What to expect in a thyroid scan? What to expect for a thyroid uptake?

[eriko]

I am scheduled to have a thyroid scan on Feb 12th. I have been recently diagnosed with hyperthyroid from a blood test. This is all very new to me. What should I expect on the scan? The uptake? Will it hurt? Did any of you feel sick? I was told I can work that day. Should I not eat before the scan? I read online a definition of these, but wanted to hear first hand from this group. Thanks!
eriko

[tm514]

The scan does not hurt.  I found the opportunity to do nothing but lay there very relaxing. The uptake test was also uneventful, the dose of radioactive iodine they use is quite small.  I followed my normal diet before the test, stopped for lunch on the way back to the office and worked the rest of the day without problems.

[eriko]

Thank you for your experience. The unknown always seems scary. OK, I won't fret about the tests.

[GravesLady]

Ditto to tm514.  Only I had to stop smoking for that day and that is when I decided to quit for good and it as been 10 years since.  I went shopping all days before scan.
You will be ok.

[azqtpies]

Hi There,

The uptake test, it absolutely NO PAIN its just like doing a xray! except you lay there longer HONESTLY!.. nothing too it !

K

[eriko]

PHEW! Thank goodnes. I read online the uptake was a probe! I got scared! An xray I can handle!

Until I see the MD specialist, I am losing weight. Do you think it's ok to wait? How much weight loss is dangerous? I was 122 2 weeks ago. Today I am 111. I am 5', petite woman, age 45.

[GravesLady]

I am 5' 4" and lost down to 94/97 lbs.  in 9 months and still losing until RAI treatment.

At 5', a 100 lbs is the ideal weight. So you have plenty of weight to lose before any danger.

[eriko]

Thank you Graveslady. I don't mind losing the weight, but was concerned about how quickly I was losing ( 10 lbs in 1 week). I am monitoring how I feel. If needed, I will see my MD asap.