Hi. I am sorry....I am usually one of the only ones here....so let me tell you about www.thyca.org - it is the thyroid cancer website with real information. and they have discussion groups and in person groups too.
so...I did have my para thyroids go into shock after my surgery and I had to stay in the hospital an extra day. I had to take tums....they come up and flick their finger (think popping a marble at a target) and the do it to your cheek. if your face spasms or something, it means you are low...and it can be bad for your heart so they boost it...till they recover. I know a few people that lost one (of 4) parathyroids....and they are fine...there are some on the web that have had complications. not in my circle
the hardest thing for me was back then (8 years) they made you wait to do your radiation with no thyroid meds and thyrogen was new and expensive...so I was super hypo...cold, constipated and fuzzy thinking....and it takes weeks for the meds to start working and building up. I had to have them raise my dose a number of times.
but the good news is that after all that I feel wonderful...and I had hashimotos...so I was between hypo and hyper and now am just "normal"
ask questions...don't be afraid. I personally did not have much pain afterwards...but it was a weird thing to think about....cutting your throat. Follow ups will always be important. and no generics for synthroid.

I will keep on checking back. I hope that has been some help. welcome to the group (of 2?)

Thanks so much blue!

let me know how things go...I wish you well.

Sorry you have not had more comments. The surgeon must mention all of the possible consequences so don't let that scare you. The most important thing will be the follow up after the surgery. So hang in there for now. Hugs

Surgery is done and all looked pretty good. Need to have one chemo pill and then hopefully all done except the Synthroid craziness.

Thanks everyone!
Joki

Oh excellent. It isn't exactly chemo...more just radiation....but when you aren't on synthroid yet, I did notice my hair get thinner for a while...but it comes back.
Thank you so much for letting us know...I was busy all weekend...I had my son getting married...so I am sorry I am late to seeing this.
It is a process to get the levels of meds right, but 8 years later, I am (or 9?) I am very happy with the results
SO glad that is over, right?
any questions on Low iodine diet, or on precautions with the pill and being around others....please read the info at www.thyca.org...they have a whole section on it.
BIG hugs!

I agree with everything blueviolet has said. My surgery was 15 years ago and I had to wait four months to have the RAI and it was a difficult time. Start now to keep a copy of all of your tests. Your lab results may be available online from Quest or Lab Corp. Your journey is just starting. Keep in mind that it takes 6 to 8 weeks for a change in medication to have an effect. Most important of all - take care of yourself. Hugs

When i was diagnosed with hypo after a year when through a cancer scare. I was told that if there is cancer they will just take it out. Take it out like a gallbladder that has gone bad or a kidney you can live with one kidney. You can also live with out a thyroid. You will just have to be on thyroid meds for the rest of you life no big deal. But you will have to and very very important to keep up on blood test and see you doctor when it is time to do so. You can live a happy life. I still have mine and it gives me trouble from time to time but that's normal for me. I deal with and wake up the after with a brand new smile. The learning process takes a little discipline. You will learn.

Scott