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Why am I putting off RAI treatment?
Hello everybody! I hope everybody is having a wonderful Christmas season and staying plenty warm. For a change, its cold here. Anyway, I'd like to share my latest lab results with you and ask your experienced opinion.
8-31-2010 - On Methimazole 2.5 mg/day
TSH - 0.008
Thyroxine (T4) - 9.6 (4.5-12.0)
T3 Uptake - 30 (24-39)
Free Thyroxine Index - 2.9 (1.2-4.9)
T4, Free (Direct) - 1.44 (0.82-1.77)
Triiodothyronine (T3) - 162 (71-180)
9-14-2010 - Methimazole increase to 2.5 alternating with 5mg/day
TSH - 0.03 (0.40-4.45)
T4 (Thyroxine), Total - 12.3 (4.5-12.5)
Free T4 Index (T7) - 4.1 (1.4-3.8)
T4, Free - 1.5 (0.8-1.8)
T3 Uptake - 33 (22-35)
12-4-2010 - Methimazole increased to 5 mg/day
TSH - 0.01 (0.40-4.45)
T4 (Thyroxine), Total - 12.7 (4.5-12.5)
Free T4 Index (T7) - 3.7 (1.4-3.8)
T3 Uptake - 29 (22-35)
My Endo has suggested that I have RAI. I was diagnosed with Graves a year and half ago. My symptoms actually started 2 years ago. We have tried treating with oral meds. I was actually off of them for 5-6 months. It appears now that either the meds are not helping as well or the anti-bodies are increasing. I have been rather uncomfortible having the RAI but I'm not sure why. Have any of you experienced this? Is it the permantcy of it? Is it the fear of going hypo (I admit, yes to that one)? I have no problem taking the Methimazole and keeping my levels checked but should I be concerned about the affects the disease is having on the rest of my body - heart, muscles, bones?
What do you suggest? I am female, 44 years young, happily married and do not plan to have any more children.
I look forward to your replies. Merry CHRISTmas!
8-31-2010 - On Methimazole 2.5 mg/day
TSH - 0.008
Thyroxine (T4) - 9.6 (4.5-12.0)
T3 Uptake - 30 (24-39)
Free Thyroxine Index - 2.9 (1.2-4.9)
T4, Free (Direct) - 1.44 (0.82-1.77)
Triiodothyronine (T3) - 162 (71-180)
9-14-2010 - Methimazole increase to 2.5 alternating with 5mg/day
TSH - 0.03 (0.40-4.45)
T4 (Thyroxine), Total - 12.3 (4.5-12.5)
Free T4 Index (T7) - 4.1 (1.4-3.8)
T4, Free - 1.5 (0.8-1.8)
T3 Uptake - 33 (22-35)
12-4-2010 - Methimazole increased to 5 mg/day
TSH - 0.01 (0.40-4.45)
T4 (Thyroxine), Total - 12.7 (4.5-12.5)
Free T4 Index (T7) - 3.7 (1.4-3.8)
T3 Uptake - 29 (22-35)
My Endo has suggested that I have RAI. I was diagnosed with Graves a year and half ago. My symptoms actually started 2 years ago. We have tried treating with oral meds. I was actually off of them for 5-6 months. It appears now that either the meds are not helping as well or the anti-bodies are increasing. I have been rather uncomfortible having the RAI but I'm not sure why. Have any of you experienced this? Is it the permantcy of it? Is it the fear of going hypo (I admit, yes to that one)? I have no problem taking the Methimazole and keeping my levels checked but should I be concerned about the affects the disease is having on the rest of my body - heart, muscles, bones?
What do you suggest? I am female, 44 years young, happily married and do not plan to have any more children.
I look forward to your replies. Merry CHRISTmas!
The RAI.
Sorry...I am on Levo though, but I don't have any side effects from the levo.
Sorry...I am on Levo though, but I don't have any side effects from the levo.
All I can say is it did NOT change my life & it was 16yrs ago. I still work, am a wife, mom, friend, family member, NOTHING changed for me.
However everyone is different. It did not affect me mentally or physically.
However everyone is different. It did not affect me mentally or physically.
Are there risks of staying on these type of meds - Methimazole, PTU - for long periods of time (as an alternative to having the RAI)?
Yes, I see at this point, I need to get my levels back in range instead of taking a maintenance dose. Could the antibodies that cause this be increasing or is it just the I don't have the right of meds?
Yes, I see at this point, I need to get my levels back in range instead of taking a maintenance dose. Could the antibodies that cause this be increasing or is it just the I don't have the right of meds?
Looks like you just need a higher dose. You are on a ''maintenance'' dose right now!
Hi,
We have the same situation graves and we are the same age. I was also told by my Endo that I should have the RAI treatment but I wanted to try the Methimazole first. My numbers are almost in normal range now. Maybe you need a higher dose of the Methimazole? I can totally relate to your fears about the permanancy of the RAI treatment as I also have this same fear.
We have the same situation graves and we are the same age. I was also told by my Endo that I should have the RAI treatment but I wanted to try the Methimazole first. My numbers are almost in normal range now. Maybe you need a higher dose of the Methimazole? I can totally relate to your fears about the permanancy of the RAI treatment as I also have this same fear.
Thanks for the reply. I had not thought about trying another medication. I will definitely ask about that.
The permanancy of it is the main reason why I am so hesitant to do this. On the other hand, I am concerned about the long term effects this might be having on the rest of my body. Though is has barely been two years since everything started.
I haven't really noticed any symptoms, more than norm. Well, except for my hair falling out by the hand fulls.
The permanancy of it is the main reason why I am so hesitant to do this. On the other hand, I am concerned about the long term effects this might be having on the rest of my body. Though is has barely been two years since everything started.
I haven't really noticed any symptoms, more than norm. Well, except for my hair falling out by the hand fulls.
Once you have RAI there is no going back and untaking that capsule of radiation. Consider the choices with deep thought and lots of investigation.
It will change your life. You take that pill with the intent to perm damage/kill off a vital body part. Do not make the decision lightly.
If the meds are working for you (ie keeping labs within normal limits and you are not having increased symptoms) there is no reason to change the treatment course.
Since the Methimazole appears to be failing have you spoke to your endo about trying PTU? some people respond better to it.
Thats one route to investigate before leaping into RAI.
peace be the journey
Paja
Graves, ptu x4 years, RAI 2008, levoxyl 88 mcg
It will change your life. You take that pill with the intent to perm damage/kill off a vital body part. Do not make the decision lightly.
If the meds are working for you (ie keeping labs within normal limits and you are not having increased symptoms) there is no reason to change the treatment course.
Since the Methimazole appears to be failing have you spoke to your endo about trying PTU? some people respond better to it.
Thats one route to investigate before leaping into RAI.
peace be the journey
Paja
Graves, ptu x4 years, RAI 2008, levoxyl 88 mcg
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