Iodine Radiation

[Susie2783]

I was recently diagnosed with Graves Disease but my doctor cannot even feel my thyroid and although my levels are beyond the normal range they are not not off the charts.  Is iodine radiation done regardless of the severity or non-severity in my case besides other treatment.  I've tried Methimazole and broke out in hives about 3 weeks into it. I am freaked out about killing my thyroid and being tired and sluggish the rest of my life.  I understand that is a primary symtom of hypothyroid.  I am very active now and work out and can't imagine not having energy.  I know Synthyroid is used but I've met a lot of people who are still tired all the time.  I don't want that to be me!

[Dogdancing]

I was very lucky and was symptom free for many many years. (though labs indicated I was hyper). Since I was symptom free I gave it no though as to how serious it was. It wasnt until I got pregnate with my first child and my tsh went < 0.005 and was started on PTU and began having symptoms. After the birth of second child the heart palatations got scary,,,REALLY scary. Once I weaned her at 1 1/2 years old we decided to seek a perm solution to deal with the Graves. and  did the RAI.

I have only been on PTU (safest to take while nursing/pregnate).  I also think since Graves runs in my family (multiple generations - documented caes) that perhaps I just got used to being hyper...cause I didnt know what  a normal TSH felt like. The first time they pulled my TSH to a noramal rage I was a mess and couldnt' function I didnt feel right.

Peace be the journey

Paja

[ann4512]

How could you deal with graves for so long,i have graves 8 week and im going mad with it end up in hospital nearly every week with it.doc put me on carbimazole 3 weeks ago still not kicked in yet.its puting a big strain on my family life have 3 children 1, 8 ,and 10 its very hard for them to see me so un well lately i have never been sick befor.



from ann 4512

[Dogdancing]

Ever doc is different in their treatment of graves. It would be reasonable to try PTU and see if you go into remission on your own. If there is no urgent need to jump right to radiation, then you should try the medication route first.

They let me ride it out for 10+ years before the labs/symptoms started showing the need for a perm solution.

Peace be the journey

Paja - Graves, RAI 6-5-08