Family and Friends,
I am not sure if you all know that Rob has been dealing with rapid weight loss (about 20lbs. since November), profuse sweating and trembling. After research and profesional diagnosis, we are still baffled but it all points towards a form of hyperthyroidism which is rare in individuals with DS, they are usually on the other end of the spectrum of thyroid disorders.
In Rob's case it seems to be an excess of iodine in his system which is causing his metabolism and his thyroid to be on overdrive - as it were. His endo has recommended all iodine based products to be cut out of his diet - that means NO FISH or fish products of any kind. He loves our fresh farm salmon so that will be a biggie for him, plus any brain omega's that he takes in supplement form, are out as well.
Our farm water contains iodine as well as other minerals so bottled water it will have to be for a period of 3 weeks.
AFter this we are to spend a couple of nights in Fairbanks at FMH for an iodine uptake. What is an iodine uptake? Glad you asked...
You can read all about it here:
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/radioactive-iodine-uptake-test
I could post some of the photos I have taken of Rob but you would be taken aback at how much weight he has lost and how scrawny he looks....so I have refrained from scandalizing you...
Iodine is a trace element, water soluble and actually rare on the planet. It is, like so many things, ESSENTIAL for thyroid health BUT TOO MUCH OF IT IS NOT GOOD...
kind of like that xtra chromosome dealy, where too much of a good thing is actually harmful.
You can read about how too much iodine in the system can affect the whole works in a bad way:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/454495-symptoms-of-excessive-iodine-intake/
Pray for Rob, we know God has him in the palm of His hand.
Blessings to all
have a great week!
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