In April of 2007, multiple, scattered nodules were found in my thyroid gland after a routine PET Scan. (I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in late 2004, lad a right upper lobectomy, chemo for 5 months and 33 radiation treatments. I called an endocrinologist and waited three months for an appointment. When I got in to see him, he did an ultrasound and we made another appointment for a needle biopsy. The results came back showing it was papillary cancer. He recommended a surgeon who I also saw. The surgeon explained the procedure to me and told me was going to be a very easy surgery....and it was. No one, however, explained to me the consequences of having complete removal of this gland. I had the surgery on July 22. I was prescribed cytomel right after the surgery. I struggled, trying to stay awake, blaming it on the anesthesia, my age (66), but I just could't get my butt off the couch. When I got in to see the endo guy again a week later, he prescribed Synthrex. After about 5 days, my eyelids and undereyes and the upper part of my entire face swelled and itched and burned like crazy. I called him immediately, and he took me off of synthroid for a week and then prescribed Levoxyl. After about a week of taking this drug, I experienced the same allergic reaction. and.....I still couldn't get my butt off the couch.
The swelling is now down but the doctor would not prescribe any other product, telling me the rest of them were "impure". I had researched it on line and also spoke to my son who is a Radiologist and found that there were 5-6 or more drugs that are FDA approved, but he refused to change the drug and thought my reactions were not the result of the drugs. Needless to say, I fired that doctor.
I am still experiencing itchy, bumpy skin on my face and neck and my skin is extremely dry -- even more so than usual, living as I do in Phoenix.
My energy level is better, but certainly not like it was before the surgery. I'm sure my meds need to be "tweaked" and am going to see another endo person. I've not yet made an appointment -- I had blood work done by my PCP on Friday and am awaiting her to call me with the result.
If I'd have done more research, I am sure I would not have had this surgery done. It was a VERY slow growing cancer and I would probably died of either lung cancer or old age. There are lots of doctors out there -- just not very many good ones. In the meantime, my biggest problem is DEPRESSION. I have had suicidal thoughts, cry for no apparent reason and just generally feel despondent and depressed. I even cried because my steak wasn't done the way I wanted it. What will it take to get back to a normal life?