Damn. I’ve received confirmation that the radiation therapy has affected my thyroid, leaving me with a mild case of hypothyroidism.

In discussion with my doctor (David Williams) when he called me at 8:00 PM (interesting office hours) he mentioned that 10 years ago the levels of TSH in my system would have been within accepted tolerances. Its only within that 10 years that the medical profession has determined a finer scale for measurement, and have determined a finer scale for treatment. My levels were a ‘5’ when they should have been a ‘4’, if that makes any sense to anyone. I must admit that I’m a bit lost… right down to whether he said TSH or one of the other Ts that are in the mix. I was a bit distracted by the thought of having to take a pill every day for the rest of my life. Although, my symptoms are so minimal that I may be able to skip ’em in a pinch without disastrous effects.

We’ll do blood tests in 6 weeks to see if the meds are working, then check again at six months, and then once a year for the duration. If nothing else it will enforce the discipline of the annual checkup.

I started the pills this morning. I don’t expect to notice any difference for a week or so. Actually, the symptoms are so minimal that I may not notice the difference unless I consciously think about it…