As posted in a previous blog, I was going to the Endocrinologist for testing for my thyroid. Blood work, has shown that I do have hyperthyroidism as well as Graves Disease.
So what is Graves Disease?
Graves disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). While a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves disease is the most common cause.
So now whats next for me?
Treatment. Radioactive Iodine Therapy to be exact. Sounds serious right? Well it sort of is. Not in the fact that I am going to be in any danger or anything. June 3rd and 4th I go for a two day uptake and scan on my thyroid. Its a quick test that shows them yes I do have a hyperthyroid (duh, as if blood work, a goiter, etc wasn't enough) and what dosage I need the Iodine pill to be at to effectively work. I had two options for treatment. One: straight to medication and Two: the Radioactive Iodine Therapy. Why would I not chose straight to medication? With medicating thyroid problems whether it be hypo or hyper, there may be a constant change in dosages and figuring out which dosage is needed for my body, etc. Well as I say to that, "ain't nobody got time fo' dat." I am ultimately planning on growing our little family so I am going right after my thyroid more aggressively.
June 7th at 1:00pm is my "procedure." It is an outpatient procedure being done at Windsong Radiology Group in Williamsville. I will ingest a (already individually determined dosage from the uptake and scan testing) capsule of radioactive iodine. The capsule will localize in the hyper functioning thyroid destroying the gland and correct over activity. The process can take 2-6 months and inevitably be hypothyroid as a result and medicated for that (which is not a big deal). The only accompanying adverse affects that may happen for a short time is increased palpitations (which is medicated as needed with Propranolol).
There are guidelines that I have to follow for 5 days following the procedure.
The major one being, I am going to isolate myself from my household for these 5 days because I am radioactive for these days. I can be around people but not kids or pregnant women for a prolonged amount of time. Instead of risking anything I am just going to stay at my in laws house (while they happen to be away). This is the hardest part of the whole thing.
5 days I can do it.
Well wishes and prayers needed.
Oh, and I am truly thankful for the accident that I was in in Oct. Weird right? If I hadn't gotten in that accident and slightly hurt I wouldn't have finally gone to the Dr. and be sent for routine blood work. I wouldn't have known about what has been going on with my thyroid right now, maybe eventually I would have but not this soon. Thank God.
Stephanie
