Hi all,

I know that having anesthesia for dental work while hyper is dangerous. But, I really don't know 100% on this, but since I've had my thyroidectomy and my levels are normal, can I have normal anesthesia for dental work? I'm guessing I can, but I wanted to ask as I'm not 100% sure and I have work to be done in a few weeks. Thanks!

Hello - I am not aware of any specific guidance on dental work from the various medical associations. I would discuss this with both your dentist and your endo, just to be on the safe side. Since you are still making some adjustments in your meds, they might even suggest having labs run as you get close to needing the dental work.

Hope that all goes well!

Hello Alexis,

How are you doing? I was thinking about you today because I have developed a headache during the last couple of days. Are you feeling any better? I'm hypo now and so it might be related to that. The weather changes are also affecting me I think.

I have known of people taking Synthroid and having minor surgery with versed and propofol as relaxation medication (not general). Definitely check with your Endo/Dentist. I hope all goes well with your dental work.

Smiles,
Caro

What kind of anesthesia? Local? Sedation? I am assuming you don't mean a general. Check with the endo. Tell the dentist. I'd follow the suggestions of others, but I think it is a non issue.
Shirley

Thanks all- no, not sedation, just having a crown replaced- nothing huge. I just wasn't sure if it was something to be concerned about if they give me lidacaine or whatever it is for that sort of thing.

I'm doing okay, Caro. Headaches aren't as frequent, but still a bit of an issue. I just don't feel 100%- kind of frustrating. But, I'm only 3 mo. out so I'm going to give the Synthroid a few more months before deciding if I want to try the pig hormone. Not sure what to do there as I don't feel terrible, but not great either. I am going to start getting acupuncture though! I get a free session to try it, then once I get the referral, a year's worth (as many sessions as I want) for only $15 for a 1 hour session (my copay). Pretty cool. So, I'm hoping the acupuncture does good things. When are your next labs?

I just had a root canal over two sessions. I told my dentist about Graves and my meds, he didn't seem at all concerned and I had the shot of local anesthesia. No problem. Good Luck.

I had RAI (many, many years ago), and I still find that I'm sensitive to dental anesthetic that includes epinephrine – my heart races and I get lightheaded, it's very uncomfortable.

The dentist CAN use anesthetic without epinephrine – the downside is that it doesn't take effect as quickly, also doesn't last as long, so you may have to sit and wait a moment longer for it to protect you, and you may need a “booster” shot if you're having a long procedure done. I haven't needed the booster, except when I had some oral surgery done (“pocket reduction”). MOST people who've had their thyroid removed through surgery or RAI are no longer affected by the epinephrine, but I'm one who is affected by it, even in the absence of my thyroid. You can tell if it happens to you – not sure how you'd know whether you're “one of the few” other than having a rather bad experience (as I did), unfortunately.

adenure
I'm doing okay, Caro. Headaches aren't as frequent, but still a bit of an issue. I just don't feel 100%- kind of frustrating. But, I'm only 3 mo. out so I'm going to give the Synthroid a few more months before deciding if I want to try the pig hormone. Not sure what to do there as I don't feel terrible, but not great either. I am going to start getting acupuncture though! I get a free session to try it, then once I get the referral, a year's worth (as many sessions as I want) for only $15 for a 1 hour session (my copay). Pretty cool. So, I'm hoping the acupuncture does good things. When are your next labs?

Hello Alexis. How wonderful that you will soon start acupuncture. Please let me know how it goes. $15/1hr … not bad. You mentioned “my copay”. Is that really your medical copay for it? Are you able to use your medical insurance for it? I want to be able to use my med. ins. for it but I don't think I can. If it is your med. copay, how wonderful that you are able to do that.

I completely hear you regarding not feeling 100% yet. I'm the same. My labs were last week. I'm hypo and I'm frustrated about it because my next Dr.'s appt was supposed to be last wed but the Dr. had to cancel and they have re-scheduled me for until the 2nd wk of Oct. What frustrates me is that I talked to the nurse right after the cancelation and she said that she would try talking to him about my labs to see how to proceed. She hasn't called me back yet (1 wk later). I have developed headaches and I don't know what from. It starts around my ear and goes to the back of my head where it turns into a migraine. It is so frustrating. I know it can be anything … hypo #s, allergies, anything. I'm like you, I want to feel well again. Its been since June since my thyroid problems started and it can get very frustrating at times. I'm trying to stay positive though It could be worst, right?

If I may ask, how do you describe your headaches? Is there something that triggers them? I noticed yesterday that mine might be triggered by washing my hair. I was doing just fine yesterday. I washed my hair with hot water and next think I know, the ear thing started, followed by the headache/migraine.

Check out my labs. I posted them not long ago. Thanks you for asking
http://www.gdatf.org/forum/topic/42893/ [gdatf.org]

Let me know how it goes with the acupuncture. I'm very hopeful that it will make a difference for you and that soon you will be headache free.

Caro