There has to be a better way to prep for SCAN??

[tigermom710]

Hi,

I just spend 3 days in the hospital last week for gall stones. They decided not to take it out, because it wasn't infected, but I have so many gall stones they told me too many to count. One was 1 inch in diameter. I had a total thyroidectomy 2/16/2006 with RAI following. I did have trouble eating a regular portion of meals as I used to before. I don't like very greasy meals anyway. I did notice that drinking coffee sometimes made me sick, normally I love a good cup of coffee.

I have had a lot of cardiac symptoms before I had my thyroid out. After the surgery, all cardiac symptoms went away, exept for the occassional rapid heart beat when my TSH is in my doctor's ideal level 0.12, while taking 225mcg of Synthroid. I don't feel my best at that level, but she wants it there.

Now I have been off my Synthroid for the last 4-5 weeks to get ready for my annual thyroid cancer scan. I have developed numerous problems being very hypo again. A week ago my TSH was 91 and counting until the scan.

I have gotten very weak and every other medical condition like, diabetes, UTI, neuropathy, gall bladder, have come to the foreground because of this.In 1 week I fell down 4 times, than I was sent to the Neurologist. Tomorrow I have a nerve conduction study done...more fun. A lot of times my legs and arms just give out, and working has been almost impossible again. Thank God, I can work some from home on my lap top.

Today I am very angry that this is necessary to go through for some scan.

If I'm clear this time, the next scan is not going to happen for several years, unless there is a better way. I did ask my doc, if I can use those other meds that speed up the process, but she wouldn't let me. And they won't schedule the scan unless the TSH is over 40. By than, I had to wait several weeks to get the appointment - How crazy is that??? I hope my spelling isn't too bad in my foggy state of mind.

My boss tells me I sound like I'm drunk, because my speech is slurred (she knows I'm not), but that is how much my mind and body are effected.
I thought of cheating and taking 100mcg of synthroid for a few days so I don't get even worse. My scan is not scheduled until the 29th of June..........an eternity for me at this point. Has anyone ever done this, with or without doctor permission?

Gall bladder stones are very common and unless there is an acute infection or blockage, the surgeant told me, they do not like to remove it. I was admitted to the ER and already scheduled for surgery and he decided not to do it.

The galbladder is in the upper right hand area of your ribcage. I had pain traveling from there. I will have to find that cleansing diet for it too. I want to at least try it. A little warning, that scan they use to test the gall bladder function by injecting a radio active tracer among other things into your veins, (I forgot the name, hydro scan or something like that) made me very sick and vomit. It might be easier on someone else - best of luck!!!


If there is a solution, please let me know.

Very confused sounding at this point - sorry
Take Care Everybody,

Marina, FL

[Molly93]

Hey Marina,

I am sorry that you are going through this! Being that hypo is missery! Does your doctor except you to recieve treatment?
Other wise.. they can scan using Thryogen.. Two quick little shots.. one one morning.. one the second morning.. A day off, and then thursday go in for the RAI tracer dose, and then friday for the scan..
For my first year scan my doctor used thyrogen.. she said it was going to be alot easier for me to live my life and then if necessary for treatment to come off my meds and gets a treatment dose. I used it this pass year.. and I thought was going to be done.. but my anti bodies are back..

Do you live in an area where you can switch docs?

And sorry about your gallbladder.. I had mine removed about 6 months after my thyroid..But you probably would not want surgery in your extreme hypthryoid state

Good Luck

[tigermom710]

Thank you for your support. I think I need to find a different doc. Just not this second. Once I get through this. I saw her today and she ordered the SCAN to be done NOW. But they have no apts. One of the ladies in the office will keep checking for cancellations for me.

[kwebster]

Hi!
THYROGEN is the answer. Just had my first shot today. No going off meds no unpleasant side effects (Just a little tired though this may change by tomorrow). Downside, is that the shots are expensive. Mine were about 2K. My co-pay was about $430.00. But, I feel it is well worth the trouble. The only contraindications is if you have heart issues and have some thyroid left in your body. But, a cardiologist could make that determination.

Why are you going through these nerves tests? Clearly being hypothyroid would cause many of your symptoms. Especially at TSH 93.

No sense taking your Synthroid because it takes a while to kick in. Cytomel may be the answer for you, but I think you are too close to your scan. Typically, you can take Cytomel (fast acting thyorid meds) when you come off of Synthroid and for up to two weeks before the scan. At least it keeps some meds in your system so you don't suffer.

Not bashing your docs, but they sound a little old fashion and not up to date with the latest research.

[tigermom710]

Maybe she was concerned about any heart issues. I used to have irregular heart rythms and failed stress test and a heart cath that showed my arteries were totally clean and one of the main arteries has a small abnormality from birth.

After I had my thyroid removed, all the "heart symptoms" like possible heart attack, chest pain, rythm problems went away!

Of course diabetes doesn't help in the long run.