Seven months post RAI

It's been seven months after my radioactive iodine therapy.  Yesterday, i went to my endocrinologist as I have been having palpitations the past two weeks.  There is also discomfort on the operated site.  I feel like scabs are developing inside my throat.

I had an ultrasound as ordered by my surgeon.  On the neck ultrasound, everything is as expected postoperatively and thank God no vascularity.  Though there is a benign lymph node that was seen.

To be sure, my endocrinologist ordered for Thyrogen stimulated RAI scan.  He said that it has smaller dose than what i had during the treatment, maybe about 4 mCi only and one day inpatient stay.

Still waiting for my insurance approval.

How to combat memory gap

I've had several general anesthesias in my life.  Twice when I gave birth via cesarean section and hysterectomy after that.  Then twice again recently just few weeks apart.  I have noticed deterioration in my memory.  There are times that in few seconds I cannot remember what i want to say.  Sometimes, i would like to do something but when I reached the area, i forgot what i was supposed to do.  This condition (after surgery) including some other conditions like easily gets tired, inability to concentrate or reduced arithmetic ability is called postoperative cognitive dysfunction.  There are a lot of reasons and studies why this happens after surgery.  Few of them as listed below.

1.  Residual effects of anesthetics, sedatives or pain killers.

2.  Metabolic effects of surgery.

3.  Pre-existing mental dysfunction.

4.  Posttraumatic stress disorder.

But the list and studies go on.  So, what do I do to combat my memory dysfunction?

During my recuperation, I have been coloring.  Yes!  Adult coloring book.  

Adult coloring book is the latest anti-stress reliever of adults (obviously) he he he.  It is very therapeutic that even doctors prescribe it to their patients.  The colors help in mindfulness, meaning getting more attentive and living in the moment and awakening experience.  Personally, it helps me release my anxieties especially knowing my diagnosis and it also rests my mind.  There are other things that can help combat memory gap.  

Check out my adult coloring book, The Animal Kingdom by Millie Marotta.  Lhie's adult coloring book 

Completion thyroidectomy: Postoperative day three

I'm on day three post completion thyroidectomy.  This is my second surgery in less than a month. The first one was right hemithyroidectomy that confirmed papillary thyroid carcinoma.  So, i have to get another surgery for completion thyroidectomy.  Comparing the two surgeries, the last one was far better than the first except for the numbness due to calcium depletion.  

Comparing the two surgeries postoperatively:

Right hemithyroidectomy                                                  

1.  Too groggy after the procedure.                                   

2.  I was able to urinate soon after.                                    

3.  My throat was too sore.                                                 

4.  I had choking with fluids.                                              

5.  I had to stay on bed for a long time.                             

6.  Lightheaded for two weeks.                                        

Completion thyroidectomy:

1.  Felt like had a few drinks - tipsy.
2.  I was able to urinate soon after.
3.  Sore throat but not much of pain.
4.  Able to eat soonest without choking.
5.  I'm up on day three coloring, etc.
6.  I'm on day three and not lightheaded.                                                                                      

7. Numbness and muscle twitching (due to                                                                                            
calcium depletion) have to deal with these                                                                                               lifelong with calcium and vitamin D tablets.

All in all, I thank God for the healing.  I am currently recuperating and hopefully be back on my feet stronger and healthier in preparation for my radioactive iodine treatment.