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recent TT and RAI side effects?
OK, what an awesome resource. Never had thyroid issues/symptoms until my OB/GYN felt a tiny "something" in Dec. Followed up with ultrasound and FNA. Then went to an amazing ENT and had a TT (2/08/07) one month ago yesterday--papillary carcinoma. Followed up with mini dose and body scan, then radiated iodine treatment (153 mcg) on 2/26, and began Levothroid (125) on 2/27. By 2/28 I was experiencing classic signs of yeast infection, and by Saturday (3/3) I had lost my sense of taste. All of those symptoms have continued, and now I find that I am cold, have difficulty sleeping, and get dizzy easily, and of course, my energy level is very low (bad news as a I homeschool our 4 kids), and I have the famous brain fog and short term memory loss which is getting worse. This is all new to me, and don't know how much is due to time lag in adjusting t hormones, or too low a dose, or radiation....? any ideas ??? I am taking no other meds or supps except 1 500mg calcium 2x daily....
I noticed you said you had dizziness after your RAI, I too am getting this and it is extremely bothersome. When I dropped my kids off to school today and was walking back to the car from the classroom I had to stop and lean on the wall a few times. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal?
You might just call your endo's nurse and leave some information. The yeast thing isn't an emergency (but it sure is irritating!). Meanwhile try some Monostat (or similar product) and cut way back on the carbs (especially breads and anything with yeast) and see if that helps. Also avoid fruit juices. Eating yogurt helps too.
My sense of taste is just starting to come back at roughly 4 months post RAI.
Many pharmacy chains (Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, etc.) in the U.S. carry store-brand glucose testing kits which are quite inexpensive. They come with a small meter and strips and are "disposable" (you just need lancets). It may not hurt for you to check your blood sugar levels when you wake up and before and after meals. The blood sugar thing was a huge surprise for all of us in my family after our TTs. *IF* you are having blood sugar issues it's best to get on top of it while you can control it with diet and exercise.
"Welcome to the jungle" :-)
My sense of taste is just starting to come back at roughly 4 months post RAI.
Many pharmacy chains (Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, etc.) in the U.S. carry store-brand glucose testing kits which are quite inexpensive. They come with a small meter and strips and are "disposable" (you just need lancets). It may not hurt for you to check your blood sugar levels when you wake up and before and after meals. The blood sugar thing was a huge surprise for all of us in my family after our TTs. *IF* you are having blood sugar issues it's best to get on top of it while you can control it with diet and exercise.
"Welcome to the jungle" :-)
Do you mean Black cohosh? It's usually used to treat menopausal symptoms which may be similar to some of yours but the cause is totally different. The TGA (Australian equivalent to FDA in America)says "Warning: Black cohosh may harm the liver in some individuals. Use under the supervision of a healthcare professional" - you don't want to risk damaging your liver because 80% of T3 is converted from T4 in your liver and kidneys.
I'm not sure exactly of Black cohosh's actions (except that it's used when estrogen is decreasing) but an increase in Estrogen can cause an increase in bound T4 which may require in a dosage increase of your Levothroid to maintain adequate Free T4 levels.
Dont be decieved by the term 'natural' - it doesn't necessarily mean better for you. All prescription drugs are also derived from 'natural' sources namely plant or animal. All medicines AND supplements can have side effects. Each product should be considered individually, pro's and cons alike - and not given any credence for being so called 'natural'.
I have read other people say that their sense of taste is affected after RAi.
If you go to the doctor's now it's my guess they will just tell you that you need to be patient for the Levothroid to have effect - BUT all the same if your gut feeling says something is really not right then don't hesitate to make an appointment. Always better to play it safe. You'll have to make that choice I'm afraid.
By the way if you are having thrush (ricotta cheese like itchy discharge from vagina or mouth) you should also get another preparation from your pharmacist such as Canestan (not sure if you have that brand there?). This is fine to use at the same time as the acidophilus and bifidus.
Hang in there,
Jenipeni
I'm not sure exactly of Black cohosh's actions (except that it's used when estrogen is decreasing) but an increase in Estrogen can cause an increase in bound T4 which may require in a dosage increase of your Levothroid to maintain adequate Free T4 levels.
Dont be decieved by the term 'natural' - it doesn't necessarily mean better for you. All prescription drugs are also derived from 'natural' sources namely plant or animal. All medicines AND supplements can have side effects. Each product should be considered individually, pro's and cons alike - and not given any credence for being so called 'natural'.
I have read other people say that their sense of taste is affected after RAi.
If you go to the doctor's now it's my guess they will just tell you that you need to be patient for the Levothroid to have effect - BUT all the same if your gut feeling says something is really not right then don't hesitate to make an appointment. Always better to play it safe. You'll have to make that choice I'm afraid.
By the way if you are having thrush (ricotta cheese like itchy discharge from vagina or mouth) you should also get another preparation from your pharmacist such as Canestan (not sure if you have that brand there?). This is fine to use at the same time as the acidophilus and bifidus.
Hang in there,
Jenipeni
Thanks for all the great info, ladies! It is so encouraging to hear from those who have gone before. I am not scheduled to see my endo again until April 9 for my first bloodwork post RAI and beginning of Levothroid. Should I contact him sooner with my list of fun complaints? Especially the yeast business? Also, I was not aware of the diabetes connection--that's hardly fair! Also, someone recommended black kohash as a being a good natural supplement....?
