High TSH from contrast

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ac
ac Member Posts: 88 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Hi,

I am slmost 2 years post treatment and haven't revisited this site for about that long (perhaps a pscychological defense mechanism). Firstly, to everyone who's new to this, do remember that the even the darkest hours would eventually come to pass. Things will get better, though as a lot people say, a new normal will prevail. I have been hit especially harder when I go down with the flu or any head and neck viral infections. The pain is a lot worse that I recall before I got NPC. That said, this post isn't about me. I made a recent discovery which I think is most useful to share with anyone recovering from this dreadful illness.

I was recently scheduled for a CAT scan and TSH blood test. Unfortunately, because of scheduling issues, the TSH blood test had to be rescheduled to a few days after the CAT scan. Everything went about as planned, then I got a call from my medical oncologists who was about to write a prescription of Synthroid for me. My TSH level was slightly above the normal range so this may not apply if yours is way off. As my insurance benefits had deteriorated drastically, I was very reluctant to go on lifetime medication. So I consulted the internet and found this paper.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15307941

According to the research, "All but one patient reacted with a TSH increase. Mean TSH values increased significantly 3-5 days after the iodine load within the normal range."

When I raised this issue with my oncologist, she agreed to scheduling a retest for me in 2 weeks. My TSH levels reverted to the normal range then. I trust my doctor but I had to raise this issue for the benefit of everyone else as I feel that a lot of the time, research papers that were done overseas are somehow not recognised in the USA. This was written in Austria. I wish everyone the best in their cancer journey and may 2014 be a better year for all of us. Take care and God bless.

ac

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  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #2
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    Thank you !

    I was treated with a radioactive iodine yrs. ago for graves.  I was told back then nuclear medicine stays in the body for a two week span.  After being on replacement therapy for over 30 yrs. I still get the blood test done every 6 months.  I'm kind of brittle on the meds., meaning I can be in the normal range for awhile....and then needing to be adjusted or monitored.  Katie

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #3
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    Thyroid Blood Tests

    Are mainly a two part reading... TSH level, but also Free T-4...

    Most of us that have had the high concentrations of radiaion to the throat will have some damage, most eventually will need to go on meds for it..., Synthroid, etc...

    Regular blood tests (every six months to a year), are inline for monitoring the rest of your blood make up... When they schedule the regular CBC, it's good to ask for the TSH and Free T-4 tests also be included.., they aren't part of the regular CBC testing usually..

    Best,

    John

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