[SueAndHerZoo]

#1060093

I started yesterday (5 drops three times a day) so I’ve had it in me for a full 24 hours now and just took my fourth dose. I’m wondering if you noticed any effects from it or if it’s doing all it’s work “behind the scenes”? I am feeling SO TIRED today . . . having a hard time thinking, functioning….. might not be able to stay here the office if this continues much longer. It could also be because I haven’t slept well or much for the past three nights and I have no idea what that’s all about. Since my blood levels are now in the “low normal” range, you would think I’d be sleeping MORE, but instead I lay awake and toss most of the night even though I’m exhausted. I would guess that might be the SSKI but the insomnia started two nights BEFORE I started taking it.

Anyway, wondering what the next 6 days of SSKI will be like…. any experiences to share?

Sue

[ChristinaDe]

#1180276

Sue ~ I can’t recall all the details, but I do recall disliking SSKI. Thankfully it’s only needed for 1 week, right? Here’s what I do remember: Heart palpitations, insomnia, huge loss in appetite, terrible taste in my mouth, and swelling (especially in my face). I tend not to tolerate any new med well tho.

My symptoms reversed themselves quickly once I stopped the drops – as in nearly immediately after surgery.

Wondering (& I know you’ve already considered this) – since the insomnia started a couple days before the SSKI, maybe just a good old case of pre-op jitters (or excitement even )?

[snelsen]

#1180277

No, other than disliking the taste, I had no side effects or symptoms that I am aware of.
Shirley

[SueAndHerZoo]

#1180278

Thanks, Ladies.

It’s funny . . . I was amazed at how much the taste DOESN’T bother me! From all I’ve read and heard it’s horrific but the first time I took it I did not taste anything. I used about 4 ounces of water with a splash of GatorAde and couldn’t tell the SSKI was in it. So the next time I did straight water and I gathered there was something funny about the water, but not intolerable. Certainly nothing like what you have to drink before a colonoscopy! 😮

I do notice my nose running (apparently the SSKI thins mucous) so this could be a very good thing since I chronically have thick mucous. Looking kinda puffy today – thought that was exhaustion but it could be the SSKI.

And yes, I, too, wonder if the insomnia is the upcoming surgery but I don’t feel like I have a single nerve heightened…… if anything it’s excitement! But who knows, I may subconsciously be nervous – I’ve not always been great about being in touch with my feelings.

Thanks for responding.
Sue

[adenure]

#1180279

Hi,

No, I didn’t have any side effects except for metallic breath & um, #2. I was sleepless bc I was anxious. I knew I was, but I think that (even if you don’t think you are) how can you not be? You know what I mean? It is surgery, and even though it makes us well again, subconsciously, I think our minds take what we know about what could go wrong and it probably keeps us up some. I didn’t sleep a wink the entire night before my surgery.

[SueAndHerZoo]

#1180280

Yes, I think you’re all correct about it being nerves or excitement that is keeping me from sleeping. I have a hard time getting my conscious and sub-conscious mind to be on the same page so I think the sub-conscious is taking over. I am NOT afraid or nervous, but like you said, it would be abnormal not to have some apprehension.

Thanks for the support….. only four more full days to get through until TT!
Sue

[QZZznne]

#1180281

Hello Sue – What are the drops and does everyone get them?

Suzanne:)

[SueAndHerZoo]

#1180282

QZZznne wrote:

Hello Sue – What are the drops and does everyone get them?

Suzanne:)

Hi Suzanne.

SSKI (Saturated Solution Potassium Iodide) is something my surgeon instructed me to take 7 days before surgery, 3 times a day. Apparently it shrinks the thyroid and makes it less vascular, making my upcoming surgery safer and resulting in less blood loss.

I don’t think all surgeons prescribe it, but mine did and who am I to argue.
Sue

[QZZznne]

#1180283

SueAndHerZoo wrote:

QZZznne wrote:

Hello Sue – What are the drops and does everyone get them?

Suzanne:)

Hi Suzanne.

SSKI (Saturated Solution Potassium Iodide) is something my surgeon instructed me to take 7 days before surgery, 3 times a day. Apparently it shrinks the thyroid and makes it less vascular, making my upcoming surgery safer and resulting in less blood loss.

I don’t think all surgeons prescribe it, but mine did and who am I to argue.
Sue

I have an appointment a week before my TT. I guess if he prescribes them I will be prepared! Good Luck Sue as I know your day is coming up.

[jenny1126]

#1180284

Hello. I was diagnosed with Graves disease 8 years ago. I recently have been suffering from loss of skin in the facial area, bags under my eyes and overall look terrible. My facial appearance as changed drastically. I had radiation to remove my thyroid shortly after I was diagnosed, yet I wish I had researched more before making such a major decision. I have had 2 surgeries on my eyes. I hate them and it has made me so depressed. I am going to a plastic surgeon next week and looking at injections. I don’t know what to do because I have been very unhappy with the doctor(s).

[SueAndHerZoo]

#1180285

I have an appointment a week before my TT. I guess if he prescribes them I will be prepared! Good Luck Sue as I know your day is coming up.”

I hope he doesn’t prescribe them at your pre-op….. not all pharmacies stock it – mine had to order it for me. That may not leave you a full week of taking the SSKI but if your doc hasn’t mentioned it yet, maybe you won’t be using it.
Sue[size 32][/size]

[Kimberly]

#1180286

Hello and welcome – There was some research done out of Shiley Eye Center a couple of years ago that showed that Thyroid Eye Disease absolutely has an impact on our emotional outlook. In fact, for many patients, the *appearance* changes are even more distressing than actual changes in vision! The good news is that for the majority of patients, surgical procedures are able to restore both eye function and appearance once TED has run its course. I’ve seen some truly amazing “before” and “after” pictures at our conferences and other events…and we have some regular members of this forum who are success stories as well.

Hopefully, your upcoming consult will go well, but just in case, this web site from the American Society of Ophthalmic, Plastic, & Reconstructive Surgeons has a search function where you can find docs based on your location.

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://www.asoprs.org/custom/directory/?pageid=3657&showTitle=1

Take care – and please check back to let us know how you are doing.

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