The Daily Whine

Gas Bag · Post by **Gas Bag** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 7:56 am

Not MC related at all, but Holy Hanna, life can sure blind side you at times.

My best friend of 40 years, who is my age, 57, has been diagnosed with moderate dementia..yes only 57, she can no longer work and has to go on disability. We both are favored with a wicked bad sense of humor and she is in a surprisingly good spirits about the whole thing. She says, well she wasn't just handed a death sentence. So she is just going to get on with her life and just take things a day at a time, that's really all any of us can do. I call her all the time..."Hi it's Debbie..remember me?!?" .."I'm going to take you out shopping, do I need to wear a name tag when I come over!?!" Of course she has her dark moments, but she refuses to let this ruin her life and is not going to sit around feeling sorry for herself. Her husband also has kidney failure and is on dialysis, he had a kidney transplant a few years ago, but it wouldn't take, his body finally rejected it. I just can't even imagine how they can handle all of this, but they do!

Then oh dear, what also has me just hanging my head, we learned on Wednesday our little 11 year old Scotty dog Molly has cancer. My husband and I are just devastated. We are also taking this situation a day at a time as well. I'll know more from the Vets early next week, how bad it is and what kind...but it is not looking good at all, it is in her nasal passage and mouth and a tumor near her eye, deep inside. We knew she was not feeling well and has been really slowing down, we foolishly just thought she was slowing down because of her age. Not so.

Anway it just feels good to get this out, even though we are virtually strangers..it helps. Just call me Blanche DuBois.....I have always relied on the kindness of strangers.

Deb

JLH · Post by **JLH** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 8:18 am

We're NOT virtual strangers.

We are family!

Deb, check out the SpectraCell site and tell her about it. I've been researching magnesium deficiency and found references to Alzheimer's. Maybe, you could research it first.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. That is really sad,

Gas Bag · Post by **Gas Bag** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 10:16 am

JLH wrote:We're NOT virtual strangers. We are family!

Deb, check out the SpectraCell site and tell her about it. I've been researching magnesium deficiency and found references to Alzheimer's. Maybe, you could research it first.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. That is really sad,

Oh thanks for that, everything! I'll check out the magnesium deficiency and Alzheimer's. What is really annoying my friend is her mom is 87 and as sharp as a tack.

My little doggie is pretty perky today, she is still eating good, we are feeding her lots of good high protein food and fish oil, omega-3 is suppose to help and really pampering her. We will find out more early next week, the Vet took lots of biopsies and x-rays, she, our Vet, found all the cancer while Molly was having her teeth cleaned.

Deb

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 10:34 am

I'm so sorry to read about your friend and your dog. I can't believe that your friend could have dementia at 57. I hope that there is something that can help her.

We lost our dog to cancer 12 years ago. It was very hard to see her decline, but also hard to let her go. Our pets are part of our family, too. I hope your dog responds to a good diet and can keep the cancer at bay.

Gloria

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 10:57 am

Deb-------when ya gotta spew--just let it RIP!!!!! thats what we are here for---weather it be illness or just having a real lousy crappy day--finding out that a friend--has developed an illness --or our little *furry* friends arent doing so well--

And AGE dont mean a freaking thing----AILMENTS dont CARE what AGE one is AT!!!

Am sorry about your friend---but she does appear to have a good attitude--
Thats what hub. Lou would say to me---not dying right??? so smile at your friend and be there to keep her laughing!!

Barbara

Post by **tex** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 11:42 am

Deb,

Joan and Barbara are right, of course - we share burdens here, and let off steam, when the pressure gets too high. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's problem, (I definitely understand, since I'm probably facing the same long-term prospect), and I'm sorry that poor Molly has been stricken with such a horrible disease, also. Ask your vet, (assuming that your vet is current with the latest research developments in vitamin D potential), whether you can safely give Molly megadoses of vitamin D3. (Vitamin D has been shown to fight cancer, so it may significantly improve her quality of life, and prolong her life.). I would recommend about 1,000 IU per pound of body weight, per day, but I'm no vet, so be sure to run that past your vet before attempting it. If your vet does not seem to be knowledgeable about current developments in the area of vitamin D3, then I would do it anyway, if I were in your shoes. Not everyone agrees - here's a vet blog on dog cancer, with a contrary opinion. What bothers me about his references, however, is that the ones that I checked out, are not really current, nor "leading-edge" research. I realize that this is a cruel thing to say, and I don't mean it in a malicious way, but remember that vets don't make any money from a vitamin D treatment program, and so that's kind of a disincentive for recommending it. For all I know, though, he might be right. Maybe results on humans don't translate well for dogs.

