Hello All,
Sorry I have been absent for awhile - a lot going on with me.
I am sorry to share that after more tests and the latest prescribed treatment that did not sit right with me, I sought a second opinion today from a board certified internist as well as being board certified in integrative medicine.
Let me update you on what transpired in last few weeks...
- was taken off IP
- placed on 10 day detox diet
- started very high dose for hypo (4 grain - little improvement)
- was waiting on results of adrenals and testosterone
Got results yesterday and all but cortisol came back very low. Testosterone was so low they couldn't even get an exact reading so just said < 3 mcg on a scale of 8-49.
Cortisol came back very high.
Now, this is where it gets interesting.
The first doctor, who was source of earlier posts in this thread, prescribed treatment for every abnormality in my test results.
Specifically:
- high dose of thyroid medicine
- DHEA injections
- testosterone cream
- adrenal supplements
All of this did not sit well with me as the high platelet count was not factored in, nor relief in all these weeks from headache and light-headedness and still low energy and it seemed odd to me that each of these needed separate attention vs tying it all together.
Consequently, I sought a second opinion and was quite lucky there was a new patient cancellation so I got in today.
Before I share what he said, I want to provide a disclaimer as I don't want anyone to be upset with what I share. This is my experience and one doctor's point of view that I find more logical but you may not so please just take this as information sharing.
- he completely contradicted the first doctor (in a professional way)
- He told me to stop all treatment prescribed.
- he said my blood test results reflect someone that has been on a ketogenic starvation diet for 7 months. He said the great energy that I had for 5+ months is due to the body releasing endorphins in starvation mode as its backup energy source as a survival mechanism which happens so the body has the energy to go get food, ie, hunt. He said the feelings that I felt where there was an abrupt change was my body depleting the endorphins. I told him that I don't feel any better even though I am off all diets for 2 weeks and he said it takes the body longer to recover from a 7 month starvation diet (starvation as defined by < 1000 calories per day).
- he said all the blood test abnormalities will correct itself by remaining off starvation diet.
- he said I do not have hypo, etc in spite of what test results show - these results are strictly its reaction and defense to slow things down due to starvation
- in fact, he said it is a sign of my health that I did not have side effects from such a high dose of thyroid. He said if I was not as healthy, I would have had serious side effects.
- he said the cortisol is another matter. This did not happen as a result of this diet. He said he needs more data before we treat. He ordered additional blood work, which he said should have been ordered at the outset which will take 2 weeks.
- he also said he is going to do research on IP to see if he missed anything in regards to potential nutritional deficiencies and said he'd have that analysis for me at the next appt on April 21 when the blood results will be back
- he said we'll solve this and to hang in there even though my symptoms continue. In fact, he said I looked so worn out that he was sure if he gave me a blanket, I could have curled up and went to sleep on his office floor and I told him he was right.
- he was very critical of the detox diet too - he said it is non- sense
I am going to follow 2nd opinion because this seems more right to me than all that other treatment. I don't know anyone who had DHEA injections nor women getting testosterone cream, etc thereby treating every blood abnormality as a separate treatment - doesn't seem right.
In a nutshell, I think the first doctor is overzealous in his desire to try and help me. Also, I think there is something to be said for going to a doctor that understands metabolism, thyroid, adrenals, etc but is not affiliated nor an endorser of any one diet including Ideal Protein.
I contacted my original clinic because it has been 3 weeks off IP and I am gaining inches and weight that is making me feel bad about too. I asked the clinic tonight if they could adjust the program so that it is not a starvation diet such that it is more like 1200 calories but still applying the low carb approach and they said yes - to come in and we'll work it all out. This is the first time they have said they would modify given what I have going on so seems like bringing a medical doctor's input is helpful.
One thing my doctor said is I cannot workout with adrenals in the shape they are as that will further stress them - he wants results from blood in 3 weeks before addressing that aspect so I feel I am getting the IP knowledge mixed with medical knowledge that I think I need for long term health and maintenance. I also like the fact that my doctor is going to research Ideal Protein for further guidance.
I knew transitioning wasn't going to be easy for me but I never expected this
I do need to diet for I'm guessing about 4 weeks to get me back to where I was before stopping P1. I can't stand how I feel! And, I still have headaches and little energy, etc - bad combination so I am struggling but I'll get through this and be better for it!
I hope this info continues to be helpful for some of you.
