FAQ

Answers to your most common thyroid-related questions.

Can I continue working during my follow-up?

Will I need to take other measures during my follow-up?

Is hypothyroidism permanent?

Are there options to becoming hyperthyroid?

I am losing contact with my family. Can this be related to the follow-up?

How can I make sure that my problems are understood?

I have heard about the symptoms of hypothyroidism but what can I expect?

Are there any activities I should stop doing when I am off my hormone medication?

Is thyroid cancer curable once ablation has been completed?

After a thyroidectomy can I lead a normal life?

How often should I have follow-up medical visits?

Why might my doctor tell me to avoid certain foods before my whole body scan?

Can I continue working during my follow-up?
Every person may experience the symptoms of hypothyroidism differently. For some people continuing to work is possible and for others it becomes too difficult. It is important to be open and clear about your situation to yourself and those around you. Because the follow-up period can be a yearly reoccurring period, it may be wise to discuss this with your superior or boss.

Will I need to take other measures during my follow-up?
During your follow-up period your doctor may recommend that you watch your iodine intake, which can be helpful in optimizing the testing procedure. Because it can be difficult to know exactly what food products you can and cannot eat there is advice available on what nutritional measures to take.

Is hypothyroidism permanent?
In case of hypothyroidism caused by thyroid cancer, the symptoms are not permanent. The symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur due to the fact that you will be asked to discontinue your hormone medication during the follow-up period. Once you start taking your hormone medication again your body will need a little time to adjust but soon after you will stop experiencing signs of hypothyroidism. Fortunately, now you have options to suffering the negative effects of hypothyroidism. Talk to your doctor about these options.

Are there options to becoming hyperthyroid?
Now there are options to suffering the negative effects of hypothyroidism. Talk to your doctor about these options.

I am losing contact with my family. I feel like a stranger in my own home. Can this be related to the follow-up?
Yes, the emotional and psychological effects you experience during your follow-up period may be related to the discontinuation of your thyroid hormone medication. These effects can be unpleasant for the person involved as well as for the family and friends. That is why it is important to have an open dialogue with your family and friends as well as with your doctor. Only by discussing your experiences will you find the best way to get through the follow-up period.

I am about to start my follow-up but in the past it has been very difficult for me. I am afraid of the returning symptoms of hypothyroidism and the effect they have on me. How can I make sure that my problems are understood?
Although the symptoms of hypothyroidism can be very debilitating, it is important to realize that you may need help from your family, friends and doctor during this period. Because it can be difficult for an outsider to really understand what you are experiencing it may be advisable to write down these experiences and feelings. Be sure to take your notes with you to your next doctor's appointment. Having this information in front of you will make it easier to talk about the symptoms you are experiencing and help others understand you as well as help you. Remember there are options to suffering the negative effects of hypothyroidism. Talk to your doctor about these options.

My doctor and I have discussed my going off my hormone medication in order to be tested. I have heard about the symptoms of hypothyroidism but how can I be sure about what to expect?
Every human body reacts differently to influences. This may mean that you suffer from a range of symptoms that can be mild to severe in intensity. Unfortunately, your doctor cannot assess in advance to what extent or in which combination you will experience the symptoms of hypothyroidism. That is why it is important to communicate your experiences with your doctor. In general there will be days that you do not suffer at all and there will be days that you may want to hide from the world because of your symptoms. It is important to remember that these feelings will go away again. Talk to your doctor about the options available to get tested for the spread or reoccurrence of thyroid cancer without suffering the negative effects of hypothyroidism.

Are there any activities I should stop doing when I am off my hormone medication?
You can best assess your level of activeness when you are off your hormone medication. If you have the energy to keep following your usual lifestyle then you should. Listen carefully to your body and do not force yourself to continue the same routine if you are experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism. Some people decide to take time off work, for example when they suffer from lack of concentration due to hypothyroidism. In other cases, it can be wise to be cautious, particularly when driving, because not only could your concentration level be influenced but also your reflexes in general, making you more prone to accidents. Talk to your doctor about the options available to get tested for the spread or reoccurrence of thyroid cancer without suffering the negative effects of hypothyroidism.

Is thyroid cancer curable once ablation has been completed?
Due to the standards of surgery and radiation therapy, thyroid cancer has a high cure rate. More than 80% of all cases are cured. However maintaining follow-up controls is an essential aspect in the early detection of any recurrence.

After a thyroidectomy can one lead a normal life?
It is very possible to lead a normal life after a thyroidectomy, however you will need to take thyroid hormone treatment (T3 & T4) as your body can no longer produce its own. In addition, regular check-ups will allow for the early detection of cancer recurrence.

How often should I have follow-up medical visits?
Your doctor can recommend the best option for your medical situation. In as well as a whole body scan once every year. Depending on the results over a period of time your doctor may decide to re-assess the frequency.

Why might my doctor tell me to avoid certain foods before my whole body scan?
Iodine is taken up by thyroid cells in your body whether the iodine is radioactive or not. You will take a very small amount of radioactive iodine before your whole body scan. This is due to the fact that the scan shows radioactive areas in the body. Your doctor may ask you to avoid medicines and foods that contain iodine for two weeks before your test so that these cells will take up plenty of the radioactive iodine and show up clearly on the scan. Be sure to let your doctor know if you've had any other x-ray and/or scanning procedures in the month before your whole body scan. Some of these procedures use iodine-containing chemicals that might also interfere with your test.