I'm New Here, Introduction Of Me And Input Please

[CharmedLinz]

Hi All,

My name is Lindsay and I'm new here. Been reading for quite awhile but I'm ready to post now.

I'll be a bit brief to start, long stretches on the computer I don't do well with.

I would like any input you all would like to offer and if you have any questions feel free to ask.

I'm 29 years old and don't remember ever feeling well, though until last June I coped with life ok. In June of 2009 I had to quit working and since then my symptoms and health have gone rapidly downhill.

I have a cousin with POTS who was diagnosed 10 years ago and my symptoms almost mimic hers though she is able to cope with life tasks right now on several meds and was diagnosed at age 15.

I've been to 2 Endocrinologists who labeled me as malnutritioned with an anxiety disorder and a vast array of non-diagnosable symptoms, along with labeling my lab results as weird.

Been to a good Neurologist and had an MRI which showed some venous anomalies and small non-contrasting white matter lesions of the left hemisphere but the Doctor felt my MRI was basically non-conclusive. Though she is a helpful Doctor she knows nothing about Dysautonomia at all.

I finally found a Cardiologist who would perform a tilt table test which was positive! Finally something showing that there is actually something wrong with me.

I would like your opinions from personal experience on my TTT results.......

I started out flat with pulse in the 60's (normal for me) and BP 90/70 (normal for me is 80/60) at a 70 degree upright after 5 minutes I started getting symptoms of the typical nausea, tingling hand and feet, dizzies etc. At 10 minutes I was almost passing out and at 15 minutes they put me back down again.

My Heart rate had gone to 115, Blood Pressure dropped to 40/17. As soon as they dropped me down my pulse dropped to 50.

I spent the next three hours in the cardiac recovery unit being stabilized.

The Cardiologist I'm seeing is great, he at least knows what POTS and Dysautonomia are though he is NOT a specialist and admits it, we don't have one here in NM. He started me on Florinef which has helped a lot of the smaller symptoms. We tried Atenolol but stopped it as my side effects were too severe.

What I don't understand is that the Cardiologist insists that i do NOT have POTS. I'm not so sure, my symptom list mimics the list posted here on DINET, there are only 2 symptoms on the list that I don't have.

Other than the TTT they don't seem to be able to aggravate my orthostatic intolerance at the doctor's office. I always get very anxious and nervous about appointments which I think hides the signs. I have taken in my pressure monitor which records my readings to show him that my normal BP and pulse are considerably lower than what they are when taken at the office.

So he's unwilling to make a hard fast diagnosis, right now it's possible autonomic disorder or syncope (I've never compleltely fainted.). He also doesn't know about the anxiety involved in dysauto and my anxiety level has skyrocketed with all of this stress and for some reason has gotten even worse on the Florinef, the one draw back to taking it. I believe I read a post recently here where someone likened the anxiety feelings to being chased by a bear, Bingo, exactly how it feels!

The Cardio doc is now sending me to Dr. Watkins at the BHam Center where my Cousin was diagnosed.

I'm hoping that maybe I will finally be able to get a diagnosis there instead of just the "vast array of symptoms", or "it's all in my head theories". But I'm now so leary about appointments that I'm nervous even about the prospect of going all the way to Alabama from New Mexico, what if it's a wasted trip.

The TTT is the only thing that has showed anything. Echo, Stress Test, and Cardiac event monitors showed heart function is normal.

The only other things abnormal are some lab results.... low thyroid, low hormones and urine output is very high at 6 liters for 24 hours, though that has gotten better on the florinef.

I would really appreciate any input you all have or advice. As I'm sure you all have felt before I'm just really afraid to hope anymore and going to the BHam center is about my last option.

That's all for now, I'm sure I've left out important things but will be posting again soon I'm sure.

I'm glad you all are here and thanks in advance.

[juliegee]

Welcome Lindsay!

Sounds to me like you do have POTS and NMH/NCS. POTS is when your HR rises 28-30 BPM after 10 mins of standing. I have heard that it must also be over 120 BPM to qualify....that may be what prohibits your cardiologist from confirming the DX.

You've got a good doc there- willing to run the tests and learn with you. He admits he doesn't know about dysautonomia, but is trying. That's everything in my book. My advice, don't get hung up on the semantics (POTS vs. no POTS.) You most definitely have some form of dysautonomia and are being treated appropriately for it. (I hear that you're not as well as you'd like, but a beta blocker and florinef are good meds to try.)

