the need for body scans

[mariacris]

Hi, I was diagnosed with papillary cancer four years ago and subequently underwent total thyroidectomy with parathyroidectomy with RAIU after.  My course was uneventful except for some numbness and tremors which I experienced on some occasions for hypocalcemic episodes.  I try to limit my calcium maintenance dose for fear of stone formation eventually.   My maintenance meds incluce levothyroxine 100 ug o.d., Rocaltrol and calcium calactate.  I used to take lots of milk but developed lactose intolerance now :(  I also was diagnosed with GERD so currently take pantoprazole for 8 weeks.

My main concern is I am due for my total body scans soon and need to starve for six weeks or so for my levothyroxine dose and at the same time, I am currently preparing for my medical licensure exams.  Am I to postpone my scans after the boards?  What could you suggest?

Your opinion would be deeply appreciated.

More power and many thanks!

[mariacris]

Many thanks for the advice.  I needed opinions who had been there really.  

Take care always :-)

[Shawn2697]

I am 37 years old and I just found out I am 6 weeks pregnant. Finding out I'm pregnant I also found out my left thyroid gland is cold. I going to talk with my endiocrinolgist on Monday. I read alot about cold on a thyroid gland is cancer. I dont have my test results with me so I don't know how large my goiter is. I have had multinoduler goiters 2 years ago. Every doctor has told me to leave it alone, i(surgery) f it does not bother you. Everyone reading this always go with a gut instinct. If they find something wrong. Don't leave it alone. I might now have to terminate my pregnancy. I do know something on the test came up as 12.9% whatever that means.

[Liz94]

I would postpone the scan till after your exams.  When you go off the meds you aren't going to be able to focus enough to study for anything. I think everyone reacts differently when going off the meds for so long but from my experience I can just say this....it was highly unpleasant. I couldn't even focus on a TV show much less try and study for something important. For the first 2 or so weeks I felt okay. Weeks 4-6 were absolute he// and I never want to do that again. My doctor uses the thyrogen injections for my scans now and it's MUCH better than going off meds and going hypo.