Moving right along

Yesterday was a bit of a long day as I woke with tingling that was not resolved with popping tums etc. I had two hand cramps, both while trying to use the hand. Neither lasted too long probably 20 seconds or so but the increasing frequency and unremitting tingling sent me to the ED accompanied by Carolyn. I had a foot cramp on the way, took more calcium, and checked in. In the triage the blood pressure cuff caused a longer cramp/spasm that resolved when the squeezing stopped. The nurse said this has a name--I don't remember it. Anyway they drew blood, including calcium levels which is what I and the doc in the triage room suspected was wrong.

I waited and waited (it was the ED after all) but my symptoms kept getting better and by the time I was called back I had only minor tingling in my hands and the second blood pressure measure didn't cause a spasm. They also had the bloodwork back--efficient--and thankfully the values were all in the normal range. It could be they are less than my body was used to before the thyroidectomy or that all the extra tums popping and some added medications had finally made a lasting difference. Either way, I got to go home and was assured that even if my tingling or cramping comes back the really problematic parts of hypo calcium take a while to manifest and I'd have plenty of time to get help.  Also, my view from the ED room was almost exactly the same...only it was the 2nd floor so no view of the lake...but the same building with the fun blue roof!

I've felt good since then (very rare tingling and no cramping at all) and haven't needed as many tums. I've taken a few more pain meds to relieve the tight choking feeling (I'd gone just to a small amount of regular Tylenol since I'm not really in pain) because getting good deep breaths can help reduce the tingling or make the calcium balance work better--something like that. So far, so great. So I'm moving right along in the direction of healing. If you haven't seen the Muppet movie reference (or want to again) then see it below.  Note the importance of friendship and support in the song!

I have my follow-up appointment tomorrow and should know more then.  Thanks for all the many prayers, positive thoughts, and support (both tangible and otherwise).