Immune System post RAI

[Deb201]

Hi Dr Lupo. I had RAI for multi nodular thyroid on Dec 8. I went into it coming down with a virus. I was almost over it, went to work for a couple of night shifts on the 22nd of Dec. and have been sick ever since. I am on an antibiotic for a chest infection too but I am not making a whole lot of progress yet. I really don't think the treatment took that well either as i still feel kind of jumpy. I'm not due for blood work til about the 26th of Jan. Here in Saskatchewan they do 7 weeks til blood test then you see the doc 8 weeks after your treatment. So, anyways, do you think my immune system is having a harder time than ever because of the RAI? I do have fibromyalgia and vit B12 deficiency as well, so my immune system isnt that great to begin with. I don't know what my dose was, just was told that it was higher than the usual dose because my type of thyroid is hard to treat.
Thank you, Debbie
Debbie

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

It may be too early to judge the efficacy of the RAI.  Some patients get worse before they get better.  If you are having these symptoms, sometimes testing thyroid levels can help determine if you are getting worse which may require medications temporarily.

These doses of RAI used for nodules do not typically affect the immune system.

[Deb201]

Thank you!