The appt. at Birmingham sounds like a good thing. I'm certain they will firm up your DX. That's good info you can bring back to your local doc. I hope the docs there can also make suggestions to tweak your treatment plan.

Let us know how your appt. goes.

Julie

[Simmy]

Welcome to the place where everyone believes you.

While you may not suffer from all the symptoms listed, I don't think any of us do, there are just so many. However, you certainly seem to 'pass' with flying colors based on your TTT, especially with that low bp and then the drop to 50bpm lying down again.

While it's difficult to keep track of your own bp, heart rate is easier, especially with an inexpensive heart rate monitor watch. Does yours always jump up more than 30bpm when you stand? If it does consistently, and also drops consistently when you lie down, then anxiety is likely not the MAIN cause of your symptoms and hypo-POTS seems (to me) more likely.

Remember, many of the tests you're taking are while you're lying down or at least sitting, and that's when symptoms seem to disappear.

[CharmedLinz]

Thank you both, you made me feel better already.

I just oredered a wrist heart rate monitor so maybe that will help tell the tale, I'll keep a diary of what happens standing and sitting.

Right now I only have my pulse when I take my BP while I'm sitting and my pulse is usually in the 50's or 60's. It will be interesting to see what it does when I stand.

I have also read about POTS being heart rate over 120 but I'm wondering if it needs to go up that high on someone who normally has a low pulse like mine is.

Don't know if it matters or not but during the stress test it went up to 160 and the highest my BP went was 117/80 (started at 90/60). I went for 11 minutes on the treadmill then HAD to stop couldn't take anymore, they had me at 3.5mph at 20% incline.

I usually feel the worst after showers. I think my blood must pool in my legs as when I get out I have bright red splotches all down my legs and my feet are completely red and it takes almost 2 hours to completely abate.

[Simmy]

I hope the type you ordered is one that uses a separate chest strap, it's the most accurate and can show you trends.

It's not set in stone, but most knowledgeable doctors will diagnose POTS from either a rise of 30+ OR exceeding 120.

For most of us with blood pooling, walking is easier than standing because the motion keeps the blood flowing, it was likely that incline that wiped you out, like hills and steps do to me.

I now use a shower stool and that helps a lot. And be aware that holding your arms above your head (washing hair) also raises your heart rate.

[potsgirl]

There are a group of doctors who believe that a POTS diagnosis is indicated mainly by your HR rising by 30+ beats and/or going over 120. Your BP should almost steady, not dropping so low. This indicates a possibility of bradycardia and orthostatic intolerance, along with NMH. My doctor at Mayo didn't diagnose me with POTS because my BP is like yours, but it's definitely a form of dysautonomia!

Cheers,

Jana

[TXPOTS]

Just a quick chime in about the Florinef. I'm a pharmacist (non-working due to POTS) and take Florinef. As much as Florinef helps many of us with POTS, it can potentially increase irritability and anxiety. I must take my dose first thing in the morning, or I am tossing and turning at night. I have waves of terrible anxiety FROM my POTS. I would describe these waves as feelings of impending doom. I never had issues with anxiety before POTS. I have to get in a zone and gradually the feeling passes, but it can be downright miserable. My urine output was also 6 liters in 24 hours. I see an endocrinologist who diagnosed me with low renin, low aldosterone, and diabetes insipidus during a water deprivation test. I have to take both Florinef and DDAVP. If your urine output is that high, it may be worth inquiring about a urine and serum osmolarity to rule out diabetes insipidus.

[firewatcher]

Hi there!

Sorry that you are here...but welcome!

Everyone has already said what I would have said, except for one thing: KEEP ALL YOUR OWN RECORDS OF EVERY TEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU are going to be your best advocate, and only you know how you feel and what is working. By keeping a copy of all your records (I've got mine in a 4 inch D-ring binder) you have a physical paper trail to take to any doctor that wants to see them. Unfortunately you will have to educate yourself and your doctors many of the times. Ask lots of questions and do lots of searches, the forum is a real life/sanity saver! I have low hormones and was hypothyroid at one point. I also have the frequent urination thing; my dx is a 50/50 split on diabetes insipidus, dDAVP has helped tremendously. Since I go hypernatremic by afternoon (too high blood sodium) and have questionable kidney function they don't want me on florinef. Good luck and let us know how Bham goes!