I think the jury is still out on a lot of the benefits of vitamin D.

http://www.dogcancerblog.com/vitamin-d-and-dog-cancer/

I'm a strong believer in the "Chaos Theory", so I never become too concerned about the future, since something almost always comes along to unravel the best of plans that we might make. IOW, I believe that chaotic events almost always trump the plans we make, sometimes for better, and sometimes for worse, but we rarely end up playing out the game with the cards that we were originally dealt.

I think that Joan is on to something, concerning magnesium deficiency. I believe that magnesium will come under the spotlight as another "Vitamin D", in the future, (IOW, as a major, and widespread problem, that has been contributing to many health issues, because the medical profession chooses to ignore it, since it does not often present with obvious symptoms). I've been sort of looking into magnesium, ever since I discovered that it was the source of my inability to sleep, some nights, because I was unable to draw a deep breath.

Here is a list of diseases that have been connected, (so far), with magnesium deficiency:

* ADD/ADHD
* Alzheimer's
* Angina
* Anxiety disorders
* Arrhythmia
* Arthritis- Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis
* Asthma
* Autism
* Auto immune disorders- all types
* Cavities
* Cerebral Palsy- in children from magnesium deficient mothers
* Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
* Congestive Heart Disease
* Constipation
* Crooked teeth- narrow jaw- in children from magnesium deficient mothers
* Depression
* Diabetes- Type I and II
* Eating disorders- Bulimia, Anorexia
* Fibromyalgia
* Gut disorders- including peptic ulcer, Crohn's disease, colitis, food allergy
* Heart Disease- Arteriosclerosis, high cholesterol, high triglycerides
* Heart Disease- in infants born to magnesium deficient mothers
* High Blood Pressure
* Hypoglycemia
* Impaired athletic performance
* Infantile Seizure- in children from magnesium deficient mothers
* Insomnia
* Kidney Stones
* Lou Gehrig's Disease
* Migraines- including cluster type
* Mitral Valve Prolapse
* Multiple Sclerosis
* Muscle cramps
* Muscle weakness, fatigue
* Myopia- in children from magnesium deficient mothers
* Obesity- especially obesity associated with high carbohydrate diets
* Osteoporosis- just adding magnesium reversed bone loss
* Parkinson's Disease
* PMS- including menstrual pain and irregularities
* PPH- Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
* Raynaud's
* SIDS- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
* Stroke
* Syndrome X- insulin resistance
* Thyroid disorders- low, high and auto-immune; low magnesium reduces T4

http://www.krispin.com/magnes.html

Note the warning, at the end of the article:

REALLY IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT MEDICATIONS AND PSYCHO-ACTIVE HERBS: Cellular magnesium repletion will alter your need for l-tryptophan, melatonin, St. John's Wort, anti-depressants, sleep medications, cholesterol lowering drugs, thyroid medication, insulin, diabetic drugs, anti-hypertensives, diuretics and other medications. If you are taking any of the above please make sure to check with your physician as you will need to monitor and reduce or eliminate these medications.

My long-term magnesium deficiency may be the reason why my thyroid labs are screwy, and haven't been responding very well to thyroid hormone supplementation, over the past couple of years. I'm beginning to wonder if I even have hypothyroidism, because my TSH has always been in the normal range, but I'm taking a thyroid hormone supplement, because my free T4 is low.

When I first started taking a thyroid supplement after 03/27/09, these were my test results:

TSH 3.640 normal range (0.465-4.68 uIU/mL)
Free T4 0.75 normal range (0.78-2.19 ng/dL)

At my regular annual checkup, on 04/09/09, these were my test results:

TSH 4.667 normal range (0.465-5.600 uIU/mL) (Yes, they changed the upper limit of the range from 4.680 to 5.600.)
Free T4 0.61 normal range (0.78-2.19 ng/dL)

A high TSH level, means that a patient needs more thyroid hormone than their thyroid gland is supplying, and a low TSH level means that their thyroid gland is producing more than needed. Free T4 is used by the body to make T3, (thyroid hormone), so if Free T4 is low, it may not be able to meet the demand. Sooooooo my test levels have gone the wrong way, despite the fact that I have doubled my dose of thyroid supplement twice, long before the April, 2009 test was done, so it would have reflected that dose increase.

I started taking a magnesium supplement on July 27th, (this year), and 15 days later, when my neurologist ordered a complete blood test, my TSH was waaaaaaaaay down:

TSH 0.470 normal range (0.465-5.600 uIU/mL)
Unfortunately, he didn't order a test for Free t4.

Note that during the past couple of years, I have also developed Parkinson's disease, (though there was no previous family history of it).

Hmmmmmmmmm.

Looks suspicious, doesn't it.

Thanks Joan, for bringing up the magnesium angle.

Tex

P. S. If I had Alzheimer's, I would try to keep my D3 intake high, so that my 25(OH)D test result was near the top of the preferred range, and I would make absolutely sure that I was getting enough magnesium. If I smoked, I would not stop, and I wouldn't stop drinking coffee, or anything else that contains caffeine, because nicotine and caffeine are protective of Alzheimer's disease, (and Parkinson's disease, and probably any other issue that involves dementia, and brain deterioration).

