Jan-
Yeah, I was being sarcastic about the Haz Mat suit. But in reading the protocol sheet they gave me they said that there should not be prolonged contact with other humans for 7 days but "brief hugs and handshakes" are okay. It just sounded kind of funny. Would you want to hug me knowing I just took that radioactive iodine pill? Also, I was told most of the radioactive iodine is out of my body in 7 days but the protocol calls for no "unprotected" sexual relations for 30 days. There is no way I would endanger a sexual partner and have any sexual relations of any kind for at least 30 days. It's just a bit odd to me how the protocol is described in the sheet they gave me.
C-Jay,
Although in past years the protocol did call for taking the patient off synthroid for 2 weeks, that is no longer the protocol. They keep you on synthroid. Instead, in the two days before you consume the radioactive iodine, they give you shots of thyrogen. Thyrogen is a substance that dramatically elevates your TSH levels before your body is bombed with the radioactive iodine which then "seeks and destroys" any remaining thyroid cells which, due to being starved of iodine, suck up the radiation and are killed. It seems that only remaining thyroid cells are attracted to and effected by the radiation, which makes the treatment so highly effective.
I am not looking forward to the iodine free diet, and the timing particularly sucks because in my area they have an annual event called "Lobsterpalooza" (basically a lobster and seafood festival) which I will not be able to attend. Usually my whole firm goes and local civic leaders and it is a fun event with music and dancing and a raffle with prizes.
I did have a major concern about whether, being the colon-less guy that I am, my body would be getting a sufficient amount of sodium on this diet. MY PCP reassured me that for 2 weeks it should not be a problem and I will get enough sodium by eating the fresh, non-processed meats (up to 6 ounces per day) that are allowed on the diet.
I am also concerned about a possibly "no fly" list issue or setting off radiation detectors at airports and my PCP told me that this is a valid concern and I do intend to discuss it with the the employee of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission I am required to meet with.