skin for pain relief. There are also suppositories and lets just say, I will not be going there. 

Risks of Marijuana

There are some risks to using medical marijuana. Firstly, if you choose to smoke it, there are the respiratory risks inherent to smoking anything. Secondly, short term memory loss is marked in some users. Lastly, prejudice from your employer or school. Even CBD shows up on a drug test, so know the policies in place that may limit your use.

Conclusion 

So let’s let the reputation of marijuana in the sixties pass, most people don’t remember the sixties anyways! And let’s set aside the War on Drugs to look reasonably at a product that could help us. Like opioids, marijuana needs to regulation to prevent misuse. But, that does not negate valid medical characteristics. If you are uneasy about hallucinogenic properties, try CBD. If you prefer not to smoke, try balms or oils. While I won’t be watching reruns of Harold & Kumar and chowing on Cheezies anytime soon, I will use marijuana to manage my symptoms. So what do other thyroid patience think about this taboo subject? Do you use medical marijuana? See our Facebook and Instagram or comment here. 

Other diseases cannabis can help: Glaucoma, arthritis, cancer, migraines, anorexia, depression, anxiety, stress, nausea , PTSD, Insomnia, Crohn’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ADHD, Epilepsy, PMS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease 

Medication Basics

Introduction

Hey, and welcome to the Thyroidcafe. Grab a seat and join me as we discuss the basics of medication. I’m thankful my local pharmacist let me interview her for this blog. She rattled off medication names long enough to dominate a Scrabble board and I grew in my knowledge. She explained each medication, who takes them and the best way to do so. Her information corroborated with the online studies I read. So I combined the information for you; I hope you like it. 

Hormone Basics

As I wrote previously (https://thyroidcafe.com/2019/07/09/diagnosis-story-part-3-getting-the-diagnosis/ ), knowing about your disease empowers you to make better choices for your health. Here is information to help:

1.  Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) prompts your body to make T4, which in turn produces T3. The prevailing theory on thyroid treatment is that by adding T4, the body will produce T3.  

1. When doctors take our “Thyroid Levels,” they usually measure Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH). Here is a table to keep in mind when reading your TSH panel. 

TSH Normal Thyroid Range: 0.4 – 4.0 mU/L	TSH At Risk: 2.5 m U/L – 4 mU/L
TSH Ideal Range: 2.5 mU/L

Who can take thyroid medication 

The medication we are discussing is for people with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism. Restrictions on who can take it depends on allergies. (For example, food colouring.) Also, morality as there are animal products in some pills. 

Medications available

There are two broad categories of thyroid medication, synthetic and desiccated. Synthetic medication has many brands (Lavothyroxine, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint and Unithroid.) All synthetic brands contain solely T4. Desiccated pills are derived from either bovine or swine. Some common brands are Armour Thyroid, Nature-Thyroid, WP Thyroid, NP Thyroid. Because of their source, they contain both T4 and T3. (See below for more information) My pharmacist noted, desiccated pills are almost always on backorder. So talk to your local pharmacist about supply. 

Which medication do I choose?

Most people start with synthetic pills. They are more reliable as T4 levels are lab tested. The pharmacist recommends Synthroid as it comes in small doses increments, giving more accuracy. Desiccated pills, or animal derived pills, contain both T4 and T3. They are controversial because their hormone levels are tested less frequently. However, some studies show that a subgroup of patients improvement in mood and cognitive function on Desiccate pills. Most online articles advocate for Desiccate pills and  I hope to try them. I will report back. To read more studies, click here https://academic.oup.com/labmed/article/41/6/338/2657554. Most studies conclude that if symptoms continue, it is good to try desiccated pills.  

How do I take  medication and missed doses?

Both types of thyroid medication are best taken first thing in the morning; as they must be taken on an empty stomach. Take your medication and then wait a half hour to eat or take other medicine. It is also important to take your pills at a consistent time each day. Missed pill should be taken as soon as possible.  My pharmacist suggested that if over a few hours late, skip that day and resume a normal schedule the next day. Do not double up your pills. 

