How does dr. determine RAI dosage

[redhed87]

Just out of curiosity and I forgot to ask endo. How do they determine the dose for RAI.  I'm sure it has to do with what they're treating.  Just curious- I had
100 mc.  My veins in my hands and arms are so blue!!!!!!!

[MJ13]

Oh, okay...understand know..must be brainfrog from thyroid meds, or effects of happy pills for my power surges (aka hot flashes) or the Lunesta for the insomnia....either way, anytime I goof up or forget somthing...I just blame it all all the above!!!  Thanks for the info...and it's good to have your wise and sage advice back!!!!!

[GravesLady]

I did state that "dosage must be determined individually" and no doubt that is what they did in your case.

100 usually is the norm.

[GravesLady]

If RAI is for after thyroid cancer surgery, it's probably a standard (large)dose.  Not much thyroid left after surgery, just some residue tissue, but doctors want to make sure little residue tissue is going to die.

For Hyper/Graves'/nodules, they go by the RAIU and the size of the thyroid and how sever the thyroid disease is.

The RAI dose that Gravers' or Hashitoxicosis gets is equilivant to one x-ray or a day out in the sun which is a very small dose.
Hyperthyroidism/Graves'                                            4 to 10 millicuries
Toxic nodular goiter and other special situations          11 to 15 millicuries
Thyroid cancer                                                           50 millicuries
Thyroid cancer subsequent therapeutic doses usually    100 to 150 millicuries

However, dosage must be determined individually.

Hope that answered your question.

GL

[MJ13]

When I had my RAI after TT for thyca my dose was 100 mc.  Was wondering where you got your info and if 50 is the standard dose, why I received 100.  I had one 9mm nodule that was cancerous and 3 that were benign.  Not that I mind getting a big dose if it helps kill any thyroid cells left.