Well what does one say when someone says their health is "dire"? This is horrific news and I'll be thinking about you, hoping for only good news on Monday. Just focus on your health right now and do whatever you have to do to take care of yourself. Words don't carry enough weight in situations like this.

I think it's too early to know if you are in the 20%. You've been on TSM for what, two months? Try not to worry about that now and take care of this thyroid issue.

I wish I could offer you more help. Please stay well. Your wit, energy, charm, empathy and intelligence are very much needed on this board in particular, and the world in general. And please stay in close touch communication here.

My best,

Nick

Oh dear Ketichikan that is bad news indeed. Please take care of yourself - is there any chance that drinking or the nal could be making the thyroid problems worse? does your doctor know about all the pieces?
Hang in there.
EL

Thanks Nick and Electra.

Yes to your question, Electra. It was Jennifer Hurlbutt that prescribed Naltrexone to me. She has been watching my (so-called) progress closely and it was she who ordered $1000.00 worth of tests. It exceeds that total now.

You know what? Be careful what you wish for! It is my sincere wish to get HEALTHY. And now look! It's as if the universe is saying, "Allright, little lady! Health? You got it, but first, let me show you just how very off skew you really are... now, you're sure this is what you want? Because if you want to remain an unbalanced, falling down drunk with high blood pressure and no thyroid, well, we can do that too!"

It is a twisted road, my path. My brain can be twisted as well.

My dream is being fullfilled. That's how I have to look at this. And I am lucky that I have the means to take care of myself. For a long time I spent $$$$$ (LOTS OF IT) for self-destructive substances. I still am in regards to booze.

My mom said that it's time to pay the piper. Perhaps she's right.

Anyway, I am ever grateful that you people exist and that this forum allows my struggle to be heard and more importantly understood. Thank you all for this precious gift you give that to me is empathy and compassion.

I will keep you posted. I have a hefty To-Do list today as my guest arrives later.

Have a great weekend,

Ketchikan1

Sorry to hear of the bad news Ketch. Hopefully our manic alaskan summer will deliver some extra needed energy to get you over this. Stay hopeful!! I'll be sending some positive energy your way..

-dragonfly

Hi Ketch - What a drag to have to deal with additional health problems and your alcoholism at the same time. Alcoholism is a big enough problem to deal with. I will be sending positive energy your way as well and good luck with Patrick. Keep us posted.

I hope you are not beating yourself up over your drinking like I do. You are following the program and won't know for awhile if it is working or not. Just by focusing on your health maybe you'll cut down a bit. Nothing will scare you more than something with your health.

Hoping for a better day for you and some fun time with your friend.

Shiwa

Okay. So I haven't posted in a while. All is well. Except my nurse practitioner did not set me up with the thyroid specialist. A Woman's Place, where I am a patient, is not exactly The Mayo Clinic. But then again, everything takes longer in Alaska from the mail to flights. I mean the police chief is the spitting image of Barney Fife. I'm sure I'll remedy my hypothyroidism eventually. I'm not too worried anyhow, as I feel fine. Well as fine as a woman who drinks to oblivian every night might feel.

However, speaking of unit intake, I did pick up Patrick Saturday and of course got blitzed. Worked the next day then he took me out to a great dinner and I evidently got so smashed that I wanted to walk down a set of stairs and he said no because if I stumbled I wouldn't stop falling for several hundred feet. At least he's looking out for me. Look Ma! Ain't it cool that I need a babysitter at the age of 41?!?! Neat!

I feel like Patrick's sister. Though he has more romantic tendancy. I told him about Mark the biologist. He is a biologist and not an engineer but in hearing both job descriptions, I don't see much difference.

I was in rehearsals today. My first show is a week from today. Can't wait. I love performing. It's where I belong. And I've always known this. But I've been searching all my life for the correct message that I wanted to share with the world. I believe TSM is it. Truly.

Anyway, Sunday night and Monday night I was also hammered. Tonight is Tuesday and I've switched it up. Patrick and I went to a Mexican restaurant and we had a margarita each and cashed out and then the owner bought us another round and get this: I gave my sickenly sweet cocktail to Patrick. I couldn't drink it! Give a drink away? That's a first.

Nick, if you are reading this post, I think you were surprised to have had a similar experience when you dumped out a grey goose and tonic much to your chagrin. I'm there pal. Exactly there. And if I'm not mistaken, that happened in your eighth week. I knew there would be changes come my eighth week, or so I'd hoped.

Also, tonight I am drinking not wine as per usual but Alaskan Amber, one of my favorite microbrews. I am in absolute control. Not even-- well..... okay.... MILDLY buzzed. I'll admit to that. I am currently on my fourth unit. I am listeneing to Jason Mraz on my IPod, while texting Mark back and forth and writing on this forum.

I had a dream and I want to write it on record. I dreamed that I walked to the liquor store and was surprised to find that it had had closed and all of its lights were shut off, yet the grocery store next door was open. Usually (hold on... Mark again...) the grocery closes long before the liquor store does. Anyway, I asked the clerk, "When did the liquor store close?" She replied, "6:30."

So, here's my prediction-- and yes, sometimes I am psychic. I think the turning point will be on 6/10. June 30th. Let's hope, eh?

Back to the restaurant tomorrow bright and early. This is the last week for the current, off-season schedule. Starting May 8th I'll be working at the restaurant Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Performing Monday and Tuesday. As if you guys care. Anybody writing this down?

Didn't think so,

Ketchikan1

Yep, I'm reading. Very relieved that your thyroid condition doesn't appear to be killing you. And yes, I remember dumping the Gray Goose because I hadn't taken the nal. And it wasn't to my chagrin, I remember thinking, "Wow, you NEVER would have done that pre-TSM." So keep looking for the little glimmers of improvement. And try and stay away from the hard stuff -- stick with beer as first preference, then wine if you can't handle that.

My best,

Nick

Giving away a drink?? What, are you mad??? No, seriously, I totally hear you. I recently went to an event where there were lots of free drink tickets to be had - I gave all mine away to friends except for two. That was a first!!
EL

Great progress

I strongly suggest Thyroid for Dummies for your hypothyroidism.