Conclusion

These are the fundamentals of thyroid medication. It is a broad and deep subject. As we grow in the knowledge of our disease, we empower ourselves to take our health into our own hands. Knowing the medications, opens our options if symptoms reappear. Once we decide, taking our pills as prescribed enables us to benefit fully from them. Now. Can someone please tell me how to wait a half hour for my coffee?

Gluten and the Thyroid Warrior

Introduction

Hey, I’m glad to see you at the Thyroidcafe. I’ve been looking forward to this topic for weeks. I know many thyroid patients suffer from the tummy troubles, as I have. So coming across this study fascinated me. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2111403/#!po=9.25926 In it, the correlation between thyroid illnesses and celiac disease is explained, as well as the symptoms of celiac disease, and testing options. But mostly, I was excited to see who was statistically most at risk of developing celiac disease, silencing critics with science. The study is thorough, but long winded, so I will summarize it here. 

Symptoms of celiac disease

I know you could just Wiki this, but here are a few:

• Pale or foul smelling feces (Steatorrhea) 
• Vomiting 
• Nutritional deficiency 
• Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeliac_disease#Signs_and_symptoms

Okay, plot twist! There aren’t necessarily any symptoms.

Seriously?!

This table outlines other symptoms that are often associated with silent celiac disease.

Thyroid Disorders and celiac disease

Yeah… so even though celiac disease was first described in the 19th century, it is underdiagnosed because some people with celiac disease show few symptoms.

Celiac disease isn’t common in the general population; only about 1% have it. However, there is a fivefold increase amongst Hashimoto’s sufferers. Those with hypothyroidism also have a slightly higher chance of having celiac disease, and those with Graves’ disease have a normal chance. The interesting thing is, both celiac disease and Hashimoto’s share the same genetic markers. It’s no wonder so many thyroid warriors suffer from sensitive tummies!

The Table below shows the prevalence of celiac disease in autoimmune thyroid disorders as shown in multiple different studies.

Author (year of publication)	Population screened	Prevalence of CD
Collin et al (1994)41	83 autoimmune thyroid disease	4.8%
Sategna-Guidetti et al (1998)76	152 autoimmune thyroid disease	3.3%
Cuoco et al (1999)78	22 Hashimoto’s disease 23 Graves’ disease	4.3%
Valentino et al (1999)77	150 autoimmune thyroid disease	3.3%
Berti et al (2000)79	172 autoimmune thyroid disease	3.5%
Volta et al (2001)80	220 autoimmune thyroid disease	3.2%
Larizza et al (2001)81	90 Pediatric autoimmune thyroid disease	7.8%
Meloni et al (2001)82	297 autoimmune thyroid disease	4.4%
Mainardi et al (2002)83	100 autoimmune thyroid disease	2%
Ch’ng et al (2005)42	115 Graves’ disease	4.5%

How to test for celiac disease

A simple blood test can determine if you have celiac disease. This test is both inexpensive and relatively painless. Eating gluten for a few weeks is the only preparation needed. The other testing option is surgical, in which a sample of the small intestine is taken and tested.

Who should test for celiac disease?

Given the increased prevalence and genetic links, testing is reasonable for those with Hashimoto’s disease, hypothyroidism, and any autoimmune disease. If you are experiencing any symptoms or have a family history of celiac disease, it’s reasonable to be tested as well. 

Why Bother?

I was diagnosed with celiac disease years before reading this study… but also there’s cookies. Before reading this study, I didn’t know that keeping a gluten-free diet can reduce the complications of thyroid disease. Some symptoms which are minimized when celiac’s keep a gluten-free diet are, malabsorption of vitamins, osteoporosis, lymphoma and aiding in absorption of thyroid medication. (See study linked above for details) While I knew anecdotally that I felt better gluten-free, I didn’t understand the depth of damage done.  

