A lesson learned the hard way
 

Hello, Alffe and everybody, just a quick note that could be important for you.

I had a body scan this morning. They dripped iodine into my veins. A few minutes later, after the scan was over, I was sitting alone in a dressing room, and I had an incredible allergic reaction: bright lights, skin itching (especially the hands), white blotches forming on my arms and stomach, tightening of the lungs as in asthma attacks, and my head was swimming. They put something in the IV bottle that got rid of most of it after an hour or so; I was able to drive home. Even now, though, 12 hours later, I feel hammered, drained.

They asked me ahead of time if I was allergic to iodine; I said I didn't know, but had plenty of other allergies, mostly tree and plant pollen. They did the scan anyway. I never felt in danger, but it was a very unpleasant experience. They say there are no absolutes; however, it is absolutely impossible that I will ever have another scan with iodine.

A scan, I hear, is a typical procedure for neurological problems, and it makes sense; they have to see how the blood is flowing. And so, many of you reading this words will have one, if you haven't already. However, I would suggest that before you get a scan, find out if you are allergic to iodine. It is definitely worth knowing. Do not take this matter lightly.

Tom

((Tom)) Thank you so much for the update. AND thank you for still being here!

Your experience sounds frightening. As a side note, I had the exact same experience many years ago before one of my annual colonoscopies (I have ulcerative colitis.) At the time, they thought I had a heart murmur and ordered IV vancomycin before having the procedure. Oh my God, the reaction I had. My parents were in the room and saw me turn deep red starting at my scalp and quickly going down my body. Rapid heart beat, breathing difficulty, severe itching, disorientation...it was awful. Called the doc and was quickly given something that counteracted it.

Well, I haven't had vancomycin since then! So I understand your fear. It's highly likely you won't have iodine again!!!

I'm anxious to hear the results, as I'm sure we all are. It is just so wonderful that you have specialists who care and are working diligently to get to the roots of your problems.

Thanks again Tom, and please do let us know about the results! ((hugs))

Low Iodine Diet
 

Tom, is it possible that reducing dietary iodine might clear up or ameliorate some of your symptoms? Here is a cookbook for it:

http://www.thyca.org/Cookbook.pdf

As for euthanasia, some countries believe in it if you become terminal and are suffering too much. My relatives in the Netherlands tell me they have it there. Having lived through the death of a family member who experienced what I consider medical torture, I do know in my heart there are situations that warrant it. In the absence of that, discuss and write down extreme measures you do not want your family to allow. The standard forms are really not comprehensive enough. Sometimes doctors just prolong the agony.

Glad they counteracted the oops
 

Tom-

Glad, though you had to go through the scan, that they countered the iodine oops. Sorry it wiped you out so, and I send hopes that you are feeling better now.

Prayin,
Mark56:grouphug:

Just wondering how you are doing Tom....any results yet? :grouphug:

A similar iodine incident
 

I have done my radioactive iodine and have recovered and have no metastatic cancer. As an interesting side effect I can't taste salt. The "up" side is I no longer like some of the things that are bad for me such as bacon and butter. The down side is I will no longer be a great cook. Maybe a good one. Hope you are feeling better Tom. Hugs everyone.

It's wonderful news that you don't have cancer -- that's what counts above everything else, including being a great cook.

I could swear that after the iodine incident my feet are less full of ants than before. Could there be a connection? Does iodine impact on circulation?

I will have a final meeting with the doctor on Feb. 18th. 3 biopsies, scanner, 12 blood tests: we'll see what happens. I suspect it will show an excess of antibodies (which attack nerve fibers), and there's no cure for it. But we'll see. Best of all of you. Tom

Hi Tom....how did the apt. on the 18th go? Any test results yet? Sending more positive thoughts your way and hugs....:grouphug:

I've been waiting for this news as well. ((Tom))

Hi Tom, Anxious to Know with Everyone else
 

Guess that about says it.
Hope you have clear information, the ability to address any discoveries made, the stamina to withstand, the endurance to accept our best fond wishes and prayers.

Mark56:grouphug: