with Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.
HELP! I am finding how behind and rigid Mayo Clinic is here in Scottsdale. I’m there because of 5 sclerotic lesions that have been found in my right shoulder, 2 in my right knee and in both hands. They say it’s of no significance. But each area has started with severe pain, and each one still hurts and big surprise they hurt where they found the lesions. Some have been called Fibroma, my hands bony islands, and my knee fibroma and something else. My hands have started to swell and hurt so bad, just bumping them into my side is excruciating. I’ve always tested negative for Rheumatoid factor.
I, along with my GP, have been following your protocol as much as my insurance will allow. With Levothyroxine we had my free T3 and T4 right where you recommend, as well the total numbers of both. (Armour and Cytomel caused my T3 to skyrocket.) The problem is my TSH is either < -0.02 or now 0.10. Which with Mayo treating only with TSH they want to cut back my Levo. I've seen an answer before when you said if your TSH is that low that other things should be checked. Can you please give me some ideas to give them. As with everything else you have done, I along with many, will be forever in your debt. I also found out I was low in testosterone and we've now got it under control and where you recommend (don't know if this has any effect or not.)
My wife and I helped a young girl struggling to finish high school, spending day after day in bed, doctor after doctor. After I heard her symptoms, we had little doubt. With your daily infusion, B complex and pearls, she is now in her second year of college. All the thanks we got was meant for you. For so many you offer what nobody else does and that's hope. I can never thank you enough.
Dr. Teitelbaum’s response:
The first question of course is how they made the diagnosis of “fibrotic lesions”. If not a biopsy, it raises the question of whether they are simply trigger points that respond to the overall treatments in the “Pain Free 1-2-3!” book and the pain gels discussed in the chapter on prescription therapies (and your doctor can begin with these- he can simply call ITC pharmacy at 303.663.4224 and prescribe the “Pain Lotion”).
In patients with CFS and Fibromyalgia the TSH is clearly not a reliable test and should not even be checked when monitoring thyroid Rx (and I suspect this is so in general). In my patients, I recommend adjusting thyroid to the dose that feels best while keeping the free T4 in the normal range. Mayo will disagree and you are free to ignore them. I would read the section in the From Fatigued to Fantastic! book for more info and supporting references for your physician.
SHINE represents four areas of health issues that need to be addressed when creating a treatment program. These health issues and their roles in treating CFS/FM are as follows:
S = SLEEP: Get adequate sleep, preferably eight to nine hours a night. Sleep replenishes the body's energy and heals its muscles. Inadequate sleep will leave you exhausted and in pain.
H = HORMONES: Get tested for hormone deficiency and treated if needed. Hormone deficiencies can contribute to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
I = INFECTIONS: Get treatment when symptoms of infections occur. The lack of restorative sleep in CFS/FM leads to dysfunctional immune systems. Underlying viral, bacterial, bowel, sinus and yeast infections are common and can be a contributing cause or result of CFS/FM.
N = NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS: Optimal nutritional supplementation is essential. Many nutrients can be depleted as a result of CFS/FM. B-12, magnesium, Acetyl L Carnitine and glutathione, as well as your basic A, B, C and D vitamins need to be supplemented at a level that your average over the counter multivitamin cannot provide.
E = EXERCISE: Exercise as able. After 10 weeks on the 4 steps above, you will be able to slowly increase your exercise—without being wiped out the next day!
click here to read more about SHINE
find a SHINE support group near you
magazine and newspaper appearances
television and radio appearances
publications
recent press releases
posted on February 14, 2008 | 888 views | tags: CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromas, fibromyalgia, FMS
Leave a reply