Can you have reoccurences or nodules after RAI for Graves disease

[Sue44]

I am a 44 year old woman with a busy lifestyle.  Who isn't these days..  Anyway, was diagnosed with Graves disease back in 2002.  TSH levels so high that they were undetectable at first before going on methimazole and alot of beta blockers.  Underwent RAI in 2003 and have been hypothyroid ever since.  Finally after 2 years of my levels swinging back and forth I have been stable on 200mcg of synthroid for 3 years and doing well (exercising daily, etc)  Now, all of sudden swelling, edema of the left side of my body more than my right but generally all over.  Gained 15 pounds of water weight in 2 - 3 week period.  Went to the doctor this week and now taking Aldactone to get rid of the water.  Went for a ultrasound of my thyroid yesterday.  Waiting for results.  Besides the weight gain, fatique ( I am sure part of the water weight), and my left side of my neck tender and swollen and sometimes can feel funny when i swollow.  Is it possible to have developed nodules or worse after my thyroid was ablated 6 years ago???   I thought I had this thing licked??  

[stella5349]

Unfortunately I would like to Welcome you to MY world.

Your history totally mocks mine only I began my Grave's /RAI - Hashi-hypo ride in 2003

I was told RAI had completely ablated the thyroid and my Synthroid dosage prior to a med change of Armour was at .175.

Ironically within the last year I had developed similiar symptoms to yours . I was advised by this board here to get an ultra sound and "LOW AND BEHOLD" I have a solid nodule on the left side that was causing me a ton of grief.

I am still unclear (Due to an unsuccessful FNA) if this is cancer related - but have had many opinions that range from - no big deal - to "Yep" it most likely is cancer.

Soooooooo............. here I sit in your shoes.

In the last month or so - I have been doing remarkably fantasic with symptoms.

I go for a further US in late June to see if this "thing" has changed.

I thought I had it licked too - after the RAI - per doctors opinion. Too bad he was such a jerk!!


Sorry to sound harsh - just hate going back to that time - I had choices -- and now I have to take what comes - from that choice.

Be positive - I try everyday -

[Sue44]

Thanks for your response.  It looks like you have been on  a bad roller coaster ride yourself.  Hang in there..  I work in the medical field and it is very frustrating to read so many stories of people with this disease that cannot seem to get a handle on it..  Keep you posted regarding the ultrasound.   I guess we just have to be thankful for our good days !!!

[AR-10]

Many times RAI dose not completely ablate the gland. If you were left with functioning tissue, then anything is possible.

With a dosage of 200mcg, and remaining stable, it would seem likey the ablation was total.

Let us know what the ultrasound shows. Good luck, and welcome to the board.