Richard and Karilee Shames are not only
husband and wife, but doctor and nurse, AND thyroid
practitioner and thyroid patient. For more than twenty-five
years, the Shameses have been working with people who are "low
thyroid" -- the term they use to describe hypothyroidism -- in
their new book, Thyroid Power: Ten Steps to Total Health.
Karilee herself is hypothyroid, as are several of the couple's
children, and these experiences have informed both authors,
who have struggled to help not only their own family, but many
patients they have treated for thyroid problems as well.
In a simply written, straightforward manner, the Shameses have
reorganized some basic information about hypothyroidism's
causes, tests, diagnosis and treatment into a ten-step program
of information for patients.
Their ten steps include:
- Step One: Consider Thyroid The
Hidden Factor in Your Overall Health
- Step Two: Learn How Low Thyroid
Makes Any Illness Worse
- Step Three: Use Signs, Symptoms, &
Family History to Support A Diagnosis
- Step Four: Realize You May Still
Be Low Thyroid Despite Normal Tests
- Step Five: Discover Your Best
Dose, Brand, or Mix of Medicines
- Step Six: Re-Balance Your
Reproductive System
- Step Seven: Determine if Low
Adrenal Should Also Be Treated
- Step Eight: Boost Your Medication
with Natural Therapies
- Step Nine: Improve the Underlying
Autoimmune Condition
- Step Ten: Reach Optimal Recovery
with An Empowered Lifestyle
One of the most interesting and
innovative parts of the book is Step 9 -- "Improve the
Underlying Autoimmune Condition." This section shares some of
the results from Karilee's weekly thyroid recovery group
meetings held with other thyroid patients. This chapter talks
about issues patients have experienced with emotional
sensitivity, self-esteem, perfectionism, maintaining momentum,
being empowered, and more, and many of the "common
characteristics" of people with autoimmune hypothyroidism
struck a chord personally with me. (For a look at some of
their thoughts on this, see:
A Mind/Body Exploration of Hypothyroidism, with Richard &
Karilee Shames.)
For those who are already diagnosed, Step Seven's overview of
adrenal insufficiency is also a very useful adjunct,
particularly for thyroid patients who do not feel well on what
is considered sufficient treatment for hypothyroidism. (For an
interview discussing some of their perspectives on adrenal
issues, see: The
Adrenal/Thyroid Connection -- Interview with Richard and
Karilee Shames.)
A unique section is titled "How to Tap the Source of Boundless
Energy," which talks about energy healing, the energy chakras,
and self-actualization. While not specifically focused on the
thyroid, this section is an excellent introduction to the
concepts of energy work for those who are not familiar with
modalities such as Reiki, healing hands, or laying on of
hands.
The main weakness in this book is the fact that many thyroid
patients who read the book will not have access to
practitioners who are even remotely as open-minded or holistic
in their approach as Richard and Karilee Shames. While the
Shameses are part of a growing body of alternative
practitioners who are innovative their diagnosis and treatment
of hypothyroidism, the vast majority of patients are still
subject to very limited, highly conventional treatment
protocols, and a very ingrained doctrine of thyroid treatment.
Rigid adherence to TSH tests, "normal ranges" and
levothyroxine as the sole treatment is the standard practice,
and what standard practice is what is typically covered by
HMOs and insurance companies. The Shames' use of TRH, total
T3, free T3 and antibodies tests as standard, and their
unbiased use of levothyroxine, synthetic T3, or natural
thyroid products -- whatever product works best for each
individual patient -- are encouraging, but still uncommon
among most medical professionals.
Overall, Thyroid Power is an excellent thyroid-related
addition to any thyroid patient's bookshelf. As a thyroid
patient, reading Thyroid Power will renew your faith that
doctors actually exist who clearly understand how to diagnose
and treat hypothyroidism in real people, and who do not
believe that patients are merely lab values on a medical
chart.
Book reviewed as it appears on
Mary Shomon's website
About Thyroid.
http://thyroid.about.com/cs/bookspublications/a/thyroidpower.htm |
