Radioactive iodine uptake test & breastfeeding

[pranz123]

I recently had a radioactive iodine uptake test for the diagnosis of subacute thyroditis, I have a 16 months old baby whom I still breastfeed,  my question is, is it safe to resume breast feeding after 54 hrs if I am using pump & dump method after taking the capsule?

[payton382]

I was not breast feeding when I had mine done but I did have a baby (1 year old) and I wasn't even allowed to hold her (because she'd be too close to my neck) for 2 weeks.

I'm not an expert by any means, but I would definitely NOT be comfortable resuming breast feeding after 54 hours.  

You could pump and dump for two weeks (or more) so your milk doesn't dry up.  You'd have to sterilize everything later by boiling it but even at that I would buy new equipment.  I know it's expensive but I wouldn't risk any equipment that's been exposed to a baby.  I mean, I couldn't even use the same silverware as adults in the household for 2 weeks so I highly recommend not using the same pump that you'll be using later.

What did your doctor say about it?      

[898_1]

The waiting period can last up to 60 days.
The ESR blood test should be used to diagnose subacute thyroiditis for pregnant or nursing babies  

[Barb135]

I'm not an expert on RAI, but I don't think 54 hrs is long enough.  I've seen where some people have been told to isolate themselves for up to a couple of weeks, being sure to use as many disposable items as possible.

Here's a recent thread about this:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/ablation/show/1749030