Jenipeni has some great advice. I only have one more thing to add.
Many of us develop blood glucose problems after TT (Type II diabetes, hypoglycemia, prediabetes). Please mention the yeast infection to your endocrinologist as it could be a sign of a blood sugar problem.
Hang in there - it's a wild ride, isn't it?!
Many of us develop blood glucose problems after TT (Type II diabetes, hypoglycemia, prediabetes). Please mention the yeast infection to your endocrinologist as it could be a sign of a blood sugar problem.
Hang in there - it's a wild ride, isn't it?!
Hi Spuds
Oh you've had a rough trot haven't you? You poor thing. *HUGS* While I never had RAI, I had TT too but there are heaps of others here who will also understand exactly what you are going through!
From my experience the body goes through a hormonal rollercoaster ride after surgery of this sort. You must have wonderful doctors to pick up on your problems and get them sorted for you in such a quick succession. Hooray that awful papc is out of you for good!!!
Experiencing the yeast infection signs and symptoms is probably an indicator of how run down and out of balance your system is. Start by correcting the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut and bowels by taking a high strength acidophilus and bifidus combination such as 'Inner Health Plus' (might have differnt brands where you are as I'm in Australia). This will help get the candida/yeast under control.
The energy issue will probably take time to resolve itself - as you have probably read it takes anywhere between 6 to 12 weeks for your body to the Levothroid and may even take longer to get your levels right. I'm at 15 weeks and we are still playing with levels but I started to feel like my old self around 9 weeks - take heart everyone is different!
But in the meantime you may find it beneficial to take a Vitamin B complex formula. B vitamins help your body and mind in times of stress and fatigue, and your body's had that in buckets! Our bodies don't store vitamin B so we need a daily intake but most people's diet's don't have much.
To assist your body healing I would recommend taking a anti-oxidant formula including vitamins A, C and E. Zinc also helps the healing process (and immune system) especially when cells are rebuilding themselves like after surgery. The healing process takes time and it is still early days for you (terribly frustrating and agonising still though).
If there's any chance you could be low in iron that wouldn't hurt either - BUT don't take it at the same end of the day as your calcium! They must be taken at opposite ends of the day for absorbtion reasons.
Personally I would try to buy each of the combinations I have described in seperate formulas rather than get one with everything in it such as a multivitamin. Multi's generally don't have room to pack in the strength/ammount you get in a single formulation. Most good acidophilus and bifidus formulations will require refridgeration too.
Make sure you look after yourself by doing the simple things too - like drinking enough water, getting enough hrs Zzzz's, eating well and exercising when you can. It all makes a difference. These kind of things pay off for me when I am able to make the effort.
I'm a former pharmacy assistant which went on to do nursing, so this area is a passion of mine.
It is unfortuately a game of patience and I wish you well and a speedy recovery.
Love to hear how you go..
Jenipeni
Oh you've had a rough trot haven't you? You poor thing. *HUGS* While I never had RAI, I had TT too but there are heaps of others here who will also understand exactly what you are going through!
From my experience the body goes through a hormonal rollercoaster ride after surgery of this sort. You must have wonderful doctors to pick up on your problems and get them sorted for you in such a quick succession. Hooray that awful papc is out of you for good!!!
Experiencing the yeast infection signs and symptoms is probably an indicator of how run down and out of balance your system is. Start by correcting the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut and bowels by taking a high strength acidophilus and bifidus combination such as 'Inner Health Plus' (might have differnt brands where you are as I'm in Australia). This will help get the candida/yeast under control.
The energy issue will probably take time to resolve itself - as you have probably read it takes anywhere between 6 to 12 weeks for your body to the Levothroid and may even take longer to get your levels right. I'm at 15 weeks and we are still playing with levels but I started to feel like my old self around 9 weeks - take heart everyone is different!
But in the meantime you may find it beneficial to take a Vitamin B complex formula. B vitamins help your body and mind in times of stress and fatigue, and your body's had that in buckets! Our bodies don't store vitamin B so we need a daily intake but most people's diet's don't have much.
To assist your body healing I would recommend taking a anti-oxidant formula including vitamins A, C and E. Zinc also helps the healing process (and immune system) especially when cells are rebuilding themselves like after surgery. The healing process takes time and it is still early days for you (terribly frustrating and agonising still though).
If there's any chance you could be low in iron that wouldn't hurt either - BUT don't take it at the same end of the day as your calcium! They must be taken at opposite ends of the day for absorbtion reasons.
Personally I would try to buy each of the combinations I have described in seperate formulas rather than get one with everything in it such as a multivitamin. Multi's generally don't have room to pack in the strength/ammount you get in a single formulation. Most good acidophilus and bifidus formulations will require refridgeration too.
Make sure you look after yourself by doing the simple things too - like drinking enough water, getting enough hrs Zzzz's, eating well and exercising when you can. It all makes a difference. These kind of things pay off for me when I am able to make the effort.
I'm a former pharmacy assistant which went on to do nursing, so this area is a passion of mine.
It is unfortuately a game of patience and I wish you well and a speedy recovery.
Love to hear how you go..
Jenipeni
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