RAI and prednisone

[sjharner]

My 3 y.o was diagnosed with Graves Disease 2 weeks ago.  Since then she had seen a Ped. Endo and RAI is scheduled in 3 days.  She does have eye involvement.  Her eyes don't close when she sleeps.  My question/concern to you is:  I heard RAI can increase the effects on her eyes due to the increase in hormone surge  I read that taking prednisone can help decrease the inflammation that may be caused.  Has any of you taken prednisone after getting RAI.  I just would hate to her her eyes get worse, even though I read studies that say they may get worse before getting better.
Please help this worried Mom.
Janet

[laura1967]

I agree with Stella that you need to get a second opinion.....ALWAYS....with something this serious. I feel so aweful for you and your child and will keep you in prayer.

[Liz94]

I do not have Graves but I did have RAI following my thyroidectomy for cancer and I was given prednisone to help with inflamation in my salivary glands and gums. Only, I wasn't very smart and I didn't take it after the 2nd day because it made me feel even worse than I already did. I should have taken it though, I ended up having issues that could have been prevented.  Don't know if this helps but I thought I'd throw it out there.  

[stella5349]

Oh I am so sorry about this. I hope many respond here.

I was a short term Graves patient myself and underwent RAI - but I have no TED that happened to me.

All of the checking I did does state that RAI could cause TED symptoms to worsen - as for the actual percentile - I have no idea on how to answer.

She was just Dx'd with Graves 2 weeks ago and they are leaping into RAI right away?

Can't they start her on PTU treatment as a trial first to see if that helps with the Graves antibodies? That is usually the way they go about treating for Graves first - before ablating the gland.

She seems so young I would assume most doctors would want to consider PTU or methimozole first before permantely altering her gland. Did you get a second opinion? I think I would

RAI can be a miserable experience for an adult. I can't imagine it for a 3 yr old.