[janiedelite]

During my TTT at Mayo, my pulse went from 70 to 117. The neurologist there diagnosed me with POTS based on the increase in my pulse from lying to standing. I'm sorry there isn't anyone close by who's knowledgeable about dysautonomia. I ended up going to Mayo in Rochester, MN, because no one near me could do the autonomic testing that was needed but my local docs are willing to work with any dysautonomia experts. I'm glad I went because they were able to rule out many of the underlying causes of my POTS, as well as diagnosing me with small fiber neuropathy. I'm glad you are getting to see a specialist, and I hope that you become more functional with treatment!

[MomtoGiuliana]

Welcome--although sorry you are here. But, hope this forum can be helpful to you as you seek treatment--which IS possible. Most POTS patients improve with the right treatment.

I just thought I'd add that you noted low thyroid--I have Hashimoto's and when my thyroid levels are even slightly out of whack, my POTS gets considerably worse. Perhaps if your thyroid levels were addressed some of your POTS symptoms might also resolve?

[CharmedLinz]

Thank you all so much for your replies, seems horrible to say this but I'm glad I'm not alone in this.

I'll add some more info from some of what you all said.........

My urine output was also 6 liters in 24 hours. I see an endocrinologist who diagnosed me with low renin, low aldosterone, and diabetes insipidus during a water deprivation test. I have to take both Florinef and DDAVP. If your urine output is that high, it may be worth inquiring about a urine and serum osmolarity to rule out diabetes insipidus.

TXPOTS.... When I mentioned low hormones I was being general but I'm glad you mentioned this, seems we are very alike. I have had renin and aldosterone tested both are low below normal ranges even after a 24 salt fast which is supposed to raise them.

I've also had the serum and urine osmolality tests. Urine after a 12 hour water fast was 139, range is supposed to be above 800.

The 2 endo's I've seen here are pointless and they tried to send me to the Mayo in MN for Diabetes Insipidus but my insurance denied. There is one Endo here who no longer sees patients and works in the lab who tried to arrange for a water deprivation test but the labs here are unable to do the proper testing.

Luckily the Florinef has helped the DI symptoms somewhat.

My insurance is sending me to an Endo who specializes in hormone and pituitary disorders but the appointment isn't until August.

My labs all show that I have a possible malfunctionin pituitary caused by a hypothalamus disorder which sure makes sense to me since the hypothalamus controls both the Endocrine system and the Autonomic Nervous system but trying to get a doctor to consider that possibility is like talking to a brick wall, no one even acknowledges it when I mention this theory.

MomtoGiuliana........ Thank you for mentioning your Thyroid troubles and concerns about mine.

My thryoid levels have been on the low side for years. Back as a teenager I had a doc who gave me a low dose of thyroid based on my low body temp, but he never followed up or allowed me to increase the dose so I stopped taking it. The 2 Endo's I've seen here both differed vastly, one said my thyroid levels were totally fine but my Cortisol showed adrenal insufficiency, the other Endo said my thyroid was low and my cortisol was fine. Neither was willing to treat.

I'm now waiting to see a special Endo at a teaching hospital here but my appointment isn't until August, that's the soonest they could get me in.

Thankful.............................. THank you for telling me about your TTT results and what they found.

Firewatcher............ Thanks for bringing up the records. Not to worry I have everything! I've had to get a patient advocate and open a complaint to have some records revised because of some things that were entered inaccurately. I had to get the advocate because I couldn't get the Endo's I saw to get anything done, not even make an appointment.

Since being unable to work since June all I've done is read and research and I feel like I know basically what is wrong with me but trying to get the doctors to listen or agree is nearly impossible, they seem to feel threatened or something when I act like I know what I'm talking about.

We have a family friend who is a physician who says I'm like talking to a 4th year med student. Isn't that sad that we all have to become so educated just to try and receive help.

My doctor at Mayo didn't diagnose me with POTS because my BP is like yours, but it's definitely a form of dysautonomia!

Potsgirl....... May I ask how you received the POTS diagnosis then? This is interesting to me. Thanks.

Simmy.............. I did order one that has the strap, I figured it was probably better. And thanks for the tip on the shower chair that's a good idea. And yes raising the arms to shampoo on some days is nearly impossible as my arms feel like wet noodles.

