I have one thing to add about low thyroid hormones. I have been battleing Thyroid issues for years now, 10 years actually. I originally had an overactive or Hyper thyroid. I had to have the radioactive Iodine, as I had a severe case, and needed to have the thing shut off. But since then it has been an on going battle to get on the "right" does of Thyroid hormone. Well in the last year an intresting problem occurred. For a couple years my levels were normal. Then all of a sudden at my last check up my levels were WAY underactive. About 8 months prior to this visit I had switched to soy milk because dairy was giving me issues. Well they have just published several articles about soy products stop or lessen the absorption of throid hormones. Soy blocks the hormones so you are not absorbing all that you should be. I stopped drinking soy milk and my levels have returned to normal. So long story short if you hare having "borderline" thyroid problems, look and see if you are eating much soy. It is a sneaky item now, since it has been proven to be so healthy (which it is for most people) they are putting it in everything. I had to search high and low to find a multi-vitamin that did not have it listed in the ingredients. Also so many of the vegatrian "meat" substitutes are made with soy. Try eliminating soy and see if affects the small change you need.

(((HUGS))) Lars. I'm not posting much any more, but I saw this and wanted to tell you I had parathyroid disease. The first indication were my calcium levels, which were very low as the parathyroid disease was sucking the calcium out of my bones. Sometimes it's hard to realize when your life isn't normal, as these things have a habit of creeping up on you, and your ''new normal'' seems like a continuation of the same old thing. They removed one parathyroid, and I have to tell you that within one week, I had my old energy back. That was when I realized things had really changed in a big way! The surgery was not a big deal, although I had to spend the night in the hospital so they could check on me until the next morning. (The worst part was I was in a room with a Laotian grandmother who spoke no English and was feeling so bad all she could do was moan. I finally went to sleep in the waiting room to get away from her until they moved me to a different room.) You will need a few days recovery time, but you'll be amazed at the difference in the way you'll feel in less than a week. The scar was miniscule, and in fact, I don't ever notice it any more, as the doctor made the incision in a normal neck fold. I just wanted you to know you will feel like a new man once you have that thing out of there, even with your current family trials. It's amazing how much your (para)thyroid can affect your hormone levels, which has everything to do with your health and feeling of well-being. You're going to be amazed at how much better you feel! (I think depression is also common because you're so tired and hormonal, although it's easy to think you're keeping up because it was a long time getting to that point.) I actually found someone doing the operation on-line and it was helpful to watch, since I knew what I could expect. The surgery itself lasts about 40 minutes, so you'll be in and out. I hope this helps you; it certainly helped me. My advice? Get it done ASAP; you'll be glad you did!

A ct with contrast is a good thing. It with show things that the doc will miss in a regular ct scan. I don't know why they aren't more common to give when any chance of cancer is in question. My mom had an under active thyroid and had to have part of it removed and was meds the rest of her life. You have to stay on top of the meds cause your needs could change and meds need adjusted cause if the meds are not right you can feel tired and run down and gain weight even tho you are hardly eating. good luck with scan...the only time i have had contrast was a scan of my bladder when i about 10 years old...mom treated me to an ice cream sundae afterwards...may i suggest a similar treat for you...

I too had my gallbladder out probably about 25 years ago. I had laproscopic surgery, spent one night in the hospital due to needing fluids. Surgery was pretty easy. Yes, you are pumped with gas before the surgery, but it doesn't have to be a lingering problem. Thankfully, a kind nurse told me ahead of time what to do. ROCK! If they do not bring a rocking chair to your room after surgery, ask for one. I sat in the rocker and rocked. It helped move the gas along quickly. I believe the OP is talking about low-fat diet BEFORE surgery. I was told the same. I really don't remember being told any kind of diet to follow after the surgery. I ate pretty much what I wanted. Did have a bit of trouble for the first few days, foods settling with my stomach. But to tell you how well I did, we traveled about two weeks after my surgery with no problems. Good luck to you and I wish you a speedy recovery! (Don't forget to rock!)