Good News?

[Bushwhckr]

I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism a few weeks ago and the doc put me on Methimazole. I went back today for blood work and an ultrasound.

The results were that my TSH was even lower than last time it was checked a few weeks back. Then it was .037 and today .014. The statement he made was "Overall, the thyroid appears symmetrical and heterogeneous in appearance. No distinct nodules or cysts are noted right or left thyroid lobe at this time. No suspicious lymphadenopathy is noted right or left neck level II-V at this time. the gland is heterogeneous and slightly enlarged consistent with suspected Graves disease"

...Whatever all that means. He's put me on Methimazole four pills a day-two twelve hours apart. I'm hoping this will cure it and not have to take RAI, which I'm dead set against.

[goolarra]

Stress is a huge factor in precipitating the onset or worsening of autoimmune diseases.  In fact, my endo thinks stress is the #1 factor.

Radiation dosage is based on the estimated size of the thyroid.  

The aim of RAI is to destroy the whole thyroid.  After RAI, you would be hypo and taking thyroid replacement hormones.    

[Bushwhckr]

I have to wonder just what else RAI destroys. It goes though your entire system. I've read not to get around people for weeks or longer after you take it and that's impossible. I live alone with my dog and hand feed him a lot, especially treats and pet him off and on all day so that's not going to work.

I'll just hope when I go back to the doc the Methimozole will have worked toa degree he feels comfortable for me to continue it without the RAI.

[goolarra]

Well, RAI is pretty "targeted".  The radiation is attached to an iodine molecule, and the thyroid is the gland that takes up the vast majority of the iodine we ingest.  As with small children, you can't be around pets for a few days afterwards.  

I hate to do it to my dogs, too, but there comes a time when the slammer is the best place for them for a few days.

Surgery is another alternative.

[Bushwhckr]

I can't board Bubba. I had to do that out of necessity this past summer due to being in the hospital. That was his first time due to his usual sitter having problems herself and couldn't do it. They told me he hadn't eat or drank since I dropped him off so, I can't do that.

[Bushwhckr]

I have an appointment with the Endo this Wednesday. I'm hoping things are better and he wont have to recommend the RAI.

[goolarra]

There's a good chance of that.  Most hyper is controllable by drugs, at least temporarily (and that can be many years).  Good luck with your endo appointment.  Let me know how it goes.