[TXPOTS]

I can not imagine having to undergo a 24 hr salt fast and 12 hour water dep test outside of the hospital. My water dep/ salt fast was done in the hospital under close supervision. I was dying at the end of the test for water and salt. They gave me IV fluids and DDAVP before leaving, which helped tremendously. Just to add.... Look into the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. There is a good, basic diagram on wiki. If your renin is low, angiotensin and aldosterone will be low. This system is partially responsible for triggering the release of ADH from the pituitary. We are in uncharted territory, but I believe they are finding more and more POTS patients that have low output of vasopressin. It's not the classical central diabetes insipidus, but a diabetes insipidus like syndrome. The closest explanation I have gotten is sympathetic denervation of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the kidney which causes dysfunction of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (also known as the renin-aldosterone paradox). The Florinef did help my urine output, but I still do best with small doses of DDAVP. They can do a specialized MRI of the pituitary to check if you have the pituitary flare. If this is present, this means there is vasopressin there. In classic cases of central DI, this flare is missing. I had the "flare", so it's not that my pituitary and hypothalamus are not producing the vasopressin, but that it is not being triggered to release. We have to be careful with the DDAVP. I found out the hard way when a doctor put me on DDAVP without Florinef. I went into hyponatriemia and ended up in the hospital for 3 days. We need both the salt and the water, so it's best to start with Florinef, as you are doing. Best of luck with the endo. I hope these POTS researchers continue to search for explanations. We are very much alike!

[firewatcher]

I can not imagine having to undergo a 24 hr salt fast and 12 hour water dep test outside of the hospital. My water dep/ salt fast was done in the hospital under close supervision. I was dying at the end of the test for water and salt. They gave me IV fluids and DDAVP before leaving, which helped tremendously. Just to add.... Look into the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. There is a good, basic diagram on wiki. If your renin is low, angiotensin and aldosterone will be low. This system is partially responsible for triggering the release of ADH from the pituitary. We are in uncharted territory, but I believe they are finding more and more POTS patients that have low output of vasopressin. It's not the classical central diabetes insipidus, but a diabetes insipidus like syndrome. The closest explanation I have gotten is sympathetic denervation of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the kidney which causes dysfunction of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (also known as the renin-aldosterone paradox). The Florinef did help my urine output, but I still do best with small doses of DDAVP. They can do a specialized MRI of the pituitary to check if you have the pituitary flare. If this is present, this means there is vasopressin there. In classic cases of central DI, this flare is missing. I had the "flare", so it's not that my pituitary and hypothalamus are not producing the vasopressin, but that it is not being triggered to release. We have to be careful with the DDAVP. I found out the hard way when a doctor put me on DDAVP without Florinef. I went into hyponatriemia and ended up in the hospital for 3 days. We need both the salt and the water, so it's best to start with Florinef, as you are doing. Best of luck with the endo. I hope these POTS researchers continue to search for explanations. We are very much alike!

I absolutely agree! I think it is a form of transient or postural diabetes insipidus brought on by lack of blood flow to the hypothalamus and pituitary. I have had ADH measured several times (I know it is a dodgy test, but the hospital labs were running it, so it should be correct) and I never even registered as having any (always below the detectable limits!) This was with a serum Osm of 304! I have alternately had the posterior pituitary hyperintensity on my MRIs. I think that sometimes we make it and sometimes we don't. POTS definitely effects the HPA/HPO axis, they just haven't looked that deeply into it. Most of the research has been on the cardio side. There is a new test coming out this year for measuring ADH that should be far more accurate so that we will KNOW if it is DI or pseudo-DI.

[TXPOTS]

I can not imagine having to undergo a 24 hr salt fast and 12 hour water dep test outside of the hospital. My water dep/ salt fast was done in the hospital under close supervision. I was dying at the end of the test for water and salt. They gave me IV fluids and DDAVP before leaving, which helped tremendously. Just to add.... Look into the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. There is a good, basic diagram on wiki. If your renin is low, angiotensin and aldosterone will be low. This system is partially responsible for triggering the release of ADH from the pituitary. We are in uncharted territory, but I believe they are finding more and more POTS patients that have low output of vasopressin. It's not the classical central diabetes insipidus, but a diabetes insipidus like syndrome. The closest explanation I have gotten is sympathetic denervation of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the kidney which causes dysfunction of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (also known as the renin-aldosterone paradox). The Florinef did help my urine output, but I still do best with small doses of DDAVP. They can do a specialized MRI of the pituitary to check if you have the pituitary flare. If this is present, this means there is vasopressin there. In classic cases of central DI, this flare is missing. I had the "flare", so it's not that my pituitary and hypothalamus are not producing the vasopressin, but that it is not being triggered to release. We have to be careful with the DDAVP. I found out the hard way when a doctor put me on DDAVP without Florinef. I went into hyponatriemia and ended up in the hospital for 3 days. We need both the salt and the water, so it's best to start with Florinef, as you are doing. Best of luck with the endo. I hope these POTS researchers continue to search for explanations. We are very much alike!