Conclusion 

It’s important to note that a gluten-free diet doesn’t prevent autoimmune or thyroid diseases, but it can help improve them. If you are a thyroid patient, and especially one with Hashimoto’s disease, testing for celiac disease is the obvious choice. A simple blood test and change in diet can be an easy step towards a healthier you. I will be posting some gluten-free food choices on Instagram if you are interested. Now off to brush up on my baking as it looks like we will be serving gluten-free goodies at the Thyroidcafe.

Diagnosis Story: Part 3 Getting the Diagnosis

Introduction

Hi, Welcome to the Thyroidcafe, I’m glad you could come. If you’re new, welcome, I hope you find a home here. I’m looking forward to the final installment of the Diagnosis Story. In part two, I introduced my husband. You may remember us as the fools who rushed in? Well, this fool had a little diamond on her left hand before long. In the other hand though, was the responsibility of caring for my terminally ill dad. The difficulty of this time were seen as the cause of my symptoms, until one day I took my health into my hands. A short and deceptive conversation later, I had a diagnosis and prescription in hand. 

The Wedding 

We decided to marry in haste. Being that my dad only had a matter of months, we arranged the wedding in just three months. One thing I wanted to get right was the dress. Despite this, the prospect of trying on dresses seemed like swimming through a pool of melted marshmallows. Exhaustion and brain fog detached me from this happy time. I tried to smile at the appropriate moments, tried to enjoy, but I was too tired. I did, in fact, sleep through many of the major choices made in wedding preparation. My husband stepped in, picking food, setting up decor, and organizing our family. With the kind help of my mom and future mother-in-law, I did get a dress. I hope they understand my gratitude. 

The Funeral 

One thing my family couldn’t help me with was my father’s illness. On our wedding day, he was too sick to attend. Because of the sensitive nature of this time, even I excused my symptoms of depression and exhaustion. My dad died December 12, 2008. Funeral arrangements and other end-of-life affairs are all a blur to me. The depth of my grief fueled an angry, determined fire in me; I needed to get healthy. 

The Hope

Anger is not something women generally speak about. One regret I have is not being open to my doctor about my mental health. I did open up to Google though. After entering my symptoms online, I scrolled through.  I came across a video. A man described symptoms. I found myself in each one. I fought back tears. Hashimoto’s disease. The prospect of a name for my struggle was such a relief. He ended the video saying “there is hope” and there is. 

The Deceptive Diagnosis

Having frequent visits to my doctor during this period, she was clearly annoyed to see me again. In my ignorance, I thought she would be happy that I figured out what was wrong. I was mistaken. She brushed me aside, rejecting my idea. On those sidelines, I made a plan. After she came back from a vacation, I vaguely referenced our thyroid conversation, inferring that she concluded I had Hashimoto’s disease. Then I politely asked for a prescription. I don’t remember if she took blood test or not. But after a lifetime, she gave me my diagnosis.  

Conclusion

Thyroid warriors fight twice. We fight life’s normal battles, and then we take up arms against chronic illness. After repeatedly being overlooked by the medical system, I took a risk and got my diagnosis. While this wasn’t the wisest choice, (I did find a new doctor, and was properly diagnosed) I learned a valuable lesson, my health is my responsibility. That is why Thyroidcafe, and places like it, are so important. So that all thyroid patients can know, there is hope. So thanks, for reading this and joining me in spreading awareness of thyroid diseases.

Diagnosis Story: Part 2 Dreams and Doctors

Introduction

Thanks for coming for part two of my diagnosis journey. Read part one in the post entitled “Early Symptoms.” Though writing my story has been difficult, it has been enlightening to reflect on the events leading up to my diagnosis. As I share, I hope to inspire others to tell their thyroid story as well. This helps to create community and awareness about our disease. Thank-you to those who have already shared on our Facebook group. 

A Dream and a Nightmare

After breaking up with my boyfriend, (see previous post) my ambition of doing humanitarian aid was coming true. Arriving in Mexico City, I took a taxi, a four-hour bus ride, and then another taxi to Morelia; a picturesque city in central Mexico. Immediately greeted by the hospitality of the Mexican people, I felt this my destiny. Warm days turned into the rainy season, and my symptoms attacked again. At about one hundred pounds, my almost six-foot frame was skeletal. Exhaustion degraded me from barely walking, to bed bound, so I was taken to hospital. There I got no real answers. Dejected, I return to my bed, hoping my illness would pass. It was a humbling process to have the people I came to serve, help me.

