boogity boogity!
got my I-131 treatment today. The first day to the end of my life. /drama
Essentially they're killing off my overactive thyroid cells to cause me to have hypothyroidism, and eventually I'll have to go on daily hormone supplements for the rest of my life.
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism 5 years ago and the shiz ain't getting better.
Thyroids love iodine, so I took a pill with radioactive infused iodine.
I have a sheet of guidelines for how to interact with people as a preventative measure.
I can't sleep in my bed with my husband for 3 days.
I can't be closer than 6 feet to anyone for a straight 8 hour period. I can walk by people in public and interact with them obviously, but no overly prolonged exposure.
So that lasts for a few days. Then the 6 feet goes down to 3 feet and for a 6 hour max period.
That'll last for a few weeks.
Those guidelines are even more strict if I'm around children up to 18 and pregger ladies.
If I were to go fly in an aiport within the next 20 days, I would have to carry a disclosure statement, and wouldn't be able to fly for longer periods than the above stated.
I could potentially set off any security alarms at certain airports that detect radioactive material, which is the reason for carrying the statement.
I can't exchange bodily fluids with anyone - can't let anyone sip my drink, can't use the same utensils, etc.
I'm assuming that means no sexx0ring either. d'oh
bleh we'll survive 20 days...
anyway, these are all preventative measures. The radioactivity isn't very high, but they still like to take the extra precautions just in case.
I went the extra step and prepared supper and tomorrow's lunches with rubber gloves on. hehe
I also moved my toothbrush and have my own tube of toothpaste and mouthwash (I'm using our travel stuff). I did that because sometimes our brushes touch the toothpaste tube, and we always swig straight from the bottle of mouthwash.
Also! I have to double flush the toilet. hahaha! because my body will excrete a lot of the radioactive material through my urine. We might go the extra step and use separate bathrooms for a little while.
fear me!!!
