Thyroid Uptake Scan? What about my kids?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-11-2003
Thyroid Uptake Scan? What about my kids?
6
Mon, 10-16-2006 - 1:40pm

Hi,

I just got the results of my sono and I have 2 nodules on my thyroid. I need to go for a thyroid uptake scan and have some questions???? I was told by my doctor I needed to stay away from the kids. The radiologist office with whom I made the appointment said I needed to keep the kids at arms length. Anybody know the answer???? I am taking the iodine pill and waiting 24 hrs and doing the test the next day.

The other question I had was assuming the nodules are not cancer...what kind of treatment can I expect to under go? The nodules are 3 mm and 1.5 cm. Am I definitely looking at medication along with removal? Is there a possiblity of keeping my thyroid functional and only taken medication to shrink and then control? Any information on this topic would be so appreciated! I have to wait 2 wks for the test because I took vitamins yesterday, I thought that was odd! And I have been feeling awful....tired, overwhelmed, anxious and my heart palpates. Thank you!

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Mon, 10-16-2006 - 8:43pm

Hi Kristinehm,


The pill that you take for the scan has a very small amount of radioactive iodine in it so that's probably why your doctor is telling you to not get too close to your children.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-11-2003
Tue, 10-17-2006 - 1:05pm

Hi,

Thanks for the info! The nodules are on both sides and my TSH level was .2 so I am hyper. I worry about treatment because I have 4 children, 4,6,8 and 11 and my oldest has Autism. I have absolutely no family to help out or close enough friends. If I need to do RAI, don't I have to stay away for awhile? My uptake scan is in two weeks and my main concern now is that it is not cancer, however treatment is of concern even if the nodules are benign. With everything going on in my life this is so overwhelmig to me! I am thankful that I have found this board, since it is my only form of support!

Avatar for cl_calley7
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Tue, 10-17-2006 - 8:34pm

Yes, if you have to have the full RAI to treat your thyroid condition, then you do have to stay away from the children for a number of days.

 

Calley7

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-05-2006
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 10:14am

Hello, I was just recently diagnosed with low TSH levels and I am suppose to take this pill toworrow, so they can take pix of my thyroid. What did you mean that they asked you to stay away from your kids? I don't understand?????? I know that I'm probably suppose to answer your ?'s, but reading yours become mine. I don't know what any of this stuff means. I was fine untill my husband and I went to Hawaii. I thought that I was still suffering from jet- lag. So far my MD hasn't felt any nodles, but I haven't had my scan yet. I take vitamins everyday and no one has said to me not to take them. Should I not take them? Should I ask my MD about them? I wouldn't think that they'd have to do surgery if they aren't cancerous. But like I said I'm new to this disorder too.

Sorry I couldn't be more help to you.
good luck

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2006
Thu, 12-07-2006 - 9:14am
I just reciently underwent the thyroid uptake scan myself for the second time. I specifically asked because I have a baby at home if I need to stay away from the kids. They told me that unless I was breastfeeding I could do everything as normal. The dose of radiation they give you in the pill is very low. Just make sure you are not pregnant before taking the test. The first time around I thought I wasn't (wasnt' tested for pregnancy) and turned out I was 2 weeks pregnant. Thankfully everything turned out ok but even the dr.s didn't know what to expect as far as abnormalities in the pregnancy.
anonymous
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-11-2003
Thu, 12-07-2006 - 12:49pm

Hi,

I did have my scan and was told to stay away from the kids, meaning keep them at arms length for 48 hrs. I was told that the dose was small, however since small children have undeveloped thyroids so to speak....they could be at risk from exposure and then be in the same boat as me now. I kept them about 3 ft. away and away from my neck region especially!

As far as the vitamins....I was told no vitamins, supplements of any kind and low sodium diet for two weeks prior to the test. No shellfish either, which wasn't a concern for me since I am allergic. I cannot believe you didn't get any of those instructions, I would talk with your doctor. Good Luck!