I absolutely agree! I think it is a form of transient or postural diabetes insipidus brought on by lack of blood flow to the hypothalamus and pituitary. I have had ADH measured several times (I know it is a dodgy test, but the hospital labs were running it, so it should be correct) and I never even registered as having any (always below the detectable limits!) This was with a serum Osm of 304! I have alternately had the posterior pituitary hyperintensity on my MRIs. I think that sometimes we make it and sometimes we don't. POTS definitely effects the HPA/HPO axis, they just haven't looked that deeply into it. Most of the research has been on the cardio side. There is a new test coming out this year for measuring ADH that should be far more accurate so that we will KNOW if it is DI or pseudo-DI.

Very, very interesting indeed. My ADH levels have also come back undetectable, and this was at the end of the water deprivation test. However, I swear the severity of my DI changes from day to day, which should not happen with full central DI. I'm glad to hear there is a new ADH test coming up this yea. Keep in touch Charmed and Firewatcher, so we can compare notes. It's so interesting how many of us have these odd ball, overlapping symptoms.

[lieze]

Hi Lindsay I also went to an endo that told me I was malnourished and the reason I was symptomatic and felt so weak was because of my nutritional deficit.

The reason he said this was my amino acid gap was only half what it was supposed to be.

I have noticed since I've been able to eat a wider variety of foods without symptoms I do feel better. I am worried about that still though.

I didn't end up going back-he had ordered a thyroid function test and an adrenal stimulating test and I chickened out of both. My thyroid levels ended up coming back normal so no reason for the test right? And my adrenals were overactive? So I think it would have just made me feel really horrible to have that test.

Then he wanted to scan me for a pheochromocytoma-a 4-5 day whole body scan and I most likely have hyperadrenergic POTS so I opted out of this very expensive test as he called it.

I'm still waiting to get into an endo at Cleveland Clinic? My cardiologist looked over my labs and basically okay'd me to skip that scan for the pheo? Said that I could very well have POTS but he thought my symptoms were improving. He assures me every time I see him that my heart is fine.

How is your diet?-just curious since I am feeling a bit better now that I can eat.

lieze

[CharmedLinz]

Hope people have told you all before how great everyone here is..........and smart cookies too!!!

QUOTE (firewatcher @ Apr 19 2010, 03:01 PM)

QUOTE (TXPOTS @ Apr 19 2010, 10:41 AM)

I can not imagine having to undergo a 24 hr salt fast and 12 hour water dep test outside of the hospital. My water dep/ salt fast was done in the hospital under close supervision. I was dying at the end of the test for water and salt. They gave me IV fluids and DDAVP before leaving, which helped tremendously. Just to add.... Look into the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. There is a good, basic diagram on wiki. If your renin is low, angiotensin and aldosterone will be low. This system is partially responsible for triggering the release of ADH from the pituitary. We are in uncharted territory, but I believe they are finding more and more POTS patients that have low output of vasopressin. It's not the classical central diabetes insipidus, but a diabetes insipidus like syndrome. The closest explanation I have gotten is sympathetic denervation of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the kidney which causes dysfunction of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (also known as the renin-aldosterone paradox). The Florinef did help my urine output, but I still do best with small doses of DDAVP. They can do a specialized MRI of the pituitary to check if you have the pituitary flare. If this is present, this means there is vasopressin there. In classic cases of central DI, this flare is missing. I had the "flare", so it's not that my pituitary and hypothalamus are not producing the vasopressin, but that it is not being triggered to release. We have to be careful with the DDAVP. I found out the hard way when a doctor put me on DDAVP without Florinef. I went into hyponatriemia and ended up in the hospital for 3 days. We need both the salt and the water, so it's best to start with Florinef, as you are doing. Best of luck with the endo. I hope these POTS researchers continue to search for explanations. We are very much alike!

