Tests for Hyperthyroidism

[mah38]

Dr. Lupo,

After showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, my bloodwork showed a TSH level of .005. I saw an endocrinologist who recommended an I123 uptake and scan and further bloodwork, including anti-thyroglobulin. My T-3 and Free T-4 were in the normal range, but my TSH was .005 and the anti-thyroglobulin was 80. I then did the uptake, which was 23.8 and had a scan done with Technetium 99m, which showed an abnormality. I am waiting for ultrasound results now.

I am concerned about the radiation I exposed myself to as a result of the testing. I received 100microcuries of I123 and 10 millicuries of technetium. I know that some hospitals use only I123 for both the uptake and scan. Was I exposed to more or less overall radiation by using the lower I123 dose and the technetium? Also, I was told that each was equivalent to less than one chest x-ray, but readings I have done on my own suggest otherwise. How much radiation results from such tests?

Within the last few weeks, symptoms seem to be subsiding. Do you think that I did the uptake and scan too quickly? I had been having symptoms for over two months.  

Thank you.

[mah38]

Thank you!
I realized this after I made the post and as you suspected, yesterday's doctor's forum was full.

Thanks again.

[GravesLady]

You posted at the Patient to Patient Forums which has no doctor.  However, you can reach the Doctor Thyroid Forum and  Dr. Lupo at http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/120      OR
Go to the list at right of main page, 3 down, just below
"Community Members", titled "Related Expert Forums"
Diabetes - Adult Type II and Thyroid, click on "thyroid" it will take you directly to the forum.
  
If you have posted more than one post per the sites rules for doctors forums, you probably won't get answered.  Or if the forum is full and not taking any more questions for the day, you can try another day.

OR

You can repost your question here if you would like to have patient to patient feed back.


Good luck and Best of health!