Scared to take the RAI

[shelita1]

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in Dec.2007 when i was 8weeks pregnant.  I had to go into the hospital because I had a bad case of hyperemesis gravidarum.  They started me on P.T.U. 50mg.  The pregnancy ended in a miscarriage.  The OB re-did my blood test because she stated that HG can mimic Hyperthyroidism or vice versa.  I still tested positive for hyperthyroidism.  My Endo put me on 100mg of P.T.U. right away based off those lab results.  I was retested 5 weeks later and I was decreased to 50mg of P.T.U.  My problem is I am scared to take the RAI.  My TSH is 0.001 and my T4 is 1.6.  I want to have more kids.  The websites I have been reading stated that RAI doesn't prevent eye protusion.  Why should I take the RAI?  Isn't it possible for hyperthyroid to go into remission.
Please help, I want more kids, without the hyperthyroidism causing hyperemesis.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The options are PTU, RAI and Surgery.  Surgery may be the most definitive approach if you are planning more pregnancies.  This is a definite cure and more predictable than RAI and PTU -- but more invasive.  PTU can be safely used before/during pregnancy and would be reasonable as well.  RAI used to be the first choice in this situation, then waiting 6 months before pregnancy, but with more data on an increase in TSH-receptor antibodies after RAI, we have been more reluctant -- though this remains a good option, if you are reluctant to have RAI, you do have other options.

[GravesGirl]

A lot of doctors are clueless when it comes to Graves and try to push people into RAI. It can be tricky to control levels but it CAN be done, and like the doc says ptu is safe in pregnancy and you're right about not wanting to have radioactive stuff in your body, I don't either....I'm still not convinced it doesn't cause problems down the line... never mind your levels being all over the place after it's done, it slowly kills the thyroid so it's not like surgery which when it's done you're hypo and that's it, then you get on replacement hormone right away. Find an endo who will work with you without pushing the RAI.