Radioactive Iodine Treatment

[Farm_Girl78]

I was diagnoised with Grave's Disease about a month ago.  I am scheduled for a thyroid scan on this Thursday and will take radioactive iodine on Friday.  I have a 2 year old and am under the understanding that I will have to be away from people for a week.  I am not looking forward to this at all.  I have many questions and would like some answers prior to Thursday.  My main question is how long will I have to be away from everyone, especially my daughter?  I do not know my levels of TSH but was told my thyroid is 4 to 5 times overactive and my thyroid is approximately 2 times the size it should be.  Is the dose of radioactive iodine based on how overactive the thyroid is?  

[stella5349]

You recieved excellent advice from Deb. I second her post!!

I am concerned to know your symptoms also? Are you having heart issues?

I too was Dx'd with Graves back in 2003. I thought doing the RAI as suggested at that time - and how I was told "everything would be an EASY fix" was far from my experience.

I spent many years ill after RAI and now - I found out that RAI "maybe" was not the "right" way to approach my situation. This information came from my doctor now - who BTW - was the MD I had back when her PA was in control of my disease.

I am not saying to not do RAI - but Deb brings up some very valuable points I wish I would have thought of - or been told- prior to getting permantly ablated.

If you want - post your history here - the tests you have been through - and definately your symptoms.

[Smilerdeb]

Wooooooohhhhh ! SLOW DOWN.

1. Have you been put on anti-thyroid meds first to see if you can go into remission?
2. How was your Graves Disease diagnosed?It could be T3 Toxycosis.
3. Are you on beta blockers?
4. Has your Doc/Endo tried you on anti-thyroid meds for at least 6-12 months to buy you time to research everything?
5. Do you really know what Graves is and Hyperthyroidism and have you researched what Hypothyroidism is as that is what you will be dealing with afterwards?
6. Has it been explained to you that your thyroid will die (the organ that controls every organ in your body, including your frame of mind, vitamin deficiencies etc)?

Sorry but my personal opinion is to take time to research all the info you are going to need after RAI.
Go on anti-thyroid meds for a while as you may be post partum hyperhtyroid.
Just because you are hyperthyroid, it doesnt mean you have Graves Disease.
Only antibody testing (bloods) can determine that.
Do you know your TSH, Free T3, Free T4 numbers and your antibody levels?
If not...then you are no way prepared for RAI.

I had RAI last June but took a good 18 months to prepare myself for the journey ahead.
You dont just 'take a pill and you'll be fine' attitude that most Doctors have.
You need to know the signs and symptoms, you need to know your body itself out.
Because without that knowledge then you are going to go through he// after RAI as that is the secret to 'wellness'.

How do I know?
Because I have been there and it took a lot of pain, a lot of tears, a lot of 'Graves Rage' and a lot of hard work to get where I am today.

I had RAI last June but took a good 18 months to prepare myself for the journey ahead.
Cancel your RAI and ask more questions......

If you know your lab results..post them here.
All the best :)