I absolutely agree! I think it is a form of transient or postural diabetes insipidus brought on by lack of blood flow to the hypothalamus and pituitary. I have had ADH measured several times (I know it is a dodgy test, but the hospital labs were running it, so it should be correct) and I never even registered as having any (always below the detectable limits!) This was with a serum Osm of 304! I have alternately had the posterior pituitary hyperintensity on my MRIs. I think that sometimes we make it and sometimes we don't. POTS definitely effects the HPA/HPO axis, they just haven't looked that deeply into it. Most of the research has been on the cardio side. There is a new test coming out this year for measuring ADH that should be far more accurate so that we will KNOW if it is DI or pseudo-DI.

Very, very interesting indeed. My ADH levels have also come back undetectable, and this was at the end of the water deprivation test. However, I swear the severity of my DI changes from day to day, which should not happen with full central DI. I'm glad to hear there is a new ADH test coming up this yea. Keep in touch Charmed and Firewatcher, so we can compare notes. It's so interesting how many of us have these odd ball, overlapping symptoms.

I've actually been reading about the whole system regarding renin, aldo, and angio and how they play a role in the HPA/HPO axis, I think it's amazing that those of us who are living with these symtpoms can easily see the connections between all of this but I've mentioned it to doctors who just go blank.

If I felt well I'd probably go get my degree in something so I could go into research. I keep thinking someone will find my case interesting enough to experiment and do some research on me because as much as I hate to be living it, I think I'm a very interesting case........and it seems I'm not the only one which means there has to be validity to it.

Anyone know where you can sign up to be a guinea pig?? I'd sign up for just about anything if it meant I might get some answers.

My DI symptoms also seem to change daily and are always the absolute worst right before I have a menstrual cycle. Almost all of my symptoms are worse before a menstrual cycle which are pretty much impossible to calculate so at least I do get some warning signs when I might actually start a cycle.

I'll look forward to the new ADH test as right now I've never had it tested since the Endo's here won't order it because the labs here won't perform it correctly.

Hi Lindsay I also went to an endo that told me I was malnourished and the reason I was symptomatic and felt so weak was because of my nutritional deficit.

The reason he said this was my amino acid gap was only half what it was supposed to be.

I have noticed since I've been able to eat a wider variety of foods without symptoms I do feel better. I am worried about that still though.

I didn't end up going back-he had ordered a thyroid function test and an adrenal stimulating test and I chickened out of both. My thyroid levels ended up coming back normal so no reason for the test right? And my adrenals were overactive? So I think it would have just made me feel really horrible to have that test.

Then he wanted to scan me for a pheochromocytoma-a 4-5 day whole body scan and I most likely have hyperadrenergic POTS so I opted out of this very expensive test as he called it.

I'm still waiting to get into an endo at Cleveland Clinic? My cardiologist looked over my labs and basically okay'd me to skip that scan for the pheo? Said that I could very well have POTS but he thought my symptoms were improving. He assures me every time I see him that my heart is fine.

How is your diet?-just curious since I am feeling a bit better now that I can eat.

lieze

Hi Lieze...... Thank you for your input. The malnutrition thing was just an easy brush off for that Endo I think. He said he had seen my symptoms and women just like me when he went to Cambodia. His exact words!

Trust me I know I'm not eating like the people there who probably have not many options of a varied diet.

It doesn't help that my whole family is very tall and thin with gangly arms and legs so we always look way thinner than we are.

The Florinef has helped the nausea a lot so I've actually been able to gain about 8 pounds since the end of February. 6 more pounds and I'll be back up to my healthy weight.

My diet has always been extremely healthy......I try anything and everything to try and feel better.....plus I have high cholesterol from the low thyroid and constant fluctuating blood sugar levels from the dysauto no doubt (I don't have diabetes)................

but I had gotten to the point earlier this year with the nausea that I had gotten a little too thin because so many things were making me sick. They acted like I was sickly thin but I was not underweight based on the BMI scale which doctors seem to rely so much on.

My diet for the past several years have consisted of mainly whole foods and lots of fruits and veggies and whole grains and lots of yogurt.

I stopped caffeine a few months ago, totally stopped the little bit of alcohol (1 cocktail on the weekend) I did drink about 2 years ago, and also totally gave up any type of fast food restaurants several years ago.

I get most of my protein from beans and yogurt as meat started bothering me last year when the nausea got real bad and meat still seems to be just too much for my system to deal with, though I do some fish.

Talk to you all soon.