Red Walls and Medication

There was an English speaking caregiver who often visited the orphanage. On one such visit, she suggested I see her doctor.  Driving through a residential area, we arrived at an apartment building. Greeted at the door, we were taken to a small home office. Red walls were covered in a near comical amount of Catholic shrines. A dark wood desk took up most of the room with an exam table pushed into the corner.  After a short exchange, the doctor asked me to lie on the table; I didn’t realize what was coming. A sharp needle in my bottom delivered an anonymous medication. I was sent back to the orphanage with half a dozen prescriptions and the little round doctors’ best intentions. After a week I could walk and eat, so I decided to go back to Canada.

Making it Home

I have no memories of the taxi rides, bus trip or flight home. Except for a brigade of soldiers coming to inspect the bus. They forced me out and I remember thinking I should be scared, but was unable to feel any emotion. Men in uniform asked to open my luggage. Finding the medication, they hotly debated what to do with me. I did somehow end up back on the bus, but how that situation was resolved, I still don’t know. I took great comfort arriving back in Canada. My family doctor ended up diagnosing me with an infection in my stomach lining, Mono and a few other infections. Relieved to have a diagnosis, I assumed all would get better.

It’s Not Your Thyroid

In time, I was well enough to work. Even so, I had memory loss and muscle weakness, so I returned to the doctor. She sent me to an endocrinologist, suspecting a thyroid problem. After blood work, the endocrinologist said my thyroid antibodies were in the two thousands. But continued to say that this in no way indicated a thyroid problem. As I left her office, something felt wrong, but I pushed it aside. Years later, a new family doctor would tell me that the endocrinologist in question was “a quack.” At the time though, I trusted her completely. Months later, I noticed a man at church. He had a loud laugh and a passion for God. My future husband and I started dating and, like happy fools, we rushed in. Our joy was soon halted however, when I had to sit him down and tell him, my dad had terminal cancer. 

Conclusion

Traveling to Mexico, I had chased a dream. Even though it didn’t work out as planned, the people will always have a place in my heart. Through the fog of my medicated mind, I made it back to Canada and even to an endocrinologist. The sadness of my missed diagnosis was butted up against meeting one of the most important people in my life, my husband. By the next flare up, my body had a recognizable pattern of symptoms, but one thing had changed. I had grown to become fiercely determined to find out, for myself, what was going on. (To be told in part three) So, how did you get your diagnosis? Did you fall through the cracks of the medical system? Tell me your story on our social media or comment below. Thank-you for taking the time to join me at the Thyroidcafe. 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thyroidcafe

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thyroidcafe-2312996449018883/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethyroidcafe/

Diagnosis Story: Part 1 Early Symptoms

Welcome

Hey, welcome back to the Thyroidcafe. I see some new people, pull up a seat. At the Thyroidcafe, we build thyroid awareness, knowledge and community. So I will start by sharing my story. I will post my diagnosis story over the next two blogs and would love to hear yours. You can do so by commenting below or search “Thyroidcafe” on most social media platforms. Let’s share our stories to build community at the Thyroidcafe.

A baby without a backstory

My story starts without one. Adopted in 1987, my medical history was for government eyes only. Without a family history, my early symptoms seemed unlinked. My family traveled a lot and one summer we went to California. As I sat in my aunts’ 90s minivan, I read the outside temperature, 100 degrees. I asked for a sweater. Because of my defunct temperature guage, my family affectionately called me “the hothouse plant.” At one point, there was an unusual bump on the front of my neck. But generally, I was a happy, healthy child.

