by the numbers

4: the number of times I've had blood work done
2: the number of endocrinologists I've seen
250: the amount dollars I've spent on co-pays (not including lab fees...I haven't gotten those bills yet)
1: MRI
1: thyroid ultrasound
1: radioactive uptake scan. I glowed in the dark for about 24 hrs!
2: hyperactive thyroid nodules
1: surgery scheduled June1 to remove said nodules


The last 3 months have been a roller coaster of emotion and learning and I can't wait to get it all over with! What started as a suspected migraine with auras turned out to be sub-clinical hyperthyroidism and a thyroid gland that has actually completely shut down. Yay me. This is all culminating in thyroid surgery which I'll be having in two weeks. I'm pretty scared... I mean, they are going to cut my neck open...but I'm super relieved that this will all (hopefully) be over soon and if it all goes according to plan, my thyroid should kick back on, returning my body to normal! Of course, worse cast scenario, it doesn't kick back on and I have to take a synthetic thyroid hormone every day for the rest of my life. But really, I'm not that worried about that because what is the difference in that and taking the pill or a daily vitamin? I met with the surgeon this morning and he was really positive about my prognosis and the surgical outlook. I think I'm in good hands.

So why the surgery now? We were advised that we could wait and monitor this through a pregnancy and then have the surgery after pregnancy, buuuut there was a chance I could have to take nasty meds through pregnancy that aren't the best for the baby. Plus, this whole thing could make getting preggers very difficult and then we'd have to get the surgery after several months of trying anyway. So Dr. F and I decided its better to just get it done now, let my body work itself out and we can still be on track to try in August assuming my levels stabilize (they very more than likely will be just fine 6 weeks out from surgery). No possibility of quasi-dangerous meds/difficulty getting pregnant etc.

Now I can actually think about something else and look forward to getting some good pain meds and home cooked meals (that I dont have to make!!) when my mom and dad come to stay with us to take care of Aidan. I'm also REALLY REALLY excited about trying to get pregnant. Did you know that? I mean, I CAN NOT WAIT to get knocked up again :)

So, in the next few weeks any prayers and good vibes you can send my way for a safe, successful surgery and recovery are deeply appreciated.