Gas Bag · Post by **Gas Bag** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 2:38 pm

So much good information. I'm all for vitamin therapy, the Vitamin D sounds like a fine idea. Next week when I talk to the Vet I am going to ask if there is a good dog vitamin supplement I can give her. Ok I read the article, sounds like getting her out in the sun a few times a week is a good way to help her out.

She tires easily anymore, but she loves to go for rides in the bike basket.

Omega-3 is good for fighting cancer too, but I read omega-6 actually makes tumors grow more as does sugar, so I am really reading dog food can labels like a mad woman now.

My dear friend, jeez yeah, 57 is extremely early, almost unheard of, only 1% of the population at age 60 has signs of dementia! She is laughingly wondering if the drugs we did in the early 70's might have something to do with it

..Jeeezsus I hope not, I better cross my fingers. Maybe there is going to be a wave of old hippies starting to get early dementia. Time will tell I rather imagine.

It is a gorgeous day, I better go get my doggie outside for a bit!

You guys are awesome and so full of it..... good information I mean.

Oh Tex, interesting stuff about hypothyroidism, I have only ever had my TSH checked, my Quack Doc never wanted to check anything else. Oh and Holy Hanna, Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus, my Doc has left the Clinic I go to (and it is a mystery shrouded in silence)..Yeah, now I have a good reason to finally start seeing a new doctor. I'll have to find one in a few months so I can get my meds refilled.

Deb

Post by **tex** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 4:05 pm

Deb,

Virtually all docs don't savy Free T4 - they just don't see a need to be concerned about it. And if you request a T4 test, they will test for total T4, (not Free T4), even though Free T4 is the only fraction of it that is actually available for making thyroid hormone. As far as I can tell, there's not much point in checking total T4 levels, (but I ain't no doctor. LOL). I have to routinely ask my doc, (or his nurse), to order a Free T4 test, when he orders the tests, or he wouldn't order it, either.

If you want to see why your doc left, (if you suspect foul play), you can check your state's site for the State Board of Medical Examiners, and do a search for disciplinary action against him, by the Board. Complaints, and malpractice suits won't be available for public viewing, but any disciplinary action taken against him by the Board, will be a matter of public record, and should be posted there.

Tex

mbeezie · Post by **mbeezie** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 6:38 pm

Deb,

So sorry to hear about your friend. She is lucky to have you to brighten her days.

And your dog . . . sigh. So heartwrenching - we become so connected to our dogs and it is so hard when they fall ill.

Take care,

Mary Beth

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 6:49 am

I'm really sorry to hear about both your friend and your furry friend. I know they both mean so much to you. I truly hope some/all the suggestions will help.

I know you will do your best to keep your friend's spirits up and I really admire her attitude.

And....... of course........ spout off and get everything off you chest anytime.

Love, Shirley

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 6:54 am

Tex,
For pete's sake!! I certainly fit into at least 12 of those conditions/symptoms of magnesium deficiency including ones caused by a mother having it. That's a bit disturbing. I am taking supplements with magnesium in them but obviously too late to avoid some things.

Thanks for the heads up.

Love, Shirley

Gas Bag · Post by **Gas Bag** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 7:22 am

Thank you so much everybody for your kinds words and encouragement. Our little doggie is quite a trooper, and one good thing, she doesn't know what is wrong, all she knows is "Boy my meals have certainly improved!"

My dear friend is hanging in there pretty damn good. I think with any disease/aliment attitude is everything.

And Tex I will do just that, check out the State Board and see if there is anything there.
I checked and couldn't find anything. I'll find out eventually, because my good friend worked in the office at the clinic and she will find out sooner or later. Oh and by the way, last I heard they are going to let my friend work as a volunteer at the door to help get people signed in. She said she doesn't want to just sit home all day with the dogs. She is still able to drive into town on her own.

Back to the thyroid business, I "seem" to be just fine on my meds. And believe me, when I finally got diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I was a walking mess.
EXTREMELY, painfully constipated, skin so dry it was like I was dusted in flour, and I was seriously, seriously worried I was having early on-set Alzheimers.

Deb

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 9:09 pm

Really glad you are feeling better, Deb.

Love, Shirley

Gas Bag · Post by **Gas Bag** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 5:46 am

Thank you Shirely, the thyroid business, yeah I was never so relieved in my life when I found out that was all that was wrong!

Deb

ant · Post by **ant** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 6:17 am

Dear Deb

Have you checked out Ginkgo Biloba for your friend. It is supposed to improve circulation to the brain and thus help keep dementia at bay.

The unconditional love of a dog is a great thing and you are so right in your observation that, as far as your furry friend is concerned, all that has happened is that his meals are now five star.

all best, ant