The Middle Years

In my teenage years, my symptoms became more obvious, but remained undiagnosed. Dry skin formed on my face and I struggled with my mental health, but many teenagers have these problems. One distinct symptom was the pain in my knees. I would rub them and take pain relievers to cope. Eventually I saw a physiotherapist. When she initially bandaged my knees, they felt better. With the promise of braces, I thought the problem was solved. However, when taking the bandages off, I was left with red welts and swelling from the adhesive. I decided not to go back. Eventually, my pain subsided, so I no longer pursued the matter.  Later I found out she had a reputation for her malpractice and they offered compensation. Music also marked my middle years, with joy. Choir was a bi-weekly event. Because of this, I noticed a change in my voice. I moved from soprano (high pitched) to alto, (low pitched). These changes were seen as normal or part of my quirky personality. I knew I was different; I just didn’t know I was sick.

As a Young Adult

After graduating high-school, things settled down for a time. I traveled, hiked and made a fated plan, move to Mexico. Then a boy interrupted, as they do. He and I moved to a new town. Upon pursuing a job, I couldn’t even muster the energy to write a resume. Fatigue crippled me into unemployment. When I got a job, I could not keep it because of my impaired short-term memory. I would stand, adding up change at the till. Losing track, I would start over, repeatedly. My short term memory was fading.  When I would come home to our apartment, the brown couch was my comfort and cage. My stomach ached due to constipation. So much so, I pulled my body to Emergency one morning. There the doctor X-rayed me and asked to follow up. Upon doing so, she questioned my digestion but investigated no further. This was the second of many times I fell through the healthcare cracks. In fairness, depression and social conditioning crippled my ability to accurately describe my symptoms. (See this link about being your own healthcare advocate https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/hypothyroidism/talk-to-doctor-about-medication/) Months passed, and as my plans to move to Mexico came closer, my health improved. Moving back to my dad’s house, I broke up with the boy and looked forward to Mexico. My ambitions were taking shape, but you know what they say about the best laid plans.

Conclusion

While the symptoms of my youth seemed random, I now see them as building. Like a ramp, they grew as I did. Soon, the zeal of my youth would disappear; no, rather changed into a fight for my health and my safety.  In the next blog I will share how “it”, the climax of my symptoms, happened, the dangerous journey home, and a deceptive diagnosis.

Your Guide to the Thyroidcafe

Welcome

Hi, and welcome to the Thyroidcafe. I saved you a seat by the fire. I’m Meghan, I have been fighting Hashimoto’s disease for over a decade. In that time, I have learned a lot about fighting the thyroid battle. Yet, I know enough to know there is more to learn.  So I am excited to create this blog. This is where I can pass along my experience; we can create community and reach together towards a cure.

Who I am

I am Meghan. I fight every day to be the best thyroid warrior I can. My husband and I have four kids, three boys and a girl, however the king of our home is Cat, our aptly named cat. Our family lives in the Great White North, Canada. Where the maple syrup runs wild and so does the CBD oil! I became a Christian years ago and hold a most precious faith. But before that, I was diagnosed with a thyroid disease called Hashimoto’s disease. (a story for an upcoming post) and though I am far from perfect, I push on towards growing in my knowledge of this disease.

Why am I doing this?

Because I am passionate. About fighting thyroid problems, about learning more and about creating community. I do this because God has given me the gift of writing so I can help embolden and comfort those who are going through what I have. I am also excited to get to know more fellow warriors. One place where I have already found community is this Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/161220551400130/?ref=bookmarks.  As we share knowledge and raise awareness of this disease, we can reach towards a cure.

So, what’s this blog about?

Firstly, Thyroidcafe is a warm space for us to be together. Because of that, I created various social media spaces, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Thyroidcafe-2312996449018883/, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thethyroidcafe/?hl=en and Twitter https://twitter.com/thyroidcafe . Here I will offer more detailed information about each blog post and (duh!) pics of food. While solidarity is important, we also need more knowledge. So on this blog I will share some solutions I have found, websites, products and the advice of medical experts.

Conclusion

I am a fellow thyroid fighter.  A passionate woman hoping to help grow community, knowledge, and ideally a cure for thyroid diseases. So grab a coffee and join me at the Thyroidcafe.