Going Back On Synthroid 7 Days after RAI

[pjgovitz]

Hi Dr Lupo,
Thanks for taking my question. I am having RAI for Hashitoxosis on May 18. 17mCI, my question is I've been off my Synthroid (137) for about two weeks now, and my Dr wants me to go back on it 7 days after RAI. He has an excellent reputation at the hospital, and I'm told people come from far to see him the guys in  Nuclear meds do not question his orders, they say he knows what he's doing.. My question is if RAI can worsen hyper symptoms for several weeks after treatment is it risky to also be taking synthroid at my usual dose, or is this standard protocol with hashitoxosis?. Also is 17mC1 a small enough dose that it will slowly kill off cells and I needn't worry so much about hyper symptoms being excaberated?
Thanks,
Pam

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

this treatment plan makes sense - it is hard to predict the exact dose needed of I-131 and hard to predict when to restart synthroid -- but this sounds like a good approach for hashitoxicosis -- pay attention to your symptoms and relay them to the doc.

[proudarmywife05]

I'm not the DR but i wanted to jump in and say they put me on synthroid WHILE having RAI, i wasnt sure why they would wait for you?

~Rachel

[pjgovitz]

Hi Rachel, read your posts, glad you're back. Hope you feel great soon!!It is because I still have my whole thyroid, and from some of what I've read after RAI for graves some of the hormone can dump, I'm concerned about too much of a "dump" and adding synthetic to it also,,,I do have Beta Blockers, but take only 5mg, they make my blood sugar go way up, and my bowels to go loose..but if needed I will take more. Thanks for the reply.

Pam:))

[ellabella12]

I have a question..

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto disease last year (07/07/2006) after my antibody lab results came back (ANTI-TG AB 75 IU/ML   reference range 0-40 EWD, and ANTI-TPO AB 675 IU/ML  reference range 0-35 EWD). My doctor scanned my thyroid and in the process found a few nodules. She sprescribed syntrhoid 25 mcg q daily. (I took it everyday). January 2007 came and I decided to stop taking my synthroid. My lab values were the following for late january (T3 109  reference 60-181,  Free T4 1.0  reference 0.8-1.8, TSH 4.91 reference 0.4-4.0). I stayed off my synthroid from January 2007- May 23 2007. I have worked out everyday and have lost a total of 30 pounds based on diet and exercise ALONE.
I have recently had blood work and results demonstrate the following (T3 1.06 reference 0.72-1.70,  Free T4 1.22  reference 0.80-1.90, and TSH 2.630 reference 0.400-4.000).
I was amazed that my TSH level went down once I changed my lifestyle (diet and exercise) yet my doctor wants me to get back on the synthroid (25 mcg q daily because of my diagnosis). She states that we are trying to prevent the formation of a goitter.

QUESTION!!!

Basedon my lab values and modofication in life style (lossof 30 lb), is it possible that I might have only had "Painless Thyroiditis" which resembles Hashimotos?

While on the medication (Synthroid) I did experience hairloss, agitation, palpitations, dry skin.

At this present time the hairloss continues..... (Dermatologist diagnosed it as Telogen Affluvium, meaning it will regrow, but the underlying cause needs to be taken care off first)

Whatelse coudl be done to prevent the intake of Synthroid?
I wish not to be on this Hormone for the rest of ,y life if its not necessary....

My doctor has not done a nodule "aspiration" test.

Please help