Side effect of radioactive iodine

[kecc]

I was recently treated (2 weeks ago) with radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism and since that treatment have experienced muscle aching and flu like symptoms. I'm sleepy and tired during the day.  I also today had a bout with pink eye. Is this a side effect, or am I merely dealing with the flu.  I'm 48 years old and otherwise very healthy.

[kecc]

the process itself is fairly simple.  you take a pill with water at your doc's office and they monitor you for a short while.  Its what you have to do after that is somewhat inconvenient.  because of the type of isotope of radioactive iodine for this treatment - public health protocols kick in.  In ingested 28 mg of radioactive iodine and had to follow stringent directions. You must stay a certain distance from anyone in your home, your have to use separate bath rooms, you have to use plastic utensils and latex gloves, etc and retain your own trash in separate receptacle.  clothing has to be washed separately as well.  My quarantine period was 7 days, your situation could be different.  On the fourth day I did go to work.

[kecc]

thank you for your comments.  this is very helpful.  I will connecting with my doctor this week to follow-up.  How is your heatlh at this point in time.  Are there any other recommendations that you might offer specific to diet and nutrition?

[bretbunch]

I went through radioactive iodine treatment a couple of years ago and also felt very tired.  I also had a period within the 2 weeks after treatment of my lungs feeling heavy in my chest.  That is all related to your thyroid treatment.  Your thyroid controls a lot of your body and your symptoms should begin to subside once  you are put on a drug such as Synthroid.  Your body is going through a lot right now and when I was going through it, I was prescrived Ativan (a valium derivitive).  I was told by doctors that anyone going through this treatment can't get through it without the help of Ativan because your body is going through so much change.  Talk to your doctor to see if this might be an option for you.  Once I got through the initial few weeks and began treatment with Synthroid, I gradually began to feel better.  But, please know that this is a gradual process that only improves over a long period of time.  Hang in there and use all of the people in your support system--you need it right now!!  Don't be afraid to go through all of the emotional changes as well as that is a big part of the process while your body is changing.  

[blueorb]

i havejust read your piece about radioactive iodine i myself am waiting to havethat done, what does it intale what do they do, i am 32 and slightly nervous botis as i dont no what to expect