is my child at risk?

Hello, on Aug 20, X9 i have to take the iode radioactive pill (12mg), because i have hyperthyroide & it is very high 95%.I have to take it & come home, but i have a child of 11 months, & i am worried, i dont know what to do. i have no one to take care of him. They told me i shouldnt hold him, nor breast feed him, not give him a bath. Should i leave the house? Please i need some advice. Can i touch things? How long am i radioactive?I mean i should be away from my child? etc....

[momoffour573]

I know exactly how you feel I am on day 2 of my isolation away from my family. I have 4 children and they told me I should avoid contact with them for at least 7 days. They say if I stay at least 3 feet away they should be fine, however, I was concerned so my mother is caring for my younger children at her house until I go for my scan next week. The older children will probably come home and stay in the upstairs of the house with my husband in a few days. I cant imagine what you are going through with no one to care for your child. I do know that they told me that occasional contact would not hurt but the younger the child the less contact you should have. You really need to talk to your doctor and find out exactly how much time you can be with your baby. My dose was 100mcg? and it was for thyroid cancer. The radiologist tech did tell me that people who have their thyroid, hold onto the iodine longer than those who have had a throidectomy like me. I have no thyroid and they said I could remain radioactive for up to 2 weeks but I am not sure if my dose is much higher than yours or not. As far as touching things, they said that it is secreted in any type of body fluids, tears, urine, sweat etc. Bed linens and utensils were the big ones they told me to watch and not let my children come in contact with. I know this may not be much help but if you have any more questions I will do my best to anwser you.
Marsha

[Smilerdeb]

I had RAI in June 2008 and momoffour is totally correct.

You shouldnt be anywhere near your 11 month old child for at least a week (I stayed away from my grandkids for 2 weeks to be sure).

I had 8mli (milicuries) and was Hypo after 5 weeks.

Dont put your child at risk of thyroid function with RAI.

As each day passes...it takes roughly 8 weeks for there to be NO radioactive material in your body but you are at a safe level after 7 days they say.

I went to the supermarket on the 8th day and set off the scanner at the front of the shop.
And because of heart issues prior to RAI, I had to notify the Ambulance Depot that I would be radioactive should they be called out and they informed me that no pregnant woman or woman of childbearing age would attend if I needed an ambulance.

Please dot put your baby at risk.

[sweetie75]

Thank you for your answers. my appointment is on aug 20, 2009. I am a little worried. Another question : can i be with my child in the car after four days, since we have a conference on aug 24 & we r thinking of going. I am still arranging what to do with my child.. up till now nothing!!! what is the best solution, my 11 month old go out of the house or I out of the house, which is safer? my dose is 12(the technicien said it is low). How long does it need to go out of the body completely. Does the radioactive stay in teh house (walls..).

[Smilerdeb]

The same rule applies..usually 7 days with children.
And they say no car rides for a week with anyone because of the close proximity of the driver/passengers.
You are supposed to stay an arms length away from people for the first 3 days.
To my knowledge...RAI does not go through into the walls etc.
It is basically transmitted via bodily fluids.
Sweat, breath, saliva etc.
You would be wise to pay your nuclear department a visit and get an information sheet from them PRIOR to RAI.
I wouldnt be going to any conference on the 24th as you are still radioactive and are putting the lives of unborn foetus's at risk if you come into contact with anyone who is pregnant.
Remember this also means women who dont know they are pregnant (early stages).

My dose was 8 mli (milicuries ) and that was high enough to be classified as a risk.

The question you have to ask yourself is....could you ever forgive yourself if you came into contact with a pregnant woman (whilst you are radioactive) and she had a stillborn child because of radioactive contact?

This can be one of the side effects for a pregnant woman or her child be born with a thyroid disorder because of the RAI.

It is the same as an x-ray.
Would you have one if you was pregnant?
No.